tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44648804824514951632024-03-05T22:24:12.753-08:00Moppy Jane Craftscolimachiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04903718139469754305noreply@blogger.comBlogger634125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4464880482451495163.post-78655991472705123732019-10-13T16:27:00.000-07:002019-10-13T16:27:00.869-07:00race weekend<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAypOmPJypR-RizWSdJXXKhpSmz7Z_uRCVHrewqueEhggrgpEegxZEO3PK7Y4xOmdeZM3YxLGSqpNHc8aFCa7VqctHAvdD1lZ2SpW6pGKLzsERX4aM6zzodHk9fJ9SFOuz60J6-kFdfyg/s1600/IMG_0371%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAypOmPJypR-RizWSdJXXKhpSmz7Z_uRCVHrewqueEhggrgpEegxZEO3PK7Y4xOmdeZM3YxLGSqpNHc8aFCa7VqctHAvdD1lZ2SpW6pGKLzsERX4aM6zzodHk9fJ9SFOuz60J6-kFdfyg/s320/IMG_0371%255B1%255D.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Ohmygosh yesterday was the best day ever! I'll give you some background information. It kind of starts last year.</div>
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Last year one of my bffs, Jan, had wanted to run her first marathon here in Southern Oregon. There was one just over the hill from us but since there were so many fires in the state throughout the summer the smoke was so thick and air quality terrible. So, the marathon was moved further out timewise and she picked another marathon in Eugene, OR. I think that was mid-September. I had been starting to want to run myself but not quite there. But, that was the first race that I ran in between walking, and it wasn't horrid. ha!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPwidqASdO30gxbbTwP4PTVPvgOKSicPv-Dxr2bfmYXvEsG80k9KuKGUpsOnE5mEd7t68A_XGOQwe0cYF8OZyj1HmtzC3DZpKCCtVUjavhNCRsMBXLE0MwY-qjjxYpXSmiNHLXarqEd84/s1600/IMG_0376%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPwidqASdO30gxbbTwP4PTVPvgOKSicPv-Dxr2bfmYXvEsG80k9KuKGUpsOnE5mEd7t68A_XGOQwe0cYF8OZyj1HmtzC3DZpKCCtVUjavhNCRsMBXLE0MwY-qjjxYpXSmiNHLXarqEd84/s320/IMG_0376%255B1%255D.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Slowly over the past year I've been building up my mileage. I picked a training plan for a 10K, which is 6.2 miles. Honestly, it's been hard! But, thank God, I've been able to do it. My body is slow, but it does run and recover. It's been amazing. So, that bring us to yesterday. It was the Providence Marathon in Medford and I did the 10K race - and ran the entire time!!!<br />
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The morning started super early - Jan had to be at her shuttle to the starting line at 6 am. The shuttle for the half marathon and 10K started at 7 am. And it was super colllldddd! I think it was about 40 degrees. Brrr. Last winter/spring I discovered I have <a href="https://www.raynauds.org/" target="_blank">Reynaud's</a> disorder, which for me manifests most painfully in my toes when I get cold. If my body is cold then the blood constricts to my toes and it feels like running on marbles or just plain numb. But! I bundle up and keep on :)<br />
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Here I am at the starting line for the 10K<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-a9OC8MenQPKaUjCpD3dk-3mV9vLgwwMCnwUFlGaJlNpneP_Cgek0e-613H2rJUkyowcW0UrvMgjEYCAxxwVaBa2_7gK624ZFf9uWJ0Ht_TRwnnHBIOoyls8PB7iBcqnKXpHiYVfrBU4/s1600/IMG_0378%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-a9OC8MenQPKaUjCpD3dk-3mV9vLgwwMCnwUFlGaJlNpneP_Cgek0e-613H2rJUkyowcW0UrvMgjEYCAxxwVaBa2_7gK624ZFf9uWJ0Ht_TRwnnHBIOoyls8PB7iBcqnKXpHiYVfrBU4/s320/IMG_0378%255B1%255D.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
The farthest I had run prior to the race was 5.6 miles. And, that last half mile has been a struggle! Oh man. I was so nervous going into this race....could I do it? Would I need to stop and walk? I tried to remind myself that I would not suddenly forget how to run - and just trust the training.<br />
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For the most part, the run felt pretty good! I started out too quickly I think - nerves and excitement. I tried to rein myself in so that I would have the continued energy for the full 6 miles. After the 5 mile point, I realized I was doing it and it felt amazing. The finish line was a straightaway after a slight hill so it was nice to be able to run across feeling strong.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9yutNO-d5QyfsCVKwfc1iOSSb3qC1v-pqj0KXUDLTVf5PvGvIRTMKNNAbZwxgb_k6fBgIkd3Xs4pDSZziAlxR61DHuis3YGK2zw0O5v8E5TZ07dKXeN79cbje_zCUYmZQB5GMj3R2TRI/s1600/IMG_0381%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9yutNO-d5QyfsCVKwfc1iOSSb3qC1v-pqj0KXUDLTVf5PvGvIRTMKNNAbZwxgb_k6fBgIkd3Xs4pDSZziAlxR61DHuis3YGK2zw0O5v8E5TZ07dKXeN79cbje_zCUYmZQB5GMj3R2TRI/s320/IMG_0381%255B1%255D.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Jan's daughter also ran the 10K race, and she was waiting for me at the finish line which was cool! After that, we trolled around the finish line area to see if there were snacks and swag. We were both looking forward to chocolate milk but no such luck. Boo! But, we were consoled by sugary donuts :)</div>
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Our friend Meghan ran the half marathon, 13.1 miles and got a personal record (PR) of 1:53:55! Her first half marathon under 2 hours.</div>
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After that, it was waiting for Jan to come in. A couple other friends made it in time to see her cross the finish line in 4:02:45 - 8 minutes faster than her first marathon! Not only was her time impressive, but just knowing how hard it was for her to get there - she coaches volleyball, has a full time job and a family in addition to the multiple hours of training week after week. </div>
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Below is the breakdown of my mileage, in what's referred to as "splits". Mine is a bit lopsided - the quicker times at the beginning instead of the end. It's no biggie to me, but it's interesting information. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5ffqw2jSm6ofs4GbP0QqP7oWb_OARYAg47iTegZEVpEIcm4l_-Sb9HhuOawz91FRXAkbOlhZO8rnTCMtbE0yPgZJHKQpb4vEbUGYeiQDq3apuQak5sUOqXBOeyxPfoCDWMw8n-5c2Gys/s1600/IMG_0391%255B1%255D.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5ffqw2jSm6ofs4GbP0QqP7oWb_OARYAg47iTegZEVpEIcm4l_-Sb9HhuOawz91FRXAkbOlhZO8rnTCMtbE0yPgZJHKQpb4vEbUGYeiQDq3apuQak5sUOqXBOeyxPfoCDWMw8n-5c2Gys/s320/IMG_0391%255B1%255D.PNG" width="179" /></a></div>
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This was my official race finishing time: </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKvAa3yBrL3P7LZ3OE9s_4w3CmcroJohnNB23H8oGvfH_NqMKsD85HTHu9G57Ywe0sewBk5KgNTybR9QTEfTPrLfS1jshgA8jjcA6J3OezyIjLb4FYj9gePgWxV5goHgRgUqZo2lsPe_g/s1600/IMG_0384%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKvAa3yBrL3P7LZ3OE9s_4w3CmcroJohnNB23H8oGvfH_NqMKsD85HTHu9G57Ywe0sewBk5KgNTybR9QTEfTPrLfS1jshgA8jjcA6J3OezyIjLb4FYj9gePgWxV5goHgRgUqZo2lsPe_g/s320/IMG_0384%255B1%255D.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
Oh! and! There <i>just happened</i> to be a little thing called Fiber Mania at the same fairgrounds that the race ended at! Woot! I picked up this beautiful yarn:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsLZzCOMkyZ5Bz38WdVCHWLwX6ODNvFHcyUoBi6QBnGGNwt1WGNHP0bazPckiiSU8aVDQb8DnY3OLThdUpwk6UYBnBk8pDCHxU-p50GcaHeF3d76y7Ct71N1VD1SI1oywX3gOK35ycdXU/s1600/IMG_0402%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsLZzCOMkyZ5Bz38WdVCHWLwX6ODNvFHcyUoBi6QBnGGNwt1WGNHP0bazPckiiSU8aVDQb8DnY3OLThdUpwk6UYBnBk8pDCHxU-p50GcaHeF3d76y7Ct71N1VD1SI1oywX3gOK35ycdXU/s320/IMG_0402%255B1%255D.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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We had a delicious lunch and some fro-yo and then drove home. Even the drive home was fantastic - the pass is mostly evergreens but interspersed there are vibrant fall colored trees - so vivid and colorful. It was a treat.</div>
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colimachiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04903718139469754305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4464880482451495163.post-86387975137888461952019-05-04T11:04:00.001-07:002019-05-04T11:04:13.080-07:00A cross stitch project bagSo, I made a thing last weekend. I did post about it on Instagram, but... felt I had a little more to say about it than what would fit, or hold attention in a little caption. Which is kind of how I decided I needed to start the ol' blog up again. π<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipR-tnrJniEFVc3Jgeqg34zqRba1K_whyAtBP4Hs-Xf4beN3xRHcoqpGShHTr2oLI0z3WCwBXEcaXnzgx8_hSUzVjUZVz24eTr3DEITuQCS4IaMVZIS1veZDfFAZS-EhzinJAx-iZtFes/s1600/image.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipR-tnrJniEFVc3Jgeqg34zqRba1K_whyAtBP4Hs-Xf4beN3xRHcoqpGShHTr2oLI0z3WCwBXEcaXnzgx8_hSUzVjUZVz24eTr3DEITuQCS4IaMVZIS1veZDfFAZS-EhzinJAx-iZtFes/s320/image.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I started a cross stitch pattern 3 years ago! That has just been patiently waiting for me to want to stitch again. Which I have. The pattern is from The Frosted Pumpkin Stitchery called The Storytime Sampler. Each little frame is a different storybook character. </div>
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A few weeks ago I visited my Mom and we were sorting through fabric together. She gave me a TON of fun fabric prints. One was a navy floral that sort of reminds me of a liberty print and I knew I wanted a project bag out of it. Then, last weekend I was watching YouTube videos of cross stitching, and I think there was a link or something to a tutorial by Kea Bee for a zippered pouch with a vinyl pocket. I have been wanting to make something similar for awhile so I took it as a sign that I needed to sew it up right then! First, I did make a quick Joanns trip to purchase vinyl π Cuz I have a whole lot in my stash, but not that!</div>
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I only changed a couple of things. One was the size. I wanted mine to be able to hold my whole project including the q-snap frame. That was an easy adjustment! I have a 12.5 square template ruler so I used that for dimensions. </div>
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I'm not sure exactly how to show the next thing? Since the zipper is sewn on top of the bag, it could leave a raw edge on the underside. I just really don't like raw edges so I folded the fabric around the batting for the top part of the front of the bag.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipaMdfAHYVOdkAlvrIn8dI4gzhuXIV1gtaXYQAiqaRbnks_yJCSu55-pe3dhugfqPFzweZvhllfxb_nR9rJ1SPkhgq4KwyFwmX_sspX7cvu4oLv3gE7wtvUMffs2FnBBBvxJk8Y4d7cGc/s1600/image.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipaMdfAHYVOdkAlvrIn8dI4gzhuXIV1gtaXYQAiqaRbnks_yJCSu55-pe3dhugfqPFzweZvhllfxb_nR9rJ1SPkhgq4KwyFwmX_sspX7cvu4oLv3gE7wtvUMffs2FnBBBvxJk8Y4d7cGc/s320/image.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Then I quilted straight lines. I sewed the folded edge to the zipper. The raw edge sides get enclosed when the bag is sewn together and the binding added. For binding, I just used leftovers from my jar o binding.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie5Pq0jILLXYM5XcYcABeMSTIr2FS7diXstYEWKn8YQVmDqu__op5wj7POUgoS7uA6BRlMZYa1ISRWoQkyQXDjDDDR0epX3ZrGm2v-dJeN5pPFKbyBlga_k_xEZqpTZezXv3Ezn7pYwAI/s1600/image.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie5Pq0jILLXYM5XcYcABeMSTIr2FS7diXstYEWKn8YQVmDqu__op5wj7POUgoS7uA6BRlMZYa1ISRWoQkyQXDjDDDR0epX3ZrGm2v-dJeN5pPFKbyBlga_k_xEZqpTZezXv3Ezn7pYwAI/s320/image.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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If raw edges don't bother you, that step is unnecessary. It did make it slightly easier to keep ahold of while sewing to the zipper. One thing I might add to another bag if I make one would be a carry handle at the top. No biggie though since I'm not transporting this around. If I was that would be handy! Ha ha! See what I did there? "Handy" get it? A handle....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjvOZ70oGcCk-11fGosukmjVz6VHZ_DUPwOdbSfrwn5zqXv383QVaL1N_L_WpTrOY1WX15GBYgQQLThSjSbZoUrwrLv4vTlSCxm7Sb0lG_wy0lckrRboeS8Ub7767rZenT7d89LQfxEH8/s1600/image.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjvOZ70oGcCk-11fGosukmjVz6VHZ_DUPwOdbSfrwn5zqXv383QVaL1N_L_WpTrOY1WX15GBYgQQLThSjSbZoUrwrLv4vTlSCxm7Sb0lG_wy0lckrRboeS8Ub7767rZenT7d89LQfxEH8/s320/image.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Anyways! Here it is empty. There really are so many ideas you could do with this simple bag - add ribbon, different dimensions of vinyl, coordinating fabric instead of all the same. </div>
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colimachiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04903718139469754305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4464880482451495163.post-15226749272091201162019-04-30T19:36:00.000-07:002019-04-30T19:36:08.511-07:00no pictures, just chatYikes! I've been away from this space for a long time! Mostly, I've had some technical difficulties. And a bit of what do I have to say? Is anyone even reading this? But! I think it's just like whatever. If no one is reading it, that's fine. If anyone does, that's cool too.<br />
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So, what have I been up to lately? or, in the past 6 months or so? ha! Lots. And also nothing new. Kind of the biggest thing that I sort of talked about like 2-3 posts ago was losing weight. I've lost a lot of weight. I'm not going to put out there the exact amount. Mostly because if you're anything like me, you'll start to try and calculate what the beginning total was and I'm just not ready for that to be "out there". But, it's a lot. And I feel really good. I started the journey with an idea in my mind of a number, but also just a feeling for a goal. I made my goal and now I'm where I consider maintenance. Technically I have lost a little more and if more comes off I'll be happy with that too. <br />
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I'm tracking food, drink, exercise and water on <span style="color: blue;"><a href="https://www.myfitnesspal.com/" style="font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">MyFitnessPal</a>, </span>which is an app on my phone. It's really helpful.<br />
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One thing that I really wanted to do from the beginning of this journey is start running. Years ago, I had a dream where I was running. Not running from anything, not a stressful running dream - like a nice peaceful enjoyable running dream. I've held onto that as a sort of goal. I knew I'd need to lose weight to get there, so that was another facet of why I wanted to lose weight. Anyways! I did start running. I won't say it was easy, because oy vey it was not!<br />
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I ran my first 5k in January and after that I was sort of like, what now? But since I had built up to running a continuous 3.1 miles I did not want to lose my conditioning so I've continued. Some days are still a struggle - like today. Oh man, I hate, <i>hate </i>running in the wind. Like super hate it. But, when it's sunny and Tuesday I just want to get outside. So, I pushed through a 2 mile lunchtime run today. <br />
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I've been mulling over goals now at this point. Like, what are they? what is my new dream? I really have no interest whatsoever of running a marathon. And kind of no interest in a half. I'm still pretty slow - running about a 12 minute mile most days. So, I sort of want to focus on getting faster or maybe adding strength to get more distance in.<br />
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Sorry if this is all lame and boring. But, it is what's on my mind right now.<br />
