tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36137978835394382212024-03-13T14:07:07.066-07:00Quilter in the ClosetQuilter in the Closet: My artistic journey as I learn, try, and am inspired by multiple techniques, including quilting, painting, drawing, and who knows what else!
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This blog may contain affiliate links to products. As an affiliate, I earn a small amount from qualifying purchases; however, it does not affect the cost of the item to you, nor am I compensated if you do not purchase.</p>Newbie Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12534962427221353029noreply@blogger.comBlogger742125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3613797883539438221.post-61530560903117881072024-03-13T14:06:00.000-07:002024-03-13T14:06:32.176-07:00Colony Collapse - a diptych of art quilts<p>Do you ever have a chat with yourself that goes something like this? "Now, Jen, you only have a small amount of time before the deadline. You have to do less (insert activity here) than usual if you are going to finish in time. Alright?" And then once you get started, that chat goes completely out the window? It seems to happen to me all the time.</p><p>I really wanted to enter a call for SAQA for "Joining Threads". It was to create a diptych of two related concepts and make two small (less than 12 inches square) art quilts of them. As you know, I love bees, and thought a pair of quilts depicting what the world might look like if the bees disappeared might be interesting. I came up with the following.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi995kA_NXSKT_IjJEGbdc3PCfWPTwTiGyKDNwwNJyA9cvbCWhaIebl5VJY9gHWYEVglOe9VSfpqdr_sv1qqqin0w1pHv6caO10lVZbWgn7yFFVi8pAYF_HudtBRg3tlNeISoXoBBXKWlD_977dIyrWYiDOjtDJiCMhKFp6Xp99ShNIXWiUC-8-k-E4n89Q/s4768/IMG_8461.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="art quilts depicting bees" border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="4768" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi995kA_NXSKT_IjJEGbdc3PCfWPTwTiGyKDNwwNJyA9cvbCWhaIebl5VJY9gHWYEVglOe9VSfpqdr_sv1qqqin0w1pHv6caO10lVZbWgn7yFFVi8pAYF_HudtBRg3tlNeISoXoBBXKWlD_977dIyrWYiDOjtDJiCMhKFp6Xp99ShNIXWiUC-8-k-E4n89Q/w640-h344/IMG_8461.jpg" title="Colony Collapse - diptych" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>But as usual, once I started quilting these quilts, I couldn't stop myself. I just kept adding more and more thread. SO many starts and stops and thread changes. It is somewhat comical. I think the only thing consistent about my "style" at the moment is heavy quilting. lol</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrTKrXQpbRYFyMVAxViDQ1OyVBhAKjVsOlVebGtkQmULvpUIlIgl4pJtQd8Xu310ICNG9r7c9Pv_qkD_9S9dFGP5e6eFPsyPuZsJzowEVzuJ2NeAjPtkPdlQ0EYj2e7YZr4jPBNW2nCK0WDaFqiajjzlfAtU9BeWK_r97Ve6ivhyphenhyphenD9K_A1TQCZgqO09dsy/s3656/IMG_8462.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="art quilt depicting bees" border="0" data-original-height="3656" data-original-width="3656" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrTKrXQpbRYFyMVAxViDQ1OyVBhAKjVsOlVebGtkQmULvpUIlIgl4pJtQd8Xu310ICNG9r7c9Pv_qkD_9S9dFGP5e6eFPsyPuZsJzowEVzuJ2NeAjPtkPdlQ0EYj2e7YZr4jPBNW2nCK0WDaFqiajjzlfAtU9BeWK_r97Ve6ivhyphenhyphenD9K_A1TQCZgqO09dsy/w400-h400/IMG_8462.jpg" title="Colony Collapse diptych 1 of 2" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>Because I couldn't hold myself back, I ended up quilting straight through the deadline for the call. Ah well! That is ok. </p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigtACjWV_Z99KcSNMK7duS4N3drmnBztT_fvR8L1RtgPZ_nSzwbblWQs4Y6dMesiMkU-8gMSsu29-ZicXAy6S0BSI3_rJGVXSvx1qJPSyGXVZY5ANAeivmFdRHSOnzPXOx5BapLoo93GufY1z12zwmEih03MHHVhJDHtOMoQGlUe8X6ki6WVwFjbthrAVF/s3590/IMG_8463.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img alt="art quilt depicting bees" border="0" data-original-height="3590" data-original-width="3590" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigtACjWV_Z99KcSNMK7duS4N3drmnBztT_fvR8L1RtgPZ_nSzwbblWQs4Y6dMesiMkU-8gMSsu29-ZicXAy6S0BSI3_rJGVXSvx1qJPSyGXVZY5ANAeivmFdRHSOnzPXOx5BapLoo93GufY1z12zwmEih03MHHVhJDHtOMoQGlUe8X6ki6WVwFjbthrAVF/w400-h400/IMG_8463.jpg" title="Colony Collapse - diptych 2 of 2" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>I finished them up and had the thought that I would like them better in a different size. I think they would look better in maybe 12 x 18 portrait configuration. Since I used my Cricut to cut out all the bees and flowers, I could make another set. Do I want to? Decisions. I have several other calls I want to work on (this time with plenty of time before the deadlines! Ha!) so it may have to wait a little while.</p><p><br /></p><p>Jen</p>Newbie Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12534962427221353029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3613797883539438221.post-69499747689382229342024-02-21T10:35:00.000-08:002024-02-21T10:35:39.975-08:00A quick update before I move on to the future.<p>What have I been doing since May of 2021. So much, so little, so much! It seems every to-do list still has items on it, but when I look back, I did quite a few things.</p><p>I spent a lot of time in my garden.</p><p>I made my first SAQA benefit auction quilt in June 2021. I am currently working on this year's now. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjERinSbThm9bud1CqO05yWJK0csuUckkvPMNd_Ik6XOSPAZEepCqqnsGhLnuO-2JCLrZ4eu4Ux3MQAbJiw8bMEx5GSqV8fmBGxzZqh58-8I40AiaM6Yexm_yDzVOzWP02Tsqe-OzWgTRKagNtHqF58Vr4evLko5zLPbO0hFglLI4gpB_2ILaxQ4Mr4fZRz/s1200/the%20buzz%20around%20here.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjERinSbThm9bud1CqO05yWJK0csuUckkvPMNd_Ik6XOSPAZEepCqqnsGhLnuO-2JCLrZ4eu4Ux3MQAbJiw8bMEx5GSqV8fmBGxzZqh58-8I40AiaM6Yexm_yDzVOzWP02Tsqe-OzWgTRKagNtHqF58Vr4evLko5zLPbO0hFglLI4gpB_2ILaxQ4Mr4fZRz/w320-h320/the%20buzz%20around%20here.jpg" title="The buzz around here" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>My kids convinced me to adopt 3 little (very naughty) kittens, which helped soothe the heartache when my Professional Quilting Cat, Tookie, passed away that Christmas. All three of these kitties have taken on the role of quilt helper, but I still miss the Tookster every time I am working on a quilt. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSNdRtaRzrTuMEsNv8yilPQw4hGZi87h3ozcNFfnpkbHF3RQGKqrJY-cx6qw0q7A48rD6uh7ZOpYc0gC1dOerVF3dmiJhhLUR576fg27yU3CrnkCUDXyWTbAywsmPYw8mcD5GNLYz3Kq568axVPvhzqdoQkvWfAL4uTcPXInY7-PHJyRdA9k8HhPi21NBr/s2016/IMG_1524.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSNdRtaRzrTuMEsNv8yilPQw4hGZi87h3ozcNFfnpkbHF3RQGKqrJY-cx6qw0q7A48rD6uh7ZOpYc0gC1dOerVF3dmiJhhLUR576fg27yU3CrnkCUDXyWTbAywsmPYw8mcD5GNLYz3Kq568axVPvhzqdoQkvWfAL4uTcPXInY7-PHJyRdA9k8HhPi21NBr/w240-h320/IMG_1524.jpg" title="Tookie - the best quilt cat ever" width="240" /></a></div><p></p><p>I've made several more <a href="https://amzn.to/3UM0fSe" target="_blank">One Block Wonders</a>, and discovered a new book allowing you to use a panel as your fabric, <a href="https://amzn.to/3SO41rL" target="_blank">One Block Wonder Panel Quilts</a>. Since you are always looking for large scale prints, panels are awesome to use, and you can choose to incorporate a whole panel into your quilt or not. It has been a fun option to play with.</p><p>I've also participated more Star Wars mini swaps. I created this "band poster" for the Max Rebo band (plays in multiple Star Wars movies). I think this is my all-time favorite of the ones I have made for the annual swap. It is so fun and different, and I designed the entire thing myself instead of using someone else's design. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNuotqgdCyW17odqCNaZSMgUOe1mBmOaK5Mz2PaPZLbuNqdXrsgUR4PgVGhjjNsCtfRYoYa2WI67fXqZAqstnMS5f2xMG2uZjv1H9dwPZDUEQUN85DJvYfQriOpScVs_gDEzySXu0VQa73JxeL8LvJsJqtGRKO-W9dmYFBvhE9_TI0UZ2KbPfS4IR4edhz/s1505/IMG_3198%20(2).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1505" data-original-width="1505" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNuotqgdCyW17odqCNaZSMgUOe1mBmOaK5Mz2PaPZLbuNqdXrsgUR4PgVGhjjNsCtfRYoYa2WI67fXqZAqstnMS5f2xMG2uZjv1H9dwPZDUEQUN85DJvYfQriOpScVs_gDEzySXu0VQa73JxeL8LvJsJqtGRKO-W9dmYFBvhE9_TI0UZ2KbPfS4IR4edhz/s320/IMG_3198%20(2).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>And last year I made this Leia mini for my partner. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfZEPR0tEh_0cEk3AmGypD4EpHhkX9w3jkgKI1MF-aXNDaBP54SCidvsg-BIpXFFgNsA-VzYeuJ4Y6z9MjIbMCBSFSduHFFXkkzwGdtuDiNhDiXXCNBhdqhKZSsQkcPe4oGoC61JLKnFr6oFWwv9P8nteurfU9rORnHrR68S7F5OupI3i2dr-E2tGhbxQR/s1647/IMG_5999.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1647" data-original-width="1464" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfZEPR0tEh_0cEk3AmGypD4EpHhkX9w3jkgKI1MF-aXNDaBP54SCidvsg-BIpXFFgNsA-VzYeuJ4Y6z9MjIbMCBSFSduHFFXkkzwGdtuDiNhDiXXCNBhdqhKZSsQkcPe4oGoC61JLKnFr6oFWwv9P8nteurfU9rORnHrR68S7F5OupI3i2dr-E2tGhbxQR/s320/IMG_5999.jpg" width="284" /></a></div><br /><p>I participated in the Graffiti challenge for Cherrywood Fabrics. I must admit I didn't enjoy this one as much as some of the past challenges. It also had me questioning if I really wanted to participate in future challenges, and I haven't to date. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc8o1u80Ltw7yZfLXxRMvA-6ERNmqZydAXYDaPsLRDOJMU860pXybCPlw1kTnHXrYgEfK3pcF5Yq0GazljTUf_V59elWQ1Jz8kqqEsx_SXSym8AjIB_oHbDg9Ilq4u1ANqSIaSIIDa8r4VVmfKkZ_5hK063yJ8lqFOn3Xw2RZKjM2tl3UlaH5LbxpkktUH/s3426/subway.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3426" data-original-width="3426" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc8o1u80Ltw7yZfLXxRMvA-6ERNmqZydAXYDaPsLRDOJMU860pXybCPlw1kTnHXrYgEfK3pcF5Yq0GazljTUf_V59elWQ1Jz8kqqEsx_SXSym8AjIB_oHbDg9Ilq4u1ANqSIaSIIDa8r4VVmfKkZ_5hK063yJ8lqFOn3Xw2RZKjM2tl3UlaH5LbxpkktUH/s320/subway.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>I went to a bunch of quilt shows, soccer games, and diving competitions, and traveled with family to some amazing destinations like Sicily, and Fargo, ND (which I list as a funny thing, but was actually a great place to go!). And I had a quilt accepted into Road2CA that wasn't part of a Cherrywood challenge.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5hFvuUyjZqp7vbdLoDkSHZz6IlPmFjR7NzUAzY8ficrt2K5rMC2BwpsxygzNHgRbtgrj1zYcZo0tAjjQbH36xTArh28rB60-RGO9kXVCSzWIzaQkwGxWPT4OXqRPda9A-COO9XDEcyYMC4mwvWCJLiM-tRrbwp-qsNjt_Hg6ItZnGphCymEN3rJ3AS4_H/s640/tranquilwaters.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="548" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5hFvuUyjZqp7vbdLoDkSHZz6IlPmFjR7NzUAzY8ficrt2K5rMC2BwpsxygzNHgRbtgrj1zYcZo0tAjjQbH36xTArh28rB60-RGO9kXVCSzWIzaQkwGxWPT4OXqRPda9A-COO9XDEcyYMC4mwvWCJLiM-tRrbwp-qsNjt_Hg6ItZnGphCymEN3rJ3AS4_H/s320/tranquilwaters.jpg" width="274" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>I took a drawing class, finally! And feel like this is the ONE essential skill that has tremendously helped my art quilts progress. I am currently in a second drawing class because I couldn't keep up the drawing habit without the accountability of being in a class with homework and grades, etc. </p><p>I also took two painting classes recently and have learned so much!!! I highly recommend you expand into other mediums if you are leaning toward making art quilts in the future. The oil painting class was my favorite of the two, probably because it is more forgiving than watercolor. Both classes were great, and I hope to continue with both these mediums. I'll share more on that experience in a future post.</p><p><br /></p><p>That's it for now!</p><p>Jen</p><p><br /></p><p> </p><br />Newbie Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12534962427221353029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3613797883539438221.post-58826850977878277022024-02-16T20:27:00.000-08:002024-02-16T20:31:12.243-08:00Resurrection or Reincarnation?<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCzYblhaGjNOC3JbUtN6SD1_BWSTJLKRuopsMi_e4ocEwMjldj1w26ygwMmlaoW9gpdHRz2mjRMLt_LkQ7Z1dAN3fhJCic_oCPYVzK3zPbSedi_ZjQniNAV3TwUo0P83h-BCa4DtZvHkLnmL3QhUQmXtBPc42RfCgZm0jtYqPEdVmGPEHRNGfT9bHZ9lqF/s1080/Colorful%20Illustrated%20This%20or%20That%20Instagram%20Post.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCzYblhaGjNOC3JbUtN6SD1_BWSTJLKRuopsMi_e4ocEwMjldj1w26ygwMmlaoW9gpdHRz2mjRMLt_LkQ7Z1dAN3fhJCic_oCPYVzK3zPbSedi_ZjQniNAV3TwUo0P83h-BCa4DtZvHkLnmL3QhUQmXtBPc42RfCgZm0jtYqPEdVmGPEHRNGfT9bHZ9lqF/s320/Colorful%20Illustrated%20This%20or%20That%20Instagram%20Post.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>Wow! I can't believe it has been nearly two years since I published a blog post. I wrote a few, periodically, but they stayed drafts. I haven't exactly been idle either. I've made several bed quilts and art quilts and had some lovely quilt-time that I could have shared. And I have really been missing the feeling of community I used to have when writing the blog regularly. Which brings me to my question actually; should I continue with this blog where I left off? Or just start a fresh one? </p><p>I feel like blogs are coming back, and I really miss the interaction I used to share with you all. I suppose there are other ways to get that interaction, but this is the way I have experience with. I think either way, I will start blogging again to see what happens. What I don't know is if this blog has any value. What do you think? Are any of my followers still out there? Will it be weird for me to pick up where I left off even though my quilting focus has changed? </p><p>If anyone is still receiving my signal, give me a sign.</p>Newbie Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12534962427221353029noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3613797883539438221.post-15402440936840128882021-05-17T09:49:00.001-07:002024-02-16T21:07:37.394-08:00Flexing my quilting muscles<p> Anytime I have a lag in quilting time/mojo, it seems it takes one of two things to get me going again. Either it is a good swap or it is a One Block Wonder quilt. This time around, it was swapping that got me back in the studio in 2021. </p><p>Starting in January, I started keeping my eye out for my favorite swap of the year - May the 4th, a Star Wars swap. As the middle of March approached, it was looking like it wasn't going to happen and the previous host finally admitted that she wasn't going to do it this year. I was bummed but still determined to do a swap when I saw a call out for the #booknerdswap. Being a huge Book Nerd, I thought this swap would fulfill the itch to create. Boy did it! One of my partner's favorite books was <a href="https://amzn.to/3SZg9HM" target="_blank"><i>The Voyage of the Dawn Treader</i> by C.S. Lewis</a> and one scene in which a boy named Eustace who had been turned into a dragon because of his selfish thoughts is transformed back into a boy with Aslan's help. I reread the book and knew I had to attempt to interpret the scene. This was the result:</p><p><br /><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/quilterinthecloset/51186282915/in/datetaken/" title="Shedding the Dragon"><img alt="Shedding the Dragon" height="640" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51186282915_e4ee550fde_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></p><p>I think it turned out pretty well. I was most nervous about getting Eustace to look like a real boy. Whether it is drawing or another medium, doing people intimidates me. </p><p><br /></p><p>About the time I was halfway finished with my Book Nerd swap mini, I got the news that the May the 4th swap would indeed happen, just with a new host. I was ecstatic. I got my partner's information and froze. Turns out my partner's favorite character was one that I wasn't familiar with. Here I thought I was a pretty up-to-date Star Wars fan but it turns out there are a bunch of aspects of the Star Wars multiverse that I was ignoring. This realization led me down a rabbit hole that I am still exploring. Initially, it had me binge-watching the entire <i>Star Wars Rebels</i> animated series to figure out who Kanan Jarrus was and why my partner thought he was so great. Turns out the series is pretty good and Kanan is a worthy character. I ended up making the below mini using the design aesthetics of Angela Bowman, a very talented quilter who often participates in the May the 4th swap. She has done a bunch of foundation paper pieced quilts where she breaks up the image into a grid first. If you have time, check out some of her amazing quilts on Instagram @angelabdesign.</p><p><br /><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/quilterinthecloset/51185210871/in/datetaken/" title="Kanan Jarrus"><img alt="Kanan Jarrus" height="640" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51185210871_11c9456b83_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></p><p>I thought Angela's process would make the FPP easier - it did and it didn't. I took the decision of where each piece should be out of my hands, but I still had some very complicated pieces in the middle of the quilt. That also might have been my fault since I was pretty married to the design. I do like how the finished quilt looks like you are viewing it through a piece of shattered glass. I may have to revisit this technique again sometime (maybe with a simpler design though, lol).</p><p>I used over 30 colors of <a href="https://amzn.to/3UGF2cs" target="_blank">Robert Kaufman Kona Cotton</a> in this quilt, so my stash is now flush with different greens. Those will come in handy later.</p><p>So now we get to the sad part. As we were approaching the swap deadline, I made a joke about how I was secretly hoping my partner would disappear so I could keep the quilt I made. Well, the universe answered. My partner went MIA. I really hope it wasn't due to some tragedy and that my partner isn't laying in a hospital bed somewhere or something else terrible happened. Sadly, it is where my mind jumped to first given the state of things in the world today. I really hope that is not the case. </p><p>I was worried but also disappointed, selfishly, because I really wanted to know if my partner would be blown away by the effort I made to create a quilt so individualized to my partner's information. It took me a few minutes to get over my selfish self and move on to the more immediate issue - because my partner went MIA, there was someone else out there waiting for a quilt. I offered to be a quilt angel right away. I had the time that week and I NEVER have a shortage of motivation and inspiration for Star Wars quilts.