tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64149938962696708672024-03-12T19:44:54.209-07:00A Busy BobbinA Longarm Quilting Ride AlongAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12326222179318975151noreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414993896269670867.post-723194655380568042017-09-16T01:49:00.002-07:002017-09-16T01:49:29.567-07:00Birding in BahrainI apologize that this is not a post about quilting just yet. My machines are up but I am waiting on one of them to get a computer part back that had to be sent to the states to get fixed. I'm working on a custom quilt now but I believe it will be a gift so I haven't posted pictures of it anywhere. It is coming along nicely, but I'm not spending hours and hours on my feet working like I did when I was in Texas. Standing and quilting all day is hard on the back and feet. I'm lucky to be able to take more time to complete a project and not overtax myself getting things done. But, it will be done and I'll post pictures as soon as I know the recipient has the quilt.<br />
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In the meantime, I'm posting a little off topic. My mom and dad have gotten extremely involved in Birding. I have seen their enthusiasm for the hobby and during the six months my husband was here in Bahrain and I was still in Texas, I jumped in with both feet and went birding with the folks and I fell in love with it. The hunt for that bird, trying to get a perfect picture of it, identifying the birds, counting how many new birds I've seen and photographed, it's all so much fun. It was a fantastic way for me to spend time with my parents and boy did we have some great laughs and fun stories to tell about our treks out into nature looking for birds. Birding in Texas is great. Migrants fly through every spring and fall, some birds winter there and of course the resident birds that stay all year are all on the list to try to capture. When I left Texas in June, my 2017 bird count was at 145. That's 145 different birds that I was able to get a picture of. I've seen other birds, but without the picture to identify, we would rather not count it. It seems like cheating when I say I've seen a Belted Kingfisher (twice) but never gotten a picture of one. Who's to know that it was really a Belted Kingfisher? The hardest I've ever laughed with Mom and Dad is that time the Kingfisher got away. They rib me about it now which is a lot of fun. <br />
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Now that I'm in Bahrain, I have been trying to find out about how I could go birding here. It's a desert island. It's very hot in the summer with temps over 110 F. It's also very, very humid which is another huge obstacle to overcome while outside. During the hottest, most humid days, the "feels like" temp can go over 130 F. Yikes!!!! Being September, the temps are starting to go down and I've noticed an increase in the birds coming into the little inlet that is very near our house. I have read through a website about Birding in Bahrain and they mention that many birds will winter here on the island. I believe August and September is when the migrants will come back South. So, I decided to walk over and try to get some shots of these little creatures. <br />
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First lesson learned.....the camera needs time to acclimate to the humidity. I had to open up the lens and try to get it warmed up and stop fogging up. <br />
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Second lesson learned....I was in the wrong position with the sun in order to take good pictures to identify birds. Most everything I got were silhouetted and there will be no way to identify the birds while shooting pictures into the sun. But, it does make for some pretty shots of the area and the birds in the habitat.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I believe this is a Great White Egret</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of waders. I can't identify them though.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maybe some Great White Egrets and maybe some Herons. I just don't know.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I believe these may be some sort of Plover or Sandpiper.</td></tr>
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As you can tell by the pictures above, the camera finally was able to clear out of the steam on the glass and I could get clear shots. <br />
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One thing that I get frustrated about is that my camera is fast on getting pictures of birds, but my lens is not adequate to zoom in on them to get clear closeups. Those types of lenses cost way, way too much and I just can't see myself spending thousands of dollars on a lens. I'd rather spend that money on my quilting or on travel to see the different places around this side of the world. So, what I do is take as close up as I can, then go into my computer and crop the birds up close. The picture is not the greatest at all, but I can try to get an identification much better.<br />
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Once I positioned myself to where I could take some pictures of the birds to my left and right instead of into the sun, I may be able to identify the birds. I'll have to do a lot of research to identify.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I am almost certain this is a Redshank.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the original shot of the Redshank above.</td></tr>
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While I was standing there on the rocks taking pictures, our resident stray dogs came around. Just so you all know, I am a reformed dog hater. Before we got our little pup, Mumford, I hated all dogs. Having him has transformed me. Seeing these strays, skinny and dirty, makes me sad. I took a few pictures of the dog encounter. <br />
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At first, two dogs came over and went down into the inlet. A male and a female. <br />
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They plopped themselves down maybe in an effort to cool down. These two ventured off and I continued to take pictures. Then came along three more strays and the original two came back and started barking at the others. The two finally left after trying to make a show of force and maybe deciding that the other three just wanted to put belly to cool wet ground just like they had. None of the dogs stuck around for long. Maybe they didn't like me standing so close by.<br />
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I had enough of the hot and humidity so I started making my way back home. As I was walking I noticed a little bird fly out from the rocks. I'm trying to find out what kind of bird this is. I believe that I captured the male and then the female. Now to go try to identify them.<br />
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All in all, a somewhat successful bird outing but only because of the last two birds. I know there are places I can go to try to get pictures of birds, it just needs to cool down a little more. In the meantime, some area shots of my little part of Bahrain.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No, not a McDonalds, just the Hidd bridge.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I will be able to get clear shots of the city from where we are without the haze once it cools down. </td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12326222179318975151noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414993896269670867.post-12524206833991348922017-08-20T04:18:00.001-07:002017-08-22T23:28:42.473-07:00The Upheaval, The Trip, The Culture, The Settling Here I sit, halfway across the world away from family, friends, and quilt customers, awaiting new and adventurous things to happen. I am finally at a point of feeling normal after three months of change. Lots of change. As promised in my post in May, I wanted to document my journey across the ocean and desert about our move to Bahrain. So buckle your seat belts, here we go....<br />
<h3>
The Upheaval</h3>
My husband accepted a job and was transferred to the lovely little island of the Kingdom of Bahrain. For those of you who don't know where in the world that is, it's a small island in the Persian Gulf beside Saudi Arabia.<br />
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Don't let all the blue in this picture fool you. I downloaded this picture from the Bahrain tourist page. This is hot desert with lots and lots of sand, but plopped down in the middle of a gulf so also... lots and lots of humidity. It's hot in the summertime, with 'feels like' temps of 130 F. But I've been told it's great during the rest of the year. It is a beautiful place in it's own way though. So many buildings have unique architecture and of course the sea always makes for a beautiful setting. There is just not a lot of green which I already miss terribly. I was a little apprehensive at first moving to a middle eastern country but have had all my fears squashed by learning more about Bahrain and meeting the people who call this their homeland. <br />
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My husband moved in December to start his job while I stayed behind in Texas to wait out the lease we had on our house and to get all of our stateside things settled. He found us a place to live with the specific instructions to find room for both of my Innova longarm machines. He did a great job with finding something that was small and cozy enough for just the two of us and big enough to house two huge quilting machines and all of my quilting and sewing goodies. <br />
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While my husband was in Bahrain, starting his new job and getting us set up with housing, I was back in the states getting all of our worldly goods situated for their transition. I had to empty out a storage unit and put it all in our garage.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Everything from storage moved into one place ready for the packers </td></tr>
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I had to get our pets (a dog and two cats) ready for their journey by arranging their transport and getting them acclimated to their kennels which they would spend more than 24 hours inside. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our happy little pup, Mumford, getting used to his kennel</td></tr>
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I had to get ready for three different moves by separating everything that we owned. Storage, our youngest sons first apartment and what was going over to Bahrain. Separating it all and coordinating what would go where and when was stressful and I kept telling myself we had way, way too much stuff. The good thing is that the packers were the ones to come and pack up all the boxes. Thank goodness I didn't have to do that part alone. I just had to get it ready in three different stages. When one group of packers came, I would have to show them around and say....don't take that but take that. And yes, I have already wished for things we have in storage to have made it into our things in Bahrain. <br />
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The packers came and packed our storage items and took it all away to a storage facility. We will get back once we move back to the states. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready for storage. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boxes ready to move into storage</td></tr>
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Then it was time to tear down my machines. Since my husband was already over in Bahrain and couldn't help with my machines, I didn't trust the packers to break my expensive machines down. So I hired the best Innova team out there from Jo's Quilting Studio to do it for me. Jo is the Texas dealer for Innova and her son takes care of machine install and tear down. They came and broke my machines both down, labeling everything and crating them up perfectly getting them ready for their journey. It was such a load off of my mind to know that my machines were going to make it across safely tucked away in their crates. I pictured all the people that had to move those big heavy crates wondering what in the world was inside of them all. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Levi breaking down my 26" with Navigator</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dustin breaking down my 22" </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Breaking down the big machine</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crated and waiting for a another move</td></tr>
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We are still in upheaval mode. Storage has all been taking out of the house so now I get ready for everything to be packed for going over to Bahrain. Which included all of my quilts. It was comical going all over the house, taking quilts down from walls, getting them out of closets and off of beds and out from under tables. I put them all in one place. When the people came to pack up, they were amazed at how many there were. Well.....I'm a quilter, I own quilts. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All of the quilts I have in the house. This reminds me of the Princess and the Pea.</td></tr>
