tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47369045134916812552024-03-13T10:42:40.900+00:00Sew Quinelearning to sew...Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04474494233318706924noreply@blogger.comBlogger154125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4736904513491681255.post-24376660659200093142013-09-04T16:48:00.003+01:002013-09-04T18:55:50.487+01:00The Stitch GatheringWhat a day, what a day!! We met, we chatted, we sewed, we saw some seriously fantastic quilts, we made new friends, met online pals, we were taught new skills....... we had an absolute ball!!<br />
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Honestly, I'm still gushing to anyone who'll listen about just how wonderful The Stitch Gathering was - of course my sewing blog might have been the best place for this but best not mention the blogging slump going on round here at the moment.<br />
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Sheila from <a href="http://mindfulquilter.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">The Mindful Quilter</a> had very kindly offered to take me to Edinburgh and back so at 8am we set off on what turned out to be a warm and sunny day.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bearpawandbearpaw/9609797896/" title="The Stitch Gathering Edinburgh 2013 by mybearpaw, on Flickr"><img alt="The Stitch Gathering Edinburgh 2013" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2833/9609797896_aeacb4119f_z.jpg" /> </a>
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Here is everyone on arrival getting to know our fellow Stitch Gatherers with a cuppa before being introduced to the Stitch Gathering Team. This a borrowed photo as apart from a couple of Instagram photos I was very poor at taking any of my own, despite taking my camera with me. Johnathon, Jo's husband took this and many more photos of the day which you'll find over on the<a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/stitchgathering/" target="_blank"> Flickr</a> page and on Jo's <a href="http://www.mybearpaw.com/search/label/stitch%20gathering" target="_blank">blog</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/bearpawcraftclasses" target="_blank">Facebook</a> page.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50573565@N03/9671589231/" title="stitch-gathering-goody-bag by sewquine@theochiltree, on Flickr"><img alt="stitch-gathering-goody-bag" height="458" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3679/9671589231_39d5bfe439_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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First up was much shrieking and oohing and aaahing at the totally amazing goody bag, I mean just look at it!!! We were all gobsmacked by the amount and quality of the contents of our bags, I mean we knew it'd be good but wow Jo and the sponsors really pulled out the stops here.<br />
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Goodies were from<a href="http://www.liberty.co.uk/lifestyle-fabrics/article/fcp-content" target="_blank"> </a><a href="http://www.liberty.co.uk/lifestyle-fabrics/article/fcp-content" target="_blank">Liberty Lifestyle</a>, <a href="http://www.coatscrafts.com/" target="_blank">Coats</a>, <a href="http://www.robertkaufman.com/" target="_blank">Robert Kaufman</a>, <a href="http://www.sewingmachines.co.uk/" target="_blank">Sewing Machines Direct, </a><br />
<a href="http://folksy.com/shops/veryberryfabrics" target="_blank">Very Berry Fabrics</a>, <a href="http://www.highland-spring.com/" target="_blank">Highland Spring</a>, <a href="http://www.nairns-oatcakes.com/" target="_blank">Nairn's Oatcakes</a> (both these two are missing from my photos as they consumed on the day), <a href="http://www.buttoncompany.co.uk/" target="_blank"> The Button Company</a>, <a href="http://webfabrics.net/" target="_blank"> Web Fabrics</a>, <a href="http://www.pilotpen.co.uk/en/must-have/frixion-family.html" target="_blank">Pilot</a>, and <a href="http://www.groves-banks.com/home/default.asp" target="_blank">Groves & Banks</a><a href="http://www.groves-banks.com/home/default.asp" target="_blank">.</a><br />
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Now if you'd like a goody bag for yourself then nip over to Jo's blog where she's running a<a href="http://www.mybearpaw.com/2013/08/scottish-modern-quilt-exhibition.html#.UidN-z9JZzV" target="_blank"> giveaway</a> for one of these very bags, go now as it closes tomorrow but do come back to read the rest of my ramblings :) </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50573565@N03/9667864879/" title="stitch gathering name tag collage by sewquine@theochiltree, on Flickr"><img alt="stitch gathering name tag collage" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2833/9667864879_455b239a85_z.jpg" /></a><br />
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Next was the name tag swap, a great way to get everyone mixing. I had made a tag/needle case for Lesley and in the process of trying to find her I found <a href="http://www.knottedcotton.com/" target="_blank">Catherine</a> who'd made my name tag who also happened to be Lesley's daughter-in-law.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50573565@N03/9664089441/" title="stitch-gathering-name-tag-f by sewquine@theochiltree, on Flickr"><img alt="stitch-gathering-name-tag-f" height="458" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7324/9664089441_3e579563e5_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Here's my name tag, isn't is lovely and made on Catherine's <a href="http://www.knottedcotton.com/2013/09/new-machine.html" target="_blank">new sewing machine</a> that she'd only brought home the day before the retreat.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50573565@N03/9667759119/" title="stitch-gathering-modern-cra by sewquine@theochiltree, on Flickr"><img alt="stitch-gathering-modern-cra" height="458" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3725/9667759119_c8ccf529bd_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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It was now time for the classes to begin and my morning class was Modern Crazy Patchwork taught by <a href="http://bluepatchquilter.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Sheila</a>. This was a hand sewing class and I really enjoyed it although my block is more of a wonky log cabin that crazy patchwork I really like it and shall be making more blocks. It's a nice relaxing way to sew and a great way to use up all of your scrap fabric. It was also a great class for chatting and getting to know a bit more about other retreaters.<br />
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The time flew by and soon we had to stop for lunch followed by a lucky dip and a show and tell session.<br />
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My afternoon class was paper piecing with <a href="http://thelittlestthistlecraftshop.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Katy</a>. Now I've done a bit of paper piecing before but for some reason my brain went into melt down and for about 15mins I thought I wasn't going to be doing much in the way of sewing. However with some extra help from a very patient Katy and a swift cup of tea I was back on track. I didn't finish my block, my teapot still needs it's spout, but considering my shaky start I was very pleased to get this far.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50573565@N03/9671004604/" title="stitch-gathering-paper-piec by sewquine@theochiltree, on Flickr"><img alt="stitch-gathering-paper-piec" height="457" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7373/9671004604_6bd2d4b3d5_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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All too soon it was time to stop and pack away the sewing machine but it wasn't home time just yet. Many of us went on to Jo's shop <a href="http://www.averyhomestore.co.uk/" target="_blank">Avery Homestores</a> for a glass of bubbly and a chance to see the <a href="http://www.mybearpaw.com/2013/08/scottish-modern-quilt-exhibition.html#.UidN-z9JZzV" target="_blank">Scottish Modern Quilt Exhibition</a> oh and the opportunity for a wee bit of stash enhancement too. Please follow <a href="http://www.mybearpaw.com/2013/08/scottish-modern-quilt-exhibition.html#.UidN-z9JZzV" target="_blank">the link</a> to see the quilts, bags and cushions included in the exhibition they really were fantastic and coming from someone who's still only made three very simple quilts it was very inspiring indeed. </div>
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To round the day off some of us headed off to Pizza Express for a bite to eat and a chance to chat some more. </div>
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By 10 o'clock I was dropped off at home again and it was all over..... for now at least. I'll be signing up for next time for sure, it was such a warm and friendly atmosphere with beginner and experienced stitchers all working together, enjoying the rare chance to chat to like minded folks who totally get the need to sew and stash.</div>
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So thank you to Jo and Johnathan and the Stitch Gathering Team for all the time and effort they put into making the day so special, to the teachers for their patience and knowledge to my fellow stitchers for being so friendly, to Catherine for my name tag and to Sheila for her great company and for getting me there and back. </div>
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It such a great experience... roll on Stitch Gathering 2014!!</div>
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Don't forget Jo's goody bag <a href="http://www.mybearpaw.com/2013/08/the-stitch-gathering-goody-bag-giveaway.html#.UidTfT9JZzU" target="_blank">giveaway</a> and also at the bottom of that post is a linky party where you can find links to other stitch gatherers thoughts of the day. </div>
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bye for now</div>
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<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i772.photobucket.com/albums/yy7/SewQuine/nikki.jpg" />Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04474494233318706924noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4736904513491681255.post-57114417630159042482013-07-08T17:25:00.000+01:002013-07-08T17:25:00.338+01:00A day never to be forgotten<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50573565@N03/9241332234/" title="andy-murray-wimbledon-champ by sewquine@theochiltree, on Flickr"><img alt="andy-murray-wimbledon-champ" height="397" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5510/9241332234_d49a271f3e_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Oh boy how incredible was yesterday.... what a glorious, amazing, inspiring, tear inducing day!<br />
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Huge congratulations to Andy Murray and his team on winning Wimbledon yesterday, you've made a lot of people very, very happy, none more so than here in Dunblane.<br />
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I went out and bought a few of the papers today just to prove to myself that I wasn't dreaming yesterday, oh and I had to get some throat sweets too, I'm totally hoarse from shouting and screaming, what a day!<br />
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Bye for now <br />