</p><p>My new partner's favorite character is Han Solo. Oh my gosh, I was over the moon. I love Han too! Who doesn't? And there are so many great ideas out there for Han (with and without Leia). I settled on a graphic design by Rogan Voight and got to work. </p><p><br /></p><p><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/quilterinthecloset/51185427383/in/datetaken/" title="Han, I love you too"><img alt="Han, I love you too" height="640" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51185427383_1e20e7b201_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></p><p>Surprisingly, this quilt came together so fast! Bless the miracle of <a href="https://amzn.to/3I3pojR" target="_blank">Steam-a-Seam 2 Lite</a>! Looking at a picture of the design, I drew out Han's face using similar shapes from the original design. Of course, as I was quilting the quilt, I had the epiphany that I probably could have found a way to print out and trace the darn thing! Yeah, sometimes my brain doesn't work great. I think I got the eyes pretty close, but I know I was way off on the mouth. Oh well, it still looks like Han... right (fingers crossed)? </p><p>I quilted this mini with tiny little straight lines - about 1/8 inch or so. I used <a href="https://amzn.to/3SGBKTZ" target="_blank">Superior Thread's Monopoly</a> for the first time. I gotta tell you, it was SO much easier to use than similar products from other manufacturers that I've tried in the past. I even once had one get all tangled up in my tension disks and swore off nylon monofilament until now. I'm glad that I tried it and it worked out so well, especially since I think I will be needing invisible thread more in the future. </p><p><br /></p><p>There you have it. Aslan and the dragon really stretched my quilting muscles the most. Not only did I have to come up with an original design, but it also had me doing fabric collage again for the first time in years. I want to be using that technique more in the future.</p><p>Kanan challenged my FPP skills. I thought I was pretty good at paper piecing but there were a lot of little sections within that design that I struggled getting put together. </p><p>With Han, it was my drawing skills that got challenged. I am not very good with a pencil so I rely on breaking an image up into a grid and focusing on each section. Doing it that way allows me to complete an image in a more abstract way and takes the pressure off me getting everything right and proportional from the get-go. Then I can go in and trace the resulting shapes onto fusible and put them together to form the finished image. Obviously, this system relies heavily on having an image to look at, to begin with. I'm not sure when, if ever, I will be comfortable just drawing something from my head. I hope that day will come. For now, this is where I am on my artistic journey.</p><p><br /></p><p>Until I have something more to share, have a good one!</p><p> </p>Newbie Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12534962427221353029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3613797883539438221.post-45463236042027266102020-03-04T12:11:00.000-08:002020-03-04T12:11:22.879-08:00Gouldian Finches - a finish!<br />
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At New Year's, I knew that there was no better way to get me back into the quilting grove than to join a swap. The trouble was, that I hadn't really seen any swaps in my Instagram feed for a while. I guess that is what happens when you are out of the loop for a couple of years, the players change and new people that I didn't follow had replaced them. Luckily, I did find a swap and joined the Quilters for Koalas swap hosted by @shoppershaz_swaphost (who hosts quite a few swaps in case you are interested). This particular swap was to benefit the wildlife affected by the fires in Australia and had an animal theme (preferably Australian animals).<br />
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Based on my partner's inspiration mosaic, it seemed she preferred paper pieced designs and liked birds in particular, so I went about trying to find something special for her. Now, when I signed up for the swap, one of the questions the form asks you is your level of experience. Instead of "beginner" or "expert", one of the choices was "Not much intimidates me", which is true for me, not necessarily because I am an expert, but more because I'll try anything, so that's what I put. Why, oh why, did I take that as a personal challenge though??? I decided to create my own paper pieced pattern for my partner.......<br />
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I started with a beautiful photo by David Clode. Then I traced the image, got my ruler out to straighten all the lines, etc. and eventually came up with a paper pieced pattern with zillions of little pieces. Ok maybe not zillions, but probably close to a hundred per bird - zero stars, would not recommend.<br />
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Then I got to work. I lucked out on the bird on the left. I found the perfect piece to use as his eye, so instead of having 15 little seams there, I ended up fussy cutting what used to be the handle of a pair of scissors. It worked perfectly.<br />
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Unfortunately, the bird on the right had a different eye, so I had to do a bunch of tiny seams there. <br />
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I also have a confession to make. I had some difficulty quilting it! It's been YEARS since I've quilted anything on my domestic machine and I'm embarrased to say that I am out of practice. Plus, I didn't make things easier on myself by doing that jigsaw puzzle low volume background. It created a ton of bulky seams that my machine was spectacularly finicky about. As a result, the quality of the stitching is much lower than I would like. I considered ripping it all out and starting over, but then realized that given those seams it was unlikely that I would do much better the second time around. Hopefully, my partner will admire it from at least arm's length. Fingers crossed that she likes it!!<br />
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<br />Newbie Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12534962427221353029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3613797883539438221.post-86123277712690334672020-01-03T10:48:00.001-08:002024-02-16T21:10:29.221-08:00One Block Wonder UpdatesI made progress on my Fall OBW.<br />
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I got it all pieced together and started on the borders, only to run out of the solid black I was using, so I had to order more and am currently waiting on it to arrive.<br />
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In the meantime, I started on another (which I secretly like a whole lot more).<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/quilterinthecloset/49323417807/in/datetaken/" title="Another OBW in progress."><img alt="Another OBW in progress." height="480" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49323417807_919e3bd9ee_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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I've sewn together all the strips of partial hexagons, now I need to sew the strips together. The good news is that I have all the border fabric I need to finish it up when I get to that stage, so hopefully, I will be able to finish this one up before the end of winter.<br />
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I am really loving this technique of using <a href="https://amzn.to/3wlde3e" target="_blank">panels together with the OBW techniques</a>!<br />
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Oh! And thank you, Marlene, for the tip about the OBW Facebook group. I did join up and I love seeing what everyone else is doing there.<br />
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I've also decided to join up with the APQ UFO Challenge. I am supposed to work on Project #2 on my list which is my Van Gogh Cafe quilt. I probably should have looked to see which number was chosen for January before I made my list. That is the project that I am the least finished with on my list. I only have the basic outline completed. But, I guess it will be good for me to be encouraged to work on it. After all, progress is progress.<br />
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<br />Newbie Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12534962427221353029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3613797883539438221.post-54344081702082123722019-10-31T13:06:00.000-07:002024-02-16T21:14:55.488-08:00Has it really been over two years since I've blogged?Wow! Yes, yes it has.<br />
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What happened? Well, I got majorly burnt out. Two years ago, I was preparing to be the featured quilter in our local quilt show and I was quilting, quilting, quilting to have enough to showcase. Some of the projects I finished were intense! Like this <a href="https://amzn.to/3T3mlOM" target="_blank">Aviatrix quilt</a>:<br />
