tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59504824479600959422024-03-19T13:27:33.554+01:00Practically PippyAdd a little Pip to life one project at a time! My adventures in all things crafty. Drawing, painting, crochet, quilting, etc.Karen Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07466929868600809339noreply@blogger.comBlogger94125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5950482447960095942.post-10454462306996049812016-11-20T09:52:00.001+01:002016-11-20T21:26:11.536+01:00Quilted Christmas Wreath Pillow<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Welcome to the November HO, HO, Ho and On We Sew link party!</span></div>
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I can't believe how fast this year has gone by! It's already November (crunch time), and if you've been following along all year, I know that all your Christmas gifts are made and out the door by now :-) What? you still need to make just one more little gift for someone? If you think that you can squeeze in just one more Christmas make, then how about a modern, fun Christmas wreath pillow to adorn your favorite chair, couch, or bed. <br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/30984988662/in/dateposted-public/" title="Modern Quilted Christmas Wreath Tutorial at http://www.practicallypippy.blogspot.com"><img alt="Modern Quilted Christmas Wreath Tutorial at http://www.practicallypippy.blogspot.com" height="338" src="https://c7.staticflickr.com/6/5472/30984988662_c1a021983c.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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Every month on the 18th, Fiona at <a href="http://celticthistlestitches.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Celtic Thistle Stitches</a> will be hosting a link party where we can showcase our holiday makes and get inspired and motivated to work towards our Christmas project goals throughout the year. There is also a wonderful giveaway for entering the <a href="http://www.inlinkz.com/new/view.php?id=675014" target="_blank">linky</a><br />
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This month's prize of 5 FQ's from the Northern Lights collection was kindly provided by Justin of Simply Solids. Go to <a href="http://simplysolids.co.uk/shop/search.php?q=Northern+Lights" target="_blank">Simply Solids</a> to get a look at the lovely fabrics. I'm personally in love with the Polar Bears!</div>
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For this months project, I want to share a fun, easy, and fast little wreath pillow that you can make as a quick gift or use to add a little more holiday cheer to your home. The pillow measures 14 inches finished. This is a foundation paper pieced pattern. If you've never foundation pieced before, there are many great tutorials on YouTube that will teach you how. Connecting Threads has a great one that you can <a href="http://www.connectingthreads.com/tutorials/Learn_how_to_Paper_Piece__D61.html" target="_blank">find here</a>.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/31127546155/in/dateposted-public/" title="Untitled"><img alt="Modern Quilted Christmas Wreath Tutorial at http://www.practicallypippy.blogspot.com" height="429" src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/6/5346/31127546155_f44d1ba703.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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<span style="font-size: large;">To make the pillow you will need:</span><br />
<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_h-0YwdMrpMYmh0MUVQQWtSX0E/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Printed pattern sheets</a><br />
Stuffing<br />
Thread<br />
Assorted Christmas fabric strips or scraps<br />
Plain background fabric<br />
batting<br />
1 pkg 1/2" bias piping or around 2 1/2 yards of piping (optional)<br />
5/8th inch ribbon for the bow (optional)<br />
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First, <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_h-0YwdMrpMYmh0MUVQQWtSX0E/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">download the pattern here</a> and print four of each piece A and piece B. Make sure you print the pieces <b>without scaling</b> to ensure you get the proper size. Next, collect a variety of fabric scraps from the various projects that you've been sewing all year :) and a plainer fabric to use as the background for the wreath shape.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/30305268984/in/dateposted-public/" title="0 wreath"><img alt="0 wreath" height="379" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/6/5549/30305268984_0ce9b6a377.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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Using the unprinted side of your foundation paper <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xv2gKMx9CCM" target="_blank">(foundation paper piecing tutorial here!!!</a>), lay out your background fabric right side up and your first strip wrong side up. Make sure to check that your pieces are big enough to cover all the way across the triangle. The background fabric should fully cover section 1.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/30305268924/in/dateposted-public/" title="1 wreath"><img alt="1 wreath" height="375" src="https://c5.staticflickr.com/6/5704/30305268924_268da0f62d.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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The strips that make up the center portion of your wreath are not mapped out for you. This gives you the option to do one solid piece of fabric for your wreath section or randomly add strips like I did. </div>
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Sew along the printed line to connect your first two fabrics together. Trim, flip and press your block so that the right sides of both fabrics face up. If this is confusing to you, go see the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xv2gKMx9CCM" target="_blank">foundation tutorial</a>!</div>
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/30305268844/in/dateposted-public/" title="2 wreath"><img alt="2 wreath" height="375" src="https://c5.staticflickr.com/6/5741/30305268844_9a61be2f6f.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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If you choose to do strips, the only thing you need to be careful to do is to sew a straight line across the whole wreath section and leave a 1/4 extra fabric for the seam allowance. Keep adding Christmas fabric strips in various widths to your block until section 2 is completely filled. Every strip will need to be trimmed, flipped, and ironed for the best result. Use another piece of background fabric for section 3 to complete your block.</div>
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/30305268734/in/dateposted-public/" title="3 wreath"><img alt="3 wreath" height="375" src="https://c7.staticflickr.com/6/5586/30305268734_d9f27f602c.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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Complete 4 "A" pieces and 4 "B" pieces then trim them.</div>
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/30305268624/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="4 wreath"><img alt="4 wreath" height="375" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/6/5349/30305268624_41a370d5a0.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">Lay out all your pieces and arrange them according to the pattern in a way that is pleasing to you, and then sew an "A" and "B" triangle together so that you have four square blocks.</span></div>
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/30305268454/in/dateposted-public/" title="5 wreath"><img alt="5 wreath" height="375" src="https://c7.staticflickr.com/6/5564/30305268454_6f27a390de.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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Sew two squares together and press the seams all in the same direction.</div>
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/30305268394/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="6 wreath"><img alt="6 wreath" height="375" src="https://c3.staticflickr.com/6/5350/30305268394_20561c6236.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Then sew your two pillow halves together. </div>
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/30305268304/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="7 wreath"><img alt="7 wreath" height="374" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/6/5658/30305268304_8a3d15d188.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">You might get a small bump in the center from where all the seams meet, but this can be corrected by fanning your seams, opening the center seam up, or just giving it a really, really good pressing. Use whatever method is easiest for you.</span>
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/31011883031/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="8 wreath"><img alt="8 wreath" height="500" src="https://c8.staticflickr.com/6/5574/31011883031_c336793ff2.jpg" width="375" /></a></div>
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Layer your pillow top onto a piece of batting or felt (I used felt) and quilt as desired. </div>
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/31011882931/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="9 wreath"><img alt="9 wreath" height="375" src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/6/5335/31011882931_93697ebe82.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Square up and trim your pillow top. Depending on how heavily you quilted your pillow top, the final dimensions might not measure exactly 15x15 so be aware of this when you are squaring up.</div>
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/31011882831/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="10 wreath"><img alt="10 wreath" height="375" src="https://c8.staticflickr.com/6/5686/31011882831_d752b0847d.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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To make the back of your pillow. Measure the final size of your trimmed top and cut a piece of fabric a 1/2 inch bigger on all sides. So, if your top measured exactly 15 inches square, cut your backing piece 16 inches square. Layer the back fabric on top of a piece of batting or felt and quilt as desired. </div>
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Once quilted, the backing piece should be cut the same size as the front. I did it this way so that your back piece wont end up too small for the front piece due to quilting shrinkage.</div>
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/30305268074/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="12 wreath"><img alt="12 wreath" height="375" src="https://c3.staticflickr.com/6/5491/30305268074_bceebc1ebe.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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If you want to add any ribbons, buttons, or other embellishments to the front of your pillow, it's easiest to do it now. I added a pink bow (red would have been more Christmasy, but I'm feeling the pink this year). Let your imagination run wild or just leave it clean and simple.</div>
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/30305268114/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="11 wreath"><img alt="11 wreath" height="375" src="https://c3.staticflickr.com/6/5554/30305268114_22e9510c5e.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Stack your pillow front and back right sides together and sew a 1/2 inch seam at the perimeter leaving a hole that you can use to add the stuffing. I inserted a piece of piping on my pillow, but your don't have to. Trim your corners and flip the pillow right-side-out.</div>
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/31011883851/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="13 wreath"><img alt="13 wreath" height="375" src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/6/5510/31011883851_2cbe9f9f38.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Stuff your pillow and close up the hole by hand or machine. I do it by hand for a cleaner look, but if you don't mind a line of stitching, you can use your sewing machine. You could also make the cushion with a zipper closure or an envelope back if you wanted to be able to change out your look easily.</div>
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/30305268034/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="wreath"><img alt="wreath" height="500" src="https://c3.staticflickr.com/6/5708/30305268034_59f37a461d.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Your pillow is now ready to enjoy! I hope you found my pattern fun, easy, and adorable!</div>
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<span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">I can't wait to see what you've all been up to this month so be sure to link up here!</span></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">I also want to give a huge thank you to all the sponsors who participated in this years HO HO HO and on we sew link party!!! You all ROCK!</span></div>
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Karen Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07466929868600809339noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5950482447960095942.post-49661670659481899042015-12-21T06:19:00.000+01:002015-12-21T06:28:44.317+01:00Chalkboard Christmas Ornament Gift TagsSo, hopefully you all have most of your Christmas making and buying done for this year and you're ready to wrap all your gifts and get them under the tree. To that end, here's one little last minute make for you before Christmas.