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After everything was packed and taken away for the move across the world, I had separated furniture and kitchen bathroom goods that our youngest son, Colby, would be taking to his first apartment in Nacogdoches where he is in his third year of college. It was a little crazy because I needed to be out of the rental house by end of May, but we couldn't move the furniture into his apartment in Nacogdoches until after June 8th. It was a lot of scurrying around trying to find out where to put it all. The whole time I'm stressing out about it, Colby is telling me that it would all be just fine. In the end, it was. I thank God for the parents of one of Colby's friends and new roommate to help us store everything for that week and then take it up to Nacogdoches on the day of their move in. I also thank God for my family coming to the rescue with trucks to move everything out of the house.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-STkyfTz7E7k/WZk1jWRWvVI/AAAAAAAAAhE/zpPbFNE27DIT7JqR1J-sZ3cdA9e61LyqgCLcBGAs/s1600/10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-STkyfTz7E7k/WZk1jWRWvVI/AAAAAAAAAhE/zpPbFNE27DIT7JqR1J-sZ3cdA9e61LyqgCLcBGAs/s320/10.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Family moving furniture for Colby's new adventure</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Colby and his two new roommates singing the lease for their first apartment. </td></tr>
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Last to go were the pets. I was sending them on to Bahrain a few weeks before I was to travel out so I wouldn't have to wonder where they would be going until I left. It was easier for us all. Shout out to Jet-a-Pet for doing all the travel ticket arrangements and solving a problem with their tickets at the last minute by getting a new flight for them. Jet-a-Pet also came and picked up my fur babies and took them to the airport and made sure they were safely put onto the plane. I worried about them the whole time, but they made it safe and sound. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kennels ready for the pets to make their journey</td></tr>
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One last shout out goes to my wonderful parents. They not only kept me sane and busy my last few months there in Texas but they helped me with all the loose ends like cleaning, giving me a place to stay until my flight out of the country, feeding me at every single turn, helping me take my car to be shipped out, being ears to listen to all my complaints, shoulders to rest my head on when I was beat down tired, and loving care and smiles to lift me up from the sadness of my move away. I can not express how great it was to spend so much time with my folks. I'm so glad I had that time to gather wonderful memories to help me get past being so far away and having so much time in between when I will get to see them next. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last thing at the house, cleaning and giving Mom bunny ears in the mirror picture.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dad's cinnamon rolls are the best ever. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After all the rushing around moving things, de-stressing in my parents back yard <br />
looking at the birds is the most peaceful thing a girl could ever have. </td></tr>
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One last thing I needed to do before my flight out was to take my car up to Dallas to have it shipped overseas. Mom and Dad helped me with that as well. There were a lot of rules that had to be done before the car could be shipped, like making sure it only had exactly a quarter of a tank of gas in it. When we got to Dallas, I had way more than a quarter of a tank so we thought we would siphon it out. Did you know that cars made after a certain year has a screen on the tank so gas can't be siphoned out? We didn't. I had to take it to a auto shop to have the gas taken out. Ugh.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dad and I finding out we can't siphon gas out of the car. <br />
Plus him wearing his Houston Astro's shirt in Texas Ranger country. </td></tr>
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<h3>
The Trip</h3>
The day finally came where it was my turn to leave. I had sent everything else on it's way, even my precious machines and animals and now it was time for me. I had a long, long couple of days to get over to Bahrain. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Early morning, bags packed, smile on my face, <br />
ready to travel to finally be with my loving husband</td></tr>
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I had a 12 hour layover in Norfolk and also had to transfer from one airport to the airport on base since I was traveling on the military flight over to Bahrain. While we were stationed in Italy, we met some wonderful families and one of them, the Baylosis family, live in Norfolk now. Anna was so very generous to pick me up from the airport and take me to lunch before taking me to the base airport. Since we knew each other in Italy, she took me out to lunch at a wonderful little Neapolitan restaurant. The food and company was fantastic. It was great reconnecting with the family.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qQIlwxhHHrY/WZk1y9ER6pI/AAAAAAAAAhg/RVJZ7JvNFlonlfOAx-JWJoJ8pKKBEOG2gCLcBGAs/s1600/19.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qQIlwxhHHrY/WZk1y9ER6pI/AAAAAAAAAhg/RVJZ7JvNFlonlfOAx-JWJoJ8pKKBEOG2gCLcBGAs/s320/19.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fantastic Italian lunch and lots of good memories. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I was finally dropped off at the base airport, and had to wait out the time until the flight took off for overseas. The military flight is on a regular commercial airplane but lands in several different cities with military bases in them. Once we took off, we would then land in four different bases going over to Bahrain. The worst part of this was every time we landed, everyone had to get off of the plane and wait for two or three hours for refueling. It took way longer to get to my final destination than it would if I would have flown a regular commercial flight. The best part of this was that one of the stops was in Naples, Italy where our oldest son, Bradley and his beautiful little family is now stationed. So the timing was perfect where they came up to the airport when I landed there and took me out to lunch in Naples. It was wonderful seeing my grandson and spending a little time with them all. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4rkt-H9B-PM/WZk1zkPLuEI/AAAAAAAAAhk/mejE_2PJCSMJcGUtl0sbnrIGd9z2XPvygCLcBGAs/s1600/20.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4rkt-H9B-PM/WZk1zkPLuEI/AAAAAAAAAhk/mejE_2PJCSMJcGUtl0sbnrIGd9z2XPvygCLcBGAs/s320/20.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My son and his beautiful family</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So remember that smile from before? This is me after almost 48 hours of travel and layover time. It was exhausting. We all know that there is no good way to sleep on an airplane. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--sqSCVR-Tz0/WZk11Kq59MI/AAAAAAAAAhw/JOlwv6ezb6A7dzpLeQ2zvAEoLU67heIdACLcBGAs/s1600/21.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1203" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--sqSCVR-Tz0/WZk11Kq59MI/AAAAAAAAAhw/JOlwv6ezb6A7dzpLeQ2zvAEoLU67heIdACLcBGAs/s320/21.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I laugh every time I see this picture. I'm glad I took it<br />
when I landed after my two day travel ordeal. It's funny now, but<br />
I was exhausted then.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Finally, I arrived to the waiting arms of my husband and our animals. They were all happy to see me and I was happy to see them. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kUm5UZOLgmo/WZk11FiQdHI/AAAAAAAAAhs/7myXXl_mZR4qPsASz6SM9idnyZALj62swCLcBGAs/s1600/21a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kUm5UZOLgmo/WZk11FiQdHI/AAAAAAAAAhs/7myXXl_mZR4qPsASz6SM9idnyZALj62swCLcBGAs/s320/21a.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our villa in Bahrain.</td></tr>
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<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eH3hwsg8W1U/WZk13RR6WfI/AAAAAAAAAh0/AH3bl1bG8ykqjz5-JByreemFqGXC0xPxQCLcBGAs/s1600/22.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1203" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eH3hwsg8W1U/WZk13RR6WfI/AAAAAAAAAh0/AH3bl1bG8ykqjz5-JByreemFqGXC0xPxQCLcBGAs/s320/22.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The fur babies were so happy to have their lap back.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h3>
The Culture</h3>
Bahrain is an Arabic country which makes some people formulate high opinions of terrorism and strict Islamic rules. I'm hear to tell you that Bahrain is nothing like that. After two months living here, I find that these are all people that are just like me and you, who want peace in the world, who work hard to put food on the table and a roof over their families heads and who just want to be happy in life. Bahrain is a very progressive and diverse country. They do not have the extreme rules that Saudi Arabia has. In Saudi, women aren't allowed to drive or be seen without their Burka's on. There are a lot of other rules in Saudi that Bahrain does not have and I'm finding them all out as I go. It just makes me very glad we aren't in Saudi Arabia. Life here in Bahrain is practically like being in the States, just the people dress differently. Everyone speaks English to some extent so we have not had to try to learn a different language.<br />
<br />
Most Bahraini people dress in the traditional Islamic dress, White robes and head scarves for the men and the black burkas for women. But it is all a choice. You will see the men wearing suits or regular jeans and shirts with ball caps on and the women have all types of different variations of their black dress. The most traditional being completely covered from head to toe with a flowing black fabric. There is the Abaya which is the black, long sleeve robe that goes all the way to the ground. Over that they may where another long piece of fabric that drapes over their heads and does not even show their face. There are not a ton of women that wear the completely covered Burkas. Some will wear just the head scarf wrapped around their hair and just showing their face, while some wear the veil that covers their nose and mouth only showing their eyes. Then.....you have the women that wear just the long robe, closed up, with their hair out and flowing, or the women that have the black robe on just over their clothes with it open just like you would see if they were just wearing a jacket. There are so many different variations of all the dress. I have been fascinated with it all really. The most prominent idea of women's dress is modesty. You do not see their bare legs at all and most times, no bare arms either. Since most of the women do wear the long black robes and head scarfs, it's so fun to see what kind of shoes they have peaking out underneath. I've seen teenage girls with sparkly pink tennis shoes. And talk about make-up. They make up their face like nothing I've ever seen before. I guess that since people can't see anything but their eyes or face, that is the way the express themselves instead of through clothing. I completely respect these women and the way they dress but I had to laugh once when I was walking through the grocery store. There was a lady in full dress Burka, completely covered from head to toe, but she had her glasses sitting on the outside of the face scarf. I also giggle when I see these ladies eating with their face veils on. They just pick it up, stick their forks (or ice cream cones) under neath and eat away. It makes me smile.<br />
<br />
My husband and I have been trying to learn as much as we can about the culture and the best way we have so far is from our neighbors. We have met two of our neighbor families and had the pleasure of sitting down and speaking with them about their culture and ours. It's very interesting to hear everything from the call to prayer five times a day, to the way they dress, to their food and traditions. When I first arrived, it was the beginning of Ramadan. Ramadan is the holy month for all Muslims. They fast during the daylight hours for 30 days and have celebrations and give to charity and eat like crazy fools after the sun goes down. We were told we were not allowed to eat or drink out in public. But of course, since we are not Muslim, we could eat during the day. We just needed to do it privately, out of respect. The Bahraini people decorate their homes like we do for Christmas just not as extravagantly. There are a lot of other things that go with Ramadan that I'm sure we will learn something new every year. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EK90PuFzwfg/WZk14Vo0ABI/AAAAAAAAAh4/uji9iIO62HAmppQQfJ6LsZhcYJy7TNMGACLcBGAs/s1600/23.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EK90PuFzwfg/WZk14Vo0ABI/AAAAAAAAAh4/uji9iIO62HAmppQQfJ6LsZhcYJy7TNMGACLcBGAs/s320/23.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Decorations of a villa in our neighborhood for Ramadan</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
When I first arrived, Eric took me all over the island. It was neat seeing all the beautiful buildings and the way people live here. The malls are extravagant and is the place to be during the hot summer days. We have found out the hard way that the malls are jam packed on weekends which means there is no parking what so ever and you get to sit in line in a gridlocked parking garage for an hour. We know now when not to go to the mall.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ipsKPFknWKk/WZk16E7l_yI/AAAAAAAAAh8/vabqGXtnPtg2VZL7xWIAY2F4StTYp7-gACLcBGAs/s1600/24.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ipsKPFknWKk/WZk16E7l_yI/AAAAAAAAAh8/vabqGXtnPtg2VZL7xWIAY2F4StTYp7-gACLcBGAs/s320/24.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cityscape of Manama Bahrain</td></tr>