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I burned the midnight oil, the candles at both ends, burned rubber, etc., and completely burned myself out. I could barely look at my studio and sewing machine afterward. Taking a break turned into a year-long hiatus before I made a few feeble attempts at getting back into things. At that point, I took a couple of classes to try to jump-start my inspiration and motivation, but only managed to finish one of the projects from one of the classes and almost completed another.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/quilterinthecloset/48983550972/in/datetaken/" title="Painted Quilt - food still life"><img alt="Painted Quilt - food still life" height="490" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48983550972_01078536b6_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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Then I thought, "Hey! Maybe making a quilt for someone else will get back my mojo." So, I took on this quilt:<br />
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I enjoyed making it, but I still didn't feel like I wanted to quilt regularly again - until now.<br />
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What fabulous project has woken me from my motivational hibernation, you ask? Would you believe it is a One Block Wonder? Yep, I'm going back to one of the first quilt design techniques I tried as a newish quilter. My quilt guild formed a <a href="https://amzn.to/3T1EpJn" target="_blank">One Block Wonder</a> group last month and I couldn't resist. I went out and bought enough fabric to make 4 quilts and I've already cut up my first one!<br />
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By the way, can you imagine not even buying fabric for 2 years? My husband probably thought he got an unexpected raise from all the extra money in our accounts.<br />
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This time around, I'm experimenting with using a panel for my OBW. I got some fabulous tips and inspiration from Jackie O'Brien's website <a href="https://ifthesethreadscouldtalk.com/one-block-wonder-gallery/">If These Threads Could Talk - gallery</a> OH My! If you have time, please do check out her gallery. She is an instructor of the technique and is very generous with her tips, some of which I wish I read before I started cutting my first panel. There is also a new book out by the original author that shows how to do the technique, <a href="https://amzn.to/3TbXVmF" target="_blank">One-Block Wonder Panel Quilts</a><br />
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Here is a pic of my initial progress. I am so excited to see how it turns out! <br />
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Thanks for stopping by!<br />
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Jen<br />
<br />Newbie Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12534962427221353029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3613797883539438221.post-90989351692074211802017-08-11T21:48:00.000-07:002017-08-11T21:48:04.915-07:00Cherrywood Fabrics Van Gogh challenge - a finish!I have really enjoyed seeing the last two challenges hosted by Cherrywood Fabrics. There was the Wicked challenge (<a href="http://quilterinthecloset.blogspot.com/2015/03/inspirational-sunday-2-via-road-to.html">see pics HERE</a>) and last year, the Lion King challenge was phenomenal!<br />
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While at Road to California in January, I was intrigued with the idea of entering <a href="http://cherrywoodfabrics.bigcartel.com/van-gogh">this year's challenge - inspired by Van Gogh</a>. But I don't think I actually purchased the fabric bundle until QuiltCon in February. I lacked the confidence and was worried about lack of time as well. In the end, the colors won me over. Who could resist the lovely blues??</div>
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In true "Jen form", I waited until nearly the last minute to start my challenge piece. I chose Van Gogh's "Starry Night over the Rhone" as my inspiration and got to work. Here are some progression pics of the process I used. I basically used the same technique as My Monet quilt, you can find the tutorial <a href="http://quilterinthecloset.blogspot.com/2014/03/how-i-made-my-monet-how-i-do-it-tutorial.html">HERE</a>, but I'm sure you will get the gist from the pics below.<br />
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My rough plan:<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/quilterinthecloset/36325705301/in/datetaken/" title="Van Gogh: a rough outline of my project"><img alt="Van Gogh: a rough outline of my project" height="640" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4395/36325705301_46441eaedc_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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I like to draw out a rough plan, like a road map to see where I am going.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/quilterinthecloset/36325705381/in/datetaken/" title="Van Gogh: the first few pieces in place"><img alt="Van Gogh: the first few pieces in place" height="640" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4416/36325705381_460ea08766_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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I started blocking in the background colors. I even kept some of the "fringe" edges where the fabric had been ripped. I figured that rough edge would help me with a blended look along the horizon.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/quilterinthecloset/36462997535/in/datetaken/" title="Van Gogh: background pieces in place"><img alt="Van Gogh: background pieces in place" height="640" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4362/36462997535_b86eaeccfe_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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Finally, I started laying down the first "brushstrokes". These were pieces of fabric fused with Steam a Seam Lite and then cut into random wavy strips.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/quilterinthecloset/35627807914/in/datetaken/" title="Van Gogh: first layer of "brushstrokes" down"><img alt="Van Gogh: first layer of "brushstrokes" down" height="640" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4346/35627807914_9b2ccc01cf_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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I just kept adding more and more layers of these little pieces.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/quilterinthecloset/36294779752/in/datetaken/" title="Van Gogh: brushstrokes in progress"><img alt="Van Gogh: brushstrokes in progress" height="640" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4387/36294779752_f03344ceab_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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More and more layers of detail. As you can see, I started with larger pieces and moved on to smaller pieces to add details.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/quilterinthecloset/36065960700/in/datetaken/" title="Van Gogh: I need starlight"><img alt="Van Gogh: I need starlight" height="640" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4440/36065960700_6b53b5f6c7_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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Once everything was where I wanted it, I fused the pieces in place with my iron and started quilting in long wavy lines.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/quilterinthecloset/36065971130/in/datetaken/" title="Van Gogh: a few more details and the start of stitching"><img alt="Van Gogh: a few more details and the start of stitching" height="640" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4422/36065971130_df853da11c_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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Normally, I would have added tulle to the entire quilt before quilting on top of those tiny fused pieces, but I wasn't sure if tulle was allowed in the challenge and I really didn't have time to find out. Boy, does tulle make things easier!!! It keeps all your pieces in place and lets the quilting foot just glide over everything. Without the tulle, some of my fused pieces wanted to flip over and get caught.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/quilterinthecloset/36065970640/in/datetaken/" title="Van Gogh: just keep adding layers!"><img alt="Van Gogh: just keep adding layers!" height="640" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4368/36065970640_23dc8e7e4b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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In fact, I started free motion quilting this project, but after a few minutes of my pieces getting mangled by the foot, I switched up to my walking foot. I ended up quilting nearly the entire quilt with my walking foot.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/quilterinthecloset/35627861044/in/datetaken/" title="Van Gogh: people close up"><img alt="Van Gogh: people close up" height="640" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4404/35627861044_ff24623413_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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When I first started quilting, I was a little mad at myself for "ruining a perfectly good quilt with too much stitching", but as I added more and more layers and colors of thread, I felt that was in keeping with what I was trying to accomplish as Van Gogh inspired. I love how it turned out in the end.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/quilterinthecloset/36065963370/in/datetaken/" title="Van Gogh: finished"><img alt="Van Gogh: finished" height="640" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4368/36065963370_3d742c1fb7_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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What do you think?<br />
