tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57140216773301169052024-03-13T03:01:40.165+00:00Non-Euclidean Quiltingstitchy adventures, by teacupfaeryteacupfaeryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06940459823266841489noreply@blogger.comBlogger91125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5714021677330116905.post-82577505397334705932014-05-11T11:35:00.000+01:002014-05-11T11:35:14.938+01:00Stitchy Adventures<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hello there May! I have been quietly stitching my way through a glorious sunshiny spring here in Ireland. April was wonderful. A blaze of sunlight on the river water and bright green leaves bursting into the blue skies. I don't like to be indoors too much in this weather, so I have mostly been working on hand stitching and knitting projects.</div>
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I recently tried some of <a href="http://wildolive.blogspot.ie/" target="_blank">Wild Olive's</a> sweet embroidery patterns. Embroidery other than cross stitch is something fairly new to me, but I loved stitching <a href="http://wildolive.blogspot.ie/2013/04/pattern-trees-start-whispering.html" target="_blank">The trees start whispering</a> and these <a href="http://wildolive.blogspot.ie/2010/06/ooohcupcakes.html" target="_blank">cupcakes</a>. I turned my cupcakes into a needle book, much easier than a pincushion for mobile needle storage. I also finished my Frosted Pumpkin Stitchery burger as a cute scissor fob! No more lost scissors, yay! Burger is part of the <a href="http://thefrostedpumpkinstitchery.bigcartel.com/product/2013-summer-sampler-club-pdf-cross-stitch-pattern" target="_blank">Summer Sampler</a> chart. I used Crafty Kitten opalescent Cashel linen in <a href="http://www.craftykitten.co.uk/tropical-seas-opalescent-1661-p.asp" target="_blank">Tropical Seas</a>.</div>
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Most of my springtime machine sewing time has been spent stitching up sock sacks (sweet little drawstring bags specially designed for two-at-a-time sock knitting. I have listed them in my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/teacupfaery" target="_blank">etsy store</a> along with a few other project bags. Hoping for lots more sunshine weather and outdoor crafting in the coming months :)</div>
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<br />teacupfaeryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06940459823266841489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5714021677330116905.post-43669823390283599752014-02-28T13:20:00.000+00:002014-02-28T13:20:30.239+00:00Wrapping Up February<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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February was awesome! Seriously, a wonderful month here.</div>
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Happy highlights:</div>
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~ Getting engaged!</div>
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~ Hanging out in Camden.</div>
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~ Cradle of Filth.</div>
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~ Paleo venison chilli.</div>
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~ Cookies and scream!</div>
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~ New heart tattoo.</div>
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~ Frosted pumpkin stitchery patterns.</div>
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~ Getting my sewjo back.</div>
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~ Winning at free motion quilting.</div>
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~ Hedgehog fibres sock yarn.</div>
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~ Finding and cleaning up my very own cat skull.</div>
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~ Fancy dinner out for Valentine's Day.</div>
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~ Finishing the Volume quilt.</div>
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~ Feeling hopeful about derma recovery.</div>
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Ready for March now :)</div>
teacupfaeryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06940459823266841489noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5714021677330116905.post-34983041196069489392014-02-08T00:36:00.000+00:002014-02-08T00:39:49.071+00:00Happy Kitchen Adventures!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xWoNxamkgb8/UvV5P0FELvI/AAAAAAAABCo/1XCEPBwzkNY/s1600/Legitimate+pizza.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xWoNxamkgb8/UvV5P0FELvI/AAAAAAAABCo/1XCEPBwzkNY/s1600/Legitimate+pizza.JPG" height="490" width="640" /></a>This week I have mostly been making gluten free comfort food. It has been ages since I had a burger in a bun. I'm honestly happy without one (a few great burger restaurants around here make their burgers gluten free and serve them in yummy salad bowls), but sometimes a proper burger bun and the whole works are just perfect. Served with pineapple, bacon, mature cheddar, Jack Daniels BBQ sauce, jalapenos and the absolutely necessary sweet potato mash.<br />
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And the next day I made a pizza. Managed to make it look like actual pizza this time, not just bread with stuff on top :) I use a pre-mixed gluten free bread mix and bake it 1/3rd pack at a time to make my pizza bases.<br />
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I'm doing a draw-a-day project throughout February, along with my brother and his flatmate. We are 25% through today (eeek!) and I am keeping up so far :) Will photograph my drawings once I'm back from the UK. I hadn't really drawn in years so I'm pretty rusty. I mostly draw food, with smiley faces.<br />
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Off to London tomorrow for our Black Metal Valentine's Weekend! So very excited!!!teacupfaeryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06940459823266841489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5714021677330116905.post-29537315020905222332014-01-31T17:21:00.001+00:002014-01-31T17:21:55.055+00:00January<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hi there! It's been a while. I'm going to be brutal, random and contradictory right here, as I have a fair bit to catch up on.<br />
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Winter is always hard for me. This one has been the saddest I can remember. It is strange though, as right now I am dealing with my dermatillomania addiction better than ever. I quit completely on New Year's Eve and have only had a few minor slips since. No full on relapse. It is fucking amazing and I am amazed. So much so that my vocabulary has been shot to pieces :)<br />
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So... it has been a month and I have skin now, regular skin like other people! My face looks much the same to me but Dan assures me it is clearer. I have started wearing make-up most days to stop me from touching my face. But my legs are majorly improved! Hardly any scarring at all. So good that I am going to have a Blythe portrait tattoo on my calf just as soon as I can afford it.<br />
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Dan has appointed me 'Minister of Fun' in the household. My job is to scout for entertainment and suggest fun stuffs to do. So far I have scheduled plans for February and August. Both involve Cradle of Filth gigs. It has been too long.<br />