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/23585123080/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="tags"><img alt="tags" height="326" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/664/23585123080_c31a9e4321.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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These gift tags are a nice little re-usable addition to your packages. The painted side is pretty and decorative.</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/23512811989/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="tag backside"><img alt="tag backside" height="375" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/646/23512811989_5446a06711.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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And, the backside is perfect for labeling your gifts. The best part is that you can use them year after year. Just wipe off the chalk and you're ready to go. They can also double as cute little Christmas Ornaments, too.</div>
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I made these up as a craft that I was teaching locally (I'm sure the Texas gift tag hinted at that), so these are really fast and easy to paint for beginners. Download the pattern and instructions <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_h-0YwdMrpMdmI4NWFpQXY2MTQ/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">here</span></a> and enjoy :) </div>
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In my instructions, I suggest that you make a stencil to underpaint your tags in white so that your colors show up on the black background.</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/22888762081/in/datetaken/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Untitled"><img alt="Untitled" height="375" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/733/22888762081_f8df874c3d.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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While I highly suggest that you underpaint, you don't have to use a stencil. Use whatever method you like best for transferring the design, but if you plan to make several tags, it might be worth making a stencil.</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/23798745411" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Untitled"><img alt="Untitled" height="500" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/734/23798745411_45bd3d47bb.jpg" width="375" /></a></div>
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As always, feel free to personalize your design however you want. Be creative and change the flag if you're not in the states. Dress your snowman in an apron and hat. I'm just giving you a jumping off point, but the sky's the limit :-)</div>
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I hope these little gift tags help you to add that special little touch to all your presents. Have a Merry Christmas everyone!</div>
Karen Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07466929868600809339noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5950482447960095942.post-3778273842074781172015-11-26T22:18:00.000+01:002015-11-26T22:18:29.654+01:00Happy Thanksgiving! <div style="text-align: center;">
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Happy Thanksgiving to all my Friends and Family!</h3>
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To be very, very honest. I really haven't done a lot of seasonal decorating since we moved back to America. I still have boxes that need to be unpack and furniture arrangements that require more tweaking. So, holiday decorating is on the back burner. But, I recently made a chalk board/backpack station for my kids using an old, discarded dresser mirror frame. </div>
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This is the first time I've actually tried to draw on it. <br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/23211638651/in/dateposted/" title="Chalkboard Backpack Station"><img alt="Chalkboard Backpack Station" height="375" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/724/23211638651_f39c9795fa.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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I have to say, drawing with chalk is harder than it looks. I drew this freehand without any real plan and getting good lines and shading was nearly impossible. I don't know how those chalk artists do it. Just goes to show that just because your competent in one medium does not make you a master in another :)</div>
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I think my chalk board's surface is a bit too rough for any really good chalk art, and if I want to do this again, I might need to sand it smooth and put another coat of chalkboard paint on with a sponge roller.</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/23305408366" title="Untitled"><img alt="Chalkboard Thanksgiving Turkey" height="340" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5661/23305408366_a1556c408e.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
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For a first try, I'm happy with how this turned out. I really only did it for my little girl who guilted me into drawing a turkey for her since I've been promising to decorate the chalk board for two months now :)</div>
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Again, Happy Thanksgiving everyone. Have a great day with friends, family, and food!</div>
Karen Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07466929868600809339noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5950482447960095942.post-39555336495276262132015-11-20T22:13:00.002+01:002015-11-20T23:55:54.788+01:00Houston Quilt Festival 2015<h4>
I'm so happy that this year I got to attend the BIG Houston, Texas International Quilt Festival! </h4>
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I always love going to this show, and now that we are back in Texas, it's much easier to attend since the travel time is minimal. By minimal, I mean it's a good 6 hour drive. Not too bad, except this year it took us a little over 13 hours to get from my house to Houston due to all the flooding. </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/23186724581/in/datetaken/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Texas Flooding"><img alt="Texas Flooding" height="375" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5772/23186724581_e4d9e9a1a8.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Little did we know when we started out on Friday morning that we were about to get caught up in one of the season's worst storms so far. We saw cars floating in the water, torrential rain, roads closed, and major traffic diverted to two lane highways not meant for that many cars. We ended up arriving after midnight, completely missing the show on Friday, but we arrived safely.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/22257744723/in/album-72157660715364849/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Untitled"><img alt="Untitled" height="375" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/701/22257744723_d3e532fdd7.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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This year's festival did not disappoint. The quilt show featured so many different exhibits that it was hard to see everything. And, there were so many vendors that I only had time to focus on a few dozen that really interested me and scanned the rest. <br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/22855074870/in/album-72157660715364849/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Houston IQA show flower quilt"><img alt="Houston IQA show flower quilt" height="375" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5706/22855074870_cf999d4ef4.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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While I do love the vendors at these shows, I can't get enough of the magnificent quilts exhibited by quilters from around the world in so many different styles here! I love the bold colors and dramatic angles on this floral quilt.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/22782903139/in/album-72157660715364849/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Untitled"><img alt="Untitled" height="375" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5827/22782903139_54666ffa09.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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The quilting is also very nice and is a good contrast to the sharp lines of the flowers.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/22856737830/in/album-72157660715364849/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="what's for dinner"><img alt="what's for dinner" height="500" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5749/22856737830_467e1be421.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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The "What's For Dinner" display was also one of my favorites. They set a table with place-mats featuring so many creative and funny meals. My favorite was the naughty dog. </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/22881052195/in/album-72157660715364849/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Untitled"><img alt="Untitled" height="375" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/775/22881052195_58d96bd0dd.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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That naught beast ate everything on the plate but the peas :) As a dog owner, I can personally attest that this is just about what happens when you don't have someone guarding the table at meal time.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/22865220472/in/album-72157660715364849/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Untitled"><img alt="Untitled" height="500" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/722/22865220472_961db2e819.jpg" width="375" /></a></div>
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This is a beautifully done more traditional applique quilt that I thought was just perfection.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/22460331208/in/album-72157660715364849/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Untitled"><img alt="Untitled" height="500" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5825/22460331208_dcfa0133b5.jpg" width="375" /></a></div>
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I love the wonderful use of color variation in this quilt and all the hard work that went into the applique, borders, and quilting.</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/23128492896/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Halloween applique"><img alt="Halloween applique" height="250" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5751/23128492896_7fc735e92e.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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There were also so many creative people at the show decked out in home made Halloween clothing since the show landed on the holiday. This fabulous lady let me take a picture of her wonderfully appliqued shirt. Didn't she do such a lovely job.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/23190500551/in/album-72157660715364849/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="monster ball"><img alt="monster ball" height="500" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/684/23190500551_3349ec56c4.jpg" width="168" /></a>My mother (who went to the show with me) and I also got into the Halloween spirit on Saturday night when we attended the quilt festival's "Monster Ball". They had a live band, great food, a photo booth, and a lot of crazy ladies dressed up and dancing the night away! Wish you could see my mom's full costume. She is a mad scientist with a crazy pink tutu on, and I'm a sugar skull flapper. Yeah, we're weird, and we're cool with it :)<br />
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The last two quilts that I'll post were my favorites. "Like Cinderella" is by Yukiko Maruhama from Japan. <br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/22879191775/in/album-72157660715364849/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Houston IQA show like Cinderella details"><img alt="Houston IQA show like Cinderella details" height="375" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5805/22879191775_fff43166e3.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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I just swoon over all the different shoes on this quilt made from so many great fabrics and buttons! </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/22690284260/in/album-72157660715364849/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" title="Polar Bear Quilt"><img alt="Polar Bear Quilt" height="500" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/759/22690284260_fc4a607cb7.jpg" width="375" /></a>
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This was my absolute favorite quilt at the show. I even made a special trip back to visit this quilt one last time before the show closed. It's called "Now you see him" by Cat Larrea of Alaska.</div>
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<span style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img alt="Houston IQA show polar bear details" height="500" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5778/22864742772_b476b06b47.jpg" width="375" /></span></div>
Not only did I fall in love with the wonderful subject and great composition of this quilt, I love the artist's use of tiny fabric scraps to piece this quilt together like a mosaic.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/22257070993/in/album-72157660715364849/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" title="Untitled"><img alt="Untitled" height="500" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/679/22257070993_0e723a71d8.jpg" width="375" /></a></div>
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I also love how she used brightly colored fabric as the shading instead of an overall dark shadowy color. I lingered near this quilt for a good long time before saying goodbye :) It was a great way to end a great show and wonderful weekend with my mother.<br />
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If you want to see more of the quilts from the show that I photographed, make sure to watch the slide show at the top. Hope you enjoy it as much as we did. :)Karen Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07466929868600809339noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5950482447960095942.post-8663013976537550112015-10-18T08:09:00.000+02:002015-10-18T08:09:25.551+02:00Halloween Mask<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/22077613898/in/dateposted-public/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="halloween mask"><img alt="halloween mask" height="203" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/579/22077613898_c4ef9d5b1c.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
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Just a quick post today to share a digital piece of art I just finished. I'm super happy with it and am so glad that I got some art done in time for Halloween.<br />
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This is actually a real photo I took of myself wearing a mask that I painted on my face for the fall festival at my children's school. I then used my computer to digitally paint on the photo and enhanced it with filters as well. <br />
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I hope you enjoy it as much as I do :)Karen Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07466929868600809339noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5950482447960095942.post-25474193491771238112015-10-13T23:36:00.002+02:002015-10-13T23:36:29.565+02:00Pink Ribbon Run Tutus<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/21764500340/in/datetaken/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" title="Pink Ribbon Run"><img alt="Untitled" height="500" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5623/21764500340_4d04c2849d.jpg" width="375" /></a>I don't know if I've ever mentioned this, but my husband is a runner and participates in basically every run in our area on a regular basis. So there was never any doubt that he would take part in our local pink ribbon run to benefit breast cancer awareness and research. <br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">It was also no surprise that my five-year-old daughter wanted to join in too by doing the 1 mile with her Daddy before he did the 10K.</span><br />
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My husband has been slowly introducing her to running with him on a small scale (he's even bought her special running shoes). So when she wanted to wear matching pink tutus to the pink ribbon run, my hubby agreed with one caveat, it has to be made of soft fabric!</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/21462585273/in/datetaken/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Pink ribbon run"><img alt="Pink ribbon run" height="371" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5765/21462585273_635cd5cbd3.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Apparently, tulle netting is scratchy and gives runners bush burn after a few miles. So Noooooo, I <b>couldn't</b> just make some quick, easy no-sew tutus.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/21331503543/in/datetaken/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Untitled"><img alt="Untitled" height="333" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5640/21331503543_d2fb062fa8.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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On a soft fabric mission, I headed to my local fabric shop for supplies and bought 6 yards of soft organza in two shades of pink, and while I was there I spotted this wide satin blanket binding with pink ribbons on it. Yeah, it went home with me too :) I serged the edges of the tutus and used the blanket binding at the waist to cover the elastic.<br />
