tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4490993475052498322024-02-03T09:45:56.399-05:00*Red Poppy Quilts*Shannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04019824189706180491noreply@blogger.comBlogger251125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-449099347505249832.post-28249972164012324312016-02-19T12:25:00.000-05:002016-02-19T12:25:22.762-05:00Life Changes and a More Serious Post - Apologies UpfrontHonestly, I can't believe it's been 2 months since I've blogged. I had grand plans of doing so much better this year keeping up with it. It has gotten harder, life has gotten busier. I feel like I'm juggling too much but all essentials that I can't cut out.<br />
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My divorce was final in December right before Christmas. I'm still battling with a lot of emotions from that. It is a serious pain in your heart. Something that I'm really not sure I'll ever truly recover from. I'm sure time will allow me to move on, but it's the moving on that scares me. Because that means there's no going back, no fixing things anymore. I'm still waiting for him to wake up and try, put forth the effort I feel like should have been there from the beginning. Realizing that he won't, that he's either incapable or unwilling is what cuts the deepest. But I've got to move on....find a way to come to terms with this and find healing. A damaged heart is truly the worst. I thought we'd be together forever, but what I saw as a 19 year-old girl getting married is vastly different from an almost-37 year-old with the weight of the world on my shoulders.<br />
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I carry a weight of guilt as well. Did I really try hard enough? Should we have tried multiple counselors until we found the one who could help? Did I give him enough time to really fix things before I said "enough"? But was he even planning to change? I can't be the one who gives the to-do list of things to change, at some point the husband should take the reigns, the bull by the horns, and just try--something, anything!<br />
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I have to let it go. I can't move on until I do. I can't heal until I reconcile what I wanted to what is now. I'm broken, damaged, and torn down. As a woman, that's a difficult place to be. As a single mother trying to take care of 2 growing daughters, that's a place I hide from them. They think all is well with me, that life is just moving back to a sense of normal for me when all I see is turmoil on the inside.<br />
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If you've made it this far, thank you for reading. I sometimes just need to unburden my heart in writing, it helps. Meanwhile, I've been learning how to crochet. Occupying my mind with a new task, new skills, keeping myself busy.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhynormT2DxZ_K1fCWagHCoux-34cCn-UhXZM5ufUI_85LkZjohn4Zmt2v5u7isp64Gva2TYpQkQZH_DvBIYrZ8MRiu9TuVVemp9bfdTH5WL3LC6oZTSC8jdYuXw-osndt_4ROtDFp8q8Y/s1600/HLA+blanket.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhynormT2DxZ_K1fCWagHCoux-34cCn-UhXZM5ufUI_85LkZjohn4Zmt2v5u7isp64Gva2TYpQkQZH_DvBIYrZ8MRiu9TuVVemp9bfdTH5WL3LC6oZTSC8jdYuXw-osndt_4ROtDFp8q8Y/s640/HLA+blanket.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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This is the newest of my projects. The pattern is called <a href="http://pinkstitches.bigcartel.com/product/hexie-love-actually-pdf-pattern">Hexie Love Actually</a> by Pink Stitches (@greenletterday on IG). There are 66 hexies attached so far and I think it will need to be about 3x larger for my size preference. I love it though. It's soothing and easy (now, haha!). So far, I'm using all Madeline Tosh Vintage yarn and it's just gorgeous. The colors are amazing and it feels like heaven.<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/108/CD6AACE9CA059B147155C5A5AFC7516B.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0;" /></a>Shannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04019824189706180491noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-449099347505249832.post-68834949231116813632015-12-11T10:15:00.001-05:002015-12-11T10:15:08.221-05:00No Fabric Spending 2016<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I know everyone says this...but I cannot believe it's already the end of another year! It's so cliche, but so true. This year has whizzed by and brought a lot of changes with it. I'm a single mom now...something I never thought I'd say. While this was a much needed change for me and my girls, I can't say I like being single. In fact, I don't like it at all. The divorce and changes in my life have separated me from some good friends too, bringing a different layer of sadness with it. You really do find out who your real friends are when you go through times like this. I am truly blessed with some wonderful people in my life.<br />
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But I have made new friends, rekindled old friendships, and I feel good about 2016. <br />
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I'm already making goals for 2016, some are personal, some crafty, but all positive changes in my life. I'm ready for new beginnings and fresh starts!<br />
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One of my goals that I'd like to share is "No Fabric Spending 2016"!! When I first told my girls, Dayna said well, you better buy as much as you can before the end of the year! ha! I feel good about it, though, maybe because of the new challenge. This year I've been on my own, budgeting on one income and it's been tough. I'm sure I am like a lot of people who use retail therapy to cope with emotional issues. And fabric is my particular spendy drug! So, I need to wean myself, save more, spend less, and focus on what I have instead of just being a buying machine.<br />
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I do think that Quilt Market doesn't help (side eye :) and the speed at which new lines of fabric are on the market. I can't resist Anna Maria Horner, some of Tula Pink, Cotton and Steel.....but that is bad on the budget. I don't blame anyone, people have to make money, but geez, can you slow it down?? I need to catch my breath before someone's new line comes out! I do think the market is a machine that is running faster than ever. And the "fear" of certain fabrics becoming rare and unavailable has people buying more than ever. I just want to slow things down for me. I have enough, more than I will probably use in the next few years. I want to be more selective, less pushed by the market. <br />
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<a href="https://img0.etsystatic.com/107/0/7766630/il_570xN.866775132_kive.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Pre-Sale- One Yard Bundle- Mendocino 2016-Heather Ross" border="0" height="400" src="https://img0.etsystatic.com/107/0/7766630/il_570xN.866775132_kive.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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On that note....I do have some fabric pre-ordered that is coming out in 2016 that I purchased before I decided to have a No Fabric Spending 2016. Mendocino by Heather Ross and Chipper by Tula Pink. I was just starting to sew when I first saw Mendocino and I didn't know enough to buy any of it then. I love the mermaids and the seahorses (one of my 3 favorite animals!)<br />
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I have given myself the leeway to use any extra money, like birthday money or money I make separate from my job, to use on fabric, but only if I really really really love it. <br />
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If you've read this much, sorry for such a long posting. I know this might sound trivial to some, but we each have our vices...shoes, clothes, eating out, jewelry. Mine just happens to be fabric :)<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/108/CD6AACE9CA059B147155C5A5AFC7516B.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Shannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04019824189706180491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-449099347505249832.post-61778974911700836272015-06-14T23:48:00.000-04:002015-06-14T23:48:07.093-04:00Fabric Friday ( a few days late! )I had this post in my brain on Friday....then Friday happened! It was calm and relaxed until work got nuts and I forgot all about my blog post. So, here I am, sitting in my hotel room Sunday night at almost midnight putting together this post. Hope you enjoy!<br />
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This week's Fabric Friday is devoted to another on Cotton and Steel's amazing lines that should be on my doorstep Monday afternoon! Spellbound is the first Halloween collection I have actually liked. The colors are perfect together while not being spooky. The mummies and spiderwebs are adorable. Each spiderweb print has tiny spiders here and there in the design. I just love it! I purchased my bundle from Jen of Knotted Thread. She has regular pop-up sales every Friday and had offered this one as a bundle with free shipping...the best deal!<br />
