tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54609661249833252692024-03-26T12:53:42.970+11:00Hope's Quilt DesignsHopehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03297208113633386943noreply@blogger.comBlogger81125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5460966124983325269.post-87085640807271689462024-03-26T12:36:00.004+11:002024-03-26T12:52:39.650+11:00Embroidery Thread Storage - So Neat!<p>For the longest time, my embroidery thread has been a colourful mess in a tin. Well, not any more!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6BGGflO8dZBSEYM6W9R26Kg9wVOr69K1MXghVPNAJGnPfxzjwu6ajnMUo2thh4hF-k_Io8j0J1zXeVcFoQp6NEf1BfwzeLDsjnJ3SyWO2gh2zN7r7M9M5lGSJwa3M2laJI-xA-yhceLDjbq39zpvrl3Mv1j32F-CKy1sfSFzkRkkCtWw0mhpSVn4xXg8t/s2919/Embroidery%20Thread.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Three tubes with yellow, light pink and dark pink embroidery thread wrapped around them, sitting in a ceramic tray decorated with yellow and pink roses." border="0" data-original-height="2919" data-original-width="2919" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6BGGflO8dZBSEYM6W9R26Kg9wVOr69K1MXghVPNAJGnPfxzjwu6ajnMUo2thh4hF-k_Io8j0J1zXeVcFoQp6NEf1BfwzeLDsjnJ3SyWO2gh2zN7r7M9M5lGSJwa3M2laJI-xA-yhceLDjbq39zpvrl3Mv1j32F-CKy1sfSFzkRkkCtWw0mhpSVn4xXg8t/w400-h400/Embroidery%20Thread.jpg" title="Embroidery threads wrapped around tubes" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">My partner was bringing home small tubes from work, the inside of receipt paper rolls used in the EFTPOS machine, and I thought "Ooh, I can use those as bobbins!" And I did. And I filmed it so I could share: </span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="560" src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/ECcs41OtRJI?si=WnuXKPDkiqr5o0Iv" title="YouTube video player" width="315"></iframe></div><p>It works so well! Incorporating the little sleeve with the colour number on means I have easily identifiable thread and neatly tucked away thread ends.</p><p>Using the tubes gels nicely with my "refuse, reduce, reuse, recycle" philosophy. It's a very good feeling keeping something from landfill in a way that is useful and convenient. An added bonus is the price, which was absolutely nothing.</p><p>I am convinced that a lot of what we buy is not at all necessary, it's just convenient. I know I could buy purpose-made cards to wrap my threads around and store them that way, but buying anything at all is something I like to avoid when I can. Everything we manufacture puts pressure on our planet and all its inhabitants (us included!). I'm not perfect, (far from it - I definitely have some work to do), but I am trying. </p><p>All that's left for me to decide now is whether to keep storing the threads in a tin or put them on display in jars. Hmm...</p><p>Bye for now,</p><p>Hope x</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Hopehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03297208113633386943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5460966124983325269.post-70300680381760920892023-08-11T11:19:00.000+10:002023-08-11T11:19:35.050+10:00Conscious Quilting<div style="text-align: left;">Are you looking to be more mindful in your quilting practice? In my <a href="https://hopesquiltdesigns.blogspot.com/2023/07/how-are-we-so-screwed-up-in-our.html" target="_blank">previous post</a> I promised to share some ideas about how we might go about this, and how we may potentially be doing harm to the environment and those we share it with. To begin, here are some questions I think we could all consider when it comes to our quilty activities.</div><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjayVNhy-c9U2Az37RAjasDGWGHoo155RoOxpxeoJ_6-YJN5TqcrzwSqzHzY478vt9SskxwYThssuUGOxhMejeBUpXnd51VANWEGkInxMuLVR0aOS0NgVk6F41DoctCxFpW0COGqbCY3IMTbmj2IngdcoXyK_9HOKj_SLBzqeC5ob6vd02XGRsp_FtxxlSR/s1000/Fabric.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Piles of neatly folded fabrics sorted by colour" border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjayVNhy-c9U2Az37RAjasDGWGHoo155RoOxpxeoJ_6-YJN5TqcrzwSqzHzY478vt9SskxwYThssuUGOxhMejeBUpXnd51VANWEGkInxMuLVR0aOS0NgVk6F41DoctCxFpW0COGqbCY3IMTbmj2IngdcoXyK_9HOKj_SLBzqeC5ob6vd02XGRsp_FtxxlSR/w640-h320/Fabric.jpg" title="Fabric" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fabric: Consider what you already have before purchasing more.</td></tr></tbody></table></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><b>Before Purchasing </b><b>Anything</b></h3><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Why do I want this? </li><li>How much use will I get from it?</li><li>Was it ethically produced?</li><li>If I leave it a week or more, will I still want to buy it?</li><li>What is it made from? Will it recycle or compost?</li><li>Do I already have something that will do the job?</li></ul><h3 style="text-align: left;"><b>The Fabric Stash</b></h3><div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Do I still like this, and will I use this fabric? If no, could I gift or sell it?</li><li>Do I really need more storage, or do I need to use some of my fabrics?</li><li>How can I organise my fabrics in a way that will make me excited to use them?</li><li>Am I afraid to cut into this? Could I use it in another way?</li></ul><div><div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><b>Before Considering New Projects</b></h3><div><ul><li>Do I have the space (physically and mentally) for another project?</li><li>Do I have an unfinished project that I could continue instead?</li><li>Is it a gift? Will the intended recipient actually appreciate a quilt?</li><li>Will this hold my interest, or will I find it tedious?</li><li>Why do I want to make this? (e.g. is it for the prize or community in a quilt-along, or do I actually love it?)</li></ul></div></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><b>Tools</b></h3></div></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Do I have tools I no longer use (e.g. specialty rulers) that I could give away or sell?</li></ul></div></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><b>Magazines, Patterns and Books</b></h3><div><ul><li>Is there a digital option?</li><li>Does my library carry this?</li><li>Where will I store it, and for how long?</li></ul><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnmDr6T-jWWO-30SXLB2mOdcOWoHoDKmi2bme9iWOiK6pUEovh9qxRMBCwngHt3djn1gJAfH-0sA2Qvmha5PohiwwcngIB0lYw5o89NOdVh7Cr8i2pd27ybKusiaM-Aan_QBR9CGG8mXrWXUBPV6cR5jjeKcq3K2O7xlXnwMo5QGDnxRzWAis-PJtl72ra/s1000/Books.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="A selection of sewing related books on a bookshelf" border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnmDr6T-jWWO-30SXLB2mOdcOWoHoDKmi2bme9iWOiK6pUEovh9qxRMBCwngHt3djn1gJAfH-0sA2Qvmha5PohiwwcngIB0lYw5o89NOdVh7Cr8i2pd27ybKusiaM-Aan_QBR9CGG8mXrWXUBPV6cR5jjeKcq3K2O7xlXnwMo5QGDnxRzWAis-PJtl72ra/w640-h320/Books.jpg" title="Books" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How often do you look at the books you've purchased? Is it time to pass them on?</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>As to the negative environmental impacts, I think it worth remembering that everything we purchase has an environmental cost, whether in the energy used to produce or ship it, pesticides and water to grow it, or the materials it's made from. And of course, there is the question of what will happen to our purchase at the end of its usable life. </div></div><p>Just as importantly there is also an impact on us and our loved ones: finances, living or working space, the mental load of having unfinished projects or too many to choose from, feeling afraid to use those precious fabrics. Eventually, and perhaps easiest to overlook, there is the added burden placed on grieving loved ones who are left to deal with our accumulated belongings at the end of our lives. </p><p>I could go on for days about this topic, and plan to expand on some of these points at a future date. For now, I hope this has given you somewhere to start if you're looking for a way to be more mindful in your sewing practice. None of it is particularly hard or profound, but it isn't necessarily easy to stop and evaluate and change our habits either. </p><p>Please, if you have any tips to add or any other thoughts on this subject, do share them in the comments.