tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-799420221143514702024-03-09T08:49:15.105+00:00narcoleptic in a cupboarda sewing cupboard that is...Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11401124377008075764noreply@blogger.comBlogger245125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79942022114351470.post-49283931790274420362015-12-30T20:51:00.002+00:002015-12-30T20:51:39.588+00:00Charmed I'm sure, I-spy in a Low Volume vibe.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It started like this... I've been amassing Low Volume (usually the most required fabric in bee & swap blocks!) for a few years now, and keeping my favourites separate. The very top right of this picture is a stack of charm squares, all different. This summer, I finally had a concrete vision in my head of what I wanted to do with them!</div>
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Never mind all the amazing, complex, beautiful, clever Low Volume quilts I've been admiring for so long, I wanted to sew. And quickly! Goodness knows how the wonderful mothers I see on Instagram get their children to play by themselves so that they can get some sewing time... Moo is Monkey Central.. Anyway. I started with a plan - the simplest sewing I can think of, squares. Then I thought about Scrappy Trip Around the World quilts, and Scrap Vomit quilts. Neither quite hit the mark. But the notion that every print must be different was a hit. (Lets not bother pretending that had nothing to do with justifying more shopping... )</div>
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It took me about 3 weeks to do all my cutting. Thats how tired and crappy I was over summer... But when everything was cut, I had the urge to sneak in a few wee blocks too - the odd drunkards path, a four square here and there, a random pinwheel or two, and the ubiquitous Half Square Triangle. But keeping to a minimum so as not to be obvious. Cos you know subtlety is so me... I also decided to have it On Point. I counted out what a quarter would look like, chucked it on the wall, and with Supergran to assist, I got 4 mornings sewing, three hours a quarter. </div>
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This was a biggy in my books. Our new bed is a whopper (well poor man does have to share with me and my 101 symptoms of sleep disorders and hip pain...) so this had to fit. (and it does, just!). There was no way I could quilt it though, and you know, I'd never in a million years have done it justice. I handed it over to the only woman who would. <a href="http://trudi-quiltingprolifically.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Ms Trudi Wood</a>. She's not just a fabulous quilter. She's a friend. She is kind, thoughtful, creative, AND a fab quilter! I explained my quilt to Trudi. I told her how much I loved it already. I told her that every print was different, and so many of them said so many different things to me. I can remember which were used in who's blocks. I remember which prints were given to me by friends. I can spot right away the prints which came from the first swap I ran. And then there are the prints I included for Moo. You see, this quilt will be on my bed. As Moo grows up, this quilt will be on my bed and no doubt she will join me snuggling under it. When Moo has a bad dream we will cuddle under this quilt. When Moo is feeling poorly we will snuggle under this quilt. There are many, many I-spy squares included for the very purpose of distracting Moo!<br />
Anyway. I told Trudi everything, and she told me how she could quilt it. "an all over with a few things hidden in for fun". What can I say. She gets me! She understood completely. I knew she was the only person who could or should do the quilting for this quilt. And she excelled herself!!!<br />
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Here it is. As usual my photos are awful but I'm including so many I hope you'll get a feel for it. Coming in under 100" x 80" it still looks small on the bed! You can see the all over pattern though, and I'm happy that no one part of it stands out more than the other.</div>
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And this is how the little differences pop up! Gold Birds. I love that there are quite a few metallic prints in this too.</div>
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Meeses and birds and windmills and bicycles and flowers. Drunkards Path and two of the prints I bleached to soften the colours for this quilt.</div>
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Animals, ballerinas, music, gold sparkly triangles. An HST, a DP and a four square. </div>
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Postcards, butterflys, girls on swings, pussycats!</div>
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Alice in wonderland, Kitchen utensils, cookie cutters, bunny rabbits... Pinwheels!</div>
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Mermaids, toadstools, foxes, doodles, scooters, fish, frogs and lighthouses...</div>
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Stars, cakes, tents! Flowers, Letters, Red Riding Hood...</div>
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There is so much to find in this quilt, and the quilting itself joins in with the game. I could not possibly love it more. I hope you like it too. </div>
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<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11401124377008075764noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79942022114351470.post-73320084561121059812015-11-04T02:01:00.000+00:002015-11-04T02:01:16.700+00:00Let's call a spade a spade. Unless it's a shovel. Or a diggy stick. Or a spayspay, or spoospoo...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
*warning - another wordy post with little quilting and a few NSFW words*</div>
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<br />
So man and me, we're sitting on the sofa exhaling deeply after a successful end to the "bedtime" routine (otherwise known as moos mental hour). <br />
"during her bath tonight she did something" man says, looking frankly a bit shifty.<br />
<br />
"oh?" says I, thinking either floaty turds or some such malarkey.<br />
<br />
"well," he says. "she had the sponge, washing herself, and I said 'now wash your fanny'."<br />
<i>(*for any American readers, in UK fanny refers to vagina*)</i><br />
<br />
"aaaaand?" I say, not remotely surprised he's asked her to do it herself, as I know he really makes an effort to try to not be awkward about it but.... Blokes! Anyway. "aaaand?"<br />
<br />
"Well. She did it." he says with concern.<br />
<br />
"yeaaaaaah." I say, with a 'so what' implied....<br />
<br />
"She did it." he says. "She washed her fanny."<br />
<br />
"okay," I say slowly, "what did you think she'd do?!"<br />
<br />
"no," he says, (I'm clearly not getting the point here) "she did it, she knows she's got a fanny" he says, like all should be clear now.<br />
<br />
"well of course she knows she's got a fanny! what the hell are you on about?!" <br />
<br />
"no! She knows its a FANNY. She knows that word." He genuinely seems quite troubled.<br />
<br />
I'm a bit bemused here I must admit. "So? What's the problem there?"<br />
<br />
"well! Isn't that a bit, well, a bit rude?"<br />
<br />
Trying not to laugh, as he seems so concerned here, I said "well, I hate to break it to you but she probably knows you've got a willy too....it's just learning body parts!"<br />
<br />
"I know, willys not rude though. I just thought maybe we should have called it something else, that's all."<br />
<br />
"Oh so Fanny is rude and Willy isn't? What else would you call it?" genuinely curious as to what he'll come up with now...<br />
<br />
"well, I call it her funny front bum".<br />
<br />
"...?...!....." give me a minute... "okay, so do you want her to grow up thinking its funny or peculiar? Which?!"<br />
<br />
"och no, course I dont, I dont know. I never thought about it like that before."<br />
<br />
"Right." I said, thinking I should reign myself in a bit here and approach this better. Admittedly I was enjoying myself a bit too much, and when I could see he was being so genuine too... What a meany.<br />
"I was told it was my 'front bottom', and in our house even 'bum' was considered a swear word. Other girls thought I was well stuck up. I didn't want to call it that with my girl. Sorry, maybe we should have discussed it ages ago, I just didn't see a problem with fanny."<br />
<br />
"ach, well, I don't know, I don't really have a problem with fanny" he says (I'm thinking dont laugh dont laugh dont laugh) "I just, well, for kids like, arent you meant to call it something less, well. rude?"<br />
<br />
Letting the second 'fanny is rude' go, I say "Let's google it. See what others say."<br />
<br />
What followed was a good half hour or so of incredulity, laughter, disbelief... Confusion, and in my case, ultimately a bit of a ranty strop!<br />
<br />
All the googling and forum reading boiled down to this. There seemed to be two camps. <br />
<br />
On one side we have all the foo foo's, the nu nu's, the flower's, the Mary's (wtf?!), the Moo moo's (oh dear god we nicknamed our daughter a term for genitalia? Way to traumatise her...), the lady garden's, the bits, the bitsies, the lady bits, the girl parts, the fuff, the gina, the china, the foof, the area, the minnie (what would mickey say?!) the ninnie (in Scotland a ninny is an idiot!), the twinkle (like the little star we sing of?!), the tuppence, the tuppy, the v-jay jay.... I could go on, but if my eyes roll any more they are likely to spin out of the sockets. <br />
I don't wish to offend you if one of the above is yours. Its a very personal thing, isn't it. Each to their own! But me? I simply couldn't use any of them with a straight face. Neither could man. (phew!).<br />
<br />
On the other side, the straight forwards camp, we have the vagina, the vulva and the labia. <br />
I find these a bit cold. Correct they may be, but I'd only use them with a doctor... I get the point though. Sensible argument - a toe is a toe, a knee is a knee. I'm more in agreement with a commenter who said "and do you tell her to wipe her anus?!!!" Precisely. Again man and I are in agreement (rare thing!), its a tummy not a stomach, its a bum not a posterior, and neither of us are inclined to want to say vagina to a two year old....<br />
<br />
However. This is where I got a bit ranty.... Both camps with their completely opposite names, both camps seemed to agree on one thing. Apparently, Fanny is a bit rude. But Willy isnt. <br />
<br />
Why? <br />
<br />
Why is fanny more rude than willy? <br />
<br />
Why are we raising girls to be more self conscious and uncomfortable about their fanny than boys would be about their willy?<br />
<br />
This inevitably brought me round to a favourite rant of mine, one which man has heard before, many times. Why is the universally accepted most rude and offensive swear word CUNT? I disagree with it's use as a derogatory term full stop, but the fact that its seemingly the most offensive of all cursing winds me up no end. <br />
<br />
At the end of all our googling, man looked at me with a twinkle... "go on, join the forum, tell them you're telling our daughter it's a CUNT. You know you want to... Go on...."<br />
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I'm only too sorry to say that I didn't. But I dont think thats the last of the gender equality discussions me and man will have now we have our Moo. Not by a long shot!<br />
<br />
Anyway. To lighten things I'll leave you with this for fun. Many would say it's one who dresses far too young for her age and another just doesn't dress enough! I disagree. I see two strong independent women who are always fighting to teach young girls (and the rest of the world!) to love their bodies and not fear their sexuality. And ppfftt to all that, they do damn good pop too.<br />
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<span style="background-color: #e5e5e5; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">Miley Cyrus</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #e5e5e5; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">“I don’t get the violence revenge thing. That’s supposed to be a good example? And I’m a bad role model because I’m running around with my titties out? I’m not sure how titties are worse than guns.” </span>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11401124377008075764noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79942022114351470.post-1382724524838005292015-10-23T00:20:00.000+01:002015-10-23T00:20:50.417+01:00tracks of my week...<br />
My esteemed bloggy buddy <a href="http://domesticlightandmagic.blogspot.co.uk/2015/10/blogtober-day-22-tracks-of-my-years.html" target="_blank">Lynz </a>has been doing some fabulous posts under the heading "tracks of my years". Not wishing to inundate you with hours and hours (months more likely) worth of tunes, I'm sticking with tracks of my <i>week</i>...<br />
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Either 1984 or Jan 85, either way I was 6 years old. Its Sunday night. I'm in bed already hiding my cassette recorder under my pillow in order to listen in to the UK Top 40 (quite unbeknown to me I was following in my fathers footsteps!). I can still remember screaming into my pillow and kicking my feet with excitement to hear this...<br />
