tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59319547490164249752024-03-13T23:41:17.762-07:00Crazy About QuiltsRamblings of a weekend quilter...Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11719931648070477966noreply@blogger.comBlogger138125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5931954749016424975.post-40007050572132828662012-01-08T21:08:00.000-08:002012-01-08T21:08:09.993-08:00Happy New Year!OMGosh! It has been a hectic holiday season! But I must admit, it was totally self-imposed. It appeared the shopping was all done quickly just after Thanksgiving and the quilt I was making for a dear friend was coming along nicely, so apparently it was necessary to stir up some stress. Soooo, I heaped a couple more projects onto the Christmas "make" list. This included a Mariner's Compass (which was already started) for my step-mother and a table runner for a friend. I forgot to take pictures of the table runner which is a bummer since I thought the colors and fabrics were so pretty. But I do have photos of the other 2 projects.<br />
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First is the front and back of a quilt I made for a good friend. We had been separated for several years and now we are friends again. I wanted to make her something special for her December birthday. She, like me, loves purple. I had purchased these stack and whack blocks from <a href="http://labfabrics.com/">labfabrics.com</a> and had every intention of making this for myself, but making it for Linda was a better idea!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UXG2GBmUqQg/Twpwd7qPRlI/AAAAAAAAApM/lj_xs9KQgtc/s1600/DSCF0429.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UXG2GBmUqQg/Twpwd7qPRlI/AAAAAAAAApM/lj_xs9KQgtc/s320/DSCF0429.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>This is the small quilt I made for my step-mother. It's a little Mariner's Compass that I started in a class with my <a href="http://piecesofranaslife.blogspot.com/">BFF</a> in April. It was good to get another project crossed off the list! I think that's all of 3 including my Baby Jane. Perhaps 2012 will see me getting more projects done!<br />
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Here's what's currently on my design wall... and there are 2 other quilts besides this that I'm hoping to get done very soon!<br />
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Okay, that's it for now!<br />
I hope you all have a wonderful and blessed 2012!Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11719931648070477966noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5931954749016424975.post-49211988698467611672011-12-22T20:44:00.000-08:002011-12-22T20:44:04.675-08:00Giveaway! Give Away??Is it one word or 2? Who knows, but my BFF is have one of them over <a href="http://piecesofranaslife.blogspot.com/">HERE</a> and you MUST visit for a chance to win some great stuff!<br />
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I have stuff to show you, but no time. Come back after Christmas and I'll show you the projects I've been working on. Until then, I pray you have a wonderful Christmas celebrating the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Thank you God, for sending Him. We would all be in a pickle had he not come, taught and sacrificed his very life for us! Thank you Jesus!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6uBGF_KpXfs/TvQG-tqo4LI/AAAAAAAAAo8/NUxzzF0YcuY/s1600/IMG_1016" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6uBGF_KpXfs/TvQG-tqo4LI/AAAAAAAAAo8/NUxzzF0YcuY/s320/IMG_1016" width="320" /></a></div>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11719931648070477966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5931954749016424975.post-80419392644378531712011-11-06T21:36:00.000-08:002011-11-06T21:36:11.961-08:00What's Going on Around Here?Oh my, but we've been very busy! We painted the front of the house. And when I say "we," I mean mostly Pete. Here's a before picture...<br />
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I don't have a photo of it, but Pete has also done a great job of painting the garage door so that rusty stripe down the center is gone. And here's my festive porch.... with the new blue door that I completely love!<br />
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I also have been spending time cleaning up my plot at the church. This is a "before" picture.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZEtMcDgpQhg/TrdqqxHf4AI/AAAAAAAAAog/bbmrO5DJ5S8/s1600/DSCF0318.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZEtMcDgpQhg/TrdqqxHf4AI/AAAAAAAAAog/bbmrO5DJ5S8/s320/DSCF0318.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>I'm about 3/4 of the way done with clearing the weeds and dead stuff. As soon as that is done, then the fun part begins! I've seen deer up here, so will have to find some pretty stuff to put in that they won't eat. Any ideas out there?<br />
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While it hasn't been much, I'm grateful for the time I have been able to spend in the sewing room. The color is off in this photo, but this is what was dumped out of the trash can in there. I love running my fingers through this stuff!<br />
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and here is what some of that is turning into.... <br />
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Plus, was able to get a Birthday present for a good friend started today. Did you think I was going to show a picture of that??? Hello??? Try again!! Oh and I made a little towel for another friend today too. Didn't take a photo of that. Maybe I should....<br />
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Looking forward to a sister weekend next week with my sister Betsy! Yay!<br />
Off to another busy week... <br />
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</a></div>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11719931648070477966noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5931954749016424975.post-88248857907188749612011-10-30T20:18:00.000-07:002011-10-30T20:18:18.741-07:00Autumn WreathMy sisters and I had a crafting weekend last weekend. We try to get together once per quarter and usually sew when we do. This time, my sister, Betsy found these great autumn wreaths to make out of coffee filters of all things! They were pretty labor intensive, so I'm not sure I will do another one, but I did like the way they turned out!<br />