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<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i772.photobucket.com/albums/yy7/SewQuine/nikki.jpg" />Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04474494233318706924noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4736904513491681255.post-72362276250705801732013-07-03T22:18:00.003+01:002013-07-03T22:22:40.083+01:00WIP WednesdayHello remember me....... I have been around really I have but mostly on <a href="http://instagram.com/sewquine" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, oh boy it's so quick and easy and fun. Honestly if you've not signed up yet it really is worth a go, go on, go on, go on.<br />
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Anyway I have written loads of blog posts in my head but as you can tell they haven't made it any further than that. In fact this one was almost put off until tomorrow but there in lies the problem so it'll be short and sweet so I don't procrastinate further.<br />
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I have finally (this might actually require a drum roll even though it's not a finished top yet, never mind a finished quilt) finished the blocks for my Swoon. Yay, after a year or more, woo hoo!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50573565@N03/8968065748/" title="final-3-swoon-wip-1 by sewquine@theochiltree, on Flickr"><img alt="final-3-swoon-wip-1" height="457" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5329/8968065748_fc1e3eecb7_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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I made the last 3 blocks at once which was a bit of a drag but it got it done. Now the only thing is one of the blocks is bugging me, it seems a bit weak compared to the others, can you tell which one it is yet?<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50573565@N03/8966876657/" title="swoon-blocks-9 by sewquine@theochiltree, on Flickr"><img alt="swoon-blocks-9" height="457" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7413/8966876657_e92af813c1_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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Looks ok in that picture but in the one below the blue and yellow block, left handside of the middle row, is it me or does it look a bit wishy washy? Ack now that I see this photos again now I want to rearrange them again.....gggrrr!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50573565@N03/8968065298/" title="swoon-blocks-9-layout-1 by sewquine@theochiltree, on Flickr"><img alt="swoon-blocks-9-layout-1" height="457" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7298/8968065298_18a021bc3b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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Now am I just being a big old fuss pot do you think or since it's taken me this long to make the blinking blocks should I make just one more to replace that one, thoughts anyone? <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50573565@N03/8968065120/" title="swoon-blocks-9-layout-2 by sewquine@theochiltree, on Flickr"><img alt="swoon-blocks-9-layout-2" height="458" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7338/8968065120_cf79c798bf_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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bye for now
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PS Yes I know I'm a hopeless case and incurable perfectionist :)<br />
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PPS Sarah at <a href="http://fairyfacedesigns.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">FairyFace Designs</a> has started up <a href="http://fairyfacedesigns.blogspot.co.uk/2013/06/fancy-swooning-along-with-us.html" target="_blank">Swoonalong part 2</a> so if you thought you'd left it too lkate to join in with Swooning you've no excuse now. I wonder if I could sneak in and actually feel like I've kept up with an 'along' or would that be cheating......<br />
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<br />Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04474494233318706924noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4736904513491681255.post-81344366618391991002013-05-13T12:27:00.000+01:002013-05-13T12:27:22.803+01:00claiming my blog on Bloglovin<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rlq6enXBN4c/UZDNTLN26DI/AAAAAAAABIo/SgogEehWFAE/s1600/banana+cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rlq6enXBN4c/UZDNTLN26DI/AAAAAAAABIo/SgogEehWFAE/s320/banana+cake.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Sorry nothing to see here just a random picture of cake as I'm claiming my blog on Bloglovin. This has been on my to do for so long now, thought I'd do it before I forget <i>again!!</i> <br />
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<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/3256385/?claim=3m2p9p44ja7">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a><br />
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See you soon with a real post.<br />
<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i772.photobucket.com/albums/yy7/SewQuine/nikki.jpg" />Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04474494233318706924noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4736904513491681255.post-85847685664176243992013-05-11T11:56:00.002+01:002013-05-11T12:10:58.692+01:00bargain bag patterns<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=76235&c=ib&aff=147940%22%20target=%22ejejcsingle%22" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="293" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-awLxVvOOFpM/UY4ed3lRGCI/AAAAAAAABIY/MBBUodp3cPc/s320/$5.00+Friday+Michelle+patterns.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Michelle Patterns is retiring some of her bag patterns so right now you can get <a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=76235&c=ib&aff=147940%22%20target=%22ejejcsingle%22" target="_blank">8 patterns</a> for just $5!!! </div>
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The patterns included are:</div>
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<li>Bracelet Bag</li>
<li>Cross-Body Bag</li>
<li>Laptop Sleeve</li>
<li>Pocket Clutch</li>
<li>Messenger Bag</li>
<li>Fold-Over Clutch</li>
<li>Zip Clutches</li>
<li>Inset Zip Clutch and Pouch</li>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50573565@N03/6201726616/" title="cross-body bag by sewquine@theochiltree, on Flickr"><img alt="cross-body bag" height="400" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6162/6201726616_e8548de65a_z.jpg" width="285" /></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50573565@N03/5929820669/" title="keyka lou messenger bag by sewquine@theochiltree, on Flickr"><img alt="keyka lou messenger bag" height="340" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6130/5929820669_84fd20bf6b_z.jpg" width="400" /></a>
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That's a load of cracking patterns for a bargain price. I especially love the Cross-Body Bag and The Messenger Bag. I've made the Messenger Bag twice now and I'm just about to make another one. I borrowed the Melody Miller version I made for my daughter for a trip into Edinburgh last weekend but she wants it back so now I need to make my own.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50573565@N03/7749336838/" title="Melody Miller/Michelle Patterns Messenger Bag by sewquine@theochiltree, on Flickr"><img alt="Melody Miller/Michelle Patterns Messenger Bag" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8444/7749336838_fa69e482c7_z.jpg" /></a>
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I hope you're having a nice weekend, it's a bit <a href="http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Dreich+(Old+Scots+origin)" target="_blank">dreich</a> here today so some sewing is in order I think.</div>
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Bye for now</div>
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<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i772.photobucket.com/albums/yy7/SewQuine/nikki.jpg" />Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04474494233318706924noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4736904513491681255.post-83346136401038469502013-05-01T14:47:00.000+01:002013-05-01T23:01:48.244+01:00Caught up at last<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50573565@N03/8698986426/" title="april-sisters-ten-BOM-2 by sewquine@theochiltree, on Flickr"><img alt="april-sisters-ten-BOM-2" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8551/8698986426_9001c08f42_z.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50573565@N03/8697863415/" title="april-sisters-ten-BOM-1 by sewquine@theochiltree, on Flickr"><img alt="april-sisters-ten-BOM-1" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8265/8697863415_2877094579_z.jpg" /></a></div>
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I'm on a roll this week :) I've finally caught up on the Sisters' ten BOM and it feels goood! April's block is called <a href="http://www.genxquilters.com/2013/04/sisters-ten-modern-bom-april-block-lady.html" target="_blank">Lady of the Lake</a>. I had planned to use my long lost thangles to make the small HST's for these blocks but when I looked at them properly I noticed that they were for 2" units not 2.5" needed, duh!! </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50573565@N03/8699035268/" title="sisters-ten-bom-collage-so- by sewquine@theochiltree, on Flickr"><img alt="sisters-ten-bom-collage-so-" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8264/8699035268_02a252e8f7_z.jpg" /></a></div>
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Anyway not to worry, here are all the blocks so far. Now I need to make some headway on the Lucky Stars BOM, especially since May's block just popped up in my email this morning.</div>
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Bye for now</div>
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Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04474494233318706924noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4736904513491681255.post-70552729929392400762013-04-30T22:28:00.003+01:002013-05-01T09:28:43.749+01:00birthday time againThis weekend it was Jamie's 6th Birthday and he had several requests and included amongst the Skylander and Minecraft pleas came one for a Ninja t-shirt and the now expected birthday t-shirt. I started making these t-shirts when he was 3 (wish I'd thought of the idea before then) and he's no idea how pleased I was to hear him request I make him one again this year. I wonder how long this will last?<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50573565@N03/8694329106/" title="6th-birthday-t-shirt by sewquine@theochiltree, on Flickr"><img alt="6th-birthday-t-shirt" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8114/8694329106_45c3f0531d_z.jpg" width="457" /></a>
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I thought I'd try a new pattern this year so I gave the <a href="http://kitschycoo.bigcartel.com/product/preorder-dolman-top-unisex-sewing-pattern-pdf-18m-2t-3t-4t-5y-6y-7y-8y" target="_blank">Dolman Top</a> pattern by Amanda at Kitschy Coo a try and I'm thrilled that I did. I'm hoping to try out some of her kids <a href="http://kitschycoo.bigcartel.com/category/fabric" target="_blank">knit fabrics</a> soon as they're really funky and organic too. The <a href="http://www.tissufabrics.co.uk/fabric-store/cotton-fabrics/cotton-jersey-lightweight-fabrics/marl-grey-stretch-light-cotton-jersey-fabric-t-shirts-1009.html" target="_blank">grey</a> and <a href="http://www.tissufabrics.co.uk/fabric-store/cotton-fabrics/midnight-navy-soft-fine-rib-100-cotton-knit-q61-mny.html" target="_blank">navy</a> fabric I used for this one came from <a href="http://www.tissufabrics.co.uk/fabric-store/" target="_blank">Tissu Fabrics</a>.<br />