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Phew! What a hunk! It's been in my head all week as I keep hearing a cover by Hot Chip. Now this is a bit geeky maybe, but I've had it in my head that there was a cover version of it in the charts at the same time as Bruce, as I remember being absolutely furious at the cheek of it! I was assuming I'd dreamt this, but some googling has actually verified this! The things you remember eh. Apparently this wasnt my first popstar crush either, as Eddy Grants' "I dont wanna dance" was 1982 and my parents say I was nuts about him....<br />
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I finally succumbed to Netflix. Its been so awesome! I'm useless at watching stuff these days, cant stay awake at all if I'm simply sitting watching something, but sitting at the desk in the sewing room I can cut fabric and watch the laptop with reasonable success. Yay! No fingers lost yet either! <br />
I really enjoyed a movie by my beloved Belle & Sebastian frontman Stuart Murdoch, "God help the girl". This lovely wee tune in particular has enchanted me. <br />
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<br />
I remember in my teens my dad telling me an article he'd read said we stop listening to new music in our twenties. It claimed the average person spent their life listening to whatever they chose between 14-24. Oh how we laughed. Not us. No way. <br />
Well, dad did fantastically well, embracing new tunes well into his 50's and only leaving pop because his hearing went. Me? Hmmm. Honestly lucky to hear a handful of songs in a year that are new and bearable! This however, is a rare thing - a current track that I actually love!<br />
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<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11401124377008075764noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79942022114351470.post-29835210685749914082015-10-18T21:31:00.000+01:002015-10-18T21:31:26.748+01:00Its my Prozac....My buddy the littlest thistle did a fascinating blog post recently and asked <a href="http://www.the-littlest-thistle.com/2015/10/why.html" target="_blank">"Why?"</a>. This is my response.<br />
<br />
<i>Why do I create?</i><br />
<br />
"Why?" is a question that had never entered my mind! It's just, well, it's what you do, isnt it? It was in our house. One of my earliest memories is an afternoon with mum - the sewing machine out on the dining table, cups of tea, Cliff Richard's Rock and Roll LP on the record player, Mum at the table making and me fannying about doing the twist standing on the piano stool... What was mum making? Well, it might have been the time she made me a skirt and waistcoat combo. Or the time she made an outfit to match it for my ragdoll Annie. Or it might have been the time of the evening gowns for Sindy dolls. Or the time we made a whole picnic - sandwiches, cakes, cream buns - out of foam offcuts and felt. Or the bedding for my teddies bed. <br />
<br />
Mum was always at it. I remember practicing our Macrame with dressing gown ties in my parents bed. I remember my favourite picture from their stack of National Geographic Magazines wasnt animals, it was someone who had built their spherical house out of old aluminium cans, windows out of bottles, the odd dolls face cemented in here and there. I remember being allowed to help scrape the paint off an old dresser with a blowtorch. I remember watching armchair cushions being recovered. I actually struggle to remember furniture in our house that hadn't been recycled and revamped! I remember blowing eggs and watching mum cut doors into them and attach teeeeeny tiny little hinges. I remember the sugar work - making tiny petals to mould into roses. The easter eggs we made with moulds and melted chocolate. The baskets of Marzipan Fruits. I remember going with mum to my school after hours to sit in on the pottery class she took. We made candles. Mum knitted jumpers (until my brother and I broke the machine). I can picture the kitchen table covered in a production line of wee wooden clothes peg dolls. My brother making a Frank Sidebottom Head with chicken wire and paper mache.... One of my favourite places was the box room, full of mums crafty bits and fabric scraps in old tea chests. Our utility room was seldom without something or other drying out by the boiler or fermenting under the sink. <br />
<br />
Making stuff was totally normal in our house! <br />
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<i>Why do I create in this particular medium?</i><br />
<br />
Thinking about it all, I suppose my quilting is more "nesting" than anything particularly artistic. I've never felt at ease with doing "art". Unique ideas are not my forte! I can see what I like and alter it, adjust it, redo it and make it mine, but I've never been any good at starting from scratch. If I had a normal persons energy and fitness I'd love to be restyling furniture. That would have been my ideal, but I am not up for it physically. Too much exertion required with all that sanding! To be honest actual machine quilting is often a bit of a struggle too. <br />
<br />
I started with bag making, and a hope to learn dressmaking, and a sideline in ragdolls. I don't think I'm cut out for bag making though, I don't like the noises even a good machine makes as you attempt to gently squeeze half a dozen layers under the needle... I cant cuddle up under a bag either. The dolls have not been shelved for good, I will make for Moo at some time, but without a prospective owner there just isn't the point in making. And dressmaking. Well. Lets just say that the yardage required these days makes the prospect pretty bloody expensive and patterns hard to come by. My desire has waned...<br />
However, quilting appeals to me in so many ways. Not least the thought of a house full of home made pretty blankets! I want them on the walls, the sofas, the chairs, the beds - there's currently one spread out over the coffee table like a table cloth!<br />
Before Moo came along I was setting up to take it all very seriously. Good stash. Computer Aided Design program. Passion and dozens of ideas. I was hoping to publish some patterns. I was dreaming of getting in magazines and the like. Possibly contribute to a craft fair every now and again. Do the odd Linus quilt.<br />
<br />
<br />
<i>Where I am now?</i><br />
<br />
Please don't misunderstand me, I am so thrilled to have my Moo, it simply would have been nice to find out if I could have done it. I could not possibly give quilting up now though, however little I can squeeze in. Every single aspect, even the parts I'm not so keen on, has value to me. It gives me something to think about during the night hours I cannot sleep through. It gives me excitement to plan, and yes, to stash... The cutting is hard. It can take days depending on my energy levels. The piecing is a thrill, my biggest fault is probably rushing through the piecing and not necessarily going back and fixing scant seams....I cant help it, I enjoy it so I want to get as much done in one sitting as possible before tiredness and or Moo intervenes! Brushing aside the difficulties in basting and quilting, the binding is a joy. It is simple, relaxing, and a warm (literally!) anticipation of having the finished, squishy, cosy, pretty quilt finished. <br />
<br />
I don't feel that saying "it makes me happy" sufficiently covers it! When I go through weeks of no sewing it brings me down. Depression seems to be a bit of a side effect for Narcoleptics. Not too hard to understand I think, I mean, feeling tired all the time sucks. From the time I wake up to the time I say goodnight I've usually had at least two separate hour or so long naps. Some days it feels like I only got up to feed! Squeezing in even a little bit of sewing gives me just enough of a boost to feel human. These days my quilting goals are simple. Keep up with Brit Bee, and sew what I want for me. Selfish sewing. If I'm still awake when Moo is of bigschool age, then things might change. For now, for me, and my beloved Moo, I may not do as much as I like, but I aim to really like doing as much as I am able. <br />
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<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11401124377008075764noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79942022114351470.post-57268919829710797912015-10-01T01:42:00.000+01:002015-10-01T01:42:34.597+01:00ScrapsOf random crap that is. Sorry! <br />
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The last couple of months have seemed so full, and have gone pretty quickly. <br />
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Here is the finished top for the retro flowers quilt. I got the bottom row purples back to front but I'm not changing it, I kinda like it!<br />
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I had a wonderful visit from <a href="http://canadianabroad-susan.blogspot.co.uk/2015/08/further-north-again.html" target="_blank">Canadian Abroad</a> and her girls - that was priceless. Moo just adored the girls, and it has to be said who wouldnt, they are such a credit to their ma. And I got precious time to sit and blether about non-moo stuff! Yay! <br />
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Moo has a wee friend now, and there have been some chaotic but immensely fun play dates, mostly involving swings and cake. And fabric chat! Bonus! <br />
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Moo is very interested in the body parts right now. Where is your chin? Yes, clever girl, there it is! That's Moo's belly, where is mummy's belly? Yes, that's it! (could hardly miss it really) And the best yet. I stupidly said "and where's mummys boobies?" Little sod lifted my elbow up and pointed under my armpit....<br />
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Posts I will try to write soon will cover Stitch Gathering, probably when you are totally sick of hearing about it... My Low Volume / Scrap Vomit / Charm quilt... What's happening in Brit Bee this year... and Moo. Lots more Moo. <br />
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<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11401124377008075764noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79942022114351470.post-4722110039444865552015-08-05T00:04:00.001+01:002015-08-05T00:04:12.438+01:00New petI made my choice.... <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Set and ready to sew!</td></tr>
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<br />
I had a good read of all your helpful comments and looked into the various machines recommended. It was always a question of "do it all" household machine or "one trick wonder" specialist. I was a bit scared of the latter to be honest! <br />
<br />
However. I went to visit a machine, had a wee play, and had to take it home with me....<br />
<br />
I'm still biting my lip about it, but, I got a Juki! <br />
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It had to linger in the box over the weekend as I was just too tired to contemplate sewing - or rather I could have sewn but these days I have to always be thinking "but you need to be rested for Moo" so I slept instead. Totally boring. But there you go. Anyway. Tonight was the night...<br />
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HOLY CRAP it's fast. I've lost count of how many times in the last hour I've damn near screamed as I accidentally put the tiniest bit extra pressure on the foot pedal and it just about took my fingers off... But goodness me it sews so good... I mean, like, wow. I still cant believe I've got it! <br />
I havent got the knee lift attached yet, and it will no doubt take me a few weeks to get used to the speed, and god knows when the threading will make sense to me and eugh the bobbin is a pain, but wow. I really do have my dream machine!!!<br />
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Its too early to ask me for a review yet, I just dont have the words, I'm too busy freaking out every time I see it sat there... It needs a name though. My first machine was "tank", the last one "beast"... I think this one probably merits those monikers better but I want it to like me so I need to come up with something a bit nicer this time. Suggestions welcome.<br />
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Meantime, Moo updates, still no talking yet, although granny managed to teach her how to say "up" and thats a fair bit nicer to hear when she wants her stories than the "ugh, eeeeuuuuugh" noises (accompanied with arms flailing and facial straining) we were getting previously. We had a lovely morning of sunshine the other day so quick as a flash granny got her in her wee shorts & vest onesie thingy and into the garden. Just need another 3 or 4 sunshine days to ensure that her summer wardrobe gets at least one outing each... She also tried to gouge my eyeball out a few nights ago. That was nice. Still amazed that I didnt end up with a black eye, but all I got for my agony (and believe me, it hurt like f@*$) was the teeeeeniest wee cut in the big dark bags below my eye and the distinct impression that I sound like a big ol' baby. <br />
