tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61846141132031522082024-02-18T22:20:28.787-08:00Sew Much ProgressSewing, quilting, textiles, embroidery...whatever takes my fancy next...VivJMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18138515974908772675noreply@blogger.comBlogger158125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6184614113203152208.post-80251354155345969012012-01-12T15:14:00.000-08:002012-01-12T15:14:01.396-08:00A New Blogging StartPlease follow me there:<br />
<a href="http://livegrownourishcreate.wordpress.com/"><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">http://livegrownourishcreate.wordpress.com/</span><br />
</a>VivJMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18138515974908772675noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6184614113203152208.post-77112434466116657102012-01-05T03:40:00.000-08:002012-01-05T03:40:42.055-08:00A Little BlogcationI have decided to take a bit of a blogcation...maybe a couple of weeks, maybe a month, maybe more...<br />
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I realised that I have been making things to show on my blog, regardless of whether they are things I wanted to make; have started to feel stressed when I've got "nothing to show" and have been comparing my skills unfavourably with other bloggers so that rather than being inspired by others' creativity, I have been intimidated and stifled by it. At the moment, the blog feels like one pressure (albeit self-imposed!) too many. <b> I need to take a break, get my groove back, and just play for a bit.<i></i></b><br />
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I have really appreciated all the lovely comments from readers and followers but just need this time, so BYE FOR NOW!!VivJMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18138515974908772675noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6184614113203152208.post-53254082259840663222012-01-02T08:18:00.000-08:002012-01-02T08:18:05.033-08:00A Crazy Start<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/towardsagoodlife/6619679283/" title="January block pieced by Viv J M, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7023/6619679283_b0f041e633.jpg" width="500" height="497" alt="January block pieced"></a><br />
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With some trepidation I started cutting into some of my selected fabrics to piece my first ever crazy quilt block. I used the "antique method" described by J Marsha Michler in her book <a href="http://www.bookdepository.co.uk/Crazy-Quilting-Complete-Guide-JMarsha-Michler/9780896895201">Crazy Quilting The Complete Guide</a>. This basically involves cutting patches and placing them randomly, then turning under seam allowances, pressing them and basting (as you can see from this detail):<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/towardsagoodlife/6619678025/" title="elephant seam closeup by Viv J M, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7007/6619678025_9e3609b752_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="elephant seam closeup"></a><br />
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I liked the painterly/collage type of feel to this method, but did find it rather time consuming and laborious. I may try machine piecing my next block. <br />
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The idea of the <a href="http://www.cqjp2012.blogspot.com/">Crazy Quilt Journal Project</a> is to extend your own skills in crazy quilting, and already I am learning a lot! Next time I need to make sure that I cut the patches big enough for the seam allowances to extend beyond the marked foundation, as I think I may end up having to trim this block to half an inch smaller than I had originally intended. Also, my curved piece at top right may have been a little too steeply curved as I found it very difficult to turn under the seam allowance. <br />
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On a positive note - I am pleased with the overall composition and the colours.<br />
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And now I have to decide how to embellish the block. Where on earth to start??!?VivJMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18138515974908772675noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6184614113203152208.post-28213174688425529042011-12-31T14:20:00.000-08:002011-12-31T14:20:02.001-08:00Open in 2012Well, the Christmas holiday is over and 2011 has drawn to a close...it must be time to look forward to 2012! Happy New Year folks.<br />
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So, what's planned for 2012? I think my main two projects this year are surely going to be the <a href="http://www.cqjp2012.blogspot.com/">Crazy Quilt Journal Project</a> and <a href="http://www.pintangle.com/community-challenges/2011/12/1/take-a-stitch-tuesday-2012-challenge-information-page.html">Take a Stitch Tuesday</a>. But a Christmas gift of this book from my mum may well inspire a new craze: <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/towardsagoodlife/6608942815/" title="apron book by Viv J M, on Flickr"><img alt="apron book" height="240" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7023/6608942815_b775b37196_m.jpg" width="180" /></a><br />
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I do love a nice apron! Or, as I prefer to call it, a "pinny"! I think I will probably start off with the basic waist apron:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/towardsagoodlife/6608945163/" title="basic waist apron by Viv J M, on Flickr"><img alt="basic waist apron" height="240" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7156/6608945163_b29f798d9b_m.jpg" width="180" /></a><br />
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And then progress to a basic smock apron:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/towardsagoodlife/6608946007/" title="basic smock apron by Viv J M, on Flickr"><img alt="basic smock apron" height="240" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7028/6608946007_7550f9b403_m.jpg" width="180" /></a><br />
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2012- The Year of the Apron. Watch this space.<br />
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When I was having a bit of a clear out over the holidays, I came across a stack of HST units leftover from my <a href="http://sewmuchprogress.blogspot.com/2011/02/pieced-quilted-bound-finished.html">scrappy Jacob's Ladder quilt</a>, and having promised a quilt to a friend of mine, I think I will make this the start of a scrappy triangles quilt:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/towardsagoodlife/6608944061/" title="triangles by Viv J M, on Flickr"><img alt="triangles" height="233" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7171/6608944061_da0c4726f2_m.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