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The idea for these was not an original one! We don't really have original ideas, but we are pretty good at following directions! Luckily there were great directions <a href="http://jonesdesigncompany.com/create/a-pretty-autumn-wreath/">here</a>. Emily Jones is one talented lady! I could spend hours at her website. Pretty sure you will enjoy it too! So check it out!Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11719931648070477966noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5931954749016424975.post-55367147743435063752011-10-29T20:50:00.000-07:002011-10-29T20:50:18.660-07:00The Finished Product!Well she is done! Only the signature block remains to be done. So without further ado, let me show you some photos of my very own Baby Jane....<br />
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Note the Cancer Ribbon she put on the lavender block as a nod to my experience!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_pqJiwQFe3A/Tqy97GueyZI/AAAAAAAAAmo/sRkRO5jmRTc/s1600/DSCF0359.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_pqJiwQFe3A/Tqy97GueyZI/AAAAAAAAAmo/sRkRO5jmRTc/s320/DSCF0359.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>My Baby Jane was heirloom machine quilted by <a href="http://summitcreekquilts.com/">Sue of Summit Creek Quilts</a>. I highly recommend her! She did such a fantastic job! Each block has a different quilting motif on it. The tiny sashing has a beautiful chain quilted in and each scallop has a feather in it. I love it!<br />
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Now, here is a darling little pincushion made by my friend Rana! OMG this is soooo darling and look how little it is! I'm thinking how great this is for taking along with as I do applique on the go! <br />
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We are dog sitting again. At home, Lizzy is an outdoor doggy, so being clean and hugable is not so important. But when she visits here, I just cannot allow her to sleep outside. That just seems wrong. So we needed to get this ole girl cleaned up. Today she got a brush (several, actually) a bath, a clean collar and flea and tick meds! She was covered in fleas and had a tick stuck to her ear that was giant! Yucko!!! Now she's all clean, happy and flee-free and so are we! She smells good and is much nicer to pet! I just love this doggy!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BbFSJyxqCHA/TqzIRTPj--I/AAAAAAAAAnI/zQy7W-3tIbM/s1600/DSCF0353.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BbFSJyxqCHA/TqzIRTPj--I/AAAAAAAAAnI/zQy7W-3tIbM/s320/DSCF0353.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>It was a busy day and I need to go get sewing!!Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11719931648070477966noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5931954749016424975.post-57322629061836932942011-10-02T20:59:00.000-07:002011-10-02T21:01:11.268-07:00The Last 2 DJ Blocks!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Hard to believe these are the very last 2 blocks I have to show you! Just the finishing touches are left on my quilt and I have to say that I really love it! But I digress, here are the last 2:<br />
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First is M-11, Rickshaw which was paper pieced and has 31 pieces. <br />
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Last, is M-12 called Hopscotch is pieced and has 19 pieces!<br />
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I will follow with some photos of the finished quilt soon. As soon as I get the binding done and a wee bit of hand quilting...<br />
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Since finishing my baby Jane, I have finished a couple of other quilts. When you work so much on these tiny blocks with a zillion pieces, you forget how fast a regular block goes! Anyway, here's a couple photos of a recent finish.<br />
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This is a Lone Star quilt that I started in a Jan Krentz class. She was a great teacher and this was a fun quilt to make! I look forward to making more Lone Stars! </div>
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Here is a close up of one of the corners detailing the quilting...<br />
This is the first time I've done the little swirls in the feathers. I'm pretty pleased with it!<br />
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Hope you are working on something wonderful and fun. Please leave a comment if you would like.<br />
Come back soon because I'm going to share a darling new fall pattern from my bff. And you will love. it!<br />
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Melanie</div>
Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11719931648070477966noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5931954749016424975.post-12210251300617460682011-09-26T22:16:00.000-07:002011-09-26T22:16:31.036-07:00A few more DJ blocksEven though these were completed back in June, they've not yet been revealed here and each one of these babies is a gem, so I don't want to leave any out!<br />
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This first one was a real bugger, but only because the pieces were sooo small! This cutie is M-4, called Stepping Stones, has 49 pieces (in a 4.5 inch block...really) and was mostly paper pieced. Now that it's done, I think it's pretty cute and I'm so glad I don't have to make it again! Even at a normal size like 10", this would still have a lot of little pieces! Can you imagine making a quilt out of this???<br />
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This one is M-9, Fan Dance has 28 pieces and was paper pieced. I think it would be cuter with more contrast, but it's done!<br />
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Here are a couple of peaks at The Quilt. This one is taken as I was machining the binding on. Let me tell you, nothing goes quickly with this quilt. You just have to take your time! You can see a little bit of what an absolutely wonderful job <a href="http://summitcreekquilts.com/">Sue</a> did quilting her! I think this part of the process took 2-3 hours.<br />
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And here's a teaser of the back....Isn't it the most wonderful quilt? I can't believe it's mine. Even more, I can't believe I am actually about to finish it!<br />
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Boy, there were times when I really wasn't sure this was ever going to be finished. At least not by me. I remember when I was first diagnosed with cancer, going down to my sewing room and staring at this quilt and wondering a) would there be enough time for me to finish this quilt, b) if my time was that short, did I really want to spend it in my sewing room quilting anyway (certainly there were more important things to be doing and people to be with!), c) if I wasn't going to get it done, who should I be leaving it to that would be blessed, not burdened by it. Oh boy, thank God, thank.the.Dear. Lord. He spared me. And the least of reasons was for this quilt. But when you tackle a long term project like this, I hope you can see that it is a measure for (of?) your life to some degree. As you are plodding through the process, you are also marking times of your life. Okay, well, I'm glad I've made this quilt and I'm equally glad the process is almost over! If tacking down this binding continues at the current pace, it will be done in about 6 hours. Really. <br />