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I found out today that my quilt was juried into the finalist group. But I have to send it off to be judged and only then will I know if my quilt was accepted into the traveling exhibition. I'll find out sometime next month. I really have my fingers crossed. I just think it would be so neat to have a quilt traveling around for a year to a bunch of shows! I may not sleep until I know if it was accepted.<br />
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Thanks for reading today! I hope you found it interesting.<br />
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Jen<br />
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Newbie Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12534962427221353029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3613797883539438221.post-33350714068499420322017-06-11T14:17:00.002-07:002017-06-12T18:03:39.703-07:00Blowing off the dustA finish! And an old one at that.<br />
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I have had this one loaded on the longarm for months, just sitting there. Waiting. Waiting for me to feel like it. It's not even like I had to decide what to quilt. I had already decided to try to do my first pantograph. I just needed to find my sewing mojo again.<br />
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I am happy to report that I have found it! After months of only going in my sewing room to find stuff that I put in there during the remodel, I have been sewing again. I literally had to blow the dust off my machines and cutting table. My first order of business was to finish up this Batik Tile quilt that was one of my oldest UFO's. The pattern was "Tile Style" by Cheryl Rose Creations and was published in American Patchwork & Quilting back in 2010. 2010!!<br />
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One big boost to my sewing mojo was being asked if I wanted to be the featured quilter at our guild's annual quilt show in September. While I am not sure yet if I have been chosen, I realized that if it happens, I better have some stuff to feature! So, it has really lit a fire under me! Now that my longarm is free, I've pulled out a few other finished or close to finished tops to do next. I've also started piecing my Aviatrix Medallion quilt. AND......I took a class on a technique that I am so excited to try out!!! I don't want to tell you about it just yet (in case I fail miserably at it).<br />
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In other news, I finished the Whole 30 diet and am right in the middle of reintroducing different problematic foods. I am still not 100% sure what was causing my issues, but I am feeling so much better. I've also lost 9 pounds! The diet was hard!!! I didn't realize how much I eat to comfort myself or because I was bored. Identifying these things has helped me though, and I can now recognize cravings vs. real hunger. I do plan on trying to eat similarly to the diet going forward.<br />
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Yes, despite the difficulty, I recommend the diet. I feel better, look better and I know I ate better. I never starved myself. In fact, I stuffed myself the entire time - but only with foods from the plan (meat, veggies, and fruit). If you want to check it out, the book is<a href="http://amzn.to/2shl5fe"> It Starts With Food by Dallas and Melissa Hartwig</a> (Affiliate Link***). If you have any questions, you can also email me.<br />
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Thanks for reading today! Now back to work.....<br />
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Jen<br />
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***This post may contain affiliate links. If you <u>purchase </u>something after clicking on one of my links, I may be compensated, but at no additional cost to you!<br />
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<br />Newbie Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12534962427221353029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3613797883539438221.post-51572262691274461762017-05-10T11:52:00.001-07:002017-05-10T11:52:04.723-07:00Decisions - going forwardWhen I last posted, I was contemplating quitting the blog. I'm not, but I am not going to continue in the same way that I was previously.<br />
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When I first started this blog, I was a different person. Well, that's not exactly accurate. I was a person with different things going on in my life. In fact, when I started quilting and later this blog, I think I was still in my adjustment period in my transition to being at home full time. I am not going to debate who does more - working moms or stay at home moms. All I know is that when I first started being at home, I felt like I had some time to fill. I filled that time with quilting and blogging. Back then it was easier too, with small kids that napped or when to preschool for some of the day.<br />
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My life is no longer like that. Sure, my kids go to school now, And one would think I would have even more free time, but I have found new ways to fill my time and feel busier than ever. Somehow, the time to quilt and blog has dwindled significantly. While quilting has remained a "fun" and "relaxing" activity in my mind as something to do when I do get the chance. Blogging has become more of an obligation, and that is not what is supposed to be. I don't want you to read the negativity between the lines of any of my posts. When I look back at the posts I've written in the last few months, all of them seem negative. I want to get back to the upbeat and excited posts.....but I have to feel that way when I'm writing them in order for them to convey those feelings.<br />
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So....for now.....I am going to only blog when I feel that way; when I have something exciting to share; when I have some happy news tell you. I'm also going to remind myself that a blog is supposed to be an online journal. Somedays, I may have a lot to write. Somedays I might have two lines. Sometimes it might be hours between posts, others months. (I think initially, my posts will be less frequent). Basically, I'm going to write when I want to write.<br />
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Ironically, I have some things today that I am excited to share!!<br />
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First, we took a family trip to Italy for Spring Break and had a truly marvelous time.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/quilterinthecloset/34138493631/in/datetaken/" title="Lerici"><img alt="Lerici" height="220" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4167/34138493631_07df642172_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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I posted a bunch of pics on my Instagram feed during our trip, and I will probably make my Flickr album public shortly.<br />
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The trip was amazing. The kids got along. The adults got along. We saw so many wonderful things. We ate like kings. We visited family. And we had fun as a family. It was excellent. We are already talking about our next Spring Break.<br />
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Second, when we got back, I repacked my bags and went on a quilting retreat! It was just what I needed. I felt like I hadn't touched anything sewing related in months, and after a long journey, I needed a little down time to craft.<br />
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I finished up my Modern Quilt Guild Riley Blake Challenge. I made this little mini:<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/quilterinthecloset/34448083821/in/datetaken/" title="Riley Blake Challenge Quilt"><img alt="Riley Blake Challenge Quilt" height="640" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4170/34448083821_9513c41675_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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It didn't turn out exactly like I envisioned, but I like it. I think a couple of the ladies at retreat wanted to take it home with them.<br />
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I also took my Aviatrix quilt kit with me to start cutting. I almost got through all the cutting before it was time to leave. It was a LOT of cutting!!! I have since finished up the cutting and will start piecing things together when I have some time. I'm not rushing myself! <br />