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Waif helped with the layout for the photo, and was quite insistent that all the red triangles needed to go in the middle. I wasn't sure, but I think he's quite right! So perhaps scrappy but with red diamonds at the centre of all the blocks. I certainly have plenty of scraps of red after making <a href="http://sewmuchprogress.blogspot.com/2011/08/gmans-quilt-is-finished.html">Gman's quilt</a>. <br />
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On a more general level, my aims for 2012 can be summed up in one word: <span style="font-size: large;">OPEN</span>. I am going to aim to be more <span style="font-size: large;">OPEN</span> to trying new challenges, <span style="font-size: large;">OPEN </span>to new ideas, <span style="font-size: large;">OPEN </span>to accepting change. This will be the year of no-holds barred.<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br />
</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>What are your plans for 2012?</i></span>VivJMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18138515974908772675noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6184614113203152208.post-45869561553396092482011-12-19T00:54:00.000-08:002011-12-19T00:54:51.649-08:00Christmas Through the Year - DecemberSorry about the terrible photo, but it's evidence, right?<br />
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I whipped up this little drawstring lingerie bag for a certain person, who shall remain nameless in case she reads this! There's some pretty undies to go inside of course...<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/towardsagoodlife/6536620209/" title="lingerie bag by Viv J M, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7028/6536620209_f56a3eb63c.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="lingerie bag"></a><br />
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Hop on over to <a href="http://allie-oopssweethappylife.blogspot.com/2011/12/december-strut-your-stuff.html">Allie's blog</a> to see what other folks have made this month.VivJMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18138515974908772675noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6184614113203152208.post-27813176368944624232011-12-13T03:37:00.000-08:002011-12-13T03:37:06.795-08:00Turn Out the LightsIt's been a while since I did any art journalling, but I was inspired by something I read this week to put together this spread:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/towardsagoodlife/6504547881/" title="turn out the lights by Viv J M, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7024/6504547881_cdb10eed66.jpg" width="500" height="355" alt="turn out the lights"></a><br />
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The page was one I had already prepped with black gesso and I cut the "Turn Out The Lights" from a magazine a while back, knowing that it would come in useful one day! The reading that inspired it was from a book about Zen koans called <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2867530-bring-me-the-rhinoceros">Bring Me the Rhinoceros</a>. I have to concede that a lot of this book is <i>way</i> beyond my level of understanding but there are odd bits that sink in and get me thinking. This particular koan was about being open to the idea that everything is inconceivable when it comes down to it, so that rather than trying to know the unknown we should "<i>make friends with the inconceivable</i>" and "<i>start an exploration into the unlit realms</i>". Fascinating stuff and an excuse to break out the metallic pens and silver star stickers :-)VivJMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18138515974908772675noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6184614113203152208.post-87168787035922077582011-12-12T13:26:00.000-08:002011-12-12T13:26:41.515-08:00Fickle, me?I've been thinking and rethinking my idea for 2012's Crazy Quilt Journal Project. In <a href="http://sewmuchprogress.blogspot.com/2011/11/whats-your-flower.html">this post</a>, I talked about my idea of each month representing a birth flower. But after giving this some thought, I think this will end up being a very tasteful and feminine quilt. And although there is nothing wrong with tasteful and feminine, it's just not <i>me</i>!!<br />
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So, I'm thinking I'm going to go for something a bit more vibrant and colourful, and have started pulling together fabrics in hot pinks, oranges and reds, with silks and sparkly bits and ethnic prints:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/towardsagoodlife/6498360281/" title="indian summer fabric choices by Viv J M, on Flickr"><img alt="indian summer fabric choices" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7152/6498360281_2bb6f2507f.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/towardsagoodlife/6498358101/" title="indian summer fabric choices (2) by Viv J M, on Flickr"><img alt="indian summer fabric choices (2)" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7026/6498358101_d9b986398b.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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And with regards to the embellishment and embroidery I'm thinking BEADS and SHISHA MIRRORS and SPARKLY THINGS and SHINY THINGS and SEQUINS and RIBBONS - just generally no holds barred!<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Now, doesn't that sound a lot more me??!!</b></span></i>VivJMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18138515974908772675noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6184614113203152208.post-53755505581841321932011-12-03T09:43:00.000-08:002011-12-03T09:43:26.031-08:00Fenced In is Finally FinishedOoh, I do like a nice bit of alliteration.<br />
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Yes, Waif's quilt "<i>Fenced In</i>" is finally complete and on his bed. He is chuffed to bits with it, and so am I. It has to be my favourite quilt so far (sssh, don't tell his brother). A bit tricky to get a photo that shows it off in all its glory so here are three:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/towardsagoodlife/6447539029/" title="Fenced In by Viv J M, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7157/6447539029_5591c98bdb.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="Fenced In"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/towardsagoodlife/6447533745/" title="fenced in 2 by Viv J M, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7009/6447533745_c4bdd90ef1.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="fenced in 2"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/towardsagoodlife/6447600601/" title="fenced in full flat shot by Viv J M, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7159/6447600601_36f2dbf114.jpg" width="481" height="500" alt="fenced in full flat shot"></a><br />
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After months of laboriously and lovingly hand quilting with pearl cottons, I passed it on to the Binding Fairy (aka my mum, aka <a href="http://spidergranssewing.blogspot.com/">Spidergran</a>) to sew the binding on. Didn't she do a great job?<br />