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGVj7DnDK1V_-lJRu3qTKN2x9jiguOBN5tvymouGDNGRPqJ_mJX7A6-0E84spYiCijmv3VnBRDNks31b_dvO16DKPucMwfPQr2RGpROcGfo7XY9TK5M_UWtuLSdPCro2wmhHr7KJXd9Eg/s640/spellbound-stack-for-web.jpg" /><br />
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<img height="400" src="http://cdn2.bigcommerce.com/server2000/66711/products/4552/images/16236/5010_2small__45762.1433186209.640.640.jpg?c=2" width="399" /></div>
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While browsing IG one day, I came across this pattern being developed by <a href="http://pileofabric.com/">Pile O' Fabric</a> that is perfect for Spellbound. I can't wait until the pattern is released!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTROdYwEY84HL82F237l1vpJuWY90I011VWoZnlnr00TzyjYhZeyw5sEfZc8w1lm2ESRQ1llFw6nGKZTwKyOV7gQagQd3sINFp5vib44KjofJDW_jzqc6mqdr9BaSVtSaRZuUNl6yML1I/s1600/Spellbound+quilt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="632" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTROdYwEY84HL82F237l1vpJuWY90I011VWoZnlnr00TzyjYhZeyw5sEfZc8w1lm2ESRQ1llFw6nGKZTwKyOV7gQagQd3sINFp5vib44KjofJDW_jzqc6mqdr9BaSVtSaRZuUNl6yML1I/s640/Spellbound+quilt.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/108/CD6AACE9CA059B147155C5A5AFC7516B.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Shannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04019824189706180491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-449099347505249832.post-81955054882142718412015-06-10T16:29:00.002-04:002015-06-10T16:29:38.450-04:00Swap Progress - AMH SwapI joined a couple of swaps a few months ago...before realizing that I am terrible at swaps. The timelines are a mind game. I always underestimate the time needed to actually follow through. So, I'm finishing up these last 2 and taking a break from signing up for a while!<br />
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The one I have progress pics for is the Anna Maria Horner swap. OF COURSE, I had to sign up for that one!!<br />
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Swap rules are that at least 3 progress pics are posted so that the swap mamas know you're working on it and aren't flaking out. I pulled a random selection from my AMH cabinet (yes, I said cabinet, don't judge ;) and some Kona Glacier. It's a lovely dark teal that does not photograph well at all. This is pretty true to color, but the other pics I got make it look dark blue and it is not anywhere close to that. <br />
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Here is my mini in progress. I need to do the quilting and of course the binding. And I am terrible at making labels, so that always gets put off until the last minute. But mailing date isn't for another month! This whole mini measures about 21 inches which made me think of what it would look like as a whole quilt. <br />
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I used the app PicFrame to see what the block would look like as an entire quilt. I am toying around with this idea!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBSQSvWukpgjp6xiMGZUuMTx8K4ZDcuXhZa5rlinrQG3jTN_MrJ4yLKXjJT7YobUbDXgaqADlDcF6I9M_5Dz9LBnh-z4LCpqQC6HjjimsB0XsQfbIFnqwdhXVW6rEdBPfGh0-5tOF9Z14/s1600/picframe.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBSQSvWukpgjp6xiMGZUuMTx8K4ZDcuXhZa5rlinrQG3jTN_MrJ4yLKXjJT7YobUbDXgaqADlDcF6I9M_5Dz9LBnh-z4LCpqQC6HjjimsB0XsQfbIFnqwdhXVW6rEdBPfGh0-5tOF9Z14/s640/picframe.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Linking up with<a href="http://www.freshlypieced.com/"> Lee at Freshly Pieced</a>. Happy WIP Wednesday!<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/108/CD6AACE9CA059B147155C5A5AFC7516B.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Shannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04019824189706180491noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-449099347505249832.post-1367949136786604022015-06-05T14:40:00.000-04:002015-06-05T14:40:54.378-04:00Fabric FridayIt's Friday! YAY!! Today I want to talk about the True Colors bundles that have come out in the last year. If you are looking to build up your stash of basic colors while still having the unique style of certain beloved designers. This is the last bundle I have purchased and probably the last one for a while. I am TRYING to be more selective and less spendy. <br />
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My newest (and probably last for the summer) is the Tula Pink True Colors bundle. I ordered a FQ bundle from one of my favorite online fabric shops, <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/knotthreads?ref=shopsection_shophome_leftnav">Knotted Thread</a>. Jen is wonderful to work with and has pop-up sales on Instagram @knotted_thread every Friday (dangerous!). I snagged this one last Friday for a great deal! <br />
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The colors are vibrant and I love the designs. Not just plain janes, but unique to Tula Pink and an homage to her previous beloved lines. <br />
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<img alt="Tula Pink True Colors - half yard Bundle" src="https://img1.etsystatic.com/063/0/6683697/il_570xN.750167733_jwcb.jpg" /></div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/108/CD6AACE9CA059B147155C5A5AFC7516B.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Shannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04019824189706180491noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-449099347505249832.post-38166179982479287242015-05-29T11:31:00.000-04:002015-05-29T11:36:51.813-04:00Fabric FridayI love Fridays....but who doesn't?? I have been toying around with doing a weekly post on the different fabrics I am either lusting after or have and love. I am not promoting anyone or any shop for personal gain, just to share what I personally love. Welcome to the first Fabric Friday!<br />
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I know some folks don't buy collections and that's a-okay. I personally like collections for a few reasons. I don't really have a problem with putting colors together or picking fabrics that would fit together in a color scheme. I just like how designers put together various prints I would probably never combine! Most of my quilts would be color-specific without the variety of prints. That's one reason I love Anna Maria Horner's collections so much. Usually she has a wide variety of prints that I would never have put together and they end up looking incredible together. <br />
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One of my current favorite collections is Tinsel by <a href="http://www.cottonandsteelfabrics.com/">Cotton + Steel</a>. I absolutely LOVE the vintage look of these fabrics. I also absolutely love the snow globe fabric. The ladies of C+S have each contributed to this collection and I think they nailed it. <br />
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<img src="http://www.wintercreekcloth.com/assets/images/Tinsel/Tinsel%20just%20arrived%202%20copy.jpg" /></div>
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Currently, I am waiting for my purchase of Tinsel...Christmas in June sounds like a wonderful idea! I purchased a yard bundle from @noodlebugfabrics on Instagram. She had the best price by far. I'm just waiting for it to arrive :) I have so many projects in my mind, but I'm thinking a Christmas quilt will have to make it's way to the top of the list. </div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/108/CD6AACE9CA059B147155C5A5AFC7516B.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Shannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04019824189706180491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-449099347505249832.post-88521407892489362982015-05-27T16:17:00.001-04:002015-05-27T16:17:42.895-04:00Shaken Faith<div style="text-align: center;">
Warning--very personal post...nothing crafty-related :)</div>
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I haven't been able to blog in a long while. I've had so much on my mind, but when you can't get it out, it's impossible to share things. <br />
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I moved to NC in summer of 1998. Right before I got married. I worked in the daycare at the school my girls attend now. I met a wonderful family with 3 amazing kids going into K-5, 2nd grade, and 4rd grade. The longer I worked at the daycare and then school once I got my degree, the closer I got to these amazing people. Mr. and Mrs. were closer personal friends. I taught 2 of the 3 kids throughout my 10 years of teaching. The 2 oldest kids were very close to me, especially the oldest. He was such a great kid. Always respectful, loved his family and church, wanted to be involved in everything. By 8th grade, he was ready to just graduate school and go to college to be a missionary. He knew where he was heading. I laughed when he became a missionary to a Spanish-speaking country because he hated Spanish in school. He got married and went to Peru. Amazing things were happening there! He was living his dream and loving every second.<br />