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I have still been knitting and sewing. Nothing changed there. It's finally getting warm and Spring-y so I have also started getting out in the yard to weed and plant and plan. Oh, I also picked the cross stitch project that I started like 3 years ago back up. So that's exciting, right? baha! Oh! and I'm also reading The Fellowship of the Ring. After my husband died I just did not have focus to read anymore. Which is a super bummer because I really used to love reading. So, getting to where I read a couple pages a night and retain the info is encouraging.<br />
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<br />colimachiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04903718139469754305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4464880482451495163.post-46432651633941211012018-10-05T17:08:00.000-07:002019-04-30T19:01:17.563-07:00my new friend Oskar<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I finished another <a href="https://cottagecreationspatterns.com/patterns/knitted-friends/sven-solveig-scandinavian-knitted-friends/" target="_blank">Sven Scandinavian pattern</a>. His name is Oskar. And, I love him! </div>
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I have knit this pattern once previously to make Juergen and had planned to make him a wife with my next doll. But! I was on instagram and one of the knitting ladies I follow was making the pattern with a red beard and I knew I had to also make a ginger version!</div>
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While I am making a doll I usually start to think about their personality, their story in my mind. So, even though this guy was made second, he really feels more like Juergen's cool older brother.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqjx17CXdCU8BWXfEtwcJNGiKHA2dZhjJpXtkYAPrz8H5AGiRd91864ez6z0WVO2XnRXW3b57008NtNb0dKCAZ1ewGglFzzVp8wCAjsdYMbM9sXI9f3C9pMEFGRj3trkIpxNxyMDwO-Wk/s1600/IMG_1770%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqjx17CXdCU8BWXfEtwcJNGiKHA2dZhjJpXtkYAPrz8H5AGiRd91864ez6z0WVO2XnRXW3b57008NtNb0dKCAZ1ewGglFzzVp8wCAjsdYMbM9sXI9f3C9pMEFGRj3trkIpxNxyMDwO-Wk/s320/IMG_1770%255B1%255D.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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I was knitting this doll while in San Diego for my father in law's funeral in July. I was working on the sweater while I was there. I took a list of perspective names and my nephew helped me pick one. Such a small detail but it's special to me.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDHxfN7-dm4h9KNkyloPVeZc5a0DIw_fu9gCVvKycopy5R-RIQ7zgS-GysKlc0AQ3aNOlnVLJ_rCTYOIZC8uHQAEss7oKjSfCEy5OnPvH9sfwfxNfdUguOG9JrnMSXTvFHPFNouH0OmUQ/s1600/IMG_1754%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDHxfN7-dm4h9KNkyloPVeZc5a0DIw_fu9gCVvKycopy5R-RIQ7zgS-GysKlc0AQ3aNOlnVLJ_rCTYOIZC8uHQAEss7oKjSfCEy5OnPvH9sfwfxNfdUguOG9JrnMSXTvFHPFNouH0OmUQ/s320/IMG_1754%255B1%255D.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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As with my previous iteration of the doll I altered the foot. Here's a bit of a close up of the boot. I forgot to to the sock part, so he's slightly shorter than Juergen. meh.</div>
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I also decided to make his hat more of a beanie style. I followed the <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/projects/lorix5/sven-scandinavian-3" target="_blank">notes from lorix5</a> (Lori times 5) on Ravelry for her Bjorn. I did the decreases from another hat pattern I have in my library and I really like how neatly it turned out! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfO1gGai_Y5EH4dda4UUJ3EY1zgmMzFj6Hci4nmDnxt7EuHfOlEFx2H4qxqRxi9Y9MxlGIiBqKW84DUVhmw2dvFZ_9947n5k1Q74FcpI82-5XRQnqmrui1sERNw6XmKiKytpV71_Bk-IM/s1600/IMG_1769%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfO1gGai_Y5EH4dda4UUJ3EY1zgmMzFj6Hci4nmDnxt7EuHfOlEFx2H4qxqRxi9Y9MxlGIiBqKW84DUVhmw2dvFZ_9947n5k1Q74FcpI82-5XRQnqmrui1sERNw6XmKiKytpV71_Bk-IM/s320/IMG_1769%255B1%255D.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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For reals this time my next version will be a female companion for one of them! I have so many ideas on hair options and outfits.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEFA_sofc29uYfbeRFlpzFYvckybxo29hY4wBMusmFcta8-iGb0048DSjC2QB8OrLzsQKLbuqKy9FZo9LGUqdk8Vt2BFktLAkn4O2QrFfvYCdfKfzBivLhDFdlcvGJJzdt9YTCLv8lQ-M/s1600/IMG_1771%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEFA_sofc29uYfbeRFlpzFYvckybxo29hY4wBMusmFcta8-iGb0048DSjC2QB8OrLzsQKLbuqKy9FZo9LGUqdk8Vt2BFktLAkn4O2QrFfvYCdfKfzBivLhDFdlcvGJJzdt9YTCLv8lQ-M/s320/IMG_1771%255B1%255D.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />colimachiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04903718139469754305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4464880482451495163.post-18582626143265559972018-10-03T16:46:00.001-07:002018-10-03T16:46:25.436-07:00Baked mini donuts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So, something you may not know about me is that I do <u>not</u> like donuts. Mostly I don't like the taste left in my mouth after eating one and the heavy feeling I'm left with. It's great because whenever someone brings donuts to the office, it's easy for me to avoid them! I was on Pinterest, just checking stuff out and saw a recipe for <a href="http://www.sprinklesomesugar.com/baked-apple-cider-donuts/" target="_blank">Baked Apple Cider Donuts</a> and I thought "hmmmm interesting". I really had never heard of such a thing and since they are baked I thought it might be good. I was right!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjouu46_mWUn5fkhlMoXOpXduEYNAKRvhEmwAJagqp53rSd-4WNepMHQ9cOrqlKp5yDz_PQnRAPbxT12x2QAUzGVFzJJmOQeUdVdPaw-FCBqaxHaB5rovye8bVHSDzM6B2eCSw_mylPwG0/s1600/IMG_1746%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjouu46_mWUn5fkhlMoXOpXduEYNAKRvhEmwAJagqp53rSd-4WNepMHQ9cOrqlKp5yDz_PQnRAPbxT12x2QAUzGVFzJJmOQeUdVdPaw-FCBqaxHaB5rovye8bVHSDzM6B2eCSw_mylPwG0/s320/IMG_1746%255B1%255D.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
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As it happens, a friend of mine had just bought a mini donut pan and offered to let me borrow it to see if I'd want to purchase one of my own. I've <a href="http://www.sprinklesomesugar.com/baked-apple-cider-donuts/" target="_blank">linked the recipe</a> in case you'd like to give it a go as well.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN-4TDtSg9StFoyHXmOnHBitd1cixo_goF0fVzG2eEy7CNBJRPMLHwW3cPFBjeH9zMmBEs-MppnpGqONBxinQ4DpWczT_3TkmJYRjriRebtSUS2k6Ip12_6JJ-9GYJVlHFfFWIhrxRd4E/s1600/IMG_1744%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN-4TDtSg9StFoyHXmOnHBitd1cixo_goF0fVzG2eEy7CNBJRPMLHwW3cPFBjeH9zMmBEs-MppnpGqONBxinQ4DpWczT_3TkmJYRjriRebtSUS2k6Ip12_6JJ-9GYJVlHFfFWIhrxRd4E/s320/IMG_1744%255B1%255D.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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One thing the recipe says to do is put the batter in a ziploc and cut off the tip - I thought this technique worked really well. I also did one batch dipped in butter and regular sugar and one dipped in butter then stevia. Both were fantastic! But the stevia had slightly less calories so I tried to only eat those. I entered the recipe into myfitnesspal and it came up with 83 calories per mini donut on the stevia dipped version.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivdBYt-KPBGPhzrAVh0lptsw74vJMt4OQ7FOruXLo1n6RiWM94fiZcb6mm_GMLMF0ZFKhwgMhaNUmwDfhrzHK74raweRRpk6Vdg7N7xmlEV2PZdebA9w_LaOfChSTXD6DEduzNIfSVdF4/s1600/IMG_1745%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivdBYt-KPBGPhzrAVh0lptsw74vJMt4OQ7FOruXLo1n6RiWM94fiZcb6mm_GMLMF0ZFKhwgMhaNUmwDfhrzHK74raweRRpk6Vdg7N7xmlEV2PZdebA9w_LaOfChSTXD6DEduzNIfSVdF4/s320/IMG_1745%255B1%255D.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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I kind of want to try another recipe without the buttermilk and reducing the apple cider. I saw another recipe that called for apple butter which would probably take care of that step.</div>
<br />colimachiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04903718139469754305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4464880482451495163.post-70045296232824559322018-08-18T14:36:00.002-07:002018-08-18T14:36:58.167-07:00Craft happenings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFPZp6kSS_euOQudDQ8cz16zPOKT0C-gIzGYT0M63toDF-75YELsQZz-qsQ2ou4yxnK4APu7ntRYrZ4glRNtoKb-eMpRhl-CyjLutoVt-hI8b9YGLASTW3nYIpI5MgXZTke69NbCWlhwg/s1600/IMG_1651%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFPZp6kSS_euOQudDQ8cz16zPOKT0C-gIzGYT0M63toDF-75YELsQZz-qsQ2ou4yxnK4APu7ntRYrZ4glRNtoKb-eMpRhl-CyjLutoVt-hI8b9YGLASTW3nYIpI5MgXZTke69NbCWlhwg/s320/IMG_1651%255B1%255D.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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As you can imagine, since I've been busy busy outside I haven't been sewing as much as usual. But! I am still keeping in touch with my crafty side. I am currently working on a pair of socks, which I have been keeping in my desk at work. I've been knitting 2-3 rows a day, so they are progressing nicely. </div>
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I did get around to sewing up this small notions case, the pattern is by <a href="https://louleigh.com/" target="_blank">Leigh</a> of <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/Shoplouleigh" target="_blank">ShopLouleigh</a>. I have linked both her website and her etsy. Her website has all the links where you can find her content, which includes blog, podcast, ravelry, and etsy. Anyway, she had been making and selling these little notions pouches and decided to put out the pattern for it. </div>
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I really like the way it came out. It is actually very compact, but does fit a number of sewing or knitting notions. It would also be useful in a purse for chapstick or that kind of thing.</div>
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The outer fabric is actually an old pair of pants that I won't be wearing anymore. It's a nice weight though so I chopped them up! The inside fabric is a fun vintage piece of fabric I've had in stash for awhile.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoKsBYlNj9gv8wKSjKJKEFlA1OAafzEAXEGudhk3khdUvvboHiNZm1Q50ujfBFeMvI8kSp7prkkqNMMfct7SeB4AuM-VHipLj3SmIN63Jn7d1GMo4dJyPIGAciM1OSXZ28Um3OXMNmcqk/s1600/IMG_1654%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoKsBYlNj9gv8wKSjKJKEFlA1OAafzEAXEGudhk3khdUvvboHiNZm1Q50ujfBFeMvI8kSp7prkkqNMMfct7SeB4AuM-VHipLj3SmIN63Jn7d1GMo4dJyPIGAciM1OSXZ28Um3OXMNmcqk/s320/IMG_1654%255B1%255D.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJr4UuMzg3c2fNcOiPpmoRVhSMUNiEEnPp_lGp-r8qVWQJ4gndHCSxltHRHBfKeaMr9APhqF3qr0I35CnecSZWLnyTvZMi0u3T3duKkp5qHelENFNuSga7p4w7iChZ_cYXypuuv8UsfJM/s1600/IMG_1653%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJr4UuMzg3c2fNcOiPpmoRVhSMUNiEEnPp_lGp-r8qVWQJ4gndHCSxltHRHBfKeaMr9APhqF3qr0I35CnecSZWLnyTvZMi0u3T3duKkp5qHelENFNuSga7p4w7iChZ_cYXypuuv8UsfJM/s320/IMG_1653%255B1%255D.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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So, in other news I have been working on my diet and exercise. This year I think it really just made sense to me to lose some weight. I didn't have a huge epiphany or anything like that....more of a dawning realization. I'm 41 and this is not going to get easier. "This" being health, weight loss, aging. I work in the medical field and seeing some of our elderly obese patients and the struggles they had was a big part of that. Thankfully I do not have any of the conditions that come from being overweight - diabetes, hypertension I'm looking at you! So, I really have been paying attention to what I eat, quantity, hunger levels, cravings and such.<br />
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I've always known I have a sweet tooth. So I've been looking for ways to satisfy that craving without going overboard. I was having a little looky-loo on pinterest and found a recipe for <a href="https://www.mysequinedlife.com/baked-spiralized-apple-chips/" target="_blank">baked spiralized apple chips</a> - <a href="https://www.mysequinedlife.com/baked-spiralized-apple-chips/" target="_blank">here is the link</a>. I did substitute stevia and pumpkin pie spice instead of sugar and cinnamon. It makes a nice flavor. I used my food processor which made nice, even chips. The first time I made the recipe I used the spiralizer and they were very thin chips - which were also nice!<br />
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In the top left photo, those are peach slices. I would NOT recommend using peaches to make chips. Basically they were really brown dehydrated fruit pieces. Not my fav. But, the apples turned out wonderfully! Also, that aqua bowl was the bowl my Mom used all growing up while baking. She gifted it to me one of the last trips to see her. I love it!<br />
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<br />colimachiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04903718139469754305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4464880482451495163.post-18392933571223446142018-08-18T14:11:00.003-07:002018-08-18T14:12:30.667-07:00and we have grass!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This update might possibly be boring for people, but it's mostly to give my Mom an update on what's going on! So, I've talked a bit about my back yard projects and you might remember that previously it was just a bunch of dead weeds. Well, it is now transformed!</div>
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A few weeks ago now, I had sod delivered to my house and a few friends helped me lay it out into the yard. We had prepped the dirt the weekend prior. We did not bring in any dirt, additives or fertilizers. When we were digging up the weeds we found that there had previously been sod here so we figured that the dirt would support grass. Honestly I didn't think about it much until after the sod was down and I was telling people (in my excitement) and people kept asking if I had pre-treated the soil - nope.</div>
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So, this first picture is the very first day! It already looks so, so much better. You can see in the forefront that there is still some dead weed matter. I have since cleaned that up and covered the edges with weed barrier. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgEfQDhIylNODROAX8gzNduRNi6g0uXFPbWNUPOFycj5nKpAInR-43ENq5wEB7z8adX8h45bvc1ESNmV7uRXo5FQh9lsGlI7qt79SXTrJD73IKlIlSBSeg1GhnkoDdx3adMoX6AvsJYnU/s1600/IMG_1647%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgEfQDhIylNODROAX8gzNduRNi6g0uXFPbWNUPOFycj5nKpAInR-43ENq5wEB7z8adX8h45bvc1ESNmV7uRXo5FQh9lsGlI7qt79SXTrJD73IKlIlSBSeg1GhnkoDdx3adMoX6AvsJYnU/s400/IMG_1647%255B1%255D.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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The picture below is a couple days ago. You can see how lush and green it is. Also, against the fence in the background you can see the angle of the slope towards the back. During the excavation process that slope was gone over a few times and so it is more gradual now than it had been. Plus we raked over everything to try and even out the area so make it a nice home for the grass.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoiG9Mg_7zy9-R8NhmizIdPk0dR7ZoZ3Bbf3qg_q6h3OwvbGG-GvkQoyFSTZi1nZNyqST_IeCXdJ3sDmzKNv8jpdW3xZ4UDgZ3VU4QEUBc7JLLa75autPpOzI7Xk7GbtlnPrQLvBNEf1o/s1600/IMG_1698%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoiG9Mg_7zy9-R8NhmizIdPk0dR7ZoZ3Bbf3qg_q6h3OwvbGG-GvkQoyFSTZi1nZNyqST_IeCXdJ3sDmzKNv8jpdW3xZ4UDgZ3VU4QEUBc7JLLa75autPpOzI7Xk7GbtlnPrQLvBNEf1o/s400/IMG_1698%255B1%255D.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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And, because this is George's home too, here she is enjoying the yard. I imagine she likes how soft and cool the grass is.</div>