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<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PO6fIN3ZENE/WZk2HHrNAoI/AAAAAAAAAiM/wg56RqmeGgsd2rDunjsOECD5pLTQnRURQCLcBGAs/s1600/25.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PO6fIN3ZENE/WZk2HHrNAoI/AAAAAAAAAiM/wg56RqmeGgsd2rDunjsOECD5pLTQnRURQCLcBGAs/s320/25.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside one of the malls</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I wanted to learn as much as I could about the culture so we went to the Bahrain National Museum. It was very cool walking through the museum reading everything about their traditions and about where they all came from. There was an entire section about their textiles and clothing which included some awesome facts about embroidery. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2GNldTmf_gI/WZk19C9uhOI/AAAAAAAAAiA/Csnw1Aih6lw6Hyy2tLuMEwlmtGz-aPq4ACLcBGAs/s1600/26.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2GNldTmf_gI/WZk19C9uhOI/AAAAAAAAAiA/Csnw1Aih6lw6Hyy2tLuMEwlmtGz-aPq4ACLcBGAs/s320/26.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bahrain National Museum</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DOtaLMV6IGQ/WZk2CqPoP0I/AAAAAAAAAiE/EhEv5KRqBpgQhjP6CWI6qk6U__yiSFVjgCLcBGAs/s1600/27.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DOtaLMV6IGQ/WZk2CqPoP0I/AAAAAAAAAiE/EhEv5KRqBpgQhjP6CWI6qk6U__yiSFVjgCLcBGAs/s320/27.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots to learn about how they did their embroidery way back when</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mFZojzFxhDY/WZk2EPGotVI/AAAAAAAAAiI/Q4u9490TXjYoFHTaP6T0QoGOaGddnrNywCLcBGAs/s1600/28.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mFZojzFxhDY/WZk2EPGotVI/AAAAAAAAAiI/Q4u9490TXjYoFHTaP6T0QoGOaGddnrNywCLcBGAs/s320/28.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can find quilting inspiration everywhere.<br />
This is a wall inside the Bahrain National Museum.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Then we went out to the Tree of Life. It's a very old, large tree out in the middle of nowhere. Scientists do not know how this tree survives since the nearest water source is two miles away. Some say it survives because they believe it is standing in what was once the Garden of Eden. Interesting. It was a pretty awesome tree though. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lLMmQWG-05s/WZk2JLLu6dI/AAAAAAAAAiQ/IpsSCRT2PXI65WeyVR3Jhtkwg6VBoy5nQCLcBGAs/s1600/29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lLMmQWG-05s/WZk2JLLu6dI/AAAAAAAAAiQ/IpsSCRT2PXI65WeyVR3Jhtkwg6VBoy5nQCLcBGAs/s320/29.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Tree of Life with my honey </td></tr>
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<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U3mAuYmY4f8/WZk2auyh2SI/AAAAAAAAAik/mfDxV2P4GIYOixUFmHtow35JL_Ay0y6NACLcBGAs/s1600/30.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="804" data-original-width="1600" height="160" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U3mAuYmY4f8/WZk2auyh2SI/AAAAAAAAAik/mfDxV2P4GIYOixUFmHtow35JL_Ay0y6NACLcBGAs/s320/30.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Tree of Life</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lVDuwn-jxrM/WZk2KdPNsRI/AAAAAAAAAiU/kKBgvWp_xxIyXrin09bwAKOVvsUSVRxSgCLcBGAs/s1600/31.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lVDuwn-jxrM/WZk2KdPNsRI/AAAAAAAAAiU/kKBgvWp_xxIyXrin09bwAKOVvsUSVRxSgCLcBGAs/s320/31.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset across the bay</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kItjheiaxMc/WZk2Qm76wrI/AAAAAAAAAiY/SrWlCFSiyfkV_FxiIlXTh4rcLUUMdangACLcBGAs/s320/32.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yummy food. Turkish flat bread, hummus and mixed grilled meats</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kItjheiaxMc/WZk2Qm76wrI/AAAAAAAAAiY/SrWlCFSiyfkV_FxiIlXTh4rcLUUMdangACLcBGAs/s1600/32.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kItjheiaxMc/WZk2Qm76wrI/AAAAAAAAAiY/SrWlCFSiyfkV_FxiIlXTh4rcLUUMdangACLcBGAs/s1600/32.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
I was able to take a tour of the the Grand Mosque. It was very interesting to hear about this and some of the aspects of the religion. All the women on the tour had to put on a head scarf and robe. This will probably be the only time I ever wear one. It was interesting to learn that there are no pictures or drawings of people in mosques. The only thing allowed in the decoration of a mosque are words and geometric designs. So, as a quilter, the geometric designs were extremely interesting to see. More quilt inspirations. Men gather and pray in the main part of the mosque and there is a section where women go to pray. The reason why they are seperated is that they don't want any type of distractions to get in the way of prayer.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DRET2StAIuI/WZk2RBnxkJI/AAAAAAAAAic/2gWZgSFvnioRZCeHJvVJ--_ZpMcfgu1HwCLcBGAs/s1600/33.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DRET2StAIuI/WZk2RBnxkJI/AAAAAAAAAic/2gWZgSFvnioRZCeHJvVJ--_ZpMcfgu1HwCLcBGAs/s320/33.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The inside courtyard of the Grand Mosque</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hs6Y1y9plBw/WZk2UiERy1I/AAAAAAAAAig/jVkQKpmIpOcU-lIZKtNhjA-_w5NMaLrzQCLcBGAs/s1600/34.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1203" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hs6Y1y9plBw/WZk2UiERy1I/AAAAAAAAAig/jVkQKpmIpOcU-lIZKtNhjA-_w5NMaLrzQCLcBGAs/s320/34.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm wearing the traditional Head Scarf inside the Mosque. <br />
Men were not allowed to wear shorts <br />
and we all had to take off our shoes.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w-5Zxa1fy4w/WZk2bp0F5LI/AAAAAAAAAio/Ufon2i7YIqoklITySskJE1Oij_q26hjmwCLcBGAs/s1600/35.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w-5Zxa1fy4w/WZk2bp0F5LI/AAAAAAAAAio/Ufon2i7YIqoklITySskJE1Oij_q26hjmwCLcBGAs/s320/35.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quilt inspiration in the rug of the mosque</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h3>
The Settling</h3>
While I waited for our household goods to arrive, I had lots of time on my hands. Before I came over to Bahrain, my husband bought me a little sewing machine that plugs into 220 volts and he had it waiting for me. Only a quilters husband would know how important a gesture that was. Then my aunt sent me a little quilters care package, with fabric and kits, and little sewing necessities. I would sew on a quilt top while my husband was at work.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ciH16-sWHx8/WZk2dVj_1gI/AAAAAAAAAis/i5BjdyJ1kfstSA3cmTDg3b-W_2KM5vpdgCLcBGAs/s1600/36.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ciH16-sWHx8/WZk2dVj_1gI/AAAAAAAAAis/i5BjdyJ1kfstSA3cmTDg3b-W_2KM5vpdgCLcBGAs/s320/36.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My little temporary set up to sew before all of my stuff arrived in country.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Since I had to get rid of my design wall awhile ago when I moved, I really needed to create one here. I ordered some foam board and had it mailed to me here. I had to tape it together with duct tape and it ended up being a wonderful size on the wall. Because the walls are all concrete here, I needed to find an innovative way to hang the design wall. Large command hooks all the way around the foam board did the trick. Then I pinned up a flannel like blanket in order to put my blocks up. Perfect.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--ddDZsmzeJk/WZk2fHoVwWI/AAAAAAAAAiw/DRqwooSFUngF9WU9CeWIk-pIOHYgGROtgCLcBGAs/s1600/37.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--ddDZsmzeJk/WZk2fHoVwWI/AAAAAAAAAiw/DRqwooSFUngF9WU9CeWIk-pIOHYgGROtgCLcBGAs/s320/37.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Command hooks to hold my design wall on the concrete walls</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qgeBK8KPoQs/WZk2hYAnRQI/AAAAAAAAAi0/o-1aSEOfRVQGUlOtCgkCyW3kv0djgOlZACLcBGAs/s1600/38.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qgeBK8KPoQs/WZk2hYAnRQI/AAAAAAAAAi0/o-1aSEOfRVQGUlOtCgkCyW3kv0djgOlZACLcBGAs/s320/38.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Every quilter must have a design wall.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Finally, after two months, our household goods arrived. Its like Christmas opening up the boxes and unpacking everything to make this villa our home. This is always the best part of moving. Getting to decorate and put things where they need to go. It was a happy day when our things arrived.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Te68LSYueSA/WZk2kdOq9VI/AAAAAAAAAi4/on5RVZyY9yIETmAKuUJSrtrtEi43iWsOQCLcBGAs/s1600/39.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Te68LSYueSA/WZk2kdOq9VI/AAAAAAAAAi4/on5RVZyY9yIETmAKuUJSrtrtEi43iWsOQCLcBGAs/s320/39.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It will all find it's place eventually</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tGnd_0omaoM/WZk2k02x9OI/AAAAAAAAAi8/SNn6mDEMvn4X7O1NzbX1opOn5K9GAyKTACLcBGAs/s1600/40.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tGnd_0omaoM/WZk2k02x9OI/AAAAAAAAAi8/SNn6mDEMvn4X7O1NzbX1opOn5K9GAyKTACLcBGAs/s320/40.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It took 8 guys to bring in these two long crates<br />
that have my long pools and rails in them. They all<br />
seemed very confused as to what was inside so<br />
I showed them a picture of the machines. I think<br />
they were still confused. Haha</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_MX8XXTraMQ/WZk2njVe1XI/AAAAAAAAAjE/9eN3ROTiBiUBOIxvaQv74yW40nVq16eMgCLcBGAs/s1600/41.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_MX8XXTraMQ/WZk2njVe1XI/AAAAAAAAAjE/9eN3ROTiBiUBOIxvaQv74yW40nVq16eMgCLcBGAs/s320/41.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My machines arrived safe and sound all snugged up in their crates.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After several weeks of unpacking I have finally gotten some semblance of normalcy around here. Again because of the concrete walls, I've had to come up with ways to hang my quilts. I've used Command products, this time the heavy duty Velcro that I pin to the quilt and then the back sticks to the wall. Let's hope they hold up for as long as we are here. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nc_-PykS1os/WZk2oHRkjpI/AAAAAAAAAjI/UBwJgX3EDRgOJzyeDpbrdoVFSLq1GW3FgCLcBGAs/s1600/42.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nc_-PykS1os/WZk2oHRkjpI/AAAAAAAAAjI/UBwJgX3EDRgOJzyeDpbrdoVFSLq1GW3FgCLcBGAs/s320/42.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My favorite quilt pieced and quilted by me and applique designed and finished by my mom.<br />
Its in the perfect spot in our new home.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4O3wseUktTo/WZk2mV4D5RI/AAAAAAAAAjA/SB4XIqQU1rkSPFkBzeFPrMYs21Z5HD7jgCLcBGAs/s1600/43.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4O3wseUktTo/WZk2mV4D5RI/AAAAAAAAAjA/SB4XIqQU1rkSPFkBzeFPrMYs21Z5HD7jgCLcBGAs/s320/43.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quilts everywhere. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-42usvIbc46o/WZk2s5tp6rI/AAAAAAAAAjM/Tm9VQdX0wUMBe_d-oVAx8Mfsp8aE2xRzQCLcBGAs/s1600/44.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-42usvIbc46o/WZk2s5tp6rI/AAAAAAAAAjM/Tm9VQdX0wUMBe_d-oVAx8Mfsp8aE2xRzQCLcBGAs/s320/44.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I ordered a bunch of batting to bring over in preparation for not getting to<br />
have rolls mailed to me here. I'm not too sure how long all these will last<br />
but for now, we can't have any quests stay on this bed until we find a place for the batting<br />
and all the extra quilts.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lpcFMv0SfQU/WZk2u4HU3WI/AAAAAAAAAjU/11FrG0f0KrU7yIX6HM-iwj-yrCUkMwK1gCLcBGAs/s1600/45.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lpcFMv0SfQU/WZk2u4HU3WI/AAAAAAAAAjU/11FrG0f0KrU7yIX6HM-iwj-yrCUkMwK1gCLcBGAs/s320/45.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I have two large boxes and these hanging quilt tops waiting<br />
for me to get my machines up and running. <br />
I will be finishing most of my personal and my Moms quilts<br />
before I take on any customers. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B5_AH3ptJgY/WZk2uscEMkI/AAAAAAAAAjQ/Z0lmfLLwECsDF54ASmddoHrgZjtCvRieQCLcBGAs/s1600/46.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B5_AH3ptJgY/WZk2uscEMkI/AAAAAAAAAjQ/Z0lmfLLwECsDF54ASmddoHrgZjtCvRieQCLcBGAs/s320/46.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting setup for piecing. This is still a work in progress.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We had the time to put up my machines. I am so thankful for my husband. He is so extremely handy to have around. He just digs in and gets it all done. The first machine we set up was the one with the Navigator (robotic computer). It is actually not working just yet because of an issue we are having with the computer part. It is in the works to get fixed from Innova so I hope to have that machine up and running in a few weeks time. My smaller machine that I do all my custom work on is all set and ready to go so all I have to do is load up a quilt and get to quilting.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SSAff9pwZXA/WZk20dmU2gI/AAAAAAAAAjY/-2asQqeSkt4cbdz1J1oWq4YNLkz9TfC2ACLcBGAs/s1600/47.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SSAff9pwZXA/WZk20dmU2gI/AAAAAAAAAjY/-2asQqeSkt4cbdz1J1oWq4YNLkz9TfC2ACLcBGAs/s320/47.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unpacking the rails and poles from the long crates</td></tr>