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Then he died. Only 3 years after getting there. To say I was shocked, still am shocked, is a huge understatement. When I heard what happened, I couldn't breathe. He was injured and then died days later. Those days I prayed harder than I had in quite a while. I asked God to take me instead. Let him live, he is doing so much in Peru. He has a young wife who loves him dearly. I pleaded, cried a thousand tears, begged for mercy. . <br />
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It's so hard to understand God's plans. I know in my head that bad things happen to everyone, both good and bad people. We can't always know why things happen the way they do. If I'm honest, my faith has been shaken in the right direction. <br />
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Several years ago and until recently, I was going through some difficult times in my life. My first instinct was to bury myself away from everyone and from God. My faith was hollow...something I believed in my head, but not really in my heart. I went through the motions, all the while growing farther apart from God and from my church. Depression set in and grabbed hold of me deeply. My relationships failed. Friends turned away. My marriage suffered and then died. Hope was almost gone for me. My husband and I separated and I started to heal mentally, emotionally. Not spiritually. I would pray but my words felt empty, as if falling on deaf ears. I wanted restoration, forgiveness. I wanted my life back. Things are slowly becoming normal again, although not the same normal. I'm still searching for a church but it's hard to find the right place. I'm still trying to find my way back.<br />
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And then Daniel died. I felt like I have been catapulted back into the arms of God. My heart is still broken but mending. I have so much hope for the future, a future not like the one I had planned. A future where I am figuring out how to make it on my own again. Taking care of my beautiful daughters is all I want to do. One day at a time right now.<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/108/CD6AACE9CA059B147155C5A5AFC7516B.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Shannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04019824189706180491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-449099347505249832.post-18494950917800792422015-04-07T14:46:00.000-04:002015-04-07T15:03:30.798-04:00Instagram for Crafty PeopleI hesitate to write this post, but it's been on my mind lately. Instagram (IG) is so great for crafty people. Quilters, knitters, crochet, doll makers, everything crafty seems to overflow on IG. It's a place to post your projects instantly, giving that instant gratification of likes and comments that bloggers love. It's also been an easy way to sell fabric, finished products, etc. I have done a destash and it was awesome to be able to thin out my stash without the hassle of posting to a site like Etsy. <br />
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Some of my favorite hashtags are:<br />
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#annamariahorner<br />
#thegreatfabricdestash<br />
#machinequilting<br />
#longarmquilting<br />
#scrappytripalong<br />
#sewtogetherbag<br />
#hourbasket<br />
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So many hashtags!!<br />
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There is so much to see on IG and I have been sucked into a few things myself. When the hashtag #thegreatfabricdestash first came out, I spent waaay too much money. I know I bought a ton of Good Folks, some way overpriced. I had to dial it down when my credit card bill came in the mail! There were some pretty interesting conversations on IG regarding prices of popular out of print fabrics. Some people were asking outrageous prices...$80-$100 per yard, $20+ per FQ. It definitely created some bitter feelings, divisions between those who say it's the right of the person selling to ask what they want and the group who thought it was just an abuse and not in the spirit of the quilty community on IG. There was thread about people who would buy from those selling at a reasonable price, then turning around and selling at a higher price. After seeing what the destash was doing to people, I took a break from that. Too much drama.<br />
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Another activity I have been sucked into is signing up for swaps. You get paired with another person, secretly, and make whatever the swap is for. I have learned that I am not cut out for swaps. I am terrible at sending things on time. Between working a full time job away from the house and 2 kids aged 9 and 11, I just can't seem to get ahead of the swap game. I have 2 more swaps that I still have due in June. Once those are done, I don't think I will sign up for anymore.<br />
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I saw a post on IG yesterday that bothered me a little. I understand the reasoning behind it, but someone is putting together a list of "bad swapper" and circulating it to swap mamas. I understand no one likes to get paired with a dud, but it seems mean. I'm sure my name is on that list. I have signed up for 2 swaps that I have sent out late. I personally hate knowing I'm on a bad swappers list because life gets in the way and a package is sent late. I still communicate with my swap mama and let them know I can't meet the deadlines. I do understand the commitment before I sign up, but you know how that goes, things will be different this time and I will actually be able to meet my deadline!<br />
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Quilting bees-also not my thing. For whatever reason, I can't seem to meet deadlines! Again, same problem. I love the idea, but I'm terrible at follow through. <br />
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My conclusion is that work is so much pressure by itself, life runs at the speed of light sometimes and I can barely keep up sometimes. I don't need the extra stress and fearing I'm gonna end up on a bad list.<br />
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I love IG and won't be leaving anytime soon. But I will be steering clear of the drama and extra pressures and sewing for those I love without the stress! I have met some pretty incredible friends from IG that I am so thankful for! <br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/108/CD6AACE9CA059B147155C5A5AFC7516B.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Shannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04019824189706180491noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-449099347505249832.post-77900074262103530482015-04-01T14:10:00.001-04:002015-04-01T14:10:31.605-04:00WIP Wednesday - Anna Maria Horner Log Cabin QuiltHi all! Another WIP Wednesday is here....I am loving getting back into blogging but it seems time passes faster than my blog posts! I have a few updates on my works in progress.<br />
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I am still binding my clamshell quilt. It's about 90 ish inches all around so it's taking a while! So far, I'm halfway done. The best time to work on handwork is when I am just veg on the couch and watch TV. Somehow this is very relaxing to me and I'm still being productive. <br />
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My next WIP is the Anna Maria Horner log cabin quilt I started a couple weeks ago. I couldn't get it out of my head and needed to keep going! The top is all together now. It's another queen sized quilt, seems that is all I am working on lately. I love having new pretties for my bed. Makes my room feel cozy and personal.<br />
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Here is the quilt top before the blocks were sewn together. It was all I could do to keep the kitties off the blocks!<br />
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Here she is all put together. The solid color is Kona Glacier which matches perfectly with the teals in Anna Maria Horner's collections. I used all the collections I have for this quilt, cutting a few strips of each fabric. I used the pink cathedrals print from her Good Folks collection. Now to quilt...I have no idea how I will do it. I thought about maybe sending it out to a longarm quilter, but it depends on cost. <br />