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Here's a little peek at the front flower bed, which I am just LOVING! I had planted rudbekia last year and this echinachea this year at the beginning of summer. The yellow rudbekia has been bloomed for like 2 weeks! I must remember to look out for more for the back yard. </div>
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<br />colimachiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04903718139469754305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4464880482451495163.post-30441393303670794052018-05-27T12:02:00.000-07:002018-05-27T12:02:04.881-07:00progress happening slowly but surelyLast time I checked in here we had started the back yard project. Well, life has sort of gotten in the way a bit and it's on hold for now. I've been in an admitted funk about it because I let myself get super excited and then it kind of stalled out. But! It's still going to <i>eventually </i>happen and I'm feeling better about it. I thought I'd share the stuff that is making progress (mostly for my mom to see) π<br />
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I've been trying to keep track of what plants I put in so that down the line I'll know if I need to for some reason. In the back yard I put in two bushes that I bought as bare root plants, lilac and forsythia. They are tiny now but in a few years will hopefully fill in the corner of the back yard I put them in!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDRRelfafVPMOcuFdJ8yregk07yUPn1iOrpTnaH7J5KFEdpsuyWLk4LDQYR5tVnaFwmnnMxw3MoWJuU8kU9zD0A2GflW0eovZAdb-Ch1-pHmxwt3X9h4MrqTc1cy_hr4QEcYvIiZ_I_-c/s1600/IMG_1441%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDRRelfafVPMOcuFdJ8yregk07yUPn1iOrpTnaH7J5KFEdpsuyWLk4LDQYR5tVnaFwmnnMxw3MoWJuU8kU9zD0A2GflW0eovZAdb-Ch1-pHmxwt3X9h4MrqTc1cy_hr4QEcYvIiZ_I_-c/s400/IMG_1441%255B1%255D.JPG" width="300" /></a><br />
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This is one of the mauve-ish irises that I planted last year. I think these were given to me by my realtor? She gave me some irises and peonies that she has thinned out from her yard. I just love the tigery pattern at the inside of the petals!<br />
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Yesterday (Saturday) I decided to clean up the front flower bed rose bushes. These were bushes that were here when I bought my house. I have trimmed them back several times which I think has just made them even more unruly! One of the bushes was right close to the front door and more than a few times I've come out the door and almost walked right into a branch! So I had been considering removing it. Which is exactly what happened yesterday! Below is a pic of the branches one part of the bush I removed. </div>
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And below is what it looked like right after I pulled the rose bush out. I planted all the daffodil and tulip bulbs I had left from last year, and more iris tubers. I put irises all along the back edge and the daffodils in the front. I added the salvia next to the rhubarb, then the next plant is veronica which I had planted last year. At the end is a spirea bush that I put in last year I think. I did buy more plants last night and put them in: lavender, columbine, pink veronica and something that looks like a daisy but I don't remember the name right now. The porch looks so much more open! In the future I'd like to put a railing along the back of the bed with a little gate. There are a couple houses in my subdivision that have done that and it's super cute!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLdezvcy9qhJAXSEivs1ax0cfObzox1EfN-0AKzEv5FtSGqmesHJykZ1S6IaV1f94bwBTTCnoXYNk_jzupaS4OHV2cGOlgVOkpQsxMUBsWaQNlwcUNEucnBB0ZlmkZcJtnPLRqtMMIse4/s1600/IMG_1477%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLdezvcy9qhJAXSEivs1ax0cfObzox1EfN-0AKzEv5FtSGqmesHJykZ1S6IaV1f94bwBTTCnoXYNk_jzupaS4OHV2cGOlgVOkpQsxMUBsWaQNlwcUNEucnBB0ZlmkZcJtnPLRqtMMIse4/s320/IMG_1477%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Okay, in sewing news - I made a dress that I love and it is super comfy! My Mom had given me this peach cotton that has little ducks on it. I knew I'd want some kind of garment out of it. I made this McCall's pattern M7115 and I made view D. It was a super easy pattern. I made it even easier by not putting in button holes. When I was trying it on before doing buttons it went over my head easily so I just sewed the buttons through the two layers of the bodice so it's fixed closed. I used abalone pearl buttons.</div>
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And here's the finished product, with George of course! She is such a photo ham! She was in another room at then other end of the house and came running to get in the picture. </div>
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So here in the US it's a long weekend for Memorial day. I made myself a list of things I want to get done and so far I'm doing good. This morning (Sunday) I went for a 2 mile hike with a friend. There's a little parking area off the side of the highway after the lake that has some nice trails. We got a bit off the trail at the beginning and did some "off roading" but it was still really pretty! I've got an okay sense of direction so we got back to the main trail eventually and it was smooth sailing after that.</div>
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We've had a good amount of rain in the last couple weeks so everything is really green and pretty. Morning are still brisk but it gets close to 70's in the afternoon which is nice! I love this time of year.</div>
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Today I am going to cut out another dress from the same pattern as above, except I'm going to modify the front bodice to not have the two pieces. I'm just going to cut it out on the fold. I'm thinking I might like to put in some pockets as well? </div>
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I am almost done with the socks I've been knitting, I only have 14 rows of ribbing then bind off! So I'd like to finish that this weekend too. I also pulled out my cross stitch pattern that I had started forever ago! Oh! and I am going to start reading a book. After my husband died I lost all concentration reading. But, I feel like I'd like to give it another go. So we'll see if I can stick with it!</div>
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I hope you're having a great weekend, whatever you're doing!</div>
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<span id="goog_193480387"></span><span id="goog_193480388"></span><br />colimachiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04903718139469754305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4464880482451495163.post-82242023181480966462018-03-25T19:56:00.001-07:002018-03-25T19:56:17.454-07:00Saturday demo day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Aw, sweet Spring. I have been dreaming of Spring. At one point, I started to dread it. Last Fall I left off with my back yard as part dead weeds, part dirt, and small spaces of flowers and planted bulbs. I had planned to start attacking the weeds early this year.....which is the part I was really dreading.</div>
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Thankfully, I found someone willing to help me transform my back yard. The first step was to remove the stump from the tree my neighbor cut down for me. Turns out, you can just go on down to the rental place and give them money and you get a very nice, expensive machine for a few hours! </div>
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Saturday was the demo day. I woke up to snow and I was afraid that my helpers would not want to work in the cold. They were not daunted at all! I am so thankful for that. Truly. </div>
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Here is the stump grinder that I rented. I did not run the machine. It took no time at all (20 minutes) to grind up the stump! You can see in the back corner of this photo the shed that also was removed on Saturday.</div>
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Here's the crater that was created by grinding down the stump. You can sort of see the wood down in there. It's about 6-8 inches deep. The shavings and dirt will cover this up and once we get everything tilled and raked it will be leveled out.</div>
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Here is the view of my back yard now. Already it is so much more open! So, the shed was taken apart and out. The shed base is still there for now but will be removed and dumped at a later date. To the left of the back gate there was a chain link dog run, which was removed. On the left of the raised bed you can see some upset dirt clods. There had been a PVC pipe coming out of the ground with an electrical outlet on it - that was apparently ON! Live electricity. Oy vey!</div>
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So, that was removed as well, thank goodness!</div>
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After all this I was inspired to actually get up on a ladder (terrifying!) and tighten up my gutters and I removed some debris that was blocking the drain on one of the gutters.</div>
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This morning I woke up to oodles of fluffy snow everywhere! It made yesterday's frosting of snow look like nothing. I am so, so grateful that we tackled the demo yesterday! </div>
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I have so many ideas, I am so very excited to get going on everything! The weather is, of course, a huge consideration up here. It's okay though, it just gives me more time to plan! Happy Spring everyone!</div>
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<br />colimachiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04903718139469754305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4464880482451495163.post-72411493778375528002017-12-25T16:42:00.000-08:002017-12-25T16:45:37.582-08:00Quilts of all sizes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I have been busy busy over here lately so blogging has sort of fallen by the wayside. But! Never fear, I have been sewing and knitting for sure. A lot of gift making really, so also I had to wait to share until I had given the stuff.<br />
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First up is a baby quilt. I started this back in the Summer for a new baby in Scott's extended family. I know it's hard to see but each middle square is a fussy cut from Guess How Much I Love You prints. The pattern was from the May/June issue of <a href="https://www.quiltingcompany.com/store/magazines-books/quilty" target="_blank">Quilty magazine</a> that I thought would showcase the middle squares well. The fabric was super cute and fun to work with and everything came together really easily. I gifted this quilt at Thanksgiving.<br />
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Close up of one of the middle squares:<br />
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I'm not sure if I've talked about this next project before. If I have, forgive my forgetfulness :) grin! I knitted this little guy from a pattern called "<a href="http://cottagecreationspatterns.com/patterns/knitted-friends/sven-solveig-scandinavian-knitted-friends/" target="_blank">Sven and Solveig Scandinavian</a>" by Cottage Creations. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYSHiDBMfSCMYDh_gKRAZRj3hhlsgK4po72dOUTekQYK6vSdtkZHPm_xRZ8elwcVj1A23Cg3Bh5DtTZTHnayAoG8_N-JKyR-AdX5ZM4_x2ZvFd9jNGVnZ-Ep-nW35KJWBtcSb418s0oWI/s1600/IMG_0461.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYSHiDBMfSCMYDh_gKRAZRj3hhlsgK4po72dOUTekQYK6vSdtkZHPm_xRZ8elwcVj1A23Cg3Bh5DtTZTHnayAoG8_N-JKyR-AdX5ZM4_x2ZvFd9jNGVnZ-Ep-nW35KJWBtcSb418s0oWI/s1600/IMG_0461.JPG" /></a><br />
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This was a fun knit! As I was knitting him I really felt like his name was Jurgen instead of Sven. The pattern is super fun, lots of charm and little hints in there about dollmaking - like ways to customize via name, hair color, sweater style. The pattern shows Sven with a white beard but as I was knitting I felt like Jurgen was a younger guy with darker hair and maybe a clean-shaven face.</div>
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A friend of mine asked me if I could make a doll quilt and pillow for her daughter for Christmas. This was a no brainer! Of course I said I could! She sent me a link so I could figure out measurements and such. It's this <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/10101664/" target="_blank">duktig bed from Ikea.</a> I did a quick google search and found a <a href="http://onelittleproject.com/how-to-make-a-reversible-blanket-for-an-ikea-doll-bed/" target="_blank">blog</a> called <a href="http://onelittleproject.com/how-to-make-a-reversible-blanket-for-an-ikea-doll-bed/" target="_blank">One Little Project</a> that has a whole series on bedding accessories for the exact bed! Sweet! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-QINd_nkG7mCIB5DqRZvBZj5DRxRcy6YFIWSbZmj8-UTHWa3v0ZfOpCgiRXoyA91AKGKi0lqxyEZMCQKcoZuY-AqsJnntRBWMn30gUyP8W-_b8pwg9dHYtSvmaIh-xHCOQ4k19DKBaZM/s1600/IMG_0882%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-QINd_nkG7mCIB5DqRZvBZj5DRxRcy6YFIWSbZmj8-UTHWa3v0ZfOpCgiRXoyA91AKGKi0lqxyEZMCQKcoZuY-AqsJnntRBWMn30gUyP8W-_b8pwg9dHYtSvmaIh-xHCOQ4k19DKBaZM/s640/IMG_0882%255B1%255D.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
Next I picked out fabrics for a little patchwork quilt - this was so FUN! I have so many fun girly prints and I really had free reign to put in what I thought she might like. So the tutorial that I linked was for more of a blanket, which would have been fine but I really wanted a mini quilt. I think I used 5 inch squares for the top. I drew straight lines on the top in erasable ink and used my walking foot to do the quilting lines.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfmYnddF1IcGy_JDsIPWcpcSdl2S8duBLJh6QSH1IYSXY0QS8mvmD-lEnFymasLsmhJogsLSIolgl9AqBpfmPnsBDXLoSYLLg2mibr2H-EzwMiu5bDCsgUlLdeiw7mea0GKdQhBT31oTo/s1600/IMG_0884%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfmYnddF1IcGy_JDsIPWcpcSdl2S8duBLJh6QSH1IYSXY0QS8mvmD-lEnFymasLsmhJogsLSIolgl9AqBpfmPnsBDXLoSYLLg2mibr2H-EzwMiu5bDCsgUlLdeiw7mea0GKdQhBT31oTo/s640/IMG_0884%255B1%255D.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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This was the first time I used the walking foot attachment with my machine and it was great! Super easy and I'm very pleased with the stitching. If you've ever stitched straight lines without one you know that the fabric can get pushed by the foot and cause puckers and pleats especially where the lines intersect. With the walking foot it doesn't do that.</div>
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Here's the final product under the tree for Christmas! I'm pretty sure that pillow came out way too big!!!! Yikes. I'm not sure what happened there? oh well. I made a pillow with sheet fabric and then made a reversible pillowcase to coordinate with the quilt. The reverse fabric is the bright pink print in the quilt.</div>
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And, since it's Christmas I did make myself a little something. One thing I love, love is Christmas Nutcrackers!!!! I have a collection of wooden ones and ornaments that I love. I was in Joann's Friday night when I spotted some nutcracker fabric. Eeeeeeee! I bought some, came home and washed it and Saturday made this lined drawstring bag! Their faces just crack me up (get it, lol)! I also made a needle cozy to match since I'm going to put my Christmas sock project in there. </div>