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Think there's only 2 or 3 more blocks I haven't yet shared, but will do that soon!Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11719931648070477966noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5931954749016424975.post-8221990112197266622011-09-24T22:39:00.000-07:002011-09-24T22:39:22.026-07:00It's Autumn!Oh how I love Fall! The colors and crispness in the air, sweaters, and is it me, or is there a smell that comes with Fall? I think there is! I mentioned something in my last post, but wanted to spend a bit more time on it.... My little friendship quilt group has just started a mystery quilt designed by <a href="http://piecesofranaslife.blogspot.com/">one of our own</a>. She is also posting it on her blog so that you, too, can join in on the fun! How cool is that? This quilt has a definite Autumn feel, so it's the perfect time to start! Here is my version of the first month's work...<br />
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The colors are completely wrong in this photo as those leaves are really green, but you get the idea anyway! Once you <a href="http://piecesofranaslife.blogspot.com/">visit</a> Rana's site, be sure to pick up a copy of her BOM button and add it to your blog! It will be so fun to have you along!<br />
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Now, here's a little picture of the front porch which is starting to transition into Fall itself!<br />
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Until next time!<br />
MelanieMelaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11719931648070477966noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5931954749016424975.post-11208723180349534462011-09-19T21:01:00.000-07:002011-09-19T21:15:31.471-07:00Catching UpI've been away from this blog so very much that I'm not sure it makes sense to keep going. However, I'm going to give it one more go and we'll see what happens. So, as you may know, this blog has been mostly dedicated to the making and sharing of my own Baby Jane along with other projects the come along the way. (DJ had quite a way of crowding out other projects!) The big news is that I finished my blocks and triangles for DJ around the middle or end of June and had the top together by the second week of July.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cdhMIGvFDNc/TngDja1B2KI/AAAAAAAAAkU/FfFjMW4oOKY/s1600/DSCF0110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cdhMIGvFDNc/TngDja1B2KI/AAAAAAAAAkU/FfFjMW4oOKY/s320/DSCF0110.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> I need to edit the trash can out of that photo! Couldn't bear to part with it for a while so it must have taken me a good 2 weeks to get the outer muslin border on and the scallops marked. Finally I was able to part with her and send her off to be quilted in Utah at <a href="http://summitcreekquilts.com/">Sue's</a>. I mailed her on a Saturday and she was there by Monday....amazing! Sue is a very talented quilter and I would highly recommend her! She is organized, professional and caring along with being a great quilter! I will show some photos of her quilting next time. For now, I am trying to sew the binding on by machine, which is really quite a job!<br />
At this point I need to stop and make sure I like the way it will look when finished. As usual, this is something I should have done long ago before I got 2/3 of it on! Hopefully, I will be lucky and it will look acceptable, but the way I sew, it wouldn't surprise me if things needed to be redone. Seems like I rip out half of what I sew!<br />
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At any rate, it feels so good to have this baby almost done. Since shipping her off to be quilted, I've managed to squeek out a couple of other UFOs. My UFOs would be a great future topic here especially because I blame several of them on my BFF!<br />
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I never did finish showing the last dozen or so of my blocks as I was so intent on getting them done. So here are a few of them and I will follow with more soon! This first one is L-12, Sally's Pride, has teeny tiny paper pieced pieces totalling 27 (includes a bit of applique, as usual).<br />
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This next one is L-13, Harvest Moon, has 12 pieces and was mostly appliqued.<br />
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Finally for tonight is M-2, Duff's Buff, has 21 pieces and was paper pieced!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hwDNuQZE-TE/TngNSQKa2VI/AAAAAAAAAkg/ODtWu6ckt0I/s1600/DSCF0060.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hwDNuQZE-TE/TngNSQKa2VI/AAAAAAAAAkg/ODtWu6ckt0I/s320/DSCF0060.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Before I close, let me just invite you to join a wonderful Fall BOM mystery quilt that my BFF has designed for our quilt group! You can find it over <a href="http://piecesofranaslife.blogspot.com/">here</a><br />
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It's getting late for me, so I will try to continue to get caught up in the near future!Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11719931648070477966noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5931954749016424975.post-22063854341114557552011-06-16T21:00:00.000-07:002011-06-16T21:00:08.100-07:00Absence and an Inability to SpellWow it's been a loooonnnggg time and as I tried to get started, I couldn't figure out how to spell the very first word I typed, "absence." My spelling just gets worse and worse. Is that an age thing? <br />
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Well now, I have been working on my Baby Jane even though I've not been blogging about it! So I'm going to get right to things and show you a few blocks that have been recently completed.<br />
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This first block is called Brandon's Star (K13) and has 22 pieces. I don't really remember making this one, but I'm pretty sure it was rotary cut an pieced. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ob8Qm6ED7eI/TfrMwpP2gAI/AAAAAAAAAjY/jetL-9GQBpk/s1600/IMG_0325.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ob8Qm6ED7eI/TfrMwpP2gAI/AAAAAAAAAjY/jetL-9GQBpk/s320/IMG_0325.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>This next one was harder than I had anticipated! If you look closely, you will find it to be quite wonky, but I'm just going to live with it! It is L3 called Reflections Abound, was mostly paper pieced and has 25 pieces.<br />