</p><p>Bye for now,</p><p>Hope x</p>Hopehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03297208113633386943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5460966124983325269.post-28538586501741231982023-07-24T14:34:00.001+10:002023-08-01T11:30:33.220+10:00Priorities<p>Early in 2020 I wrote an Instagram post fueled by the fires that were devouring Australia. I'd like to share those words and accompanying image here:</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B660cLgn1IA/" target="_blank"><img alt="A view out a window of a world that is red due to smoke from fires in the region covering the sun." border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ulEAc7HYxdXvJgRsnYIaubEzoblbszdAQHAF4JiuCuVhxEuFCUFBaar2zqe7iBDcG_y0h4enQhHpwsIyI6n0LmTy54OYZUz6zK_WNll2sujpe0Xa0l9reT4o9vfgwTD-u2c842PtLKPjC7f1WcXHUX7FH_Y0kaGEMs29g9ahOqypIhGMAdh_F5kIcAyW/w400-h400/Red.jpg" title="Red" width="400" /></a></div><p><span style="color: #666666; font-family: arial;">“WARNING: Unedited, heartfelt rant ahead.</span></p><p><span style="color: #666666; font-family: arial;">I am finding it very hard to carry on with life as normal at the moment. How can I, when life is not "as normal"? When life for so many right now is devastation and heat and smoke and flame? Or will that be the new normal? How can we not be scrambling in our minds for some way, any way, to lessen our impact on this beautiful planet we call home?</span></p><p><span style="color: #666666; font-family: arial;">We have become SUCH a consumerist society. We consume resources and food and products and EVERYTHING like it's never going to run out, not like the rubbish created is never going to go away.</span></p><p><span style="color: #666666; font-family: arial;">This industry I'm in, quilting, is as guilty as any other. We use fabric made from cotton grown with the aid of chemicals that poison and pollute our people and our environment. We create and buy gadget after gadget to make our sewing lives easier. We buy yards of fabric to add to the miles and miles we already own and don't use, just so we can have ALL the pretty things to pet and admire. We are spurred on to finish projects or start new ones by people offering prizes we might not even want let alone need. The act of creating is somehow not enough for us, we need a prize of more STUFF or accolades and admiration from strangers.</span></p><p><span style="color: #666666; font-family: arial;">I'm really and truly struggling with how to fit into this industry. I want to carry on making quilts and patterns. I want people to buy my patterns and make quilts from them. I want to buy pretty fabric. I want to make without feeling guilty and create because I love it, not to try to fit in with a community I'm feeling more and more different to, alienated from. I want to be conscious of my impact in my making and reduce that impact wherever I can.</span></p><p><span style="color: #666666; font-family: arial;">What say you?</span></p><p><span style="color: #666666; font-family: arial;">By the way, this photo was taken from my dining room in the middle of the afternoon yesterday, just before it went dark. I mean dark as night, that's how much smoke was blocking out the sun that should have kept it bright for another four hours. And I have it so, so much better than so many! No danger from fire here at the moment, just surrounded by fires in the region. What is happening to the world? How are we so, so screwed up in our priorities?”</span></p><p><br /></p><p>Yeah. I still think that. Has anything changed, really?</p><p>I’m planning a post or two discussing ways in which we are potentially doing harm, and how we can be more mindful in our approach to our craft. If you have any ideas to share, please let me know in the comments. I’ll leave you with a very obvious one now: </p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">If you don’t need it, don’t buy it.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;">Bye for now,</p><p style="text-align: left;">Hope x</p>Hopehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03297208113633386943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5460966124983325269.post-68185513634944348572023-07-13T11:27:00.000+10:002023-07-13T11:27:19.705+10:00FOMO and Reclaiming My Time<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOZAg3cFDl4fronvoqHCY604QUt66rVCgcVVD3Yfgd72tSoMc0rfeAumWOk1HPrN_M1JXBXzE81IhXkzUc3dqN31rtQIdz0WcSRDeiWtGlMYlieNLTODAKDzkVQ_6aqXqFUkLA_qDYYTFnQOEs1KcZDsObqc9ONLzkXy4LZ_i4imlpUupvH2HQN3fVUq2Z/s1000/Hand%20quilting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="A section of quilt with a blue background, a threaded needle stuck in it and part of a quilting hoop shown on top." border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1000" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOZAg3cFDl4fronvoqHCY604QUt66rVCgcVVD3Yfgd72tSoMc0rfeAumWOk1HPrN_M1JXBXzE81IhXkzUc3dqN31rtQIdz0WcSRDeiWtGlMYlieNLTODAKDzkVQ_6aqXqFUkLA_qDYYTFnQOEs1KcZDsObqc9ONLzkXy4LZ_i4imlpUupvH2HQN3fVUq2Z/w640-h512/Hand%20quilting.jpg" title="Hand quilting" width="640" /></a></div><br />I'm thinking of quitting Instagram and Facebook. It's concerning how even thinking about this has me worried about missing out. On what, I'm not actually sure. Another pretty quilt, painting, craft or fabric? Yet another recipe? A life-changing parenting hack? Doesn't sound too necessary. Maybe on what friends are sharing? Whatever it is causing the hesitation, what I fear more is missing out on <i>my real life</i>. Making my own quilts, art, crafts; cooking those recipes I collect; being present with the daughter I'm parenting. I do all those things, but how much more I could do with more time!<p></p><p><i>What if</i>, instead of "killing" five minutes on my phone, I use that time to sew a quick seam, sketch an idea, or prep a needle and thread for stitching? Have an impromptu dance party with my girl or whip around the house and put a few bits and pieces away? What if I sit quietly and just listen... or think... or breathe? Sounds so, so good to me. </p><p>Here's the thing though: I do appreciate a lot of what social media has to offer. It connects people who might otherwise never meet. It exposes you to viewpoints, opinions and ways of life different to your own. It allows people to talk about situations mainstream media don't. And it can be a source of inspiration and entertainment. </p><p>What I'm going to do to start with is schedule it in once a week and be intentional about it. I might post, I might consume what's posted by others, or I might end up opting to do something else. I'm not going to get sucked into scrolling and lose 20 minutes, I'll set a timer. And I'll do it from my computer, not my phone. Then maybe I'll move to once a fortnight, and maybe then I'll let it go for good. </p><p>It's possible you're wondering why I'm bothering to post about this at all. Why not just do it? Well, I want the accountability. Saying is one thing, doing is another thing entirely. And I really want to DO. </p><p>And what's that picture all about? It's some slow stitching I'll have more time for. Hand quilting this quilt is taking me ages and I'm very inconsistent about it, but I love it. This is one of those things I'll pick up when I have a few minutes, and in that way, I'll finish it. </p><p>What are your thoughts on social media? Are you happy with your use of it? Love it? Hate it? I'd love to know your thoughts.</p><p>Bye for now,</p><p>Hope x </p>Hopehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03297208113633386943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5460966124983325269.post-49882531671315094352023-05-11T12:08:00.016+10:002023-09-11T10:37:37.904+10:00Run Around - A New Pattern<p>Well, it appears that I don't yet have the hang of blogging again. Two months between blog posts? Not what I was aiming for. I do, however, have a new pattern to share with you! This one is called <a href="https://patterns.hopesquiltdesigns.com/b/sT1DE" target="_blank">Run Around</a>. It finishes at 54" x 60", which I find a generous lap or throw size.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMvmOwV3yvoao9MB8IcUu8rU_5TGIHFa-rqA7WKI8Y_cg_ip8IROQYutWZ7Xp9SOYGvi1FmT3nyA6G-iIWEn2E0G1pXuJmVcaVvBNPG4U6xrC6zJ1js-ngksrfNxrR4Sq56V8jjn7OGTpOwCAICm7duLw-LpkUd-Z4flUZ1jdR-L7Xb2j4AaaYUB75GA/s800/Cover%20Image%20800px.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMvmOwV3yvoao9MB8IcUu8rU_5TGIHFa-rqA7WKI8Y_cg_ip8IROQYutWZ7Xp9SOYGvi1FmT3nyA6G-iIWEn2E0G1pXuJmVcaVvBNPG4U6xrC6zJ1js-ngksrfNxrR4Sq56V8jjn7OGTpOwCAICm7duLw-LpkUd-Z4flUZ1jdR-L7Xb2j4AaaYUB75GA/w640-h640/Cover%20Image%20800px.