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WIP updates, I got my #britbeeforever medallion finished (we were to do our own final border) and I got the back prepped and, yay, its off to Trudi for some quilting. Bit of a travesty there as I've sent it to the most talented quilter I know and asked her just to ditch quilt the rounds so that I can detail the borders at my leisure later! Well, I wanted it done to an extent that I can bind it right away and hand quilt it over the next few months. <br />
Also, I got my retro flowers top done. It certainly does not bear close inspection but I knew when I started it that I wanted to just do it and get back into the habit of sewing rather than painstakingly sit and "rip til you get it right".... I didn't trim the DP's. I didn't even press them - apart from finger pressing. Lets be honest, it's for me, it's my indulgence; it's not being made to be judged it's being made to be snuggled. And we all know that a fair bit can be hid in the quilting and post wash shrinking anyway! Here's hoping anyway. <br />
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I'll leave you with this picture, which I've found cheers me right up. <br />
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When I cut the bricks for my #britbeeforever medallion I started cutting 5" charms at the same time. Then I hunted out some LV charm swap packs. Then I raided my stash for all my favourite LV and LV colour prints. Now I have 250+ charms, and a further 77 prints, all different, no doubles. I see a massive big super simple light and pretty charm quilt in Juki's future! Cant wait!<br />
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<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11401124377008075764noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79942022114351470.post-19187637720418010872015-07-28T22:31:00.000+01:002015-07-28T22:31:01.916+01:00Snips and snippetsThank you all for the wonderful response to my last post! I have a lot to consider, but I also found somewhere I can go see a few machines, so hopefully I'll have chosen soon!<br />
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Meantime I pulled some grey, white and sandy low volume prints for the final border on my #britbeeforever Medallion Quilt. It took couple of nights, some cake and some help from mum but they are all chopped and ready to go now.<br />
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My retro flowers blocks are all done, although trimming them and squaring them looks like it will be a bit of a 'mare.... (I was in such a rush to sew I didnt stop to press or trim as I went.) I have a small quantity of the text print ("how to sew a pillowcase" from Timeless Treasures) for sashing, but unfortunately I couldn't find any yardage anywhere to get some more to do borders. Looks like this will be a small throw. Or a Moo Quilt....<br />
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Granny has been cutting for me, and we have almost got all the cutting done for a Kaleidoscope quilt. Oh and I did some rummaging through the stash and found a few packs of Low Volume charm squares. That has given me something nice to think about when I'm awake all night. Lying awake for hours each night in pain and alone kinda sucks chunks, and on bad nights I start imagining all sorts of nasties. I love having fabric to obsess over, quilts to plan. Such a fun alternative.<br />
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I had an awesome flying visit from bestie, with her hubby, her lass and new baby in tow. Any time spent with them is wonderful, however long or short. And, BONUS, I got a fantastic haircut! Hubby is a top hairdresser and salon owner.... What a top bloke to bring his tools and work on his holiday!<br />
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Moo is, well, she's wonderful of course. But my god she can be stroppy. And what a temper! She still isnt talking and I think it must really be starting to bother her. She's scarily smart though. Really gotta watch what you say in front of her. She understands everything. Of course she steadfastly ignores most of the things you want her to understand... Naturally. <br />
I am exceptionally lucky with Moo loving her bed and her story cds. (That's my girl!!) However my nightly check on her is becoming a military operation. She is determined to catch me and get up and damn it did she not inherit her mothers sixth sense for detecting parental presence. I can actually remember doing much the same to my mum. <br />
Each night I get the light right, not the hall light - too bright - but the bathroom light with the door half shut so there only just enough light to see. I open her door in absolute silence, and sneak (as stealthily as a fatty who can barely walk without staggering or tripping, joints clicking or swearing with pain can sneak) and get to the crib. Often I'm caught before I get there and have to back away fast and try again later. Eventually I get in. Lift the blankie from the end of the crib. Slowly, one hand, don't let it swing over the inside of the crib. Locate the child. Easier said than done. Where is the child? Cant see. Is that the child? No, its a monkey. Screw eyes up and panic. Locate the head! Locate the head! Got it, blankie on! S#*t she's stirring, Retreat! Retreat! Retreat! Kid can go from sound asleep on her knees with her butt in the air to wide awake standing, crying and grabbing, in a Millisecond... <br />
But check on her I must. Tell me, oh wise mothers, tell me, when do I stop needing to go in and check on her every night? By "needing to" I of course am referring to my need not hers. I cant 'not' check on her. I need to hear that she's still breathing at least twice (bare minimum) every night. When does this stop?!!! Its mental. <br />
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So these are some of the joys of my days. <br />
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<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11401124377008075764noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79942022114351470.post-41332751484550566982015-07-21T21:49:00.000+01:002015-07-21T21:49:54.171+01:00Tools Last week the people of Instagram were a wonderful help advising mum on her choice of new sewing machine. Now its my turn please!<br />
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My machine is a Janome 8077. It has about 30 stitches, of which I use straight and zigzag... It has a speed control, which I love but admittedly mostly keep on fast. It has a needle threader which I could not do without now. It has a needle up / down button, which I most definitely dont want to do without! Its a top loader, and has a start button for sewing without the foot pedal. </div>
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I love it, but I find it a nightmare for quilting. The throat space is larger than average but still too weeny for comfort. It has an extra lift on the presser foot, which has lead to the presser foot being too heavy and not adjustable. This makes curves tough! </div>
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For the last few years I've been saying I want a no nonsense straight stitch only tough machine thats designed for quilting. No fancy stitches, just an even feed and the ability for FMQ. <br />
I also fancy a machine with a knee lift for the presser foot. And I dont want to be without the few features of my current machine that I love.</div>
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I was looking at the Janome 1600PQC. Seems like what I was looking for....</div>
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But I'm now being tempted by the Pfaff Expression 4.2. It does so much more than I wanted but it has a wider throat and frankly seems less scary! <br />
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<img alt="Janome 1600PQC" src="https://www.sewingmachines.co.uk/uploads/products/images/janome-240-1.gif" /><br />
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I dont really live anywhere near somewhere with enough machines to go try some. I'd end up getting one 'sold' to me and I dont want that. So peeps, any advice? I dont want to get the straight stitch only and find that the 9" throat is still tiny and the machine too utilitarian. Its not like I will ever get a frame to use it on. However, I dont want to get a very expensive machine that does hunners of stuff (200+ stitches!) and still say "I just need a good straight stitch machine..."! <br />
If I'm honest, all that I've read about the Pfaff has me more or less sold... especially the even feed and the 11" throat. <br />
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So, if you have a machine that you do all your piecing on, that also does your quilting, and you'd recommend it, what is it?!<br />
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I'll try to make the next post less boring, honest. </div>
Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11401124377008075764noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79942022114351470.post-83055805342026191072015-07-14T21:37:00.000+01:002015-07-14T21:37:53.778+01:00Medallion city<br />
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If there are any readers new to this blog, let me explain that I am very fortunate to be an original member of Brit Bee, the best quilting bee in Britian. We started about 4 years ago, a bunch of strangers on Flickr, and fast became firm friends. We got to know each other so quickly, and were all shocked when one day our Terri told us she had been diagnosed with Cancer.<br />
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Our bee, our quilts, our meetings, our chats and sadly Terri's ultimately losing battle with Cancer are all parts of how we have become more than just a bee. This weekend past was the memorial service for our dear Terri. I'm sorry to say I couldnt make it in person, but my thoughts were there all day. She was an amazing person whom I am honoured to have know. But she didnt want sadness. She didnt want dwelling. <br />
We have been working on a group medallion for the last 2 years, and we chose this day for our grand reveal. A fitting tribute I think.<br />
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Mine:<br />
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Katys<br />
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Jo's</div>
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Laura Janes</div>
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Judes</div>
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Ceri's</div>
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Di's</div>
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Susans</div>
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Hadleys</div>
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Fionas</div>
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We each did our own centre, chose our own colour scheme guide, but the overall design was done by Hadley. The #britbeeforever medallion. 13 Stars. Yes, they are awesome, aren't they?! What will we come up with next?</div>
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In other news. well there isnt really any. No sewing done yet, spending all my spare time sleeping. Moo got a sandpit today. Not entirely a huge hit yet, but she is definitely interested for 5 minutes. Teeth brushing continues to be an absolute nightmare. They way she acts one might think I was extracting each one to brush it... However sleeping is still going well, touch wood. Tippietoes running is the favourite game of the day, and she is finally starting to make singing, pleasant, sweet noises for a change! And she likes a wee bop in the high chair. This morning it was Bob Marley's Jammin!</div>
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Eugh. Bed time already. Night night!</div>
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<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11401124377008075764noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79942022114351470.post-63710959567220515662015-07-05T23:32:00.000+01:002015-07-05T23:32:15.069+01:00New shoes.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hopefully my break from blogging is past now. I needed the time to move to our new home, as our wee family. Shame there had to be so much crappy work to do in the house though. Rotten home report didnt spot a ton of stuff. Dont get me wrong, the lovely lady we bought from wouldn't have had a clue about any of it either. But you move in, things expose themselves. Knackered roofs, rotten floor, packed in central heating, "vintage" boiler, leaky shower, rotten door, the list goes on and on. Big ol pile of POO. However, we love the house, love the garden, love the (slightly) better weather, the central location so near by to everything we could want. Man has had many adventures on his bike. Moo has been to the beach and paddled in the sea, toddles to duckponds, tea in a castle, drives through forests, as well as going to big shops and big parks. I've had a visit already, from Aunty Katy! Man had his cousin visit! Visitors in Shetland were few and far between... Anyway. Past 3 months has seen loads of wonderful stuff.</div>