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This is the first time I have used a pieced backing on a quilt and I quite like that too:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/towardsagoodlife/6447598995/" title="fenced in back by Viv J M, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7022/6447598995_daeb05081a.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="fenced in back"></a><br />
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although sometimes the multiple seams did make it a bit tricky to get the quilting thread through. <br />
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In other news, I knocked up a little penguin Christmas ornament:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/towardsagoodlife/6447549137/" title="round penguin by Viv J M, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7141/6447549137_c3c1879537.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="round penguin"></a><br />
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We have all been enjoying watching the BBC's <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00mfl7n">Frozen Planet</a> and Waif in particular has formed quite a love for penguins. I thought it only fitting that we should have some penguin ornaments to hang on the tree. I stumbled across <a href="http://acreativedreamer.blogspot.com/">A Creative Dream</a> blog and June is sharing 15 days of 15 ornaments, including two penguin ornaments amongst others (santas, snowmen, moons, an angel...they are all gorgeous). The tutorial for this particular penguin can be found <a href="http://acreativedreamer.blogspot.com/2011/11/number-7.html">here</a> although you may notice I have made a couple of lazy stitcher amendments...French knots instead of beads for eyes, and my penguin has a plain scarf...<br />
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Waif likes it anyway:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/towardsagoodlife/6447566335/" title="waif models penguin by Viv J M, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7010/6447566335_dfff403f20.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="waif models penguin"></a>VivJMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18138515974908772675noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6184614113203152208.post-81749590822560211262011-11-29T05:42:00.000-08:002011-11-29T05:42:55.566-08:00Christmas Through the Year - NovemberYay, I finally got round to finishing my last Chrismtas name panel! I procrastinate terribly when it comes to finishing off projects - I hate binding - but then find it never takes as long as I think it's going to take.<br />
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Anyway, here it is, just in time for November's Christmas Through the Year challenge:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/towardsagoodlife/6424801729/" title="Harry Complete by Viv J M, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7155/6424801729_71e5b56c6c.jpg" width="500" height="261" alt="Harry Complete"></a><br />
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Check out what other folks have been making <a href="http://allie-oopssweethappylife.blogspot.com/2011/11/november-christmas-through-year-strut.html">here</a>. And a big thanks to Allie for hosting the Christmas Through the Year challenge! I never would have managed to get all these presents made without the encouragement and support of being part of this challenge.VivJMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18138515974908772675noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6184614113203152208.post-42778606353169534012011-11-28T02:43:00.000-08:002011-11-28T02:43:49.141-08:00The Excitement MountsAs if I wasn't excited enough about the <a href="http://www.cqjp2012.blogspot.com/">Crazy Quilt Journal Project 2012</a>, I have another reason to be <i>even more excited<b></b></i>! The reason is that my wonderfully talented and creative mum is also going to be participating in the challenge! And she has started a blog - check out her first blog post <a href="http://spidergranssewing.blogspot.com/2011/11/why-i-am-here-why-am-i-here-why-here-i.html">here</a>, and see the beautiful crazy quilt wallhanging she made last year.VivJMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18138515974908772675noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6184614113203152208.post-4722911953639231982011-11-24T03:51:00.000-08:002011-11-24T03:51:42.099-08:00What's Your Flower?So, to the snowdrops...if you guessed it was something to do with the Crazy Quilt Journal Project, you were right!<br />
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It started when I came across this in one of our homeschool books:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/towardsagoodlife/6393989461/" title="shakespeare flowers by Viv J M, on Flickr"><img alt="shakespeare flowers" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7165/6393989461_86259a5892.jpg" width="333" /></a><br />
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(<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42065.Shakespeare_for_Kids">Shakespeare for Kids</a>)<br />
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Aha! I thought, I can use this list to give me a starting point for each of my crazy quilt journal blocks! And yay! The first month is snowdrop, one of my favourite flowers. So, I started gathering pictures from Flickr for inspiration, and this helped me to pull together this little bundle of scraps to work with for my first block: <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/towardsagoodlife/6394018017/" title="fabrics for snowdrop theme by Viv J M, on Flickr"><img alt="fabrics for snowdrop theme" height="375" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6116/6394018017_d22d8507fd.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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The colours are much nicer in real life, but sadly the light in a British November does not do it justice :-(. <br />
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So, I'm thinking I will use each of the flowers as a starting point for each block, to help inform colour themes and embellishment ideas for each month. I may use actual pictoral representations of some of the flowers, but mainly it will be just to give me a starting place for choosing the colours. And as all the flowers will have at least some green for the foliage, this will give a commonality running through all the blocks. <br />
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Having had a gander about the interwebs at different lists of birth flowers, there is some variation in what are the "official" birth flowers, so I have chosen my favourites from a variety of sources and these are the ones I will choose:<br />
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January - Snowdrop<br />
February - Violet<br />
March - Daffodil<br />
April - Daisy<br />
May - Hawthorn<br />
June - Rose<br />
July - Delphinium<br />