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It took a bit longer to make them this way, but in the end it was totally worth it because they were not only comfortable but they can re-use them again next year.<br />
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Plus, I really enjoyed seeing my husband in a tutu. :) Yeah, I'm mean like that.<br />
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In the end, a great time was had by all benefiting a great cause. <br />
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<br />Karen Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07466929868600809339noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5950482447960095942.post-17465767226868276642015-09-18T16:25:00.002+02:002015-09-30T00:59:42.762+02:00Gift Card Holder and Mug Rug<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Welcome to the September HO, HO, Ho and On We Sew </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">link party!</span></div>
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Let's face it my fellow holiday makers. No matter how talented and crafty we all are, there will inevitably be someone on our holiday list who will get a gift card. Personally, I love gift cards, and I have no problem giving or receiving them. While they are great, they do lack that little handmade touch that many of us love to include in a gift. So to remedy this situation, I will be sharing a fun, fast, and versatile gift card holder/mug rug pattern to kick off the September Linky party. <br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/21497967112/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Christmas Gift Card Holder & Mug Rug Tutorial"><img alt="Christmas Gift Card Holder & Mug Rug sewing tutorial" height="347" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5630/21497967112_c677827e44.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Every month on the 18th, Paula at <a href="http://www.mudpiesandpins.com/" target="_blank">Mud, Pies, and pins</a> and Fiona at <a href="http://celticthistlestitches.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Celtic Thistle Stitches</a> will be hosting a link party where we can showcase our work and get inspired and motivated by each other to get going on our Christmas decor and gifts throughout the year. There is also a wonderful giveaway open to all linkers to the party. You don't have to comment on this blog to be entered; you only need to link-up :)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKCwgXjk-8Q6jlaHkOWZqsf-a1hXjqbhR5v72TXF6y1DRKGSA-knPkQijNOjQWTaNAYs2bj81pTPHmBd7DHNNsERB34Mkx4wnn5FB4fKgPw7el_b2ggBCMUIfAYyIiCSxBJea7GHKKAqI/s1600/Ho+Ho+Ho+button+photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKCwgXjk-8Q6jlaHkOWZqsf-a1hXjqbhR5v72TXF6y1DRKGSA-knPkQijNOjQWTaNAYs2bj81pTPHmBd7DHNNsERB34Mkx4wnn5FB4fKgPw7el_b2ggBCMUIfAYyIiCSxBJea7GHKKAqI/s320/Ho+Ho+Ho+button+photo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: start;">Thank you to Plush Addict for sponsoring this months giveaway prize! One lucky linky party winner gets their choice of <b>one </b></span><a href="http://www.plushaddict.co.uk/cotton-fabric/cotton-skinny-dips.html" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: start;" target="_blank">Skinny Dips</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: start;"> bundle from Plush Addict. The bundles are a themed set of five fat 8ths of fabric.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Christmas Gift Card Holder &</span></span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"> Mug Rug Tutorial</span></span></h2>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/21515905781/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Untitled"><img alt="Untitled" height="385" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5809/21515905781_6a8b613914.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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While many of the store bought gift card holders available are pretty, they are often for presentation sake only and will eventually find their way to the garbage can. This is sad :( </div>
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Personally, I like projects that are practical, pretty, and multi-functional. This gift card holder is not just a pretty way to present your gift card, but it doubles as a Christmas ball shaped mug rug that the recipient can use at home or at work. It's also designed to hang on the tree if you like to tuck a few little gifts into the branches of your Christmas tree like I do. Plus, it fits perfectly into an A6 sized envelope for easy mailing. </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/21324104519/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="variety"><img alt="variety" height="340" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5826/21324104519_02c443ecbe.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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I'm also a big fan of variety, so this pattern includes a one fabric (basic) version, a paper pieced pineapple design, and a paper pieced log cabin as well. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Supplies:</span></div>
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<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_h-0YwdMrpMODBjNTJUU1dUZGM/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Printed pattern sheet</a></div>
1/8 yard fabric or a variety of fabric scraps<br />
batting<br />
thread<br />
1/8th inch ribbon for hanging<br />
optional trim for embellishments<br />
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No matter which design you choose to make, you will start by <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_h-0YwdMrpMODBjNTJUU1dUZGM/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">printing the basic pattern</a> and cutting out the shapes for the body (front and back for the basic pattern, only back if patchwork), the pocket, and the cap.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/21305562250/in/datetaken/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="pieces"><img alt="pieces" height="375" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/625/21305562250_31a1a1e612.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Cut your ribbon to about 4.5 inches long and place it between your two cap pieces. Sew around the perimeter using 1/4 inch seam allowance (included in pattern) leaving the bottom open. Notch the curve and flip right side out.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/21467375156/in/datetaken/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Untitled"><img alt="Untitled" height="375" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/721/21467375156_e20768ca42.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Fold the pocket piece at the top along the fold line and press down. Stitch it in place for a nice clean top.<br />
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The cap, pocket, and back piece are made the same no matter which design you choose. If you want to do either the pineapple or log cabin fronts, you will need your printout and a basic knowledge of paper piecing. <br />
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There are a zillion good tutorials out there on how to paper piece if you need one. My personal favorite is <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xv2gKMx9CCM" target="_blank">this video</a> provided by connecting threads. <br />
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The log cabin is the faster and easier patchwork front.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/21507046445/in/datetaken/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Untitled"><img alt="Untitled" height="375" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/646/21507046445_f1d8a23d87.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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The pineapple patch is also very pretty, but more time consuming than the log cabin. It also lends itself very well to showing off a special fussy cut center.</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/21305602728/in/datetaken/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Untitled"><img alt="Untitled" height="375" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/757/21305602728_89f5d806fd.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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If you just want to wing the front patchwork, you could easily just piece random strips together<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/20884442124/in/dateposted-public/" title="Untitled"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/594/20884442124_67ecf1bdc4.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Untitled"></a></div>
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or, you could go crazy and sew pieces around a central fussy cut motif. The possibilities are really endless. . .</div>
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Place the font body piece (either patchwork or plain) right side up on the batting. Quilt the top using whatever design you prefer, and then trim off the excess batting.</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/21297181498/in/datetaken/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Untitled"><img alt="Untitled" height="375" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/638/21297181498_04abd91dee.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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If you want to add any trim to the front, now would be the time to sew it down.</div>
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Stack the front and back pieces right sides together with the pocket and cap in-between as shown. </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/21473953642/in/datetaken/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Untitled"><img alt="Untitled" height="375" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5749/21473953642_2b1004625a.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Sew around the perimeter using 1/4 inch seam allowance. Leave a minimum half inch gap un-sewn in order to flip it right-side-out (place the opening between the pocket and the cap in order to making closing it easier later). </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/21296943930/in/datetaken/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Untitled"><img alt="Untitled" height="375" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5663/21296943930_29f8497208.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Notch around the circle and then invert the body.</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/21493200881/in/datetaken/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Untitled"><img alt="Untitled" height="375" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5661/21493200881_90b8182e8d.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Working from the inside with a tool or your fingers, shape the edges until your circle is fairly symmetrical. Pin and sew your opening closed either by hand or machine.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/20873429913/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Untitled"><img alt="Untitled" height="375" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5700/20873429913_337a567437.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Lastly, you'll want to stitch around the perimeter again using a 1/4 inch seam allowance. This will help keep all the layers together and make the pocket more secure.<br />
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<ahref dateposted-public="" https:="" in="" kpsmith="" photos="" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Untitled" www.flickr.com=""><img alt="Untitled" height="375" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5740/21515778661_a832fee6c8.jpg" width="500" /></ahref></div>
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Now your ready to place your gift card in your holder . . .<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/21515783751/in/datetaken/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Untitled"><img alt="Untitled" height="375" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5685/21515783751_9ab0426d87.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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and send it out into a world full of beverages . . .<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/21320200709/in/datetaken/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Untitled"><img alt="Untitled" height="500" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5767/21320200709_224833cda8.jpg" width="375" /></a></div>
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that are waiting for mug rugs :)<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/21319343438/in/datetaken/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Untitled"><img alt="Untitled" height="375" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5753/21319343438_20f4a208e8.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">Now it's time for you to link up and show us all what you've been up to this month! Plus, you'll get a chance to win the <a href="http://www.plushaddict.co.uk/cotton-fabric/cotton-skinny-dips.html" target="_blank">Skinny Dips</a> bundle from <a href="http://www.plushaddict.co.uk/" target="_blank">Plush Addict.</a></span><br />
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</tbody></table>Karen Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07466929868600809339noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5950482447960095942.post-30221696255778012312015-09-09T04:46:00.000+02:002015-09-20T23:07:23.632+02:00Painting Stripes on Curtains<div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/21254527175/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="painting stripes on curtains tutorial"><img alt="How to paint stripes on your curtains tutorial" height="367" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/643/21254527175_956e7c0675.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Don't be afraid! You can paint your curtains and have it look good without a crunchy finish.</div>
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Hello everyone. For those who read this blog, you know that we are a military family. Being a military family means that we move <b>a lot</b>, and many of the things that we use to decorate one house don't always work for another. Curtains in particular can be really problematic because window sizes vary so much from house to house, and sometimes I admit that I just want a change.</div>
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We just moved, and since I'm keeping the walls white downstairs this time, I really wanted grey striped curtains. But, at $70 a set, new curtains aren't really in the budget. Luckily I already had white curtains that I used for our last place and with a little paint they are great downstairs!</div>
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I was a little worried that painting stripes wouldn't work well. I wondered if they'd be stiff, if they would be colorfast, and if the paint would bleed under the tape. After a little trial and error, I found a really good combination of supplies and tools that put my curtain painting fears to bed.</div>
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Supplies:</div>
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Acrylic craft paint 8 oz. bottle </div>
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Textile Medium (8 oz. bottle Ceramcoat)</div>
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Foam roller</div>
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Clothing iron</div>
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Green Frog Tape (I tried blue and it bled through)</div>
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Directions:</div>
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1. Using the ratio on the bottle (my brand used 2 parts paint to 1 part textile medium) thoroughly mix your paint and textile medium together in a container. Since I did four curtain panels, I mixed five 8oz bottles of white acrylic paint and one 8oz bottle of black acrylic paint with three 8oz bottles of textile medium.</div>
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2. Iron and lay out your fabric on a flat protected surface. Measure the length and decide how many stripes you want. I wanted five painted stripes with the unpainted stripes on both the top and bottom, so I needed to divide my curtain into 11 equal sections. I used an 8.25 wide stripe for my curtain. </div>
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3. Since you see your curtain from the top down, it's important to measure and mark all your drapes from the top stripe to the bottom. This way if there is a slight variation in size from curtain to curtain your stripes will still be parallel. Make sure to take your time and mark a very straight line across your drapes.</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/21067658769/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="tape"><img alt="tape" height="301" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5699/21067658769_7f0680d974.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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4. Once your lines are marked, you need to tape them using green frog tape. I tried blue tape and it didn't work well for this project. Mark the stripes that you are not going to paint with a little piece of tape in the middle so you don't get confused, and then tape on the outside edge of the lines on the stripe that you <b>ARE </b>painting. You know you've done this step correctly if the stripe you <b>are </b>going to paint looks bigger than the one you are <b>not </b>going to paint. Really rub your tape into the fabric to ensure a tight seal. </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/20629402974/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Untitled"><img alt="Untitled" height="387" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5835/20629402974_50998b7902.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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5. Using a foam roller paint the first coat on your stripes. When you are painting the edges of the stripe make sure to use lengthwise strokes parallel to the tape with only a slight overlap. Let the paint dry without moving the drape from your painting surface and then give it a second coat.</div>