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The top comes together really quickly and I even tried using my overlocker/serger to apply the neck band. I've always used my sewing machine for this bit before as that's what was recommended in my usual pattern and also because I was a bit scared to use the overlocker.<br />
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Each year I have to remember how I deal with knit fabric after mostly only working with wovens the rest of the year. I'd not used a twin needle before but it's really rather good although I'm planning on getting a stretch rather than ball point version next time as I did get a few skipped stitches. In theory if you've turned up an even hem when you use the twin needle as it forms the stitch on the inside of the hem it should cover the raw edge of the fabric. It mostly did but obviously my hem wasn't totally even on the inside as I managed to miss a section. Unpicking on knit fabric is not as easy as on woven so rather than unpick I stitched and extra row.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50573565@N03/8695911559/" title="inside-hem by sewquine@theochiltree, on Flickr"><img alt="inside-hem" height="457" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8402/8695911559_f6582cafea_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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Since I already had everything set up I thought I'd make another one and use up the last of the Ninja fabric I bought as part of a fabric co-op a few years ago. This time I used a single needle but a stretch rather than a ballpoint one and no skipped stitches at all - Yay!! </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50573565@N03/8697031316/" title="ninja-dolman-top by sewquine@theochiltree, on Flickr"><img alt="ninja-dolman-top" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8397/8697031316_9c8517eac2_z.jpg" width="457" /></a>
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In this version I added the neck band in the same way as the cuff bands which worked fine. It's definitely easier to apply the neck band as written in the pattern but as I only have white thread on the overlocker it does show a little at the band join at the top but that me just being a fuss pot.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50573565@N03/8695911615/" title="6th-birthday-t by sewquine@theochiltree, on Flickr"><img alt="6th-birthday-t" height="400" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8263/8695911615_af1c3085c2_z.jpg" width="285" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50573565@N03/8697177932/" title="ninja-dolman-t-5a by sewquine@theochiltree, on Flickr"><img alt="ninja-dolman-t-5a" height="400" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8546/8697177932_994ecb72e7_z.jpg" width="285" /></a>
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I made size 5/6 and there's room to grow even with Jamie being six but not so much as too make it too big. I used my overlocker to sew the seams and my sewing machine for all the top stitching. On the sewing machine in both cases I used woolly nylon in the bobbin, poly in the needle, lengthened the straight stitch to 3.5, reduced the top tension slightly to 4 and also the presser foot tension to 3. I wound the woolly nylon on the machine rather than by hand as is often recommended and it worked just fine.<br />
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I'm now thinking I might actually tackle a knit top for myself soon as I've had the <a href="http://www.thevillagehaberdashery.co.uk/sewing-patchwork/sewing-patterns/sewaholic-renfrew-top" target="_blank">Renfrew</a> pattern stashed for a while now - we'll see.<br />
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Anyhow enough about t-shirts and back to the birthday boy. This year was his first (and last for quite some time) big party and he had an absolute ball. A very noisy and energetic time was had by all and nobody clashed heads or received any injuries in the soft play area so it's all good.<br />
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Of course you know there's a cake picture to finish this post so here it is. For those who don't know it's a creeper cake based on the Minecraft game that my eldest plays, of course Jamie wants to be the same as big bro so I endulged him. It's not a pretty cake but then I guess a creeper shouldn't be pretty.<br />
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As an aside Minecraft images are all pixel based so ideal for conversion into quilts...<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50573565@N03/8694116162/" title="creeper-cake by sewquine@theochiltree, on Flickr"><img alt="creeper-cake" height="458" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8264/8694116162_205ee7d635_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Bye for now<br />
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<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i772.photobucket.com/albums/yy7/SewQuine/nikki.jpg" />Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04474494233318706924noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4736904513491681255.post-55361714489890265802013-04-24T21:15:00.001+01:002013-04-24T21:15:59.250+01:00more flea market fancy blocks<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50573565@N03/8676728116/" title="march-sisters-ten-BOM-1 by sewquine@theochiltree, on Flickr"><img alt="march-sisters-ten-BOM-1" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8121/8676728116_e477a2b232_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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I'm almost caught up on the Sisters' Ten BOM, only April to do and I had to hold off on them as I needed more kona white. I am kidding myself that this quilt won't really cost me much to make as I already had the FMF stashed but of course I still need to buy background/sashing and as usual I've totally not counted in backing fabric...<br />
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Anyway here are the blocks for March made from a block called <a href="http://www.genxquilters.com/2013/03/sisters-ten-modern-bom-march-block.html" target="_blank">School Girl's Puzzle</a>. I'm not really that sold on the pink fabric, a bit too sugary for me but I'm going with it anyway.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50573565@N03/8675622917/" title="march-sisters-ten-BOM-2 by sewquine@theochiltree, on Flickr"><img alt="march-sisters-ten-BOM-2" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8253/8675622917_b5097623cd_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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April's block is <a href="http://www.genxquilters.com/2013/04/sisters-ten-modern-bom-april-block-lady.html" target="_blank">Lady of the Lake</a> and there are loads of hsts to be made so I think I'll be trying out the <a href="http://www.misformake.co.uk/products/2-5-thangles" target="_blank">Thangles</a> that I bought ages ago from M is for Make. Lots of folks were raving about them at the time but I put them in a safe place and yes you guessed it I then couldn't find them! I discovered them again the other day so I reckon I'd better use them before they go into hiding again.<br />
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Bye for now<br />
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<br />Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04474494233318706924noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4736904513491681255.post-15875093543770619312013-04-17T19:06:00.001+01:002013-04-17T19:06:15.419+01:00sewing againHi there folks I hope you're all doing fine. After what seems like months I'm back at the sewing machine.... yay, yay and thrice yay!! Kirstin is back to full fitness, the Easter Holidays are done and dusted, the return to 'normal' has begun.<br />
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First up this week was a present for my brother's birthday which is on Friday He requested a slip cover for his Nexus 7 and unusually for me I had it made and posted at the beginning of the week. It should be well on the way to Shetland by now - no picture just now so as not to spoil the surprise.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50573565@N03/8657670941/" title="feb-sisters-ten-BOM-1 by sewquine@theochiltree, on Flickr"><img alt="feb-sisters-ten-BOM-1" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8118/8657670941_87119f4a3e_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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I have quite a bit of catching up to do on the Block of the Month front so first up this week were the February blocks for the<a href="http://www.genxquilters.com/p/block-of-month.html" target="_blank"> Sisters' Ten BOM</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50573565@N03/8658776910/" title="feb-sisters-ten-BOM-2 by sewquine@theochiltree, on Flickr"><img alt="feb-sisters-ten-BOM-2" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8104/8658776910_ee852a9a64_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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I really enjoyed doing these, I knew I'd missed sewing but not just how much until I got started again on these. The novelty of the automatic thread cutter on my new-ish machine still hasn't worn off and weirdly I actually loved pinning and pressing these blocks too.<br />
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This is a quick post to get me back into the swing of things plus I've got to collect Jamie from Anchor Boys so off I dash, see you soon.<br />
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Happy sewing!<br />
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Bye for now<br />
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<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i772.photobucket.com/albums/yy7/SewQuine/nikki.jpg" />Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04474494233318706924noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4736904513491681255.post-10791447776170705072013-03-24T17:31:00.000+00:002013-03-24T17:31:16.226+00:00The Stitch GatheringIt's still a bit quiet here, my daughter is still not up to going back to school so we're still hunkered down at home. As yet I just can't seem to build enthusiasm for sewing just now so my poor sewing machine is feeling totally neglected.<br />
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<a href="http://www.stitchgathering.co.uk/buyTicket" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kkZmLt47VEg/UU83Ul-r0kI/AAAAAAAABGw/QsuhWOUU6aU/s1600/StitchGatheringBlog.200.jpg" /></a></div>
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However one announcement did get me all fired up and that's the tickets goings on sale for <a href="http://www.stitchgathering.co.uk/buyTicket" target="_blank">The Stitch Gathering</a> Yay! This is a one day modern quilting retreat organised by Jo at <a href="http://www.mybearpaw.com/" target="_blank">My Bearpaw</a>, there's workshops, swaps, goody bags and an after party all happening in Edinburgh. Take a look at the <a href="http://stitchgathering.co.uk/teachers" target="_blank">teachers</a> for the workshops, you might just recognise a few.<br />
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All this and a chance to meet up with other sewing fanatics, I said 'yes please don't mind if I do' and snapped up a ticket.