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There's something about this next block that just never looks right. Every one I've seen looks just a bit wonky, as does mine! This is L4, St George's Cross, has 21 pieces and was mostly paper pieced (and STILL looks wonky!).<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TzaYvljgNXE/TfrPPo04ysI/AAAAAAAAAjo/b5wiLtB3x6w/s1600/IMG_0220.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TzaYvljgNXE/TfrPPo04ysI/AAAAAAAAAjo/b5wiLtB3x6w/s320/IMG_0220.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>I hope to be back soon as I already have several more blocks made that I would love to share with you!<br />
Someone is encouraging me to do a giveaway soon, so check back to see what might be going on around here.<br />
BTW, there's only 5+ blocks left undone in this quilt! The goal is to have her done by the end of this month! Yahoooooo!<br />
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Hope you are getting some stitching in too!<br />
MelanieMelaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11719931648070477966noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5931954749016424975.post-84339556188574053172011-04-25T21:27:00.000-07:002011-04-25T21:27:41.913-07:00DJ Block CountdownHoping your Easter was blessed. Boy mine was. To have the King of the Universe die for MY sins. Wow! Just blows me away!<br />
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I've just visited my design wall and made an official count. My DJ needs only 16 blocks before she has all her parts! OMG, I could just squeal! Oh my.....The plan is to get those blocks all done by the end of May and spend June putting everything together (note the sashings on one side already!) and marking the scallops. Three plus years of work in the final stretch! So here are the most recent finishes:<br />
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This is K10, called Quandry, was paper pieced and has 39 pieces. This is not exactly like the drawing, but I can live with it! <br />
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This is K9, Scout's Honor, was paper and regular pieced and has 21 pieces. <br />
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Not sure how this next one, L8, slipped in while I've been working on the K row, but it did. I must have made the paper foundation on the same page. It is called box kite, was paper pieced and has 15 pieces.<br />
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Now, this one is from row K! It is K11, Columbine and is paper pieced. Just for the record, the pattern chops off the points! This cutie has 25 pieces.<br />
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The last one for tonight is L12, Doris' Dilemma, was paper pieced and has a mere 11 pieces! What a breeze!<br />
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I don't have a photo of L2 to show you yet, but it's done and it has 41 pieces. I still have Nan's Niad hanging over my head and I'm thinking about getting her done very soon here! And I see that M4 has 44 pieces. Perhaps this weekend I will tackle the hard ones! Would be very nice to have those done and sail into May with only easier blocks to complete! Wish me luck!<br />
MelanieMelaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11719931648070477966noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5931954749016424975.post-31791153391567835652011-04-11T19:51:00.000-07:002011-04-11T19:51:21.632-07:00The VERY Last Triangle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l0YK3WNQeFM/TaO52QEgTiI/AAAAAAAAAi8/igqBFSqcCNM/s1600/blue+tri.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l0YK3WNQeFM/TaO52QEgTiI/AAAAAAAAAi8/igqBFSqcCNM/s320/blue+tri.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's good to have them all done, but progress has been terribly slow since finishing this up. My official count of blocks left to do is only 22. Can you believe it? But, not a stitch has been sewn on a new block for over 2 weeks. School is demanding and there have been other things steeling my attention.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Before I get off on too much of a tangent, here's the low-down on this triangle: It is BR5, called Gay's Glory, has 40 pieces and was paper pieced!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As I was saying, not much going on with my baby Jane lately. Just a bit of sashing and putting together a couple of blocks of blocks (?). I'm looking forward to some time spent with good friends sewing this weekend and to getting perhaps a few blocks done.</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">One of the distractions of late was a great class my BFF and I took with <a href="http://www.jankrentz.com/index.php">Jan Krentz</a> this past weekend. Jan is known for her fabulous Lone Star quilts and we learned so much at her workshop! It is amazing to me how much there still is to learn after so many years of quilting! My BFF, Rana has already finished her quilt which is so very beautiful! You most stop over to her blog and take a <a href="http://piecesofranaslife.blogspot.com/">gander! </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hope to show you some completed DJ blocks soon!<br />
Melanie</div>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11719931648070477966noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5931954749016424975.post-12608425350518514602011-04-02T11:13:00.000-07:002011-04-02T11:13:53.215-07:00Two of the Last Three TrianglesI'm not trying to hold out on you, I just can't find the picture I took of the very last triangle! In any case, here they are!<br />
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This was actually the very last one I made. It is BR13, called Argyle, has 19 pieces and was mostly paper pieced.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sZFUVboXBVY/TZdlqCRJC4I/AAAAAAAAAiw/FJjav0h9t9s/s1600/Plza55a4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sZFUVboXBVY/TZdlqCRJC4I/AAAAAAAAAiw/FJjav0h9t9s/s320/Plza55a4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> This one is BR4, called Candy Dish, was paper pieced and has 24 pieces!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PaThjYxnz1g/TZdl7PyLWcI/AAAAAAAAAi4/zKqcKkpFXOA/s1600/blue+tri.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PaThjYxnz1g/TZdl7PyLWcI/AAAAAAAAAi4/zKqcKkpFXOA/s320/blue+tri.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Not sure what happened to my last photo, but I will be sure to put it up as soon as I can! Hope you have time to do some stitching today!<br />
MelanieMelaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11719931648070477966noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5931954749016424975.post-60104039568947433482011-03-27T13:52:00.000-07:002011-03-27T13:52:55.729-07:00Life in the Fast LaneOkay, compared to some people I know, my life is boring. But for me, who is happiest curled up on the couch next to my husband with a fire burning, this is a fast pace! Currently, I work full time and am attending school attempting to fulfill my science prerequisites in hopes of getting into nursing school in Fall 2013. Yes, 2013. Good grief that sounds like a long ways away! Especially at the age of 51. But, I believe this is a desire the Lord has placed in my heart and will continue on this path until He changes my direction or blocks me completely. At any rate, my one class is Anatomy right now and it takes up what seems like an enormous amount of time. I think if I could somehow stop with all the procrastinating I do, it might be a lot less though;-)<br />
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All this to say that, I was determined to get my last few triangles for my Jane quilt done this weekend. Only 3 were left and yesterday I did them all! I'm so happy. Now, it's just the last 25 blocks and the top assembly, which I'm working on a bit at a time. June is still the goal! Here are the triangles I did the last couple of weeks:<br />
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This first one is the one I had to remake because the first one I made went missing. As I've whined about before, this was my least favorite triangle. It is BR9, called, Sue's Garden, has 12 pieces and was pieced by me and appliqued by my bff, <a href="http://piecesofranaslife.blogspot.com/">Rana</a>. I think this is the only block in my quilt that has been worked on by someone other than me. That makes it special enough that I won't hate it anymore!<br />
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This next one is BR2, called Leigh's Woods, has 31 pieces and was paper pieced.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QAQqERiwOBs/TY-gG66oquI/AAAAAAAAAis/tiZd79d_dP0/s1600/Plk3mzc5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QAQqERiwOBs/TY-gG66oquI/AAAAAAAAAis/tiZd79d_dP0/s320/Plk3mzc5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I have 3 triangles left to show and tell, but no photos of them yet. <br />
If you have any desire to start your own Dear Jane quilt or learn more about it, see the website <a href="http://dearjane.com/">dearjane.com</a>.<br />
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Enjoy your Sunday afternoon!<br />
MelanieMelaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11719931648070477966noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5931954749016424975.post-28898442804466860692011-03-23T08:38:00.000-07:002011-03-23T08:38:09.957-07:00Just a Quickie<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-2pQGSZ7rH-A/TYoSsRXaPuI/AAAAAAAAAic/qpdttlYQzGI/s1600/Pljkupmd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-2pQGSZ7rH-A/TYoSsRXaPuI/AAAAAAAAAic/qpdttlYQzGI/s320/Pljkupmd.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>It's been a while, but there's not much time for a post right now. Just wanted to show the darling little original creation my friend (designed and)gave me a couple of weeks ago. Isn't it the most darling little pincushion?? Check out Rana's website over <a href="http://www.sewnintothefabric.com/shop1.html">here</a> for more fabulous stuff!<br />
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There are more completed DJ blocks to share, but that will have to wait until next time!<br />
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Have a great day!<br />
MelanieMelaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11719931648070477966noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5931954749016424975.post-57092249337449583062011-03-06T08:44:00.000-08:002011-03-06T08:44:11.227-08:00Crazy and ObsessedHave you ever noticed the number of quilting blogs that have the word "crazy" in them? I think I've used that word several times for the titles of blog posts as well as in the title of my blog. My sister, who no longer blogs, used the word "obsessed" in her title. Today and for the past couple of months, I've felt both crazy and obsessed. About my baby jane. Have you noticed? I'm purposely shirking all other projects in a fairly focused (as much as that is possible for me) attempt to finish her up!<br />
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I began this journey in October of 2007 and of course, thought I could get it done much faster than I have. Of course, we never know what the Lord has in store for us. So that may have been my plan, but He had other plans for me. So, having cancer and going through those treatments sidelined me for a good 8 or 9 months from the project. It wasn't that I couldn't, it was more that the desire had been sucked right out of me. I really felt I needed to be on my knees before Him, rather than playing with fabric. Then, I've also taken breaks at Christmastime each year to make presents.<br />
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But now, I'm down to having only 25 blocks and 6 triangles left to make. How exciting is that? It makes me truly Crazy and Obsessed! Problem is, working full time and going to school part-time (Anatomy, which takes up easily 10 hours per week) really makes it tricky to get much done on this baby! I really wish I could finish her up in the next couple of weeks, but that is not possible, unfortunately! The goal is to have all blocks and triangles done by the end of May and take June to put it all together and get her sent off to the quilter's. OOOOH, I wish I could wave a wand and have this DONE!<br />