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6. Once the panels are dry you can remove the tape. At this point, the paint will be somewhat stiff. If you don't mind this than you can iron and hang your curtains now and be done. If you do want a softer look and feel though, you are going to have to iron your curtains and then wash them.</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/21064188348/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Untitled"><img alt="Untitled" height="500" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5712/21064188348_561d8bf802.jpg" width="375" /></a></div>
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The problem with this is that (depending on your textile medium) curing time can be around 8 days. On my test curtain, I decided to throw caution to the wind and iron my curtain after only 24 hours and then throw it into the wash. Yeah, not a good idea. I had some paint transfer. After a second wash, the transfer went away, but I then decided to follow the manufactures instructions for the rest of the panels. </div>
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7. With a hot iron (set at a temperature appropriate for your fabric) thoroughly iron your stripes and let them cool. Wash them in cold water with very little detergent and then dry them (note: if you didn't pre-wash to prevent shrinking you might want to be careful here and not dry them in the clothes dryer). </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/21230964665/in/dateposted-public/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Untitled"><img alt="Untitled" height="375" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/697/21230964665_b0563ccbb2.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Now all you need to do is hang your curtains and enjoy! I loved how mine turned out and I hope that this tutorial helps anyone who's on the fence about painting their curtains to give it a go too.</div>
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Karen Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07466929868600809339noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5950482447960095942.post-2169131947876550712015-06-18T07:41:00.001+02:002015-06-18T07:41:47.498+02:00Blowing BubblesJust in time for the month of June, I have a finished sketch to share with everyone. Actually, this one has been done for a bit now, but I've been waiting on the right month to share it, and June is a perfect for a bubble sketch. "Blowing Bubbles" is hand drawn, scanned, and then colored using Photoshop.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/18724119628" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="bubbles by Karen, on Flickr"><img alt="bubbles" height="440" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5581/18724119628_f973068a55.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
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I've actually been doing a lot of drawing lately for various groups (mostly t-shirts and logos), but doing illustrations that remind me those quiet childhood memories is really gratifying. I really like how this one turned out because it reminds me of those special, small moments that we didn't realize were the big important moments until much later in life. <br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/18724375340" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="bubblescloseup by Karen, on Flickr"><img alt="bubblescloseup" height="500" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/522/18724375340_6087b7a942.jpg" width="484" /></a></div>
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I drew this up as a gift for my big sister's birthday. If you're wondering, yes, that is my sister and I when we were kids. I wanted to do something special for her. She likes art that has personal meaning and whimsy so this is right up her alley. Plus, her favorite panda bear is now forever immortalized as well.<br />
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I hope that you've enjoyed the drawing and perhaps have even been inspired to go out and make some special memories this summer with the ones that you love.<br />
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Karen Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07466929868600809339noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5950482447960095942.post-50419980236681855932015-05-18T10:15:00.001+02:002015-09-20T23:02:57.602+02:00Christmas Mice tutorial<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Welcome to the May HO, HO, Ho and On We Sew link party!</span></div>
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This is my second year participating in the Ho, ho, ho link party and I'm thrilled to be this month's host with a fun little Christmas Mouse Ornament pattern.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/17181130684" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="sew felt christmas mice tutorial"><img alt="Christmas Mice sewing tutorial" height="370" src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7763/17181130684_601066fb6e.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
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Every month on the 18th, Paula at <a href="http://www.mudpiesandpins.com/" target="_blank">Mud, Pies, and pins</a> and Fiona at <a href="http://celticthistlestitches.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Celtic Thistle Stitches</a> will be hosting a link party where we can showcase our work and get inspired and motivated by each other to get going on our Christmas decor and gifts throughout the year. There is also a wonderful giveaway for entering the linky party.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKCwgXjk-8Q6jlaHkOWZqsf-a1hXjqbhR5v72TXF6y1DRKGSA-knPkQijNOjQWTaNAYs2bj81pTPHmBd7DHNNsERB34Mkx4wnn5FB4fKgPw7el_b2ggBCMUIfAYyIiCSxBJea7GHKKAqI/s1600/Ho+Ho+Ho+button+photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKCwgXjk-8Q6jlaHkOWZqsf-a1hXjqbhR5v72TXF6y1DRKGSA-knPkQijNOjQWTaNAYs2bj81pTPHmBd7DHNNsERB34Mkx4wnn5FB4fKgPw7el_b2ggBCMUIfAYyIiCSxBJea7GHKKAqI/s400/Ho+Ho+Ho+button+photo.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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This month's prize was kindly provided by the wonderful Katie of <a href="http://www.japancrafts.co.uk/" target="_blank">Japan Crafts</a>.</div>
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Katie has donated this lovely Mini Rice Bag Kit for one lucky winner, it is just perfect for gift wrapping something special.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-xqWjhdI6q0OI9mwPgn0hRk4j7XGBMDDFm6pec8cMwPeRKrID5iv712nxkzdNEfr8ULV08yg5snc0WBRhl3fW_ufsS0PWV5jUcT-pn_MWkN9VVorlWb_662O7yAxM4J_0h10cYxgrTx0/s1600/Mini+Rice+Bag+Kit+image.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-xqWjhdI6q0OI9mwPgn0hRk4j7XGBMDDFm6pec8cMwPeRKrID5iv712nxkzdNEfr8ULV08yg5snc0WBRhl3fW_ufsS0PWV5jUcT-pn_MWkN9VVorlWb_662O7yAxM4J_0h10cYxgrTx0/s400/Mini+Rice+Bag+Kit+image.PNG" width="325" /></a></div>
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This month I'm happy to share a Felt Christmas Mouse Ornament tutorial with you. These little mice are super easy and fun to make and personalize. This is one of the projects that my mother used to teach me how to sew, and I remember spending hours making and dressing my mice using any left over fabric scraps and bits of haberdashery I could find. <br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/17183398003" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="IMG_8477 by Karen, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8477" height="333" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5462/17183398003_0c9f6a078a.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">To make these mice you will need:</span><br />
<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_h-0YwdMrpMd05yRl9nUFJuU2M/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Printed pattern sheet</a><br />
Felt in any desired mouse color<br />
Stuffing<br />
Thread<br />
Glue (optional)<br />
Black beads in size 6/0 or similar<br />
1/8th inch ribbon for hanging<br />
scraps of fabric, ribbon, buttons, etc for decorating your mouse<br />
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No matter how you dress your mouse, they each start with the same basic felt body. <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_h-0YwdMrpMd05yRl9nUFJuU2M/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Download the pattern here</a> and print it out without scaling. <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_h-0YwdMrpMd05yRl9nUFJuU2M/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Using the pattern</a>, cut each piece out of your felt. <br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/17616012570" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="IMG_8419 by Karen, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8419" height="366" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7695/17616012570_1e5d82435f.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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If you will be using your mouse as an ornament, you will need to cut a 7 inch piece of ribbon out now and pin it to your mouse on the dot as shown. Make sure to put the ribbon on the inside of your mouse so that it will be on the outside when you flip your mouse right-side-out.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/17181090454" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="IMG_8430 by Karen, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8430" height="333" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5441/17181090454_82bc477f92.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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While you can easily sew each mouse by hand or even glue them together, I use my sewing machine to put together the main part of the body and the arms. Fold the edges of the body together and sew them using a 1/4 inch seam allowance.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/17181072674" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="IMG_8397 by Karen, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8397" height="333" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5460/17181072674_3fda6088d8.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Cut the excess fabric off the tip of your mouse body before flipping it right-side-out so that you will not have to fight with this bulk later. Flip your mouse body right-side-out and use a pointy tool to help shape the tip of the mouse.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/17183261893" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="IMG_8453 by Karen, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8453" height="333" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8831/17183261893_1914861582.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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While you're still at your sewing machine, fold the arm piece together along the dotted line and sew the raw edges down using a narrow 1/8th inch seam allowance. You will then need to carefully trim away the excess fabric above the stitches so that the arm wont be so bulky.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/17181460104" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="IMG_8433 by Karen, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8433" height="333" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5470/17181460104_da45e06bb2.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">Set the arm aside for now and fill your mouse firmly with stuffing to about a 1/4 inch from the top.</span><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/17183246803" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="IMG_8434 by Karen, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8434" height="333" src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7749/17183246803_187d69bd5d.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><span style="font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">To close your mouse you will need to run a gathering stitch all the way around the base using a DOUBLED UP length of thread. </span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/17617347969" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="IMG_8435 by Karen, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8435" height="333" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8875/17617347969_489b7fb0b4.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">Leave a long enough tail of thread on both ends so that you can use them to tightly pull your mouse body closed. While you're pulling the bottom closed, tuck the seam allowance into the mouse with your finger or a pencil so that you end up with a flat bottom and secure it with a knot.</span><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/17777671236" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="IMG_8441 by Karen, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8441" height="333" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5468/17777671236_5caae8c9d0.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px; text-align: start;">Position your mouse feet and tail as shown and either sew or glue them to the bottom of the body. </span></div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/17777313906" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="IMG_8456 by Karen, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8456" height="333" src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7665/17777313906_5e9f9926dd.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Pinch your mouse ear together along the dotted line and use a dot of glue or threat to secure the fold.</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/17615792168" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;" title="IMG_8443 by Karen, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8443" height="333" src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7759/17615792168_d52ca8daf1.jpg" width="500" /></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">Positioning the bottom of your ear about 1/2 down from the tip of the mouse, secure it in place with either thread or glue.</span><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/17183636463" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="IMG_8447 by Karen, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8447" height="333" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5346/17183636463_38c5d88364.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Now it's finally time to sew or glue the beads on either side of the head above the ears for the eyes. This is my favorite part because it is when the mouse really starts looking alive to me. The next best part is putting on the arms. <br />
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You may be wondering at this point why the arms are going on last. Wouldn't it make more sense to put them on earlier? Well, if you are going to leave your mouse naked, you could do it before the ears and eyes. The problem is that how your mouse is dressed is going to effect how you place and secure down the arms. <br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/17181121424" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="IMG_8455 by Karen, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8455" height="333" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5450/17181121424_6bfe0539fe.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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The arms can be the most expressive part of your mouse and how you position them is going to be a huge part of who your mouse is. <span style="text-align: center;">No matter how you bend the arms, I like to round off the tips to give the appearance of hands.</span><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/17642796380" title="Mouse back by Karen, on Flickr"><img alt="Mouse back" height="500" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5455/17642796380_90ef73198d.jpg" width="375" /></a>
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The winter mouse above is a good example of how I normally place the arms by wrapping them around the upper body. You'll notice in the pattern that the arms seem extremely long. This is so you'll have enough length to bend and shape your arms into place, and you can easily cut off any excess length.</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/17616382870" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="IMG_8496 by Karen, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8496" height="333" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5331/17616382870_b4706aaf6b.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Both these German mice have arms that are wrapped around their bodies because her dirndl and his lederhosen don't interfere with that placement. </div>
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Yeah, I <b>had </b>to make some German mice in honor of all the Christmas seasons I enjoyed in Germany :)</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/17181419204" title="IMG_8471a by Karen, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8471a" height="380" src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7710/17181419204_d799999dc3.jpg" width="500" /></a>