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p>The quilt comes together quite quickly, with not a lot of cutting and very few seams for its size. I've chosen to use solids for mine, but this would also look great with prints in the wider stripes and coordinating solids for the narrow stripes. I'd love to see this in rainbow colour order too!</p><p>Publishing a new pattern is always a bit scary for me. It's putting something I created out into the world, not just for people to see (which I think is fun), but for people to use and make something from. I feel like I have a responsibility, therefore, to create the best pattern I can, that will be easily understood and user friendly. While I love the process, and love, love, LOVE seeing what people make from my patterns, I still get nervous about it and fret a little over getting everything <i>just so</i>. I think that's part of why it can take me so long to get a pattern out there. </p><p>As I mentioned in my <a href="https://hopesquiltdesigns.blogspot.com/2023/02/time-patterns-art.html" target="_blank">last post</a>, the design inspiration for this quilt came from the back of another one of my patterns, called <a href="https://patterns.hopesquiltdesigns.com/b/ecWT" target="_blank">ZigZag Run</a>. I promised I'd look for the photo that inspired me, and I dug around on my computer and in my cloud storage for ages - too long, really - but I was unable to find it. So frustrating! Here is a picture of the runner instead:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdEhQC8XFPeY-7pOF0B4MEMIy_Kfo0yo13nJgBr-0MSlM-I0VRiZRsS72sP45SNJRRZQBL7fEizdq4owBtYirYQOM22uRFsIsDeFftS-jNT_KgiIA6n4xu_3KHFBfoJU89CbJV48j4i3jbBiQGBDMVMq87M8hBH1NFPBgnDV6FWi05iPARWXl82BLDeQ/s1140/Photo%20with%20placemats.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="764" data-original-width="1140" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdEhQC8XFPeY-7pOF0B4MEMIy_Kfo0yo13nJgBr-0MSlM-I0VRiZRsS72sP45SNJRRZQBL7fEizdq4owBtYirYQOM22uRFsIsDeFftS-jNT_KgiIA6n4xu_3KHFBfoJU89CbJV48j4i3jbBiQGBDMVMq87M8hBH1NFPBgnDV6FWi05iPARWXl82BLDeQ/w400-h268/Photo%20with%20placemats.webp" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>To purchase the pattern, you can head to my online store at <a href="https://www.hopesquiltdesigns.com/">hopesquiltdesigns.com</a>. EU and UK folk, due to tax laws you'll need to go to <a href="https://hopesquiltdesigns.etsy.com" target="_blank">Etsy</a> or my other site <a href="https://patterns.hopesquiltdesigns.com/" target="_blank">here</a>.</p><p>Bye for now x X x</p>Hopehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03297208113633386943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5460966124983325269.post-86167170751739728382023-02-14T14:45:00.003+11:002023-02-21T10:44:00.447+11:00Time, Patterns, Art<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt;">Hello! Can you believe we're already into February of 2023? I feel like days just vanish, sometimes. I know that when I note down highlights of the day, or even the little things like what we ate for dinner, it sort of solidifies time for me, or makes the days seem less ephemeral, and I really need to get back into that. Have you tried it? I'd love to hear if you have any daily practices that help you deal with the passing of time, so please let me know if you have any wisdom to offer. </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt;">My daughter started Kindergarten this year. She has now finished her second week and I am still struggling to keep my mind off her and get into a routine. Five(ish) hours a day, five days a week without a little one to look after should offer me plenty of time to do all the things, right? So far, no. I do feel that I'll get there, but clock-watching will still be a thing for a while, I'm sure.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 18pt;">I am pleased to say that I have a new pattern just about ready for publishing though. I just need to take some good photographs, create the cover, and it's good to go! I feel like it's a little different for me, and I do love the simplicity of it. Here is a little peek:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEUOoUbeydKyYJAcYnU2cnkoQESR9b_-TBXIgc8kIUBHq3V-ltRHlkyYxEDLY1G2QcSWX_iQWVdomH9lawyUKhspSsrvwvmQ0Vlu12VpVzIRv3fPmx8NMBQWYxxc-71kgJdnYVyGrnp71zJEQRpENApTHkF2zsyIZO270cCoJt9pymBMQXQXO0q9MHUg/s667/Run-Around.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="500" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEUOoUbeydKyYJAcYnU2cnkoQESR9b_-TBXIgc8kIUBHq3V-ltRHlkyYxEDLY1G2QcSWX_iQWVdomH9lawyUKhspSsrvwvmQ0Vlu12VpVzIRv3fPmx8NMBQWYxxc-71kgJdnYVyGrnp71zJEQRpENApTHkF2zsyIZO270cCoJt9pymBMQXQXO0q9MHUg/w480-h640/Run-Around.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm calling the quilt Run Around, and the name actually came to me quickly for a change. It's based on what the back of the piecing of my <a href="https://www.hopesquiltdesigns.com/product/zigzag-run-pdf-pattern" target="_blank">Zigzag Run</a> table runner looks like. You see how I got to the name? Zigzag RUN turned AROUND. :) I'll share a photo of what I mean when I can find it (anyone else have thousands of unfiled/unnamed photos on their hard drive?)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I have also been getting slowly back into art. I find that, since quilts are my job, I need a hobby to keep me feeling my best emotionally. I particularly enjoy drawing animals, and my niece requested a superb blue wren. Here's where I'm at with that: </div><div><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5FpPAMWJVQ5hNJ55lZzi41vGWBbVAaiZ4y8IMhBbc0cTIhYRzapFAqmXVXEsHd0uZIwdGAnpEMk7EzRr-HqpKwfl6TPY8NGt4yMgOFccuOVHbAuQzaexh3yAYOtYgtSBfKxuN38SdJMm9yJhFCR8CmVnA-ytElHoLqKenK5AOocLGWpoGKJYsY9Y7QA/s500/Blue-wren-progress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5FpPAMWJVQ5hNJ55lZzi41vGWBbVAaiZ4y8IMhBbc0cTIhYRzapFAqmXVXEsHd0uZIwdGAnpEMk7EzRr-HqpKwfl6TPY8NGt4yMgOFccuOVHbAuQzaexh3yAYOtYgtSBfKxuN38SdJMm9yJhFCR8CmVnA-ytElHoLqKenK5AOocLGWpoGKJYsY9Y7QA/w400-h400/Blue-wren-progress.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>I had to borrow a few pencils from my daughter to get some of the colours I needed, but as of today I have a tin of 120 colours of my own to choose from! A treat for myself using birthday and Christmas money I'd been saving for something special. </div><div><br /></div><div>Hope you have a lovely week. </div><div><br /></div><div>Bye for now. x X x</div>Hopehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03297208113633386943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5460966124983325269.post-72253641526627971452023-01-24T16:44:00.005+11:002023-02-21T10:45:29.132+11:00Hello old friend...<p>It's really good to see you once again! It's been a long while, I know, since I posted anything here. I had good intentions, started a post even, but found that my energy did not extend to putting words and photos on here in a way that I was happy with. Five years went by and here we are. </p><p>So, what's been happening? Well, let's dive straight into patterns! I have just a couple of new ones. Motherhood has definitely been a priority since having my little girl in June 2017, so these patterns took me a long time to finish. I love them and I hope you will too. </p><p>This is my <a href="https://www.hopesquiltdesigns.com/product/cloudy-skies-mini-quilt-pdf-pattern" target="_blank">Cloudy Skies Mini Quilt</a> pattern. It's a cute one at just 14.5" x 16.5" (37 cm wide by 42 cm tall). Being small, it's pretty quick and easy to make and is great for fabric scraps. The background takes just one fat quarter.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVkVz_K61dlt4NT_fnDBwBsnULdBvI1VsJChRfDTX2CQXzRSP0Vg9_EZ6cnfsWso4nz8JLR7bhjzC-fzDOXZHrpVma-TBnSeg4MiL7eH5_JT4pBGhYzm7_4uZPztm30vG6g1LtDnUiPYaDRMCcCkpmdTrvNlSfDJNv6qOUjzc3NNuF1jpRsgIr7iQPBw/s2444/Cloudy-Skies-Listing-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2444" data-original-width="2000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVkVz_K61dlt4NT_fnDBwBsnULdBvI1VsJChRfDTX2CQXzRSP0Vg9_EZ6cnfsWso4nz8JLR7bhjzC-fzDOXZHrpVma-TBnSeg4MiL7eH5_JT4pBGhYzm7_4uZPztm30vG6g1LtDnUiPYaDRMCcCkpmdTrvNlSfDJNv6qOUjzc3NNuF1jpRsgIr7iQPBw/w328-h400/Cloudy-Skies-Listing-1.jpg" width="328" /></a></div><br />If you're after something a bit larger, my <a href="https://www.hopesquiltdesigns.com/product/cloudy-skies-pdf-quilt-pattern" target="_blank">Cloudy Skies</a> single-bed quilt may be more for you. It's made in fabrics that might seem odd for clouds, but I love them all, along with the blush background. They add a whimsical feel to the quilt and make it a fun one for a child's bed, almost an eye-spy with all the fun elements such as bunnies, birds, flowers and people. Of course, colours more like the mini quilt (or any fabrics you like) would be fine to use too. <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPLYOAFLrhiPzZ6-MrlY87l7mJmOoeyMczQIyoqCBGg58e76gsfJzChll9uqXKHhW3xqoJiT3citIswuCyCViWzRcjXSYjRdJlsN6gRV2EVqCQLaIoNhH-UQVxSfkupitwE8gGn8cknTkOtFg847mmy_hL3EFJxreoCJce7f7nSwUyc7ewVhrKM6oTMA/s734/Cover-photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="734" data-original-width="734" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPLYOAFLrhiPzZ6-MrlY87l7mJmOoeyMczQIyoqCBGg58e76gsfJzChll9uqXKHhW3xqoJiT3citIswuCyCViWzRcjXSYjRdJlsN6gRV2EVqCQLaIoNhH-UQVxSfkupitwE8gGn8cknTkOtFg847mmy_hL3EFJxreoCJce7f7nSwUyc7ewVhrKM6oTMA/w400-h400/Cover-photo.