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I asked Dan to marry me. He said yes. Though we are still in negotiations regarding rings or other token. I feel very happy that we have each other. We'll be enjoying a fantastically fun trip to London next week for Cradle/Behemoth show, plus hopefully Camden food! Then a fancy meal out on Love Day. (I'm celebrating Love Day this year, for real.)<br />
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I'm stitching along with the Frosted Pumpkin Stitchery's <a href="http://thefrostedpumpkinstitchery.bigcartel.com/product/2014-sampler" target="_blank">Once Upon a Time</a> Sampler. There will be a different fairytale for each month, and January featured Snow White. I'm aiming to use each months team as a starting point for all my artwork/creative stuffs, and the above portrait of me is my best attempt at Snow White. I'm leaning more towards the Elizabeth Bathory / wicked queen character than Snow White herself. Themes of power, beauty, control. Very much part of my own life with dermatillomania.<br />
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I *think* I would like to try to take a self portrait for each fairytale all year. My original plan was a drawing/other artwork, but this might just work better. I love the challenge of portraying a story.<br />
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I do have fluff/dust in my hair. We moved the bedroom to the studio yesterday, and the new studio/former bedroom is looking pretty raw. Hope to get it sorted soon. New bedroom is amazing though!teacupfaeryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06940459823266841489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5714021677330116905.post-11020725175496004902013-10-03T13:29:00.002+01:002013-10-03T13:29:39.182+01:00Autumn Woodland<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I am catching up with my Woodland Sampler this week. So excited to see the little falling oak leaves appear for the October block. The October block will also feature an owl!!!! This is possibly my favorite of the Woodland Sampler months, so I'll be working on it any moment I can until it is done :) There will also be a pair of hedgehogs frolicking in the maple leaves for September.<br />
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Off for my walk now, need to see the autumn colors for real.teacupfaeryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06940459823266841489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5714021677330116905.post-26202291398480427822013-10-02T12:44:00.000+01:002013-10-02T12:44:32.470+01:00WIP Wednesday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So far this week I am trying my best to be productive. My plan at the moment is to work at a bit of everything all at once. I'm currently knitting socks, cross stitching samplers and piecing a new quilt. This way I don't get stuck if I loose interest in any activity. Having a back-up plan means I am less likely to slip back into my skin picking. I had been pretty bad last week and am really really trying to improve on that front. So... more making of the things, yes!<br />
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This morning I *finally* finished a month of my <a href="http://thefrostedpumpkinstitchery.bigcartel.com/product/2013-monthly-woodland-sampler-pdf-pattern" target="_blank">Woodland Sampler</a>! The July block is literally all there is so far, but I'm really hoping to get September and October stitched up before October ends. The previous sections will likely have to wait until their month rolls around next year. I'm enjoying living in the right season right now, and don't want to work on Summer until the season feels right.<br />
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I'm making a birthday quilt for myself. Bear Paw blocks in my current favorite colors with a low volume background. I have pieced nine so far with lots more in progress. I'd love to finish this quilt top by Halloween and then hand quilt it during the colder weather. I'll be making 29 bear paws, as I am 29 now. With one blank block for a 5 x 6 layout. I work on this mostly at night when it's too dark to cross stitch.<br />
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I have a pair of socks for Dan on my circular needles, and a pair for myself on my dpns. They generally get worked on in bed just before sleeping time. I hope to actually finish both pairs in the next week or so.<br />
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Progress!teacupfaeryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06940459823266841489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5714021677330116905.post-33345575920014847022013-09-28T10:18:00.000+01:002013-09-28T10:18:16.649+01:00Farmer's Wife Catch-up, and R'lyeh<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As soon as I saw <a href="http://beeinmybonnetco.blogspot.ie/2013/09/the-quilty-barn-alongsilo-barn-6-and.html" target="_blank">this canning jar block</a> I absolutely had to make one for my Farmer's Wife quilt. I have officially left the book now, and intend to make any 6" block I fancy until I reach my goal of 63 blocks. Currently on 24, I think. I also stitched up this mini <a href="http://www.canoeridgecreations.com/2012/02/sparkle-quilt-along-sewing-your-sparkle.html" target="_blank">Sparkle block</a> using a Sarah Jane pirate ship print I bought in London. I'd like to have a go at a few paper pieced blocks for this quilt too, but feeling just a little intimidated by paper piecing at this point. I have a few patterns printed out I intend to practice with though, so hopefully there will be progress there soon.<br />
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Last night I taught myself to knit two socks at once on a circular needle. It's not perfect yet, but I'm still rather impressed. Waiting for longer needle to arrive and I'll have another go.<br />
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My brother came to visit yesterday and gifted me this rather fantastic painting of R'lyeh, complete with hand finished frame. I love it. I also really really appreciate the fact that it is framed as I am really really bad at finding frames for things myself.</div>
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Yesterday was my birthday. Dan and I had spent the last few days in London as a joint birthday treat and we had a fantastic time. Highlights include... the London Dungeon. Birthday fabric treats from <a href="http://www.thevillagehaberdashery.co.uk/" target="_blank">The Village Haberdashery</a>, gluten free chili with sweet potato and cornbread from <a href="http://www.thelittlehousekitchen.com/market-diary.php" target="_blank">The Little House Kitchen</a> Camden Market. Gosh brownie with ice-cream from <a href="http://cookiesandscream.com/" target="_blank">Cookies and Scream</a> Camden. Paella in Covent Garden. Pumpkin Spice Latte. Yo! Sushi (especially the chocolate mochi!) New New Rocks. New epic sock yarn.</div>
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Mostly food related, as always. I spent yesterday working away at the Frosted Pumpkin Stitchery <a href="http://thefrostedpumpkinstitchery.bigcartel.com/product/autumn-sampler-cross-stitch-pattern" target="_blank">Autumn Sampler</a>, with fresh coffee and a pumpkin spice candle to set the cozy mood. I also ventured out to the post depot to pick up a parcel, which turned out to be my Modern Irish Quilter's swap package from the lovely <a href="http://fairyfacedesigns.blogspot.ie/" target="_blank">Sarah</a>. She made me an absolutely perfect pincushion with hand pieced hexagons. The back has a beautiful linen print I've always loved but never owned a piece of. And she even include some lovely fabric scraps and gluten free chocolate. Perfect!</div>