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Adding a shirt or coat to your mouse, like with this Santa mouse, means that you will need to cut your arms in half and stuff them up the sleeves of the shirt. Wrapping them around the back is not only bulky this way, it is nearly impossible to get a shirt on a mouse that has his arms already attached.</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/17616180740" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="IMG_8467 by Karen, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8467" height="333" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5461/17616180740_0a85b2ee65.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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I really love this Buffalo Sabres hockey mouse because we are big fans in my house (and I have to admit that I loved whittling the hockey stick). He was great fun to make and is a good example of how to take the basic shirt pattern (which is included) and customized it. The shirt and coat patterns can easily become nurse scrubs or Santa coats. </div>
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I'm not going to give a full tutorial on how to make the mouse clothes here, but I do want to say that the patterns included for the shirt and coat are meant to be stitched with a very narrow seam allowance of around an 1/8th inch. Also, the length of the sleeves and coat are best finished by hand when the clothing is on the mouse and details like the V-neck worn by the hockey mouse are clipped once the basic shirt is on the mouse. </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/17801155522" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="IMG_8484 by Karen, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8484" height="500" src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7727/17801155522_e838bd5b93.jpg" width="465" /></a></div>
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But, you don't need to spend time sewing mouse clothing to have a really great and fun mouse. This ballet mouse looks great and is dressed with a piece of ribbon and some tulle. </div>
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With a little imagination, you could really do anything with one of these mice and they make great gifts for friends and family.</div>
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Now it's time for you to link up and show us all what you've been up to this month! Plus, you'll get a chance to win the mini rice bag kit from <a href="http://www.japancrafts.co.uk/" target="_blank">Japan Crafts</a>!</div>
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I can't wait to see all of your holiday creations and, as always, a big thank you to all of our lovely giveaway sponsors.<br />
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Karen Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07466929868600809339noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5950482447960095942.post-8389260208101510822015-05-06T18:59:00.001+02:002015-05-07T00:59:13.037+02:00Superhero room Hello to all my blogging friends out there. Let me first say that I have really missed you all over the last couple months! Life's been a roller coaster since moving to Texas and blogging just got pushed to the sidelines for awhile. Life is still going full speed for me, but I've decided that waiting for it to calm down before I start blogging again is just not realistic or practical. There rarely is a perfect time to start anything; you've mostly just gotta jump in and do your best. So, here I am, jumping back in!<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/17391422071" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="IMG_8295 copy by Karen, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8295 copy" height="333" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7728/17391422071_29a1bdefa4.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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My blogaversary was 3 years this January! So let's celebrate with cupcakes and superheros! </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/17204429598" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="IMG_0344 by Karen, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0344" height="375" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7684/17204429598_596fea88df.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">My youngest boy, who looks a smidge grouchy in this photo, wanted a superhero themed room. So, armed with a few rolls of tape and a paint brush, I decided to give him a superhero city!</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">I wish I had some pictures to show you the work in progress, but I forgot to take them, and really it just involved taping of the edges of buildings until I liked the look of what I was making. I didn't draw them out beforehand but just let the city develop as I was working around the room. Then I went back in and added windows with tape as well.</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/17391457341" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="IMG_0334 by Karen, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0334" height="375" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8828/17391457341_02dd5f235f.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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My little guy chose all the heroes that he wanted included in his room. First, we have Superman flying over the city.</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/17184480037" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="IMG_0335 by Karen, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0335" height="500" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5456/17184480037_535035a0a5.jpg" width="375" /></a></div>
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Then Batman climbing the wall . . .</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/17204233330" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="IMG_0342 by Karen, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0342" height="500" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8751/17204233330_629a63d46f.jpg" width="375" /></a></div>
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and Spiderman swinging from the water tower.</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/17391822295" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="IMG_0339 by Karen, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0339" height="375" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8788/17391822295_b80a75a030.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">Ironman was a must since my son thinks that he is one of the coolest superheros on the planet. I did draw the superheros out before painting them. You can still see my pencil marks on some of them, but I'm not stressing about it since it actually helps define the edges of the heroes on these textured walls.</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/16769298444" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="IMG_1030 by Karen, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_1030" height="386" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7765/16769298444_80e46781d0.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">I like Ironman too, but my favorite part of the the mural is this bridge spanning the closet. It was fun to think out and paint.</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/17365852736" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="IMG_0341 by Karen, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0341" height="375" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8776/17365852736_21f2d682e2.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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The last superhero is actually a transformer, but hey, Optimus Prime is a hero too!</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/17392505095" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;" title="IMG_0348 by Karen, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0348" height="375" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7794/17392505095_9eecb8d54c.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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I really enjoyed making this mural for my son and hope to add a few more projects to his room before it is completely done. He still needs some lamps, pillows, and maybe even a quilt this year. Plus, I'm still working on projects for the other kid's rooms too that I will be sharing in the future as well.</div>
Karen Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07466929868600809339noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5950482447960095942.post-6702008707441334152014-11-14T17:56:00.001+01:002014-11-14T17:56:41.200+01:00A funny thing happened on the way to Texas After a series of botched airline tickets and funny taxi rides we are finally in our new Texas home!!! Germany gave us an amazing four years, but it's good to be back in the United States so that we can be nearer to our families.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/15789467862/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="image by kpippinger, on Flickr"><img alt="image" height="374" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7476/15789467862_c26e6e95ff.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Our actual flight was pretty uneventful, but catching the flight was an interesting series of events that involved our original tickets having the wrong date printed on them which left us scrambling to get a new flight from a different airport the next day.</div>
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This is where the funny part comes in!!! Because we had to change our flight, we ended up landing in Dallas for our layover to San Angelo. My daughter needed a bathroom break and while we were standing in line at one of the many bathrooms at the Dallas airport I told the woman in front of me that I really liked <a href="http://pursuingjoy.blogspot.com/2014/07/my-latest-make-in-blurry-pictures.html" target="_blank">her dress </a>and it was just like one that another blogger I follow made. She asked about my latest post too and we realized we both follow each others blogs, and I was actually talking with the maker of the dress. Not only that, but we've been emailing back and forth the whole week about my <a href="http://practicallypippy.blogspot.com/2014/10/1248-triangle-top-update.html" target="_blank">1248 triangle quilt!</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/15789462562/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="image by kpippinger, on Flickr"><img alt="image" height="320" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5615/15789462562_aeeb5e8f4f.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
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It was crazy good to meet Tracey from the <a href="http://pursuingjoy.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">finding joy in the little things </a>blog at the Dallas airport while we were both on the way to different places. How insane is that!!!<br />
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It was great meeting you Tracey and I hope that you enjoyed your California trip.Karen Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07466929868600809339noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5950482447960095942.post-69526619250427653672014-10-30T01:22:00.001+01:002014-10-30T01:22:36.962+01:001248 Triangle Top updateI've been wanting to post these updated photos of my <a href="http://practicallypippy.blogspot.de/2014/10/1248-triangles.html" target="_blank">1248 triangle quilt</a> all week, but it's been hard to get any good pictures while we are in the process of moving. This queen sized quilt is all done and ready to be quilted as a Christmas gift for my sister and her husband! It doesn't hurt that this year late November is their 2nd wedding anniversary, which is the cotton anniversary! <br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/15476073758" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="IMG_7812 by Karen, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_7812" height="409" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7544/15476073758_4dd0567020.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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I don't think that these photos really do the colors on this quilt justice (I hope to get some better one's post quilting), but I do hope that they show the cool design.</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/15663045412" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="IMG_7804 by Karen, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_7804" height="333" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3940/15663045412_b26568ee75.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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I love how the skinny solid border stripe separates the one block wonder blocks from the original fabric. It really shows how the technique can change the pattern. </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/15638504526" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="IMG_7815 by Karen, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_7815" height="333" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5608/15638504526_013c4056a6.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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I really can't pick any favorite hexagons because I like too many of them! Although, I do like the ones that form swirls and stars a lot.</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/15659552611" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="IMG_7807 by Karen, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_7807" height="333" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5615/15659552611_ee121da712.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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I think that I might have to make another one of these now because this one was so fun to do!</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/15638497626" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="IMG_7830 by Karen, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_7830" height="333" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7487/15638497626_6b18acfb14.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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I also love how easy the pattern came together. The book talked about laying the hexagons up on a design wall and tweaking them over the course of a few days or weeks to get a pleasing pattern, but really, I don't have that kind of time. I took a much more serendipitous approach to the design process and laid them out on the floor and took an hour to re-arrange while the kids were in bed. It came together pretty fast compared to how hard I thought it would be, and I love how it flows. </div>
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I can't wait to get this quilted. One more item checked off my Christmas to do list!!! </div>
Karen Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07466929868600809339noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5950482447960095942.post-18501317295107438692014-10-21T18:54:00.002+02:002014-10-21T21:26:06.601+02:00Halloween 2014It's my favorite time of year again! The leaves are turning, the air is crisp, and the scarves are getting aired out. It's also time for our annual Bunco Halloween Party.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/15588844701" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="IMG_7736 by Karen, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_7736" height="347" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3934/15588844701_fe9b72ced6.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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I have had the pleasure of hosting two years in a row now, and I love decorating the house so it's nice and spooky for our guests. If you missed last years decorations you can<a href="http://practicallypippy.blogspot.de/2013/10/halloween-bunko-party-2013.html" target="_blank"> see them here</a>. This year, I went for spooky chic with lots of spider webs, spooky art, flying bats, twinkly lights, and Halloween colored tulle swags separating the rooms.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/15587798241" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="IMG_7720 by Karen, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_7720" height="333" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5607/15587798241_e1a6b0e5df.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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I learned from last year that lighting is super important when throwing a Bunco Halloween party. Last year, the overhead lights were on, and it distracted from the spooky decor. This year, I turned off the overhead lighting and only used fake candles, jack-o-lanterns, and lamps. The effect was much better and it made a huge difference.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/14969711404" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="IMG_7752 by Karen, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_7752" height="333" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3942/14969711404_1756292cfc.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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This year's art was super easy too. I covered my normal prints with tea stained newspaper and then cut out a spooky <a href="http://thegraphicsfairy.com/halloween-window-silhouettes/" target="_blank">vulture (courtesy of the Graphics Fairy)</a> and cat silhouette for each frame out of black wrapping paper. I then used the left over paper to cut out some bats for the drapes and wall. I think my favorite part of the living room decor was the witches hat above the paintings. Next year I think it might be cool to do a whole wall of different witches hats. What do you think?<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/15591304102" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="IMG_7715 by Karen, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_7715" height="333" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5614/15591304102_685d8d68f3.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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I also loved the dining area decorations. I left my travel plates up, but I covered the art with black poster board and topped it with a skull swag. </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/14970314693" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="IMG_7716 by Karen, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_7716" height="500" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3944/14970314693_f1de9616a1.jpg" width="341" /></a></div>