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So now that you know how I'm feeling....here are some photos of the latest progress. The blocks are all from row K. The first is K5, called Passing Through, is paper and regular pieced and has 14 pieces. I did the outer white sections with Y seams and have puckers, so these might need to be redone:/<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-uN0md3u0NFE/TXO0ROeiMTI/AAAAAAAAAiE/b-023rXgwJs/s1600/Pkq434h8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-uN0md3u0NFE/TXO0ROeiMTI/AAAAAAAAAiE/b-023rXgwJs/s320/Pkq434h8.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>This next one is one I've wanted to do for a long time! It's K7 and is called Rose of Sharing, has 8 pieces and was pieced and appliqued. You can see that I've started putting sashings on some of my blocks.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-vny_xnA3vcM/TXO0Rx2JGpI/AAAAAAAAAiI/oQoNXqzCXZQ/s1600/Pkq435wg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-vny_xnA3vcM/TXO0Rx2JGpI/AAAAAAAAAiI/oQoNXqzCXZQ/s320/Pkq435wg.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> This next picture is of a block that was actually made years ago, but since I brought it out to sash, thought I'd take a photo of it for you. It is K8, called Springbrook Park, has 23 pieces and was paper pieced.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-L6QFyyCpAJk/TXO0SS6CaLI/AAAAAAAAAiM/Dv8m3wERAWE/s1600/Pkq436j1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-L6QFyyCpAJk/TXO0SS6CaLI/AAAAAAAAAiM/Dv8m3wERAWE/s320/Pkq436j1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> This next one is K1, called Crooked Creek, was rotary cut and pieced and has 24 pieces.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-h5TSxt5gOdw/TXO0SlrFXTI/AAAAAAAAAiQ/7KIOjZYt0RA/s1600/Pkq4356f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-h5TSxt5gOdw/TXO0SlrFXTI/AAAAAAAAAiQ/7KIOjZYt0RA/s320/Pkq4356f.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>This one was made watching TV the other night (a rare occasion anymore). It is K6, Ann's Folly, was paper pieced and has 33 pieces. I love polka dots, don't you?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bPr6W2Iw2j0/TXO5tmT5ulI/AAAAAAAAAiY/20NTj21Oz8o/s1600/IMG_0161.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bPr6W2Iw2j0/TXO5tmT5ulI/AAAAAAAAAiY/20NTj21Oz8o/s320/IMG_0161.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
This is my last corner kite. It is the bottom right corner and has no name that I can find. It was paper pieced and appliqued and has 19 pieces the way I've done it. It's good to have the corners done. I'm thinking about just finishing all the triangles up next. What do you think???<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-UMna8augiys/TXO0TOPOkTI/AAAAAAAAAiU/WiK2q8RQ4DY/s1600/Pkq4377r.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-UMna8augiys/TXO0TOPOkTI/AAAAAAAAAiU/WiK2q8RQ4DY/s320/Pkq4377r.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Thanks for visiting my blog. I would love to read your comments, so please leave me one!<br />
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Happy stitching and good luck on your own crazy obsessions!<br />
MelanieMelaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11719931648070477966noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5931954749016424975.post-22882199367996689992011-02-25T21:08:00.000-08:002011-02-25T21:08:57.284-08:00Quilting Weather!You've got no idea how happy I am that right here in Central CA there is a chance (small as it is) that we could have a bit of snow this weekend. It'll definitely be cold and rainy! So in response, my sweet hubby and I have a plan. The videos are rented and the fireplace is lit! I don't mind him playing golf at all, but I am really looking forward to just rolling out of bed and onto the couch with him to sit and watch one movie after another. It doesn't hurt that the sewing machine is only a few steps away and when I need to stretch my legs, there it will be. This could be the most perfect weekend ever!<br />
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Since it has been a while since my last post, I do have a few blocks/triangle photos to share. I've not gotten as much done as I would have liked, but there has been some progress. This first one is K4, called Thea's Turn, it was paper pieced and has 17 pieces. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-YR4hpiL2WX0/TWiFWIyxgkI/AAAAAAAAAhw/nUV0V2zPuNY/s1600/Pk8gszvs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-YR4hpiL2WX0/TWiFWIyxgkI/AAAAAAAAAhw/nUV0V2zPuNY/s320/Pk8gszvs.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> This triangle is BR3, called Attic Window, was paper pieced and has 20 pieces.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-gPpjNgQO7ak/TWiFWq1WUPI/AAAAAAAAAh0/V4RVJAbQqrE/s1600/Pkbb7bxz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-gPpjNgQO7ak/TWiFWq1WUPI/AAAAAAAAAh0/V4RVJAbQqrE/s320/Pkbb7bxz.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> This next one is a block I've been dreading since I started working on this quilt 3 1/2 years ago. I finally decided to jump ahead and get it done! It's M3, called Fireweed Flower, was paper pieced and regular pieced with Y seams galore! It has 25 pieces and I am so glad it's DONE! And I'm pretty pleased with how it came out.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-5OsOrEWl4gQ/TWiFXIr8cII/AAAAAAAAAh4/HceAs2XXxdA/s1600/Pkfo8ruo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-5OsOrEWl4gQ/TWiFXIr8cII/AAAAAAAAAh4/HceAs2XXxdA/s320/Pkfo8ruo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> This last one is K3, called Seven Sisters and was entirely rotary cut and pieced and has 31 pieces. The pattern called for the outside boarders to be the background color, but I liked it with the focus fabric better, don't you?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-8iToNOuDDMQ/TWiFX3nikWI/AAAAAAAAAh8/rFLrrC4r-hs/s1600/Pklc2mif.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-8iToNOuDDMQ/TWiFX3nikWI/AAAAAAAAAh8/rFLrrC4r-hs/s320/Pklc2mif.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Now, I believe I'm down to about 26 blocks left to do and 5 or 6 triangles left including that darn one that went missing about a month ago. I started working on redoing that one last night, ugh! So anyway, I've begun putting some chunks of the quilt together. How much fun is that? Okay, it's really not any fun until they come together and I can gaze upon this quilt and think I may actually be done with it some day!<br />
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Hope you have some wonderful quilting weather wherever you are this weekend!Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11719931648070477966noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5931954749016424975.post-69147228659914236592011-02-13T14:27:00.000-08:002011-02-13T14:27:21.788-08:00My name is MelanieMelody is a fine name, a pretty name. Especially when you really think about the meaning of the word. Melody....But my name is Melanie. And when someone calls me Melody, it just sounds like they are trying to say my name, but have a very bad cold. So it's really unfortunate that I have come to really dislike the name Melody, or at least being called that. Don't you just hate it when people get their panties all in a bunch about silly, meaningless things? I know I do and yet here I am, annoyed at being called Melody!<br />