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Third, I have started a new diet. Typically, I am not one to diet. However, I wasn't feeling very well before our trip and I had the feeling it was something that I was eating. I felt great while in Italy, but they have different food requirements/laws and seemed to have a lot less processed food (we barely ate anything processed while there). When I returned, within a day or two I was already not feeling great again. <br />
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I happened across a post on Facebook about the Whole 30 and looked into it. The drastic reduction of food categories actually appealed to me. You basically only eat meat, veggies, fruit and healthy fat. No sugar, no dairy, no grains, no legumes, no alcohol. I suppose I could have randomly chosen a few things in my diet to test if they were making me feel bad, but eliminating nearly everything for 30 days and slowly reintroducing things seems to be a better approach for me. I don't care so much about weight loss, I just want my body to feel better and my brain to feel better about what I am eating. Have any of you done the Whole 30?<br />
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I am only on Day 3, and I am already feeling better. Not completely cured, but better all the same. I hope that things continue.<br />
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That's it for now. I can't tell you when my next post will be, but I hope you pop back by periodically to say hello.<br />
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Keep quilting!<br />
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Jen<br />
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<br />Newbie Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12534962427221353029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3613797883539438221.post-61962068532920110502017-04-14T21:00:00.000-07:002017-04-14T21:00:23.453-07:00100 Day Challenge - Finale!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIwxDBPIJBqmBU6Em8fNNQRaM4PWw2xZMX7vcbWvIhhJHM1dzDb5NrbqE0yQTk3j0b7VX0nmrA5178IMa3AhkrOJ7x9WM2m5nmtq_JI_vUpdC1I7F24IbZYkE5A-9tVlUYuTt96IvOHn71/s1600/100.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIwxDBPIJBqmBU6Em8fNNQRaM4PWw2xZMX7vcbWvIhhJHM1dzDb5NrbqE0yQTk3j0b7VX0nmrA5178IMa3AhkrOJ7x9WM2m5nmtq_JI_vUpdC1I7F24IbZYkE5A-9tVlUYuTt96IvOHn71/s400/100.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Welcome to the finale of the 100 Day Challenge! I hope everyone got loads of things accomplished (especially since I didn't)!<br />
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My 3 things:<br />
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1) Update the blog - I haven't done anything on this. I must admit, I am considering taking a break from blogging altogether. It is not that I don't enjoy blogging, it is more that I am so stretched on time lately. I even find it difficult to remember to post the Building Blocks Tuesday link up each week. I am currently on a bit of a Mom-cation and I intend to do some soul searching on this topic. It may mean a short hiatus or just a transition to more infrequent posts. When I return, I expect to have an answer.<br />
2) Aviatrix Medallion Quilt - Life has gotten in the way big time lately, and I haven't moved much past getting the fabric out on this one. However, I do have a quilting retreat coming up in a couple of weeks and this will be one of two projects I am going to bring, so progress is inevitable.<br />
3) Finish Batik Tile Quilt - I loaded it on my longarm, and chose the thread, but then had a bunch of tension issues. I've chosen an alternative, but just haven't gotten started yet. So no progress since last check in.<br />
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Wow, so big fail on my part! But I am not discouraged. We have had a lot going on as a family since New Year's and it has been hard to keep up. I can either choose to get down on myself or I can move forward. I choose the later.<br />
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How did you do on your goals? Link up your progress and then go cheer for someone else!<br />
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Thanks for participating!<br />
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Jen<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPxt3ltsvsS45T-0rbj9fomQCzfurDJF81XXl1e-ZdfM7SUYJxEkBCeroybtbju3sdogk-V0PayHnUDsQz9tdzKKmn9S2a-xeWd3VVjICcNlR6_8LZ-7mhzOQumGzWqPOHIW-A19USyrOc/s1600/BBT+fresh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPxt3ltsvsS45T-0rbj9fomQCzfurDJF81XXl1e-ZdfM7SUYJxEkBCeroybtbju3sdogk-V0PayHnUDsQz9tdzKKmn9S2a-xeWd3VVjICcNlR6_8LZ-7mhzOQumGzWqPOHIW-A19USyrOc/s320/BBT+fresh.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Building Blocks Tuesday is taking a break. <br />
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Thank you for your patience.<br />
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Jen<br />
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<br />Newbie Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12534962427221353029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3613797883539438221.post-73078935790892980722017-03-28T13:23:00.001-07:002017-03-28T13:23:43.719-07:00Sawtooth Stars still in progress - Building Blocks Tuesday<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/quilterinthecloset/32864115934/in/datetaken/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Sawtooth Stars still in progress."><img alt="Sawtooth Stars still in progress." height="640" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2811/32864115934_96e7a3854e_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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I'm still working on these Sawtooth Stars! Got quite a few, but still need more.<br />
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What blocks have you been working on this week? I would love to see. Link up your fabulous blocks. You put a lot of hard work into them - show them off! This free linky will stay open until the first Monday of next month, but I will repost it every Tuesday until a new month starts.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPxt3ltsvsS45T-0rbj9fomQCzfurDJF81XXl1e-ZdfM7SUYJxEkBCeroybtbju3sdogk-V0PayHnUDsQz9tdzKKmn9S2a-xeWd3VVjICcNlR6_8LZ-7mhzOQumGzWqPOHIW-A19USyrOc/s1600/BBT+fresh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPxt3ltsvsS45T-0rbj9fomQCzfurDJF81XXl1e-ZdfM7SUYJxEkBCeroybtbju3sdogk-V0PayHnUDsQz9tdzKKmn9S2a-xeWd3VVjICcNlR6_8LZ-7mhzOQumGzWqPOHIW-A19USyrOc/s320/BBT+fresh.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
Rules:<br />
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1) Please link up only to the page on your blog showing your wonderful blocks, not just the blog homepage. Flickr and Instagram pictures are also OK.<br />
2) Make sure to put your blog name as the description so people know where they are going or the name of your block!<br />
3) Please grab my button and post it in your blog post or sidebar.<br />
4) Visit other linky participants!<br />
<br />
<span style="text-align: center;">Thanks for reading,</span><br />
<br />
Jennie<br />
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<br />
***This post may contain affiliate links. If you <u>purchase </u>something after clicking on one of my links, I may be compensated, but at no additional cost to you!<br />
<br />
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</script> <!-- end InLinkz script -->Newbie Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12534962427221353029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3613797883539438221.post-76453738553329963952017-03-22T08:23:00.001-07:002017-03-22T08:23:41.230-07:00Sawtooth marathon - Building Blocks TuesdayAnd the Sawtooth Star marathon begins!<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/quilterinthecloset/33420041602/in/datetaken/" title="One of many Sawtooth Stars for commission quilt"><img alt="One of many Sawtooth Stars for commission quilt" height="640" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2823/33420041602_38d72288e1_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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I finished up all the flying geese components for these Sawtooth Star blocks over the weekend and have been making about 10 stars a day since then.<br />
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This is what they look like so far:<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/quilterinthecloset/33447801701/in/datetaken/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Sawtooth Stars in progress"><img alt="Sawtooth Stars in progress" height="640" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3679/33447801701_9552f76b26_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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The finished quilt will not be so heavy on the yellows/golds. I just happened to start on those stars first. The final quilt will have them more evenly distributed with other colors.<br />
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This is a commission project. The recipient is planning on having the guests at her wedding sign the stars and then I will assemble it as a nice keepsake of the occasion. I love the idea and wish I had thought of it for my wedding.<br />