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I used up two silver metallic sharpie pens to make this print. I don't claim to have the greatest penmanship, but I love this Halloween poem and wanted to include it in the decor.</div>
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The Moon has awoken</div>
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With the sleep of the Sun</div>
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The light has been broken</div>
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The spell has begun</div>
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I don't know who wrote it, but if anyone else does let me know so that I can give them proper credit.</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/15403848989" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="IMG_7711 by Karen, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_7711" height="333" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5597/15403848989_d7a24dc279.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Some of the other decorations that we had up are bare branches covered in bats and twinkling lights and a ripped and torn window covering.</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/15566762626" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="IMG_7758 by Karen, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_7758" height="500" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5601/15566762626_d2bf6df098.jpg" width="333" /></a></div>
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tulle swags with skull corners</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/15566780336" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="IMG_7706 by Karen, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_7706" height="333" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5612/15566780336_79dc6a8da0.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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trash bag spider webs<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/15404466127" title="IMG_7703 by Karen, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_7703" height="333" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3951/15404466127_b7fa225547.jpg" width="500" /></a>
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and jack-o-lanterns made by the little helpers :)<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/15404849140" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="IMG_7747 by Karen, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_7747" height="379" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3940/15404849140_90a8e5df73.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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We had a great night of Bunco. I hope this post helps you to haunt your house or party too! </div>
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Happy Halloween!</div>
Karen Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07466929868600809339noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5950482447960095942.post-14298332213189591802014-10-12T23:05:00.000+02:002014-10-14T00:49:40.361+02:00Christmas Tree Lane QuiltI'm so happy to report that my Christmas Tree Lane quilt and table runner are almost complete! In my <a href="http://practicallypippy.blogspot.de/2014/09/working-towards-christmas.html" target="_blank">previous posting</a>, I had just finished the piecing while dealing with our upcoming move back to Texas. The movers come this week and I'm just about to lose my sewing machine and fabric for the next few months :(<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/15332436820" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="IMG_7686 by Karen, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_7686" height="333" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5607/15332436820_8bc2d40632.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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I've finished the quilting on both the quilt and the table runner despite not being able to find my supreme slider for some weird reason and running out of the variegated green thread that I was using to quilt the trees and borders.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/15519179785" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="IMG_7688 by Karen, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_7688" height="333" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3934/15519179785_1739f1be59.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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I love the swirl quilting on these pieces and even tried my hand at incorporating a few pebbles into the swirls for the table runner. I really think that my free motion quilting has improved over this last year and I was excited to do some feathers on my quilt border (although, I choose to do line quilting for the table runner border).<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/15518791212" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="IMG_7683 by Karen, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_7683" height="333" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3933/15518791212_4cca292e6c.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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A few of my feathers went a bit wonky, but overall I'm pretty happy with their size and shape. Now, it's onto the binding. I'm torn between a fun holiday stripe and a great red plaid. Decisions, decisions :) </div>
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<br />Karen Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07466929868600809339noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5950482447960095942.post-39615137254894227392014-10-06T21:56:00.001+02:002014-10-06T21:56:54.233+02:001248 Triangles Once upon a time, I saw a one block wonder (or stack-and-whack, if you prefer) quilt at a show, and ever since then I've really wanted to make one. Call me crazy, but with all the other things going on in my life right now (school, moving to a new home in three weeks, Halloween, and the family) I decided to try to whip out one of these quilts before we leave Germany so that it will be done in time for Christmas as a gift for my sister and her husband.<br />
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Yep, I'm nuts. There are 1248 triangles in this pile. These stacks of hexagons represents 8 yards of fabric!<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/15275095070" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="IMG_7447 by Karen, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_7447" height="452" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3928/15275095070_dfd63e012d.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Thankfully the whacking only took one night. If you've ever read about these quilts, lining up the fabric is really the hardest part. It took me forever to get my layers all perfectly straight, but it makes a huge difference in how the blocks look when they are put together. </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/15275044539" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="IMG_7457 by Karen, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_7457" height="333" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5601/15275044539_33850fb2a2.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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I'm now at the fun part. I get to arrange all my hexagons together in order to create the design. The books say to put it up on a wall and tweak it over the course of a few days, but I don't have that kind of time. I'm going to be arranging these on the floor tonight while the kids are asleep and whatever design is formed is how it's going to get sewn together. That's just how we busy moms have to roll sometimes :)</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/15461455402" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="IMG_7460 by Karen, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_7460" height="333" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3927/15461455402_fb2515c193.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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I'll keep you updated on how this project is coming together. I'm thinking about just sending it to a longarmer for finishing because I don't really think I'm going to be able to do it myself in time. Quilting a queen with a domestic sewing machine is tricky under the best of circumstances, but it might be a mistake to take it on when the movers are coming for my machine on the 16th, and I might not see it again until December.</div>
Karen Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07466929868600809339noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5950482447960095942.post-66468567025190033802014-09-16T01:37:00.000+02:002014-09-16T01:37:41.487+02:00Working towards ChristmasI don't know about everyone else out there, but September is when I start to feel the Christmas crunch. This year, I planned a bit better and have a lot done, but I still have several gifts "in-the-works", and since we are moving at the end of October, and we don't know when our stuff will arrive at the new house (likely after Christmas), I'm trying to get several projects finished up and shipped out early.<br />
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This week, I'm focusing on a project that I've been designing for a long time. I drew-up this Christmas tree quilt several months ago, and now I'm finally at the putting together stage! This weekend, I added the borders to my modern style Christmas quilt. Many of the modern quilts that I've seen lately don't have borders, but I really liked the idea of framing my Christmas trees with a simple and clean border design.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/15006632887" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="IMG_7354 by Karen, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_7354" height="333" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3883/15006632887_e94e23612f.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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I'm really loving how it's turning out. The blocks are foundation pieced from a simple tree block that I designed and arranged in a vertical, off-set pattern. I went the foundation route because I wanted to use all of the Christmas fabric scraps that I had laying around, and foundation piecing is great for scraps :)<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/15170170106" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="IMG_7359 by Karen, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_7359" height="333" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5583/15170170106_fdcaa1c748.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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This week, I'm going to hopefully finish the quilting on my domestic and work on finishing-up the pattern instructions.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/15006414119" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="IMG_7362 by Karen, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_7362" height="333" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5558/15006414119_3a6322f90e.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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I've written patterns and tutorials before, but this will be the first one that I'm going to offer for sale. I'm not sure when I'll have the pattern ready for sale because I want to see if I can get a few people to read it and maybe test it first. </div>
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I'd love to hear from anyone else who creates patterns for sale and wants to share some wisdom about their experiences :) </div>
<br />Karen Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07466929868600809339noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5950482447960095942.post-89710010289202197192014-08-25T22:37:00.000+02:002014-08-25T22:51:16.359+02:00Playing with clayIn this post, I'm linking up with both <a href="http://celticthistlestitches.blogspot.de/2014/08/new-to-me-in-august.html">Celtic Thistle Stitches</a> and <a href="http://missymaccreations.blogspot.co.uk/2014/08/ho-ho-ho.html">Missy Mac Creations</a> for the <a href="http://www.mudpiesandpins.com/ho-ho-ho-and-on-we-sew/" target="_blank">HO HO HO and on we sew</a> linky party and the new to me in August linky party because this month's Christmas gifts were done in a medium that I really don't have that much experience in; clay.<br />
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After I bought a <b><span style="font-size: large;">ginormous</span></b> block of white clay (apparently they don't just sell little blocks), I had more than enough for everyone to make something. I couldn't let the kids have all the fun alone so I went ahead and made a little bird bath ring holder with some left-over clay for above my kitchen sink. Right now, it's holding some buttercups that my son picked for me, but I just want to share the results of my dabbling with ceramics with everyone here. </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/14848555457" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="IMG_0076 by Karen, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0076" height="366" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3863/14848555457_44f96a6d8b.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
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Nope, clay is not something that I work in a lot. Turns out that the whole process is a lot more involved than I originally intended since I had to drive over an hour away to drop off and pick up the masterpieces for two different firings, but I had a few projects in mind that I really wanted to do with kiln fired clay (not oven baked) and so we bit the bullet and focused on two main projects.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/15032086961" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="IMG_7438 by Karen, on Flickr"><img 366="" alt="IMG_7438" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3891/15032086961_0b0a1de52c.jpg" width="550height=" /></a></div>
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The first project was making a hand impressions for each of my children. My mother has ones that we did as kids, and I wanted to do some too while the kids are still little. I tried to do this a while back but someone else's project exploded in the kiln and ruined my stuff :(</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/14848955597" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="IMG_7442 by Karen, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_7442" height="180" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3879/14848955597_e9a5d2a63e.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
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Hence, this time I rented out the whole kiln for just my stuff so that all these Christmas gifts that the kids made didn't get ruined again (plus, we made a lot of items since I had to use up a 25lb brick of clay). I love all their little creations, and they are all excited about giving something hand-made to the grandparents.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/14848610557" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="IMG_7424 by Karen, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_7424" height="366" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5590/14848610557_ba490e9de8.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
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The main Christmas project that I got done were these fingerprint Christmas tree ornaments that my oldest helped me to paint and glaze before firing. There's an ornament for each grandchild and one with where my husband and I made a heart shape with our thumb prints. <br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/14848586947" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="IMG_7435 by Karen, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_7435" height="366" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5551/14848586947_309ece8b13.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
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I love sweet sentimental gifts like this and I think that the grandparents are really going to enjoy them. I'm glad that we took the time to do these with kiln fired clay because the quality is just great, but it is a much more involved process than doing this same thing with oven baked clay. I don't know if I'll be doing this again anytime soon, but we all enjoyed trying something new, and I think that everyone's gifts turned out great. </div>