So are you going? I can't wait!<br />
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Bye for now
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<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i772.photobucket.com/albums/yy7/SewQuine/nikki.jpg" />Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04474494233318706924noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4736904513491681255.post-658770399260842112013-03-15T15:28:00.001+00:002013-03-15T15:28:10.149+00:00that's a week I never want to see again!My poor daughter has been ill all week and in hospital for 5 days. It's been some week and one that none of us are in a hurry to repeat. We're ever so thankful to have her home now and she's much improved but still not 100% better yet.<br />
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I predict much DVD watching and duvet days ahead, at least that's what I'm hoping for instead of mad dashes to the hospital.</div>
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So what have I missed, anything exciting? I'll be going through my google reader list to catch up but presently is says 728 unread items ......</div>
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Bye for now</div>
<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i772.photobucket.com/albums/yy7/SewQuine/nikki.jpg" />Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04474494233318706924noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4736904513491681255.post-31468537481207694772013-03-05T13:21:00.001+00:002013-03-05T18:01:06.121+00:00no waste flying geeseAs I mentioned previously I thought I'd try using different methods to make up the component pieces for my next batch of swoon blocks. Cutting out is my least favourite part of quilting so anything that helps on that front is very welcome. I do have a Sizzix Big Shot , lots of folks really seem to get on well with using these instead of rotary cutting but I have very few dies at the moment. Something to look into at some point regarding which dies would be most useful.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50573565@N03/8529669382/" title="swoon-blocks-in-progress-2 by sewquine@theochiltree, on Flickr"><img alt="swoon-blocks-in-progress-2" height="457" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8521/8529669382_f88d983b40_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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The swoon blocks use HST and Flying Geese blocks, the HSTs I have down pat now but flying geese - not so good. I remembered <a href="http://hoosiertoni.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Toni</a> recommending the 'no waste flying geese' method so I thought I'd give that a go. This is the <a href="http://happyquiltingmelissa.blogspot.co.uk/2011/01/flying-geese-no-waste-method.html" target="_blank">tutorial</a> by Melissa at The Happy Quilter that I used and I have to say this method is definitely on my thumbs up list.<br />
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So to make four flying geese with unfinished dimensions of 6 <span style="font-size: x-small;">1/2"</span> wide by 3 <span style="font-size: x-small;">1/2"</span> tall I cut <br />
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<i>1 x 7 <span style="font-size: x-small;">1/4"</span> square = Large triangle or Goose</i></div>
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<i>4 x 3 <span style="font-size: x-small;">7/8" </span>squares = Small triangles or Sky </i></div>
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Everything went swimmingly until I was trimming them up at the end that I realised I'd ignored one vital part of the <i><b>very clear </b></i>instructions, sad face :(<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50573565@N03/8529874086/" title="PicMonkey Collage1 by sewquine@theochiltree, on Flickr"><img alt="PicMonkey Collage1" height="320" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8111/8529874086_98fd05dac6_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50573565@N03/8528769097/" title="PicMonkey Collage2 by sewquine@theochiltree, on Flickr"><img alt="PicMonkey Collage2" height="320" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8383/8528769097_704611bd38_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50573565@N03/8529680652/" title="wonky-edges-on-flying-geese by sewquine@theochiltree, on Flickr"><img alt="wonky-edges-on-flying-geese" height="457" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8525/8529680652_bd667206ae_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Yes the part where Melissa very says,<br />
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">"Clip your threads and then align your ruler along the drawn center line. Cut your pieces apart along that drawn line."</i></div>
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I for some reason just casually trimmed with scissors which I never really do so why I did it this time I have no idea. Anyway lesson learned I now realise that although you can get away with trimming like that on some blocks with these you need to be accurate or you'll end up with wonky edges like I did. Those funny little edges where I've circles above are where the edges of my blocks should be.<br />
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Not to worry since this method uses less fabric I had enough left over to make a new set of these colours which I cut properly and they came out very splendid indeed. I only remade one set though as I'm keen to get these sewn together so fingers crossed the ones with the wonky edges won't give me too much grief when piecing.<br />
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So alls well that ends well and when I next follow a tutorial for the first time I might just switch off the telly and concentrate properly but the again most likely I won't ;)<br />
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Now.... tonight do I get these sewn together or do I take up 3 sets of curtains?</div>
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Bye for now<br />
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<a href="http://happyquiltingmelissa.blogspot.co.uk/2011/01/flying-geese-no-waste-method.html" target="_blank"><img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i772.photobucket.com/albums/yy7/SewQuine/nikki.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://happyquiltingmelissa.blogspot.co.uk/2011/01/flying-geese-no-waste-method.html" target="_blank">no waste flying geese tutorial</a><br />
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Dimensions for flying geese for swoon block, unfinished 6 <span style="font-size: x-small;">1/2"</span> wide by 3 <span style="font-size: x-small;">1/2" tall</span><br />
cut 1 x 7 <span style="font-size: x-small;">1/4"</span> square = Large triangle or Goose<br />
cut 4 x 3 <span style="font-size: x-small;">7/8" </span>squares = Small triangles or SkyNikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04474494233318706924noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4736904513491681255.post-91395026881410230122013-02-27T23:33:00.000+00:002013-02-28T07:12:12.762+00:00I took a tiny breakSo I took an a tiny blog break, well I kind of bailed out of blogs, pinterest, twitter, instagram in general. Do you get that over whelmed feeling sometimes, I certainly do? Don't get me wrong I love the internet, so much inspiration, so many great people, so many pretty pictures but sometimes instead of feeling inspired I feel overwhelmed.<br />
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I found I was trying to fit more and more in to my day so that I didn't feel constantly on the back foot, always falling behind, jumping on a bandwagon only to be left trailing behind as everyone was already moving onto the next 'thing'........ so I stepped back for a bit.......<br />
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I went to the library and found some nice books to leaf through.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50573565@N03/8510749847/" title="great-finds-at-the-library by sewquine@theochiltree, on Flickr"><img alt="great-finds-at-the-library" height="457" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8236/8510749847_abcd7997ff_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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I met friends and took time out to relax, I'm not to good at the relaxing stuff, it doesn't seem very productive. I've started pilates again which I'm really pleased about, I really do feel the benefit, it takes a while to get into but I do highly recommend it. I'm now helping out once a week at school with a great bunch of ladies sorting out the library. As a family we've made a conscious effort to get out and socialise a lot more and also to try and unplug from ipods, internet etc even just for a short while (the teens are too keen on this idea in truth but too bad). <br />
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So I'm now looking at working out where I'm going with Sew Quine and with The Ochil Tree. At the moment I'm spending a lot of time working on things for The Ochil Tree which is eating into my 'sewing for me time' but that's how it needs to be just now.<br />
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There's a load of unfinished projects hanging about and I don't want to hammer through them to get to the finish line, I want to enjoy the process a bit more. I don't want the things that I do for fun to end up being another chore or job on the to-do-list.<br />
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It's not all be navel gazing though I have found time to cut some more fabric for a couple of swoon blocks, I'm trying out a different cutting plan ie making 4 HSTs at a time and having a go at the No Waste Flying Geese method, I'll let you know how that works out.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50573565@N03/8510746355/" title="swoon-blocks-wip by sewquine@theochiltree, on Flickr"><img alt="swoon-blocks-wip" height="457" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8231/8510746355_1569afe3d0_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Anyway what does this all add up to apart from realising 'I ain't no superwoman' I'm not sure but currently I'm thinking I'm going to blog more about the day to day process and goings on here rather than focusing on finishes so much.<br />
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I do hope you're all doing fine,<br />
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Bye for now<br />
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<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i772.photobucket.com/albums/yy7/SewQuine/nikki.jpg" /><br />
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PS I've had to turn on comment moderation as I'm getting lots of spam comments most of which Blogger is doing a very good job of blocking but for a while I'm going to try moderating just to make sure none get through.Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04474494233318706924noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4736904513491681255.post-48849587846860779152013-02-02T14:46:00.003+00:002013-02-02T14:46:53.605+00:00so January is gone already!I can hardly believe that January has passed by already but I'm really pretty pleased with with progress this month. Apparently we're about to go out so I need to be brief, not easy but for me but anyway here's a mosaic of what's been on the sewing table this month.