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>This quilt is 60.5" x 84.5" (or about 1.53 m wide by 2.15 m tall). Take off the top and bottom border if you like for a good-sized throw quilt. </p><p>It gives you some idea of how long this pattern took me when you look at the size of my daughter in the photo. She was just a couple of months shy of 3 here; she's five months shy of 6 now!</p><p>That will do me for this post. I've got a few more things to show for the time I've been away, plus another pattern just about ready to publish. I'll share them another day soon. </p><p>Bye for now. x X x</p><p><br /></p>Hopehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03297208113633386943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5460966124983325269.post-45596817117608043942017-05-21T15:38:00.002+10:002023-02-21T10:50:58.466+11:00Stitching, Cutting and Taking it SlowJust a quick catch-up today, letting you know what I've been up to. On the sewing front, it's not a lot. I have done the quilting in the ditch on my<a href="http://www.hopesquiltdesigns.com/product/christmas-hearts-christmas-tree-pdf-quilt-pattern" target="_blank"> Christmas Hearts</a> quilt top (this is the full-size, Adorned version from the <a href="http://www.hopesquiltdesigns.com/product/christmas-hearts-christmas-tree-pdf-quilt-pattern" target="_blank">pattern</a>):<br />
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That is now put away while I concentrate on the cutting out and sewing for my Cloudy Skies pattern, which I hope to release before baby comes. These are the fabrics I'm using. A little different for me, but oh so cute! They are from Birch Fabics, and the range is called The Hidden Garden. The solid fabric they're sitting on is a Cirrus solid in Blush from Cloud 9. All are organic cotton.<br />
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The cutting out has not been going well. I can't go for long at all without pain developing, and have to stop for the day - an unexpected side-effect of my pregnancy. It has meant that what I thought would take me an evening to complete has so far taken much longer. I'm nearly there now though, and the pattern is most of the way there too, so I'm trying not to feel discouraged.<br />
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I'm also needing to sit with my feet up more than usual, which takes me away from my sewing machine and my computer. While it's been great for getting a lot of reading done, I get restless if I'm not doing some form of sewing or craft during the day. I've decided to pick up an old work in progress, the Scandinavian Rose stitchery BOM. This is a very old WIP, several years old in fact. I'm not sure why it got left, but I'm keen to get going on it again.<br />
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Finally, my Farmer's Wife Sampler blocks are at the point where I think I have enough for the layout I've decided on. Fabric requirements need to be figured out now, and fabric purchased. That will most likely be a project for after baby arrives, done a little here and there.</div>
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And that's about it! I've also rearranged my sewing room, been writing patterns, designed new quilts, and have been generally getting ready for a baby. Not long to go now, and still there is so much to do!<br />
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Bye for now x x </div>
Hopehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03297208113633386943noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5460966124983325269.post-22078874842087889602017-04-18T10:16:00.001+10:002023-02-21T10:51:20.503+11:00A Fancy Fox - Soft Toy SewingMy favourite form of sewing is patchwork and quilting, but I do like to sew other projects now and then too. This fabulous <a href="https://www.etsy.com/au/listing/243173064/fox-softie-pdf-sewing-pattern-francie?ref=hp_rv" target="_blank">Francie the Fox pattern by Angel Lea Designs</a> is one such project. Isn't he dapper?<br />
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I first came across him in a <a href="http://www.homespun.net.au/" target="_blank">Homespun magazine</a> I borrowed from my local library. My husband, Martin, saw him and requested I make him one. Gotta love a grown man who appreciates home-sewn soft toys. :) Some time later, I bought the PDF pattern and got to it.<br />
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Fabric selection for this fox was so much fun. I started by pulling out some of my favourite fabrics in bright colours, then I decided which colours I wanted to sit next to each other in the finished product and cut the appropriate pieces from there. I couldn't resist fussy-cutting the chest piece to give him a sort of white ruff. :)<br />
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Sewing soft toys is not always fun for me. I find the turning quite frustrating. This one wasn't so bad. The pieces were large enough that it was easy enough to turn - and to stuff. I also liked the way it was put together, with the limbs all sewn in rather than sewn on at the end.<br />
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Here he is from behind, just as colourful as the front:<br />
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I am really quite smitten with this fox. Martin chose to call him Dama, short for Akeldama, after a flamboyant and impeccably dressed character in <a href="http://gailcarriger.com/" target="_blank">Gail Carriger's</a> Parasol Protectorate series of books (which I highly recommend if you're at all into steampunk, vampires, werewolves and a bit of fun).<br />
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If you're after a softie to sew for yourself or a loved one, I would definitely recommend this one. The steps are clear, the pattern pieces are laid out so printing is easy, and choosing the fabrics is so much fun!<br />
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Bye for now,<br />
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Hope x<br />
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<br />Hopehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03297208113633386943noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5460966124983325269.post-46745427158291066682017-03-31T17:47:00.001+11:002023-09-11T10:39:22.343+10:00Christmas Hearts Mini Quilt – a Finish at LastI have a number of quilt projects, small and large, that are in need of a relatively few steps to finish. It's something that doesn't normally bother me too much, but for some reason it now does. Maybe it's the knowledge that in a few short months I will have <a href="http://hopesquiltdesigns.blogspot.com.au/2017/02/baby-on-board.html" target="_blank">less time on my hands</a> to complete them! With that in mind, I've been slowly finishing off the smaller projects. This is one such project, my Christmas Hearts mini quilt.<br />
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The <a href="http://hopesquiltdesigns.bigcartel.com/product/christmas-hearts-christmas-tree-pdf-quilt-pattern" target="_blank">pattern</a> for this mini is included my <a href="http://hopesquiltdesigns.bigcartel.com/product/christmas-hearts-christmas-tree-pdf-quilt-pattern" target="_blank">Christmas Hearts quilt pattern</a> (which I realise now I haven't mentioned yet on the blog!). Each heart finishes at 2 inches square, and I stuck to using fabrics from my scrap bin for each one.<br />