So, forgive me, but please call me MELANIE.Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11719931648070477966noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5931954749016424975.post-56142923825439132272011-02-09T20:20:00.000-08:002011-02-09T20:20:01.239-08:00Wow, it's been a long time!Coming up for air here, if only for a moment! I see my last post was done the night before I went back to school. At 51 college is still fun, even if it is demanding. I still love it. Don't listen to me all those times I'm whining and complaining. Hmmm. Tonight I'm feeling relieved because the 3rd oral exam is done. It's always good to cross something off the list, even if there is so much more left undone. Wow, I've really strayed off the path here! Let's get back to stitching!<br />
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I have been able to find a few minutes here and there to do a little work on my baby Jane. This first block is called Grandpa's chickens. It is K-2, was completely machine pieced and has 40 pieces. The block in the original quilt has the borders done in the background color, but I like it this way! <br />
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I'm counting down to getting all of my triangles done and because the end is in sight, have been doing more of those than blocks. This one is BR7, was machine pieced with a little of the usual applique and has 27 pieces. I love this fabric!<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I really like how this one turned out! This is BR6 called Frank's Ric Rac. This was mostly paper pieced and has 31 pieces. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Sorry, couldn't get this picture to rotate. This one nearly killed me. Seriously, a couple of these seams were ripped out up to 7 times! I just should have done this completely differently than I did, but oh well, it's done! This was also mostly paper pieced. It is BR10, called Nicholas' Diamond and has 25 pieces. Trying to get the hardest ones done first. I think there are only 6 triangles left to be tackled!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WDH0cagDsvk/TVNir8p88LI/AAAAAAAAAho/Nillu8A11nk/s1600/Blue+tri.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WDH0cagDsvk/TVNir8p88LI/AAAAAAAAAho/Nillu8A11nk/s320/Blue+tri.jpg" width="236" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There are a couple more than this done, but the camera is on the fritz, so no pictures yet. Oh, and if you see this one, please let me know. It's gone missing. Happens this is probably my least favorite block of the bunch, so that's probably why it crawled off somewhere. Sure hope I don't have to remake it! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hope you are all well out there in blogland. Will try to post more this weekend!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Melanie</div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11719931648070477966noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5931954749016424975.post-14838654520774411962011-01-17T21:07:00.000-08:002011-01-17T21:07:46.650-08:00It was a good weekend!Oh my, there's a lot that went on this weekend that I can't even begin to share here! My sisters and I range in age from 51 to 64 and most of the time we act like we are 12. Thankfully, that's only when we are together. Thing is, sadly, we act like 12 year old BOYS. Ugh. But do we laugh! And sew.<br />
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Unfortunately, my camera seems to be dead so I don't have any action shots to share. (You know you want to see some of those!) All I have are stills of my DJ progress. I'm getting so excited about this. I have prepped a triangle and my last corner kite for some applique and once those are done I only have 8 triangles and 30 blocks left. This is definitely the countdown. I can tell that nearly every post until this baby is done is going to not mention how many are done, but rather how many need to be done! You have no idea how much I'd like to have this done by June. NO IDEA!<br />
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Okay, here's the latest:<br />
This is BR-9, called Sue's Garden, is all appliqued and has 10 pieces. It is easily one of my least favorite pieces in this quilt!<br />
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This is BLC, I don't know it's name if it has one, but I do know it has 75, yes 75 pieces and is paper pieced. I really like this one! I love this fabric!<br />
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I don't know why these are sideways, but I don't have the energy to fix them. I'm trying to do the hardest ones left, first. This one looked hard, but wouldn't have been if I was paying more attention to what I was doing. The pattern definitely didn't have the 2 little side pieces at the top, but they will disappear in the finished product. This one is BR-7, is called Cheryl's Clown and was paper pieced. It has 32 pieces, not including that little error at the top...<br />
To me, this looks like a Southwest pattern. I'm not fond of it, but it's done and I will like it just fine in the quilt! Soon, I hope to get BR 10 done. It looks HARD!<br />
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If all goes well, I will be starting school this coming week. The goal there is to get a few science classes out of the way so that I can get into nursing school. So, my life will likely have a very different landscape by just next weekend! Thus, I am looking forward to my sewing weekend to get as much done on this Jane quilt as is physically possible! I'm down to having only 10 triangles plus the 2 bottom kites to finish (along with 30 blocks), so that is where my efforts will be focused this weekend. I can't wait!<br />
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I've completed BR9, called Sue's Garden (again, WHY?), it was completely appliqued and has 10 pieces. I must say, this is one of my least favorite blocks/triangles in the quilt! I will post a picture of it here shortly. And, I hope to be able to share several new finishes by the end of the weekend. <br />
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Hope you too are getting a chance to sew your guts out!Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11719931648070477966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5931954749016424975.post-41571404307317028272011-01-10T22:33:00.000-08:002011-01-10T22:33:26.894-08:00I really should be in bed, but...My quilty girlfriends kept me up tonight with all the creativity, laughs and food! So here I am.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PojReAdvp3w/TSv5Gn2l-UI/AAAAAAAAAg8/X9HWZxrS_dM/s1600/Pirmkuf0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_PojReAdvp3w/TSv5Gn2l-UI/AAAAAAAAAg8/X9HWZxrS_dM/s320/Pirmkuf0.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Just a quick post here...to show you my latest triangle from Jane..<br />