Karen Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07466929868600809339noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5950482447960095942.post-36144768368802132192014-08-17T12:45:00.000+02:002014-08-17T12:45:32.335+02:002 twisted wine cork wreathsWhile I was in California last year visiting with my family, I got the chance to make my parents a really BIG wine cork wreath to hang over their living room fire place. The space demanded a big wreath, so I made one using a pool noodle and larger child sized hula hoop as the wreath form. I wanted a lot of movement in this wreath so instead of just stacking the corks symmetrically around the form, I twisted them around it. I'm revisiting this project now because I just finished making a smaller version for my apartment door. I love how both wreaths turned out and I have a few little tips to share with everyone that I learned along the way.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/14940496945" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="IMG_5107 by Karen, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5107" height="471" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3855/14940496945_41467984ea_o.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
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Tip 1: Burlap</h3>
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As you can see, I covered the form with wide burlap ribbon so that the corks would have something to grip onto when I hot glued them down. The burlap is also the perfect color base for the wreath so your gaps don't show the pool noodle color (no one wants blue pool noodle poking out form under their cork).</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/14753947967" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="IMG_4924 by Karen, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_4924" height="367" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5569/14753947967_073ec0fcaf_o.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
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Tip 2: Sort your corks</h3>
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The part that I found the most fun was choosing the individual corks to go on the wreath. There are so many really cool ones out there to choose from; plus, I put a few special ones on the wreath too. </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/14753882488" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="IMG_5088 by Karen, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5088" height="367" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5574/14753882488_f65f143991_o.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
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But, before you start gluing, sort out the small, long, and special corks. As I put the corks around the wreath, I found that sometimes I needed a smaller or bigger one to make my row fit right. I even had to cut a few corks down a bit to finish my row, but I always hid those ones at the back.</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/14917504446" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="IMG_4927 by Karen, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_4927" height="367" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3867/14917504446_933ab61a13_o.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
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Tip 3: Placement</h3>
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I did a lot of looking around the internet at different cork wreaths before I designed this one and I didn't see any that twisted the corks around like I did here, maybe it's because getting the placement right is hard. If you're using a pool noodle like I did then I found that 6 corks per row was just perfect. Once you get your first few rows in place it's important to make sure that you re-adjust your corks as you go so the angle stays the same all the way around. Because corks are not all uniform in size, it's easy to loose the angle.</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/14937414641" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="IMG_5082 by Karen, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5082" height="546" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5576/14937414641_b14650d21b_o.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
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Tip 5: Add a hanger before you glue the last few rows.</h3>
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It took exactly 365 corks to cover this wreath, two bags of full sized glue sticks (not minis), and three days that involved wine and margaritas. I blame the spot that got a bit wobbly on the margaritas :) Just a note. This wreath turns out pretty heavy so make sure to use a sturdy length of wire to make a hanger before you add the last few rows of cork. There is no good way to wrap a wire around the corks after you finish.</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/14940138262" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="IMG_5110 by Karen, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5110" height="367" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3875/14940138262_f2916fbfc7_o.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
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Tip 6: Support the weight at the top and bottom</h3>
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Even though I loved this wreath plain, I wanted to add a few wine country touches with grapes, leaves, and even a humming bird. I love the little hummer because my parents always have a zillion hanging around their feeders. When we hung this wreath, we used a 25lb picture frame hanger at the top, but also supported the weight of the wreath with a nail at the bottom to keep the wreath from sagging. The bottom just sits on a large nail secured into the stud. </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/14940137872" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="IMG_7332 by Karen, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_7332" height="377" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3857/14940137872_69c37d4cb1_o.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
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Tip 7: Choose a <span style="font-size: large;">very </span>even form</h3>
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When I made the smaller version of this wreath for my front door, I only supported it from the top, but I used a lot of the same construction tips from the big wreath. I only wish that I hadn't used a straw form because it is not uniform enough all the way around to keep the corks from getting off track. I should have made another pool noodle form or bough a foam form so that I didn't have to deal with the the wobbles in the straw.</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/14753883168" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="IMG_7349 by Karen, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_7349" height="516" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5571/14753883168_30866a413b_o.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
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I love how the door version turned out too, and I'm happy to have a nice wreath to celebrate the end of summer for my door. I hope that my tips can help you make your own wreath to decorate your home.</div>
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How everyone else is celebrating the last part of summer? Any special trips, activities, or projects planned? </div>
Karen Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07466929868600809339noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5950482447960095942.post-4408898739008657732014-08-07T03:20:00.000+02:002014-08-07T11:16:17.908+02:00August IllustrationSo, just doing a quick share today. It's been a few months since I posted a monthly illustration, and this month's was inspired by our upcoming move back to the USA. Yep, it's official. We'll be moving back to Texas (where it all began for my family) in November. I'm going to miss Germany, but I'm also ready to be with our family back home.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/14847672592" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="moving box by Karen, on Flickr"><img alt="moving box" height="389" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5582/14847672592_2c796e6971.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
We just told our families today and everyone is excited. My brother-in-law is especially happy that everyone now knows because he's been keeping the secret for the last week while I finished the moving announcement. I think it was totally worth the wait so we could share the news in a cute way, and my husband understands my particular brand of crazy enough to go along with me. He's a good guy :)<br />
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I really, really can't believe that it's already August! Summer has just flown by, and I can honestly say that this is one of the best summers that I've had in a really long time even with all the rain we've had over the last month.<br />
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We went to the Alps for vacation and hiked all over for a week. I could absolutely see myself living there it was just so beautiful.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/14661528148" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="14811855305_43723e3b16_z by Karen, on Flickr"><img alt="14811855305_43723e3b16_z" height="334" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3898/14661528148_5f07608eca.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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We also visited a few museums in Innsbruck, Germany and they had the most beautiful antique spinning wheels on display. <br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/14848139255" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="14569128650_0249e6fb7a_z by Karen, on Flickr"><img alt="14569128650_0249e6fb7a_z" height="334" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5563/14848139255_452c4743fc.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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It's amazing the level of detail in so many antique pieces which is missing from today's utility items and tools.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/14661454740" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="14732897036_51ff6f6543_z by Karen, on Flickr"><img alt="14732897036_51ff6f6543_z" height="500" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3847/14661454740_74d8aa0e00.jpg" width="334" /></a></div>
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Okay, I think that I've tortured you enough with my holiday photos, but really look how much work went into carving this spinning wheel! :)<br />
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What were you all doing this summer. Projects? Trips? I'd love to hear about all your adventures. :)<br />
<br />Karen Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07466929868600809339noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5950482447960095942.post-12140552651201205342014-07-17T15:57:00.000+02:002014-08-17T01:43:31.729+02:00There are Superheros Amongst UsBecause I have been super busy with school this summer (it's my Senior Year of College), my kids are doing a lot of solo play. It's great to see them all at an age where they can just have fun together without Mommy having to come in and direct things all the time. Lately, they've been really into playing super hero games with each other, but the blanket capes were constantly needing to be tied and retied. This was making my little super heroes a tad cranky, and Mommy said "no" when they asked me to pin the blankets around their little necks (I suspected that that might end badly). So, we dug through my stash and made a trip to the fabric store in order to find the perfect super hero cape fabrics!<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/14489958429" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="IMG_5348 copy by Karen, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5348 copy" height="485" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3861/14489958429_b21326d101.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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Each cape and mask is double sided with an appliqued initial on one side. I used a modified version of <a href="http://www.threadridinghood.com/wordpress/made-by-me-monday-super-hero-cape-pattern-tutorial/" target="_blank">Sherri's cape tutorial</a>, from her thread riding hood blog, for the capes. I modified the shape and length a bit according to my kids' sizes and I added some light weight stabilizer around the collars to make them a bit more stable.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/14676313252" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="IMG_5329 by Karen, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5329" height="418" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5566/14676313252_2dcf2f0603.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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I used some satin fabric from my stash for my daughter's pink puppy cape and adding the stabilizer really made a big difference in how it was laying. It's going to be a while before I'm convinced to use any kind of silky fabric again, that stuff is slippery!</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/14676610555" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="IMG_5369 by Karen, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5369" height="333" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3882/14676610555_d468387d0c.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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For the masks, I used <a href="http://dabblesandbabbles.com/10-minute-superhero-costume/" target="_blank">Dabbles and Babble's superhero mask templates</a>. By adding a seam allowance I made them double sided by flipping them inside out. I also used a bit of stabilizer between the layers to help the mask keep it's shape and I really suggest that you don't cut out the eyes until after you satin stitch around the eye holes.</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/14489969729" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="IMG_5322 by Karen, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5322" height="500" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2902/14489969729_a962de0ace.jpg" width="333" /></a><br />
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This was a great little summer project and my kids insist on wearing their capes everywhere. I think that I'm going to have to make a few for the nieces and nephews for Christmas too.Karen Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07466929868600809339noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5950482447960095942.post-64074389539744199092014-04-18T18:55:00.001+02:002015-09-20T23:18:39.814+02:002 Fat Quarter Stocking Tutorial <span style="font-size: large;">Welcome to the fourth month of the HO, HO, Ho and On We Sew link party - April!</span><br />
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I'm thrilled to guest host this month's the <a href="http://celticthistlestitches.blogspot.de/2014/01/ho-ho-ho-and-on-we-sew.html" target="_blank">HO HO HO and on we sew</a> linky party. It has really helped me to to get motivate to start early on my Christmas and Hanukkah gifts this year, and I hope that you will join me by linking up your Christmas project too.<br />
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Every month on the 18th, Paula at <a href="http://www.mudpiesandpins.com/" target="_blank">Mud, Pies, and pins</a> and Fiona at <a href="http://celticthistlestitches.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Celtic Thistle Stitches</a> will be hosting a link party where we can showcase our work and get inspired by each other and the variety of guest hosts that they have lined up. There is also a wonderful giveaway for entering the linky party.<br />
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This month's prize was kindly donated to us by Raystitch, <a href="http://www.raystitch.co.uk/" style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">http://www.raystitch.co.uk/</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"> </span> It's grea<span style="font-family: inherit;">t little mini Cross Stitch Kit that would be great framed, as a pin cushion or even threaded with a ribbon for a pretty ornament.</span><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/13900486332" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Raystitch HHHaoWS giveaway by Karen, on Flickr"><img alt="Raystitch HHHaoWS giveaway" height="333" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3685/13900486332_4ac501dc28.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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My Project this month is a Super Simple Stocking Tutorial. This pattern is suitable for most beginners with some basic knowledge of sewing and you can <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_h-0YwdMrpMU1ZpbVh0RkRZLVk/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">download the stocking pattern here</a>. The best part is that it's fat quarter friendly; you only need 2! </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/13924345284" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="IMG_9673 by Karen, on Flickr"><img alt="Make a Christmas Stocking using only 2 Fat Quarters Tutorial" height="751" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7029/13924345284_e56d2c4295_o.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