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So, that's it for me here this week. I hope you all had a nice holiday season! Mine has been very reflective and calm, which has been nice. It's almost a new year! What are your plans?</div>
<br />colimachiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04903718139469754305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4464880482451495163.post-39190803800748903022017-10-01T12:34:00.000-07:002017-10-01T12:54:17.883-07:00Dollmaking<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So I made a doll yesterday. I had an idea in my head starting out and once I got to the face it totally changed. The little face turned out so sweet. I did a satin stitch for the eyes which actually turned out really well :)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSPBZQcPe1w0SYFOnLNZgsOz_CzUK06ezjqFAjJRyZ3P1EpNkRMkJb5xb93rQhIiTNwqLndDpfm9klUDm3vzv8zu0Jiu9jcLEt9VU82FgZVDf6wxIE6mIYFS1wPPYYscIQnOrV-Q0BSUI/s1600/IMG_0572.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSPBZQcPe1w0SYFOnLNZgsOz_CzUK06ezjqFAjJRyZ3P1EpNkRMkJb5xb93rQhIiTNwqLndDpfm9klUDm3vzv8zu0Jiu9jcLEt9VU82FgZVDf6wxIE6mIYFS1wPPYYscIQnOrV-Q0BSUI/s320/IMG_0572.JPG" width="180" /></a></div>
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I've made a lot of dollies but have not tackled yarn hair since the dolls I made as a child. For a long time it just intimidated me, I could not think of a way to secure the fibers. That is one thing that is important to me when I give a gift to a child - I don't want the thing I've made to fall apart easily. And yarn hair? Well, that just sounded like it could be pulled out too quickly and then who wants to play with a bald doll??? </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpH80h5HJjt1vIIjmaSEe0yiCxwj0IyugzNm2cvQkGtmA_6aUklDLDva9jcu1PF9rdLvC4B5XEmjSuBagP-Cxu6aXv8IiftKk5O7JUQU2jJBSGabhx4iZbdUHSxQZpqx7u0CwUOphqP2c/s1600/IMG_0581.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpH80h5HJjt1vIIjmaSEe0yiCxwj0IyugzNm2cvQkGtmA_6aUklDLDva9jcu1PF9rdLvC4B5XEmjSuBagP-Cxu6aXv8IiftKk5O7JUQU2jJBSGabhx4iZbdUHSxQZpqx7u0CwUOphqP2c/s320/IMG_0581.JPG" width="240" /></a>Ok anyways, back to the subject! I did a quick google search yesterday morning prior to starting the doll. I found <a href="http://www.figandme.com/blog/dollmaking-tips-how-to-make-doll-hair" target="_blank">this post from Fig & Me</a> that had some interesting pointers and lots of links to other makers/blogs which is where I found the one I ended up using: <a href="http://starrysheep.com/crafty/?p=103" target="_blank">Crafty Sheep's post called Waldorf Doll Hair Tutoria</a>l. </div>
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I have included the links if you'd like to check them out. The Crafty Sheep tutorial was easy to follow and solved the mystery of how to get all the strands of yarn under control and sewn on fairly quickly and easily.</div>
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Okay, let's talk about pattern. I draw inspiration from a lot of sources. I have a couple of books in particular that inspire me which are shown below. I also have a few patterns that I reference. Usually what I do is pick a pattern and trace the parts I like and modify as needed to get the look I want. For this doll I used the body pattern from the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/We-Make-Dolls-Dollmakers-Patterns/dp/1454702494" target="_blank">We Make Dolls!</a> book shown below but I changed the head by taking a plate and re-drawing the top of the head. I use a pen with erasable ink to draw the face on by hand then embroider around that.</div>
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p.s. I should say that the links I share are just meant to be helpful, not tryna sell anything and I'm not paid to share. Sorry, I figure that is obvious but I know that's a big deal for some people......uggggg....so there you go.</div>
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Ok, this next set of photos is for my Mom. We were discussing doll patterns and I told her about this one that I have had probably since high school and I found it either in a thrift store or yard sale...don't remember now. But, I LOVE it. You can see it is from 1965, and was in a Woman's day magazine. I don't know if the pattern was included in the magazine or if the lady ordered the paper pattern from there. I have all the pieces for the Annie Doll and the mini. One thing I love about finding used patterns from older generations is the handwriting. I know it's faint, but above the title it says "17" tall doll" in cursive. Handwriting like that is slowly fading away I think.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKsQMoGI_cIZrIqk7G0hyphenhyphenebRmcRwJ4IauN9zhWKU-IcRhiy7ORc5BFExsuwBHcGH9-KmDVTLX2wkyUQOy7pSZAWaeqLLClwElPDkx1k7_MyjnjXp0nRXQY-8lFwQCQ1z4mCU5pq-s7LvI/s1600/IMG_0588+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="688" data-original-width="1600" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKsQMoGI_cIZrIqk7G0hyphenhyphenebRmcRwJ4IauN9zhWKU-IcRhiy7ORc5BFExsuwBHcGH9-KmDVTLX2wkyUQOy7pSZAWaeqLLClwElPDkx1k7_MyjnjXp0nRXQY-8lFwQCQ1z4mCU5pq-s7LvI/s640/IMG_0588+%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="text-align: center;">The photo on the left is the magazine clipping of the article. The photo on the right is an advertisement in the magazine that I just think is funny! "The place to be is Puero Vallarta"</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpaWN2F321NSaORA4hPdGYT0Sawx8wDWaB9FoOH5gN2g7mWFytyEua5g3oggXvebYR6ZYm9dapIm52lv3r6cXqE_-pTdpG0tB0hCb7Ear3iP7v6WCC79QgV_LHx2SFlB7844iybzHpm8c/s1600/IMG_0589.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpaWN2F321NSaORA4hPdGYT0Sawx8wDWaB9FoOH5gN2g7mWFytyEua5g3oggXvebYR6ZYm9dapIm52lv3r6cXqE_-pTdpG0tB0hCb7Ear3iP7v6WCC79QgV_LHx2SFlB7844iybzHpm8c/s320/IMG_0589.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyCfz-OGmThyphenhyphen93A_IV_WlrIn8S8p2I0FDJZC1bhkSHu-R7DDP2CCJWTSHQNAYbUf_CHkhWclmhJae1Pq2ofC4PgeyJ__IXQlo6Hoyy5T6VRW25MM-51yMn2iYXKXoO_Yf4Py3eid_Jg-4/s1600/IMG_0590.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyCfz-OGmThyphenhyphen93A_IV_WlrIn8S8p2I0FDJZC1bhkSHu-R7DDP2CCJWTSHQNAYbUf_CHkhWclmhJae1Pq2ofC4PgeyJ__IXQlo6Hoyy5T6VRW25MM-51yMn2iYXKXoO_Yf4Py3eid_Jg-4/s320/IMG_0590.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Anyways! I also altered the arm from the pattern. I made that little triangle of dress fabric be part of the arm instead of sewn as one complete piece. I also added a little collar to the body which turned out cute! I think she turned out really well. I did tack the hair down a bit on the sides but not all the way across the back of the head, which in hindsight I might have done. Meh. maybe next time.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxbJgDKnMZLcqJYeSe71CFIlfSA5k67QQnLvhOWD8cXaT9M3tWPM-zijVwKutljn9Wq7hpaezmqFts0iyi_pjEfoLp5UFZxSdbUKcxuPVx2ZZ1JYdLp-CyAEkLexw-nBt2YuJ5u9cDC34/s1600/IMG_0575.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1107" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxbJgDKnMZLcqJYeSe71CFIlfSA5k67QQnLvhOWD8cXaT9M3tWPM-zijVwKutljn9Wq7hpaezmqFts0iyi_pjEfoLp5UFZxSdbUKcxuPVx2ZZ1JYdLp-CyAEkLexw-nBt2YuJ5u9cDC34/s320/IMG_0575.JPG" width="221" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjLDsJuLpHEWAJ5ZSmPp1kAPhCCaoa5DTMa6918H1ue5GShNDuUOSRs21-iJ4DKrq4FsKGnId0gexktF_nsz9eBGi37EKCrbw1dchyBEQpnpmZZheVsMjKt-XfKLYXhEkChvUnEF3Mu4Q/s1600/IMG_0576.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjLDsJuLpHEWAJ5ZSmPp1kAPhCCaoa5DTMa6918H1ue5GShNDuUOSRs21-iJ4DKrq4FsKGnId0gexktF_nsz9eBGi37EKCrbw1dchyBEQpnpmZZheVsMjKt-XfKLYXhEkChvUnEF3Mu4Q/s400/IMG_0576.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTRB6AcE0juZG5WYVPJs_tUqkQlt77XcmAPZ00i-TuXdYhoM8DXE3ILIqfJ7rMkYoW0lhG5-DnSrs75h4DFxbRnDH9bZgpK2jqKoZaIR7kF2lILQYrrkB7xcFJ6kE7DHEiD59GlyhPUxM/s1600/IMG_0583+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1218" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTRB6AcE0juZG5WYVPJs_tUqkQlt77XcmAPZ00i-TuXdYhoM8DXE3ILIqfJ7rMkYoW0lhG5-DnSrs75h4DFxbRnDH9bZgpK2jqKoZaIR7kF2lILQYrrkB7xcFJ6kE7DHEiD59GlyhPUxM/s320/IMG_0583+%25282%2529.JPG" width="243" /></a></div>
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At the last minute I added satin ribbon bows for her pigtails. The little girl I made this doll for loves really girly stuff so I thought that would really add to the girly factor. What do you think? I think this little doll is ready to be a friend, to share secrets and adventures and hugs! </div>
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In other news I am making a spaghetti sauce in my crock pot today. I threw in the last bit of my roma tomatoes from the garden and some zucchini as well. It should be yummy!!! I love cozy Sundays :) Have a great week!!!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihEhk0sPkvtueJfggTi_lJE7xWF5pe1uBOULXfVOlYGGawgHzo1C7-rb6kNNKLX59t-vkpQGXAhLQ7WDPnGiSnj2FrELKju2zQWF-XZIRxuZxsv1F4bv7rzC4AGgB5WfXfkUwl0fscT1g/s1600/IMG_0592.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihEhk0sPkvtueJfggTi_lJE7xWF5pe1uBOULXfVOlYGGawgHzo1C7-rb6kNNKLX59t-vkpQGXAhLQ7WDPnGiSnj2FrELKju2zQWF-XZIRxuZxsv1F4bv7rzC4AGgB5WfXfkUwl0fscT1g/s320/IMG_0592.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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colimachiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04903718139469754305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4464880482451495163.post-1562686461431941942017-09-28T19:43:00.000-07:002017-09-28T19:43:00.183-07:00catch up post 4 - all about the fair!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So this year for the Tulelake Fair I decided to branch out a little bit. I decided to enter Hortense the mouse and, AND a quilt! This particular fair the quilt competition is pretty tight. But, from going previous years I knew that my quilts are a very different style than a lot of the other entries. I decided to enter my Churn Dash quilt.</div>
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Here's my stack of goodies.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBz_PZZbBB_pNRFwb9liZWEuPWqOMRoVCphTK5B0YqPHx2LAzUb7X-WyIVwyzb-EVvCjAtzuw30pXtgyFI-GiAB9QBjDThO5EPGuYZd1lgJ7o3Ytd_VOrp9vc5FFIrKIyepJTvPwxhT6k/s1600/IMG_0377.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBz_PZZbBB_pNRFwb9liZWEuPWqOMRoVCphTK5B0YqPHx2LAzUb7X-WyIVwyzb-EVvCjAtzuw30pXtgyFI-GiAB9QBjDThO5EPGuYZd1lgJ7o3Ytd_VOrp9vc5FFIrKIyepJTvPwxhT6k/s320/IMG_0377.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Ok, first prize was my socks!!!! I was a little surprised by this one I have to admit. While I do love my socks I didn't know they'd place that high! I was a little confused at first because the tag says "mouse" and the tag on my mouse says "socks". But I think that it was the socks that did win.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidv8ceucO39_EgXGpV2r0KX88uCDCf3coUUdWLXPwxhxFvUtBLprwUAh6A2SdCN-t_d6iQDJRaaMUQgePAFTVhIJSvorVailT2xd95udkwekfAy2O09LLaO0E7mTZ7giruxvRNRlSAstY/s1600/IMG_0476.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidv8ceucO39_EgXGpV2r0KX88uCDCf3coUUdWLXPwxhxFvUtBLprwUAh6A2SdCN-t_d6iQDJRaaMUQgePAFTVhIJSvorVailT2xd95udkwekfAy2O09LLaO0E7mTZ7giruxvRNRlSAstY/s320/IMG_0476.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Second place - my Highway 101 shawl!!!!! Holy cow you guys! I was competing against myself because I had entered everything in the same category! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXBcbaoe-vwlbM3625rf6_5ohIv3ItARfEkNJRH2PFROWG8tLhk7IEKjIB0AmfCf9WyOtm-Dyqo0WUXtWTiKI11y1Om_L6JMX8qWRyObPvzcHBwDcBx9xRW9tG2NgwOjxZGNNioUim5qU/s1600/IMG_0475.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXBcbaoe-vwlbM3625rf6_5ohIv3ItARfEkNJRH2PFROWG8tLhk7IEKjIB0AmfCf9WyOtm-Dyqo0WUXtWTiKI11y1Om_L6JMX8qWRyObPvzcHBwDcBx9xRW9tG2NgwOjxZGNNioUim5qU/s320/IMG_0475.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Poor Hortense, she did not win anything. But, she did get to have an adventure! And, reading back over the rules I could not have won again since they were all entered in the same class. Which really is totally fine! I did not expect to win first and second in the same class! Frankly I didn't realize that until I just re-read the rules. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg04NnU_0WnbwFjJcIYrPprtz_eCSSn19kcmqwtiF2WmSW_tAg5CPFlApqyAGpJLL7nXMOYKt1D4_dd3mjyBjwR2U18BroL2-bRU5EmCnQfSmEUkbZiShGOl1V779KRKcc8ZwetvAeI9A4/s1600/IMG_0480.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg04NnU_0WnbwFjJcIYrPprtz_eCSSn19kcmqwtiF2WmSW_tAg5CPFlApqyAGpJLL7nXMOYKt1D4_dd3mjyBjwR2U18BroL2-bRU5EmCnQfSmEUkbZiShGOl1V779KRKcc8ZwetvAeI9A4/s320/IMG_0480.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here's the exciting thing: My quilt won THIRD PRIZE!!!! OMG. I scoped the room as soon as I walked in and saw it across the room on the other side. I did not expect to feel as proud as I did - I wanted to tell everyone "that's my quilt! I made it!". Luckily my friend Jan was with me and shared the exciting moment with me. Here it is up on the wall - and official entry in the county fair. Mine is the one on the right.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb_BcXr5-NlhbSYVyHlT3fxvtmBFfozJDk9yqBr_AfT59OX25TXDb_p5ejl5ArWtY4dLQrzX8fvEkkTjdfWfhz2fKmE6zNbrX1X0Z5FybBrXS6HjXxMTsnOO7hnLCK81iCvgOUhOCEzy8/s1600/IMG_0479.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb_BcXr5-NlhbSYVyHlT3fxvtmBFfozJDk9yqBr_AfT59OX25TXDb_p5ejl5ArWtY4dLQrzX8fvEkkTjdfWfhz2fKmE6zNbrX1X0Z5FybBrXS6HjXxMTsnOO7hnLCK81iCvgOUhOCEzy8/s320/IMG_0479.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Jan got this fun picture of me in front of my quilt.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyXf3CieRzdWy3Opq-SJHG6LGAaBT2URwNGfX_9e29WfqebBVm0m8TeQEqXggVJsAc39TA7sIq_6-KADS-PZ7uHW4RlTRDsj-60qTe8PlY9muA4-yusSWOM9QUrSQRRuYSIasYgVGNNz8/s1600/IMG_0484+%25282%2529.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="638" data-original-width="639" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyXf3CieRzdWy3Opq-SJHG6LGAaBT2URwNGfX_9e29WfqebBVm0m8TeQEqXggVJsAc39TA7sIq_6-KADS-PZ7uHW4RlTRDsj-60qTe8PlY9muA4-yusSWOM9QUrSQRRuYSIasYgVGNNz8/s320/IMG_0484+%25282%2529.PNG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I had a lot of fun entering the fair for myself. But, that's only half the fun! The other part is seeing what everyone else is doing. There were some beautiful hand knit entries. My friend Lilly entered a few of her hand knit baby clothes. I also recognized some of the names of people I know on different entries. It's fun when you see someone's name and discover something you didn't know they could do!</div>