<br />teacupfaeryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06940459823266841489noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5714021677330116905.post-15015949743713510122013-09-04T22:52:00.000+01:002013-09-04T22:52:34.813+01:00Super Happy Floss Day!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My cross stitching supplies arrived today :) Spent a joyous afternoon winding 56 tiny little bobbins full of pure happiness. I love my floss stash so much. All of them are DMC. The smaller bobbin boxes are tiny little clip-lock containers and the bigger boxes are reclaimed cotton bud tubs. (We get through a ridiculous amount of cotton buds around here.) I have almost everything I need here to complete the three Frosted Pumpkin samplers I'm working on. Plus a secret project I'll probably share shortly (so if you can guess what it is please don't say!) Just need to choose a metallic for the Woodland Sampler.<br />
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I'm using linen for both my Woodland and Autumn samplers. I started the frames for the Autumn piece today and am finding working with linen perfectly lovely. Nowhere near as intimidating as I had feared and it looks truly beautiful. I may never want to use aida again!<br />
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I'm trying to be a lot more productive these days. Having a fresh hobby to work on is exactly what I need right now and I am so grateful to the fantastic designers who inspire me to keep threading my needles and dreaming my dreams.teacupfaeryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06940459823266841489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5714021677330116905.post-76478648041771182402013-09-03T09:45:00.000+01:002013-09-03T09:45:04.461+01:00Hello Autumn!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm determined to make the most of every day right now. Mostly, I have been cross stitching my <a href="http://thefrostedpumpkinstitchery.bigcartel.com/product/halloween-spooky-sampler" target="_blank">Halloween Sampler</a>, and am pleased to report that I have finished the lace border section. Really, ridiculously in love with this, and cannot wait to receive the next portion of the pattern in a few days time. I love cross stitching so much that I have decided to take on the 2013 <a href="http://thefrostedpumpkinstitchery.bigcartel.com/product/2013-monthly-woodland-sampler-pdf-pattern" target="_blank">Woodland Sampler</a> too. Impatiently waiting for the supplies for that one so I can get started.</div>
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I made a big zippy pouch for the snap frame I stitch my stitches in. I've been using an 11" by 17" frame that I've had for years. Glad to finally make use of it. I like having the large area to stitch on at home, but I have ordered a new 8" hoop which should be more travel friendly.<br />
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Snap frame case has cute little pockets inside for stashing floss and tools.</div>
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Stitching my stitches.<br />
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My main machine is in the shop this week for a bit of TLC, so all of the sewn items shown here were sewn on my tiny Brother machine. I had never attempted to sew a zip on that machine before, so I'm pretty pleased with it. The <a href="http://www.noodle-head.com/2013/01/divided-basket-pattern.html?m=1" target="_blank">Noodlehead Divided Basket</a> was a bit more challenging without a walking foot, but still turned out beautifully. I used Essex Yarn Dyed Linen and Briar Rose fabrics, and added a back patch pocket.<br />
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I'm using it to hide a couple of sock pairs in progress.<br />
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Hope to have my main machine back soon. And my huge delivery of embroidery supplies. I'm also plotting plans for the Modern Irish Quilter's pincushion swap. Today, I'm going to catch up with some hand quilting before the cross stitch fever hits again.teacupfaeryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06940459823266841489noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5714021677330116905.post-63393789756772536492013-08-23T13:45:00.002+01:002013-08-23T13:45:49.084+01:00Rules Reset<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hello there! I'm still here, just working on important personal stuff and not able to handle much internet at the moment. I just wanted to pop in to mention a new love... cross stitching! I haven't tried to cross stitch since I was a small child, but the adorably fantastic patterns at <a href="http://thefrostedpumpkinstitchery.bigcartel.com/" target="_blank">The Frosted Pumpkin Stitchery</a> have completely converted me. I had been meaning to sign up to one of their clubs all year, but keep forgetting in time to start with everyone else. I do realize I can stitch any of the finished sampler clubs at any time, but the element of surprise (and the whole 'being in a club' thing) is totally part of the appeal. So I signed up for both the <a href="http://thefrostedpumpkinstitchery.bigcartel.com/product/autumn-sampler-cross-stitch-pattern" target="_blank">Autumn Sampler</a> and the <a href="http://thefrostedpumpkinstitchery.bigcartel.com/product/halloween-spooky-sampler" target="_blank">Halloween Spooky Sampler</a> and I am so so excited about both! I have started with the Halloween Sampler as the patterns to fill in the squares will be arriving for this one first. I really enjoyed picking out my threads from our local haberdashery yesterday. Being able to shop local for all my supplies was amazing. Then last night Dan helped me to get started with the actual stitching!<br />
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I do find it pretty hard to count the spacings, especially before I have a reference point, and I have made a few mistakes so far. But I am systematically picking out the errors and replacing them with accurately placed stitchy goodness, and I am really really enjoying it :)<br />
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That might just be a finished Swoon quilt, in use and much loved already. Technically it is missing about 4" of hand quilting, which I'll get around to fixing shortly. Almost all my hand-quilted quilts end up missing just a few stitches where my thread ran out and I forgot to go back and finish the area.<br />
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I have been making a lot of progress with my dermatillomania control lately. I managed to not pick for an entire 7 days, the longest ever for me. Really really proud of that. I've not managed a gap of more than two days since but I am working on it. Its a huge (really really huge) effort to keep from doing something that is so much a part of every activity, but I do feel optimistic about my long term goals to lessen and stop completely.<br />
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Unfortunately, I have developed 'floaty craft syndrome'. I cannot sew at all right now. I'm still excited about my sewing, just cannot concentrate on any one project for long. I have tried knitting (and currently have socks on my needles for both Dan and myself), but even that is too intrinsically linked with derma. Hence the cross stitchery. It's really really helping :) Interestingly, it is also making my feel more excited about sewing. I'm planning to sew <a href="http://www.noodle-head.com/2013/01/divided-basket-pattern.html?m=1" target="_blank">Noodlehead's Divided Basket</a> this weekend, as a home for my stitchy projects.<br />