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x0jNGbfGAyE/UQ0g6EftiQI/AAAAAAAABFk/Hy70QuDhnx0/s1600/jan+makes+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x0jNGbfGAyE/UQ0g6EftiQI/AAAAAAAABFk/Hy70QuDhnx0/s640/jan+makes+2013.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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1. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/50573565@N03/8366016500/">swoon-3</a>, 2. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/50573565@N03/8431632711/">swoon-block-4</a>, 3. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/50573565@N03/8437249751/">pleated-pouch-for-D</a>, 4. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/50573565@N03/8367710487/">elvira mini pleated pouch</a>, 5. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/50573565@N03/8386619739/">jan-lucky-stars</a>, 6. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/50573565@N03/8370461265/">tamars-bag</a>, 7. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/50573565@N03/8373258676/">scrappy-1</a>, 8. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/50573565@N03/8432671226/">red-blue-sisters-ten-jan-BOM block</a>, 9. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/50573565@N03/8431586539/">grey-blue-sisters-ten-jan-BOM block</a>
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I forgot about my first Swoon block of the year so I did actually make 2 of those this month yay!<br />
I also managed to keep up with the Lucky Stars and Sisters' Ten Block of the Months too, double yay!<br />
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I made 2 gifts, a book bag for my niece Tamar and a pleated pouch for my pal Debby's birthday.<br />
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I made three blocks (measly amount I know) for my scrappytripalong - not sure about these now so I may or may not continue with that one.<br />
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Plus I made a bundle of fabric coasters too, so all-in-all a not bad month.<br />
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Linking up to Fresh sew Day at Lily's Quilts.<br />
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<a href="http://lilysquilts.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/fresh-sewing-day-and-small-blog-meet.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--QTUd--9204/UQ0lVMVkC5I/AAAAAAAABGA/2-PTIt7Uf2A/s1600/FSDB.png" /></a></div>
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Oh dear we really are going out now so I'd better dash, have a great weekend. I see wine and lots of food in my near future.<br />
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Bye for now<br />
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<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i772.photobucket.com/albums/yy7/SewQuine/nikki.jpg" />Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04474494233318706924noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4736904513491681255.post-24194313305162265752013-02-01T11:54:00.000+00:002013-02-01T11:54:48.020+00:00oh my, I think I might need a lie down!!I was quite busy at the end of last year....<br />
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Busy turning this fantastic bundle of <a href="http://www.oakshottfabrics.com/products/Fat8thsPack-Lipari.aspx" target="_blank">Oakshott Lipari Shot Cottons</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50573565@N03/8434332745/" title="oakshott lipari bundle by sewquine@theochiltree, on Flickr"><img alt="oakshott lipari bundle" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8510/8434332745_1477f1f558_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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into these cushions.....<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50573565@N03/8434332735/" title="mix and match lipari cushion g by sewquine@theochiltree, on Flickr"><img alt="mix and match lipari cushion g" height="457" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8465/8434332735_ce5d9f620d_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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You can find the pattern in the new issue of <a href="http://www.fatquarterly.com/issues/issue-12" target="_blank">Fat Quarterly</a>, yes I know, amazing isn't it, can't believe I'm in Fat Quarterly...<br />
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This issue is all about Pre-Cuts and as you would expect it's full of stunning patterns. I'm trying really hard not to add any more projects to my to do list but I suspect I may fail on that front.<br />
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Phew it's all a bit too exciting so I'm off for a lie down.<br />
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Bye for now<br />
<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i772.photobucket.com/albums/yy7/SewQuine/nikki.jpg" />Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04474494233318706924noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4736904513491681255.post-59653925793998958182013-01-31T12:36:00.000+00:002013-01-31T12:37:26.477+00:00A busy old week<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-USwPNIwyO-A/UQpdR9vrXgI/AAAAAAAABEc/61cyrJCYKhQ/s1600/2013-01-28_1359400277.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-USwPNIwyO-A/UQpdR9vrXgI/AAAAAAAABEc/61cyrJCYKhQ/s320/2013-01-28_1359400277.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This week started rather brilliantly with a night out, yes a night out on a Monday, how decadent!! Last year myself and my pal Karen threw caution to the wind and bought tickets to go and see Paloma Faith in Glasgow. Those of you who know Glasgow won't be surprised if I say it was chucking it down with rain and blowing a gale but we didn't let that spoil the night. I have to say that Paloma was absolutely brilliant, absolutely amazing! I tried to take photos as we had a really good view of the stage but they didn't really work out so I don't have any to show you. I still have the songs whirling around in my head even now, boy she puts on a great show, she's very sweet, funny, very dramatic and can't half sing.<br />
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So on to this weeks sewing escapades....<br />
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This week I have swooned so that's me up to the grand total of four blocks, not bad for a years work eh! This block may be my favourite one yet but then I'll probably say that about the next one too.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50573565@N03/8431632711/" title="swoon-block-4 by sewquine@theochiltree, on Flickr"><img alt="swoon-block-4" height="457" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8507/8431632711_ff92607e2e_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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Please try and ignore the hideous red carpet (and associated threads and fluff) in this photo, light is very hard to come by at the moment so this was the only place big enough with some form of daylight to take a photo today.<br />
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Also this week I've been doing a bit of last minute catching up with the <a href="http://www.genxquilters.com/p/block-of-month.html" target="_blank">Sisters' Ten</a> Block of the Month run by <a href="http://www.genxquilters.com/" target="_blank">Gen X Quilter</a>s. I'm so glad to be finally cutting into my Flea Market Fancy stash, it was one of those 'must have it, no idea what I'll do with it buys' so it's good to put it to use.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50573565@N03/8431630911/" title="flea-market-fancy-bundle by sewquine@theochiltree, on Flickr"><img alt="flea-market-fancy-bundle" height="457" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8233/8431630911_5037a6d141_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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January's block is <a href="http://www.genxquilters.com/2013/01/sisters-ten-modern-bom-january-block.html" target="_blank">Grandmother's Frame</a> which went together pretty quickly. I did do the HSTs slightly differently from the instructions so for each set of 4 HSTs I cut 2 squares of fabric at 5.25" sewed all the way round at 1/4" from the edge and then diagonally cut the square into 4 triangles.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50573565@N03/8432671236/" title="jan-sisters-ten-BOM-block by sewquine@theochiltree, on Flickr"><img alt="jan-sisters-ten-BOM-block" height="457" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8336/8432671236_c15afac0ce_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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So that means I'm up to date for a very brief spell of time on the BOM front and made a teeny tiny bit of progress on the Finish-a-long list. Still got plenty to do though and I have a couple of commissions to do as well so plenty to keep me busy.</div>
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Bye for now</div>
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<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i772.photobucket.com/albums/yy7/SewQuine/nikki.jpg" /></div>
Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04474494233318706924noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4736904513491681255.post-54237676922094107802013-01-24T19:45:00.001+00:002013-01-26T12:44:36.404+00:00the ochil tree coasters are featured on Yay Retro!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-30d8HVqLdb0/UQE1PEJvpEI/AAAAAAAABCo/dOrLEJAgQjY/s1600/ochiltree1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-30d8HVqLdb0/UQE1PEJvpEI/AAAAAAAABCo/dOrLEJAgQjY/s640/ochiltree1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I'm a big fan of retro and vintage china and today I was very lucky to have my Ochil Tree Coasters featured on the blog of vintage china specialists <a href="http://www.yayretro.co.uk/blog/358/yay-retro-feature-The-Ochil-Trees-handmade-coasters" target="_blank">Yay Retro</a>. I found Yay Retro on Facebook one evening while admiring this lovely Poole Pottery Breakfast Set.</div>
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<a href="http://www.yayretro.co.uk/shop/12104/twintone-breakfast-set/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="491" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dyHmyN9XRZ4/UQE1UqoZ2DI/AAAAAAAABC4/2fKG3Sb286Q/s640/1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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It turns out that the vintage dish I've been using to keep all my day to day sewing bits and bobs is from the same range, here it is in all it's glory featuring snippers and seam ripper very prominently.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50573565@N03/8410290029/" title="Poole hors d'oeuvres dish by sewquine@theochiltree, on Flickr"><img alt="Poole hors d'oeuvres dish" height="457" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8098/8410290029_0ea9272059_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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I was really interested to know more about Yay Retro and how Sue managed to have such a beautiful website and hold down a day job too so Sue was kind enough to give me the low down on how and why she set up her business.</div>
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<i style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">What made you decide to set up Yay Retro?</i></div>