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I'll leave you with this cute llama quilt I saw - isn't that amazing?! So fun!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCZ19TT_tYKxqhWsPkYrftfJQnH3x_KHVaJFvBMTuvnX5yp92JFG8lNMg-c2XhCMNSaF5duRovPhtHq20p2Uy-NGNcv0iUMnuEU1GsagdjKJFm40dMQqgkahroX5TchU7omd2ewuV8JLU/s1600/IMG_0482.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCZ19TT_tYKxqhWsPkYrftfJQnH3x_KHVaJFvBMTuvnX5yp92JFG8lNMg-c2XhCMNSaF5duRovPhtHq20p2Uy-NGNcv0iUMnuEU1GsagdjKJFm40dMQqgkahroX5TchU7omd2ewuV8JLU/s320/IMG_0482.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />colimachiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04903718139469754305noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4464880482451495163.post-48537042210455269452017-09-26T19:00:00.000-07:002017-09-26T19:00:21.114-07:00catch up part 3 inside edition<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This post is to catch up on sewing and knitting projects. First up, this little zipper pouch. This is one of those projects that I had literally no choice in making. I woke up one morning, was scrolling instagram and saw a little hexie pouch in the "you might like" mish mash of recommended pictures. I got right up and sewed the pouch right then - it needed to be in my life! If you want to check out my inspiration it's from <a href="https://www.instagram.com/what_saysie_makes/" target="_blank">What Saysie Makes</a>, <a href="https://saysie.wordpress.com/2014/11/15/shop-update/" target="_blank">and I'm also linking the blog post where she talks about it</a>. Her blog is beautiful as is her instagram profile. Anyways, I obviously didn't have the same fabrics she used, but that's totally fine! I have tons of cute fabrics to choose from!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiespdYnPsg0DnAFtunk8x1Dilzpn0_bpa-_aLYcMe9xrPV63ccplTuG3Si2NlSQfnIMT3sst3wfjxB_yFWqLirU50WiHXVw2w3xbh56UW1Ha59rTqxCUhYCLIM7WrlH-VpoLVj237qbrs/s1600/IMG_0362.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiespdYnPsg0DnAFtunk8x1Dilzpn0_bpa-_aLYcMe9xrPV63ccplTuG3Si2NlSQfnIMT3sst3wfjxB_yFWqLirU50WiHXVw2w3xbh56UW1Ha59rTqxCUhYCLIM7WrlH-VpoLVj237qbrs/s320/IMG_0362.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Next up is this vanilla sock. I know lots of people have said that they like this sock but I personally do not love the yarn. Or, rather, the colorway. I tried a new to me pattern for the heel, it's called the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/omg-heel-socks" target="_blank">OMG heel </a>and you can find that pattern on Ravelry. I really actually liked the heel, it was very very well written. It was so clear and did not make any assumptions about heel knitting experience which I really appreciated. I have knit a few knitting patterns where the designer assumes certain things are "understood" and I was the person who just didn't get it! Thank God for google. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkV5RQlR_uybJymFrAkd2I9uPDxhtWi06vwKg5OPKks2pwZ_nqUqyBGPGNU_TXLTXYxG6DbwEUMPFDhqKO5oAak3czWpmf3Z5gzLardHeqgEzNwu8SZt5hUuyy8sVvWIdolq9c22ojhoI/s1600/IMG_0444.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkV5RQlR_uybJymFrAkd2I9uPDxhtWi06vwKg5OPKks2pwZ_nqUqyBGPGNU_TXLTXYxG6DbwEUMPFDhqKO5oAak3czWpmf3Z5gzLardHeqgEzNwu8SZt5hUuyy8sVvWIdolq9c22ojhoI/s320/IMG_0444.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqwolWD2Ougf4SCGU8GMgW2LarUi_tXsW01C4Xn1pA4AwlEX4kW7lnw2dWwr6Xr3FA-NTqv-dADpuSkVk3joo8j53RUJLb5wQF1zxzzV5XMMD8XIAS8WC54KTx7lTKV9OknM_0EwadCHA/s1600/IMG_0495.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqwolWD2Ougf4SCGU8GMgW2LarUi_tXsW01C4Xn1pA4AwlEX4kW7lnw2dWwr6Xr3FA-NTqv-dADpuSkVk3joo8j53RUJLb5wQF1zxzzV5XMMD8XIAS8WC54KTx7lTKV9OknM_0EwadCHA/s320/IMG_0495.JPG" width="320" /></a>I just had to include this sweet puppy picture. I woke up for work one morning and this was my Rocky dog sleeping next to me. His ears! </div>
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Ok so this next project is completely <a href="https://www.instagram.com/bryonybears/" target="_blank">Kay Jones</a> of the Bakery Bears<strike> fault </strike>inspiration. She had talked about it on the podcast, and at first I was like - no, I don't need to knit this guy. Then! she mentioned it again and talked about her inspiration and how she had seen it on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/loritimesfive/" target="_blank">instagram made by Lori</a> so naturally curious I checked it out and I was like oh man I need this pattern! It's called Sven Scandinavian. So incredibly cute and detailed!!! </div>
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It's a paper printed pattern so I ordered it from the <a href="http://cottagecreationspatterns.com/patterns/knitted-friends/sven-solveig-scandinavian-knitted-friends/" target="_blank">website, Cottage Creations</a>. Kay mentioned on the podcast that the service was really good and she had gotten a confirmation email after she ordered. I have to just say that she was right! I also got an email but mine was to let me know that the pattern was being reprinted because Carol, the designer, had run out of copies! I emailed her back and let her know that I was not surprised since I had seen it on the podcast and I know there are a lot of followers both there and Lori's instagram. </div>
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I received the pattern a couple weeks later, which I thought was great considering it had to be reprinted. I set to knitting my version of Sven right away.</div>
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There are name suggestions in the pattern of alternate names. Carol encourages everyone to think of names as you're knitting. I love that! I have always felt as I make a doll, whether sewn or knitted, that their personalities develop as they are made. So, my Sven has actually turned out to be Jurgen! Isn't he cute?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG3AvZ_BUTqqsWkBwQyrdKmRHnYLjmzP_-kklgs0b2eexE8k07beetHLyb-9wk2Z9ACY3Q120iGZgkmCmvWS_ht02v7uDaJRDtPUwKPB_RuV2Oi-hysgz494U8QzmWPlB8oJm3og-J8qk/s1600/IMG_0548.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG3AvZ_BUTqqsWkBwQyrdKmRHnYLjmzP_-kklgs0b2eexE8k07beetHLyb-9wk2Z9ACY3Q120iGZgkmCmvWS_ht02v7uDaJRDtPUwKPB_RuV2Oi-hysgz494U8QzmWPlB8oJm3og-J8qk/s320/IMG_0548.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Last weekend I had a baby shower to attend. The baby's room theme is cacti. I knew I wanted to make a quilt as my gift. I did a little google search, and found <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/469959409/saguaro-cactus-quilt-with-painted-desert?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=cactus%20quilt&ref=sr_gallery_14" target="_blank">this quilt</a>. I bought backing fabric and white on Thursday, prewashed it after work. I decided to do two rows of squares for the body of the cactus. I pulled all green fabrics from my stash and didn't have any repeats! I pieced the front after work on Friday and put everything together and quilted on Saturday before the shower! Yikes! I was a bit late to the shower because I wanted to wash it before giving so it would pre-shrink. She really liked it so that is a win!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE3kWblcX8z3fUsZ2wdQVdSoSz4Hmt_OBdM9GowRJ7wiuSPVAC2vBrZt3GHW-VYmfem_bNN2bqtBKG3IpEf4Bm8-rqClMJqdDeFWtts6B6GtDEbzNaGLXsDYDAM6-sqVlaPlxuri8haiY/s1600/IMG_0514.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE3kWblcX8z3fUsZ2wdQVdSoSz4Hmt_OBdM9GowRJ7wiuSPVAC2vBrZt3GHW-VYmfem_bNN2bqtBKG3IpEf4Bm8-rqClMJqdDeFWtts6B6GtDEbzNaGLXsDYDAM6-sqVlaPlxuri8haiY/s320/IMG_0514.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I'll leave you with this picture of my fall mantel. Mom, if you're reading this - that scarecrow is the one I was telling you about with the sign "no crows" and then I like to put that crow sitting next to him! ha! </div>
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colimachiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04903718139469754305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4464880482451495163.post-46984797238159428142017-09-25T18:04:00.000-07:002017-09-25T18:04:16.941-07:00garden catch up part 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This garden catch up is the flower edition. These first pics are in the front yard. The front yard is significantly easier because I have an HOA which maintains the grass in the front. I do have 3 flower bed areas that are mine to maintain but it's not as overwhelming as my back yard which is a foxtail dead zone nightmare. But! I am slowly reclaiming it :)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCZiDhJ7DwpoJqsWpQOdRxjdO9Mr0-ujkT9EbBNtsffqF1_kMfGvJ0WJehyphenhyphenikIwFytm15i9IhluvrGV-M1ijWg-dsXGZ54hpOGPnObUmi5j10GN7pNwdEYq-H92WiV0-shxeHtyzUqODA/s1600/IMG_0502.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCZiDhJ7DwpoJqsWpQOdRxjdO9Mr0-ujkT9EbBNtsffqF1_kMfGvJ0WJehyphenhyphenikIwFytm15i9IhluvrGV-M1ijWg-dsXGZ54hpOGPnObUmi5j10GN7pNwdEYq-H92WiV0-shxeHtyzUqODA/s320/IMG_0502.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii0K-Yz6MqPPXg4EmOBbM9gvk_yloZTcYzTxASqGHeYIWDH-eKo2pypn21C9GUMaKa2RlKGD6_cKxykxlULAjUfzJbEm2TVd8RNhLh8e6gBCVAq1w6phEqNYzV2Y1ZsiddjfqDFRpT9JQ/s1600/IMG_0450.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii0K-Yz6MqPPXg4EmOBbM9gvk_yloZTcYzTxASqGHeYIWDH-eKo2pypn21C9GUMaKa2RlKGD6_cKxykxlULAjUfzJbEm2TVd8RNhLh8e6gBCVAq1w6phEqNYzV2Y1ZsiddjfqDFRpT9JQ/s320/IMG_0450.JPG" width="180" /></a></div>
I know I've shared pics of these flower beds previously but I have made some new additions. Home Depot had bark mulch on sale for Labor Day weekend so I grabbed a few bags to help with weed control in the front. And it looks nice too :) I also picked up these pretty pink coneflowers, I put one on each side of the giant rose bush. Which I still need to prune back! Yikes.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZHh43eHF9_FiL3B0nAVrfL3EVb8SHPr1JqNpM4sEDVH9j9V4PzwSOwaGGIYPzxfdTv0tcFx0_7lYGUGK9W69GxP-qauZ_cv6XuZOJCWT1VjDhIgyJ36BnKvJwp7Us9_Q6jUFhpA3X8Lk/s1600/IMG_0454.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZHh43eHF9_FiL3B0nAVrfL3EVb8SHPr1JqNpM4sEDVH9j9V4PzwSOwaGGIYPzxfdTv0tcFx0_7lYGUGK9W69GxP-qauZ_cv6XuZOJCWT1VjDhIgyJ36BnKvJwp7Us9_Q6jUFhpA3X8Lk/s320/IMG_0454.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The yellow is rudbeckia. The flowers only lasted a day, then pooped out. But, the leaves are still green so I have hope the plant will live. In the back row you can see my lavender and salvia did really well through the summer. That salvia is about double the side of when I put it in and the bees love it!</div>
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Oh man, this was a great day. So I stopped in Freddy Meyers to pick up a prescription and the pharmacy computer was down. What's a girl to do? Check out the clearance plants, of course! I totally hit the jack pot!!! They had just gotten a shipment of mums and the clerk was marking a whole rack as clearance - 50% off! He said the leaves were droopy and dirt a little dry but the roots weren't dry.</div>
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Well, I know from experience that clearance plants usually perk right up after they are planted, watered, and loved! So I filled my entire cart with mums! I was planning to buy some anyway so it was really perfect timing.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaAUP8Z3-k3tXIC2CywYw2ZgQpeN-A-xtAgr9UWg9uqUts-MnyN-4T0H00wshuxg6y2tIY8yUl7VUrv_0sHiOMClYUEvNf8JsUMDLtlxG7Uzb7atbgug2tW9gubnOhp7uGXoez4W9Gbdw/s1600/IMG_0471.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaAUP8Z3-k3tXIC2CywYw2ZgQpeN-A-xtAgr9UWg9uqUts-MnyN-4T0H00wshuxg6y2tIY8yUl7VUrv_0sHiOMClYUEvNf8JsUMDLtlxG7Uzb7atbgug2tW9gubnOhp7uGXoez4W9Gbdw/s320/IMG_0471.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I planted them around the crepe myrtle tree in the front yard. I have quite a few different colors which are kind of fun. I have to admit planting around that tree was not fun at all!!!! The soil is super compacted and the roots of the tree are all over. I wore a hole in my hand digging holes for the plants. I did manage to also put a ring of daffodil bulbs, tulip bulbs and crocus bulbs all around under the mums. Hopefully once springs rolls around it will be beautiful!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYvatYDWB9lea7BHXmKlrOBcpGsvGrfm9Mhyphenhyphenw22mQY73F-kfAGt41Yt3WlCRZlqugcFeQ_-nWjX4h2oXsWuTnXH2FIoEDhPxdZHJYFWs9kiBvEfRooTX2Dftag5nRk1gNf9tph9cZ-wNQ/s1600/IMG_0555.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYvatYDWB9lea7BHXmKlrOBcpGsvGrfm9Mhyphenhyphenw22mQY73F-kfAGt41Yt3WlCRZlqugcFeQ_-nWjX4h2oXsWuTnXH2FIoEDhPxdZHJYFWs9kiBvEfRooTX2Dftag5nRk1gNf9tph9cZ-wNQ/s320/IMG_0555.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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So, a small update in the back yard. I started the spring/summer thinking that I would be able to pull out all the weeds and reseed the grass. I must of thought I was 10 people with tons of time and energy! Needless to say that is not what happened! I did get the hill weeded and a couple areas down to dirt. Which then invited new, different weeds :) Boo. </div>
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But! This weekend I thought I'd get after it again. My tools of choice are my rigid tine rake that I rake as much of the dead weeds out as I can. Then I use my hoe to pull the foxtail seeds into a heap. Then I put them in my little cart which I dump in the trash. It is slow going. The hill also has a bunch of rocks, for stability I imagine, that hold up the raking process.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEichUWif3sj55PIFBRDTxg_qagOwfhF4eFnCjPwNj3ije1V2CXkN0rNWaJD9GgGgsCtYfSTFnWHkrInFrLCs-EGsBp0nrFZF6Zxfw7kwFNDoS8mZICUYjp7SmyWddpqZIzT3i9MyvBGim8/s1600/IMG_0554.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEichUWif3sj55PIFBRDTxg_qagOwfhF4eFnCjPwNj3ije1V2CXkN0rNWaJD9GgGgsCtYfSTFnWHkrInFrLCs-EGsBp0nrFZF6Zxfw7kwFNDoS8mZICUYjp7SmyWddpqZIzT3i9MyvBGim8/s320/IMG_0554.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
I did manage to claim a small victory in a corner on the hill today! Woot! I picked this particular corner because you can see it from the couch in my living room when the curtains are open to the sliding glass door. I have been dreaming since I bought the house of being able to look out into the back yard and seeing a beautiful flower garden. I put a hollyhock at the back, a blue aster that is very bee-attractive, a couple "<a href="http://www.burpee.com/perennials/gaillardias/gaillardia-goblin-prod002065.html" target="_blank">goblin" gaillardia</a>, a white salvia, and the last two mums. I also put daffodil and tulip bulbs along the bricks next to them. I tried to build little dirt burms around the flowers to help keep the water from flowing down the slope. <br />
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In the spring I plan to put hollyhock seeds along the fence. I also want to work on making the slope less of a hill. I think by trying to put in steps instead of a slope I will have better success at growing things over there. Next year I also want to put in my apricot tree! <br />
<br />colimachiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04903718139469754305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4464880482451495163.post-69057703031892083162017-09-24T17:30:00.002-07:002017-09-24T17:30:38.938-07:00garden catch up part 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I think the easiest way to get caught up at this point is a few posts. This will be the first in a series of what I will call "garden catch up"! Oy vey, where did the summer go??? Doesn't everyone say that at he end of every season? I know I do.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwLjAWF00aF4NwyIV4siQ9Ruc_vFR_t46tiYdOYuteEt3jzYRiak2CLQX0S0DUQdOLOIYmJyMzej9UQtdiu-Sdl7w-HwNa-EqcyddekqbUU0cSve8xzD3tgD0QCHYf2l4vQxoZIUsFCHA/s1600/IMG_0363.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwLjAWF00aF4NwyIV4siQ9Ruc_vFR_t46tiYdOYuteEt3jzYRiak2CLQX0S0DUQdOLOIYmJyMzej9UQtdiu-Sdl7w-HwNa-EqcyddekqbUU0cSve8xzD3tgD0QCHYf2l4vQxoZIUsFCHA/s320/IMG_0363.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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So, we'll start with the veggie garden. This was so much fun and I learned so much. I should also mention this was my first real garden so I really had no idea what I was doing. I did a lot of googling, a lot of question asking, reading, etc. to get where I did with my garden. </div>
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Some things I thought going into this: I would have bumper crops of things and be able to can as I went. I did have bumper crops of patty pan squash, which are the cute yellow squash above. But, my cucumbers were kind of more of a slow steady trickle. My tomatoes did not really ripen. Green beans pooped out. And zucchini? Welp, I am still the only person who doesn't grow an abundance.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiJmkJeCHq_Uq9QSUM1XF9EC0yZO5riTo72E42VlyL0uPG71EkqlIyFvaaaqnl3EbJMTar2X-drNEUNo6zQuwlI66f1g8SO-JDBQSn4icKuMxklA_wLNXD0T11D-DwK01YzuOL2KBh9wM/s1600/IMG_0523.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiJmkJeCHq_Uq9QSUM1XF9EC0yZO5riTo72E42VlyL0uPG71EkqlIyFvaaaqnl3EbJMTar2X-drNEUNo6zQuwlI66f1g8SO-JDBQSn4icKuMxklA_wLNXD0T11D-DwK01YzuOL2KBh9wM/s320/IMG_0523.JPG" width="180" /></a></div>