This is RS13, is my last one on that side(!), is called Marlene's Pirouette, is paper pieced and appliqued and has 14 pieces! Hope to do the bottom corner kites this weekend and maybe a couple more triangles. I'll keep you "posted!"Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11719931648070477966noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5931954749016424975.post-60857475017052926222011-01-01T12:52:00.000-08:002011-01-01T13:13:58.996-08:00Happy New Year!!Don't know about you, but this year is shaping up to be VERY interesting! I have a lot planned and many goals and as usual, I'm just not too sure how it's all going to get done!! But isn't that what makes life interesting??<br />
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One of my goals is to finally finish my Baby Jane quilt. Of course, this was also one of last year's goals!! Feeling much more hopeful about it this year though. All that is left are 30 blocks, 11 triangles and 2 corner kites. Wow, that feels like it's almost done to me! The decision is final that this quilt is going to be heirloom machine quilted, so that is one part of this I won't have to worry about, other than the $400-$500 price tag, of course!!! <br />
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Here are my latest finishes....<br />
The first one is a block that was done all except for the corner melons a while back and they turned out to be just too small to hand applique. I considered just leaving them off, but in the end I decided to machine applique them. This is the only time I have used machine applique on this entire quilt. I guess I can live with that! This one is J9, called Maury High School, was machine pieced and appliqued with 13 pieces.<br />
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This triangle is RS-12, called Linda's Church in the Valley, was paper pieced and regular pieced and has 29 pieces. To me this one looks more like a wedding cake than a church, but oh well!<br />
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Okay, this one looks wonky at the top, but it really isn't! This is RS-5, Geisha Girl, machine and regular pieced, with a bit of applique and has 29 pieces again. It is the only block in my quilt made of a solid color fabric. This is a triangle I made about a year and a half ago and somehow lost. I had hoped it would show up because it was made of the last bit of a cute polka dot fabric that I loved. Oh well. It feels great to have this one redone!<br />
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This one is RS 11 called Hills of Jerusalem, is paper and regular pieced and has 31 pieces. Don't you just want to know how they came up with these names????<br />
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This morning I put the final touches on RS13, the last one in that row! Unfortunately, my camera is on the blink, so I can't show it to you. Will save that for another post.<br />
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Thank you for visiting my posts. I wish you and yours a healthy and happy New Year!<br />
Do tell, what are your goals for next year, sewing or otherwise????Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11719931648070477966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5931954749016424975.post-4277478450107236352010-12-19T14:24:00.000-08:002010-12-19T14:24:46.886-08:00I LOVE the rain!Besides, aren't rainy days just the best days to hunker down in the sewing room and get to stitchin'? I think it's the perfect excuse to relax and hang out. It even keeps my husband off the golf course, which is a welcome change. Not that I'm complaining about his golf because that doesn't bother me at all. Just saying it's nice to have him home. We rented a couple of videos yesterday and hung out in front of the fire. Nice...<br />
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I suspect there's lots of this type of activity going on all over at least the West Coast of the US. We really need the rain, so it is a blessing in many ways!<br />
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So far this weekend, I've been able to finish up 3 DJ blocks that were in process. This first one, hot off the sewing machine, has been one that has stumbled me up for awhile and even kept me from even working on this project for awhile! It is I-12, called Fred's Square Fair, has 41 pieces and is paper and regular pieced. Not a bit of applique on this one for a change! Sooooo, happy to have this one done!<br />
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This one is J8, Anna's Anchor, has 22 pieces and was machine pieced with a bit of applique. These last 2 are finished, but definitely not perfect!<br />
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This last one was made from fabric recently given to me by my friend, <a href="http://luckypupquilter.blogspot.com/">Loris</a>. It is called Pam's Bells, is paper and regular pieced with a bit of applique (shock)! I think it's a sweet little block and I will always think of my dear friend when I look at it! Oh, just for the record, it has 21 pieces.<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">Now it's time for just a bit of wine tasting. I'll tell you more about that later!</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Have a great day!</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11719931648070477966noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5931954749016424975.post-63289363893040595962010-12-12T11:54:00.000-08:002010-12-12T11:54:35.018-08:00Working on the final stitches of my Christmas quilt!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PojReAdvp3w/TQUnTxnbCZI/AAAAAAAAAgQ/Y-ZSBXI6k3o/s1600/IMG_3680.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PojReAdvp3w/TQUnTxnbCZI/AAAAAAAAAgQ/Y-ZSBXI6k3o/s320/IMG_3680.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PojReAdvp3w/TQUnWzRfMrI/AAAAAAAAAgU/EawDVUFgQB0/s1600/IMG_3681.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_PojReAdvp3w/TQUnWzRfMrI/AAAAAAAAAgU/EawDVUFgQB0/s320/IMG_3681.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>These are the blocks that I made most of last year. They are Gail Pan's designs and the setting I stole from my BFF <a href="http://piecesofranaslife.blogspot.com/">Rana</a>. I'm mostly happy with it. Feel like I've been quilting this thing forever!<br />
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Once I make it through the holidays, it's back to getting some Jane blocks done!Melaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11719931648070477966noreply@blogger.com3