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The background is constructed of a variety of white-on-white fabrics from the Shades of Black fabric collection by Me and My Sister Designs for Moda Fabrics. I have a Jelly Roll of the collection and raided the whites for this quilt. I have a lot to say about my experience with these fabrics, but will leave that for another time. Let me just tell you for now that it was not enjoyable. Still, the overall effect is just what I was after. See all the different prints?<br />
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I kept quilting to simple stitch-in-the-ditch along each horizontal seam and around each heart. This choice was greatly influenced by the white-on-white background fabrics, which I did not want to quilt over.<br />
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The binding is a grunge fabric by Basic Grey for Moda. I had first considered using green, but on auditioning various choices I wasn't happy with any. Then I thought of this off-white fabric with its hints of green and white, and found I liked the subtle way it framed the quilt with just enough contrast to the white for my liking. I did the binding completely by machine in order to finish it up more quickly. Though I do enjoy it, I am very slow at hand-stitching binding!<br />
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It is wonderful to have this little project completed at last. It had been sitting on a shelf, basted and ready to quilt, for months. It took just a couple of evenings to get it quilted and bound, which makes me wonder why on earth I left it so long!<br />
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If you would like to make your own Christmas Hearts mini quilt, you can find the pattern in my <a href="http://hopesquiltdesigns.bigcartel.com/product/christmas-hearts-christmas-tree-pdf-quilt-pattern" target="_blank">online store</a> or over at <a href="https://hopesquiltdesigns.etsy.com" target="_blank">Etsy</a>.<br />
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Do you have any long-term works in progress that would take just a little time to complete? I recommend you get to it - it feels so good to get them done!<br />
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Bye for now<br />
<br />
Hope x<br />
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Hopehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03297208113633386943noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5460966124983325269.post-8905809659345411432017-03-06T09:00:00.000+11:002017-03-06T09:00:25.864+11:00Farmer's Wife Sampler - Steps to the AltarA rather pretty block this week called Steps to the Altar. I tried something different this time - I didn't press any seams with my iron until the end, when the entire block was complete. For me, that is most unusual!<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hZHjaXo6O90/WLqjIIA82rI/AAAAAAAACUI/CNkqhM4bVz02-sYQC6TQ6MtxdmQ0YxL2wCLcB/s1600/FW---Steps-to-the-Altar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hZHjaXo6O90/WLqjIIA82rI/AAAAAAAACUI/CNkqhM4bVz02-sYQC6TQ6MtxdmQ0YxL2wCLcB/s640/FW---Steps-to-the-Altar.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Instead of using my iron I finger-pressed each seam after sewing, concentrating most on the quarter inch at the edge of the fabric where it needed to nest or butt up to another seam.<br />
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It was definitely a quicker way of sewing than grabbing the iron each time, and it no doubt saved a little electricity. I'm not entirely sold on it though. It was a little fiddly, and I think it would be more difficult to get a good result with some blocks. In this case though, it worked out ok.<br />
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Do you iron your seams as you go, or do you wait till the end? Any particular reason?<br />
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Bye for now xHopehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03297208113633386943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5460966124983325269.post-12893149392708512112017-02-27T13:17:00.000+11:002017-02-27T13:17:31.350+11:00Farmer's Wife Sampler - Square DanceHere is my latest Farmer's Wife Sampler block, number 85 in the book, called Square Dance.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--Lz2LyJPvXY/WLOKF-KDuVI/AAAAAAAACT4/lvPilv9xp1078g4sv0UOxXYT9ZWYx5QkwCLcB/s1600/FW-Square-Dance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--Lz2LyJPvXY/WLOKF-KDuVI/AAAAAAAACT4/lvPilv9xp1078g4sv0UOxXYT9ZWYx5QkwCLcB/s640/FW-Square-Dance.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This was a fun block to make - not too much cutting and some fairly simple piecing. I used my rotary cutter and rulers for all of it. Once again my trusty 45/90 degree triangle ruler from Creative Grids came in handy, for the white triangles and the black pieces. I just love getting lots of use out of my tools.<br />
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To keep things nice and flat I chose to press the seams open between the black and the white triangles. The rest of the seams are pressed to one side. When I mix up my pressing like that I am careful to adjust my seam allowance accordingly. (When pressing seams open I sew an exact quarter inch, whereas pressing to the side requires a scant quarter inch. I'll write more about that another time.)<br />
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It's great getting back into these blocks again. I do so love playing with the Rose Parade fabrics, they're just so pretty!<br />
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Bye for now x <br />
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<br />Hopehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03297208113633386943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5460966124983325269.post-1942295734607499602017-02-19T17:02:00.000+11:002017-02-19T17:02:30.168+11:00Farmer's Wife Sampler - Peace and PlentyI have another Farmer's Wife Sampler block completed, and don't have many to go! This one is called Peace and Plenty:<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S_FAmB89VYw/WKk0V9Q51eI/AAAAAAAACTg/DanDWDfIVaghYRyTVfjGYV5vWWALmZS6QCLcB/s1600/Peace-and-Plenty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S_FAmB89VYw/WKk0V9Q51eI/AAAAAAAACTg/DanDWDfIVaghYRyTVfjGYV5vWWALmZS6QCLcB/s640/Peace-and-Plenty.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I changed the cutting and construction a little from the book, which used all half-square triangles to make up the block. My way uses less seams, makes less cutting, and worked quite nicely. Most blocks can be put together in a number of ways - one of the many fun aspects of patchwork. :)<br />
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If you're popping in regularly to see my Farmer's Wife blocks, you may have noticed this one is photographed on a different background. This is the fabric I'm considering for the sashing/background in the finished quilts. What do you think?<br />
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I've tried it with a few different blocks and it works well. I am yet to calculate whether or not I have enough of it though. A job for another day.<br />
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Bye for now xHopehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03297208113633386943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5460966124983325269.post-51239723428033009822017-02-14T17:28:00.000+11:002017-02-14T17:28:10.549+11:00Farmer's Wife Sampler - Ozark Maple LeafHappy Valentine's Day! I've started back on the Farmer's Wife Sampler blocks with Block 63, Ozark Maple Leaf:<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p241r57QiSU/WKKjOPBm-OI/AAAAAAAACTQ/bjl-5oWRPIQispj-xcMgp76zgOhlkUYtACLcB/s1600/Ozark-Maple-Leaf-FB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p241r57QiSU/WKKjOPBm-OI/AAAAAAAACTQ/bjl-5oWRPIQispj-xcMgp76zgOhlkUYtACLcB/s640/Ozark-Maple-Leaf-FB.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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It took me a while to find the leaves in this block because all my brain would see were arrows! Then Martin pointed the leaf shapes out to me and now it's clear. Can you see the leaves? Had I seen them earlier, I probably would have made the leaves from the yellow print and the background from the black and white spot. I like it either way though. :)<br />
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This was a nice, simple block to make, all rotary cut and no unpicking necessary. I love it when that happens!<br />
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Bye for now<br />