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If I do quilt it myself, I need to figure out the best Aurifil thread color to use since the teal is a bit outside the normal teals. I used a medium gray Aurifil 50wt to piece the logs but don't really want to use that to quilt...want the color to blend in more to not take away from the overall quilt. I love me some Aurifil thread! <br />
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And because I am a total fangirl, I had to share a picture of Anna Maria Horner liking my pictures on Instagram. I would love to meet her one day.<br />
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Thanks so much for stopping by my blog! I love looking at everyone's projects and hearing about their processes. Linking up with <a href="http://www.freshlypieced.com/">Lee from Freshly Pieced for WIP Wednesday</a>. <br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/108/CD6AACE9CA059B147155C5A5AFC7516B.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Shannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04019824189706180491noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-449099347505249832.post-90901855328714246682015-03-18T16:29:00.001-04:002015-03-18T16:29:40.194-04:00WIP WednesdayI'm trying to get back into the swing of blogging again. Most days it's all I can do to just get out of bed and do the things I have to do. I am still battling with depression and the way life changes. But I am still embracing the positive, letting go of the way life "should" be. Hoping for newness and change. The purpose of this post is Works in Progress. I feel like I'm starting over again, I'm my own work in progress right now. I'm not sure if I will ever feel "finished" again, but I sure hope I can at least rejoice in each step or progress.<br />
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This week I am trying my best to finish my Glam Clam quilt for my bed. I want more handmade bed quilts in my home. This will be my 3rd finished one for my bed. I've made tons for my kids, but their beds never stay made the way I would like them!<br />
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Here is the quilt top....I just finished quilting it last night! This one has taken a while longer than normal because every time I went ot work on it, my new kitty Granger decided it was time for a nap...on my quilt! She is so sweet I didn't have the heart to move her. </div>
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She's just too presh to move!! I finally had to move her and get 'er done. Planning to trim and put the binding on tonight.</div>
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Needless to say, I am not one to just let ideas rumble in my head to long. I have an idea for an all Anna Maria Horner quilt (I actually already have several, but I can't resist). Anna Maria Horner is my favorite designer. She is so family-centered, humble, gracious. I haven't met her, but I read her blog often and it just inspires me to be a better person. Her fabrics speak to my heart in so many ways. It's more than just fabric to her. Anyway, this one will be a log cabin of sorts. In my head it is going to be awesome. I hope it turns out that way over the next weeks. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTkD621CAWjcZNHDBD1-c-v3UBX40WORDEt2OXY8EzWkASrMxXmNyeyM8268_AvF3VnQWH9IxcvmYVnOwuUwKNjcV5riJ_xLHUEgsLUcw1HtWbKjQICBEtT9FanKxZPLZXN2Pvs_DfP3A/s1600/AMH+log+cabin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTkD621CAWjcZNHDBD1-c-v3UBX40WORDEt2OXY8EzWkASrMxXmNyeyM8268_AvF3VnQWH9IxcvmYVnOwuUwKNjcV5riJ_xLHUEgsLUcw1HtWbKjQICBEtT9FanKxZPLZXN2Pvs_DfP3A/s1600/AMH+log+cabin.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a><br />
That's all for now! I am linking up with Lee at<a href="http://www.freshlypieced.com/"> Freshly Pieced for WIP Wednesday</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/108/CD6AACE9CA059B147155C5A5AFC7516B.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Shannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04019824189706180491noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-449099347505249832.post-86716278088977347072015-03-17T10:34:00.000-04:002015-03-17T10:34:30.483-04:00Trip to Denver - Fancy Tiger CraftsSo, I'm about a month-ish late in posting this, but such is life! I had to go to Denver, CO, for work toward the end of January. My first thought was how cold it would be and my second thought was I HAVE to find a quilt shop there.....and get a You Are Here mug from Starbucks. Priorities, people!<br />
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We stayed at a lovely downtown hotel within walking distance to almost anything you could want! The weather was in the 70s and very dry. I had several bloody noses while there. TMI?<br />
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I researched online to find an adorable quilt shop "not far" from the hotel....or "within walking distance"....not so much. It was totally worth the 5 mile walk.<br />
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On our 5 mile walk to the shop, we walked by all kinds of typical downtown locations, including the capitol building. Isn't it gorgeous!! </div>
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Fancy Tiger Crafts is half quilt shop and half yarn shop. The yarns were gorgeous...made me wish I could knit or crochet better! I would love to take a class on how to make a granny square afgan. Until then, I will have to content myself with You Tube videos!</div>
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The shop was absolutely adorable. I didn't even get a pic of all the fabrics. I was overwhelmed by the funky decor and amazing quilts on the walls. I didn't want to look like a total tourist, so I only snapped a few photos. <br />
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This quilt is definitely going on my to-do list!! What a great use for larger print fabrics!</div>
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If you are ever in Denver, definitely look up Fancy Tiger Crafts! I did manage to buy a little fabric, prints I haven't been able to find in Raleigh/Durham. They don't provide bags, so make sure you either don't mind, bring your own, or prepare to spend $6 on a bag. I wish we had a shop like this in downtown Durham, although I would probably spend way too much time and money!<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/108/CD6AACE9CA059B147155C5A5AFC7516B.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Shannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04019824189706180491noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-449099347505249832.post-92098945639459490002015-02-16T09:09:00.000-05:002015-02-16T09:09:00.607-05:00True LoveI thought I knew what true love was....that is until my daughters were born. When my daughter Emma was born, she was whisked away from me right away. I was in labor for so long with her that there was meconium involved and they needed to take care of that right away. But as soon as she rested her head on my chest and I kissed her squishy little face, true love took over my heart.<br />
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The last almost 12 years have been full of ups and downs but my daughters teach me daily how to have true love for others. It's present in everything, from cooking dinner for them, cleaning up the kitchen, sharing a movie together, singing my daughter to sleep at night (Dayna's 9 and still requests this every night). <br />
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True love is not high and mighty, a lofty trait we have that is shared with a select few. It is lowly and humble, demonstrated instead of declared. It is why we do what we do each day. True love is the reason behind all the things we do, menial tasks to some, but full of love for others. <br />
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It's why I make quilts for others, every stitch full of love, thinking of the person for whom it is intended.<br />
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Valentine's Day this year was amazing. I can't say there isn't a deep hole in my heart still, one that gets smaller by the day, but still causes pain. But you just focus on the good, keep moving forward. That's all you can do. I celebrated Valentine's Day with my 2 true loves, my daughters. We went to IHOP for breakfast, had pedicures together (girls also got manicures), and then did a little shopping. It was a perfectly wonderful day. My daughters are the loves and joy of my life. I am so thankful for them, thankful I get to be their mama. <br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/108/CD6AACE9CA059B147155C5A5AFC7516B.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Shannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04019824189706180491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-449099347505249832.post-17851132747452593202015-02-12T14:51:00.003-05:002015-02-12T14:51:53.969-05:00Glam Clam WIPThis quilt...swoon!! I love it! The way it comes together is quick and painless. The cutting is the most pain-staking process.<br />