<span style="text-align: center;">But! As you can see I did get things canned. I realized that I could just do small batches of pickles as I had the cukes. Luckily I was able to find fresh dill at the grocery store in big bouquet form since my dill did not even come up. I also was able to make strawberry rhubarb jam with rhubarb from my plant in the front yard. A coworker of mine gave me a big box of tomatoes from her garden that she couldn't use and I made a bunch of canned salsa, which was a first for me.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDwlovhQ3X3L73-1QgVWdHaVaqZ-OkV7xfJvYcFQ_0OvRewsCb9tf1z8ZHuXVKeDu5875yF1a_hkBWNfqF8OaZaLVwHAuRIGm93Adz415Nz3yh6R4K3ZfFHYKGCA84LVQo2WZ4lT-e3SY/s1600/IMG_0414.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDwlovhQ3X3L73-1QgVWdHaVaqZ-OkV7xfJvYcFQ_0OvRewsCb9tf1z8ZHuXVKeDu5875yF1a_hkBWNfqF8OaZaLVwHAuRIGm93Adz415Nz3yh6R4K3ZfFHYKGCA84LVQo2WZ4lT-e3SY/s320/IMG_0414.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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My spaghetti squash, pictured above, did really well - I think I got about 5 very, very large squash from one plant. </div>
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This past week was the first frost and everything died. Well, except for a couple leaves on a couple of my zucchini plants which have a couple very small squash so I'm leaving them be for the time being.</div>
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I've started a little list of what I need to do differently next year, how I want to rearrange things, what plants I want to do again, add to, etc. I had a great time with this garden and will definitely do another next year!</div>
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Some canning stats:</div>
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10 jars of salsa</div>
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8 jars of strawberry rhubarb jam</div>
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8 jars of dill pickles</div>
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<br />colimachiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04903718139469754305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4464880482451495163.post-50132358042751395782017-07-05T07:30:00.000-07:002017-09-07T15:28:15.541-07:00Inside projects<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So let's talk about indoor projects a bit. I've been in my house now over a year and have been collecting things to put on the walls. I am slowly starting to put things up. This little montage is in my dining room. The Amazing Grace sign was white and I just did a thin coat of a super light pink to get it to pop.</div>
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The close up here is a quilt square I made to fit in this 9 inch square frame. I know it's hard to see but on the top lefthand corner is a fabric I have been hoarding for seriously at <i>least </i>15-17 years!!! The fabric is too thin to use in an actual quilt but I thought, here's my chance! Oh how I love that couple caught in a tango. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPKiWBmVOuQ2zuwyjWfjQR6aTwhLBCc7g4VQb6W5Jc67h8cTZtEM-DzIj6-Q0TulD9nMq1uEtxJX75OGlQZeB-KabYpH-Wkps7ZsOo-28vMkBnGng0Ykhh8pDl3N5NID3B9naIkVtYz1A/s1600/IMG_0008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPKiWBmVOuQ2zuwyjWfjQR6aTwhLBCc7g4VQb6W5Jc67h8cTZtEM-DzIj6-Q0TulD9nMq1uEtxJX75OGlQZeB-KabYpH-Wkps7ZsOo-28vMkBnGng0Ykhh8pDl3N5NID3B9naIkVtYz1A/s320/IMG_0008.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdup6kP0Lj4l0hIba-Wh4gq7jj-JlYdqr3LieTsEaTpAACCDL-_A7KzgEnpigAx_EffmP1MabPnMLL3zona0NGT8oTDw_IVLAWRk9ROo5iL4GdYah1i-UA8fu0tEgK-Gvw8gEDxKs1vDM/s1600/IMG_0010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdup6kP0Lj4l0hIba-Wh4gq7jj-JlYdqr3LieTsEaTpAACCDL-_A7KzgEnpigAx_EffmP1MabPnMLL3zona0NGT8oTDw_IVLAWRk9ROo5iL4GdYah1i-UA8fu0tEgK-Gvw8gEDxKs1vDM/s320/IMG_0010.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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And next is this bookshelf. I don't have a before picture but if you can imagine a crappy unloved, dirty and stained wooden shelf then you'll get an idea of what the before was! haha! But, I took a step out of my comfort zone and bought an electric hand held sander and went for it! It was so much fun. So. Much. Fun. The hum of the sander drowns out all sound and it's just you and the wood and once you get the outer layer off the beauty starts to show itself. Then I could see the potential. I did like 2 coats of mahogany which I did not love so I followed it with a dark brown (don't remember the color name) minwax stain. </div>
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Before I got in my sewing room and books loaded on it I still wasn't sure. But that's the great thing with natural wood, you can always start over again! But, I really do like it so it's a win! This is just to the side of my sewing machine table in corner.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMHhVR_1V1K6iKMFR7qUF_uQ98wR7x_maXwQtHNR7sUMDG52HiB5SZESImXoPcKj4jbEAYKiroalTvnKMJVVXfzB7VbFp5vNKpmvYr7n5HjCc4x9ceafVuuuAxafM3PPlA_J-gZgKTpC8/s1600/IMG_0120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMHhVR_1V1K6iKMFR7qUF_uQ98wR7x_maXwQtHNR7sUMDG52HiB5SZESImXoPcKj4jbEAYKiroalTvnKMJVVXfzB7VbFp5vNKpmvYr7n5HjCc4x9ceafVuuuAxafM3PPlA_J-gZgKTpC8/s320/IMG_0120.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Hmmm, I don't know if I've introduced this hutch yet? Well if I have sorry to repeat myself! This is currently housing my yarn and sewing patterns and lots of miscellaneous stuff! But, I wanted something I could close the doors and hide some of my clutter so it works perfectly.</div>
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I finished this little red white and blue pom pom banner just in time for 4th of July. It's so cheery and has a bit of sparkle in it which I know you can't tell in the picture.</div>
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So I guess that's it for now. I had a lot to catch up with so I tried to break it into smaller posts but each one became it's own. I think we're up to current though. I do update more frequently on instagram because it's so easy to do! But, I know I'll keep my blog going as well because I tend to have more than just a caption to say on things. </div>
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Speaking of more to say, I have more to say. I'm still bumping along my widowhood journey as I know I always will. Lately, if it wasn't for this house to focus my time and energy into and my Mom to talk to, I wouldn't be in a great head space. Life at this stage can be kind of lonely...and there are occasional setbacks emotionally. I am thanking God for getting me through. I am slowly realizing that even though I am building a new dream and home for myself in the singular, Scott is still there always in my heart. In the beginning after he first died I did not think that was possible and felt I would be betraying him somehow. I guess I just wanted to put that out there for anyone else that may be at the beginning - the pain never leaves but it does change, you learn to live with it. And while I scoffed at the idea of "moving on", there is a way to live on still holding love in my heart. I will always miss him every day, that will never change. </div>
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<br />colimachiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04903718139469754305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4464880482451495163.post-78794394124707011162017-07-03T12:30:00.000-07:002017-09-07T15:28:15.628-07:00of socks and quiltsOkay, so, I finished a sock! yippee! My friend Leigh came out with a set of socks on Ravelry called <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/sources/louleighs-simple-socks" target="_blank">Louleigh's Simple Socks</a> (click for link). I followed the stitch pattern for the "Socks with holes in" and have really enjoyed it! The pattern is written for cuff down but is easily modified to do toe up, which is my preferred method. I just have gotten my toe and measurements down so I just figure out the pattern repeat and plug it into my numbers. <br />
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For the heel I did the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/sockmaticians-toe-ups" target="_blank">Sockmatician Toe Ups</a> (click for link) by Nathan Taylor. I did that heel on my last socks but didn't quite understand what I was doing so gave it another go. This time around I think it definitely clicked better and I had left myself a couple of notes that helped as well. My gauge is super tight though so I had to consciously relax my hands. That's no fault of the pattern obviously! ha! The yarn is exactly as everyone says about self striping: it is addictive! I just kept feeling like ooooh I want to see the next color.<br />
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In quilting news: I started this donut quilt. Not sure when? Maybe April or March? Anyways I had seen a quilt pattern called <a href="http://www.theworkroom.ca/store/johanna-masko-%3A-donuts-%3A-quilt-pattern/dp/8057" target="_blank">Donuts which is by Johanna Masko.</a> (click for link) I liked the idea but did not initially want to make it. Really what it comes down to is that I did not want to buy the pattern, which is generally what it comes down to with me and quilt patterns. </div>
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But the idea kept coming back up. So I figured out my own pattern based on the shape. Really if you look at it you can see that it is a cross between a <a href="http://www.allpeoplequilt.com/quilt-patterns/nine-patch-quilts" target="_blank">nine patch</a> and <a href="http://www.modabakeshop.com/2011/08/road-to-tennessee.html" target="_blank">road to Tennessee</a> blocks. I have not seen the pattern in person so I don't know what the pattern measurements and finished block sizes are, so I figured out the size I wanted to end up with and went from there! Right now I'm not planning a border. Each square color represents a different flavor. Chocolate brown, Berry, lemon, blueberry, sprinkles, strawberry, honey, lime. I think I'm going to do one more row and then call it good.</div>
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colimachiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04903718139469754305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4464880482451495163.post-70009846784431341462017-07-02T18:37:00.000-07:002017-09-07T15:28:15.607-07:00how does your garden grow?<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I've got lots of updates in my yard to share today. We'll start in the back yard which is honestly still pretty grody but has had a lot of progress made. </div>
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In the picture on the left is where I ended last summer. I had killed everything in the back yard and moved over the garden frame which was on the other side of the yard completely in the shade. The garden box was already here when I bought the house last year. The photo on the right shows the beginning of this spring. When everything started coming up green I was so excited! Then, after the first cutting I realized it was all fox tails!!!! Rude. So, I set about pulling them - by hand. It's verrrry slow going as you can imagine. But! If I weed eat them the heads that have the seeds just go on the ground so this way I am eliminating some of the seeds.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwIj4yw1MWt5RLfY6ZzWFhdTaYP2nmo75z13Em4ip0-dwPSBCDd6cV6eoT4DSYGoGzZNGQ44rX5Nltm_YxFyYDy6F8LlKx93iYPkxcGwN_K-WjFeuhnbmQz1a6LRjkaSCcpWKVnpTntuQ/s1600/IMG_4042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwIj4yw1MWt5RLfY6ZzWFhdTaYP2nmo75z13Em4ip0-dwPSBCDd6cV6eoT4DSYGoGzZNGQ44rX5Nltm_YxFyYDy6F8LlKx93iYPkxcGwN_K-WjFeuhnbmQz1a6LRjkaSCcpWKVnpTntuQ/s320/IMG_4042.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggZOfJphCAKbbF7Mzz8qICuELYIgajauF6mRqNWc0x8iuYUQlKD3i2lz_ch9G7Tp3rUeH7V0eCtdKaYItX_6NRcVV9P0k1me_OjP3vy5WOq-S-NBTXRhTxJ5ScFvr2rWYkfK8sDxE1pHI/s1600/IMG_3130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggZOfJphCAKbbF7Mzz8qICuELYIgajauF6mRqNWc0x8iuYUQlKD3i2lz_ch9G7Tp3rUeH7V0eCtdKaYItX_6NRcVV9P0k1me_OjP3vy5WOq-S-NBTXRhTxJ5ScFvr2rWYkfK8sDxE1pHI/s320/IMG_3130.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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And here we have the day I planted the garden!!!! Oh that was an exciting day for sure. I bought already grown plants for most things. Next year I will start things from seed indoors. I'm learning, slowly but surely! See that cart in the background? That is my weeding cart. I try and fill at least one or two cart fulls every day. This past couple of weeks I have not been hitting that mark but still do something every chance I can. Slow and steady I am reclaiming my back yard!</div>
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So photo on the left after a nice drenching rain. Photo on the right this afternoon. I thinned out the onions in the bottom lefthand corner so I know it looks bleak but they are just thin shoots but still there.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHeNIkad2cHNXwqkAXxGw45xlN7ukL_eVUyZJPp2OUZLbiTiXnwTKeQivUxYdiGsjS1kR7MvThOF2nJnB7BZNkuK4Soc-3zuUxKNHOUkuIGnVshAESJJaGVlaoGJomJvmuy1zz092zo1Q/s1600/IMG_0109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHeNIkad2cHNXwqkAXxGw45xlN7ukL_eVUyZJPp2OUZLbiTiXnwTKeQivUxYdiGsjS1kR7MvThOF2nJnB7BZNkuK4Soc-3zuUxKNHOUkuIGnVshAESJJaGVlaoGJomJvmuy1zz092zo1Q/s320/IMG_0109.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA10M2cH7MeMtOTnS6b9RUHcZPniYVidXO9BbjqRNSexYTP4vjfvSePnWEC0ScxHgvnmuX1aKKfDx8S9Ed08rG_TPPseE7wq6BJ5bPzB8Bx9GWeiL8MY8tzbgAL_dlJUswSJfJp5Cy7Bc/s1600/IMG_0070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA10M2cH7MeMtOTnS6b9RUHcZPniYVidXO9BbjqRNSexYTP4vjfvSePnWEC0ScxHgvnmuX1aKKfDx8S9Ed08rG_TPPseE7wq6BJ5bPzB8Bx9GWeiL8MY8tzbgAL_dlJUswSJfJp5Cy7Bc/s320/IMG_0070.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
And I have baby tomatoes!!!!!!! Oh happy day! I have one group that will be yellow pears and another group of cherry tomatoes. I have not had any success growing tomatoes up here in the past so this is very exciting!<br />
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Now for the front yard. The front is like a whole different house. Ha! My HOA takes care of the lawn in the front yard, keeping it green, aerating and mowing. So it's lush in front and weed free. I have two flower beds, one on either side of my walkway. This first picture is in front of my living room window and there's a bit of a covered porch area behind the roses. The roses and rhubarb were already here, and the rest before I started planting was grass and weeds. I pulled everything out back to dirt and planted flowers. The purple is veronica, in front of that are pink carnations, next is a spirea that is small now but will be a shrub eventually. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOtUx3zGTMzyYjmmzO9Ok2T33gRbrkIx48zw0DmOhHzhV2bf-PboygW_xGPqKaeJWTN83RKhBxErDPI4fYNU_gsd61P7oTT4MQD38P7ptPvbaOBbRKGXPEaqj5PIeALkOjzJVDtR_0I6c/s1600/IMG_0061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOtUx3zGTMzyYjmmzO9Ok2T33gRbrkIx48zw0DmOhHzhV2bf-PboygW_xGPqKaeJWTN83RKhBxErDPI4fYNU_gsd61P7oTT4MQD38P7ptPvbaOBbRKGXPEaqj5PIeALkOjzJVDtR_0I6c/s320/IMG_0061.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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The flower bed on the other side I don't have as many photos yet. On that side there is a giant rose bush that was already there, and tucked behind it was a clump of lilies. It also was full of grass and weeds. I did the same thing here, pulled it all back to dirt. There are also a bunch of rocks so it makes me think at one point maybe it was filled in with gravel? Anyway, I thinned out the lily plant and divided it into 6 plants and spaced those evenly in front. In the back row on either side of the rosebush I alternated lavender and purple salvia. In between each lily plant I put in some iris tubers that a friend gave me from her garden. <br />