August - Poppy<br />
September - Forget-me-not<br />
October - Calendula<br />
November - Chrysanthemum<br />
December - Holly<br />
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I think this will give a nice mix of different colours and variations.<br />
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<i><b>So, if you are doing the CQJP2012, what will you be doing for each of your different month's blocks</b>?<b></b></i>. I would love to hear other's ideas :-)VivJMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18138515974908772675noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6184614113203152208.post-3177380971788911792011-11-22T09:29:00.001-08:002011-11-22T09:29:46.387-08:00Snowdrops<div style="padding: 0; overflow: hidden; margin: 0; width: 500px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/robertpix2010/5450573360/in/gallery-towardsagoodlife-72157628094612793/" title="Snowdrops" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5180/5450573360_813a72c6a7_s.jpg" alt="Snowdrops" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/leeelvin/3278573929/in/gallery-towardsagoodlife-72157628094612793/" title="Snowdrops" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3317/3278573929_48dc841dc0_s.jpg" alt="Snowdrops" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/amortize/373757532/in/gallery-towardsagoodlife-72157628094612793/" title="snowdrops" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm1.staticflickr.com/141/373757532_8fb812591b_s.jpg" alt="snowdrops" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/snappery/3300334162/in/gallery-towardsagoodlife-72157628094612793/" title="Snowdrop, Clissold Park" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3362/3300334162_f41623833b_s.jpg" alt="Snowdrop, Clissold Park" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/janiceheppenstall/5461402100/in/gallery-towardsagoodlife-72157628094612793/" title="Snowdrop" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5012/5461402100_e30ba9351c_s.jpg" alt="Snowdrop" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gfr/5597402/in/gallery-towardsagoodlife-72157628094612793/" title="Snowdrops in Epping Forest" style="display: block; padding: 0 0 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm1.staticflickr.com/3/5597402_0206c08a14_s.jpg" alt="Snowdrops in Epping Forest" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><br clear="all"/><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daugirdas/2243197974/in/gallery-towardsagoodlife-72157628094612793/" title="Snowdrops" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2242/2243197974_89efe27d78_s.jpg" alt="Snowdrops" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/daugirdas/2256584072/in/gallery-towardsagoodlife-72157628094612793/" title="Snowdrops" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2235/2256584072_865f10cf52_s.jpg" alt="Snowdrops" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mikedpeters/847895200/in/gallery-towardsagoodlife-72157628094612793/" title="Snowdrops" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm2.staticflickr.com/1425/847895200_e307d85d59_s.jpg" alt="Snowdrops" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/h-art_images/3282439634/in/gallery-towardsagoodlife-72157628094612793/" title="Snowdrops" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3320/3282439634_ca75275ebf_s.jpg" alt="Snowdrops" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/janiceheppenstall/5470980691/in/gallery-towardsagoodlife-72157628094612793/" title="Snowdrops" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5011/5470980691_4c1a5b40e1_s.jpg" alt="Snowdrops" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jeffbevan/5158831614/in/gallery-towardsagoodlife-72157628094612793/" title="Snowdrops" style="display: block; padding: 0 0 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm2.staticflickr.com/1242/5158831614_136e637d7e_s.jpg" alt="Snowdrops" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><br clear="all"/><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jkslouth/2247800129/in/gallery-towardsagoodlife-72157628094612793/" title="snowdrops, ghiocei - Galanthus" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2310/2247800129_dee04256ba_s.jpg" alt="snowdrops, ghiocei - Galanthus" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jo_mclure/396059891/in/gallery-towardsagoodlife-72157628094612793/" title="Snowdrops" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm1.staticflickr.com/182/396059891_1ae0608a9f_s.jpg" alt="Snowdrops" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/janiceheppenstall/5470980689/in/gallery-towardsagoodlife-72157628094612793/" title="Snowdrops" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5255/5470980689_f38e1ec38a_s.jpg" alt="Snowdrops" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/1234567890qwerty/5477111306/in/gallery-towardsagoodlife-72157628094612793/" title="Snowdrops" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5094/5477111306_5950ac4133_s.jpg" alt="Snowdrops" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/adrian_wraith/5482483873/in/gallery-towardsagoodlife-72157628094612793/" title="Snowdrops_3" style="display: block; padding: 0 10px 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5054/5482483873_9a0908079a_s.jpg" alt="Snowdrops_3" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jimfrazier/3376422500/in/gallery-towardsagoodlife-72157628094612793/" title="Snowdrops" style="display: block; padding: 0 0 10px 0; width: 75px; height: 75px; float: left;"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3419/3376422500_ca91920fc9_s.jpg" alt="Snowdrops" style="border:none; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 75px; height: 75px;"/></a><br clear="all"/></div><div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 5px"><p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/towardsagoodlife/galleries/72157628094612793/">Snowdrops</a>, a gallery on Flickr.</p></div><p>Why all the snowdrops? Wait and see :-)</p>VivJMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18138515974908772675noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6184614113203152208.post-50769012328610847302011-11-21T14:43:00.000-08:002011-11-21T14:43:39.622-08:00Going Crazy in 2012!I'm signing up for two challenges in 2012. <br />
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The first one will be Sharon of Pintangle's Take a Stitch Tuesday. Check out the details <a href="http://www.pintangle.com/journal/2011/11/21/take-a-stitch-tuesday-back-by-popular-demand.html">here</a>. Basically, it will involve learning a new embroidery stitch a week. <br />