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Here is the quilt top...my girlies had to stand on our tall dining room chairs so I could get a full picture. Emma is my photo bomber! I love the colors, the pattern, just everything about it. I finally got it basted and am working on the quilting. That will take a while.....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCqQXR347PnF22KOW7c9wUjoK93N9vPdb-zvqtJ6nyZ2uzQ8TctfVWL38AkQyRrZU6ixZ0FYJnYyEPV9J29XNMh7sv0Si34UJCp31PrlLzAj3MOcsdS9Vt4bGa6URdE7Vy1plqU_rgU-A/s1600/gc+quilt.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCqQXR347PnF22KOW7c9wUjoK93N9vPdb-zvqtJ6nyZ2uzQ8TctfVWL38AkQyRrZU6ixZ0FYJnYyEPV9J29XNMh7sv0Si34UJCp31PrlLzAj3MOcsdS9Vt4bGa6URdE7Vy1plqU_rgU-A/s1600/gc+quilt.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/108/CD6AACE9CA059B147155C5A5AFC7516B.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Shannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04019824189706180491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-449099347505249832.post-76602041627150226992015-01-22T16:43:00.000-05:002015-01-22T16:43:09.584-05:00Curly Girl Hair Care<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I have a love/hate relationship with my hair. Most days it's great, I love it and everything about it....some days though, I just WISH I could have straight hair so I could bounce out of bed, run a brush through, do a few minor tweaks and be on my way. I have learned SOO much about how to take care of my hair over the years. Trial and error are my best friends, and now so are Pinterest and YouTube.<br />
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Of course, there is no one right way for every curly girl. You have to find the right products for your curls, try different things. This is my regimen.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Cleansing:</span></b><br />
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I have read so many things about "no-poo" and "co-washing" washing your hair with just conditioner or once a week with sulfate-free and then in between with conditioner...um, no. My hair will be a grease pit if I followed those methods!<br />
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Instead, I wash and condition my hair with Kirkland Signature Sulfate-free Shampoo and Moisturizing Conditioner from Costco. These are amazing on my hair!! After washing, I wrap my hair in a t-shirt, not anything terrycloth or microfiber. I absolutely cannot stand how microfiber feels on my skin!!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Styling products:</b></span><br />
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This girl loves some hair products. This is my current regimen. <br />
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1. Slip Detangler by <a href="http://www.frizzoff.com/">Curly Hair Solutions</a> - I love this. I spray it, wait a minute, then brush. Yes, I said brush. I use a paddle brush and not a pick or comb because I would be crying on the floor if I used a pick or comb every day!<br />
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2. Argan Oil of Morocco - again amazing stuff. I use a nickel size amount, avoid the roots, and just finger it through my damp hair. It softens, helps with frizz, overall amazing. I can find this almost anywhere, bought it at Target.<br />
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3. Curl Keeper by <a href="http://www.frizzoff.com/">Curly Hair Solutions</a> - This is like a primer for me. I can't use it alone, although some people can and it looks amazing. I use a lot of this, several squirts on each section of hair, making sure it feels squishy wet when I squeeze it. <br />
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4. Mega Firm Hold Gel by Vidal Sassoon - BEST gel for my hair and I have tried every gel out there<br />
. I can only find it at WalMart so every time I go, I stock up with about 5 tubes. I use a generous amount and make sure every part of my hair is covered. <br />
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Once all of this is in my hair, I flip and use the t-shirt to scrunch and remove excess liquid. I let air dry for as long as I am able, sometimes only 10 minutes. I like to wait until there is a bit of a crunch to my hair before I blow dry.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Styling:</b></span><br />
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I flip and blow dry my hair for about 10 minutes. I use a diffuser otherwise all the curls will be blown apart. I usually use this time to check instagram, blogger, etc, because it is boring to stand flipped over for 10 minutes with nothing to do! Sometimes I read quilting magazines, or books. I make sure the roots are as dry as I can get them and work into the rest of my hair. <br />
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And that's it!! Seems like a lot, but it's not too bad. I still haven't mastered 2nd or 3rd day hair. Usually it goes in a pony tail or some kind of up-do. I hope this post has helped any other of my curly girls out there! <br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/108/CD6AACE9CA059B147155C5A5AFC7516B.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Shannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04019824189706180491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-449099347505249832.post-39180419780260923992015-01-07T16:28:00.000-05:002015-01-07T16:28:10.431-05:00Hello 2015!I cannot believe it's 2015...honestly, wasn't 1990 like 10 years ago?? 2014 was a year of change for me and my family and it's time for a new start here as well!<br />
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Christmas was great! We had a nice vacation. The girls and I spent a whole week together, full of activity and shopping. I got not one thing done that I had planned, but that's okay! They went ice skating for the first time. Made think of the hundreds of times I've been ice skating as a kid...my mom would drop us off at the rink inside one of the malls in California and shop for a couple hours, while my sister and I would skate our hearts out. So many great memories! I self-taught myself how to skate backwards, spin, all like a total amateur but it was so much fun. I skated all the time, on the ice or on the pavement. Didn't matter to me! My girls don't quite appreciate skinned knees either, their world comes to an end when they fall. That was part of childhood for me. Just rub off the blood and dirt and keep going!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Emma and her bff</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Dayna...I love how she's standing</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"> This pic sums up our Christmas break!</span></div>
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We also added a kitty to our family...her name is Granger (after Hermoine Granger from Harry Potter). She is precious and sooo sweet. She has one hazel and one blue eye. I just love her!<br />
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Anyway, on to 2015! I have a few goals for this year. I plan to get back to blogging! It won't be as often as I did before, but I like having a record for myself of our moments. I am truly excited to see what 2015 holds. 2014 was just hard. My husband and I separated, the girls and I moved twice, and life just kinda grinded to a halt. My mom came to visit for almost 2 weeks this summer which was absolutely awesome. I have missed her so much.<br />
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But 2015 is a new start...a new year with new possibilities, new opportunities, new challenges. I am excited!<br />
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So now, to quilting! I have been working on a few things here and there. Nothing major, but I felt the need for a new bed quilt or 2! The one below is the popular <a href="http://www.craftsy.com/pattern/quilting/home-decor/glam-clam-quilt-8/61605">Glam Clam quilt pattern</a> (free on Craftsy) created by <a href="http://www.latifahsaafirstudios.com/">Latifah Saafir</a>. I'm using the 8" clams. It requires hand cutting over 300 pieces for the queen size. I had to split that up over a few sessions to not end up with a claw for a hand. I love the colors and love this pattern. It is going to be my first finish of 2015.<br />
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<span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Yes I still have my tree up, don't judge!!</span></span></div>