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<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UDUKxmw9mEI/WZk203yUSnI/AAAAAAAAAjc/RDdaD6J7n9wlkO0gfgVRnmjD1W2bBLYpgCLcBGAs/s1600/48.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UDUKxmw9mEI/WZk203yUSnI/AAAAAAAAAjc/RDdaD6J7n9wlkO0gfgVRnmjD1W2bBLYpgCLcBGAs/s320/48.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My handy husband</td></tr>
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<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xmO39Mpcw7k/WZk21JBpoiI/AAAAAAAAAjg/5DGflDaRC4InGvyGh-RRFMhnlWspA5ZBwCLcBGAs/s1600/49.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xmO39Mpcw7k/WZk21JBpoiI/AAAAAAAAAjg/5DGflDaRC4InGvyGh-RRFMhnlWspA5ZBwCLcBGAs/s320/49.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She can breath now. </td></tr>
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<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pEOoR11riso/WZk25sHK-FI/AAAAAAAAAjk/_6vBlFUh7IERfkpI_iL-S03lS_zFWdQwQCLcBGAs/s1600/50.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pEOoR11riso/WZk25sHK-FI/AAAAAAAAAjk/_6vBlFUh7IERfkpI_iL-S03lS_zFWdQwQCLcBGAs/s320/50.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One machine up. The poles go on next and the computer box sent to get looked at.</td></tr>
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<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ow-oqUpZwlU/WZk25wL8lmI/AAAAAAAAAjo/Ny2xR88WEGsM-2fJE6VeLal3IazGNp9lwCLcBGAs/s1600/51.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ow-oqUpZwlU/WZk25wL8lmI/AAAAAAAAAjo/Ny2xR88WEGsM-2fJE6VeLal3IazGNp9lwCLcBGAs/s320/51.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My 22" Innova with lightening stitch. She's ready to go. <br />
Mumford has supervised us in the building of the machine the entire time.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Both of my machines are fitting into the same room very well. The entire time I've owned these machines, they have always been in two different rooms. I'm excited to have them both together. We were a little worried about the space in the room but with them both up and the poles in place, I've got plenty of room to walk between them. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TOfWhzk5ujE/WZk3RPNMg-I/AAAAAAAAAjs/TT4KdX0rT2AJv7fz_KQmYrqAqxitDmuKwCLcBGAs/s1600/52.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TOfWhzk5ujE/WZk3RPNMg-I/AAAAAAAAAjs/TT4KdX0rT2AJv7fz_KQmYrqAqxitDmuKwCLcBGAs/s320/52.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Both machines are fitting into one room very nicely.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Whew. Now that was a very long blog post. I apologize. It's been a long journey and I'm very happy to be at a point where I will be able to work on quilting and start traveling the world again with my husband. We plan on visiting as many new places as we can while we are over here. <br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12326222179318975151noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414993896269670867.post-53726195490999937632017-05-10T07:14:00.000-07:002017-05-10T07:14:05.963-07:00A New Chapter BeginsIt has been quit some time since I last posted on this blog. <br />
<br />
Lets catch everyone up with what's been happening at A Busy Bobbin and in my life since the last time I posted (three years ago, oh my). <br />
<br />
Lots and lots of quilts. That's really what's happened since 2014. I have had the pleasure of quilting for so many wonderful people, many of which have become good friends in this wonderful little world of quilting. I've learned, I've taught, I've advised, I've asked for advice, I've worked, worked and then worked some more. There has been ribbons won, and quilts hanging in shows. I was honored to quilt for Sylvi Sealy and our quilt was juried into the 2016 International Quilt Show in Houston Texas (that makes quilt number three for me to be juried into the show). I was also honored to quilt several quilts for Lisa DeBee Schiller and one of these quilts was published in the August 2016 edition of American Patchwork Quilting magazine. I have given many lectures and workshops at most of the quilt guilds in the Houston area and surrounding towns. It's always so much fun seeing the light bulb go off in someones head when they realize they can come up with quilt design. And, did I mentioned I quilted lots and lots of quilts? <br />
<br />
On a personal note, my husband became a full time police officer, we sold our home in Humble Texas and moved to a rental house in Kingwood Texas. Our oldest son married, they gave us our first grand-baby a year later and then they moved to Naples Italy where he is now stationed in the Navy. Our youngest son graduated from high school and is now finishing his second year at Stephen F. Austin State University as a music major. Then the big news, my husband took a job working as a civilian for the Navy and moved to Bahrain in December. I stayed in Texas to finish up our lease in the house and now, in just a few weeks, I ship all of our belongings including both of my longarm machines, our two cats and one dog and myself across the Atlantic ocean, Mediterranean sea and lots of desert sand to the little island country of Bahrain. Where is that you might ask? In the Persian Gulf right next to Saudi Arabia. What an adventure we have in store.<br />
<br />
So, because of this new chapter in Bahrain, I wanted to start updating the blog along the way to keep a record of happenings and to share our adventures. It's going to be a fun ride and learning experience. I'm excited to start, but also very sad to leave my family and friends here in Houston, most especially my Mom and Dad. It has been so wonderful living close to them after all those years with Eric in the Navy and now we move away again (insert super sad face here).<br />
<br />
As I look towards the future, I welcome all of you to share the ride with us as we start our new chapter in this great book of Life.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12326222179318975151noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414993896269670867.post-51318810995700093092014-07-10T11:09:00.002-07:002014-07-10T11:09:29.136-07:00Putting the Curve in Crosshatching<span style="font-size: large;">During my lectures and workshops, I've had several people ask me how I accomplished curved crosshatching. You can't imagine how very simple it really is. Get ya an arched template and curve away. Right? Right! So, to show you how easy peasy it is, I'm posting pictures of Linda's gorgeous Borders quilt where I did a curved crosshatch in the cream border, and showing you step-by-step how I did this.</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M6vBFr4rqJ8/U77RXnqhv1I/AAAAAAAAAec/tSZMq8Xskhk/s1600/IMG_6998.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M6vBFr4rqJ8/U77RXnqhv1I/AAAAAAAAAec/tSZMq8Xskhk/s1600/IMG_6998.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Linda LaBrot's beautiful Borders Quilt. Pattern is from Winnie Fleming's Borders Class</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;">I first wanted to create arches throughout the cream border. Using my favorite purple disappearing ink marker, I used an arch template to mark the double lines to create even arches through the border. </span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HWPJxdYupM8/U76mVPrK9iI/AAAAAAAAAdk/GuLPFS4RHlo/s1600/IMG_2827.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HWPJxdYupM8/U76mVPrK9iI/AAAAAAAAAdk/GuLPFS4RHlo/s1600/IMG_2827.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I sewed these lines creating the arches. You could easily make this step straight lines as well. I like using double lines because it defines the arches.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D0agiZrUsQ8/U76mSv5zW-I/AAAAAAAAAdc/ZD6br9Rud3U/s1600/IMG_2828.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D0agiZrUsQ8/U76mSv5zW-I/AAAAAAAAAdc/ZD6br9Rud3U/s1600/IMG_2828.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Now it was time to mark the curved crosshatched lines. Using that fabulous disappearing marker again and the same arch template, I marked the lines following the curve across the arch. Then turned the arch template over and marked the other way. Since the arched template I was using does not have any marked lines, I used a piece of painters tape on the template to mark the width of the crosshatches. </span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lO_e4ry5_H4/U76mQF_kCzI/AAAAAAAAAdU/Yks3sppnP4U/s1600/IMG_2830.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lO_e4ry5_H4/U76mQF_kCzI/AAAAAAAAAdU/Yks3sppnP4U/s1600/IMG_2830.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Time to sew...Using the same arch template, I quilted the lines. I retraced the original arches and the stitch in the ditch at the bottom so I would not have so many starts and stops within such a small space. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">And so I put the curve into crosshatching. It really is Easy Peasy!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">And for your enjoyment, the rest of Linda's stunning Border Quilt. I had a hard time letting this one go back to her. I wanted to keep it.</span><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12326222179318975151noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414993896269670867.post-66058427271719091342014-07-08T06:52:00.002-07:002014-07-08T06:52:27.397-07:00Crosshatching Across Blocks<span style="font-size: large;">I love the look of crosshatching behind applique and I really love the look when it flows well throughout the quilt. I was able to accomplish this on the perfect specimen last week. Bethany pieced and appliqued a gorgeous Texas themed quilt where crosshatching went perfectly behind the appliques. The crosshatching needed to flow across the quilt as if there were no sashing at all. I loaded the quilt onto my big girl "Betty" and a bit of a "stand and stare" later, I figured out how to make that crosshatching flow. </span><span style="font-size: large;">Since I was pretty darn proud of myself for coming up with the math to make this happen, I thought I'd show you all how I did it. I'm sure there was a simpler way to do this, but just ask my husband and sons.....math is not my strong suit (and I'm a quilter, right?). </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R_YYbmeCgWo/U7vvxBKMvXI/AAAAAAAAAcw/Fci40DKrLt0/s1600/IMG_0738.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R_YYbmeCgWo/U7vvxBKMvXI/AAAAAAAAAcw/Fci40DKrLt0/s1600/IMG_0738.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The crosshatching flows across the quilt with disregard of the sashings</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My first thought was that I needed the crosshatching to go from corner to corner on all of the blocks. so I marked an X making that flow. This guaranteed that the flow would follow all the way across all blocks. I used the purple disappearing ink marker to mark on this quilt.</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_tX7s16QsAc/U7vvaHfr5kI/AAAAAAAAAcc/yr0iL0e-KYs/s1600/IMG_0735.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_tX7s16QsAc/U7vvaHfr5kI/AAAAAAAAAcc/yr0iL0e-KYs/s1600/IMG_0735.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">After making the X on two squares next to each other, I measured the size of the on point box I had just created between the two. This box measured to be 9.25". </span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l6UWXAhUuQ8/U7vvbk0NHeI/AAAAAAAAAcs/UN5TiRVvcBo/s1600/IMG_0736.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l6UWXAhUuQ8/U7vvbk0NHeI/AAAAAAAAAcs/UN5TiRVvcBo/s1600/IMG_0736.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I halved the 9.25" measurement I just got which ended up being 4.625 which in my mind is pretty darn close to 4.5 so that is the measurement I kept. Then I halved 4.5 in order to get the distance between every line, 2.25" </span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0_oq6bDcfYY/U7vvbO9GRpI/AAAAAAAAAco/HqpIK06wqu0/s1600/IMG_0737.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0_oq6bDcfYY/U7vvbO9GRpI/AAAAAAAAAco/HqpIK06wqu0/s1600/IMG_0737.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">In the end, I would mark the X from corner to corner in each block and then measure and mark 2.25" flowing throughout the block. I made sure that I was lining up with the previous block as well to get that flow I wanted. No crooked lines allowed in crosshatching. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The results were great. I changed my thread color to match each background and this gave me an invisible thread look. I love how this turned out.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nzlE7fzw_4M/U7vv1XEUEYI/AAAAAAAAAdE/6oQ4_ZX8Z_8/s1600/IMG_0739.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nzlE7fzw_4M/U7vv1XEUEYI/AAAAAAAAAdE/6oQ4_ZX8Z_8/s1600/IMG_0739.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The crosshatching flows across all blocks as if the sashing is not there.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vFyPHBDu30A/U7vv1FtVwZI/AAAAAAAAAdA/uCxvlhHWhpo/s1600/IMG_0740.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vFyPHBDu30A/U7vv1FtVwZI/AAAAAAAAAdA/uCxvlhHWhpo/s1600/IMG_0740.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sashing and border quilting done in black.