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I have a sewing area set up in the spare room. God only knows how I had all that stuff squeezed into a bloody cupboard!!! At the moment sewing time is extremely limited. Nap time really does have to apply to her AND me. And by the time she's in bed, well, its only an hour or two until mine! Every now and again Granny has come to the rescue and given me the space, the time, and a nudge to remind me I'm allowed, and I've done a few bits and pieces. A few blocks for a long standing WIP (a made up sampler with 30's repro prints) and now the start of a retro flowers top too. I guess I'm not alone amongst you when I say that a wee bit of sewing just makes me feel, well, human - ME! !<br />
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Man is back at sea now, so that means a whole new and equally big adjustment for me and moo (and granny and gampa!). I need so much help, every day, its a bit sucky. But its not sucky when its Granny and Gampa. I'd be so utterly lost without them. Moo heard Gampa come in this afternoon and leapt off the changing mat and ran to him with one shoe on and her dungarees round her ankles!</div>
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Elliecat is settling in too, although there's less activity for her with no stairs, no high window ledges, fewer rooms, etc. She seems like a much older cat! But whenever I worry that the kid is too much for her, she actively seeks us out. If the kid bothered her she wouldnt always need to find her, would she. There is a wee bitty of a territorial dispute over her bed though...<br />
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Well, I've a lot more settling in to do, like a new shoe I've got a whole new situation to break in. This could be so cool, I just need to get beyond the blisters. I'm so thankful that I'm not on my own. When I started this blog I was starting to adapt to life without employment in a remote place where I was living alone often. Blogging brought me so many friends, both online and in real life. And I've missed my blog, my mates. Even if the followers have dropped like flies... I hope to be able to answer any comments again, but it might take a while. <br />
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Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11401124377008075764noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79942022114351470.post-56844831928698972182015-03-12T22:48:00.000+00:002015-03-12T22:48:10.056+00:00Daisy dooI'm just dropping in to quickly wave and blow kisses, and hope you've not forgotten me! I will get back to blogging in a couple of months, when i have a table in a room of my own in my new house, cant wait!<br />
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There's a lot going on (well a hell of a lot for me anyway) and very very little of it is sewing unfortunately. We're a step closer to getting to the new house though, and I'm hopefully close to setting up an actual final moving date for a few weeks time. Eeeeek! Am so keen to get in the new house, but at the same time really scared of not having granny in the same house.... Granny and grampa will be a few months away from being in the same town too... Dont worry, man is home, I'm not alone!<br />
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Anywaysees. I did get a teeny bitty sewing done.<br />
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I attempted some needle turn applique cos I wanted some kind of orange peel / fake cathedral windows block for the long standing WIP that is my sampler in repro 30's prints. Some of the petals' curves got a little bumpy, but all in all I'm happy with it for a first time go! Goodness I wish I could get some good solid piecing time. I have this WIP burning an image in my retinas, and another 3 quilt tops (with the fabric bundled and sat waiting natch) I'm sooooo keen to make. Oh and I bought 2 huge 28" feather inserts with a view to making 2 covers to match the big blue beeast. One day...<br />
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Right, I'm afraid my eyes are totally going and I need to kip, again. I shall leave you with a wee pic of my cherub.... (who has given me a whopping big cut down my schnozz, the delicate lamb...) Cheerio for now peeps, pip pip honk honk! x<br />
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<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11401124377008075764noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79942022114351470.post-17103883656611806862015-02-08T23:47:00.000+00:002015-02-09T23:39:29.352+00:00Quick fixesWhat a shame I missed January! And a shame also that I started 2015 blogging on such a sad note too. Fingers crossed it only gets better from here on.<br />
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This is gearing up to be another big year for my wee family. We have a new house to get ready for living in, and thank the Lord mum and dad managed to also get one, near by ours. So they have a move to prepare for this year too. A whole family relocation! Blimey... <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My grocery totes. A bag for life might as well be awesome, no?</td></tr>
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So funnily enough my mind keeps wandering to fabric, though not exclusively quilts. Both bedrooms face what is at the moment a very busy road. Eventually I hope we'll get planning permission for a 5ft fence or hedge so that the garden at the front becomes usable and we dont have to look at the road. I'm hoping we'll get some thicker double glazing put in for noise reduction, but I just cant think how to do the windows. Currently they have net and curtain. Bleurgh!!!!! An absolute must is to get blackout roller blinds. Its what to put with that though. As much as I hate nets, I dont really want to see the main road, or have people walking past see in. And curtains. It can feel awffy cold without them. I dont like to do away with them, but then the radiatiors are all below the windows, and you dont want to cover the heat source. Could voile or double gauze replace nets? And would you still have a thicker curtain?<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Floor cushion (needs a bigger infil and maybe a button on that back)</td></tr>
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And tell me, has anyone had a sofa recovered? We'll have a sofa and an armchair that I'd really love recovered, but when new costs so cheap is it worth it? I'm starting to think that at £600 sofa and £450 armchair, PLUS fabric, the answer would be no.... Certainly I fancy doing a quilt style made to fit cover for the back cushions. I think homemade and "rustic" might be the way to go!<br />
And just how many quilts can I get away with hanging on walls? And will I ever find a crown version of my beloved Dulux greys?!<br />
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So much to think of. All of it utterly boring to others I'm quite sure. Just as well I've broken this up with some pictures of the easy makes I've managed to squeeze in. Just enough sewing to keep me sane, but not so much as to need more than an afternoon or two. I absolutely love my grocery bags. They are so strong and get filled to the brim and cope fine. A nice big cushion for the floor for Moo to mess about with. Currently used to block access to the telly... I only got a photo of Moo's baby blankie, I did make another two for besties new baby too. Moos' is a rather lush Dutch needlecord backed with flannel. And then we have the beanbag.... Supposed to be a beanbag for moo.... Its way too big! She does NOT like it... And it took 2 yards fabric, and 3 bags of beans. It is filled as much as possible and still it does not look like the one in the tutorial. Not happy with it to be honest, and it became such an expensive mistake too. And no, its no good for an adult, even one capable of getting up off the floor! So. In all, a pretty bunch with mixed success!<br />
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So this and the last post kinda cover January. Bit of a low month, but its that time of year, isnt it, I know lots of folk find it a bit crappy. Oh, Moo turned ONE though. ONE. Unbelievable. <br />
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Hoping, dreaming, and longing to get back to some quilting this month. Seriously, going without it has a detrimental effect on my mental health! Also hoping I get a wee visit from someone I'll be so excited to see. And if we're lucky, dada should be coming home at the end of this month. <br />
Onwards and UPWARDS 2015 please!Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11401124377008075764noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79942022114351470.post-19537964909647061882015-02-05T23:13:00.000+00:002015-02-05T23:13:57.203+00:00a bit of an obit.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Oh Harvey. </div>
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You had a rough start before you came to us, and its no wonder really you had a bit of a screw loose. </div>
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We fell out a lot, I didnt like it that you beat up Miss Ellie for pure amusement. You'd seek her out and just go for her. You two were supposed to be friends. Big pity. </div>
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You had a bad reaction to the neutering and developed a massive low hanging gut - totally empty, not fat, not fluid, just saggy gut. Poor Harveynoballs! </div>
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I think you were at your happiest when my brother came home to live with us a while, boy did you love him! Two gingers together... </div>
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Moving house did a lot for you too, becoming an outdoor cat with your own big territory, master of your own house. You decimated the shrew population... You charmed everyone, the ministers cat welcoming people at the door, always coming to say hello to any visitor, sitting outside the church on meeting nights, waiting for dad. When I came to visit you were so happy to see me you ran the length of the garden to see me, gut flapping from side to side. I did love you buddy. </div>
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You were a wee shite though. You randomly attacked me one too many times for me to really trust you. You went for mum. You went for my man. You'd take a strop at dad and sneak off to deliberately crap in his room... Yup, there was something a bit twisted about you pal.</div>
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But the things I'll remember are these. </div>
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You dribbled profusely when you were happy. </div>
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You picked your nose with a single claw, and your nose was almost always scabby.</div>
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You LOVED feathers. OMG you went mental for a feather. You made a "hehehehehehe" noise and chased it obsessively.</div>
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You hounded anyone using the telephone, and loved the fact that it meant they couldn't move away from you. Using the phone meant leaving covered in white fur and drool....</div>
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You did team up with Ellie once - a joint effort one night got the biscuit tub open on the floor and we came down the next morning to the fattest, sleepiest, stuffed cats ever.</div>
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The other time you and Ellie joined forces was to hide inside the piano together the day we had workies in. </div>
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You once tried to sleep with mum and dad, and when dad chased you, you picked up his glasses and ran for it, dad stumbling behind you cursing you and yelling at mum to catch you cos he's blind without his specs.</div>
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You were a proper little tea-leaf. If I didn't give you enough affection when you wanted it, you'd steal something and disappear with it - my baccy, my specs, my phone. Not forgetting the time I dozed off and you buggered off with my bloody toast!!!</div>
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You'd always deliberately lie across my mans shins and go utterly prone and completely unshiftable. Made me laugh anyway. </div>
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You were not a bad lad. When we turned up here last year, bringing the hated wee cat and a screaming baby, I was all for you living in the shed, but you proved me so wrong. You didn't give a stuff about Ellie being here. You even let my wee girl dive on you and "cuddle" you when I wasn't fast enough to get her away from you. There would have been another move for you in a few months, and you would have been coming with us, not mum and dad, thats how much you'd changed and calmed down. I was going to take you with me. </div>
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But things happen. You were fine before christmas, but you faded fast. Well, I say faded but it was kinda the opposite wasnt it... seriously you ballooned...</div>