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And so I have somewhere to put all these lovely new embroidery stitches, I am going to join in with the <a href="http://cqjp2012.blogspot.com/">Crazy Quilt Journal Project 2012</a>. This past year, I've been increasingly realising that it's hand stitching that really lights my fire and I'd like to do more of it. Crazy quilting seems to fit the bill perfectly. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiudsPp4bFFstGtmXwXPjeGXpoTEh8XhZtSCGHWswLiFc0Zc7TYBPWc8V78xm8mZ_ly74tO9Gjn5eIa-S2kcBH-Rqf3JsueCK2H0SqUq0QlB3zon16-0SIpwQvUc87-oN98vdY-KLdiZT5b/s1600/ISupportCQJP2012.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiudsPp4bFFstGtmXwXPjeGXpoTEh8XhZtSCGHWswLiFc0Zc7TYBPWc8V78xm8mZ_ly74tO9Gjn5eIa-S2kcBH-Rqf3JsueCK2H0SqUq0QlB3zon16-0SIpwQvUc87-oN98vdY-KLdiZT5b/s200/ISupportCQJP2012.jpg" width="167" /></a></div><br />
So, the challenge will be to create a crazy patchwork block each month (minimum size 6 x 6 inches) and the idea is that "<i>Blocks should challenge your individual skills. Work to expand your artistic views and improve your technical skills</i>." As I have never done any crazy quilting before, then this will definitely be expanding my skills! I have a bit of a planned theme for the blocks...but more of that in a later post...VivJMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18138515974908772675noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6184614113203152208.post-38931267655681292152011-11-19T06:07:00.000-08:002011-11-19T06:07:13.376-08:00A New Love AffairOther than fabric, threads and art supplies, one other thing I cannot resist is books. I have been a bookworm all my life, and until recently I thought e-readers were a horrible idea. I love the smell of books, the feel of them in my hands, the beauty of a bookshelf stacked with books...why on earth would I want to read books on a gadget?<br />
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But then I saw my friend's Kindle and I started to warm to the idea. Like me, she reads fantasy novels and some of them are ridiculously long and heavy enough to cause an injury. And the writing on the Kindle screen looks just like the writing in a book; and you can make it bigger for when your eyes get tired; and you can look words up in the dictionary as soon as you come across them without even leaving your seat! I was convinced.<br />
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So when the taxman sent me a refund for £90, about the same as the cost of a Kindle, I figured this must be a sign and I treated myself...just in time for a few days' holiday. Yep, I could go away for a few days and take a stack of books with me, and still hold them all in one hand :-). <br />
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So here I am in the hotel, reading in bed with my Kindle:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/towardsagoodlife/6363009519/" title="kindle at bedtime by Viv J M, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6211/6363009519_9c6cf2001f_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="kindle at bedtime"></a><br />
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As you can see, Gman has gone for the more conventional book approach!<br />
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And here's my new love on the table in the hotel room:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/towardsagoodlife/6363007137/" title="kindle in the hotel by Viv J M, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6097/6363007137_fa3db85785_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="kindle in the hotel"></a><br />
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Shamefaced at carrying my new love round in a jiffy bag, as soon as I got back home I whipped up this case for it:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/towardsagoodlife/6363012523/" title="kindle next to cover by Viv J M, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6052/6363012523_f4c5de6685_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="kindle next to cover"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/towardsagoodlife/6363013339/" title="kindle on the inside by Viv J M, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6108/6363013339_35cb17075d_m.jpg" width="160" height="240" alt="kindle on the inside"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/towardsagoodlife/6363014181/" title="kindle on top of cover by Viv J M, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6112/6363014181_95b12fd528_m.jpg" width="160" height="240" alt="kindle on top of cover"></a><br />
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I used the <a href="http://100billionstars.blogspot.com/2011/04/kindle-case-tutorial.html">tute </a>on 100 Billion Stars' blog, adjusting for the smaller size of the new Kindle. But the totally off centre button fastening is my own special take lol, and not part of the original instructions!VivJMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18138515974908772675noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6184614113203152208.post-60135448224683345212011-11-11T14:08:00.000-08:002011-11-11T14:08:11.890-08:00Eleven-eleven-eleven-eleven<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/towardsagoodlife/6334928767/" title="hexies progress nov 2011 by Viv J M, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6233/6334928767_70f8c424ec.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="hexies progress nov 2011"></a><br />
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So, on the eleventh day of the eleventh month of the year 2011, I finished sewing the eleventh ring of hexies to my charm quilt. Cool, huh?<br />
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As well as the technicolour photo above, I took one in black and white to check out how the values were working out:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/towardsagoodlife/6335688220/" title="hexies progress nov 2011 b&w by Viv J M, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6058/6335688220_428080f917.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="hexies progress nov 2011 b&w"></a><br />
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I think it's working out ;-)VivJMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18138515974908772675noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6184614113203152208.post-33205905487136739172011-11-08T01:14:00.000-08:002011-11-08T01:14:40.122-08:00Books, Books, Glorious Books!This weekend I went to the Autumn Quilt Festival. I was remarkably restrained when it came to buying fabric and threads...but then I hit the bookstands:<br />
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For some mixed media inspiration:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/towardsagoodlife/6324747873/" title="cps & alchemy by Viv J M, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6108/6324747873_1a6a7d216e_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="cps & alchemy"></a><br />
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For some art quiltiness:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/towardsagoodlife/6325502164/" title="color & composition by Viv J M, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6032/6325502164_970fec8540_m.jpg" width="160" height="240" alt="color & composition"></a><br />