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Hope xHopehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03297208113633386943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5460966124983325269.post-21354101341463951702017-02-07T21:41:00.001+11:002023-02-21T10:51:39.491+11:00Baby on BoardHello, and a Happy New Year to you! I hope you have had a lovely one so far - can you believe we're already into February? - and that the rest of the year brings you much fun and happiness.<br />
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This year will certainly be bringing me joy, all going well, in the form of a baby girl! I'm so happy to share that we are expecting our first baby, due early July. It's very exciting, and a little daunting, and I've been rather preoccupied with all things baby and pregnancy related since late last year. Understandable, right?<br />
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In quilty news, I am working on a new pattern that will suit baby girls, baby boys, or anyone else really. I'm thinking I'll call it Cloudy Skies. Here's a little peek at the mini quilt:<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-54h81XESWZ4/WJmhf0vQHII/AAAAAAAACTA/5d_k7V5NNaozJEgr_jkuk3HnfDEZksM4wCLcB/s1600/Clouds---Stamped-Cloud.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="347" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-54h81XESWZ4/WJmhf0vQHII/AAAAAAAACTA/5d_k7V5NNaozJEgr_jkuk3HnfDEZksM4wCLcB/s400/Clouds---Stamped-Cloud.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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That adorable little cloud with the umbrella, as well as the raindrops, are images I stamped using Derwent Inktense pencils, with a stamp set from kikki.K. I had such fun stamping and colouring it, I will have to rummage through my stamp collection and see what else I can use in my quilts.<br />
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As well as working on this new pattern, I'm planning on starting on the Farmer's Wife Sampler blocks again. It will be wonderful to get that <i>very</i> long-term project finished, and I have a feeling that, come the middle of the year, I'll have somewhat less time for sewing! Best get a wriggle on now, right?<br />
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Bye for now,<br />
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Hope xHopehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03297208113633386943noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5460966124983325269.post-19534439003294811842016-12-19T08:44:00.000+11:002016-12-19T08:44:07.701+11:00Farmer's Wife Sampler - LinoleumThis is, I think, the 64th block I've made for the Farmer's Wife Sampler quilt. It's called Linoleum:<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6HTHVpKZN_0/WFcCE40hzUI/AAAAAAAACSo/EOkeB_HRgIEv9cGfI8I7_SpMt65vi-oFACLcB/s1600/FB%2BLinoleum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6HTHVpKZN_0/WFcCE40hzUI/AAAAAAAACSo/EOkeB_HRgIEv9cGfI8I7_SpMt65vi-oFACLcB/s640/FB%2BLinoleum.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This was a nice easy one to make. I was able to use my 45/90 degree triangle ruler yet again, and my regular ruler and rotary cutter - no templates necessary. It does save a bit of time.<br />
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Have a lovely week,<br />
<br />
Hope xHopehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03297208113633386943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5460966124983325269.post-21479147152457822182016-12-15T10:45:00.001+11:002016-12-15T10:45:56.382+11:00Farmer's Wife Sampler - Honeycomb<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After a bit of a break I've started back on the Farmer's Wife Sampler Quilt. This is block 49 in the book, Honeycomb. </div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Jo8kpJW8ZL0/WFHUqXkFZ8I/AAAAAAAACSY/aYZSTAjyscoANYfA5gVxFDNgDE2_YUVOACLcB/s1600/Honeycomb-Block-49.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Jo8kpJW8ZL0/WFHUqXkFZ8I/AAAAAAAACSY/aYZSTAjyscoANYfA5gVxFDNgDE2_YUVOACLcB/s640/Honeycomb-Block-49.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I did change the piecing somewhat from the book. The fabric choices make it appear a little different, but I also chose to cut the middle triangles in the rows (or columns, as the block is oriented here) in one piece rather than joining two small triangles. Less seams equals less bulk equals easier piecing and nicer points.<br />
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The block is all cut out with printed templates. I folded a little sticky tape back on itself and placed it on the back of the template to stop it slipping, then laid my ruler over the top to cut with my rotary cutter. It works well and helps with accuracy. If you have basting spray, that also works a treat when sprayed on the back of the template.<br />
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Bye for now. xHopehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03297208113633386943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5460966124983325269.post-30122725802850607252016-12-14T11:23:00.002+11:002023-02-21T10:54:27.970+11:00Printing my PDF Patterns - A GuideIf you've bought one of my patterns, you'll know that they can be fairly long. I illustrate pretty much every step, include tips and notes in the instructions, and often include a mini quilt and/or variations. I will happily use most digital patterns directly from my tablet, but I know that it can be nice to have a paper copy in front of you to make notes on or check things off. I do print all of my own patterns, to make notes when proof-reading, to test that they print well with no glitches, to make sure that the colours contrast in both colour and black and white, and to check that all the instructions, diagrams and labels are large enough to be read.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--BIT17h3t-g/WFCP-AZtfSI/AAAAAAAACSI/CA9-DAr9yQs9RFN3B5sXG5U9rU0fw4S6ACLcB/s1600/Printing-Patterns-Pattern-C.jpg"><img alt="Printed Patterns" border="0" height="456" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--BIT17h3t-g/WFCP-AZtfSI/AAAAAAAACSI/CA9-DAr9yQs9RFN3B5sXG5U9rU0fw4S6ACLcB/s640/Printing-Patterns-Pattern-C.jpg" title="Printing PDF Patterns - Tips for saving paper and ink" width="640" /></a></div>
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Given that one of the main reasons I only sell PDF patterns at present is to try to save paper (to help the environment), I thought I ought to share with you the way I recommend you print my patterns, and how I design my own patterns to be printed.<br />
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First of all, ask yourself a couple of questions: <br />
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<b>1. What do I need? </b><br />
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Always read through the pattern to see which pages you want to have printed, and which you don't think you need. For instance, I am comfortable with binding, basting and quilting without instruction, so I wouldn't print those pages. I might also choose not to print the colouring page, or the back cover. If I'm not interested in making different sizes or variations, I would skip pages about those too.<br />
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Make a note of the pages you actually want to print, making sure that if the pattern numbering does not correspond to the PDF page, that you note the PDF page numbers. (In my patterns, the page numbering matches the PDF page numbering. In some patterns though, the pattern numbering starts page 1 with the instructions and doesn't number the cover. So, if the cover is at the beginning of the PDF, the cover will be page 1 of the PDF, and the first page of instructions will be page 2, making the numbering a page off from the pattern.)<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uL0fdBAT-nI/WFCJ5sQEKNI/AAAAAAAACR0/4vwDnkXSi14K0HrFPoR1NB7b_omMKBrMACLcB/s1600/Printing%2B-%2BPage%2Bnumber%2Bmatching%2Bscreenshot.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="PDF vs Pattern Page Numbers" border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uL0fdBAT-nI/WFCJ5sQEKNI/AAAAAAAACR0/4vwDnkXSi14K0HrFPoR1NB7b_omMKBrMACLcB/s1600/Printing%2B-%2BPage%2Bnumber%2Bmatching%2Bscreenshot.PNG" title="Comparing PDF page number with Pattern page number" /></a></div>
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<b>2. Do any pages need to be a special size?</b><br />