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My method to the quilting was as follows:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">- Mark one block at a time with the purple disappearing marker. In Houston, the humidity really helps take those marks away pretty quick. I always mark what I can finish within the next 15 minutes (or they will have disappeared and I have to remark....no fun). </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">- I stitched around the applique first, starting at a crosshatched line that would end up at a corner of the block. Once I ended going around the applique, I stitched up to a corner (using a straight ruler template). </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">- I then stitched around the block using my straight ruler template for the stitch in the ditch.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">- After returning back to the corner I started at for the SID, I would then stitch all the crosshatching lines using the straight ruler template. Yes, I would stitch back over the SID and around the applique stitches to get to my next crosshatch line. I do this so I will not have so many start/stops in the block. Thread buildup was not a problem as the spaces were not that big and I found ways to only go over the stitching once. If this were a competition quilt, I would have made a start/stop at each end of line and then bury all my thread tails. (Not one of my favorite things to do). </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Viola.....crosshatched blocks flowing across the quilt top. </span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12326222179318975151noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414993896269670867.post-21680133927826334762014-07-02T08:27:00.002-07:002014-07-02T08:27:52.034-07:00The Crazy Girl Trip to MQX New England<span style="font-size: large;">15 states twice, 4,000 miles of driving round trip, 60 hours in the car, over 200 beautiful machine quilted quilts, my beautiful mother, and my beautiful Aunt Lynn. Yes, it was the Crazy Girl Trip to MQX New England.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It all started when my mother, Janet Watson, pieced this beautiful quilt (pattern by Winnie Fleming)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">and I quilted it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Mom and I have entered Houston's International Quilt Show and the thrill of being juried into that show....seeing your work hanging for all to see, it's an amazing feeling. So, when we decided we wanted to start entering some of our quilts into other national shows, I looked around for a machine quilting show to start us off at. MQX was one of the first ones to show up on my google page. It was at the right time, so application for entry was sent and we waited patiently to see if our quilt was going to be accepted. Another great feeling....getting the congratulations email that our quilt made jury for MQX New England.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here is the description from the MQX website about the show.</span><br />
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<strong>"MQX Quilt Festivals</strong><sup style="background-position: 0px 0px;">TM</sup> is an annual quilting show and conference founded by machine quilters, Janet-Lee Santeusanio and Mary Schilke. MQX embraces all quilters, regardless of the size or model of machine used to complete the quilting process. Although the shows have a slant toward machine quilting, MQX is a show that will be appreciated whether you machine quilt or not. What started out in 2000 as a get-together for longarm quilters in New England rapidly grew into the largest machine quilting show in the United States. Well known for its friendliness, attention to detail and dedication to their vendors, students and teachers, Despite humble beginnings, MQX Quilt Festivals' two venues are highly anticipated gatherings for anyone who loves quilts."<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Now, Manchester, New Hampshire is a pretty far jump from good ol' Humble, Texas so we did not intend on going to the show. But then stepped in my wonderful Aunt Lynn (Mom's sister). She is a quilter along with me and Mom and without her, we would have never entered into Houston's quilt show last year. She is our biggest cheerleader. She has pushed Mom and I to do things that we didn't think we were good enough to do and it's given us the confidence to move forward. The idea of driving on to New Hampshire, taking a week, stopping in to visit my uncle (their brother) in Alabama was Lynn's idea and she is the one who made the trip possible. I can't thank her enough for giving us that opportunity. The Crazy Girl Trip to MQX New England was born.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We left early, early on Saturday morning.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eWucKmI-Yjs/U1KJrMgISAI/AAAAAAAAAQw/pGKhcfLuZRI/s1600/010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eWucKmI-Yjs/U1KJrMgISAI/AAAAAAAAAQw/pGKhcfLuZRI/s1600/010.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smiles all around on our start to a 2,000 mile car ride at 6:00 am on a Saturday. We're CRAZY.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Our first day goal was to travel to Uncle Chuck and Aunt Andra's house in Huntsville, Alabama. We wanted to spend Sunday with them before making the trip up north. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Three states down. We decided we would try to find songs with the states mentioned in them. Thank goodness I took my car sick pills since I was the official googler and song reciter. It's hard to come up with that sort of thing without google. As Uncle Chuck will say....Google is your friend. It really was our friend on this trip because we looked up a ton of stuff. One of us would mention something then there we were on Google trying to find it out or confirm what we were talking about. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">First day down and arrival at Chuck and Andra's saw them and a yummy pot of chili waiting for us. Wow, their house was beautiful. They just had it built a year of so ago and it really looked as if it jumped right out of a magazine. Unfortunately, I was in too much awe of how beautiful it was in ever room that I didn't take any pictures. Silly me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">On our day with Chuck and Andra, we were able to see where Andra works, the National Children's Advocacy Center. She trains professionals how to interview abused children. They are housed in a historical building that has been beautifully restored. Andra said that Elvis once played on stage in this building and some of the stage where he would have stood on is displayed in the hallway.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">NCAC Hunstville, AL</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Andra showing us her stance during her training sessions</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elvis might have walked on these very boards</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chuck and Andra in front of the Elvis wall.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">After our tour of the Armory Building, we made our way over to the Big Spring which was the reason Huntsville was founded in this area. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Janet and Chuck at The Big Spring</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It was such a lovey early spring day and we decided to head over to the botanical gardens. Though there wasn't a ton of plants bloomed out yet, we still got a peek at what was to come. The dogwoods were in bloom. Mom's favorite blooming tree. She loved it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It was a fabulous day with Chuck and Andra ending with a delicious chicken pot pie made by Andra. I really enjoyed getting to know where they lived.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It was an extra early start on Monday for our two day drive from Alabama to New Hampshire. With lots of car games played and lots of scenery in between. The radio didn't come on once while we made our way up North. We made it a challenge to get the state signs of every state we went through on our way up. It was funny because there were several states we had no idea we would be traveling through. We hit a little five minute drive through Georgia. West Virginia snuck up on us and I wasn't ready to get the state sign, Maryland was also a surprise. What a way to chalk up some states.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">While we were traveling through Virginia, Lynn spotted a sign that advertised a quilt shop on it. We were amazed since usually those signs only showed places to eat, get gas, or sleep. We backtracked to the shop but found that it was closed on Mondays (boo). The fun thing about making that backtrack is that Mom spotted a barn with a quilt block on it. Again....amazed. So back tracking showed both Lynn and Mom trying to get a picture of the quilt barn. Lynn was the most successful. We laughed and laughed at the wall of trees that Mom got pictures of. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">From then on we were on the look out for more barns with quilt blocks on them and learned that they are called quilt barns. There are a lot, but we were usually driving by quickly and didn't get the chance to get any pictures. Mom was the best at spotting them, as well as the best at playing the alphabet game. She has the eyesight of a hawk.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Tuesday arrives and sees us back on the road. Our plans were to stop in Rye, New York to see a house built in 1667 and owned by our direct ancestor Timothy Knapp. He was my 8th great grandfather, Lynn and Mom's 7th great grandfather. The Knapp house is part of Historical Rye and is a sort of museum that also contains archives. When we arrived, we explained to the curator of the place that we were direct descendants of Timothy Knapp and were interested in looking at the house. She was chock full of information and after the brief tour of the two original rooms, she started pulling archive books for us. Mom and Lynn were in genealogy heaven looking through these books finding the names of our ancestors. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Onward to New Hampshire! We passed through New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts. We experienced the George Washington Bridge and it was CRAZY! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Our first day at MQX New England. We checked in and was offered to take a class on an embroidery machine to pass the afternoon away. We had a good time in class and made a cute little needle saver. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Finally on Thursday, the day the show opened to the public, we were able to see our quilt hanging at the show. Wow, it was such a thrill. It was an honor to be among all those beautiful quilts. Mom and I were ecstatic just having it there. We entered our quilt into the Custom Our Daily Bed category. This category meant that it wasn't embellished to the hilt and would more than likely be used as a bed quilt. There were 22 quilts in the category. </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The winners in our category...</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AQp2krzW5qY/U7QQk2Lk9SI/AAAAAAAAAa4/u008haYnNMw/s1600/182_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AQp2krzW5qY/U7QQk2Lk9SI/AAAAAAAAAa4/u008haYnNMw/s1600/182_edited-1.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First - Spotlight on the Stars pieced by Daniel Perkins, quilted by Carol Perkins</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First - Spotlight on the Stars pieced by Daniel Perkins, quilted by Carol Perkins</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kjgF14WuIVA/U7QQcd6mjGI/AAAAAAAAAas/IR64DGvUygU/s1600/185.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kjgF14WuIVA/U7QQcd6mjGI/AAAAAAAAAas/IR64DGvUygU/s1600/185.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Second - Byrne's Spiral pieced by Beth Nufer, quilted by Clem Buzick</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DqWa5igEJKw/U7QRIZmNoEI/AAAAAAAAAbQ/Nx81KQ8xR6s/s1600/187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DqWa5igEJKw/U7QRIZmNoEI/AAAAAAAAAbQ/Nx81KQ8xR6s/s1600/187.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Second - Byrne's Spiral pieced by Beth Nufer, quilted by Clem Buzick</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bbSJh2bjqQU/U7QRGUoDAtI/AAAAAAAAAbE/r_0rOd3YtYc/s1600/186_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bbSJh2bjqQU/U7QRGUoDAtI/AAAAAAAAAbE/r_0rOd3YtYc/s1600/186_edited-1.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Third - Starlight pieced by Kathie Beltz, quilted by Mara Novak</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I9Os_iRQcWQ/U7QRfcnv-OI/AAAAAAAAAbo/lNPNXBz1GOE/s1600/189_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I9Os_iRQcWQ/U7QRfcnv-OI/AAAAAAAAAbo/lNPNXBz1GOE/s1600/189_edited-1.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Third - Starlight pieced by Kathie Beltz, quilted by Mara Novak</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;">One of the best times I had was standing off to the side and watching others look at our quilt. It made me proud to have them inspect it like they did.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c7SMQZLkHTc/U7QRXm7l7oI/AAAAAAAAAbY/opIIcWO8Nus/s1600/196.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c7SMQZLkHTc/U7QRXm7l7oI/AAAAAAAAAbY/opIIcWO8Nus/s1600/196.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8ckQ853Yq30/U7QRb1zHG3I/AAAAAAAAAbg/NSf6-NWjyrk/s1600/197.