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/108/CD6AACE9CA059B147155C5A5AFC7516B.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Shannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04019824189706180491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-449099347505249832.post-2894237931556715322014-03-27T09:56:00.002-04:002014-03-27T09:56:50.340-04:00Spring Break Excitement<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Ah, spring break! I use the term "spring" loosely here since the first few days were icy and freezing!! I was not off that week, but the kiddos and Branson were. We usually don't plan any trips for spring break mainly because I try to save my days off for the summer. Anyway, I did spend a day at home after I woke up with a migraine that made me sick to my stomach.<br />
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That day, we had a bit of excitement...our house was almost broken into. It doesn't seem like that big of a deal now, now that more time has passed, but I was terrified. I kind of pride myself of being pretty tough, take-charge-in-the-face-of-danger kind of person, but you honestly do not know how you will react in that situation until you're there.<br />
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Around 10:30 ish in the morning, the girls were watching cartoons (did I mention it was FREEZING outside??) and I was in my sewing room, petting fabric, trying to feel better. Dayna was heading to a b-day party around noon, so Branson was out getting a gift card and running a few errands. Two men pulled into the drive way, one got out and came to the front door. Mind you, the girls and I are in pj's, the lamps are on because it was so overcast/dark outside, and the TV was on. One guy rattled the front windows a few times, I'm guessing checking for a dog? or to see if someone would come to the door? I don't go to the door for people I don't know, especially in my pj's! Anyway, he got back in his car and they left.<br />
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A few minutes later, they came back, backing their car into the driveway. I told the girls to go to the bathroom and lock the door, keep quiet, do NOT come out for any reason. Honestly, I wanted to hide in there too!! I ran back to the window in our laundry room, saw the back of the car, and ran to the counter to write down the license plate number. I have no idea what made me do that. I called Branson at this point, told him I thought someone was trying to break in and he told me to get off the phone and call the police! Well, sure, DUH! Before I could dial, I heard the screen of my back kitchen window being cut by a box-cutter. My stomach dropped. I went to the kitchen drawer and got out the only weapon I could think of....my Pampered Chef meat lifters. Those suckers are heavy and look like mini pitchforks. I went right up to the window he was trying to get into and screamed "I'm calling the police!!!" Thankfully, it scared the crap out of him and his buddy and they ran. I don't know how I had the seconds that I had, he should have broken the window by the time I got there. Maybe he was taking his time, trying to be quiet, or maybe he thought he heard me talking? I don't know, but THANK GOD he stopped trying to come in. He is a lucky guy too....because that meat lifter was ready to sink into his chest.<br />
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I called the police after I yelled and they got to my house in a few minutes. We have 2 deputies that live on our street which helped response time. About the time they showed up, I remembered the girls. I was so caught up in just keeping those guys out that I couldn't think about them. They were so good!! They stayed quiet, Emma took her kindle fire into the bathroom and was emailing her friends, which kind of cracks me up! I don't think they really knew what was going on until they came out. I am so proud of them!<br />
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I didn't cry until Branson got home, and only then I just got a bit hysterical......until I saw Dayna about to lose it. She is a sympathetic crier and cries every. single. time she sees me cry, so I held it together.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJLJyqV-Qd-L6B9wdRB0_Tb6Y9R_1k93Hx5cXHpBlH_1Vk-yTN1hGZl5fixm0SplIwnXzF4VU-PzxQtvbztgz6wQx62PH1uU3a3TaLsB7NuZP7uqoehdGVuIEfmnUzCoO2atic2PtH0iE/s1600/batman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJLJyqV-Qd-L6B9wdRB0_Tb6Y9R_1k93Hx5cXHpBlH_1Vk-yTN1hGZl5fixm0SplIwnXzF4VU-PzxQtvbztgz6wQx62PH1uU3a3TaLsB7NuZP7uqoehdGVuIEfmnUzCoO2atic2PtH0iE/s1600/batman.jpg" height="243" width="320" /></a></div>
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Branson left the house with the girls, took Dayna to her party, and brought home a shotgun. I didn't want to leave the house unattended, so I stayed behind. Brave? Nope, just didn't want my stuff getting stolen! Cuz I just KNEW the first thing they would try to take was my sewing machine!! Or my OOP, HTF, VHTF collection of fabrics! Here we are, a week later, and the criminals were arrested yesterday while trying to break into another house about 10 miles away, idiots.<br />
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The deputy in my neighborhood told us that bands of burglars have been really hitting our town hard. LOTS of break-ins, random selection, different men but all connected together. They are connecting with each other on Facebook, of all things, posting about what streets are good to hit, if people are home, etc. They are selling the stolen goods on FB too, avoiding pawn shops, which makes catching them so much harder. Our sheriff department has a few undercover deputies that have friended these people on FB and have been able to track their movements. I'ts just crazy....stuff I had never even thought of until last week.<br />
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If you're still reading, sorry for the long post!! The only crafty photos I have for this post is to show what I was working on the rest of the day, after all the excitement...ruffled zipper pouches! We are having a ladies meeting at church the first weekend in April and I have a vendor table....so I made about 35-40 pouches for the event! I've got about a week left and still have so much to do, but super excited!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnvUVNmsiuq9W6wLFVRBvMb3qVigK2cvW9P1nZFJSvapjateZS9Qil9fgHjvuSEYXrbbBk0gCGSpu8D8OyxgLCMnBuGDM4nMacDS7M2XGbxZLmtSQPYO_XEed08kH4oEynEdzjIan00iI/s1600/fabric.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnvUVNmsiuq9W6wLFVRBvMb3qVigK2cvW9P1nZFJSvapjateZS9Qil9fgHjvuSEYXrbbBk0gCGSpu8D8OyxgLCMnBuGDM4nMacDS7M2XGbxZLmtSQPYO_XEed08kH4oEynEdzjIan00iI/s1600/fabric.jpg" height="391" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVhZBC8mOFbb-xbkyzsbgW5jJhxKXxNxHxwkzqn3fFX06jZBA2RD_L0AY6uVYBqfDIVOcfoa_ndxkvY3zShOlKymdxOoT1iGKF5uKuWN7vwCcnh4ljAc_B4CIuJmMu6AbQZ3ENQgix3cg/s1600/pouch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVhZBC8mOFbb-xbkyzsbgW5jJhxKXxNxHxwkzqn3fFX06jZBA2RD_L0AY6uVYBqfDIVOcfoa_ndxkvY3zShOlKymdxOoT1iGKF5uKuWN7vwCcnh4ljAc_B4CIuJmMu6AbQZ3ENQgix3cg/s1600/pouch.jpg" height="398" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/108/CD6AACE9CA059B147155C5A5AFC7516B.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Shannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04019824189706180491noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-449099347505249832.post-26612743956524077122014-01-03T10:52:00.000-05:002014-01-03T10:52:41.600-05:00Groove is Finished!!I finally finished the Groove quilt I started for the hubs about a year ago!! and just in time for Christmas!! I forgot to post about this before the holidays, such a busy time. Branson chose this pattern and the colors to match the San Diego Chargers...I'm convinced this is how they made it to the play offs this year...it's the ONLY way, for real. We have stunk it up this season. Anyway! I loved making this quilt!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqREzC2wnPItxnlBrMx8i0ra6NCDVWGzKQ8ODOADCh9RsDeK8urYvPtAiqNQA1uDmILYWoxugzdRMxlJqLw8YAqSa6BigAK9GhbJJ75uWRR2UwvgTRJf_VJev8h6yjPDDKHLa0QWHJqpY/s1600/Groove.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqREzC2wnPItxnlBrMx8i0ra6NCDVWGzKQ8ODOADCh9RsDeK8urYvPtAiqNQA1uDmILYWoxugzdRMxlJqLw8YAqSa6BigAK9GhbJJ75uWRR2UwvgTRJf_VJev8h6yjPDDKHLa0QWHJqpY/s640/Groove.jpg" width="530" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">The only thing about this pattern is that each size is oversized, which is plainly stated on the patter, but I had no idea the size would be such an issue with piecing the backing, quilting, wrangling that thing through a machine. I ended up quilting it on a long-arm machine at a local quilt shop. It was my first experience and I loved it! My next big purchase, when I hit the lotto, is to buy one!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgzozH7EA31WZiRpHIZc1t2ufc_GFuybIVEN-G4B7_5TtwKALPp2DxfEBrtpeISGNh4kdoG2u019135NFJflGB02fYYZb_qoR9yuqSZX0JWBmWWmArhKFQFmF-cm09AcMvMX8uJjlpVx4/s1600/quilting+Groove.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgzozH7EA31WZiRpHIZc1t2ufc_GFuybIVEN-G4B7_5TtwKALPp2DxfEBrtpeISGNh4kdoG2u019135NFJflGB02fYYZb_qoR9yuqSZX0JWBmWWmArhKFQFmF-cm09AcMvMX8uJjlpVx4/s640/quilting+Groove.jpg" width="638" /></a></div>