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Check to see if any of the pages need to be printed at full size or scaled up or down. For example, if there are applique templates, embroidery outlines or cutting templates, they will specify what scale to print at. Print these pages individually at the scale instructed.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Printing</span></b><br />
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Once the answers to those questions are determined, select 'Print' in your PDF reader (I use Foxit Reader, so that is where I have taken the screenshots from. Adobe Reader will have similar settings). In the dialogue box, type in the pages you want to print and make sure the scaling is set appropriately.<br />
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Here I'm printing my Wander Through the Woods pattern. I only want the front cover, materials list, the cutting and piecing instructions, the mini quilt, and the 'How to resize' page. So, I made a note of the page numbers I need and entered them in the Print Range section:<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0DfZwt1EfBc/WFCFx2YPl0I/AAAAAAAACRk/_2bwMaTGEEIMlv4JyF-uAs996OOMyM9KQCLcB/s1600/Printing%2Bpatterns%2Bscreenshot%2B-%2Bpages%2Band%2Bbooklet.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Print Dialogue Box" border="0" height="606" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0DfZwt1EfBc/WFCFx2YPl0I/AAAAAAAACRk/_2bwMaTGEEIMlv4JyF-uAs996OOMyM9KQCLcB/s640/Printing%2Bpatterns%2Bscreenshot%2B-%2Bpages%2Band%2Bbooklet.PNG" title="Typing in pages to be printed and selecting Booklet format" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Print as a booklet</b><br />
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I like to select Booklet format when printing, so that I get a neat little book to flip through and four pages will print on one sheet of paper - two on each side. It does make the writing and illustrations smaller, but I find it large enough for comfortable reading.<br />
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I've underlined where to find the booklet option in the image above.<br />
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<b>Double check it all looks ok</b><br />
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In my Printer Properties settings, I always choose to show a preview before printing, so I can make sure I've got everything I need:<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YBbJdOku1ew/WFCGupNBfQI/AAAAAAAACRo/LQ_UF99nPvYpqntO8nC4eGIHzWl5k3Y1QCLcB/s1600/Printer%2BProperties%2Bscreenshot.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Printer Properties Dialogue" border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YBbJdOku1ew/WFCGupNBfQI/AAAAAAAACRo/LQ_UF99nPvYpqntO8nC4eGIHzWl5k3Y1QCLcB/s1600/Printer%2BProperties%2Bscreenshot.PNG" title="Printer Properties Box - Preview and Fast Mode" /></a></div>
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Here is where I also tell it to print in 'Fast' or Draft quality.<br />
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Then, print.<br />
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Allow the pages to dry then fold each page up the middle to form your booklet.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">About my Pattern Formatting and Design</span></b><br />
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<b>Font & Illustration Size</b><br />
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I selected the font size in my patterns to be readable when printed in this booklet format. It is a comfortable size for me to read, and also passes the Mum test (my Mum's older eyes can happily read it at that size too!) The illustrations are also designed to be big enough to be readable when printed at this smaller scale.<br />
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If you want to print at full size, make sure to select the duplex setting on your printer so that you print on both sides of the paper, saving paper. <br />
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<b>Ink</b><br />
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In order to save on ink, I have left the pattern pages simple and without adornment. I have also recently changed the font I use in my patterns to a finer one that uses less ink. My illustration colours are pale in order to use less ink too.<br />
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If you would like to save further ink, print in draft quality. If you find that something isn't clear enough printed in draft, you can refer to the digital file and make a note on your paper copy. My printer does a rather good draft print, but each printer will differ.<br />
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<b>Colour or Black and White</b><br />
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I prefer to print my patterns in colour. I like the way it looks, and I figure that all the inks are there to be used, not just the black. <br />
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If you prefer to print in black and white though, you should find that there is sufficient contrast between the pieces in the illustrations to do so. I test this for each pattern, but different printers may handle greys differently, so perhaps check a single page first. Remember though, you can always mark your paper copy with notes or add coloured pencil marks, or refer to the digital pattern if you need to check something.<br />
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I hope this has helped you consider how you might save paper and ink when printing patterns. Let me know in the comments if you have any tips of your own.<br />
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Bye for now,<br />
<br />
Hope x</div>
Hopehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03297208113633386943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5460966124983325269.post-26970300993616318982016-11-21T12:17:00.001+11:002023-02-21T10:56:03.917+11:00Starshine - A Mini BlockGreetings! No Farmer's Wife Sampler block this week (or last week) - I've been on holiday! A refreshing camping trip away from computers, mobile phone reception, internet... it was lovely and very much needed. Now I just need to get my brain back into work mode, something I'm having trouble with.<br />
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Instead of a Farmer's Wife block I'm sharing this little 1.5" block (2" unfinished) I made some time ago. I got the design from <a href="http://www.blossomheartquilts.com/modern-hst-sampler-qal/?v=6cc98ba2045f" target="_blank">Blossom Heart Quilts Modern HST Sampler QAL</a>. This was block 11, called Starshine. I made a mistake with the layout, but I like it.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e-4MqWMfVko/WDJGIK32qTI/AAAAAAAACRE/T2uWrpTjwQQfbjYOmP6Z8s-wZglWWd_6gCPcB/s1600/Starshine-Mini-Block.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e-4MqWMfVko/WDJGIK32qTI/AAAAAAAACRE/T2uWrpTjwQQfbjYOmP6Z8s-wZglWWd_6gCPcB/s400/Starshine-Mini-Block.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The Modern HST Sampler is not for mini blocks - quite the opposite! The blocks in the sampler finish at 12", I just chose to make my block much smaller. If you'd like to learn about different ways to construct half-square triangle units, I suggest checking out the quilt along, even if you don't make the blocks. </div>
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This little block is joining the pile of mini blocks I am making as time and inclination allow. One day they will all join together to make a single project, but for now they're a definite work in progress - one I feel in no hurry to complete.</div>
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Have a lovely week! Bye for now. </div>
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Hope x </div>
Hopehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03297208113633386943noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5460966124983325269.post-14633041809067284542016-11-07T09:00:00.000+11:002016-11-07T09:00:31.905+11:00Farmer's Wife Sampler - WhirlwindThis week's Farmer's Wife Sampler block is called Whirlwind - a very similar name to <a href="http://hopesquiltdesigns.blogspot.com/2016/10/farmers-wife-sampler-whirlpool.html" target="_blank">last week's block</a> and it happens to come immediately after it in the book.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UvYPKTq_OoI/WBLYNsBYoVI/AAAAAAAACQw/A3LlxTxDz7AKMuZXk0I78s16eavi4wEXgCLcB/s1600/FW-Block-103-Whirlwind.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UvYPKTq_OoI/WBLYNsBYoVI/AAAAAAAACQw/A3LlxTxDz7AKMuZXk0I78s16eavi4wEXgCLcB/s640/FW-Block-103-Whirlwind.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Though I like this block well enough, if I were to make it again I would probably press some of the seams open to make them appear less obvious. The angle of the light is emphasising the seams somewhat in this photo though.<br />
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How do you like to press your seams? Do you think it matters? Let me know in the comments.<br />
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Bye for now x<br />
<br />Hopehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03297208113633386943noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5460966124983325269.post-76795033871160366922016-10-31T09:00:00.000+11:002016-10-31T09:00:24.238+11:00Farmer's Wife Sampler - WhirlpoolLots of triangles in this week's block, and if you've been reading my Farmer's Wife Sampler Quilt posts you'll probably be able to guess how I cut them all out - with my <a href="http://www.creativegridsusa.com/products/CGRMS4590" target="_blank">45/90 degree triangle ruler</a> of course! This HST-filled block is called Whirlpool.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OZoN--xlUFU/WBLH9o4LKmI/AAAAAAAACQg/ONJeM9PogBsSAyVQNLaZbDzyYwmMDvKgQCLcB/s1600/FW-102-Whirlpool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OZoN--xlUFU/WBLH9o4LKmI/AAAAAAAACQg/ONJeM9PogBsSAyVQNLaZbDzyYwmMDvKgQCLcB/s640/FW-102-Whirlpool.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The beauty of using a ruler or template to cut out your triangles is that you don't need to trim your unit to size after you've sewn it together.<br />
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I know you can make multiple half-square triangle blocks at once by sewing squares, rather than cutting triangles, and many will argue that it's quicker, but for some reason I find I am more accurate when I cut and sew triangles, and I don't see where the time is saved if I need to trim each and every HST unit, or mark sewing lines.<br />
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Even so, I don't stick to just one method for HSTs - whatever works best with the size of fabric I've got - or what I fancy at the time - is what I will do. (Mini blocks are different though - I <i>always</i> make my HSTs bigger than needed and trim to size to ensure accuracy.)<br />
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Do you have a preferred method for making half-square triangle blocks? Let me know in the comments.<br />
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Bye for now xHopehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03297208113633386943noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5460966124983325269.post-41516338691582698942016-10-24T09:00:00.000+11:002016-10-24T09:00:24.328+11:00Farmer's Wife Sampler - Prairie QueenBlock 70 in the Farmer's Wife Sampler Quilt is called Prairie Queen. Since I like the combination of fabrics so much, I went for the same ones as last week for this block. I keep wanting to make a whole quilt in these fabrics, but I don't have enough of the aqua. :( Maybe a mini? Anyway, here's the block:<br />
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This was another one that went together well, apart from one seam where I sewed the wrong edges together - oops! So easy to do if you're not paying attention. Can you relate?<br />
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Hope you have a lovely week,<br />
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Bye for now<br />
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Hope x Hopehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03297208113633386943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5460966124983325269.post-32744236820986570642016-10-17T09:00:00.000+11:002016-10-17T09:00:23.680+11:00Farmer's Wife Sampler Quilt - Gentleman's FancyGentleman's Fancy, block 44 in the Farmer's Wife Sampler Quilt. I quite like the name of this block, and it includes two of my favourite fabrics from the Rose Parade collection.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n-75ftOLrgo/WANTgqlsL8I/AAAAAAAACOo/T5A17UbX0H0Ifn_dUt2EeIvEsVXSXbrkACLcB/s1600/FW-Block-44---Gentlemans-Fa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n-75ftOLrgo/WANTgqlsL8I/AAAAAAAACOo/T5A17UbX0H0Ifn_dUt2EeIvEsVXSXbrkACLcB/s640/FW-Block-44---Gentlemans-Fa.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Apart from the centre square, all the pieces were easily measured and cut out with my <a href="http://www.creativegridsusa.com/products/CGRMS4590" target="_blank">45/90 degree ruler</a> and a rotary cutter. I really am getting good use out of the ruler with these blocks. Except for rare occasions, I tend to avoid buying tools that aren't necessary, and though I still don't think it is a <i>necessity</i>, I do think the ruler was well worth the purchase.<br />
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I measure my blocks after each sewing step to make sure that everything is working out well. It takes a little extra time, but it's well worth it if the block ends up the right size and no fussing is needed when sewing it into the finished quilt. This block worked well with no unpicking required. If only I could say that about all the blocks!<br />
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Hope you have a lovely week,<br />
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Bye for now xHopehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03297208113633386943noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5460966124983325269.post-1680677390678995702016-10-10T09:00:00.000+11:002016-10-10T11:51:25.390+11:00Farmer's Wife Sampler Quilt - Flower Pot<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm back again with another Farmer's Wife Sampler block. This spotty block is called Flower Pot. Even with the inset or 'Y' seams, it was a simple and enjoyable block to make and came together quickly. If you're intimidated by inset seams, don't be - they're really not that difficult if you can sew an accurate quarter inch seam and are careful with your sewing.</div>
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I used the templates (they come on disk with the book) for the flower pieces and a couple of the triangles, and my 45/90 degree ruler for the rest of the triangles. In 'real life' there is a bit more contrast between the white and yellow, but I've been having trouble getting the yellow to show up properly in photos - or maybe it's just my screen?<br />
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Bye for now<br />
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Hope x<br />
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<br />Hopehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03297208113633386943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5460966124983325269.post-85383368356391321312016-10-03T09:00:00.000+11:002016-10-03T09:00:05.076+11:00Farmer's Wife Sampler Quilt - WindowsHere is Block 109 in the Farmer's Wife Sampler Quilt - Windows.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nC3Wn6g0TtU/V-tFK9ri-KI/AAAAAAAACOE/n-viqFoKilIkkQ7zkXmnU7bylttPUVB0gCLcB/s1600/Windows.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nC3Wn6g0TtU/V-tFK9ri-KI/AAAAAAAACOE/n-viqFoKilIkkQ7zkXmnU7bylttPUVB0gCLcB/s640/Windows.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This block was comfort sewing for me. I was in a bit of a listless, slightly sad mood when I set about sewing it. Not sure why, but there it was. So, to distract myself, I chose an easy, quick block and set about sewing it. It helped, somewhat.<br />
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I used my trusty <a href="http://www.creativegridsusa.com/products/CGRMS4590" target="_blank">45/90 degree ruler from Creative Grids</a> to cut the middle triangles, and regular ruler for the strips around the outside. I'm happier with these fabric choices than last week's. Lots of good contrast. :)<br />
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Bye for now<br />
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Hope xHopehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03297208113633386943noreply@blogger.com2