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And for some liberated loveliness:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/towardsagoodlife/6325501976/" title="log cabins & folk art by Viv J M, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6225/6325501976_0f63deb1d4_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="log cabins & folk art"></a><br />
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And I'm feeling newly inspired and raring to go!<br />
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Meanwhile, I have been beavering away at Fenced In, trying to get the quilting finished by the end of November. I have done most of the houses and trees now, but then there is the perimeter fence to do. Here's a few little tasters:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/towardsagoodlife/6325506242/" title="lighthouse by Viv J M, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6045/6325506242_2c972898fe_m.jpg" width="180" height="240" alt="lighthouse"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/towardsagoodlife/6325505030/" title="orange star by Viv J M, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6098/6325505030_be2cc44741_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="orange star"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/towardsagoodlife/6325503612/" title="dotty house by Viv J M, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6213/6325503612_f7c2630808_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="dotty house"></a><br />
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The more I work on this quilt, the more I love it!VivJMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18138515974908772675noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6184614113203152208.post-55809744087622868342011-10-19T03:01:00.000-07:002011-10-19T03:01:38.301-07:00Hand Sewing WIPSThe trouble with hand sewing is that it's slooooow, which doesn't make for lots of photo opps. So you see, I <i>haven't </i>been slacking off the last few weeks, it's just that most of my sewing has been by hand. I'm working like mad to get Waif's "Fenced In" quilt finished before the cold nights set in. Plus adding the odd few hexagons to my charm quilt here and there. I tend not to make much progress on EPP in the darker months, because I find I need natural daylight to be able to see well enough to sew them together and there's not enough of that to be had :-(<br />
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Anyway, here's some work-in-progress shots of Fenced In (apologies for the scruffy basting threads that I haven't yet removed!):<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/towardsagoodlife/6259797065/" title="quilted house by Viv J M, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6057/6259797065_8f93c2964e.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="quilted house"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/towardsagoodlife/6260323558/" title="quilted church by Viv J M, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6233/6260323558_f4502a0dc2.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="quilted church"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/towardsagoodlife/6260322106/" title="quilted tree by Viv J M, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6055/6260322106_7ac73a855d.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="quilted tree"></a><br />
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And a little one of my charm quilt. I am about two-thirds of the way round the next "ring":<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/towardsagoodlife/6260326466/" title="hexagons wip october 2011 by Viv J M, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6233/6260326466_6374478b9b.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="hexagons wip october 2011"></a><br />
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And I have added borders to Harry's name banner. Next job to get this quilted, which I will probably do by machine:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/towardsagoodlife/6259797697/" title="harry with borders by Viv J M, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6055/6259797697_97b5701c07.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="harry with borders"></a><br />
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And yes, I have been continuing with the ICAD Challenge. I have even been following <a href="http://daisyyellow.squarespace.com/icad/index-card-a-day-icad-oct-3.html">prompts from Tammy</a>. Here's "scissors":<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/towardsagoodlife/6253381469/" title="icad october #15 by Viv J M, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6043/6253381469_d2d6949dfd.jpg" width="500" height="304" alt="icad october #15"></a><br />
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And this one's "zebra" (although it does look somewhat like a stripy cow I know!):<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/towardsagoodlife/6258094835/" title="icad october #16 by Viv J M, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6239/6258094835_e1cdaa71a7.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="icad october #16"></a><br />
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I think I may tackle "pineapple" next :-)VivJMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18138515974908772675noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6184614113203152208.post-49131507008076377882011-10-10T13:38:00.000-07:002011-10-10T13:38:33.349-07:00Paint, Stamp, Stick, SewWell, I've been a bit more creative this last few days, I think!<br />
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For my index cards, I prepped up a bunch of cards with gesso and acrylic paint, then each day picked out a card and added stamps, collaged bits, words etc. This was a fun way to work, cos it's not practical to paint every day (I make <i>such </i>a mess!) but I like the depth a painted background adds to what I make. Anyway, have a look:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/towardsagoodlife/6226300325/" title="icad october #9 by Viv J M, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6154/6226300325_9d22c5a4cd_m.jpg" width="240" height="145" alt="icad october #9"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/towardsagoodlife/6226296509/" title="icad october #8 by Viv J M, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6238/6226296509_95351a0a51_m.jpg" width="240" height="146" alt="icad october #8"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/towardsagoodlife/6226262182/" title="icad october #7 by Viv J M, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6118/6226262182_3c86ec7617_m.jpg" width="240" height="150" alt="icad october #7"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/towardsagoodlife/6225740299/" title="icad october #6 by Viv J M, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6108/6225740299_f2b40d088b_m.jpg" width="240" height="157" alt="icad october #6"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/towardsagoodlife/6231463728/" title="icad october #10 by Viv J M, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6218/6231463728_195287e077_m.jpg" width="240" height="144" alt="icad october #10"></a><br />