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My main machine really needs a tune-up, so any sewing I do take on will be on the tiny Brother machine, but I think we can handle it :)teacupfaeryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06940459823266841489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5714021677330116905.post-59559405572838719702013-07-30T12:28:00.000+01:002013-07-30T12:28:28.335+01:00Random Little Happenings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I haven't felt up to much blogging since returning from London. I have been sewing, but actully photographing my work and providing tangible evidence of activity defeats me at the moment. Really, I just want to sew and enjoy the summer. But I'll be updating when I can :)</div>
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I have four new Farmer's Wife blocks to share so far. Maybe more by the end of the week. I have ordered Sketch in black and white as my FW sashing, which I hope will look fantastic. Just need to settle on a cornerstone fabric now.</div>
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My Swoon hand quilting is going really well. I picked up much better quilting needles in London (Milward no.5 embroidery needles) as well as a new thimble and needle grabber, and I am now able to quilt entirely pain free. The limiting factor is now my eyesight and not my fingers! I don't feel like working on the Swoon everyday though, so I have a couple of smaller quilting projects on the go to. This 'Chubby Star' mini quilt has been made using the Strawberry Fields pattern by Sarah Fielke in Material Obsession. My copy of this book had a few errors in this particular pattern, but I have tested the corrections <a href="http://www.abramsbooks.com/stc_craft_errata_material_obsession.html" target="_blank">found here</a> and I am pleased to find the block works perfectly. I'm planning to use this pattern to make a quilt from my Briar Rose stash (which arrived last week!)</div>
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Dan and I made pizza from (almost) scratch a few days ago. We used a gluten free bread mix that I don't like as bread. It made a delicious pizza base, with tomatoes from my parents garden, mozzarella and goat's cheese.<br />
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I figured the best way to fight holiday withdrawal is to plan another holiday, so Dan and I are going to London (TOGETHER!) in September :) Really looking forward to it.teacupfaeryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06940459823266841489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5714021677330116905.post-16650149265406733412013-07-16T10:42:00.000+01:002013-07-16T10:42:08.121+01:00Farmer's Wife Week Two<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Frantically preparing for my trip to London right now, so this will probably be the last you will hear of me until I get back. Let's go look at the farm!</div>
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I have only had my Farmer's Wife book since last Monday, so technically week two is only just beginning, but I'm not supposed to be making any more blocks until I'm all packed and organised, so this will probably be it for the week. There is actually one more, but I'll save him for later. Totally addicted to making these :)</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UaIdoDw5zxU/UeUSvYLVQoI/AAAAAAAAA5U/gdCtguV3e2g/s1600/FW+Block+5+Bat+Wing.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UaIdoDw5zxU/UeUSvYLVQoI/AAAAAAAAA5U/gdCtguV3e2g/s1600/FW+Block+5+Bat+Wing.JPG" height="640" width="638" /></a></div>
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Block 5 Bat Wing</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TJhhhZ7_LKw/UeUSxZgC3eI/AAAAAAAAA5c/TxiJAir5wpc/s1600/FW+Block+6+Big+Dipper.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TJhhhZ7_LKw/UeUSxZgC3eI/AAAAAAAAA5c/TxiJAir5wpc/s1600/FW+Block+6+Big+Dipper.JPG" height="586" width="640" /></a></div>
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Block 6 Big Dipper</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4-1zgcMjLec/UeUSzq-m3FI/AAAAAAAAA5k/y9sTF1niF1A/s1600/FW+Block+15+Buzzard's+Roost.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4-1zgcMjLec/UeUSzq-m3FI/AAAAAAAAA5k/y9sTF1niF1A/s1600/FW+Block+15+Buzzard's+Roost.JPG" height="592" width="640" /></a></div>
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Block 15 Buzzard's Roost</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KULk7KnGpvA/UeUS1dVbzaI/AAAAAAAAA5s/JHR0UlBuCTU/s1600/FW+Bock+57+Morning.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KULk7KnGpvA/UeUS1dVbzaI/AAAAAAAAA5s/JHR0UlBuCTU/s1600/FW+Bock+57+Morning.JPG" height="618" width="640" /></a></div>
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Block 57 Morning</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ChFN_Olfjuk/UeUS2tVD-2I/AAAAAAAAA50/g-dKbHgLwT4/s1600/Farmer's+Wife+Week+Two.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ChFN_Olfjuk/UeUS2tVD-2I/AAAAAAAAA50/g-dKbHgLwT4/s1600/Farmer's+Wife+Week+Two.JPG" height="590" width="640" /></a></div>
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Week Two Blocks together.</div>
teacupfaeryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06940459823266841489noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5714021677330116905.post-49469688295022962142013-07-15T10:30:00.001+01:002013-07-15T10:30:53.718+01:00Fat Quarterly Retreat Sample Swap<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Only a few days left until my trip to London for the Fat Quarterly Retreat. I'll be leaving home on Wednesday and spending Wednesday night at my sister's in Dublin, to catch my Thursday morning flight to London. I'm frantically working on last minute preparations for my classes at the moment, and finally have a few photos to share of my finished sample swap goodies :)</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QkMJAso2hrA/UeO8hZOrGKI/AAAAAAAAA4U/h0ePukWZeAs/s1600/FQR+Sewing+Cases2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QkMJAso2hrA/UeO8hZOrGKI/AAAAAAAAA4U/h0ePukWZeAs/s1600/FQR+Sewing+Cases2.JPG" height="562" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gmGLLGeUcMA/UeO8jyMexAI/AAAAAAAAA4c/IVe6R7y85jU/s1600/FQR+Sewing+Cases.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gmGLLGeUcMA/UeO8jyMexAI/AAAAAAAAA4c/IVe6R7y85jU/s1600/FQR+Sewing+Cases.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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I made sewing cases for my group using <a href="http://lotsofpinkhere.blogspot.ie/2011/09/travel-sewing-kit-tutorial.html" target="_blank">this tutorial</a> with a few adaptions. I also made one for myself which has been in regular use ever since, so I hope their recipients will find them useful too.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r6U4uPKIZrA/UeO8mFz54qI/AAAAAAAAA4k/YUmSbVo2dOQ/s1600/FQR+Sewing+Cases+Exterior.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r6U4uPKIZrA/UeO8mFz54qI/AAAAAAAAA4k/YUmSbVo2dOQ/s1600/FQR+Sewing+Cases+Exterior.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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Exterior fabrics are Sarah Watson's Indian Summer prints. Linings and ties are Carolina Chambray and bindings are either an Architextures crosshatch or Mama Said Sew dictionary print.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jDWRUfsoqqY/UeO8n8mKBGI/AAAAAAAAA4s/hE6a65IyNVE/s1600/FQR+Sewing+Cases+Interior.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jDWRUfsoqqY/UeO8n8mKBGI/AAAAAAAAA4s/hE6a65IyNVE/s1600/FQR+Sewing+Cases+Interior.JPG" height="640" width="586" /></a></div>