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The vet said your end would take 10 minutes this morning, but you were gone in a little over 60 seconds. Thanks for the reassurance that it was the right thing to do. </div>
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You will be missed. Just not by shrews.</div>
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PS. I'm sorry I said that bird must have committed suicide or dropped down with a heart attack in front of you. I'm sure you did catch it and kill it. Honest. </div>
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Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11401124377008075764noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79942022114351470.post-39033213246640048212014-12-24T08:00:00.000+00:002014-12-24T08:00:01.461+00:00Seasons greetin's.....<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">Molly Christmas</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">and a </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">Nappy New Year! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">xxx</span></div>
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Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11401124377008075764noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79942022114351470.post-55958510431297795112014-12-22T01:20:00.000+00:002014-12-22T01:20:22.455+00:001,2,3,4 and done! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKzLlJCtHEwsY1IUyibrJgrmjZ3hSD6kZCpikBp35k5DFfCDy9baDPnaRYvMLrd6C3LoZkG_2Xp9WhgaEBtz2Bb7ow1guRf_oZrms3YqK4SiJY0T9_MAQ8CWNQ2GHfcU3MLCH0O4ODQGI/s1600/fourfour2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKzLlJCtHEwsY1IUyibrJgrmjZ3hSD6kZCpikBp35k5DFfCDy9baDPnaRYvMLrd6C3LoZkG_2Xp9WhgaEBtz2Bb7ow1guRf_oZrms3YqK4SiJY0T9_MAQ8CWNQ2GHfcU3MLCH0O4ODQGI/s1600/fourfour2.jpg" height="275" width="320" /></a></div>
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Sorry this is a bit late, stressful time of year! I used the random thingy and did the draws, we have some winners!<br />
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First up, the mini charm packs go to Jan of Isisjem.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRX44Hfr8Q04lTZV3FAGdCrhFpD6salJPXPghrPApT53n3WANB8uThL4yR26kBz7ZQ8CVHbxpPmNPE5K9m2GDu0yUVX0RxNm8xV1w6ZMZ6oTUx0uTpFHSqh5zlmorb-ecvWdsY4nHH1gk/s1600/Screenshot_2014-12-18-12-31-07-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRX44Hfr8Q04lTZV3FAGdCrhFpD6salJPXPghrPApT53n3WANB8uThL4yR26kBz7ZQ8CVHbxpPmNPE5K9m2GDu0yUVX0RxNm8xV1w6ZMZ6oTUx0uTpFHSqh5zlmorb-ecvWdsY4nHH1gk/s1600/Screenshot_2014-12-18-12-31-07-1.png" height="320" width="276" /></a></div>
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Next up we have the winner of the cushion, Helen aka Archie the wonderdog!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVjuJmkNzPwBvCTEpZnZwiksKv8IrKH6uhyphenhyphenLuMugqpnRoyQUPFQWho31PQZIalNWjGaW5Bh2jG_eEj80kLOO9lwbBczuI4GuMUQLtmD4hyoOkMJSSRQfoS2QKzFJUjulJy9JTXWGMyLAw/s1600/Screenshot_2014-12-18-13-57-12-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVjuJmkNzPwBvCTEpZnZwiksKv8IrKH6uhyphenhyphenLuMugqpnRoyQUPFQWho31PQZIalNWjGaW5Bh2jG_eEj80kLOO9lwbBczuI4GuMUQLtmD4hyoOkMJSSRQfoS2QKzFJUjulJy9JTXWGMyLAw/s1600/Screenshot_2014-12-18-13-57-12-1.png" height="320" width="262" /></a></div>
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Now to the hoop.... which will be embroidered to say "not all who wander are lost', its Flo of Butterfly Quilting!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifHtQV8kRYqDWK5D1qUYxenkXnKuPMqZysLExio_DP95B21nElri5Q_6vD7Aq3Lo54bjnkO8zewQTWKVjoSddDRm5j_NsQNDjAo77eeMcnsdI3Im3gekLFjjTyCnn8VmLTrBavnnIyFdM/s1600/Screenshot_2014-12-18-14-01-20-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifHtQV8kRYqDWK5D1qUYxenkXnKuPMqZysLExio_DP95B21nElri5Q_6vD7Aq3Lo54bjnkO8zewQTWKVjoSddDRm5j_NsQNDjAo77eeMcnsdI3Im3gekLFjjTyCnn8VmLTrBavnnIyFdM/s1600/Screenshot_2014-12-18-14-01-20-1.png" height="320" width="268" /></a></div>
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And last, but by no means least, the winner of the Fancy Moon gift voucher.....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ-N3eMt88RvN9Zlac767KXO-tRsgijduNAWOxMsXxUE2RhWYpjP3hNoT8LblDAqCG8DNEnqalwZtBwqRvoRmxJLZw0uFLhF-Q9weN_AGxHCNGCniFDd1QA73ZpNH5yMsWf-OtnF-iJQ8/s1600/Screenshot_2014-12-18-14-03-44-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ-N3eMt88RvN9Zlac767KXO-tRsgijduNAWOxMsXxUE2RhWYpjP3hNoT8LblDAqCG8DNEnqalwZtBwqRvoRmxJLZw0uFLhF-Q9weN_AGxHCNGCniFDd1QA73ZpNH5yMsWf-OtnF-iJQ8/s1600/Screenshot_2014-12-18-14-03-44-1.png" height="320" width="263" /></a></div>
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goes to the lovely Katy of The Littlest Thistle! Yay! </div>
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Commisserations to the rest of you, thank you so much for all the comments xxx</div>
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<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11401124377008075764noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79942022114351470.post-40239608740441954152014-12-05T12:17:00.000+00:002014-12-18T12:25:40.792+00:00Four years / Day Four********** CLOSED**************<br />
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Welcome to day four of my four years four day giveaway!<br />
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If you are here for the first time today please have a nosey, a wee read at other posts, and hopefully a wee bitty of a giggle too.<br />
Today I am so excited to bring you what is, in my opinion, an absolutely amazing giveaway!<br />
I am so pleased to be able to celebrate my Four Years blogging in style. <br />
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Some of you I know will be familiar with this shop, and I'm hoping that if you weren't before, you'll enjoy a good browse today! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2741IBuYZS2sIGtPVgC5bHNo_BAR_rN1J0p7A6GpZ9OxxzsUnB6GOsIiUwxV7wdsrNEfZ15-OL4tF9xCu_a_B9bxWOl_QZhAlhkYv9k6u93-r74lykTI5KhRhWJ4yW4zHllf7SnQdLTw/s1600/logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2741IBuYZS2sIGtPVgC5bHNo_BAR_rN1J0p7A6GpZ9OxxzsUnB6GOsIiUwxV7wdsrNEfZ15-OL4tF9xCu_a_B9bxWOl_QZhAlhkYv9k6u93-r74lykTI5KhRhWJ4yW4zHllf7SnQdLTw/s1600/logo.jpg" height="148" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.fancymoon.co.uk/" target="_blank">Fancy Moon Fabrics</a> rock. <br />
You know me, you know I love my fabric. What I also love, is to find SOMETHING DIFFERENT! And there is no shortage of that here! <br />
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I'm loving these Dragons....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiejuCEAKZjDWtLwnfYrrRWbvhShbCmGbN6gaCGluGGBaIopIyAQ6cmbEuOB5fXzNi6ss4WR-FqesvCbbDDTDk7U1ModRtETCYmE3JurHzOtDjbg52EtCakI01pMcVYRwnxWHJEbRJuQDA/s1600/the-dragons-500-exp_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiejuCEAKZjDWtLwnfYrrRWbvhShbCmGbN6gaCGluGGBaIopIyAQ6cmbEuOB5fXzNi6ss4WR-FqesvCbbDDTDk7U1ModRtETCYmE3JurHzOtDjbg52EtCakI01pMcVYRwnxWHJEbRJuQDA/s1600/the-dragons-500-exp_2.jpg" height="268" width="320" /></a></div>
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And who doesnt love Unicorns and Rainbows?!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvfHOEBQcmhgXbNwI0DllyD4nmhPaFrlfub2fXSBVx3ZEdVgpC4JzLgU72Nlsxn1SVde_S7f5uFwR6FvKdW72fainDrrM6trfRBMOZi3SL9a5i3ThyphenhyphenLiQG_1MwOzhz7UcsVoSqwyfgWqE/s1600/unicorns-_-rainbows-500-exp_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvfHOEBQcmhgXbNwI0DllyD4nmhPaFrlfub2fXSBVx3ZEdVgpC4JzLgU72Nlsxn1SVde_S7f5uFwR6FvKdW72fainDrrM6trfRBMOZi3SL9a5i3ThyphenhyphenLiQG_1MwOzhz7UcsVoSqwyfgWqE/s1600/unicorns-_-rainbows-500-exp_2.jpg" height="269" width="320" /></a></div>
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And Kitties... such cute cute wee kitties...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdEZbpqglJUoEUPP7tYblDfrqGgbDeGqsx7OKVYCUISIbSbhVm_fnl2XOp6DBoQrwZg-ndKuaoLUTGEweL-ZV59zFzRQA9f8ler4dePlFJJNhvRUYYNQOvEsZzPlrP5yVJJA3E9utEpSc/s1600/kitties-scale_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdEZbpqglJUoEUPP7tYblDfrqGgbDeGqsx7OKVYCUISIbSbhVm_fnl2XOp6DBoQrwZg-ndKuaoLUTGEweL-ZV59zFzRQA9f8ler4dePlFJJNhvRUYYNQOvEsZzPlrP5yVJJA3E9utEpSc/s1600/kitties-scale_2.jpg" height="216" width="320" /></a></div>
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And for the less sugary, how about one of the latest Ghastlie prints from Alexander Henry? I am such a Ghastlies addict! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Vq9-gPOc2mjLJUObXjm2bnHnPibLecz1agvQxoOqaN98C7PgZ4wUCnl8T8PWHS6nSjH2nKqTQmtsd59sUBpWiRxwjIn-E_Z6EcToJxBtdLIyPWnqx9JS5GyddtNRVKM5ebh6C3WYkV8/s1600/a-ghastlie-end-taupe-add_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Vq9-gPOc2mjLJUObXjm2bnHnPibLecz1agvQxoOqaN98C7PgZ4wUCnl8T8PWHS6nSjH2nKqTQmtsd59sUBpWiRxwjIn-E_Z6EcToJxBtdLIyPWnqx9JS5GyddtNRVKM5ebh6C3WYkV8/s1600/a-ghastlie-end-taupe-add_2.jpg" height="320" width="226" /></a></div>
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If anyone fancies making a tote for me that Home Sewing II is jsut screaming out to me... so loud it may yet reignite my long, long lost bag mojo... Then again, I could just stretch some over a canvas when I get my new sewing <strike>room</strike> wall.... oooh now there's a plan. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0lGpMVZsPzwgmbPiIb4TztsvnVCSV1YfmMZ8l3Yd0JKpzmJi1yrvGJW8HFslAmzJsB3J5-MHgAkNmDcILzd50LvkMj3s8SFGuFu_2ML5sIJn6NG-KKrf5MBb9MXxPBkvHtr1cHBQtizE/s1600/home-sewing-hawaii-softexp_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0lGpMVZsPzwgmbPiIb4TztsvnVCSV1YfmMZ8l3Yd0JKpzmJi1yrvGJW8HFslAmzJsB3J5-MHgAkNmDcILzd50LvkMj3s8SFGuFu_2ML5sIJn6NG-KKrf5MBb9MXxPBkvHtr1cHBQtizE/s1600/home-sewing-hawaii-softexp_2.jpg" height="269" width="320" /></a></div>
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The Golden Garden Oriental is just beautiful, I love the teal especially. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf3lXR8z-1x_D38gbRSk9uoYFywixrnvtNmHLiaVBGssEqSV6YG2Zzm1H73RMZCIxid7RDieRB0KPq5m84b8AT3Gh2xhgUizmNRlfL5TITDAWsCEt_VEFzbrdbXV5lHrNtRzhWnbqyKkY/s1600/Fancy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf3lXR8z-1x_D38gbRSk9uoYFywixrnvtNmHLiaVBGssEqSV6YG2Zzm1H73RMZCIxid7RDieRB0KPq5m84b8AT3Gh2xhgUizmNRlfL5TITDAWsCEt_VEFzbrdbXV5lHrNtRzhWnbqyKkY/s1600/Fancy.jpg" height="320" width="260" /></a></div>
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Ooooh and dressmakers, how about a <a href="http://www.fancymoon.co.uk/sewing-patterns/folkwear-sewing-pattern-at-the-hop-outfit.html" target="_blank">1950' circle skirt</a> (did I mention they do sewing patterns?) in Paola Floral or Melody Millers Skates? <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHXvwes6MVGjE5sDR57gRNpmznF4P7S8yRiAdywTOcc0oyEaRy-EjJPCvU14cb90MZrexOIGk8d_C5MAYx-vqQaOGUZOoxBAZ4OTAx7wGScN25g-8EWDKhyQ_Tmaqj5E92FVqOG1SVwn8/s1600/paola-grey-pink-500-exp_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHXvwes6MVGjE5sDR57gRNpmznF4P7S8yRiAdywTOcc0oyEaRy-EjJPCvU14cb90MZrexOIGk8d_C5MAYx-vqQaOGUZOoxBAZ4OTAx7wGScN25g-8EWDKhyQ_Tmaqj5E92FVqOG1SVwn8/s1600/paola-grey-pink-500-exp_2.jpg" height="268" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwERcJcupOAe3lhyphenhyphen62ks8ay5dvF9PtUtAhq8zoCEKY46Ki5UajaJ0M2dcfTO3ajkNSm1gZ8PSxVYGvDNoJoMKnFQ_yisOeePNOmNbcuxoa9ZxGfC-djf-0_E61jygpJQXaulk2FZVEU0E/s1600/mm-skates-grnadd_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwERcJcupOAe3lhyphenhyphen62ks8ay5dvF9PtUtAhq8zoCEKY46Ki5UajaJ0M2dcfTO3ajkNSm1gZ8PSxVYGvDNoJoMKnFQ_yisOeePNOmNbcuxoa9ZxGfC-djf-0_E61jygpJQXaulk2FZVEU0E/s1600/mm-skates-grnadd_2.jpg" height="320" width="319" /></a></div>
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As well as a wonderful range of sewing patterns they also stock some quality notions and batting too. Blimey where did the last hour go?!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Well now its your turn. Fancy Moon are offering one lucky winner £50 to spend!</b></span> </span><br />
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The rules and regs. <br />
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All I ask is that you <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Fancy-Moon/124702900888211" target="_blank">"Like" their facebook page</a>, and or "follow" them on Twitter @fancymoonfabrics. Come back and leave me ONE comment telling me which you did. I'd love to hear what you'd fancy putting in your basket too if you have the time! (I'd totally be filling it with ALL of their <a href="http://www.fancymoon.co.uk/fabric-scrap-baby-small-child-unisex.html" target="_blank">Fabric Treasure Scrap Packs</a>!) <br />
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Fancymoon fabrics have very generously agreed to ship worldwide, so this giveaway is open to one and all! <br />
YOU MUST CHECK YOU ARE NOT A NO REPLY BLOGGER! <u>If I cannot contact you, you wont win</u>. My non sleeping no Molly time is limited, I'm not spending hours chasing you. If you win and I dont get a response from you by christmas, I'll redraw. Honestly, I'm that mean. I've said this each giveaway and still I've had over a dozen no-reply entries. It makes me feel bad... Dont make me feel bad..... <br />
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Giveaway will run til December 18th.<br />