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8ckQ853Yq30/U7QRb1zHG3I/AAAAAAAAAbg/NSf6-NWjyrk/s1600/197.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I inspected some quilts too. It's amazing how close we were able to get to the quilts. As a quilter, this was so appreciated. I want to get up and see those stitches. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WeXRXv6DGVc/U7QRs7ekzfI/AAAAAAAAAbw/bkVhXnQJlT4/s1600/202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WeXRXv6DGVc/U7QRs7ekzfI/AAAAAAAAAbw/bkVhXnQJlT4/s1600/202.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The other thing I loved about this show was that we were able to see the backs of some of the winning quilts. Wow....this is a back of a quilt.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XbFIt2jRIpU/U7QR-JGjhhI/AAAAAAAAAb4/aVSluYwHCrQ/s1600/259.JPG" height="320" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="240" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The back of a quilt named A Splendid Display pieced and quilted by Cindy Seitz-Krug</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XbFIt2jRIpU/U7QR-JGjhhI/AAAAAAAAAb4/aVSluYwHCrQ/s1600/259.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uN8c4Iw0QHo/U7QSB-Nv6aI/AAAAAAAAAcE/Egu3tXYCpgM/s1600/285.JPG" height="320" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="240" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy mother and daughter</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uN8c4Iw0QHo/U7QSB-Nv6aI/AAAAAAAAAcE/Egu3tXYCpgM/s1600/285.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Best of Show went to Renae Haddadin and Karen Kay Buckley's Magnificent Mosiacs. It was spectacular.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MQ0DBhs5fTc/U7QP-pnXaGI/AAAAAAAAAag/wuz2IFv-Qb8/s1600/157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MQ0DBhs5fTc/U7QP-pnXaGI/AAAAAAAAAag/wuz2IFv-Qb8/s1600/157.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XaoicPTIl_U/U7QQBxb3fnI/AAAAAAAAAao/Q92y3l5aRio/s1600/158.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XaoicPTIl_U/U7QQBxb3fnI/AAAAAAAAAao/Q92y3l5aRio/s1600/158.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The show was a success and a wonderful learning experience. Mom and I took a walking tour class of the winning quilts. We learned so many tips about how to win awards and how to enter into shows. It was fantastic. We inspected each and every quilt as much as we good that day. Some of the quilts twice. I got a ton of pictures and went away from the experience with incentive to make my quilting better. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">It was time to head back home and back to Texas we went. We were able to stop on the way back in New Jersey to see several of the homes my Granddad Chamberlin grew up in. It was so great seeing these houses and hearing Mom and Lynn talk about the trips they made there from Texas throughout their lives. I couldn't have asked for better tour guides showing me all the things my Yankee Granddad loved as a kid. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wblE4yzvmDA/U7QSBkn0HQI/AAAAAAAAAcA/tdyMn2cQ-wU/s1600/294.JPG" height="320" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="240" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the home Granddad Chamberlin grew up in. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wblE4yzvmDA/U7QSBkn0HQI/AAAAAAAAAcA/tdyMn2cQ-wU/s1600/294.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The drive back home saw all the same states, a bit quieter three crazy girls, lots of rain and another stop over at Chuck and Andras with some bird watching for Mom and excellent meals shared with our Alabama family. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Whew...what a trip. This is what we posted on facebook at the end of our trip. "15 states twice, 4,000 miles round trip, 60 car hours, 1667 ancestry house, visit of Dad/Granddad's home town, two great days with Chuck and Andra, tons of pictures on the iPhone, six soar knees, three soar backs, lots of rain, three one to two hour traffic jams, many games of the name game, alphabet game and dead man in an envelope game, way too many fast food joints, excellent dinners at Chuck and Andra's stop for weary travelers, an alligator with a boat in it's mouth, rolling cooler, fat tv, folding chairs, rolling horse, tons of cows, quilts galore, two quilt classes, lots of quilt barns, tons of laughs, and one nuthatch......all of it was PRICELESS". Three crazy girls on a road trip.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wbl4mGbsDv0/U7QM7cmiflI/AAAAAAAAAZ4/dmwsUPHizgM/s1600/339.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wbl4mGbsDv0/U7QM7cmiflI/AAAAAAAAAZ4/dmwsUPHizgM/s1600/339.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></span></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12326222179318975151noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414993896269670867.post-86230379237625676412013-10-13T10:14:00.000-07:002013-10-14T05:45:49.897-07:00Make Those Borders Lie Flat<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">I have said that it is a longarm quilters dream to quilt on a top where the borders lay flat and square while on the quilting frame. Ask any longarm quilter. What's a longarm quilters dream? Having all the borders lie flat is what she will tell you. Believe me. Accomplishing a flat border is one of the easiest things to do. So, Let's get our learning goggles on and learn how to make those borders lie flat. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-bNrLibw8MGk/UlrSvf_9m9I/AAAAAAAAANU/NlCQD-0T71o/s640/blogger-image-105847700.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-bNrLibw8MGk/UlrSvf_9m9I/AAAAAAAAANU/NlCQD-0T71o/s640/blogger-image-105847700.jpg" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Junes beautiful quilt with all five borders laying flat and square. Nice!!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">This is where I’m going to
become the quilt police and get a little bit mean. Picture yourself with a long strip of border that
you are about to put on your quilt top. You've spent hours, days, months...no....
years to get all the blocks just right. You’re ready to
get that sucker done, right? Let's save some time by slapping on those borders, right?.
Wrong!!!! Your borders lying flat
and straight are just as important as making sure your points don’t get lost
and your seams match. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">RULE NUMBER 1: Don’t ever, ever,
ever, ever, ever (and I mean ever) take a long strip of border, start sewing down one side of the
quilt top with no pins to put it on and then when you get to the bottom slash off the excess
that was left hanging. This is my mean
Longarmer face (picture me making a mean face). When you
put your borders on this way, especially wide borders, those things are going
to flap around just like a waving flag.
They will not lay down flat when you spread out your quilt top, they will not hang well when that beautiful quilt is hanging at a show and your
quilter will be very displeased with you. She will say really mean things as she
is trying to quilt down all that excess fabric. You can't fool her, she can tell when someone does this. So, the best and easiest way to make sure
that you don’t get talked meanly about by your quilter is to follow these steps. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">1. Take three measurements from the quilt top in the direction you are placing your first borders. I always do the long sides first. When you take your three measurement, take one at the top of the quilt, one in the center and one at the bottom. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">Do not take a measurement at the very edge of the top of the quilt because that edge could have been stretched with use. Now that you have three measurements, average these three to come up with the measurement you will be cutting. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-T5fzsoUGg54/UlrSuRi-P8I/AAAAAAAAANM/f-EQpo5kgEA/s640/blogger-image--1572852116.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-T5fzsoUGg54/UlrSuRi-P8I/AAAAAAAAANM/f-EQpo5kgEA/s640/blogger-image--1572852116.jpg" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Do not measure the very top edge as it may be stretched a bit. Measure a few inches in.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">Top of quilt measured 70.25</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">Middle of quilt measured 70.5</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">Bottom of quilt measured 70</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">The average will be 70.25</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">70.25 + 70.5 + 70 = 210.75 divided by 3 = 70.25</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">70.25 will be the measurement you will cut for both sides of your first border. </span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">Lay
the two strips of border on top of each other and measure and cut them
together. This will ensure that you have the same measurement for both
sides of the quilt. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">RULE NUMBER 2 and CRAZY HELPFUL HINT: It is much better to cut your border pieces the length of the fabric instead of the width (from selvage to selvage). The selvage to selvage strip is stretchy. This is a big factor in your borders becoming full when you sew them onto the quilt top. If you cut your strips from selvage to selvage, that edge you're sewing on will stretch while your sewing it. C</span>utting along the length of the fabric will ensure that there will be no stretch on your border when you sew it onto your quilt top. You're on your way to a flat border.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GNFs1jyz7Wo/UlrStFaovdI/AAAAAAAAANE/OkensUJIcB4/s640/blogger-image--1811100323.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GNFs1jyz7Wo/UlrStFaovdI/AAAAAAAAANE/OkensUJIcB4/s640/blogger-image--1811100323.jpg" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Cut your border strips the length of the fabric instead of the width. This avoids stretch.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">2. Find the center of your quilt top and the center of your border piece. Pin the centers together first. </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wSPacrRiPnc/UlrSr6oVk-I/AAAAAAAAAM8/0T4JhKsXghU/s640/blogger-image--236159032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wSPacrRiPnc/UlrSr6oVk-I/AAAAAAAAAM8/0T4JhKsXghU/s640/blogger-image--236159032.jpg" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Find the center of the quilt top and the border.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">Next, pin each end of the border onto each end of the top.</span></div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IbSlXUNYMWQ/UlrSziF2sBI/AAAAAAAAANs/QUEcJv2SWgg/s640/blogger-image--1673244830.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IbSlXUNYMWQ/UlrSziF2sBI/AAAAAAAAANs/QUEcJv2SWgg/s640/blogger-image--1673244830.jpg" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Pen the end of the border to the edge of the quilt.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">Working your way from the center to the edges, pin in between each section halving the length between pins until you are comfortable with the amount of pins and that your fabric will not shift as you are sewing. </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/--8pMdwsLf14/UlrS0xS7NFI/AAAAAAAAAN0/rc7axBuWWZ4/s640/blogger-image-678973774.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/--8pMdwsLf14/UlrS0xS7NFI/AAAAAAAAAN0/rc7axBuWWZ4/s640/blogger-image-678973774.jpg" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Add pins halving the distance between each pin as you go.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-QAuW--WkTFY/UlrSyIrjApI/AAAAAAAAANk/iBYBegBbO40/s640/blogger-image--195303063.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-QAuW--WkTFY/UlrSyIrjApI/AAAAAAAAANk/iBYBegBbO40/s640/blogger-image--195303063.jpg" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Add pins halving the distance between each pin as you go.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wVQTpRs2xbQ/UlrSq_rpPBI/AAAAAAAAAM0/Q2sAcibS5I8/s640/blogger-image-513571923.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wVQTpRs2xbQ/UlrSq_rpPBI/AAAAAAAAAM0/Q2sAcibS5I8/s640/blogger-image-513571923.jpg" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Add pins halving the distance between each pin as you go.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">You may need to do some easing in along the way. When easing in, the biggest thing to help is to pin, pin, pin. RULE NUMBER 3: Do not stretch the shorter piece to fit the larger piece. Pin the larger piece closely together to create no pleats. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-KxuL6ZJ9qZs/UlrSwtpFQOI/AAAAAAAAANY/Wmi-2AlizGs/s640/blogger-image--510433065.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-KxuL6ZJ9qZs/UlrSwtpFQOI/AAAAAAAAANY/Wmi-2AlizGs/s640/blogger-image--510433065.jpg" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">If you need to ease in fullness to fit, never stretch the shorter fabric, always pin, pin, pin the fullness out.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">3. Sew along the edge knowing that you're borders will not make your quilter make mean faces.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">4. Repeat for all borders.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">So, what did we learn today? Lots of pins, a little extra time, a
beautifully set border and a happy quilter.