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<span style="color: #999999;">I have been interested in retro china for years, it began with my Gran's Woods Beryl tea set. When I was in my 20s I wrote her a poem asking her to "keep just 1 cup and saucer for me to pass on to my Grand daughter". My lovely Gran died 3 years ago, and when we went to clear her flat, we found one Beryl cup and saucer in the back of the cupboard. I think at that moment it was confirmed to me how nostalgic and emotive china can be and began wanting pieces in my own home. Through collecting myself, I got more and more interested, until last year for my 50th birthday my husband offered to set me up in business selling vintage china from the 40s, 50s, 60s and 70s online. </span></blockquote>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>I find taking photos of my items a bit of a chore as I'm still learning how best to do it. Your website and images look so beautiful how do you manage it all.</i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #999999;">In the day time we run a website design business and we are both professional photographers too, so we were in a very lucky position to be able to use our skills to set up and run an online shop. I run yay retro! in my spare time, though since I work online all day I can deal with orders and enquiries really quickly as they come in.</span></blockquote>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CoKVJm2qd1Q/UQE1Q1i5ZcI/AAAAAAAABCw/td8Y6CAZtvw/s1600/breakfastme.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CoKVJm2qd1Q/UQE1Q1i5ZcI/AAAAAAAABCw/td8Y6CAZtvw/s640/breakfastme.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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this is the set Sue uses at home - I need a set like this!!</div>
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<i style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;">Do you have a particular era or style of china that you collect yourself?</i></div>
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<span style="color: #999999;">I have fallen head over heels in love with Twintone Poole Pottery from the 1950/60s and starting collecting the ice green and seagull, and sky blue and dove grey colourways. We now use this every day in our retro styled kitchen and I am the proud owner of some simply gorgeous and rarer pieces, such as the Poole Early Morning Set which comes with a ceramic tray. When we use this at lunchtime it is magical! </span></blockquote>
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<i style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;">I find it difficult juggling sewing/family/work commitments so I'm always looking for ways to get everything done so</i><i style="color: #444444; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"> do you have any time management tips you could pass on?</i></div>
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<span style="color: #999999;">I am very lucky that my sons have grown up and left home, so I have all day free to run my two businesses and home. I know how fortunate I am!! </span></blockquote>
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<span style="color: #999999;">The way I work things is that I get up early to sort yay retro! I then focus on my day job then in the evening I resume sorting yay retro! things. All of our spare time is spent hunting for vintage and retro china, pretty much every weekend, and when we have weekends away visiting our sons in our camper van. We drag them and their families around with us too! You could say we've got the whole family involved, even my Mum looks for stuff for me!</span></blockquote>
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It all sounds ideal doesn't it and has made me very nostalgic for the VW camper we had when we got married - even our minister turned up to our wedding in a camper van! I can just imagine me and hubbie going off on our travels when we eventually get another combi/campervan.<br />
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So that's a very different blog post from me, makes a change from I did this, I didn't manage to make that etc but just in case you miss my usual blurb I've made little or no progress on my FAL list as I've had Jamie at home for most of the week with a cough and the sniffles, roll on next week! I did manage to sort out my fabric stash though, it's so nice when all the fabric is in neat colour coordinated piles.<br />
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<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/theochiltree" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="160" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M5pbsR3-pN4/UQFGrubaxmI/AAAAAAAABDU/4qpAAum6t-8/s640/ochil+tree+coasters+in+a+row.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I've been mostly listing coasters onto <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/theochiltree" target="_blank">Etsy</a> and have started trying to set up a blog for The Ochil Tree which means learning about Wordpress so it's not ready quite yet.<br />
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Bye for now<br />
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<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i772.photobucket.com/albums/yy7/SewQuine/nikki.jpg" />Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04474494233318706924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4736904513491681255.post-17737858939787118332013-01-17T13:00:00.000+00:002013-01-23T19:04:53.128+00:00Block of the Month ClubsI really like the idea of Block of the Month clubs, as surely with only one block do each month I could manage to keep up. While trawling the internet I came across the <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.dontcallmebetsy.com/p/lucky-stars-bom.html%22%3E" target="_blank">Lucky Stars BOM</a> being offered by Elizabeth of <a href="http://www.dontcallmebetsy.com/">Don't Call Me Betsy</a>. It's a brilliant combination of stars and paper piecing, it took me a whole 30 seconds to decide to sign up.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vo-E4xNG3S0/UPfv511eBcI/AAAAAAAABBM/cCz7tw3wWto/s1600/luckystarsannounce.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vo-E4xNG3S0/UPfv511eBcI/AAAAAAAABBM/cCz7tw3wWto/s1600/luckystarsannounce.png" /></a></div>
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The BOM started with a practise block which I have to admit I didn't get round to oops - blinding start eh! However not to worry, on to January's block. I had already bought a not insubstantial bundle of fabric in the sale - yay for Christmas money :) which is destined for a giant star quilt (more on that another day) so this BOM quilt needs to be made from stash fabric. So this is what I pulled for the first block with no real long term plan for the whole quilt I'll be working it out as I go along. The scrappytripalong quilt is going to be very bright so I think in reaction to that I've gone muted on this one.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50573565@N03/8387833316/" title="jan-wip by sewquine@theochiltree, on Flickr"><img alt="jan-wip" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8191/8387833316_0dbfaeec27_z.jpg" /></a></div>
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In the past in my vast knowledge of paper piecing (aye 1.5 projects lol!) I've just cut fabric pieces as I've needed them but Elizabeth gives you a chart so you can pre cut pieces for each section. I tried this out and it did make the block very quick to make as everything was ready to go. I managed to stuff up the corners in a couple of pieces, obviously didn't line up my pieces properly but I'm not going to stress about it. I'm sure I'll manage to cover them up when it comes to sewing all the blocks together.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50573565@N03/8386619739/" title="jan-lucky-stars by sewquine@theochiltree, on Flickr"><img alt="jan-lucky-stars" height="457" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8463/8386619739_b3a75a66c9_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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I'm also going to do the <a href="http://www.genxquilters.com/p/block-of-month.html" target="_blank">Sisters 10 BOM</a> by AnneMarie of <a href="http://www.genxquilters.com/" target="_blank">gen X quilters</a> and again this is going to be using stash fabric. I bought a bundle of Flea Market Fancy a good while ago but still hadn't figured out what to do with it until now. What's even better is this is a free BOM so I can feel very virtuous, a free BOM and using stash fabric - excellent! :) I can't feel to smug yet though as I've not made the January blocks yet.<br />
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<a href="http://www.genxquilters.com/p/block-of-month.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r92VfJIWuSk/UPf0zDlk2CI/AAAAAAAABBo/7UIcjCYHbCE/s1600/8277074359_783ccfff07_m.jpg" /></a></div>
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So that's me totally over committed with 2 BOMs and the FAL list too, better go and get some cutting and stitching done.<br />
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So what about you have you signed up for any Block of the Month clubs this year?<br />
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Bye for now<br />
<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i772.photobucket.com/albums/yy7/SewQuine/nikki.jpg" />Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04474494233318706924noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4736904513491681255.post-58454372661611721382013-01-12T13:08:00.002+00:002013-01-26T12:44:17.246+00:00Finish-a-long first quarter list<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://shecanquilt.blogspot.ca/p/2013-finish-long.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DtE-Hj0WoYg/UPFYZBhljCI/AAAAAAAABAs/J6ZSIDnqjcw/s1600/FAL+2013.jpg" /></a></div>
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I'm going to join in with the 2013 Finish-A-long being hosted this year by Leanne at <a href="http://shecanquilt.blogspot.ca/p/2013-finish-long.html" target="_blank">She Can Quilt</a>. I know that I need a deadline to really get me motoring on a project so this should really help me along.<br />
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<b>Project 1 - Swoon Quilt</b><br />
First up has to be the Swoon quilt started last year as part of the swoon-a-long, I want this finished soooo badly. I have 3 blocks done so 6 to go to complete the top, then the quilting and binding. This will be my biggest quilt to date so will be a a fairly big task to me.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50573565@N03/6857792966/" title="swoon-1-and-2 by sewquine@theochiltree, on Flickr"><img alt="swoon-1-and-2" height="458" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7120/6857792966_687d871460_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<b>Project 2 - Swoon Cushion</b><br />
Again with the swoon but this time the floor cushion I planned for my trial swoon block, it'll need quilted and made into a cushion cover so this should be a nice quick one.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50573565@N03/6716660961/" title="trial swoon by sewquine@theochiltree, on Flickr"><img alt="trial swoon" height="458" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7157/6716660961_b5a0d56f94_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<b>Project 3 - Paper pieced fox cushion</b><br />
This project didn't even make it onto the blog at all but was started last year. I'm not sure how many cushions we really need but it'll be very cute.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50573565@N03/8373257962/" title="fox by sewquine@theochiltree, on Flickr"><img alt="fox" height="457" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8327/8373257962_8357b34c8f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<b>Project 4 - Scrappy trip-a-long quilt top</b><br />