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GOOD LUCK!!!<br />
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*********EDITED 10TH DEC***********<br />
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I'm aware many are having problems with facebook. I am not, and neither is the shop owner, so we are unable to help :-( <br />
If you cannot facebook or twitter, please still enter - just visit the shop and tell me what takes your fancy!Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11401124377008075764noreply@blogger.com39tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79942022114351470.post-23024351100225376232014-12-04T15:00:00.000+00:002014-12-18T12:26:12.670+00:00Four years / day three***************CLOSED**************<br />
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Welcome to day three of my four years four days of giveaways!<br />
<i> (this post contains bad language, NSFWorKids)</i><br />
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In my third year of blogging, I fulfilled my Spiderweb dream... or at least I designed the block I wanted, did a tutorial and asked my bee mates to make it! Lets just say it was met with mixed reception, but everyone did send me blocks, I even got a couple from friends outside of the bee. <br />
Well, for a March 2013 start, we have a November 2014 finish!<br />
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Instead of signature blocks I stamped the name and blog name of each contributor on a strip in their blocks, and I love that, I can see right away all my friends names jumping out at me! <br />
Its free motioned in the solid, and I did 2 or 3 rings of hand quilting in various bright perle cottons in each web. And I bloomin love it!!!<br />
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But back to the free stuff!<br />
For day three, I'd like to giveaway an embroidered hoop.<br />
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Yes, its empty just now, to win just tell me what you'd like it to say! Here's a wee reminder of some I've done already.<br />
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Again, giveaway is open to one and all, just make sure you are not a NO REPLY BLOGGER, I am not chasing you, I need to be able to contact you! Giveaway will run til the 18th December.<br />
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<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11401124377008075764noreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79942022114351470.post-82982994645551919622014-12-03T15:00:00.000+00:002014-12-18T12:26:40.768+00:00Four years / Day two*******************CLOSED *******************<br />
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Welcome to day two of my four years / four giveaways!<br />
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My second year of blogging had my Stained Quilt along amongst other things, and I still cant believe so many people wanted to make my quilt! Freakin AMAZING! But not quite as amazing as <a href="http://narcolepticinacupboard.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/too-tired-for-words.html" target="_blank">the first ever Fat Quarterly Retreat in London</a>. I met so many wonderful people. I'm so lucky to be able to call so many of them dear friends!<br />
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It was also in my second year of blogging that I started a project with some stripey vintage sheets. July, I think, was when it was first mentioned. Well, it was finished last week! <br />
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Makes me think of Brighton, seaside, deckchairs and Mods and Rockers! <a href="http://trudi-quiltingprolifically.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Quilted by the lovely Troodles.</a><br />
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But back to the giveaway...<br />
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When I got the mini charm packs for day one, I got an extra Happy Go Lucky pack. I LOVE this line. Its fabulously retro, I love the bright colours, its just gorgeous! <br />
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Today I would like to giveaway this cushion (pillow for USA!) , which I made with my mini charms. Hope you like it!<br />
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Its nothing fancy, I kept it plain and simple to show off the prints and to show how quick and easy the charms can become something, I think, quite lovely. <br />
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Its quilted in crosshatch on the front and the reverse is a pillow closure in one of my favourite prints from the line, quilted in straight lines. It takes an 18" insert. <br />
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Again, giveaway is open to all, but I'll not include the insert outside of UK for postage reasons, I hope you dont mind. <br />
Leave a comment to win, make sure you are not a NO REPLY blogger, I'm not chasing after winners, I need to be able to contact you. <br />
Giveaway open til December 18th.Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11401124377008075764noreply@blogger.com36tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79942022114351470.post-1931706809238957672014-12-02T15:00:00.000+00:002014-12-18T12:27:12.215+00:00Four Years / Day one<br />
***************** CLOSED ********************<br />
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Welcome to day one! <br />
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Today we start small, and I have some Mini Charm Packs to give away.<br />
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The mini charms are so cute, and I was thinking you could mix the whole lot if you wanted to do something scrappy. I love them for fitting so perfectly over 1 1/2" hexi papers... <br />
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I've been reminding myself what I did in my first year, and I'm shocked at how much I got done! I'm proud of the Single Girl Quilt, that was some labour of love.<br />
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I think my favourite make of the first year blogging has to be the Pob Doll. A caricature of my brother in doll form... <br />
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To win the charms, just leave a comment!<br />
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Make sure you are not a NO REPLY BLOGGER as I'm not chasing winners, I need to be able to contact you. <br />
Giveaway is open to all, and will run til 18th December.<br />
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<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11401124377008075764noreply@blogger.com61tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79942022114351470.post-23639558800292235692014-12-01T15:55:00.000+00:002014-12-01T15:55:23.074+00:00How long?<br />
I started blogging four years ago. <br />
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My working life had come to a forced end, I was learning to deal with the reality of my limitations health wise, and you know what? I was lonely. Going from a job you absolutely love to suddenly staying at home on your own every day kinda sucks! I was so relieved to rediscover my passion for sewing and crafting, and so excited to discover a whole online community who were as nuts (about it) as I am!<br />
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I found Blogs, I found flickr (sadly missed) and later Instagram, and its all so much fun. I took part in Quilt alongs, Charm Swaps, I hosted my own Charm Swap, my own Quilt-along, I did an assortment of mini quilt and pillow swaps, the Finish-along, I really got stuck in! <br />
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(Tissues out) Quite honestly, my life has been made so much the richer for it all. For all of you. <br />
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<i><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Thank you. </b></span></i></div>
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In the back of my head I was always going to see if it lasted 5 years before I did the whole "lets celebrate" jazz hands, but really, the fact that I'm still managing to pop in the odd blog this year astounds me! I mean, wowza. Motherhood. Did not think that was coming at all.... And here we are. <i><b>You cheer me on through it all, and I want you to know it's truly appreciated!</b></i><br />
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So, I've been plotting and planning, and I've come up with this.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>The FOUR YEARS / FOUR DAY GIVEAWAY! </i></span></div>
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Come back tomorrow for day one... <br />
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<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11401124377008075764noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79942022114351470.post-90313029535003345182014-11-17T23:28:00.001+00:002014-11-17T23:28:13.094+00:00Gnashers and other gnewsWow. Thanks so much to everyone who commented on my last post, the fabric post... I was so anxious writing it. It was wonderful to see folks purchases popping up on IG and stuff too, really made me smile! I took the plunge and spent my whole birthday fabric money in one go. Typically as soon as I did I had palpitations. But, thats a lot of fabric... and I'm not able to sew much right now... and its all gone, what if I make something and find I need an extra bit of something, I wont have my voucher to use! My man and my mum promptly told me to go read my own blog again!<br />
So, this is what I got!<br />
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Some Doe, and some Cotton and Steel Blenders. LOVE the Cotton and Steel blenders. Would have bought more if they'd all been in stock!</div>
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Its been a busy old time for me lately, and it wont be news to most of you that business means massive amount of sleepiness too. A house to sell, a house to find and buy. All went well though, amazingly enough we managed to squeeze it all in. Man is back to sea now (leaving me with the boring paperwork and utilities and what not to sort - pooooo) so it wont be until sometime next spring that we start any kind of move. Cant believe we managed to get it all done though, so pleased with that.<br />
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I was immensely lucky and managed to get away for a very special weekend too. I'm sure some of you will have read all about it ages ago, but I'm going to brag away anyway cos it was SO. FREAKIN. AWESOME... <br />
We had the first (hopefully of many) Brit Bee Weekender retreat! So much fun. So much cake. So much sewing. So much laughing. So much talking. So much eating. So much love too, they really are the most fabulous of ladies. A few members were missing, and missed sorely, but stonkingly good fun was had by all there. I even got a wee bitty sewing done. Borrowing first Katys then Trudi's fabulous machines I got the free motion quilting done that I wanted to fill in the solid part of my spider web quilt. I'm trying to hand quilt the webs now. Averaging one or two a week, I might get there by Christmas... <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8st1HeuiaiHQOSAQYYnLY1KH-PkhRp4hBiLZMYHa9Jt5drZT4JlaC6fr2tauq3UV8NjDPwcvnkxZG09IFKwq42cdK2HkErxnTYRz0fI9P5xNupNI3-2s4gNzQ2srA6KNKUkCUfT69TA8/s1600/britbee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8st1HeuiaiHQOSAQYYnLY1KH-PkhRp4hBiLZMYHa9Jt5drZT4JlaC6fr2tauq3UV8NjDPwcvnkxZG09IFKwq42cdK2HkErxnTYRz0fI9P5xNupNI3-2s4gNzQ2srA6KNKUkCUfT69TA8/s1600/britbee.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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My main creation however, Molly moo (well I had to slip that in, what with finishes being so sparse at the moment!) is, as always, taking most of my time. She has 5 teeth now, feeds herself (and the floor), crawls (on one knee and one foot bizarrely) and stands up as much as possible. So, we cant take our eyes off her for a second right now! She's so funny though, and has such ridiculous faces. (top right there admittedly not one of them)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrUsqP3TcE-o2RNpQAraPQTin5vW9NYk-DmfvZTqSoxtUA_Rh2QMzhjtcPcUmVIE_dXPT3lKb2XJ1q5qTXAn1LYywp0UpwrkBqoLoLA9R5t4NiAA3Jvj_EvpOJ0ipuiUG01rYUdIzUlqY/s1600/moo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrUsqP3TcE-o2RNpQAraPQTin5vW9NYk-DmfvZTqSoxtUA_Rh2QMzhjtcPcUmVIE_dXPT3lKb2XJ1q5qTXAn1LYywp0UpwrkBqoLoLA9R5t4NiAA3Jvj_EvpOJ0ipuiUG01rYUdIzUlqY/s1600/moo.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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I dont mind so much the lack of finishes. Not when there's the off chance of getting a moo kiss or two. They're something special. She grabs my hair with each sticky hand, pulls me in, and plants a wide open mouth on me, gnashers and all. Quite painful all round! Meantime there are quite a few things I'm trying to work on, a few things close to completion. And I have some special things for you hidden up my sleeve that I'm bursting to mention, but all in good time.... I'll spill the beans soon, you'll like, I'm quite sure! There's no hidden gnashers or sticky paws. Til next time (sooner than last time, promise) and watch this space!Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11401124377008075764noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79942022114351470.post-15188926415446105552014-09-26T21:20:00.000+01:002014-09-26T21:20:44.264+01:00A is for...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">N.B. This post is not to criticise anyone, we all do things our own way and if you're happy I'm happy. This post is not making light of people with genuine problems. This photo is not to brag! If I offend anyone, I'm sorry, I'm really not trying to. </span> </div>