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Thanks for letting me share!<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/108/CD6AACE9CA059B147155C5A5AFC7516B.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Shannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04019824189706180491noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-449099347505249832.post-80251142847717359692014-01-01T21:24:00.000-05:002014-01-01T21:24:21.371-05:00Hello 2014!!I have been thinking about 2013 for the last few days, trying to wrap my head around all of the wonderful things that have happened this year. I am so utterly thankful for every part of my life, the good and the bad. I just wanted to write these down, as a way to look back.<br />
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Things I learned in 2013:<br />
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I'm so much stronger than I thought I was<br />
I am okay with people not liking me, even when it hurts like nothing else<br />
That people deserve second chances<br />
That I really love my kids, even when they drive me up a wall and I feel at a loss at what I'm doing as a parent. But you keep trying, keep trying, keep trying until you figure things out<br />
That I really love my husband, more today than when we first met. And 15 years of marriage just isn't enough.<br />
I've learned that my sister and I can see each other every single day and still not run out of things to talk about. I am so thankful she lives so close and works with me every day.<br />
That praying for and wanting something so badly doesn't make it happen and that I need to be content and patient, even if God says no.<br />
That relationships can be mended<br />
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My goals for 2014:<br />
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To run a half marathon, come hell or high water :)<br />
To lose the 70 lbs I committed to losing last year and only lost 15<br />
To give more to others, putting my family first. They usually take a back seat to other committments<br />
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2014, you are going to be an amazing year!!<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/108/CD6AACE9CA059B147155C5A5AFC7516B.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Shannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04019824189706180491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-449099347505249832.post-44951062562376015472013-12-04T09:14:00.001-05:002013-12-04T09:14:25.914-05:00WIP WednesdayI hope everyone has had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday!! I ate WAY too much and had SO much fun going shopping Thursday night until 6 a.m. Friday morning. This was the best Thanksgiving I've had in a long time!!<br />
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Over the Thanksgiving break I was finally able to finish my modern maples quilt, yay!! I haven't been able to get a good picture of the quilting...when I get home at night it's totally dark and the weekends have been a bust. I used <a href="http://betteroffthread.com/2013/03/06/ultra-wavy-quilting-tutorial/">this tutorial</a> by Janice at Better off Thread. I didn't use a walking foot though, just decided to wing it with the free motion foot. Mine isn't as densely quilted either, which makes it very squishy, just what I love!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGjrcYB_zfnyJn_UIJ7Ovf0JW7oIY0Ix2W-tC5_2SRpuoajPgvPfUCOb3kKBpcJL3WJbkUXKSbo7wbsSDxpqqwUamHvLtsS5i0Nj4mSIlfFZdTm33F4dWlyDJ3_05UlFJryV_Gp130xkU/s1600/IMG_0020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGjrcYB_zfnyJn_UIJ7Ovf0JW7oIY0Ix2W-tC5_2SRpuoajPgvPfUCOb3kKBpcJL3WJbkUXKSbo7wbsSDxpqqwUamHvLtsS5i0Nj4mSIlfFZdTm33F4dWlyDJ3_05UlFJryV_Gp130xkU/s640/IMG_0020.JPG" width="612" /></a><br />
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And as if I needed another WIP, I finally started on the one I've had in my head for a while now, my pixel Eiffel Tower quilt. The squares are all 2 1/2" and indiviually sewn. When it's done this will be over 2400 pieces. I am using low volume prints for the neutral and Dowry by Anna Maria Horner for the color. It's some gorgeous fabric!! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAwr5l1bFt2XZ4LgBWojMnLwRbK2DUPXIeXsyXCtq3j4VhqeZ8xPPcHfYU_J2U0Muk0gEwMWXEHhG3U5uNhBsVBBBdBl2QYoc4d8Xy7cML1UDgmKZqjJmpTSgkRF7OJtRHl-EhHwpMT2Q/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAwr5l1bFt2XZ4LgBWojMnLwRbK2DUPXIeXsyXCtq3j4VhqeZ8xPPcHfYU_J2U0Muk0gEwMWXEHhG3U5uNhBsVBBBdBl2QYoc4d8Xy7cML1UDgmKZqjJmpTSgkRF7OJtRHl-EhHwpMT2Q/s640/photo+1.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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Linking up with <a href="http://www.freshlypieced.com/">Lee at Freshly Pieced</a>. Hope everyone has a great week!!<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/108/CD6AACE9CA059B147155C5A5AFC7516B.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Shannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04019824189706180491noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-449099347505249832.post-39365038726119021772013-11-25T14:12:00.000-05:002013-11-25T14:12:16.765-05:00Longarm QuiltingFor the longest time, I have been dying to try my hand at quilting on a longarm!! There is a local shop that has a Gammill, you take the class to learn how to use it and then you can rent time. It is SOO different from what I have done in the past, lemme tell ya!! I was so used to the control I had when I was the one making the designs happen with the fabric, but the longarm is so sensitive, moves so quickly that it's harder to control what you're doing at first. At first I wasn't liking it at all, but after about an hour, it was awesome. I would still totally buy one with my lottery winnings or inheritance from a long-lost uncle who owns a gold mine! And I would buy a standard, no frills model, just one that can get the job done and I can learn to be a quilting rockstar.<br />
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Not a lot to ask for! <br />
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It took me about an hour to load this baby, the guy who was supposed to be helping me kept leaving me for bits of time, a little annoying to say the least.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3EzgOiIIaFrqJaim7xdBzrLL8kqaMtE_ILa5btn0sw01oJn-I1ulm0qY41n6GpGC6r6ExiDcvH_ajuOdwDEv2WbDu8tUeVExZ7LIyZg9YyYEPb9Tbm3O1NPSIAewNGpt4OwPpas9QJ04/s1600/quilt2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3EzgOiIIaFrqJaim7xdBzrLL8kqaMtE_ILa5btn0sw01oJn-I1ulm0qY41n6GpGC6r6ExiDcvH_ajuOdwDEv2WbDu8tUeVExZ7LIyZg9YyYEPb9Tbm3O1NPSIAewNGpt4OwPpas9QJ04/s640/quilt2.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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Here is my progress on the hub's quilt...I finished the top a year-ish ago and just never quilted it because to baste it meant taking it to the hub's work and using the bigger floor...just didn't really want to do that! I'm quilting a different design in each color, just for some variety. This a great quilt to learn how to use this machine since I am doing so many different designs.<br />
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Took me 2 1/2 hours of quilting to get it almost done, I have a row and a half left! I had to wait to book another hour to finish on Dec 7th. I will be so glad to have this finished and put it wrapped under the Christmas tree this year!! Even though he already knows about it, picked out the colors and pattern, has seen it partially quilted, and knows everything about it...he has to wait until Christmas morning!!<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/108/CD6AACE9CA059B147155C5A5AFC7516B.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Shannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04019824189706180491noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-449099347505249832.post-14855322126998709112013-11-05T23:44:00.000-05:002013-11-05T23:44:06.626-05:00WIP WednesdayI really need to get back to blogging again! Seems like WIP Wednesday is a great place to start back since I have so many unfinished projects right now. <br />