OKay? What are you supposed to
do with each of your borders....even when you have five of them? Measure, measure, measure, average, cut
together, center, pin. Repeat after
me!!! Measure, measure, measure,
average, cut together, center, pin.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12326222179318975151noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414993896269670867.post-74118872031297199302013-09-30T20:05:00.004-07:002013-09-30T20:05:47.959-07:00Riding the Quilt Show Roller CoasterIt's been over a week and I am still heaving a relaxing sigh, all the hectic preparations getting eight quilts to completion and ready for competition are over now until the next show my mom and I decide to enter. We have been told we make a great team and I truly believe that. Moms design, color, balance, piecing skills and my quilting seem to go hand in hand and I'm always so pleased with what we create together. One thing that I have to tell myself is that what we do and love is an art. With any art form, there will be those that have their opinion on what is good art or just so so art. Each stitch we put into our art pieces is like a brush stroke on canvas. We can try to get each brush stroke technically perfect just to please the judge. In the end, isn't it what we think of our work what matters the most? Entering into quilt shows is a little new for both me and Mom. I believe that entering makes us try to become more technically perfect. I know I learn something each time I enter, but again, I go back to whether or not that work of art has made me and my mom happy. Everything we entered has made us happy, ribbons or no ribbons.<br />
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The roller coaster ride began when we decided we were going to enter quilts. Mom and I came up with the ones we wanted to get finished for the show. Unfortunately, I'm always too busy quilting on my client quilts that I don't have a lot of time to finish up Mom's tops unless we are entering them into a show. So, the countdown started in early summer. Each time I finished a quilt it was like swooshing down a roller coaster hill. We both worked furiously to finish each step. It got a little stressful, then when one was finished, we would sigh in relief. Then the next hill would arrive and we were working furiously again. We had planned on entering 7 of Mom's quilts and 3 of my own.<br />
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When the day came, work was only accomplished on 6 of Mom's and 2 of mine. Here are some pictures of what was entered.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LlFGojFdnqs/UkoRqLkTLfI/AAAAAAAAAGc/pQbKhfZxW6M/s1600/09+03+13+002_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LlFGojFdnqs/UkoRqLkTLfI/AAAAAAAAAGc/pQbKhfZxW6M/s320/09+03+13+002_edited-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This one was entered into Pieced Large. Mom worked so very hard on these stars. They are not paper pieced and meticulously sewn together perfectly. This pattern is from Winnie Flemming's Split Lone Star class. What a great quilt and I was so happy with how the quilting turned out. I just want to say I see a ton of quilts and Mom's piecing abilities astound me. She is my hero! <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A9WO8NB9zKE/UkoRtHCFnRI/AAAAAAAAAGo/APqpMTEVMUk/s1600/09+03+13+003_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A9WO8NB9zKE/UkoRtHCFnRI/AAAAAAAAAGo/APqpMTEVMUk/s320/09+03+13+003_edited-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Mom left the center of this quilt open for me to play with. Oh how fun it was to get this center quilting down. I was very happy with the result and would like to brag that I feel as if this is my best quilting to date. <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iNMmwPGMJy4/UkoRteAtjYI/AAAAAAAAAGs/9BVG0em1iNg/s1600/09+03+13+004_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="197" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iNMmwPGMJy4/UkoRteAtjYI/AAAAAAAAAGs/9BVG0em1iNg/s320/09+03+13+004_edited-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I recreated the fractured star block in the center with teal thread. I adore how it turned out.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iJM-6gyp234/UkoSAY21thI/AAAAAAAAAG0/WysDj0nIZyQ/s1600/09+03+13+005_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="206" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iJM-6gyp234/UkoSAY21thI/AAAAAAAAAG0/WysDj0nIZyQ/s320/09+03+13+005_edited-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
The arches seem to give some flow to the quilt. <br />
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I wanted to emphasize the block itself by shadowing around it. Also, I didn't to create a ton of bulk in the center of the stars so I started my stitching a quarter of an inch in, following the diamond shape of each star point. The loops soften all the hard points.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8E8qoaq8ssE/UkoSHCrQFFI/AAAAAAAAAHE/5qTVNwHaP9A/s1600/09+03+13+007_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="203" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8E8qoaq8ssE/UkoSHCrQFFI/AAAAAAAAAHE/5qTVNwHaP9A/s320/09+03+13+007_edited-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3LXpkIWMQ4E/UkoSae0vIAI/AAAAAAAAAHU/XF8wJztTpoU/s1600/09+03+13+016_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3LXpkIWMQ4E/UkoSae0vIAI/AAAAAAAAAHU/XF8wJztTpoU/s320/09+03+13+016_edited-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I liked the idea of have a pattern flow across borders so I came up with this cute little diamond with the feathers in it. Kind of a positive - negative effect. <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TVLDuJn2VR0/UkoSj5Ng2fI/AAAAAAAAAHc/ruHDP9cuTHc/s1600/09+03+13+017_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TVLDuJn2VR0/UkoSj5Ng2fI/AAAAAAAAAHc/ruHDP9cuTHc/s320/09+03+13+017_edited-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Here is the back. I only used three thread colors and changing the bobbin thread to match the top thread made for a beautiful whole cloth look on the back. <br />
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I would like to enter this one in a Machine Quilting Show (or MQX) somewhere. I will see about getting that done since I am very proud mine and my mom's work on it.<br />
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Charley's Birds<br />
This quilt is a tribute to the art work of Charley Harper. Mom loves his artwork and created this piece inspired by his art. The detail is amazing. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mom created the tree and placed the birds where she saw were they needed balance. She is so good at this.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Et5JIdXznhQ/Ukolx23XAhI/AAAAAAAAAIM/YGo3jdBmZw0/s1600/09+11+13+035_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Et5JIdXznhQ/Ukolx23XAhI/AAAAAAAAAIM/YGo3jdBmZw0/s320/09+11+13+035_edited-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The next was so much fun. I just zipped around with my quilting machine</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9WSYPqsy8D4/Ukolt1oIHhI/AAAAAAAAAIE/elo6hOvw86o/s1600/09+11+13+036_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9WSYPqsy8D4/Ukolt1oIHhI/AAAAAAAAAIE/elo6hOvw86o/s320/09+11+13+036_edited-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The worm cracks me up.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TTTxtaoBMxI/UkomEaLDNtI/AAAAAAAAAIU/NSN8KlsIGFQ/s1600/09+11+13+037_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TTTxtaoBMxI/UkomEaLDNtI/AAAAAAAAAIU/NSN8KlsIGFQ/s320/09+11+13+037_edited-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Every bird and leave were raw edge cut and placed onto the quilt. I had the daunting task of going around each piece of fabric used in all the birds and tree leaves to sew them down. So, this was quilted and sewn down at the same time. Lots of thread changes.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6YLMHucECeo/UkomJXHBKnI/AAAAAAAAAIc/F6I6Nj-Iiiw/s1600/09+11+13+038_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6YLMHucECeo/UkomJXHBKnI/AAAAAAAAAIc/F6I6Nj-Iiiw/s320/09+11+13+038_edited-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I really enjoyed quilting the owl. He looks very wise.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hUxWVUxZhd0/UkonEzq0W2I/AAAAAAAAAJU/qpP0yZYEDIg/s1600/09+11+13+045_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="193" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hUxWVUxZhd0/UkonEzq0W2I/AAAAAAAAAJU/qpP0yZYEDIg/s320/09+11+13+045_edited-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I was at a stressful point when I noticed that all of the sunflower seeds were needing to be attached to the quilt. I ended up putting bird tracks on them all which is how Charley Harper's art piece has in it. Thank goodness I didn't need to sew around each and every little seed in this quilt. There were so many of them. Mom loves detail.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ihlSPkOvvaA/Ukon_js-fhI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/uLJ7dYw_Pz4/s1600/09+11+13+049_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ihlSPkOvvaA/Ukon_js-fhI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/uLJ7dYw_Pz4/s320/09+11+13+049_edited-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I was able to do a little thread painting on the back of this lovely bird. It was a lot of fun. I know that means a lot of thread build up....but hey, this is an art quilt.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ar9lWUvweDA/UkooBeeFHYI/AAAAAAAAAKE/0f8XDCRJdSM/s1600/09+11+13+050_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ar9lWUvweDA/UkooBeeFHYI/AAAAAAAAAKE/0f8XDCRJdSM/s320/09+11+13+050_edited-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mom's favorites, the hummingbird.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sXUpeK30Ruc/UkooApvkESI/AAAAAAAAAKA/52rK6Dv9QHE/s1600/09+11+13+051_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sXUpeK30Ruc/UkooApvkESI/AAAAAAAAAKA/52rK6Dv9QHE/s320/09+11+13+051_edited-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I quilted in a barn in the background. A little crocked but I thought it was cute.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lL9PjKqK5wM/UkoofYokXSI/AAAAAAAAAKc/8mNb173eD5g/s1600/09+11+13+055_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lL9PjKqK5wM/UkoofYokXSI/AAAAAAAAAKc/8mNb173eD5g/s320/09+11+13+055_edited-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Creepy spider.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n8Lkiym6328/Ukoo6dK6JnI/AAAAAAAAAKs/dK4qfPzMwIQ/s1600/09+15+13+013_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n8Lkiym6328/Ukoo6dK6JnI/AAAAAAAAAKs/dK4qfPzMwIQ/s320/09+15+13+013_edited-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This quilt was made from a challenge that my Mom, me and my Aunt Lynn all made with each other. We all got a fat quarter bundle from Sample Spree at the Houston Quilt Market a few years ago and we were to create a quilt out of the bundle. Mom is the only one who has finished hers and wow did she ever. She only had a few small scraps left of the entire bundle. Way to go Mom. I guess that means she won the challenge. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1B1PgHxUxTQ/UkopXWpBoWI/AAAAAAAAAK8/gAfjyOD9rMM/s1600/09+15+13+017_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1B1PgHxUxTQ/UkopXWpBoWI/AAAAAAAAAK8/gAfjyOD9rMM/s320/09+15+13+017_edited-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Something a little different to do with stars. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-enunLiPBExM/UkopZc7FAWI/AAAAAAAAALM/2LpoQjDGRMQ/s1600/09+15+13+018_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-enunLiPBExM/UkopZc7FAWI/AAAAAAAAALM/2LpoQjDGRMQ/s320/09+15+13+018_edited-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Doesn't this block look like a flower?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5DL4mDO5Sq0/UkopY3oEilI/AAAAAAAAALI/1T6M0IBlDCI/s1600/09+15+13+019_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5DL4mDO5Sq0/UkopY3oEilI/AAAAAAAAALI/1T6M0IBlDCI/s320/09+15+13+019_edited-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I had a great time coming up with different background fills. I wanted them all to be geometric in nature. This one is my favorite with the diamonds. But the little blue bird made me sad. He looked so very lonely.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hqAqvgz3aJU/UkoqR2_8UxI/AAAAAAAAAMA/sWdziMm8p9s/s1600/09+15+13+026_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hqAqvgz3aJU/UkoqR2_8UxI/AAAAAAAAAMA/sWdziMm8p9s/s320/09+15+13+026_edited-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I tried to keep the same feather concept through out the pieced blocks. I enjoyed doing them.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-urssAMw54e4/UkoqnWFK-MI/AAAAAAAAAMM/gpswW3_6EHw/s1600/09+15+13+028_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-urssAMw54e4/UkoqnWFK-MI/AAAAAAAAAMM/gpswW3_6EHw/s320/09+15+13+028_edited-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another favorite. Lots of marking and starts and stops on this background but it was well worth it.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CZFGEQrszBA/Ukoqqo9Rr1I/AAAAAAAAAMY/B7fcyvCGPoA/s1600/09+15+13+031_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CZFGEQrszBA/Ukoqqo9Rr1I/AAAAAAAAAMY/B7fcyvCGPoA/s320/09+15+13+031_edited-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bird Houses in the background. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cNugH0H7Lfo/UkoqyL910zI/AAAAAAAAAMg/OC-ZQy43YCc/s1600/09+15+13+032_edited-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cNugH0H7Lfo/UkoqyL910zI/AAAAAAAAAMg/OC-ZQy43YCc/s320/09+15+13+032_edited-1.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love how the pieced border turned out. Drawing the quilting design into the inside of the quilt is something I love to do. It worked so well here.</td></tr>
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So up and down, we rode the emotional roller coaster. It was a fun, fun ride. Next time, I'll be riding with my hands up in the air.<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12326222179318975151noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414993896269670867.post-20583934782244585792013-08-24T09:10:00.001-07:002013-08-24T09:13:49.897-07:00Feather WreathSince I'm on a teaching frame of mind, I thought I'd share with you how I accomplished the feather wreath on Paula Ulrey's beautiful Tavern quilt.<br />
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I love to put feather wreaths inside blocks like this. The many small pieces to this block would make it much more time consuming to quilt each little piece with a continuous curve or stitch in the ditch. Also, treating each little star inside this block would disconnect the block (breaking it down into four pieces) and I want the viewer to see the entire block, not just the four components that make up this beautiful block. I love how the wreath brings the whole block together and gives it some movement. <br />
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A pet peeve of mine is to leave any part of a block unquilted. My rule is to make sure that I do not have any open area without quilting larger than my palm. I'm a stickler for balanced quilting and the circle wreath is a good example of the balance. You may have seen some circle wreaths where the inside circle has no quilting in it. I don't like the puffy look of that unquilted center. Also, that area will wear differently than if it were quilted. In time, the batting may pull apart and end up in a lumpy mess. We can't have that now can we? So, I placed an inner circle and a diamond inside the center of my wreath. I could have also stretch my feathers to touch in the center, but I really do not like the way this looks as I can't seem to make my feathers look even and balanced when I do this. So, the diamond inside was a perfect solution for me.<br />