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I have read quite a few blog posts and articles recently regarding one thing. Stash. The one thing these posts all had in common was to tell you how to buy fabric, in order to not overbuy and to keep your stash basic and workable. Lots of advice, lots of what not to do etc. All seeming to concentrate on encouraging you NOT to buy fabric. </div>
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I've also seen lots of "have you got a problem" and "key symptoms to look for" and "if you do half or more of these things then you have a problem". And here is where my gripe lies...</div>
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To begin with, I read these posts and thought "oh. That sounds familiar." Then it was "yes, I do that too". Then it became "Oh dear, that does sound like me." Eventually it was "Oh wow. You're right. I do have a problem." </div>
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Now this has been on my mind now for quite a while. We've all done the "fabric diet". We've all tried the "not buying for 6 months" etc. And lots of us have come out and declared </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I am a Fabric Addict.</span></div>
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Now if this is you, and you're happy with all this, thats fine with me. <b>I have no problem with anyone else. You do whats good for you. I want to do whats good for me.</b> And thats what this post is about. I have a declaration for you. </div>
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I may or may not be a Fabric Addict. But either way,</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I DONT CARE!</span></div>
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You know what? No bills go unpaid, nobody goes hungry, no overdraft gets touched. So, thank you, but no thank you, I dont have a problem. </div>
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Its FUN to buy fabric. </div>
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There's nothing wrong with the fact that IT MAKES ME HAPPY. I do believe from reading the blogs I follow that I'm not alone here. Life can be lonely, life can be stressful, or even just repetitive!</div>
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There is nothing wrong with looking forward to the post arriving and anticipating your purchase. There's nothing wrong with a little cheer me up shopping. People do it all the time. Cake. Wine. Shoes! </div>
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The popular online retailers who offer enticing discounts all the time are AWESOME because the regularity of their discounts dont force me to spend more all the time, they allow me to relax in the knowledge that I dont need to shop every time as there will be another one. </div>
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There's nothing wrong with being able to recognise a print and know what its called and who designed it. I like to think of it as a compliment to the designer that I know their name and even more so if I can spot their style. Admittedly now I have Molly Moo my skills in this area have dissipated, but I still see nothing wrong with designer appreciation. Regularly checking out what's new is fun. How many read fashion mags to see what the latest trends will be? Do these same people feel they have to have a brand new wardrobe every season?! (seriously, do they? I wouldnt know, I sit in pjs as much as decently possible.) </div>
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When people blog and Instagram what they've bought, its fun to see what others are getting, and the pictures are pretty.... And so what if every now and again you get a bit of stash envy. We're grown ups, arent we? We know that we dont HAVE to have the same things. Who amongst us wasn't taught that as a child? "Just because they've got it doesnt mean you have to." </div>
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I remember crying my eyes out to mum and dad because everyone one in my class had something and I didnt. For the first and only time they caved and got me one too. If only I'd listened to them I could have proudly stood up today and said "you know when you all looked like twats in shell suits? I never wore one!" But I cant...... D'oh!</div>
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So. I'm sick and tired of hiding fabric. I'm sick and tired of feeling like I should be ashamed of what I've got. Good god, its fabric - its stuff that will be admired as it is, then used and loved and admired even more as warmth, as gifts, as homewares. Its not drugs! Jeez. Anyone would think I bought hardcore porn the way I've been sneaking about and hiding it and fibbing about what's in the mail. ITS JUST FABRIC. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm6W6HbfAhd8IqpEWYtWJjScX0LP8BYxXgEScCgFlWZkwJifLe2rV-9lhE9LfOvBl9zUfi1vw_ccVrKitPARsXamgPCwqt_TpVjqfwUIy4yAR0wS9EPSfI__GEE4y9XdJGQHL3U3t94eg/s1600/stash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm6W6HbfAhd8IqpEWYtWJjScX0LP8BYxXgEScCgFlWZkwJifLe2rV-9lhE9LfOvBl9zUfi1vw_ccVrKitPARsXamgPCwqt_TpVjqfwUIy4yAR0wS9EPSfI__GEE4y9XdJGQHL3U3t94eg/s1600/stash.jpg" height="404" width="640" /></a></div>
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This is my stash. And in the interest of honesty and my whole "no more shame" ethos, there are another 2 boxes in storage, along with a shoebox of japanese kawaii, and a shoebox of "my precious" Melody Miller, and a small box of equally precious Denyse Schmidt. There are also some 1930s reproduction prints, and a bundle of solids on the table with my sewing machine, and 4 prints from Far, Far Away in a drawer. Oh and my scraps. I put my scraps in ziplock bags and we used them as packing material around breakables! </div>
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Jeez, even as I sit with the photo uploaded I'm itching to tell you that barely 10% of all that was bought at full retail price. I shop sales and special offers. I'm canny. And that's 5 years of quilting worth. But there I go again, apologising for having it, feeling guilty I've got it, wanting to try and justify it, worrying you'll think less of me. Why?! Because it is more than I could feasably use in a year? So what! No more! Publish and be damned....</div>
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Do, please do come out and join me. Blog your stash, all of it, and be chuffed you have it! Blog the last thing you bought, and dont feel you need to justify why you deserve or need it!!! If I manage to get a space to do so, its going out on shelves where it can be seen until its used.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Lets make the A stand for Aficionado not Addict!</span></div>
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<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11401124377008075764noreply@blogger.com40tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79942022114351470.post-62586264623625536442014-09-14T21:42:00.001+01:002014-09-14T21:42:14.281+01:00The Narcoleptic has left the cupboard....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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*warning: excessive wee hoose photys<br />
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Its been a stressful time of late in this wee narcoleptic's life. Specifically leaving Molly Moo with Ganny and Gampa for a week (so painful! I couldn't stop crying I missed her so much) and going back up to the hoose on the island to pack up and move out. Two weeks work to squeeze into 7 days and naturally the island put its best weather face on to make us feel worse....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRuwPwT6GwpTPWMsWX_ubCOhIKqvoXUnL52hTw3_vhL37vqqAttcA0hp1NSMeq7TVfiU-5dgo61GrW75HDYxQw5sP8Kf-MVtFQ-ab2UG8rgKSod7gdRQFUNbefDzLhFx2tGyJPEhwrVw4/s1600/20140829_121945.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRuwPwT6GwpTPWMsWX_ubCOhIKqvoXUnL52hTw3_vhL37vqqAttcA0hp1NSMeq7TVfiU-5dgo61GrW75HDYxQw5sP8Kf-MVtFQ-ab2UG8rgKSod7gdRQFUNbefDzLhFx2tGyJPEhwrVw4/s1600/20140829_121945.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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I've always said its my man's house. He bought it. He had it before we met. But you know what? By the time it came to packing up I realised just how much it was MY home. He may have wielded the chequebook and final say, but almost every room was filled by me. With his work being at sea I spent more time there! I got the workies in, I oversaw the jobs. I made changes, I picked the fixtures. And yes, I <strike>filled it full of crap</strike> accessorized it. However much I moaned about the isolation I felt living there, I did love his house, my home. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBNlko3ZijzbqVRL2jkylAt2XcJCqSmrmyvRyaY0qrY9YCVFkThJDG5XIaMBzpm_CgkJDDRGBUTl-LFM3CJJ3k6XeW_T5M4UyyV1gsvkg5Dac3wAvttFdx3Irm8oVyjYrlcskoKBNU1f0/s1600/bedrooms.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBNlko3ZijzbqVRL2jkylAt2XcJCqSmrmyvRyaY0qrY9YCVFkThJDG5XIaMBzpm_CgkJDDRGBUTl-LFM3CJJ3k6XeW_T5M4UyyV1gsvkg5Dac3wAvttFdx3Irm8oVyjYrlcskoKBNU1f0/s1600/bedrooms.jpg" height="253" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bedrooms (incredibly the cupboard was classed as a bedroom when he bought the house!)</td></tr>
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I'm gutted we never got it finished (hall stairs to do, and some pointing on the front) and I really am gutted to leave my amazing bathroom and bloomin' perfect "laundry room". <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRm4YesIfrX6bPJBjSsG_Xlk-sMio05_xC7EefdpHbKdxwuGOK3Xa2HM564zvjoBLkB7u9dIDuuHYdjqbzVWkuu22h-PcolAokY7GgUBxDT1u5_KleAL6znD4ooNoekE-ofMwBsilSPkw/s1600/bathroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRm4YesIfrX6bPJBjSsG_Xlk-sMio05_xC7EefdpHbKdxwuGOK3Xa2HM564zvjoBLkB7u9dIDuuHYdjqbzVWkuu22h-PcolAokY7GgUBxDT1u5_KleAL6znD4ooNoekE-ofMwBsilSPkw/s1600/bathroom.jpg" height="640" width="380" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Absolutely love these amazing rooms. (Man neglected to photograph the entire wall of custom built wardrobe in the laundry room before he filled it with boxes. Doh!)</td></tr>
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I'm sad to leave my cosy living room, sadder still that I have no decent photos of it! There really was no time to spare by the end of the week and that was the last room packed. Also sad to leave my wee kitchen & the dining cupboard.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikOdxUCjYnO9oHXnMsm2f-m-w2kKu_DCINmKJ48tZAcOBr-t1IhlUsTepeKsNT09TobwPG1uUKXYfqb2eHih6yYrg_wR9cF021qNrmbuvbGFzZ2GcTJKxcpi_GXLEtTCzzfgUGYQ20NCs/s1600/Kitchendiner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikOdxUCjYnO9oHXnMsm2f-m-w2kKu_DCINmKJ48tZAcOBr-t1IhlUsTepeKsNT09TobwPG1uUKXYfqb2eHih6yYrg_wR9cF021qNrmbuvbGFzZ2GcTJKxcpi_GXLEtTCzzfgUGYQ20NCs/s1600/Kitchendiner.jpg" height="494" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ran out of time for a "dressed" photo of the dining room, huge pity. </td></tr>
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Me and the man met because I designed his kitchen. Poor soul only went to the shop to keep his mate company but he ended up with a brand new kitchen and narcoleptic girlfriend! <br />
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I actually cried, and dammit I'm at it again just typing, to leave my sewing cupboard. For such a tiny room it was a massive part of my life.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYwBvHHUlwN_7rXiPO-_IsmBkl46uR76fICK2abV-9P6tW4VuW0-gAblfhqr68oc2_vJoYyey_B_OV84SakOTkLtho2rXC0l7kWTxGvahqGtUrbSNFQaJ0uQnbnMz47T0RCXyrqQwwaUw/s1600/beforeafter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYwBvHHUlwN_7rXiPO-_IsmBkl46uR76fICK2abV-9P6tW4VuW0-gAblfhqr68oc2_vJoYyey_B_OV84SakOTkLtho2rXC0l7kWTxGvahqGtUrbSNFQaJ0uQnbnMz47T0RCXyrqQwwaUw/s1600/beforeafter.jpg" height="314" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before and after the packing....</td></tr>
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The boxing up and de-cluttering (a couple o' dozen big black bags of all sorts to various charity shops and recycling centres, and god only knows how many van loads to the dump) was a nightmare. My achey body is still in bits. But we made it, just in time to get the ferry home to Moo. The house will be on the market soon, and fingers and toes crossed it sells. Meantime the house contents are in a lock up and we're with the ever wonderful Ganny and Gampa. On the house hunting side, we haven't had much time as Man is on yet more work courses, but there is one we're considering. A fair bit smaller than I'd have hoped for (no sewing cupboard!) but perfect in so many other more important (Molly) ways. No time to act on it yet, but you never know, things might work out. It'd be awffy nice if they did...<br />