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Sewing case interior features a tiny pincushion, hexy needle-keeper and four pockets (vertical pocket has been divided into two), perfect for stashing hand-stitching supplies or embroidery tools.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FY72BEFKU6c/UeO8pq6VM6I/AAAAAAAAA40/ctps6gUOmDE/s1600/FQR+Sewing+Cases+Interior1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FY72BEFKU6c/UeO8pq6VM6I/AAAAAAAAA40/ctps6gUOmDE/s1600/FQR+Sewing+Cases+Interior1.JPG" height="518" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yzzYqNxHfVQ/UeO8sy4Lf8I/AAAAAAAAA48/uyc1plkZ4rY/s1600/FQR+Sewing+Cases+Interior2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yzzYqNxHfVQ/UeO8sy4Lf8I/AAAAAAAAA48/uyc1plkZ4rY/s1600/FQR+Sewing+Cases+Interior2.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HnIyENqPcO8/UeO8ucH4q1I/AAAAAAAAA5E/_02yXxE_XIs/s1600/FQR+Sewing+Cases+Interior3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HnIyENqPcO8/UeO8ucH4q1I/AAAAAAAAA5E/_02yXxE_XIs/s1600/FQR+Sewing+Cases+Interior3.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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My Swoon quilting epic is continuing, slowly but surely. Just two more blocks and the cornerstones to go! Feeling a wee bit overwhelmed by retreat prep, but looking forward to it very much.teacupfaeryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06940459823266841489noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5714021677330116905.post-37128922307173781972013-07-12T10:48:00.000+01:002013-07-12T10:48:29.002+01:00Farmer's Wife Friday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6SH-sKLrK_g/Ud_JEPRXn_I/AAAAAAAAA3Y/z_hb5sFsxZc/s1600/The+Farmer%2527s+Wife.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6SH-sKLrK_g/Ud_JEPRXn_I/AAAAAAAAA3Y/z_hb5sFsxZc/s1600/The+Farmer%2527s+Wife.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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I started my Farmer's Wife project this week. I'm planning to do as many of the blocks as possible without using templates. I was planning to do them in the order listed in the book (alphabetically), but I changed my mind and am now working on whichever block appeals to me on the day. I struggled a bit with my fabric choices as I want this quilt to look scrappy and contain as many special fabrics as possible, but I need some limitations (rules) to guide my choices. I'm now fairly sure I'm going with the colours from Denyse Schmidt's Chicopee line, and so far I have included a piece of Chicopee in each block. The barn block drawing in the above photo is from <a href="http://www.beeinmybonnetco.blogspot.ie/2013/02/the-quilty-barn-along-tutorial.html" target="_blank">Lori Holt's Quilty Barn Tutorial</a>. I love her patchwork barns so much and will definitely be making one soon. Not sure yet whether it will have anything to do with the Farmer's Wife quilt though.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K6V1WhNNkXo/Ud_JKCM8zDI/AAAAAAAAA3g/aJgGBc0PaQA/s1600/FW+Block+1+Attic+Windows.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K6V1WhNNkXo/Ud_JKCM8zDI/AAAAAAAAA3g/aJgGBc0PaQA/s1600/FW+Block+1+Attic+Windows.JPG" height="297" width="320" /></a></div>
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Block 1 Attic Windows. "The Wallpaper Out of Space".</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wjbMdk4-qcc/Ud_JOlobC1I/AAAAAAAAA3o/AO9arR08KpE/s1600/FW+Block+2+Autumn+Tints.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wjbMdk4-qcc/Ud_JOlobC1I/AAAAAAAAA3o/AO9arR08KpE/s1600/FW+Block+2+Autumn+Tints.JPG" height="292" width="320" /></a></div>
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Block 2 Autumn Tints. "September in Los Angeles".</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v4HdfCy-TFo/Ud_KQ5MppOI/AAAAAAAAA34/HT36KOI-Ies/s1600/FW+Block+14+Butterfly+at+the+Crossroads.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v4HdfCy-TFo/Ud_KQ5MppOI/AAAAAAAAA34/HT36KOI-Ies/s1600/FW+Block+14+Butterfly+at+the+Crossroads.JPG" height="305" width="320" /></a></div>
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Block 14 Butterfly at the Crossroads.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EOJSzu_w-fY/Ud_KXZ9781I/AAAAAAAAA4A/cge4Dy8r0ps/s1600/FW+Block+31+Evening+Star.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EOJSzu_w-fY/Ud_KXZ9781I/AAAAAAAAA4A/cge4Dy8r0ps/s1600/FW+Block+31+Evening+Star.JPG" height="291" width="320" /></a></div>
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Block 31 Evening Star.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eJJQyyacJw4/Ud_KvvuyH-I/AAAAAAAAA4E/wpvs9ZbJn2g/s1600/Farmer's+Wife+Week+One.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eJJQyyacJw4/Ud_KvvuyH-I/AAAAAAAAA4E/wpvs9ZbJn2g/s1600/Farmer's+Wife+Week+One.JPG" height="310" width="320" /></a></div>
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My first weeks blocks all together. </div>
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I'm planning to make 100 blocks and set them all straight with some sort of small print/textured sashing. Need to make sure I buy enough of it once I figure out what it is. I attempted Block 5 Bat Wing this morning. It did not go well. Going to redraft and have another go soon. It is still very very hot here. Which would be absolutely fantastic if we were equipped with air conditioning or a fan, but we are not, and my sewing room is a very well insulated oven.</div>
<span id="goog_351781043"></span><span id="goog_351781044"></span><span id="goog_208699202"></span><span id="goog_208699203"></span><br />teacupfaeryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06940459823266841489noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5714021677330116905.post-18395750755938863512013-07-11T10:00:00.001+01:002013-07-11T10:00:20.364+01:00WIP (Thursday)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Hello there :) These last few days it has been rather hot here. Too hot for sewing in fact. I'm mostly wandering around outside and eating ice-cream. I did manage to make a few quilt blocks and finish my FQR sample swap items though. I'll hopefully remember to photograph my swap items shortly. Still need to prepare my supplies for two workshops, and do all my checking-in-online business. Leaving in one week!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FCYY7NpCb2M/Ud5pDLlPHlI/AAAAAAAAA28/hMT5p2r0BWQ/s1600/New+Spools.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FCYY7NpCb2M/Ud5pDLlPHlI/AAAAAAAAA28/hMT5p2r0BWQ/s1600/New+Spools.JPG" height="576" width="640" /></a></div>
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Three more spool blocks got finished this week. I have the 'threads' cut out for lot more, it's the end caps that require a bit of catching up. I'm aiming for 100 spools in all.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-krrA_rGnseM/Ud5pEwzE0ZI/AAAAAAAAA3E/RcWocuFIepU/s1600/Beechwood+Park.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-krrA_rGnseM/Ud5pEwzE0ZI/AAAAAAAAA3E/RcWocuFIepU/s1600/Beechwood+Park.JPG" height="596" width="640" /></a></div>
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I received this gorgeous bundle of fabrics on Monday from Annie at <a href="http://www.thevillagehaberdashery.co.uk/" target="_blank">The Village Haberdashery</a> , a prize I was lucky enough to win in <a href="http://www.imagingermonkey.blogspot.ie/" target="_blank">Katy's</a> recent giveaway. It arrived in a lovely dotty printed parcel and cheered up my day immensely. The fabrics are from Jenean Morrison's Beechwood Park line with coordinating solids. I love them! They feel like sunny days in the park, paddling in the river and strawberry ice-cream. I'm planning to use them for a summery quilt, quite possibly the <a href="http://sewwithsass.blogspot.ie/2013/04/quilts-st-louis-16-patch.html" target="_blank">St. Louis 16 patch.</a><br />