OK I'm now pushing it totally but I'd like to get my <a href="http://quiltville.com/scrappytrips.shtml" target="_blank">Scrappy Trip Along</a> quilt top finished. At the moment I have 3 blocks done and I'd like it to be twin sized so that's another 27 blocks - ha ha I'm laughing now, I'll be amazed if I get this done this quarter even though they are nice quick blocks.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50573565@N03/8373258676/" title="scrappy-1 by sewquine@theochiltree, on Flickr"><img alt="scrappy-1" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8098/8373258676_474853c8d8_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<b>Project 5- improv cushion for eldest child</b><br />
This is the last one and probably should be top of the list one because he would like it finished asap and because it's the smallest and easiest - excuse the instagram photo.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50573565@N03/8337389235/" title="Making a start on 1st project for the new year - a cushion requested by my eldest. by sewquine@theochiltree, on Flickr"><img alt="Making a start on 1st project for the new year - a cushion requested by my eldest." height="612" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8355/8337389235_33ccedfb9f_z.jpg" width="612" /></a><br />
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So there we go a list which is longer than I was intending but it'll give me something to work towards and also a starting point for doing some wip Wednesday posts too.<br />
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I suppose I'd better go and pay the family some attention ;) happy sewing folks.<br />
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Bye for now<br />
<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i772.photobucket.com/albums/yy7/SewQuine/nikki.jpg" />Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04474494233318706924noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4736904513491681255.post-37213463164995952262013-01-11T22:20:00.002+00:002013-01-11T22:20:37.181+00:00first makes of the yearIt's been lovely to get back to some sewing this week. Even better was the fact I was using my new machine, yes I was a very lucky girl and got a new sewing machine during the holidays. Here's the photo I gleefully posted on Instagram when hubbie arrived home with it. It is rather fantastic and has oodles of functions that my old machine doesn't have. I don't think I'll ever tire of the auto thread cutter - it's magic and now my floor is no longer covered in thread yay!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50573565@N03/8322141462/" title="My new janome TXL 607- It's so fab I think i may faint :) by sewquine@theochiltree, on Flickr"><img alt="My new janome TXL 607- It's so fab I think i may faint :)" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8215/8322141462_e86657a66f_z.jpg" /></a>
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I'm still getting to know her and after a small falling out when she had to go back to the shop at the beginning of the week we are getting on well. The feed dogs suddenly decided to drop in the middle of sewing and flat refused to come back up again but all fixed now.<br />
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One of the new functions I have to play with is lettering so I put this to use while making my niece's birthday present. I'd had it in my mind to make her either a book bag or a softie and my brother voted for the book bag as she already has a teddy that is much loved so a new soft toy would more than likely not make the grade.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50573565@N03/8370461265/" title="tamars-bag by sewquine@theochiltree, on Flickr"><img alt="tamars-bag" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8372/8370461265_76f4f4124b_z.jpg" /></a></div>
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I used some great fabric that I've had stashed for ages which is covered cute houses, flowers and flowers and some glitter too. Funny how things work out but the books that Jamie helped choose for his cousin also had glitter on each page.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50573565@N03/8371529564/" title="tamars-bag by sewquine@theochiltree, on Flickr"><img alt="tamars-bag" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8331/8371529564_d1986b9c8d_z.jpg" /></a></div>
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<i>So you don't have to turn your head upside down it says 'lets go to the library'.</i></div>
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Due to the delay caused by the feed dog issue I was a bit close to the wire with posting Tamar's present but give the Royal Mail their due, 1st class post to Shetland arrived the very next day!!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50573565@N03/8370487411/" title="tamars-bag by sewquine@theochiltree, on Flickr"><img alt="tamars-bag" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8368/8370487411_6e986473b7_z.jpg" /></a>
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My other make this week is a <a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?cl=76235&c=ib&aff=147940%22%20target=%22ejejcsingle%22" target="_blank">Michelle Pattern</a> Mini Pleated Pouch. I love the mini version, very cute! I wasn't planning on putting this one in <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/theochiltree" target="_blank">the shop</a> as it was a trial run but it came out perfectly so into the shop it went. I'm planning some linen combo ones and I might add some hand stitching to them I think<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50573565@N03/8371646606/" title="pleated pouch Collage by sewquine@theochiltree, on Flickr"><img alt="pleated pouch Collage" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8228/8371646606_a027649b4d_z.jpg" /></a>
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Well I know have to go and complete the online food shop which I've decided to give a go as we all dread the weekly shop so much. It could take a while but I'm hoping it'll free up our weekend a bit and stop the moaning, winging and desperate cry for 'SWEETIES' ...urgh!<br />
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Bye for now and have a good weekend<br />
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<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i772.photobucket.com/albums/yy7/SewQuine/nikki.jpg" />Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04474494233318706924noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4736904513491681255.post-56535738568135437252013-01-08T22:26:00.001+00:002013-01-08T22:34:00.133+00:00welcome 2013 and the 2012 round upWow there goes another year and here we are in 2013! I hope you all had a lovely break and are now ready for the new year ahead.<br />
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I thought I'd take a quick look back on 2012 and see what went on and whether I managed to keep any of the sewing <a href="http://sewquine.blogspot.co.uk/2012/01/resolved-to-sew-2012.html" target="_blank">resolutions</a> made this time last year.<br />
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<span style="color: #666666;">From Jan 2012</span><br />
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<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #666666;">Make Jamie's Children at Play Juice Box quilt - this is carried forward from last year <i><u>- completed</u></i></span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #666666;">Make Callum's improve quilt - again carried forward from last year <i><u>- cut out but not started</u> :(</i></span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #666666;">Join a QAL - already in progress with Katy's <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/1904864@N22/" style="text-decoration: initial;">Swoon-along</a> <u><i>- still a wip</i></u></span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #666666;">Join a swap - also in progress with the <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/mouthystitches/pool/with/6630412617/" style="text-decoration: initial;">Mouthy Stitches Zipper Pouch Swap</a> <i><u>- completed three times over with Mouthy Stitches 1 and 2 plus the Japanese Charm Swap</u> :)</i></span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #666666;">Complete my PIFs - very embarrassed to say this is also carried forward from last year, sorry girls didn't mean to be this rubbish <i><u>- completed</u></i></span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #666666;">Try paper piecing - I have <a href="http://pinterest.com/sewquine/paper-piecing-sometime-maybe/" style="text-decoration: initial;">paper piecing board</a> on Pinterest that I'm pinning ideas and tutorials on so if you have any more for me please let me know <i><u>- completed again with Mouthy Stitches 1</u></i> </span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #666666;">Make more things for my shop - need to work out a system of keeping the shop stocked, dealing with custom orders and also getting my own sewing done - think this will have to involve cloning or time travel so will need a lot of work :) <u><i>- ongoing/completed and no still not mastered the cloning/time travel bit</i></u> ;)</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #666666;">Join a sewing group - yay I can tick that one too as I'm very excited about going to the first meeting of the West Central Scotland Modern Quilting Guild set up by Katy from<a href="http://thelittlestthistlecraftshop.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2012-01-11T23:26:00Z&max-results=7" style="text-decoration: initial;"> The Littlest Thistle</a> -<u><i> already joined when I wrote this so a bit of a cheat but I'll take it as completed, although sadly only made it to a couple of meetings.</i></u></span></li>
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I completed seven yay! Well I've done some creative accounting to get to seven completed really but cleverly (read that as luckily) I listed resolution 3 as to<i> 'join'</i> a QAL now technically I did 'join' the Swoon-a-long but so far I'm not even half way to completing the top!<br />
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So that only leaves the quilt for my eldest which really really must be done this year before he changes his mind.<br />
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I've got quite a few things planned for this year, I was thinking of joining the <a href="http://www.shecanquilt.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Finish a-long</a> as I have quite a few projects ongoing that haven't even mentioned yet, maybe that'd help keep me on track, what do you think? I'll need to stay strong though to stick to my planned projects as every time I look at Instagram I see another project I want to do, #scrappytripalong - need I say more!!!<br />
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Anyway here is a little mosaic of finishes in 2012, the blocks for the Siblings Together is not really a finish but I loved being involved even in a small way with such a lovely project so I've added it anyway.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50573565@N03/8361737249/" title="2012 roundup by sewquine@theochiltree, on Flickr"><img alt="2012 roundup" height="481" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8098/8361737249_26ec97b3a1_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
1. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/50573565@N03/6857792966/">swoon-1-and-2</a>, 2. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/50573565@N03/6795176932/">mouthy stitches pouch front</a>, 3. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/50573565@N03/6983259026/">children at play quilt</a>, 4. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/50573565@N03/7128773519/">super hero 5</a>, 5. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/50573565@N03/7006614860/">blocks-for-siblings-together</a>, 6. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/50573565@N03/7679885424/">241 tote using melody miller fabric :)</a>, 7. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/50573565@N03/7749336838/">Melody Miller/Michelle Patterns Messenger Bag</a>, 8. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/50573565@N03/8116971468/">Mouthy Stitches 2 completed bag</a>, 9. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/50573565@N03/6663072019/">teddy bear sleeping bag</a>, 10. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/50573565@N03/6831944737/">PIF pouch and pin cusion</a>, 11. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/50573565@N03/6887886423/">Ruby Star Rising Bag and Pincushion</a>, 12. <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/50573565@N03/6800412169/">dead simple quilt</a><br />