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What blocks have you been working on this week? I would love to see. Link up your fabulous blocks. You put a lot of hard work into them - show them off! This free linky will stay open until the first Monday of next month, but I will repost it every Tuesday until a new month starts.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPxt3ltsvsS45T-0rbj9fomQCzfurDJF81XXl1e-ZdfM7SUYJxEkBCeroybtbju3sdogk-V0PayHnUDsQz9tdzKKmn9S2a-xeWd3VVjICcNlR6_8LZ-7mhzOQumGzWqPOHIW-A19USyrOc/s1600/BBT+fresh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPxt3ltsvsS45T-0rbj9fomQCzfurDJF81XXl1e-ZdfM7SUYJxEkBCeroybtbju3sdogk-V0PayHnUDsQz9tdzKKmn9S2a-xeWd3VVjICcNlR6_8LZ-7mhzOQumGzWqPOHIW-A19USyrOc/s320/BBT+fresh.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
Rules:<br />
<br />
1) Please link up only to the page on your blog showing your wonderful blocks, not just the blog homepage. Flickr and Instagram pictures are also OK.<br />
2) Make sure to put your blog name as the description so people know where they are going or the name of your block!<br />
3) Please grab my button and post it in your blog post or sidebar.<br />
4) Visit other linky participants!<br />
<br />
<span style="text-align: center;">Thanks for reading,</span><br />
<br />
Jennie<br />
<br />
<br />
***This post may contain affiliate links. If you <u>purchase </u>something after clicking on one of my links, I may be compensated, but at no additional cost to you!<br />
<br />
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</script> <!-- end InLinkz script -->Newbie Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12534962427221353029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3613797883539438221.post-64875174098922840912017-03-14T12:19:00.002-07:002017-03-14T12:19:41.533-07:00Geese are flying away with me - Building Blocks Tuesday<br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/quilterinthecloset/33314040721/in/datetaken/" title="Flying geese for Erika's stars"><img alt="Flying geese for Erika's stars" height="640" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3851/33314040721_1934b0667a_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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The geese are flying away with me!<br />
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I've been working on these flying geese components for the Sawtooth Star quilt I am making. I feel like I've been doing them for months, but really since I only make about 40 at a time, it really hasn't been that long. I need about 400 for the quilt, and I am probably only 3/4 of the way through. I hope to have all the Sawtooth blocks done by the end of the month, so I better get crackin!<br />
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What blocks have you been working on this week? I would love to see. Link up your fabulous blocks. You put a lot of hard work into them - show them off! This free linky will stay open until the first Monday of next month, but I will repost it every Tuesday until a new month starts.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPxt3ltsvsS45T-0rbj9fomQCzfurDJF81XXl1e-ZdfM7SUYJxEkBCeroybtbju3sdogk-V0PayHnUDsQz9tdzKKmn9S2a-xeWd3VVjICcNlR6_8LZ-7mhzOQumGzWqPOHIW-A19USyrOc/s1600/BBT+fresh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPxt3ltsvsS45T-0rbj9fomQCzfurDJF81XXl1e-ZdfM7SUYJxEkBCeroybtbju3sdogk-V0PayHnUDsQz9tdzKKmn9S2a-xeWd3VVjICcNlR6_8LZ-7mhzOQumGzWqPOHIW-A19USyrOc/s320/BBT+fresh.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
Rules:<br />
<br />
1) Please link up only to the page on your blog showing your wonderful blocks, not just the blog homepage. Flickr and Instagram pictures are also OK.<br />
2) Make sure to put your blog name as the description so people know where they are going or the name of your block!<br />
3) Please grab my button and post it in your blog post or sidebar.<br />
4) Visit other linky participants!<br />
<br />
<span style="text-align: center;">Thanks for reading,</span><br />
<br />
Jennie<br />
<br />
<br />
***This post may contain affiliate links. If you <u>purchase </u>something after clicking on one of my links, I may be compensated, but at no additional cost to you!<br />
<br />
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</script> <!-- end InLinkz script -->Newbie Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12534962427221353029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3613797883539438221.post-78365379389586337992017-03-07T07:53:00.000-08:002017-03-07T07:53:01.769-08:00Around the World, by hand - Building Blocks Tuesday<br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/quilterinthecloset/32359226783/in/datetaken/" title="Around the World, by hand"><img alt="Around the World, by hand" height="640" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3688/32359226783_9b52657f44_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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One of the classes I took at QuiltCon this year was hand piecing. I have been trying to be more selective when taking classes and only signing up for technique driven classes, preferably techniques I don't know how to do. While I grasped the concept of hand piecing, I have never done it. Until now!<br />
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True, the block above isn't all that large or impressive, but I plan on continuing to work on it here and there. Those 1 1/2 inch squares are very travel-friendly and it is a relaxing process. <br />
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What blocks have you been working on this week? I would love to see. Link up your fabulous blocks. You put a lot of hard work into them - show them off! This free linky will stay open until the first Monday of next month, but I will repost it every Tuesday until a new month starts.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPxt3ltsvsS45T-0rbj9fomQCzfurDJF81XXl1e-ZdfM7SUYJxEkBCeroybtbju3sdogk-V0PayHnUDsQz9tdzKKmn9S2a-xeWd3VVjICcNlR6_8LZ-7mhzOQumGzWqPOHIW-A19USyrOc/s1600/BBT+fresh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPxt3ltsvsS45T-0rbj9fomQCzfurDJF81XXl1e-ZdfM7SUYJxEkBCeroybtbju3sdogk-V0PayHnUDsQz9tdzKKmn9S2a-xeWd3VVjICcNlR6_8LZ-7mhzOQumGzWqPOHIW-A19USyrOc/s320/BBT+fresh.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
Rules:<br />
<br />
1) Please link up only to the page on your blog showing your wonderful blocks, not just the blog homepage. Flickr and Instagram pictures are also OK.<br />
2) Make sure to put your blog name as the description so people know where they are going or the name of your block!<br />
3) Please grab my button and post it in your blog post or sidebar.<br />
4) Visit other linky participants!<br />
<br />
<span style="text-align: center;">Thanks for reading,</span><br />
<br />
Jennie<br />
<br />
<br />
***This post may contain affiliate links. If you <u>purchase </u>something after clicking on one of my links, I may be compensated, but at no additional cost to you!<br />
<br />
<!-- start InLinkz script --> <script type="text/javascript">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIwxDBPIJBqmBU6Em8fNNQRaM4PWw2xZMX7vcbWvIhhJHM1dzDb5NrbqE0yQTk3j0b7VX0nmrA5178IMa3AhkrOJ7x9WM2m5nmtq_JI_vUpdC1I7F24IbZYkE5A-9tVlUYuTt96IvOHn71/s1600/100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIwxDBPIJBqmBU6Em8fNNQRaM4PWw2xZMX7vcbWvIhhJHM1dzDb5NrbqE0yQTk3j0b7VX0nmrA5178IMa3AhkrOJ7x9WM2m5nmtq_JI_vUpdC1I7F24IbZYkE5A-9tVlUYuTt96IvOHn71/s400/100.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Welcome back to the 100 Day Challenge! I can't believe we are already at the 60 day mark. As usual, time has just flown by.<br />
<br />
My 3 things:<br />
<br />
1) Update the blog - I haven't done anything on this. If I am sitting at my computer, I'm not sewing. But, I have a plan! I'm going to start reviewing my classes each night before going to bed. I usually read during this time, but I will have to put the books aside for a while.<br />
2) Aviatrix Medallion Quilt - I've gotten out the fabric and pattern, but need to make the templates and start cutting (which still hasn't happened).<br />
3) Finish Batik Tile Quilt - This is the one goal I had made progress on at the last check in; however, I haven't progressed since then. I loaded it on my longarm, and chose the thread, but then had a bunch of tension issues. I think it is the thread. I've chosen an alternative, but just haven't gotten started yet.<br />
<br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/quilterinthecloset/32124123830/in/datetaken/" title="Batik tile - flimsy complete"><img alt="Batik tile - flimsy complete" height="640" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/535/32124123830_55c8279b8b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
So, basically I haven't done anything in the last 30 days, and it got me to thinking. This challenge is all about shortening the time frame for your goals to help keep you motivated. But what if that deadline isn't doing anything for your flagging motivation? I've perused some things on the interwebs and have come up with some advice for you, and me.<br />
<br />