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Here is how I accomplished the circle wreath. All of the templates used in this project are from <a href="https://www.thegadgetgirls.com/index.php" target="_blank">The Gadget Girls</a>. <br />
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My first step was to stitch around a 3" circle template. </div>
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Next, using a 2-1/2 inch circle template I stitched around the circle
from point to point of the squares in the block, making the diamond
shape. Tip: Start your outter circle in a spot where you can then do
the point to point diamond without starting and stopping your thread. </div>
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Using a 7" circle template, I then stitched an outside circle around the block. </div>
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I then stitched the feathers around the outside of the circle I had just
stitched. Without picking up my thread, I stitched the inside
feathers of the wreath. Viola, circle wreath finished and sitting
beautifully inside the block.</div>
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Now to stitch the sashing diamonds. With my Erasable Marvy Fabric Marker, I marked the center of the sashing.</div>
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With the 7" circle template I placed the curve where my stitch will go
from the corner stone to the center marking. This ended up on a dashed
line on the template which made it easier to place the template for each
curve I made in the sashings. I used a small continuous curve in the
corner stones to help me travel across the quilt without stopping and
starting my thread.</div>
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I then traveled back across the quilt with the 7" circle template on the
other side of the sashing. I love the effect this curve creates in the
sashing, like a neat little bow tie.</div>
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And there you have it. Pretty circle wreath with a diamond. <br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12326222179318975151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414993896269670867.post-11301828174427040572013-08-21T10:19:00.002-07:002013-08-21T10:19:45.152-07:00Taking the Bind out of Binding.<br />Several years ago, I found someone who sold a tool made specifically to help apply binding onto the quilt top with the longarm machine while the quilt is still on the frame. Wow, what a concept. I immediately bought the tool, proceeded to then put bindings on by my longarm machine. After several times of applying bindings in this fashion with the tool, I pretty much gave up and started doing my bindings back on my domestic. The tool was not long enough, cumbersome to use, difficult to place over my hopping foot, and ended up getting in the way while I did the top edge of the binding. What a pain and a half it is to pull a big queen or king sized quilt through a domestic machine to apply binding but I went back to it all because I didn't like the tool that I had purchased just for that purpose. <br />
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The other day, I was watching a video on QNNTV.com (a great site with tutorial videos on everything quilting) called Quilt It - the Longarm Quilting Show. I was watching episode 401 "How to Construct a Quilt on your Longarm From Piecing to Binding". They showed us how to construct the quilt (very cool I might add) and at the end she explained how she puts on her binding on the machine. I was mesmerized because I didn't like using that silly special tool and the speaker in the video was simply using a straight edge ruler to place the binding onto the quilt. Hello.....now why didn't I think of that. <br />
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So here is my step by step (with pictures) on how I accomplished the task of placing binding onto the quilt top while the quilt is on the longarm frame. Super Cool.<br />
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The only tool you will need is a straight edge ruler. I use Gadget Girls grided ruler because I love the fact that there are quarter inch grids throughout the tool. . Lay your binding on the edge of the quilt just as you would as if you were sewing the binding on your domestic machine. Make sure you leave a long tail when you start sewing in order to kiss the beginning and end of the bindings together. The foot on my longarm is a quarter inch thick so I know that I'm getting a good quarter inch seam just by using the edge of the foot as my guide. But I don't always sew straight, so using a straight ruler is the only way to go for me. I placed a piece of blue painters tape on the bottom of my ruler along the line where the edge of the binding (on the inside of the quilt) will be to guide me where to place my ruler when I'm sewing. It's easy peasy and I keep asking myself why didn't I think of this. <br />
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When approaching the corner, I used my gridded ruler to stop my needle a quarter of an inch before the edge of the quilt. You could mark that spot with a pin or marker if you don't have a quarter inch grid on your straight edge ruler. Then, using my ruler I turned the ruler to the 45 degree angle and sewed at an angle off of the quilt. Without taking up my threads I sewed around to start at the top of the binding and flipped the binding around the corner to make the miter. <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ctBv9aGJ51w/UhTv5eI6DSI/AAAAAAAAADk/z7YHPB7_984/s1600/photo%25283%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ctBv9aGJ51w/UhTv5eI6DSI/AAAAAAAAADk/z7YHPB7_984/s320/photo%25283%2529.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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I followed along the entire binding in this way. I roll my quilt in the direction I am sewing the binding on so there is a lot of stop and roll going on, but I believe it so much easier than fighting with the quilt on a small machine. Make sure you leave your tail at the end of the binding. I then take the quilt off of the frame and kiss the ends of the bindings together as I always do on my domestic. Viola......no more bind to applying binding. I'm hooked. The video did show us how to even accomplish this step on the longarm machine so I will have to try that the next time around.<br />
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As a longarm quilting professional, I do charge for this service. If the customer has already sewn together and ironed their binding strips, and all I am doing is sewing the binding on the front, I charge $.05 per linear inch of binding. My charges goes up for different methods of binding with the highest being $.20 per linear inch for doing it all. <br />
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As for that special tool I bought years ago? It has a nice view over my quilt room in the ruler holder gathering dust and feeling lonely. <br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12326222179318975151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414993896269670867.post-15670405587131692042013-08-14T05:23:00.000-07:002013-08-14T05:23:17.144-07:00Favorite ToolsLast night I had the privilege of traveling down to Dickinson for the Clearlake Longarm Bee meeting at Pinwheels and Posies. This group of longarmers are so very welcoming and ready to learn from and teach each other everything there is to know about longarm quilting. It's such a pleasure going to this group meeting as I have fun and learn something every time I go.<br />
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The topic for the meeting this month was "Your favorite tool". Many of the ladies brought and spoke about which tool they used and enjoyed the most. Templates and rulers were the popular tool of the night with some things like DeLoa Jones' Appliguide, or the small six inch ruler guide that fits perfectly in your hand while you do straightline ruler work on your quilting. <br />
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I chose to bring a tool that I find I can't live without. It is Quilters View Film which is a roll of see through cellophane made by Dritz Longarm. I use this film by laying it across an unquilted area and then using a dry erase marker I draw patterns to preview them on the quilt. Once i have an idea of what i would like to quilt on the top, I can erase it with a small piece of batting. It's not like I have enough betting around to do this with. Hehe. </div>
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Most often I will take a picture of my preview drawings to remember what I drew. I tend to be super forgetful so having a reference to look back at is very helpful. </div>
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Here is a sample of how I would use the quilters film. <br />
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I have drawn a feather in red inside the setting triangle to show how that element could work there. The film has a black mark on both edges to give you a warning that you are about to mark on the quilt. Something like this is needed in my case since I can get carried away and then, opps, you're feeling horrible for marking on the quilt (unfortunately speaking from experience). So, I always pay very close attention to that little warning. </div>
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Now I could probably go to Walmart at buy a cheaper version of this but let me tell you the problems with that from my experiences.</div>
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1. It's cheap and flimsy and after one or two uses can tear easily. Yes, I've accidentally marked on a quilt because the cellophane has torn a hole and yes, I will never ever buy that stuff again because of it. I have enough stress in my life so I'd rather not have to worry with how do I get marker out of this beautiful quilt someone has worked so long and hard to finish.</div>
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2. There is only one side that you will be able to draw on and erase it later. The Quilters View Film is erasable on both sides. </div>
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3. Its wrapped on a tube that's long and cumbersome. The Quilters View Film is 20 inches wide which fits perfectly across the quilt while its on my quilt frame. No wielding the tube like a sword like you did with wrapping paper when you were a kid. </div>
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4. And did I mention it was cheap and flimsy? With only one or two uses I was ready to throw it away. With the Quilters View Film, I've had a roll for over a year and have never cut any of it off. It still looks and works great. </div>
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So go grab you some at your local quilt shop and start designing away. If your LQS does not carry it, ask them to. It's well worth it. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12326222179318975151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414993896269670867.post-80485571412158148522013-08-08T06:49:00.000-07:002013-08-08T12:32:32.755-07:00My Mother as an InspirationMy mom, Janet Watson, is a huge inspiration to me and I can attribute my passion for quilting to her influences. She is the reason why I quilt today. She amazes me with her artistic insight and design. Oh, she will tell you that she isn't good at all, but that is her humble nature and I love that about her. She isn't a show off so I get to be the show off for her. <br>
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The header picture for this blog is a quilt I finished for her this past June. As she always states, every quilt should have an applique. Most of her quilts from the past two or three years does include some sort of applique. Even if it's just a little bird in the corner. She came up with this design to teach a group she hosts how to make the Delectable Mountains as the border (A Debbie Caffrey inspiration) There in the middle, her beautiful applique. <br>
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I used double batting on this one. Warm and Natural 100% cotton on bottom and Hobbs Wool on top. The wool gives such excellent definition to the quilting and just melts into the quilt nicely when the piece is quilted tightly. I used King Tut cotton thread as my top thread and So Fine poly thread in the bobbin (my usual combination).<br>
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I tend to play with my quilting more on Mom's quilts more than my customers. I guess because I feel comfortable doing something new with her pieces. Plus, I don't have many of my own quilts that I've pieced to play with. Having her as my muse is the best ever. We tell each other all the time that we make a good team. <br>
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<br>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12326222179318975151noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6414993896269670867.post-51027711854811532442013-08-07T07:00:00.002-07:002013-08-07T07:00:35.854-07:00Joining the Blogging WorldHello all,<br />
I have been contemplating on creating a blog to share my quilting experiences with the world for quite some time now. There are some wonderful quilters out there who I admire and respect and it's amazing how much I learn from them on their blogs. I would hope that what I post regarding the quilting I do will help inspire someone the way I've been inspired. So, here I go. Joining the blogging community, sharing my knowledge and ideas, and hopefully entertaining a few of you at the same time. I truly adore what I do for a living even though deadlines and pressure sometimes get me to wondering what in the world I got myself into. I'm thinking that writing things down can help with my frustrations as well as my accomplishments and celebrations. A little internet therapy, if you will.<br />
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So for those of you who don't know who I am and are just now discovering A Busy Bobbin here is a short description.<br />
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My name is Kim Norton, I own two ABM Innova long-arm quilting machines. Molly Monster is an 18" workhorse that sets pretty on a 10' frame. The newest addition is Betty Beast, a big boned 26" which sets on a 12' frame. I adore what I do for a living...quilting for others as a business, and for myself and family for fun. <br /><br />I’ve been sewing since I was nine years old. My mother sat me down in front of the sewing machine and over the years, she’s taught me all I know. We started with clothing in the 4-H home economics program and eventually moved on to quilting. I’m still learning from her today and believe she is the best quilter out there. I am biased since she is my Momma, but her passion for quilting is contagious and I strive to be like her.<br /><br />My husband has recently retired from 23 years in the Navy. He and I and our two sons have lived in many places throughout his Naval career but the latest and greatest was three and a half years in Naples, Italy. What an experience! So, it’s back home to Texas and we are now settled in the Humble, Texas area (a northern suburb of Houston). We’re living a civilian life and striving for the American dream. <br />
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Join me as I travel along in the machine quilting ride along. Enjoy!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12326222179318975151noreply@blogger.com6