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My Farmer's Wife book also arrived on Monday, and I have finished two blocks already. I'll write about those tomorrow.<br />
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I was planning on writing a list of all my wips with their various status reports, but I'm not quite up to the task right now. It's far too hot for quilting so not a lot of finishing going on, but I may just manage a bit of EPP or some small block sewing.teacupfaeryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06940459823266841489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5714021677330116905.post-9734221631803225392013-07-08T09:39:00.001+01:002013-07-08T09:39:28.334+01:00Swoon SundayOn Monday.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NKVStE3wajc/UdlfuacuTeI/AAAAAAAAA2I/34HhsUWFwfY/s1600/Swoon+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NKVStE3wajc/UdlfuacuTeI/AAAAAAAAA2I/34HhsUWFwfY/s1600/Swoon+1.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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I'm on the final stage of my Swoon quilt. I started back in January 2012 using Kona Coal and a FQ bundle of Tula Pink's Prince Charming. Sewing the blocks was fun, and the quilt top went together perfectly. Then for some reason I decided to hand quilt it. Which would have been fine, but I'm using sew simple cotton wadding, which has a scrim and is really tough to sew through. And my needle are mostly blunt as it's impossible to get suitable needles here. Gah. But I am making myself finish it, and am actually enjoying it now!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-08q0RO2RWzI/Udlfw7ZXk3I/AAAAAAAAA2U/QZ2bwFkAmLQ/s1600/swoon3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-08q0RO2RWzI/Udlfw7ZXk3I/AAAAAAAAA2U/QZ2bwFkAmLQ/s1600/swoon3.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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I have three blocks to complete the quilting on (two of these are in progress already, only one totally un-quilted block left.) I'm also quilting two lines of stitching to echo each cornerstone star. Some of these are done.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8DCCtLAuPMg/Udlfw7pG8FI/AAAAAAAAA2Y/ONy5RjOaODM/s1600/swoon2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8DCCtLAuPMg/Udlfw7pG8FI/AAAAAAAAA2Y/ONy5RjOaODM/s1600/swoon2.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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I'm using a combination of pearl cotton in size 8, and Aurifil 12 weight, with clover chenille needles in size 24. I think slightly finer needles would be better, but I haven't found the perfect ones yet. This past week I have decided that I do like hand-quilting, I'm just not using quite the right tools. I'd like to try more traditional style hand-quilting soon using finer thread and smaller stitches.<br />
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The biggest piece of progress for the Swoon quilt has been my decision to bind it before finishing the quilting. The edges were fraying badly and the whole quilt plus excess backing and batting was ridiculously bulky to work with. So I stitched just enough of the perimeter quilting to stabilize it, then edge-stitched the whole quilt, squared it up and bound as normal. I feels so much nicer to work with now :)teacupfaeryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06940459823266841489noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5714021677330116905.post-21016299308444580302013-07-07T13:49:00.000+01:002013-07-08T09:40:15.673+01:00Goodbye Granny C<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zBcuergBwxU/UdlnmY0irBI/AAAAAAAAA2s/QeBF60Lbn5g/s1600/333137453_72b7e0aa42_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zBcuergBwxU/UdlnmY0irBI/AAAAAAAAA2s/QeBF60Lbn5g/s640/333137453_72b7e0aa42_o.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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Not many words today. My Granny passed away yesterday. She is the one without a hat in this photo. It was taken back in 2006, but is the only one I have on my computer. This is the last time both my grannies were together. My other gran still lives in Manchester. Granny C was 98 and died peacefully at the nursing home where she has been living for the last few years. She will be missed.<br />
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I went for a riverside walk after breakfast and saw wild baby ducks for the first time. Dan and I watched a colleague of his compete in the Tri-Athlone triathlon. And I finished this spool pillow front. I'll be hand-quilting it at the Fat Quarterly Retreat.</div>
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I'm mostly working on hand-quilting my Swoon quilt this week. I'll catch up with writing about that shortly. </div>
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<br />teacupfaeryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06940459823266841489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5714021677330116905.post-78829273841327387632013-07-05T18:08:00.001+01:002013-07-05T18:08:36.829+01:00Spools<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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I had grand plans for today. I'm trying to be a more active blogger, and have designated 3 days a week to blog about specific topics. We have...<br />
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~ Swoon Sunday...<br />
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~ WIP Wednesdays... and...<br />
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~ Farmer's Wife Friday (name subject to change, not sure how farmer-committed I am yet.)<br />
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Unfortunately my book hasn't arrived yet, so no farming going on just yet. I have been practicing my precision piecing with these spool blocks though, so I'm feeling ready for the Farmer's Wife project. My main plan for the Farmer's Wife (FW) is to use as many pieces of precious fabric as possible, and to keep myself sewing regularly, in small achievable pieces. I have a new squared notebook just for the FW where I'll be drawing my construction plans and recording dates, fabric choices and any other thoughts. My farm journal, if you will. I might be taking the farm theme rather seriously.<br />
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No deadline for any of my current projects, I'm happy with organic stitching. Sixteen spool blocks finished so far. Not sure if I like this planned arrangement, or if they need more room to breath (sashing). I really hate sewing sashing though so if I do it would need to be added block by block with cornerstones.teacupfaeryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06940459823266841489noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5714021677330116905.post-56039902189156328742013-07-03T15:46:00.000+01:002013-07-03T15:50:04.518+01:00Summer<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cnS0ShIfi1M/UdQygCnWXdI/AAAAAAAAA1c/i4kLsPHybwg/s1600/spools1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="582" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cnS0ShIfi1M/UdQygCnWXdI/AAAAAAAAA1c/i4kLsPHybwg/s1600/spools1.JPG" width="640" /></a>I have been a bit miserable lately. I struggle to stay positive a lot of the time, as most readers probably know, but sometimes I do lose patience with myself. I feel so acutely that I am wasting precious time with all the sadness and that I need to be doing something (almost anything) to shake off the flumpiness.<br />