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I'll sign off for now with the last quilt to go Island bound, the last commission for my (ex) builder! It was my challenge-yourself-and-use-brown quilt. I think, after Emilys awesome quilting, it came out no' bad! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK8hy_NJxqbE7kyIEjvJSj86N3xv8T0ybPl-eueavmWNplLm0OyVjUoyCX4RRLECUtishQtZ5gS59rJg7LJb7TGMa_cGA733Elq0poPlKOTDqHz9wt0r46hecRymE-DuZk0gs0T93beY0/s1600/photo+1-27.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK8hy_NJxqbE7kyIEjvJSj86N3xv8T0ybPl-eueavmWNplLm0OyVjUoyCX4RRLECUtishQtZ5gS59rJg7LJb7TGMa_cGA733Elq0poPlKOTDqHz9wt0r46hecRymE-DuZk0gs0T93beY0/s1600/photo+1-27.JPG" height="478" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Innocent Crush by Anna Maria Horner and Moda Grunge Cocoa. Cant remember where the pattern idea came from. </td></tr>
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<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11401124377008075764noreply@blogger.com33tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79942022114351470.post-45835108449233884772014-08-12T03:57:00.000+01:002014-08-12T03:57:37.565+01:00Cheating<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Why "cheating"? </div>
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It kinda feels like it...showing all these pretty pictures of quilts that were made months ago and were beautifully quilted by <a href="http://strawberrypatchramblings.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Emily</a>. Really all I've done lately is sew on binding!</div>
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Hardly done any sewing at all in the last 6 weeks. Molly has started insisting on rising between 5am and 7am and I just cant handle days started that bloody early! I'm mostly falling into bed the second her eyes shut for the night (between 7 - 8 pm). Its not her fault, the teething is worse although still no sign of gnashers, and - big news - she grew too big for her crib and we had to get the cotbed. She is a BIG girl. Not sumo big (as we never call her...honest) but just BIG! And heavy, oh my word she's heavy. Our imminent house hunting is taking a bit of a brutal reality check for me as we're thinking we'll now have to try and look mostly at bungalows, which I've never liked, since I cant really carry Moo up stairs very well now, and she'll only get bigger and my hip will only get crapper. Phooey. </div>
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Anyway. My man is home now, for a while anyway, and I hope that in between house viewing and selling and stressing I might get some decent sewing time. Fingers crossed!</div>
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Meantime, back to the pretty pictures!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIqGZrnbrjqC1EjRNUQPUyQ9IvS22kjkpymS8wICH5a1FTjiUKUG4s1nn5vent4Tk4MWRFuM_dysxDZlWNkeYjJW2azInak0Py6upwuq035PmFJgVYUUXF5O52hB2JP0nRGq659blDBNU/s1600/20140729_115220.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIqGZrnbrjqC1EjRNUQPUyQ9IvS22kjkpymS8wICH5a1FTjiUKUG4s1nn5vent4Tk4MWRFuM_dysxDZlWNkeYjJW2azInak0Py6upwuq035PmFJgVYUUXF5O52hB2JP0nRGq659blDBNU/s1600/20140729_115220.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMjvFZk4t00dZKqvv7f277YwG_K66s4yzYPT7l2-xmPaSYaDokDc4fCJGiEQkKeQKcjaI3P9ezLnTjOQT7P8qRGIEJl86Z-ATyEew3otD3MXB1KQl2-6Xgt_A6mDOe_5qO2pZ-eWXGOVs/s1600/20140729_115042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMjvFZk4t00dZKqvv7f277YwG_K66s4yzYPT7l2-xmPaSYaDokDc4fCJGiEQkKeQKcjaI3P9ezLnTjOQT7P8qRGIEJl86Z-ATyEew3otD3MXB1KQl2-6Xgt_A6mDOe_5qO2pZ-eWXGOVs/s1600/20140729_115042.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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I consider this giant triangles quilt made with Koi and purple solids to be a lesson in less is more pattern wise. The plan was for giant triangles floating on the purple background. Then I had the brainfart of hiding two stars amoungst the triangles in solid. I like the quilt fine, but I dont think my pattern really worked. I think the two ideas together almost cancel each other out. Something else too.... I absolutely love every print in Koi, but.... well.... to be honest I'm not that keen on them all as a collective whole. I'm wishing I'd broken my bundle up and added it to stash to use seperately. I mean, there's not one print there that I dont wish I had more of, but however much I look at it all together here, something doesnt feel right. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj52NyAV5HUyt6iCz652gNCiN8nSKTsYC8uDq-zGSko_zAAgeEtb0WKR9TMn6aM9YfmZMR3oxpIdqEg71k0eSXTGIAFKPiA4gTGhQLxI_ZzgVc8ksMX-CVzLX5TTiALGC-jcVgY4Phcm1U/s1600/20140624_132413.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj52NyAV5HUyt6iCz652gNCiN8nSKTsYC8uDq-zGSko_zAAgeEtb0WKR9TMn6aM9YfmZMR3oxpIdqEg71k0eSXTGIAFKPiA4gTGhQLxI_ZzgVc8ksMX-CVzLX5TTiALGC-jcVgY4Phcm1U/s1600/20140624_132413.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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I consider this beauty to be a lesson in "fast and simple piecing isnt always actually fast and simple".... Its a great pattern (not mine) and the instructions were simple enough, but wowza. It took aeons of cutting. Got a bit monotonous to be honest! It was done in a chain piecing method, which you'd think right away would make it easier than hunners of 2.5" squares, but after each stage of chaining there just seemed to be soooooo much trimming. </div>
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And finally, this one here is almost done. It was my challenge myself quilt. I love Anna Maria Horners "Innocent Crush". Love it. I've stashed it away for so long. However my bundle seemed to be taunting me as it languished unappreciated in a drawer for years. I just couldnt for the life of me settle of a pattern to use it in. Or a background to use with it... In the end, I went with a Moda Grunge brown. Yep, BROWN... As I said. Challenging myself, by going with a massive bit of my least favourite colour. That said, the grunge is probably the nicest brown I've seen, it has touches of red and slate in it, so has a wonderful texture. </div>
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So. Its almost done. Quilted, as usual these days, by the lovely Emily. Just waiting for me to bind it, then I'll do a full reveal. If we ever get a dry day again this year... Tomorrow we're off for the day to check out some places to live, and would you believe it, today they were hit by massive flash flooding from the tail end of Hurricane Bertha. I actually saw a house we had been considering on the news with a river running past the front door... Wont be checking that one out then.....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqbmAnmVBNfSfLnGiZsYcv1Zx77v92xTKqM_PusxprNGnlSwqLqkNze9ZigBp-CfgkADMa-9n70UZH_5WKffQTkwtaRuJl1sZAGSGNwA2YFxUdMChFzUYDS6ZdQjetf27SdId9DIuLkeQ/s1600/20140729_150832-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqbmAnmVBNfSfLnGiZsYcv1Zx77v92xTKqM_PusxprNGnlSwqLqkNze9ZigBp-CfgkADMa-9n70UZH_5WKffQTkwtaRuJl1sZAGSGNwA2YFxUdMChFzUYDS6ZdQjetf27SdId9DIuLkeQ/s1600/20140729_150832-1.jpg" height="375" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br />Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11401124377008075764noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79942022114351470.post-63924900655586765122014-07-02T00:15:00.000+01:002014-07-02T00:15:01.579+01:00Roll over tomboy...Today I bring you my happiest finish of the year. Apologies to those who have seen enough of it on instagram!! <br />
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This is my mini for my mini. I've called it "hugs and kisses for Molly". Yes, I'm getting a bit soppy..... <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaYZx5Nowlzwlv5NnG8vJNw9kkFFRZy6RSQsRNA3RQaz9NZ11-Ptn5OOCacUq081YG5NiwE3U0D3Dq-gJZSy60NwYjb8SRxj8oofodjvrMctWIxdr9X61jLYVbme4J063X6oNE7hyFUws/s1600/20140624_161721.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaYZx5Nowlzwlv5NnG8vJNw9kkFFRZy6RSQsRNA3RQaz9NZ11-Ptn5OOCacUq081YG5NiwE3U0D3Dq-gJZSy60NwYjb8SRxj8oofodjvrMctWIxdr9X61jLYVbme4J063X6oNE7hyFUws/s1600/20140624_161721.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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When I got my little girl my man hinted ever so subtly that I was perhaps a bit inclined to pick boyish or unisex stuff. And thats fair enough, I dont really "do" girly. I'm not much for dresses, I dont do heels. But thats me, and wee Molly should get to choose things like that herself shouldnt she. So I've been making the effort to find my inner girly....<br />
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I've bought a few dresses, for Moo obviously, I'm accepting the inevitability of most things being pink, I've even let granny put frilly bummed knickers on her! What really surprised me when I looked through my stash was how many bits (*ahem*) of Aneela Hooey prints I had. Now you cant get more girly than that, surely?!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcwU_LzUB8L5EozvcKl4Rykh_IRjZ8YHVmePGa2RWMPJ3Q_PRQQJ0GpmgMKjtl6QzLfMYvVJOXw2bPqqqna_lPeBkPKSV6Ml6djsnHWWuDiAWEpI1_97svrvcMGu4Cf3XoUlJYA0TuP0s/s1600/IMG_20140413_145654-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcwU_LzUB8L5EozvcKl4Rykh_IRjZ8YHVmePGa2RWMPJ3Q_PRQQJ0GpmgMKjtl6QzLfMYvVJOXw2bPqqqna_lPeBkPKSV6Ml6djsnHWWuDiAWEpI1_97svrvcMGu4Cf3XoUlJYA0TuP0s/s1600/IMG_20140413_145654-1.jpg" height="248" width="320" /></a></div>
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I'd loved seeing peoples scrappy economy blocks over the last few months, so I figured they'd be a great way to incorporate Aneelas lovely prints. Somehow I managed to forget or overlook the fact that they involve triangles. As my bestie said to me last weekend, "for someone who hates triangles so much, you use a lot of them". Hmmmm. Why is it that so many of my favourite quilty patterns need triangles?! What was to be a quilt very quickly became a mini.... </div>
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Just in case this isnt all sounding familiar enough for you, I managed to spill a cup of tea over half my cut triangles....</div>
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Not wanting to warp or fray the wee cuts I decided to sew and wash later. To tell the truth, now its finished and has been through the washing machine, some of the tea hasnt come out in the wash yet. Specifically in the whites, tea stains are showing up. Thats a bit disappointing but I'm hopeful that a few more washes with stain removers will sort things out.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9c5v7NQDJHiL1sgDFcUu3bInUDR96hdcgZEFz1GtF1p_UTsdxbjZBpxJMz0ie-DJuFDvWd1hnCRYNshDugqjOsZ0acbKrju6UKHKs_k12D1hNX6vtZ9mt5nEb9ieurXni1Byu5kNV2Qk/s1600/20140624_162018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9c5v7NQDJHiL1sgDFcUu3bInUDR96hdcgZEFz1GtF1p_UTsdxbjZBpxJMz0ie-DJuFDvWd1hnCRYNshDugqjOsZ0acbKrju6UKHKs_k12D1hNX6vtZ9mt5nEb9ieurXni1Byu5kNV2Qk/s1600/20140624_162018.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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My first quilting plan had been to do a spiralling heart, but I was barely 2 hearts in when I spotted the quilt layers shifting a bit, and I couldnt be botherd with puckers. Quilting plan number two was meant to be. Hearts and kisses. I finished off with a border round the edges of hearts, or my free motion attempt at hearts anyway!<br />
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I think its fairly safe to say I done girly! I gave it to Mollymoo and amazingly enough she really likes it! Honestly, she stares intently at each picture, strokes it softly, and then shoves it in her gob. It's a hit! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibr7EFsuTz2Wnivam6unTYC_y6WDDS2btuvyxgnAwRfANYGEJA8VgyQUb826JMjTaPiSVaFqaH2_lcXuJO2_GwInI7jUyYx_hdoUepmeJN-n-V4Eo2OL_9O-crw95O_R3sGTOrVAZ94wA/s1600/20140624_170851-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibr7EFsuTz2Wnivam6unTYC_y6WDDS2btuvyxgnAwRfANYGEJA8VgyQUb826JMjTaPiSVaFqaH2_lcXuJO2_GwInI7jUyYx_hdoUepmeJN-n-V4Eo2OL_9O-crw95O_R3sGTOrVAZ94wA/s1600/20140624_170851-1.jpg" height="200" width="162" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiJU_A8f-Ope2IoFZS4QTeWPeSNXvXvTcI53UTmPj68N0AViqQNPVc5za_PML7DgUPEZB3Km7tqrSDAY1Yw9yjN5tJ-UxnnAgf_JhF9WbCpQi9hDowm4Fzfp1pX0hJaVMH8qbydNaXO_M/s1600/20140624_170834-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiJU_A8f-Ope2IoFZS4QTeWPeSNXvXvTcI53UTmPj68N0AViqQNPVc5za_PML7DgUPEZB3Km7tqrSDAY1Yw9yjN5tJ-UxnnAgf_JhF9WbCpQi9hDowm4Fzfp1pX0hJaVMH8qbydNaXO_M/s1600/20140624_170834-1.jpg" height="200" width="163" /></a></div>
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I cant say I'm a convert, but I will make an effort to ensure that I make her girly stuff AND cool stuff I'd like in the future. But no princesses. Please god no princesses....Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11401124377008075764noreply@blogger.com21