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This stocking is based on the set of stockings that my mother made for our family back when I was a little girl. Hers always seemed to be just the right size for most stocking stuffers (not too big that it never seemed full, and not too small where nothing would fit). They were made from pre-quilted calico and rick rack and I've always adored them. My mother was kind enough to fish this one out for me and trace it so that I could share this pattern with you today :)</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/13900793242" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="20140417_182939 by Karen, on Flickr"><img alt="The Stocking my Mother made" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7366/13900793242_dbf54eddd8_o.jpg" /></a></div>
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My version is the same size and shape as the original, but it includes a lining and is quilted by machine instead of using pre-quilted fabric (although you could use pre-quilted fabric if you want). It finishes to around 13h x 11w inches.</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/13924341904" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="IMG_9632 by Karen, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9632" height="367" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7187/13924341904_e449e37340_o.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
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The <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B_h-0YwdMrpMU1ZpbVh0RkRZLVk/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">pattern</a> comes in four pieces that you will have to tape together. Make sure to turn the "scale to print" feature OFF! </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Supplies You Will Need</span></div>
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2 Fat Quarters (one for the body and one for the lining)</div>
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A piece of batting as big as a FQ</div>
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A piece of scrap fabric to back your stocking body for quilting (this doesn't show so it can be any cheap fabric that you have on hand)</div>
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A scrap of Felt or Fabric for the Initial</div>
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Medium Rick Rack for the loop and to trim</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/13923947173" title="IMG_9635 by Karen, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9635" height="367" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7235/13923947173_d50d544962_z.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
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1. Lay your pattern pieces out on your FQs and cut 1 normal and one reverse for both the body fabric and the lining.</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/13924336374" title="IMG_9639 by Karen, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9639" height="367" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7460/13924336374_c436380581_z.jpg" width="550" /></a><br />
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2. To add quilting to your stocking you will need to take the body pieces and make a quilt sandwich. I used a piece of cheap muslin for the backing (since the lining will cover this) and a scrap piece of batting for the middle. Lay your body pieces on the top and pin through all three layers.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/13900783442" title="IMG_9651 by Karen, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9651" height="367" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2940/13900783442_2e39133792_z.jpg" width="550" /></a><br />
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3. Quilt your body pieces using any technique and pattern you desire. I quilted a simple diamond pattern to accentuate the dot design.Cut you quilted body pieces out.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/13900772716" title="IMG_9654 by Karen, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9654" height="367" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7412/13900772716_d6b312ca0c_o.jpg" width="550" /></a><br />
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4. If you plan on adding any embellishments such as an initial or trim, now is the time to do it. For an initial, print your letter out to size using your favorite font. If you are going to use a fusible to adhere your letter, make sure to choose the "mirror print" option so that when you flip your letter right-side-up, it is not backwards.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/13900778772" title="IMG_9656 by Karen, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9656" height="367" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7027/13900778772_134fbc834d_z.jpg" width="550" /></a><br />
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5. Sew down your letter using a zig-zag or straight stitch and sew a straight line through your rick-rack to secure it.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/13923937873" title="IMG_9657 by Karen, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9657" height="367" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7046/13923937873_170a70c1ca_z.jpg" width="550" /></a><br />
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6. Pin your rick-rack loop in place making sure that it is more than 1/4 inch in from the edge so that it doesn't get caught in the seam when you sew the edges.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/13900753501" title="IMG_9658 by Karen, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9658" height="825" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7367/13900753501_fc0c28832b_o.jpg" width="550" /></a><br />
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7. Okay, here's where it gets interesting :) Lay your body fabric and lining fabric right-sides together and sew across the top edge using a 1/4 inch seam allowance. Repeat for both sides.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/13900771782" title="IMG_9661 by Karen, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9661" height="367" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7098/13900771782_d436de6159_o.jpg" width="550" /></a><br />
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8. Open up your joined pieces and lay the right sides together matching the edges. Sew the body side using your 1/4 inch seam allowance. When sewing the lining side, increase your seam allowance to 1/2 inch so that it fits better when you turn it right-side out. At the bottom of the lining, leave an opening big enough so you can easily invert your stocking.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/13923872715" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="IMG_9662 by Karen, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9662" height="333" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3710/13923872715_f67bb92249.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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9. Trim the excess seam allowance from your lining fabric side and take a moment to notch your outside curves, and clip your inside curves on both the body and lining. Don't skip this step. Your seams are bulky and wont turn smoothly without a few notches and clips.</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/13923882733" title="IMG_9665 by Karen, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9665" height="367" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7250/13923882733_3c0265a3ea_z.jpg" width="550" /></a><br />
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10. Reach through the opening that you left in the lining and turn your stocking right side out. Smooth your seems and your curves down from the inside until you are happy with the shape.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/13900715186" title="IMG_9664 by Karen, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9664" height="367" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7275/13900715186_960a4bc7a7_o.jpg" width="550" /></a>
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11. Fold the seam allowance to the inside of your lining and sew shut. Don't worry about making this invisible. It wont show since it's at the bottom.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/13923825485" title="IMG_9666 by Karen, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9666" height="367" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7066/13923825485_8562000259_z.jpg" width="550" /></a><br />
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12. Push the lining into your stocking body and maneuver it around until it sits smoothly inside. To give your top edge an added layer of security and finish, top stitch the body and lining together using a generous 1/4 seam.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/13924806745" title="IMG_9667 by Karen, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_9667" height="367" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3681/13924806745_2305527f23_o.jpg" width="550" /></a>
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Now your are all done and your stocking is ready to hang or to give as a gift! I hope that you found this tutorial easy and fun. If you have any questions please feel free to email me.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's your turn to link up and show us the Christmas project or Christmas gift that you've been working on this month. You have 'till the end of the month to join us and be entered into our lovely give-away!</span><br />
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Karen Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07466929868600809339noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5950482447960095942.post-56382175072027589162014-03-13T21:16:00.000+01:002014-03-13T21:16:44.022+01:00Birthday Girl ApronI know that all moms say that they can't believe how fast their kids are growing up, but it seems that every child's birthday sneaks up on me and catches me off guard. My youngest just turned four this week and I barely got her present done in time. Thanks to a husband who stood guard outside of my sewing area, I finished my daughters birthday apron just in time for her party.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/13132634034/" title="IMG_8508 by kpippinger, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8508" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2386/13132634034_b665250d88.jpg" height="462" width="550" /></a></div>
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I love aprons. They are great practical gifts, and it was high time my littlest helper got her own for when she helps me with the dishes and when she cooks in her play kitchen.</div>
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This is a reversible pinafore apron with a crisscross back. I like these for little kids because they can get them on and off without anyone having to untie them. Sorry, I didn't use a pattern for this apron, but here is a <a href="http://www.japanesesewingbooks.com/2013/01/29/free-pattern-tutorial-and-sewing-video-cross-back-apron-for-adult-and-kids/" target="_blank">free pattern by Japanese sewing books</a> that is similar. You could use to get the same style. <br />
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I love the retro coffee pots and tea kettles fabric (by blank textiles) on this side of the apron. I added some useful pockets and decked them out with some scrap binding and bows. <br />
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The reverse side was made from a butterfly fabric that's been in my stash for awhile now, and I scrounged up just enough apple fabric to make two pockets on this side too. I was happy with how quick this came together and my daughter is thrilled to have an apron "like Mommy's" when she helps out.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/13132626984/" title="IMG_8584 by kpippinger, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8584" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3795/13132626984_5e8aca4abc.jpg" height="366" width="550" /></a><br />
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Since I had everything out already, I went ahead and made a second apron for my niece. I used the same brown butterfly fabric for the reverse, but did a full pocket on the front with some appliqued birds. Since I'm trying to do at least one future Christmas gift or project every month this year as part of the Ho Ho Ho and on we sew link-up party (see my links to the right --->, I'm going to stash this away until Christmas. I might add a child sized oven mitt to her gift too. <br />
<br />Karen Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07466929868600809339noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5950482447960095942.post-6238750915788342402014-02-21T19:50:00.001+01:002016-11-20T21:54:32.245+01:00February SketchDid you think that I forgot to share my sketch for this month??? While this may be a little late for Valentines day, I firmly believe that it's always the right time to tell someone that you love them or express how grateful you are to have someone in your life. Right now, I want to thank the whole blog community for always being so wonderful and generous. <br />
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I hope that you like my little Robot buddy. He's hand drawn and then colored on the computer in Adobe Photoshop Elements. The font used for the message is called <a href="http://www.dafont.com/forgetmenot.font" target="_blank">Forget me not</a> and it can be downloaded for free personal use.</div>
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As always, I want to show you a bit of my process so that you see how a doodle can become an illustration.</div>
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This was a doodle that I did on a scratch piece of paper. I did a few different robots, but this was my favorite concept.</div>
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Here is where I redrew the doodle into my sketchbook so that I wouldn't loose it. I also refined the idea a bit more. You can see that I first thought about doing a gauge on his chest, but then I changed my mind when I was doing my final inked image. </div>
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After scanning it, I decided on how I was going to color it with the help of my best buddies! It has become a household tradition that each time I finish a new sketch, my kids get to color their own copy. My middle son was a bit bummed that my robot didn't have a sword so he drew his own :)<br />
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You haven't seen the last of this sketch! I have a plan for my little robot buddy; you will be seeing him again very soon.<br />
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Karen Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07466929868600809339noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5950482447960095942.post-72976700937198596332014-02-19T19:40:00.001+01:002014-02-22T17:32:22.108+01:00100 days of school toy wreathMy poor blog is feeling a little neglected this month so I think that it's time to do an update on some of the projects that I've been doing. I have a really fun blog post in the works that I want to get out, but it's still not quite ready. So, in the interim, I want to share another fun project that I just finished up with my six-year-old.<br />
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My middle child had to do a 100 days project at his school where he shared a collection of 100 things. It could have been anything from 100 stickers to 100 toothpicks, but since we had just got done going through the kids' toys to weed out stuff that was going to get donated to our local thrift store, I figured that we could use a lot of those tiny toys to make his teacher a 100 days wreath.<br />
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I wrapped the wreath in black ribbon to give it a nice base before we began, and my son manned the toy bag and kept count while I wielded the hot glue gun.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/12639572874/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="IMG_8337 by kpippinger, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8337" height="500" src="https://ycpi-farm4.staticflickr.com/3800/12639572874_7210b0ebae.jpg" width="333" /></a></div>
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I think we managed to use every fast food, birthday party, broken, and seasonal toy in our house in order to get 100 toys to fit on the wreath. I especially love the broken etch-a-sketch because the teacher can use a dry erase marker to write different messages on the wreath over the year. I think that my son's favorite part was the warring army guys at the top. </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kpsmith/12639510954/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="IMG_8321 by kpippinger, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8321" height="348" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3824/12639510954_dfd0a7f4ff.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
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I'm also quite pleased that everything on the wreath was reused from other projects. The wreath form has been used in a few seasonal wreaths so far this year, the ribbon was left over from Halloween, and the toys were all from my kid's stash of tiny toys. I do so like a project that makes me feel all thrifty.</div>
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Now that I've made this wreath for my son's teacher, I totally want one too! It's a great way to transform cheap and old toys into something totally new and unique. I could see it used for a birthday wreath or even a way to save and display special toys.</div>
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Karen Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07466929868600809339noreply@blogger.com2