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I am still fighting my dermatillomania (skin picking disorder). I do desperately want to be a whole lot better as soon as possible. Currently I am able to be pick free about one day out of three, which is definite progress, but I wish I was doing better. I want to post a photo for the Fat Quarterly Retreat intro link-up thingy but I'm too shy about my skin. At the moment my main focus is on getting my skin to look as good as it can for my trip. (Last time I went away I didn't pick at all for an entire weekend, so I am feeling fairly confident I'll be able to take good care of myself in London.) Also, I have new sandals (the kind I can't wear socks with) and I'd really like to wear them.<br />
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I sewed some happy blocks! Inspired by the Liberty Love 100 Spools Quilt, as well as the fantastic spool projects I'm seeing other talented quilter's come up with. I started sewing yesterday afternoon after exposure to <a href="http://www.mollyflanders.blogspot.ie/2013/07/s-is-forsummerstrawberriesspools.html" target="_blank">this loveliness.</a> Also <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sanae-kat/7637505216/" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/66360457@N06/9092652976" target="_blank">here.</a> Lots more spool block goodness out there but it is these three that made me start cutting. Fabric I have been hoarding for years is finally seeing the light of day!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9o-rI_0NZNo/UdQyhvKqj_I/AAAAAAAAA1k/tem0zvBTle0/s1600/spools2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="524" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9o-rI_0NZNo/UdQyhvKqj_I/AAAAAAAAA1k/tem0zvBTle0/s1600/spools2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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My colour palette is not limited to the blocks shown here. I just happen to love magenta and citrine, so I tend to reach for those first. I'm actually using most of the rainbow and making a stash archive project, with each spool 'thread' a unique fabric. Lots of precious scraps might appear for the last time (those pink seahorses are the very last piece I was saving). All the spool caps will be black-ish. Background fabric is kona snow. They measure 6" finished and I'm thinking of setting them in alternating directions without sashing. And possibly setting the whole thing on point. An ongoing project, but it's making me so so happy!<br />
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I find myself drawn to small intricate blocks which I can gradually sew, something to work on on a moments inspiration which can gradually build in to an epic fabric-showcasing project. For that reason I have decided to start a Farmer's Wife quilt. My book has been shipped, so as soon as it arrives I'll be working on that too. My plan is one block per week, and I'm hoping to sew the majority without templates, using either conventional machine piecing or paper piecing depending on the block.<br />
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Also on the Janey schedule... Swoon Sundays! Last weekend I was being rather melodramatic about my unfinished Swoon Quilt. So Dan decreed I should work on it for a while every Sunday morning until it's done. I am really close at this point. I decided to bind it even though the quilting isn't finished, as the edges were fraying badly. It's much nicer to handle now. I do hope to finish by the end of July. Expect Swoon related post soon!teacupfaeryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06940459823266841489noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5714021677330116905.post-9308549808052576752013-06-23T11:57:00.001+01:002013-06-23T12:03:09.323+01:00Quilts!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Happy Sunday! I'm back with photos of the finished quilts which Dan and I took yesterday. I feel so much happier to have a quilt photography plan. Hoping to employ him for further quilty photo-shoots in future too. </div>
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Centre City Color Hex. Ok... I finished this quilt ages ago, but have never been able to photograph it properly. The colours in this fabric line (Jay McCarroll's Centre City) are so lovely and saturated, but my camera really struggled to balance the deep purples and almost neon brights. But finally I am happy to share it in all its glory. I used In Color Order's <a href="http://www.incolororder.com/2012/10/color-hex-quilt-pattern.html" target="_blank">Color Hex</a> pattern, and it came together beautifully. The background grey is Kona Coal.</div>
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The quilt back is Moda Bella Solid in Eggplant, with a little strip of scraps from the quilt front. I quilted in straight lines using dark grey thread. Binding is a black cotton solid.<br />
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The second quilt finish I want to share is another Jeni B inspired baby quilt. My Salt Water Star is based on the <a href="http://www.incolororder.com/2011/08/giant-vintage-star-quilt-tutorial.html" target="_blank">Giant Vintage Star tutorial</a>, with my HSTs and corner blocks finishing at 9" square and a 2" border added all around to make the star float. I used the green and blue colorways of Tula Pink's Salt Water line with a bright white solid for the quilt front.<br />
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Quilt back is a mixture of leftover solids in white and natural, with lots of Salt Water scraps in a stripey layout. The binding is a Bonnie and Camille Marmalade stripe in beige and white.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3rJDLHdqnXU/UcbPqaCtXkI/AAAAAAAAA0o/cJR_lgnpgjU/s1600/salt+water4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="528" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3rJDLHdqnXU/UcbPqaCtXkI/AAAAAAAAA0o/cJR_lgnpgjU/s1600/salt+water4.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I quilted the Salt Water Star in happy free-motion loops using white thread.<br />
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Both of these little quilts are available now in my etsy store!<br />
Centre City Color Hex Quilt <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/154780986/modern-baby-quilt-centre-city-color-hex" target="_blank">here</a> and Salt Water Star Quilt <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/154786235/modern-baby-quilt-salt-water-star" target="_blank">here.</a>teacupfaeryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06940459823266841489noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5714021677330116905.post-17281333033187384072013-06-22T12:21:00.000+01:002013-06-22T12:21:33.887+01:00Early On Saturday MorningI love early weekend mornings. I mostly get up first, feed the cat and drink my coffee in peace. Mostly I let Dan sleep in as he's not quite as much of a morning person as me. But today he was sweet enough to come to the river before 8am to help photograph quilts. Awesome :)<br />
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It was pretty cold and drizzly for a Midsummer morning. We spotted a duck pile on the weir. Apparently ducks are not morning people either.<br />
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After the quilty photos we went home for bacon sandwiches (with peanut butter and ketchup for me) and hot coffee. The two quilts we took out this morning will be hitting the shop soon, and I'll talk about them here shortly. I have two more baby-sized quilt tops waiting for my quilting attentions this week. Madrona Road Houses, based on <a href="http://cluckclucksew.bigcartel.com/product/suburbs-137-pdf-pattern" target="_blank">this pattern</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gQ-OLm8m0hM/UcWGufi3BLI/AAAAAAAAAzs/aIbWvGNGa8o/s1600/Madrona+Road+Top.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gQ-OLm8m0hM/UcWGufi3BLI/AAAAAAAAAzs/aIbWvGNGa8o/s1600/Madrona+Road+Top.JPG" height="640" width="524" /></a></div>