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This one is my favorite WIP, my modern maples quilt. I just love this quilt!! I have seen so many beautiful modern maples on Instagram and I have seen so many different variations of <a href="http://www.larkcrafts.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/modern-maples.pdf">this pattern</a>. So, here's my version. I used a LOT of low volume fabric for the background, love me some low volume fabric, and used some of my favorite prints for the maples. I can't decide what to put on the back. I had bought some huge cuts of fabrics a while ago at between $4-5/yard so I could have backings available....and now I can't decide! These 3 are currently in the running. Thoughts??<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUwFCayJBptpXs7cO-tYaU_wYxII0y1NoBCu42GYu7wyJnUiSqmN8anPenDRxLVWZJm5_XRZ9TJbQ41Wjk3o3HgpoqQ39euD7RG0UXaHAJ5ES0bfRP-3U17JWzkxIE2V5soMEB-Yr3Pos/s1600/IMG_9984.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUwFCayJBptpXs7cO-tYaU_wYxII0y1NoBCu42GYu7wyJnUiSqmN8anPenDRxLVWZJm5_XRZ9TJbQ41Wjk3o3HgpoqQ39euD7RG0UXaHAJ5ES0bfRP-3U17JWzkxIE2V5soMEB-Yr3Pos/s640/IMG_9984.JPG" width="530" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYnhVv334HwEcs6lcAjTiz0f_xSJ0ijOZeT8TDwmRjEmc4lFd-EawgmrzYmUB7YfHIOnuZJufIpwRK7LuvM892rrBS5DQKJzztqstZwb3FbQ6VfgIgAUst9h8VBfScn_BhWcebrPxepn8/s1600/IMG_9987.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYnhVv334HwEcs6lcAjTiz0f_xSJ0ijOZeT8TDwmRjEmc4lFd-EawgmrzYmUB7YfHIOnuZJufIpwRK7LuvM892rrBS5DQKJzztqstZwb3FbQ6VfgIgAUst9h8VBfScn_BhWcebrPxepn8/s640/IMG_9987.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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This green rosette maple leaf is my favorite block, or one of them anyway. I think it's all the Paris-themed fabric I've been drawn to lately.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFnGOUIvvgYyJMC9E55JWoYOc30Pi90IWNzO3xhJnWNMEnn4gGQ8pLwY-9vIiZMRT3gKfXKsO9-dCbJvKRZIjMKvJ0cpcsUN4BuvJyEJvEL-ZFIVNfVT55QLY4_IEIQ19YT08PqDxMFw4/s1600/IMG_9988.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFnGOUIvvgYyJMC9E55JWoYOc30Pi90IWNzO3xhJnWNMEnn4gGQ8pLwY-9vIiZMRT3gKfXKsO9-dCbJvKRZIjMKvJ0cpcsUN4BuvJyEJvEL-ZFIVNfVT55QLY4_IEIQ19YT08PqDxMFw4/s640/IMG_9988.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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This needs to get finished soon, hopefully before Thanksgiving! Linking up with <a href="http://www.freshlypieced.com/">Lee at Freshly Pieced</a> for WIP Wednesday.<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/108/CD6AACE9CA059B147155C5A5AFC7516B.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Shannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04019824189706180491noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-449099347505249832.post-35994118678808139872013-10-24T00:53:00.000-04:002013-10-24T00:54:29.765-04:00Google DomainsWithout warning, even though I was set up to auto-renew my domain name was not renewed and there is little actual help out there on the Google Admin website. I am hating them right now, nothing can make you feel like a moron faster than that website.<br />
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Anyway, I am starting over with followers again and with a new blogger address: redpoppyquilts.blogspot.com<br />
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At least I don't have to move my blog! Silver lining, people!<br />
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Technology..... pfftt!!!<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/108/CD6AACE9CA059B147155C5A5AFC7516B.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Shannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04019824189706180491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-449099347505249832.post-30507451042676773732013-10-24T00:50:00.001-04:002013-10-24T00:50:38.904-04:00New Blog Address<br />
<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/11122733/?claim=mpq2s74ctu8">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a><br />
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because Google domain sucks....grr!!<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/108/CD6AACE9CA059B147155C5A5AFC7516B.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Shannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04019824189706180491noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-449099347505249832.post-5735212140250589292013-10-01T22:29:00.001-04:002013-10-01T22:29:44.355-04:00WIP Wednesday - Pixel Quilt Vanellope Von SchweetzFall is here!! By far, hands down, fall is my favorite time of the year, like ever. I love everything about it! My daughter Dayna turned 8 yesterday, can't believe my baby is 8, geez!! She is such a funny girl...for her b-day dinner she requested Chick-fil-a while riding through the car wash. I have no idea where she got that from! She also requested a surprise party, so I had to rearrange her party from this past weekend for 2 weeks from now to try to throw her off the scent. I hope she loves it! She has requested a Wreck It Ralph party, focusing on Vanellope and Sugar Rush. Such an exciting idea!! My girls always pick party themes that are not things you can easily find at Party City, fun but also challenging and a lot of work.<br />
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Another request Dayna had was for a new quilt, of course! I found a needlepoint pattern on etsy that I just changed into a quilt pattern. It took a LOT of figuring, but I was able to get the top done is less than a week. One time saver was to use blocks instead of all squares. It was MUCH easier that way and I don't think it loses anything as a pixel quilt. You still have the pixel detail, just without the headache of all those tiny squares. it will look more pixelated once quilted.<br />
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Now the backing is ready for basting and I need to get this baby quilted! It measures 60" x 80" and is the perfect size for her bed, can't wait to get it done :o)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiWyhc05V-jmNzKCcj0hyphenhyphenD3Q17P1Wa4VZ8txCViLbxCJdiSFNw8mgzk_kjfQw5Ll6yBKqfEc8i15IpLqTFH6mMUPyz1g53kK9Ym3-l9RnXhrQfPZlwLU_cHKFi_wQvx98q70GtZpjtRXo/s1600/IMG_9813.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiWyhc05V-jmNzKCcj0hyphenhyphenD3Q17P1Wa4VZ8txCViLbxCJdiSFNw8mgzk_kjfQw5Ll6yBKqfEc8i15IpLqTFH6mMUPyz1g53kK9Ym3-l9RnXhrQfPZlwLU_cHKFi_wQvx98q70GtZpjtRXo/s640/IMG_9813.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I'm linking up with <a href="http://www.freshlypieced.com/">Lee at Freshly Pieced</a> for WIP Wednesday!<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/108/CD6AACE9CA059B147155C5A5AFC7516B.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Shannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04019824189706180491noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-449099347505249832.post-20511824708802935942013-09-11T08:45:00.001-04:002013-09-11T08:45:48.513-04:00WIP WednesdaySo, I am actually alive, and haven't fallen off the face of the earth! I have not been able to get myself back into my schedule of pre-vacation and have been trying all summer long. Plus with Instagram, it's easier to just post pics with short descriptions. Anyway, I'm back :o)<br />
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I have several projects in the works and have finished several things since the last WIP Wednesday. I finished up my daughter's Nancy Drew quilt, finished a baby quilt for a dear friend's new baby girl (will post pic later :o), and got my chicopee quilt actually quilted. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzru1wKux7qw91jj5H8lkRT8qQmV-CqG8YTVSNnz9OW8ApgBa2kottRAwu3oa7URyr2F8HPcnl6XrC7pzMAokys2p0CwN_7VcCUHAh3qSbYV4K32U4yQR8Q0qffv_YAbRoQFoRNCeWCOs/s1600/nancydrew.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzru1wKux7qw91jj5H8lkRT8qQmV-CqG8YTVSNnz9OW8ApgBa2kottRAwu3oa7URyr2F8HPcnl6XrC7pzMAokys2p0CwN_7VcCUHAh3qSbYV4K32U4yQR8Q0qffv_YAbRoQFoRNCeWCOs/s640/nancydrew.JPG" width="516" /></a></div>
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I didn't want to take away from the fabric, so I just quilted in the ditch on this one. Didn't want Nancy's head quilted all over, lol! </div>
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Binding is attached, just need to stitch it down on the back.</div>
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My newest project has been this spiderweb quilt. I have always wanted to make one, just never got around to making the template, etc. I found the foundation pieces and the template for the kite shape on <a href="http://www.missouriquiltco.com/shop/detail/6121/msqc/-/wacky-web-starter-set-250-count-refill-template-lapel-stick">Missouri Star Quilt Co</a>. and had to get going! It goes together very quick, but this is small so far. If I stop here, it will only be about 36 inches square. Nice baby quilt, but I kinda think it needs to be bigger!</div>
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I have made a little progress on my EPP project. I was trying to get one row done each week, just picking it up when I was in the car, waiting on my girls, or travelling. This is the progress so far! I am loving it, even though it's very busy! <br />
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Linking up with <a href="http://www.freshlypieced.com/">Lee at Freshly Pieced</a>!</div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/108/CD6AACE9CA059B147155C5A5AFC7516B.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Shannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04019824189706180491noreply@blogger.com7