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Bye for now<br />
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<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i772.photobucket.com/albums/yy7/SewQuine/nikki.jpg" />Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04474494233318706924noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4736904513491681255.post-61702335872814312492012-12-24T12:50:00.001+00:002012-12-24T12:50:40.402+00:00Merry Christmas Eve<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50573565@N03/8303856952/" title="noel cushion by sewquine@theochiltree, on Flickr"><img alt="noel cushion" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8499/8303856952_b6335b3329_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Just popping in to wish you all a wonderful Christmas, I can't believe it's come round again so quickly. We're almost ready for the big day, food is all bought, last minute dash to the shops is done and for once all the wrapping is finished before 11pm so I'm hoping to settle down in front of the telly with the family tonight.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50573565@N03/8303907514/" title="ginger biscuits by sewquine@theochiltree, on Flickr"><img alt="ginger biscuits" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8083/8303907514_9a9fc8003c_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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First though I'll be making more of the <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/ginger_biscuits_87673" target="_blank">Nigel Slater Ginger Biscuits</a> that we made as teacher gifts as they are well yummy!!!</div>
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Bye for now</div>
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<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i772.photobucket.com/albums/yy7/SewQuine/nikki.jpg" /></div>
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Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04474494233318706924noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4736904513491681255.post-72728236708749836732012-11-14T16:59:00.001+00:002012-11-14T21:33:40.956+00:00swap goodiesJust pretend that there's hasn't been a full week between posts even though I said last Tuesday I'd be back tomorrow... well you know how it is.<br />
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Anyway I struck it lucky in the Mouthy Stitches swap and received a gorgeous tote from Sarah at <a href="http://fairyfacedesigns.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">FairyFaceDesigns</a>. I had an inkling when I saw the post mark and then even just peeking through the tissue paper I knew what gorgeousness was waiting inside.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50573565@N03/8185446694/" title="received - mouthy stitches 2 by sewquine@theochiltree, on Flickr"><img alt="received - mouthy stitches 2" height="840" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8489/8185446694_85ea021b42_b.jpg" width="600" /></a>
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Nice ain't it and wait there's more, look at the back...</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50573565@N03/8185409135/" title="received - mouthy stitches 2 by sewquine@theochiltree, on Flickr"><img alt="received - mouthy stitches 2" height="840" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8349/8185409135_a10aab25c2_b.jpg" width="600" /></a>
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Then there's the inside, </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50573565@N03/8185446578/" title="received - mouthy stitches 2 by sewquine@theochiltree, on Flickr"><img alt="received - mouthy stitches 2" height="840" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8487/8185446578_d52efacce3_b.jpg" width="600" /></a>
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See I told you I got lucky, oodles of my favourite fabrics, great quilting, hand stitching, scrappy and full of colour against a grey background and oh circles too. I totally forgot to photograph the key fob which is a crime as it's blinking cute, nip over to <a href="http://fairyfacedesigns.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/quilted-tote-bag-for-mouthy-stitches.html" target="_blank">sarah's blog</a> for a squint and a run down on her making of this bag.</div>
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It's been a total nightmare getting photos taken here lately, honestly it's grey and half dark and mostly raining all the time, grrr! </div>
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I'm not getting much in the way of sewing for me done at the moment so there's not much to share with you. I've booked a stall at a local fund raising event and I'm desperately trying to make enough stock for that. This'll be my first attempt at selling directly to the public so I'm as bit nervous about the whole thing. Although I will probably have met most of the ladies before at various toddler groups etc so it's probably the best venue for a first table sale.</div>
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So this year I'm not planning on making many Christmas gifts for my family. What about you, are you well under way with the Christmas gift making?</div>
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bye for now<br />
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<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i772.photobucket.com/albums/yy7/SewQuine/nikki.jpg" />Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04474494233318706924noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4736904513491681255.post-28909816958722543542012-11-06T22:03:00.001+00:002012-11-06T22:03:30.083+00:00so those cathedral windows...<div>
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When I was coming up with ideas for the Mouthy Stitches 2 Tote one of the designs was based on using the cathedral window block. In all honesty I actually based my design on a simpler way of getting a similar effect which uses a circle of fabric folded around a square but I felt since I'd called the design cathedrals it might be a shame not to do proper cathedral blocks.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50573565@N03/8048276445/" title="mouthy stitchsy final 3small by sewquine@theochiltree, on Flickr"><img alt="mouthy stitchsy final 3small" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8313/8048276445_4227895c22_z.jpg" width="616" /></a>
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So anyway since I'd not made this block before I did a bit of internet trawling for a tutorial and here are the two I used most <a href="http://hyena-in-petticoats.blogspot.co.uk/2007/08/cathedral-window-quilt-tutorial.html" target="_blank">Hyena in Petticoats</a> and <a href="http://jamiemueller.blogspot.co.uk/2012/04/cathedral-windows-basics-tutorial.html" target="_blank">Sunflower Seeds</a>. Now I realised that making proper cathedrals posed a small problem as the way the colour blocks would come out once they were all folded would not match the design I'd come up with.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50573565@N03/8116963585/" title="CATHEDRAL-FABRIC by sewquine@theochiltree, on Flickr"><img alt="CATHEDRAL-FABRIC" height="429" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8044/8116963585_917263d005_z.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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In order for the pattern to work out properly the original piece of fabric needed to be divided up into triangles as you see above. Once folded and pressed to oblivion the blocks then matched my original plan.</div>
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Now I used some Essex Linen in Steel from Justine at <a href="http://simplysolids.co.uk/" target="_blank">Simply Solids</a> which is reeeeally nice like but it might have made pressing easier if I'd used standard quilting cotton. The linen is a bit thicker and with the extra seams caused by the piecing I did have to show the corners who's boss more than once.<br />
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Of course in the end I changed the colours a bit once it started coming together, sometimes once projects are in progress they change and grow as they go along. For instance I didn't plan on adding the black print at the base originally but I thought it was a good foil for the white text prints as well as being practical.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50573565@N03/8116971468/" title="Mouthy Stitches 2 completed bag by sewquine@theochiltree, on Flickr"><img alt="Mouthy Stitches 2 completed bag" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8189/8116971468_bb7d51e203_z.jpg" width="457" /></a>
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So now the tote is living with Jennifer of <a href="http://ellisonlane.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Ellison Lane Quilts</a> and tomorrow I'll let you see the gorgeous tote I received from my swap partner.<br />
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In the mean time why not go and cast your vote in <a href="http://amyscreativeside.com/2012/11/05/bloggers-quilt-festival-vote-now-2/" target="_blank">The Blogger's Quilt Festival</a> so many talented quilters and stunning work, including some familiar names from Mouthy Stitches gang too.<br />
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Bye for now</div>
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Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04474494233318706924noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4736904513491681255.post-68780466366946272242012-11-05T22:02:00.002+00:002012-11-05T22:08:53.662+00:00falling behindOh dear I've fallen way behind not only with blogging but also commenting on your blogs too so sorry if I've not kept up. I opened my reader the other day and saw over 400 posts unread eep!<br /><br />I realise I have quite a few blog posts in my head that haven't made it onto here yet. So I'm going to play catch up this week and try out posting more often, you never know it might turn into a habit, unlikely but possible none the less.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50573565@N03/7806945966/" title="flowers-from-janet by sewquine@theochiltree, on Flickr"><img alt="flowers-from-janet" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8294/7806945966_9401f6d6ee_z.jpg" width="427" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13px;"><i>lovely bunch of flowers in lieu of sewing content</i></span></div>
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I've only just decided this so I've no real content to add tonight as I have a load of photos to sort out for the shop and if I don't sort them tonight I'll just keep putting it off, I reeeaaally don't like doing the photos, give me sewing any time over photo editing.<br />
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Anyway hope you're all doing fine and I shall be back tomorrow with something proper to say.<br />
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Bye for now<br />
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<img alt="post signature" class="centered" src="http://i772.photobucket.com/albums/yy7/SewQuine/nikki.jpg" />Nikkihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04474494233318706924noreply@blogger.com2