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Everything is filling in very well, which makes me happy. I can see what I want it all to look like in my mind's eye. I know it's going to take a long time to get rid of the weeds and replace with healthy grass and flowers. But! With God's grace I have hope.<br />
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<br />colimachiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04903718139469754305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4464880482451495163.post-75090180651959069592017-04-23T18:33:00.001-07:002017-09-07T15:28:15.617-07:00slow mo socks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So I took a bit of a social media break for Lent. I am not Catholic but I do like to try and do Lent. I find I learn something valuable each time I do. This year was no different. I learned a lot about my motivations. I found that I didn't really miss facebook except for friends and family who actually post things about their real lives. I did not miss at all, even a bit, the memes and videos and junk that clog up my feed. That bit I could do completely without. Which is why Instagram was so hard to give up for me. But even Instagram has a bit of a disconnect sometimes in the personal-ness that I crave. When it comes down to it, nothing is a substitute for real life relationships! The thing is, in my real life I am pretty limited when it comes to crafty folk that I click with so I try to piece together podcasts, instagram, facebook, ravelry to make up for it. I think that's pretty common really.</div>
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Anyways! Just a little explanation of where I've been for awhile. I did get some knitting done. Not as much as I thought I would really. I started this pair of socks on Christmas Eve to join along with <a href="http://www.littlebobbins.co.uk/" target="_blank">Dani (Little Bobbins</a>) Christmas Eve Cast On. I decided to try out a new heel on this pair, a pattern by Nathan Taylor called <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/sockmaticians-toe-ups" target="_blank">Sockmatician's Toe Ups</a> which you can find on Ravelry. I've also linked the pattern. </div>
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I just have to say that I did not at all get what I was doing in this pattern!!! I really only followed the heel part of the pattern so that's all I can speak to. This was my first sort of traditional heel flap gusset type heel and it did not make any sense to me! I think if I had done one previously it would make more sense because now that I have done these it makes sense. The first sock luckily I put in a life line, I ripped that heel back probably 3 times. </div>
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At some point it finally clicked for me what I should be doing. I did knit these concurrently to try out that method, not sure that is really my bag. I don't get second sock syndrome, in fact, I think the finishing of the first one is so exciting it spurs me to finish the second quicker. But, I am very, very happy with the outcome on these. They fit so well! I will definitely try the heel again, they fit so well and look great.</div>
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This next project I actually started while I was at the coast for Scott's 4th Angelversary. I find it comforting to be on the beach on that day. It's just a hard day no matter what but going to the beach that we loved makes it easier. Listening to the ocean is healing.</div>
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I had Rocky with me again this year, by now he's familiar with the routine. He pretty much napped the whole day while I looked for agates, journaled and knit. I bought this yarn last year at the little shop in Crescent City. It reminds me of the redwood trees all along Highway 101 in Northern California. I'm calling this shawl my Humboldt 101 Shawl. The pattern is <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/whispering-pines" target="_blank">Whispering Pines</a> by Molly of <a href="http://ahomespunhouse.com/" target="_blank">A Homespun House</a>, I've linked the pattern. It's been really nice to work on something with a bit bigger needles that is growing pretty quickly. After the slow mo socks it's perfect!</div>
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<br />colimachiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04903718139469754305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4464880482451495163.post-81271173754117582922017-02-11T13:33:00.001-08:002017-09-07T15:28:15.646-07:00My Georgie girlThis little turkey cat just has to be in the middle of everything! So this my sweet kitty girl George. Last weekend I had cut out 6 project bags and was sewing them production line style and she was putting a kink in the works at every turn! Here you can see her laying right on top of my fabric.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdrgO_jKwFfMS0bnU-jg4hFemklcWrcXHvY7cYpZKSDg2DSG3bgoUOant_S_kRz1tpXxoWVChZr7wnwjNOYU4xz7hE5sMcEhMhZ8VVcFZNOZMTM8w5p-nbWWv5fA4J7n77kfNEKtiRMaI/s1600/IMG_3825%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdrgO_jKwFfMS0bnU-jg4hFemklcWrcXHvY7cYpZKSDg2DSG3bgoUOant_S_kRz1tpXxoWVChZr7wnwjNOYU4xz7hE5sMcEhMhZ8VVcFZNOZMTM8w5p-nbWWv5fA4J7n77kfNEKtiRMaI/s320/IMG_3825%255B1%255D.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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As if that were not intrusive enough, as I was sewing she would put her little face through my sewing machine! Inspector George! I would gently push her back which I assume she interpreted as affection because then she really came through the machine seeking attention :) Silly girl</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYVJ52dQixyk6SSrIza2uye9DH4RrCEL5c3idO9MAFjT4sXWq_vydYq2bjO-dDn9OcY8MvG2bmBMfxMLUZPLpJPc8tQT4RJVeo0TaA90LsgwWAwPrKajNHt_pG1JqKArV9pIpkjE2SPcM/s1600/IMG_3827%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYVJ52dQixyk6SSrIza2uye9DH4RrCEL5c3idO9MAFjT4sXWq_vydYq2bjO-dDn9OcY8MvG2bmBMfxMLUZPLpJPc8tQT4RJVeo0TaA90LsgwWAwPrKajNHt_pG1JqKArV9pIpkjE2SPcM/s320/IMG_3827%255B1%255D.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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So today is much of the same except today she keeps getting into my chair when I get up to iron something! Gotta love her ππ</div>
colimachiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04903718139469754305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4464880482451495163.post-67142312925386025812017-01-29T18:43:00.000-08:002017-09-07T15:28:15.584-07:00sewing update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Okay, fair warning: there are lots of photos in this post! Sorry about it. I've taken too long of a break and now need a bit of a catch up. </div>
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First, a word about the break. I discovered that my blog was being spammed, which did no harm really. But it did discourage me. I thought real people were reading my blog but it was just computer spam and grody porn links. I guess seeing the number of "readers" go up made me feel like I was connecting with other crafty people. When I found out that wasn't the case it made me feel sour to blogging.</div>
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But! I'm not going to let it keep me down. I know my Mom sometimes reads and maybe a handful of real people....so I'm going to get back to it.</div>
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So even though I haven't been blogging I have been very busy crafting! Yes, yes. I am not going to share every little thing but here are some favorites. I have a knitty friend in my bible study who I noticed did not have a proper project bag. I sewed one up, realized it was too small, and made another bigger. I kept the smaller one as it is perfect for socks! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2sG2LHagLq5_u1crZaXMG_uczVUd9hyRQ7eyVcEdn7UhZX8S4cK2O4QUdREcYAuqoY-coqhsoPjmcQSadNhyphenhyphenri1vqLIeU8RBKI5DZJ-qO2kAKRC-TXHp0atXx8UP8HQu1usK56LpNDIw/s1600/IMG_3584%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2sG2LHagLq5_u1crZaXMG_uczVUd9hyRQ7eyVcEdn7UhZX8S4cK2O4QUdREcYAuqoY-coqhsoPjmcQSadNhyphenhyphenri1vqLIeU8RBKI5DZJ-qO2kAKRC-TXHp0atXx8UP8HQu1usK56LpNDIw/s320/IMG_3584%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Mom: if you can tell in this picture below - the bottom bit of this bag is the fabric I was telling you about. You can click directly on the picture to make it bigger. It's like a thicker cotton and natural. I really love the contrast.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjykRyGulrqyQqnUl-LZWTU5fHPGSYp1XWBKiqdKaFzIHjf0-LjWv1RAqzUOvieuVnhk-iLKIKADECSJY22-1jTfngA1NM4S9ZPkTSfH8OluOMFxtH0RCkqkLf_7j5Lq7DqTucH5xRKUA/s1600/IMG_3582%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjykRyGulrqyQqnUl-LZWTU5fHPGSYp1XWBKiqdKaFzIHjf0-LjWv1RAqzUOvieuVnhk-iLKIKADECSJY22-1jTfngA1NM4S9ZPkTSfH8OluOMFxtH0RCkqkLf_7j5Lq7DqTucH5xRKUA/s320/IMG_3582%255B1%255D.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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I have a window box above my sink in the kitchen that George likes to jump up into. I made a little kitty mat for her to make it a bit more cozy. I used some of my very favorite hoarded fabrics. Grin πThere's little piggies and all fun whimsy.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhczBYK-TguEZCWcj46YVxfRhKr7vWPL0BkPGkh42GFoewZhhLTYv7WIpHDBB5_Zn1OUO8a9mm3H4qGWFu7svOktB8uGc-cqu0ktDoTV8nvU7X-ecczQHp6zX97eJOduzO7nxIsSroqMqs/s1600/IMG_3634%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhczBYK-TguEZCWcj46YVxfRhKr7vWPL0BkPGkh42GFoewZhhLTYv7WIpHDBB5_Zn1OUO8a9mm3H4qGWFu7svOktB8uGc-cqu0ktDoTV8nvU7X-ecczQHp6zX97eJOduzO7nxIsSroqMqs/s320/IMG_3634%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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And there she is in the window box, Miss George herself.</div>
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This is my latest zipper pouch make. The natural/off white is cotton duck so it's really sturdy and nice. Then I just did a strip of a favorite print and crochet cotton trim. This has gone into my storage box to sell at a later date.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxmosv5MO3c4ye6j7fOD3YtuyUmVuxM5wmcNFZpigKgbmI7OodlX8Rc7Fzclaq-bx0xi7SYuAc-3Qx0h4YZjFFgAkSBxQed7_8SAoKvxtrTjjyGp6Y6JMX33aMltSA3q3cbX4mXatFDjk/s1600/IMG_3767%255B2%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxmosv5MO3c4ye6j7fOD3YtuyUmVuxM5wmcNFZpigKgbmI7OodlX8Rc7Fzclaq-bx0xi7SYuAc-3Qx0h4YZjFFgAkSBxQed7_8SAoKvxtrTjjyGp6Y6JMX33aMltSA3q3cbX4mXatFDjk/s320/IMG_3767%255B2%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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This next project was one of those ones you don't really see coming. But it had to be made! After I took down all the Christmas decorations the house was a bit bare (not really). Right now is like limbo time for holiday decorating. There is still snow on the ground so Spring doesn't feel right yet but I'm over Winter..... So! I'm just putting up colorful stuff that makes me happy. </div>
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Last year I made a similar pattern for a pillow and really love it. I figured out some larger measurements and voila!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6_6v0jwLw26RJpIGp3iTBy6qACRvdUGfBQ7PfCzQ53pbazw9V-RKanitZ8b3CLR6ZVIl_8sAk2VA2uabA6b1GwWxxmrpi_E27kU2bYEYsYm2r0hYeCGKgAvxfIPzlf_fZTcqMpdS_yfE/s1600/IMG_3780%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6_6v0jwLw26RJpIGp3iTBy6qACRvdUGfBQ7PfCzQ53pbazw9V-RKanitZ8b3CLR6ZVIl_8sAk2VA2uabA6b1GwWxxmrpi_E27kU2bYEYsYm2r0hYeCGKgAvxfIPzlf_fZTcqMpdS_yfE/s320/IMG_3780%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here it is up on the mantel. Sorry the lighting is pretty much crap as the sun has gone down. I know it's hard to see but the main fabric is the most delicate pink and I bound the quilt with black and white stripes. Oh yeah, you can see the pillow on the chair on the right that inspired this quilt. I have to say it's super easy but the effect is striking (to me).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY-YGwZQuZL8XYRFXY68WlYFGewF5S3QyR2JxfNjChO6Xf_BNQYJhyphenhyphenx6b8fCfdmQ7KYreu4nLpmktleDNeIyC7GDBhQEJnPaEQlfg2X3kd-jXChYr4WMBITq3GblKgj-Mi8JZ4AZhsZMM/s1600/IMG_3791%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY-YGwZQuZL8XYRFXY68WlYFGewF5S3QyR2JxfNjChO6Xf_BNQYJhyphenhyphenx6b8fCfdmQ7KYreu4nLpmktleDNeIyC7GDBhQEJnPaEQlfg2X3kd-jXChYr4WMBITq3GblKgj-Mi8JZ4AZhsZMM/s320/IMG_3791%255B1%255D.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Welp, I think that's pretty much it for now. Next time I think I'll share more knitted items because I have been up to that as well. Have a great week!</div>
<br />colimachiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04903718139469754305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4464880482451495163.post-67287220044017363062016-10-30T15:07:00.000-07:002017-09-07T15:28:15.593-07:00giving rusty chairs new lifeI've started a project that is kind of exciting and out of my regular wheelhouse. Kind of. It involves rusty chairs and spray paint. <br />
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It all started really by buying this house. That has a dining room. And space. And I have friends. That I like. That may want to come over sometime. It's kind of around that time when you invite peeps over that you realize you need chairs for said peeps to sit on. While I do have a good amount of chairs (6), what if friends bring friends? What then?! You need more chairs, temporary chairs.<br />
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So, I found some old rusty fold up chairs that are actually really sturdy. I thought maybe I can give them new life? Pretty paint, perhaps. Yes!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfFiqKqQX0lSxpeVcevKOm-5Tf3rx51e9DV-qA5zhfwEgEB3BrxZkKD-M2bCx9FzTN6fW_8vp3wd75EssAx_A8H1bLPrqxPZAnwyvFwyhckzsqazK8Edys5yLR4rRVl3AUCMYcefa4bio/s1600/IMG_3414%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfFiqKqQX0lSxpeVcevKOm-5Tf3rx51e9DV-qA5zhfwEgEB3BrxZkKD-M2bCx9FzTN6fW_8vp3wd75EssAx_A8H1bLPrqxPZAnwyvFwyhckzsqazK8Edys5yLR4rRVl3AUCMYcefa4bio/s320/IMG_3414%255B1%255D.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Here we are at the beginning after a bath, drying in the sun that lasted a couple hours this morning. One is very, very rusty and the other is on it's way to very, very rusty.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBRPp39fuaThLCbfX5fpuH2PuMrnba4dtwuKaubZStbVMwOP6pUEzPeMBm5fo-wqELBOc7h-Htyb2y8lzKUsaNbjaq6e7RURJq1SpuCDDybif0fH0wDnQKiRJcAkk-KKXyqLDJu6-X-iw/s1600/IMG_3415%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBRPp39fuaThLCbfX5fpuH2PuMrnba4dtwuKaubZStbVMwOP6pUEzPeMBm5fo-wqELBOc7h-Htyb2y8lzKUsaNbjaq6e7RURJq1SpuCDDybif0fH0wDnQKiRJcAkk-KKXyqLDJu6-X-iw/s320/IMG_3415%255B1%255D.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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I sprayed the chairs with a<a href="https://www.rustoleum.com/product-catalog/consumer-brands/stops-rust/rusty-metal-primer-spray/" target="_blank"> rust primer by Rustoleum</a>. One can covered both chairs! They already look so much better!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihs0mjehSm0aDtwA9quWQW6JCc0sG8BvIpt42c6FUv2gs2Ko4PKARSsK6v4b5zOtohyr1C6-RlC41XOg-eZolQZ9U5EIhJJR6zaAJfOk5IDVY61_e8OlBGkFFsAoBpKq1J7Dovr5UMIDA/s1600/IMG_3431%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihs0mjehSm0aDtwA9quWQW6JCc0sG8BvIpt42c6FUv2gs2Ko4PKARSsK6v4b5zOtohyr1C6-RlC41XOg-eZolQZ9U5EIhJJR6zaAJfOk5IDVY61_e8OlBGkFFsAoBpKq1J7Dovr5UMIDA/s320/IMG_3431%255B1%255D.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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After the primer dried I sprayed two coats of color. I picked two really bright, fun colors that I like. That way if I find more grody chairs I can just pick a bright color and they will match without having to be exactly the same. Now I'm waiting for the paint to dry and catching up on podcasts. I figured I'd cover the top with the most paint then flip them and spray the bottom a bit.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQSsYHz1Vz7mjKa8uFC-sPTHGk7niLrSfv3tEWLDZ2ru6-MSL86XXjrMmQpmZbqnZYbX5y8XmzbtyCHV0DaYzs_ddCSzm8zmA0flR-cRpWVbrDxaBTAe1p0zgJfB3qtn09ostnEhe561Q/s1600/IMG_3434%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQSsYHz1Vz7mjKa8uFC-sPTHGk7niLrSfv3tEWLDZ2ru6-MSL86XXjrMmQpmZbqnZYbX5y8XmzbtyCHV0DaYzs_ddCSzm8zmA0flR-cRpWVbrDxaBTAe1p0zgJfB3qtn09ostnEhe561Q/s320/IMG_3434%255B1%255D.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Here are the dry chairs:</div>