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Sewing wise, I have made a start on the last of my niece/nephew name panels. This one is for my youngest nephew, baby Harry:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/towardsagoodlife/6231551549/" title="Harry by Viv J M, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6033/6231551549_74a8aba8c6.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Harry"></a><br />
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I have to add borders, then quilt and bind but I've done the tricky letter making bit, and love how it looks. Something about the way the "a" sits next to the "H"...<br />
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Otherwise, I have been beavering away hand quilting "<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/towardsagoodlife/5486002220/in/set-72157623684376372">Fenced in</a>". I am quilting with big stitches in pearl cotton, and *hoping* to get it done with the next month or so ready for the winter but we'll have to wait and see. Hand quilting should not be rushed I feel :-). At least, that's my excuse, and I'm sticking with it!VivJMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18138515974908772675noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6184614113203152208.post-49567291821828463932011-10-01T08:55:00.000-07:002011-10-01T08:55:06.466-07:00ICAD Challenge - OctoberAnother month of the ICAD Challenge..?<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/towardsagoodlife/6200784880/" title="icad october #1 by Viv J M, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6180/6200784880_3c420ddfe1.jpg" width="500" height="300" alt="icad october #1"></a><br />
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...oh, go on then!VivJMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18138515974908772675noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6184614113203152208.post-30799096768395237562011-09-26T07:11:00.000-07:002011-09-26T07:11:57.520-07:00Index cards and....well, that's it reallyIt's been two weeks since my last blog post and I don't have a lot to report...seem to have lost my sewing mojo somewhere. Anyone seen it?<br />
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But I <i>have </i>continued with the ICAD Challenge and here's a few of my favourite recent cards:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/towardsagoodlife/6184947127/" title="icad september #27 by Viv J M, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6166/6184947127_3d382bce03_m.jpg" width="240" height="143" alt="icad september #27"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/towardsagoodlife/6182658880/" title="icad september #26 by Viv J M, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6160/6182658880_81e0d1ef2c_m.jpg" width="240" height="143" alt="icad september #26"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/towardsagoodlife/6172562326/" title="icad september #22 by Viv J M, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6177/6172562326_53bd616cb6_m.jpg" width="240" height="158" alt="icad september #22"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/towardsagoodlife/6169628254/" title="icad september #21 by Viv J M, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6165/6169628254_942bfeefa0_m.jpg" width="240" height="143" alt="icad september #21"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/towardsagoodlife/6155438851/" title="icad september #18 by Viv J M, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6173/6155438851_d508fa18e5_m.jpg" width="240" height="143" alt="icad september #18"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/towardsagoodlife/6150047168/" title="icad september #17 by Viv J M, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6085/6150047168_e2053c17b2_m.jpg" width="240" height="144" alt="icad september #17"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/towardsagoodlife/6150044786/" title="icad september #15 by Viv J M, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6161/6150044786_f7c74c164e_m.jpg" width="240" height="143" alt="icad september #15"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/towardsagoodlife/6144138380/" title="icad september #13 by Viv J M, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6208/6144138380_a28f218c52_m.jpg" width="240" height="142" alt="icad september #13"></a><br />
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Maybe normal service will resume soon.VivJMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18138515974908772675noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6184614113203152208.post-70680182482854724642011-09-12T14:23:00.000-07:002011-09-12T14:23:07.721-07:00Checkin in with the ChallengesAnother ring added to my <a href="http://lilysquilts.blogspot.com/2011/07/hexalong-starts-here.html">Hexalong </a>project:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/towardsagoodlife/6139988623/" title="10 rings of hexies by Viv J M, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6179/6139988623_b153abee2b.jpg" width="500" height="429" alt="10 rings of hexies"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/towardsagoodlife/6140538130/" title="10 rings close-up by Viv J M, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6191/6140538130_10072eb14d.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="10 rings close-up"></a><br />
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That's 331 hexagons stitched together. Phew.<br />
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And, yes, I've been continuing with the <a href="http://daisyyellow.squarespace.com/vividlife/index-card-a-day-icad-sept-2.html">ICAD Challenge</a>:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/towardsagoodlife/6119810077/" title="icad september #6 by Viv J M, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6080/6119810077_0fbdbfd42e_m.jpg" width="240" height="145" alt="icad september #6"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/towardsagoodlife/6123265471/" title="icad september #7 by Viv J M, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6080/6123265471_44c49222e1_m.jpg" width="240" height="145" alt="icad september #7"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/towardsagoodlife/6126628495/" title="icad september #8 by Viv J M, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6067/6126628495_74331b6c93_m.jpg" width="240" height="143" alt="icad september #8"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/towardsagoodlife/6136979652/" title="icad september #10 by Viv J M, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6185/6136979652_a53f924932_m.jpg" width="240" height="143" alt="icad september #10"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/towardsagoodlife/6139971233/" title="icad september #12 by Viv J M, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6208/6139971233_34ae3a2bff_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="icad september #12"></a><br />