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And a simple squares patchwork top I'm calling Midsummer Moonlight.<br />
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I'm excited to get these two quilted and finished. My machine has been acting up a bit this week though so I'm not 100% sure my free-motion quilting will work out, but I'm hoping it will!</div>
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<br />teacupfaeryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06940459823266841489noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5714021677330116905.post-11747985179286886362013-06-11T17:53:00.001+01:002013-06-11T17:53:55.315+01:00Hey there!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm still here :) Just not been online much lately. My computer reacted badly to a Ubuntu upgrade and I lost the ability to connect to the WiFi. I like to use my laptop upstairs where there is no wired internet, so that was a bit of a deal-breaker for me. Luckily, it is all better now :) Almost. It might be on it's last legs at this point but I really don't want to admit it.</div>
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Also, we have been experiencing that thing called the Irish Summer. It strikes hard and fast, with ridiculous heat and beautiful long sunny days. I spent as many of them as possible outdoors and don't think I turned my oven on all week, Salad dinners are the future. Dan and I went to Dublin on Saturday where we enjoyed the perfect lunch at <a href="http://www.thecounterburger.com/dublin_suffolk_street/" target="_blank">The Counter</a>. I mostly went to Dublin for an interfacing re-stock. but they didn't have my preferred fusible woven type. I did buy some fusible canvas though. Hopefully I'll get time to play with it soon.</div>
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I hope to catch up on flickr-ing and such shortly. I am making progress with my Fat Quarterly Retreat projects. Just waiting for an interfacing restock (from the internet this time). Today I went for a doctor check up and left with a bit less blood than I went in with, so hoping someone will make me a delicious dinner soon so I can get my strength back for more stitching.</div>
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<br />teacupfaeryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06940459823266841489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5714021677330116905.post-91898192200606772822013-06-02T12:16:00.000+01:002013-06-02T12:16:02.198+01:00Weekend Sewing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Popping in quickly to share a bit of what I have been working on this week. Photos are not the best, but better than none at all, I hope. I am seriously trying to gain control of my sewing plans for the Fat Quarterly Retreat, and I am *almost* back on my schedule. I finished my <a href="http://www.sewsweetnesspatterns.com/products/aeroplane-bags" target="_blank">Aeroplane Bag</a> on Friday :) I made the regular size. For the top portion I used a patchwork panel, quilted with cotton batting and a layer of calico, then trimmed to fit the pattern. The bag base and handles are Carolina Chambray. I lined my bag with the super-bright yellow-green heatwave stripe from Chicopee.</div>
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Everything came together really quickly. The most challenging part was setting the zip and then sewing the rest of the side seams. I used a 22" metal zip so I couldn't follow the pattern as written and had to improvise. I sewed the last 1/2" of all the seams meeting the zip by hand, but not before trying (and failing) to do it by machine. Just sewing them by hand in the first place would have been a much better idea. Anyway, I love my new bag and hope to take it on an adventure very soon.<br />
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Yesterday I quilted this little quilt top. It is a commission quilt for a new baby, in summery cherry colours.</div>
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I quilted it in rows of happy loops in white aurifil 50wt. This is a peek at the back, which is mostly kona snow with a patchwork strip. I hope to get the binding added today and hopefully have some finished photos soon.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PTRhzKNAACw/UaslTbykYoI/AAAAAAAAAys/gF40GKMJLY4/s1600/Summer+Cherry+Quilt+Back.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PTRhzKNAACw/UaslTbykYoI/AAAAAAAAAys/gF40GKMJLY4/s1600/Summer+Cherry+Quilt+Back.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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Still to do...<br />
~ Finish Sample Swap items. In progress, nearly there!<br />
~ Name tag for my partner. Can't quite settle on a plan for this one, but will get sewing soon.teacupfaeryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06940459823266841489noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5714021677330116905.post-11921002547547789702013-05-28T09:54:00.000+01:002013-05-28T09:54:02.671+01:00My Happy Place<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The studio is currently looking pretty tidy. It won't last long, but I am feeling very proud of it right now. Dan hung the Marcelle Medallion on the chimney breast for me, and it looks fantastic. That corner is generally a bit gloomy, and it looks so much better now. I dusted and rearranged nearly everything in the studio yesterday for extra pretties. The Blythe dolls look a lot happier with a bit more breathing space.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zo2f4utl4nk/UaRpzVK98TI/AAAAAAAAAxQ/k5T60vz8kNM/s1600/mantle.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zo2f4utl4nk/UaRpzVK98TI/AAAAAAAAAxQ/k5T60vz8kNM/s1600/mantle.JPG" height="640" width="474" /></a></div>
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Here we have Mary (Queen of Heaven), Providence Candy-apple, Marzipan Dorayaki and Jellybean.<br />
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Saint Agnes Eve, Rosaly Rozalia Rasputina, and the wee Russian Folk.<br />
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The expedit holds most of my Blythe hoard and my fabric stash, as well as craft books. magazines, some of the yarn and bedlinen. On top lives my quilt stash, fabric scrap bins, dolly clothes in cute metal lunch-boxes, and my batting stash.<br />
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I spent last night stitching up some happy patchwork panels. I am *attempting* to make an <a href="http://www.sewsweetnesspatterns.com/products/aeroplane-bags" target="_blank">Aeroplane Bag</a> using only materials I have to hand.<br />
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I love the idea of the soft and stable the pattern suggests, but I can't find any I can afford right now after shipping costs. And I'm dubious about the car upholstery foam alternative (totally unfounded dubiousness, I have not actually poked any, I'm just worried it will have a weird chemically smell and I dislike its grey colour.) So I made my main exterior panels from patchwork, which I quilted with warm and white batting and a layer of calico before trimming them to fit the pattern piece.<br />
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I will be using the suggested peltex interfacing for the bag base. Hope to cut the rest of the pieces later today. I'm also planning to change the zip installation a bit as I want to use a 22" metal zip I already have. I really really hope it works!teacupfaeryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06940459823266841489noreply@blogger.com1