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So, now that I have them inside the house with good lighting I can tell that I missed spots on the pink chair. Does it bother me enough to buy another can of spray paint??? Not sure yet. I also need to find rubber feet for the ends of the chair legs as a few legs are missing them. But! Don't these look better than the rusty grody chairs at the beginning? I would actually feel comfortable sitting on one of these, which was the point.</div>
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What I learned: </div>
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* When the can says don't spray on a windy day, it means it.</div>
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* Good lighting is key to full coverage</div>
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* pick colors that are fun!</div>
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* Patience, patience, patience. Waiting for the paint to dry is key before touching!</div>
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* Don't give up on grody rusty chairs, paint can do wonders</div>
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colimachiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04903718139469754305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4464880482451495163.post-61872535969996583802016-10-27T07:40:00.001-07:002017-09-07T15:28:15.568-07:00all the sparkleGood morning! I'm just popping on here this morning to say hello and share my sock progress. It's a rainy morning so light is not great....but you can see all the SPARKLE! This yarn is so fun, each color is super vibrant and the glitter thread in it stands out so well!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwnJc43fl4kXZr_o3iwb25idYss06uUhgWCiaQKlG1EE4dnUtS5_EiamZN9Lec_0Z6Scs9SsNaxal3yMT6CJt9qREFcJ2hfQV6AubUoilXeklBj-uGCR5uyxG6tuzVRHwnCnuQIQtAO54/s1600/IMG_3407%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwnJc43fl4kXZr_o3iwb25idYss06uUhgWCiaQKlG1EE4dnUtS5_EiamZN9Lec_0Z6Scs9SsNaxal3yMT6CJt9qREFcJ2hfQV6AubUoilXeklBj-uGCR5uyxG6tuzVRHwnCnuQIQtAO54/s400/IMG_3407%255B1%255D.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
colimachiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04903718139469754305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4464880482451495163.post-60850814323666976152016-10-23T17:12:00.002-07:002017-09-07T15:28:15.563-07:00lots of little things, a catch upI didn't mean to take a long break from blogging, but it sort of happened. I've noticed that when I have a lot on my mind that it's hard for me to keep it light here on the blog. So what I thought I'd do to kind of ease back into the routine is show a few pictures from the last week.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxrekJqe5Za3sCaDVCl0UiUWBe6DKoS5QyxpJApbwDBGu_YOC4Ose7UuEF4eTOcF37R6E1T28475XEiENrTTGwkHxZBXbYp_POidQO51Uk3i21XOSnvFGy3zXp6BINU2lccKeyDfpfxzU/s1600/IMG_3360%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxrekJqe5Za3sCaDVCl0UiUWBe6DKoS5QyxpJApbwDBGu_YOC4Ose7UuEF4eTOcF37R6E1T28475XEiENrTTGwkHxZBXbYp_POidQO51Uk3i21XOSnvFGy3zXp6BINU2lccKeyDfpfxzU/s320/IMG_3360%255B1%255D.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Last weekend I drove down and visited my Mom for the weekend. Every year about this time I really love to go to a pumpkin patch. I love to go with my Mom because she is not daunted one bit by my excitement, she mostly eggs me on! ha! There's a fruit stand outside Red Bluff that does a pumpkin patch and then sets them out for you to pick from. There is one in Chico that people were raving about last year but it was a huge disappointment so we went back to the tried and true fruit stand that we love. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzmMe8nYFdQXa7OFFQfdotWl943OEr6mY6jja2hgguq2fkZu8KumdWjvM7owb6eDvpXcyxOdEV86HI4r8vfOtK8oWBndryjlA_0JmoTgJM9a4wL2KLR5WTASf-xGnlYccBLAhx3C_efUI/s1600/IMG_3403%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzmMe8nYFdQXa7OFFQfdotWl943OEr6mY6jja2hgguq2fkZu8KumdWjvM7owb6eDvpXcyxOdEV86HI4r8vfOtK8oWBndryjlA_0JmoTgJM9a4wL2KLR5WTASf-xGnlYccBLAhx3C_efUI/s320/IMG_3403%255B1%255D.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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I got a bunch of tiny fun pumpkins that I took to the office to share and then kept these large ones for my house. Mom had given me this step-stool, and as I was taking it out of the car to put in the house I thought the pumpkins would look fun on it! </div>
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I took my little mouse along to show Mom and also finish knitting up the dress. Mom decided her name is Hortence! ha! Here she is amongst some Fall decorations in my house. Isn't she cute?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEcQOEVEUctXVnYQawEF-IXYIDlOflWMgUmtqCeRlAP0-E-7DHKFKnXTzxqg05rD4gHDvpzV-ANeK9LTX75-ngBYXQwAaCZowLOIQ39xWw-BIA-RyY0ePDUB1b2xMQrLl3SQK-TzgymUQ/s1600/IMG_3400%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEcQOEVEUctXVnYQawEF-IXYIDlOflWMgUmtqCeRlAP0-E-7DHKFKnXTzxqg05rD4gHDvpzV-ANeK9LTX75-ngBYXQwAaCZowLOIQ39xWw-BIA-RyY0ePDUB1b2xMQrLl3SQK-TzgymUQ/s320/IMG_3400%255B1%255D.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Awhile ago I planted some Red Hot Poker plants, but since it was the end of the season I fully did not expect any blooms. I was walking through the back yard yesterday and what did I find? A little bloom!!!! Oh how my heart leapt. Just love this. </div>
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Oh man, this cross stitch frame is a long time coming! Oy vey. You may not remember that I have been working on the<a href="https://www.thefrostedpumpkinstitchery.com/collections/all-pdf-patterns/products/2015-story-time-sampler-cross-stitch-pattern" target="_blank"> Storytime Sampler</a> by <a href="https://www.thefrostedpumpkinstitchery.com/" target="_blank">the Frosted Pumpkin Stitchery</a>, because it's been a million years since I've worked on it. Yikes. The thing is, I was hoping that Harry Potter would be one of the frames. I was waiting each month, hoping he would be the next story. Since I've been so slow at stitching this I've been able to see the work others have done on Instagram. I had made up my mind to just stitch the pattern the way it was written, just go with it. But, I kept thinking of Harry. There was one lady who replaced another frame with Harry and I thought, I should do that. But, then I felt conflicted about copying her. I started the September frame which was Black Beauty. Then was distracted a couple months. When I picked it up again I realized that the train already in that pattern could be the Hogwarts train! As I started to think more about it, I realized I could pick parts from other patterns and frames and mix them together to make Harry. I used one of the empty frames in the pattern and played around with colored pencils until I came up with this:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWpQEPBXK2yOPPqS1u4KaOGdEtn8LdG-xQn_J0rLN_CKwo9-jy_29D-o_JR9Gon_smvfvwfKCil-UXo9gb5JesP9VC2e2a72VXk8rsXA83Ra6WeaBzmJWhbyODWL3h7py8m6hVSVAKXt0/s1600/IMG_3395%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWpQEPBXK2yOPPqS1u4KaOGdEtn8LdG-xQn_J0rLN_CKwo9-jy_29D-o_JR9Gon_smvfvwfKCil-UXo9gb5JesP9VC2e2a72VXk8rsXA83Ra6WeaBzmJWhbyODWL3h7py8m6hVSVAKXt0/s320/IMG_3395%255B1%255D.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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It's not perfect, but I'm happy with it because it represents one of my most favorite book series. I'm glad that I deviated from the pattern :)</div>
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This next picture is a two-fold project picture. Since I finished Hortence the mouse I allowed myself to cast on some socks! Yes! I don't even know why I am so strict with myself project-wise because I've been longing to knit socks for weeks. So, I took yarn with me to Mom's house and the second I finished the dress for Hortence I cast on these socks. I wanted to add a little texture and luckily remembered the Hermione's Everyday Sock pattern stitch so that's what I've been working on knitwise. I bought this fabric at the quilt fabric store in Chico and this morning made it into a needle cozy. I had been wanting to make one using these poppers as closures. I also added a bit of batting and quilted straight lines. Sorry it's sideways, not sure how to fix that. I just love this fabric, it will be fun to use it every day on with these socks.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnAejc0XBV1nuUChRd2Mmw294_Gz31-sqhf3FyiUpqVucMPcLNReLQcvgnKuDc6SPhyphenhyphenKAs-Qfler77VRChsERrO-07xvzTlF-3WaCXYJA1-S_SrthLJfAnXPKiAzISB3tVn1Nw1j-7i0o/s1600/IMG_3397%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnAejc0XBV1nuUChRd2Mmw294_Gz31-sqhf3FyiUpqVucMPcLNReLQcvgnKuDc6SPhyphenhyphenKAs-Qfler77VRChsERrO-07xvzTlF-3WaCXYJA1-S_SrthLJfAnXPKiAzISB3tVn1Nw1j-7i0o/s400/IMG_3397%255B1%255D.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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In other news, I think I may be out of the non reading brain fog caused by grief. Before my husband passed 3.5 years ago I was a bookworm. After, I could still read but my attention span and retention was just not there. It's slowly been coming back, thankfully! I read an entire book in one night last Friday at Mom's house! Crazy. I had been wanting to see the movie The Girl on the Train and Mom gave me the book to read before seeing the movie. I read the whole thing, that night. It's funny, now that I've read it I'm not sure I want to see the movie - ha! </div>
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Sorry this was so long to catch up, and such a long post. Hope you all have a great week!</div>
colimachiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04903718139469754305noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4464880482451495163.post-55321991471785669292016-10-02T18:46:00.001-07:002017-09-07T15:28:15.547-07:00off to a good start<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I have a couple of finishes to share with you this week. Lately, I've been in a stitching mood, like cross stitch. Mostly because I want the finished product, ha! I really love the <a href="https://www.thefrostedpumpkinstitchery.com/" target="_blank">Frosted Pumpkin Stitchery</a> patterns and follow them on Instagram. Right now one of their new patterns is Trick or Treat Costume Club. I dig it, but know for myself I need a quicker project. I saw that there was a smaller pattern similar to the bigger one in the <a href="http://www.just-crossstitch.com/shopping.php?mode=current_sip" target="_blank">Halloween special issue of Just CrossStitch</a> magazine. </div>
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It turned out so cute!!! I was going to just clip it on this little pedestal I have on my entryway table. But, then I remembered seeing some people make little cushions with little patterns. I did add rick rack around the edges and a ribbon loop. So, the magazine pattern had a light grey fabric but I could not find any grey cross stitch fabric locally and was too impatient to order any! ha! Due to using black I had to rethink the black bits in the pattern. So the girl's costume I did a light grey and then the bats I decided lime would be fun.</div>
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So this next project I finished yesterday. It's funny, while I was knitting socks I was trying to hurry up and finish so I could start a little animal. The last week I've been hurrying to finish this little mouse so I can start socks! ha<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ784yvtobGkYhS8LqrHzTJ-ku1CKl9SXjsDCuYMYuYoBts3s0svisNCIzS6pjOGLQRt-j26MnXYLw7F4mj0vpybsF8qRryEKIJbbeIUT0Ct_tf5XH-KsqTa5npNL-jSJKlYTy4AAsurI/s1600/IMG_3330%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ784yvtobGkYhS8LqrHzTJ-ku1CKl9SXjsDCuYMYuYoBts3s0svisNCIzS6pjOGLQRt-j26MnXYLw7F4mj0vpybsF8qRryEKIJbbeIUT0Ct_tf5XH-KsqTa5npNL-jSJKlYTy4AAsurI/s320/IMG_3330%255B1%255D.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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I've made this pattern before basically. It's the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/mrs-bakery-bear" target="_blank">Mrs. Bakery Bear pattern</a> by Kay Jones of the Bakery Bears podcast. In the previous incarnation I altered the bear pattern to a kitten. I thought I'd be making another kitten when I started this pattern.</div>
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I think I've said before that I feel like a pattern "speaks" to me while I'm making it. I know that makes me sound crazy. But, while I'm knitting, crocheting or sewing a doll or animal I start to think of it's story. Which then influences how the stuffie is made. This one did not really have a story, which is why it took me until I had finished all the pieces except the nose and ears. She also does not have a name yet which is also unusual for me.</div>
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I'm really pleased with her nose. I followed the pattern for the bear and thought I'd see if I could make it pointy like a snout. I did a couple extra decrease rows and that worked! Then, I stitched the light pink across the point several times to fill it in and then went round to shape it. The little smile is really what made her personable! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMwHNwgY875eqCb49N15kAfz55SlmgkBAGlwBNc4TH8W1plQCGWoICfULsGE5K-CgdvOjbtn8fkm5YS0Mq6JpGIfx2dzJxxqeBrWTrbKIG8p9TdUaqwYuzvDWtYA5fDc7rHdR-YWMYTVY/s1600/IMG_3333%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMwHNwgY875eqCb49N15kAfz55SlmgkBAGlwBNc4TH8W1plQCGWoICfULsGE5K-CgdvOjbtn8fkm5YS0Mq6JpGIfx2dzJxxqeBrWTrbKIG8p9TdUaqwYuzvDWtYA5fDc7rHdR-YWMYTVY/s320/IMG_3333%255B1%255D.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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And the ears. How sweet are they? The modification I made on these were stitching them in stockinette instead of garter. I knew I was going to line them so I wanted the outer part of the ear to be more like the rest of the body, which is stockinette. I thought about lining them with felt but then changed my tune to fabric. This has the tiniest rosettes. I sewed some half circles into the middle of the ear and then pulled the edges towards the center to kind of gather the ear, then sewed them to the head. I think it worked well. I'll update once I get the dress finished.</div>
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So, I know it's Fall but today really feels like Winter already! We've had rain, hail and currently it is 40 degrees out! Brrrrrrr. I did catch this rainbow in my back yard! It was a full rainbow but since I was pretty close could only get a portion. So pretty!</div>
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<br />colimachiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04903718139469754305noreply@blogger.com0