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As you can see, I haven't really stuck to much of a theme with these ones and I did (shock horror!) even miss one day, though still on track to complete 25 for September :-)<br />
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Now all I need to do is start on something for the <a href="http://allie-oopssweethappylife.blogspot.com/">Christmas Through the Year</a> Challenge for September. I am feeling a bit uninspired :-(VivJMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18138515974908772675noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6184614113203152208.post-87204309205658159372011-09-06T06:11:00.000-07:002011-09-06T06:11:59.323-07:00Seeing RedI've gone with a red theme for my most recent index cards:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/towardsagoodlife/6106574566/" title="icad september #2 by Viv J M, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6196/6106574566_1301622bea_m.jpg" width="240" height="145" alt="icad september #2"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/towardsagoodlife/6108868325/" title="icad september #3 by Viv J M, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6067/6108868325_d9a5bbd26f_m.jpg" width="240" height="143" alt="icad september #3"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/towardsagoodlife/6112424036/" title="icad september #4 by Viv J M, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6193/6112424036_77f386aa55_m.jpg" width="240" height="146" alt="icad september #4"></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/towardsagoodlife/6115845175/" title="icad september #5 by Viv J M, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6210/6115845175_d2e4b16771_m.jpg" width="240" height="146" alt="icad september #5"></a><br />
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I did prep 7 index cards with red acrylic paint, thinking I would do a week's worth of red cards, but I feel all red-ed out now so maybe I'll save them for later.<br />
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I thought I'd better share a bit of sewing, just in case you thought I'd forgotten this was meant to be a sewing blog. Here are a couple more blocks for my Liberated Wife quilt:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/towardsagoodlife/6103246116/" title="Linoleum by Viv J M, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6201/6103246116_e0b43ae926_m.jpg" width="180" height="240" alt="Linoleum"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/towardsagoodlife/6102702643/" title="waste not by Viv J M, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6082/6102702643_3e10f7e333_m.jpg" width="180" height="240" alt="waste not"></a><br />
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I love the "Waste Not" block but not so keen on Linoleum...I think it's the colour of the solid I used. It's just a bit too pinky pink. Meh.<br />
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I am still beavering away at my hexagon charm quilt, I have about 6 or 7 more hexagons until I have completed the next light coloured round. I have had to raid my mum's stash tho, cos running short of light colours, so not sure what I will do when I get to the next round! Maybe a white/cream charm pack..? <br />
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That's all, folks.VivJMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18138515974908772675noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6184614113203152208.post-83561931917295273342011-09-01T06:49:00.000-07:002011-09-01T06:49:31.680-07:00No rest for the weary?<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/towardsagoodlife/6102670139/" title="icad 1 september by Viv J M, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6200/6102670139_101fcaf4ff.jpg" width="500" height="297" alt="icad 1 september"></a><br />
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Oh, <a href="http://daisyyellow.squarespace.com/vividlife/incredible-icad-linky-love.html">Tammy</a>, what have you done?!?!VivJMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18138515974908772675noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6184614113203152208.post-64081549010303049802011-08-31T05:52:00.000-07:002011-08-31T05:52:49.665-07:00It's Over - The ICAD Challenge Summer 2011<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/towardsagoodlife/6099956254/" title="icad 31 august by Viv J M, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6088/6099956254_53cb11cc7d.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="icad 31 august"></a>VivJMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18138515974908772675noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6184614113203152208.post-50464244939565056642011-08-29T10:54:00.000-07:002011-08-29T10:54:42.647-07:00Christmas Through the Year - AugustThis month I made another name panel for the Christmas Through the Year challenge:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/towardsagoodlife/6093307432/" title="Charlie completed by Viv J M, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6061/6093307432_1714300900.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Charlie completed"></a><br />
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I have now made panels for 5 out of 6 of my nieces and nephews. I just have Harry to go...<br />
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This week I also made a little present for a friend who has been poorly. It's a housewife needle case and the pattern is from Kathleen Tracy's book "<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Remembering-Adelia-Quilts-Inspired-Patchwork/dp/1564778657/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1314640247&sr=8-6">Remembering Adelia</a>". I didn't make it in civil war repros, as you can see! <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/towardsagoodlife/6092765629/" title="housewife needle case by Viv J M, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6069/6092765629_36cc90793c_m.jpg" width="180" height="240" alt="housewife needle case"></a><br />
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Inside:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/towardsagoodlife/6093306058/" title="inside housewife by Viv J M, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6203/6093306058_fbe85257c4_m.jpg" width="160" height="240" alt="inside housewife"></a><br />
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It may have been a mistake to use a directional print though, as the teapots and cups are upside down on the front (but not the back!) - doh!<br />
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I enjoyed making this and my friend loves it, so I'm thinking I might make a bunch of these for sewing friends for Christmas. Watch this space! VivJMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18138515974908772675noreply@blogger.com6