<u>How to Stay Motivated on your Goals for the 100 Day Challenge (or what is left of it):</u><br />
<br />
1) <b>Break up your goal</b> into small, manageable pieces and write them down - for me, I need to choose really small tasks. Tasks that would take 30 minutes or less, even if it takes splitting a task into multiple parts, even if you just set a timer and work for 10 minutes at a time. For example, I need to start cutting my fabric for the Aviatrix Medallion quilt, but there is a lot of FQ's to sort and cut. So, I'm going to break it up the task of cutting into very small tasks - like cut 2 colors at a time. If there are 30 colors, it will take me 15 tasks to complete the cutting, but I will get to cross 2 colors off my list each day. Which leads me to #2....<br />
<br />
2) <b>Cross items off your to-do list</b>. I can't tell you how satisfying this is. Sometimes I even write tasks down that I have already done for the day, just so I can then cross them off. It gives you a sense of accomplishment even when your day hasn't gone according to your original plan.<br />
<br />
3) Make a game out of it, and <b>REWARD yourself</b> - Can you cross one item off your list for 5 days in a row? Or maybe cross everything off your list that has a specific word in it, like "organize" or "press" or "blue". Whatever you pick that day. Reward yourself. Have a piece of chocolate if you cross 2 things off your list for the day. Buy that FQ bundle you've been eyeing at the quilt shop if you complete all your cutting on a project. Finished a project completely? Reward yourself with a break from quilting all together and read a book for the rest of the evening. Whatever you decide!<br />
<br />
4)<b> Learn something new</b> - Maybe what you need to kick yourself into gear is a new skill. I often find that when I am excited about learning a new skill, I can't wait to try it out on an existing project. Whether it be a new quilting design or technique, or even just a more efficient way of cutting. Take a Craftsy class, watch some YouTube, or search Pinterest for a technique you are interested in, and try it out on one of your goals for the challenge.<br />
<br />
5) <b>Variety</b> is the spice of life - While I would like to be the type of person that only focuses on one project and finishes it before moving on to the next. I'm just not that person. I get bored. I get tired of looking at the same fabrics for too long. So, if you are like that - mix it up! You've got your list. Choose tasks from different projects each day. Or at the very least, different types of task. Cut one project one day, quilt a different project the next, organize a 3rd project before piecing the first. Keep your brain wondering what is next, but still reward it for crossing things off your list. You will be amazed how quickly all your tasks get done!<br />
<br />
6) Remind yourself of <b>the Big Picture</b> - all of the above suggestions have you focusing on small things and you need to do that to keep going, but every so often remind yourself of your end goal. Are you making a quilt for a special someone? Imagine the look on his/her face when they receive it. Are you making a project for yourself? Imagine snuggling up under your quilt while watching your favorite show, or see that cross-stitch project hanging on the wall in your hallway. Visualize! and then get back to the small stuff.<br />
<br />
7) <b>Reassess</b> - If the above all sounds dandy, but you are still struggling to engage, reassess your goals. You still have 40+ days to complete your challenge. Do you need to switch out one of your goals for something different? It is OK. Tell yourself it is OK too. The purpose of this challenge is to get stuff done. If one of your goals is just not going to happen, but you need to make something else. Change it. No one is going to judge you, it's your list after all!<br />
<br />
Do you have any other suggestions for everyone??<br />
<br />
I'm off to make my ridiculously long, detailed list of tiny tasks. What will you do? What have you done? Link up your progress below, and don't be afraid to share both your triumphs and your let downs. Also, please visit others in the link up and cheer them on. It is crunch time and we all like to hear friendly encouragement.<br />
<br />
Thanks for reading,<br />
<br />
Jennie<br />
<br />
<br />
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Newbie Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12534962427221353029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3613797883539438221.post-75313646642992184672017-02-28T12:46:00.001-08:002017-02-28T12:46:56.045-08:00Little EPP pillow - Building Blocks TuesdayFinally, a block to share!<br />
<br />
I just got back from QuiltCon and wow! was it a great time! I hope to tell you all about it in another post.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, I am going to be teaching an English Paper Piecing class on March 25th and I needed to get my class sample finished. After talking with the guild president for a while, we decided an easy little pillow to highlight the technique would be fun. I've finished the EPP and applique part, now I just need to quilt it and turn it into a pillow.<br />
<br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/quilterinthecloset/33132939866/in/datetaken/" title="EPP little pillow in progress"><img alt="EPP little pillow in progress" height="640" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3860/33132939866_8be9e98130_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
What blocks have you been working on this week? I would love to see. Link up your fabulous blocks. You put a lot of hard work into them - show them off! This free linky will stay open until the first Monday of next month, but I will repost it every Tuesday until a new month starts.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPxt3ltsvsS45T-0rbj9fomQCzfurDJF81XXl1e-ZdfM7SUYJxEkBCeroybtbju3sdogk-V0PayHnUDsQz9tdzKKmn9S2a-xeWd3VVjICcNlR6_8LZ-7mhzOQumGzWqPOHIW-A19USyrOc/s1600/BBT+fresh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPxt3ltsvsS45T-0rbj9fomQCzfurDJF81XXl1e-ZdfM7SUYJxEkBCeroybtbju3sdogk-V0PayHnUDsQz9tdzKKmn9S2a-xeWd3VVjICcNlR6_8LZ-7mhzOQumGzWqPOHIW-A19USyrOc/s320/BBT+fresh.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
Rules:<br />
<br />
1) Please link up only to the page on your blog showing your wonderful blocks, not just the blog homepage. Flickr and Instagram pictures are also OK.<br />
2) Make sure to put your blog name as the description so people know where they are going or the name of your block!<br />
3) Please grab my button and post it in your blog post or sidebar.<br />
4) Visit other linky participants!<br />
<br />
<span style="text-align: center;">Thanks for reading,</span><br />
<br />
Jennie<br />
<br />
<br />
***This post may contain affiliate links. If you <u>purchase </u>something after clicking on one of my links, I may be compensated, but at no additional cost to you!<br />
<br />
<br />
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<!-- end InLinkz script -->Newbie Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12534962427221353029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3613797883539438221.post-59839355104502985892017-02-22T08:38:00.002-08:002017-02-22T08:38:51.687-08:00I'm in a slump - Building Blocks TuesdayWhat the what? I can't believe what a slacker I am with regard to this blog lately. I just can't seem to find the balance <i>I think</i> I once had. Perhaps it wasn't balance at all, but instead a more intense desire to connect. It's not that I don't want to connect now, but the giddiness in sharing every little detail of what I was up to has waned. I feel like it has to be something really spectacular to be worth the time to sit down and write about. It shouldn't be that way. I like being an "ordinary" person that sometimes does "ordinary" things. Not everything I write about needs to be special. Also, not helping, is that when I do sit down at the computer to write, time flies by. My computer is a time vacuum, sucking the minutes I could be doing something else...away.<br />
<br />
I have no new blocks to share for the last two weeks. I have no finishes. I have spent some time in my sewing room, mostly cutting the pieces for the Sawtooth Star quilt I am making as a commission, or preparing my supplies for QuiltCon this weekend. But I haven't actually sewn a darn thing!<br />
<br />
Instead, I've been spending nearly all my time in the garden - the other time vacuum I own. One would think that it would be far to early to get started on the summer garden. I would think that! But of course, this year I decided to concentrate on planting more permanent items - fruit trees and perennials. I had 6 or so trees that I bought last year that never got planted, but I ordered another 20. So much for my "a few trees each year" approach. Of course when you have 26 trees, most bare rooted, lying around and lots of rain in the forecast, you feel need. Need to get these darn trees in the ground! "Take advantage of those raindrops, they are so rare here." "But don't dig in wet soil, let it dry out a bit before you plant!" Ugh. I have all but 3 potted trees left. That was a lot of holes in the ground and I am shocked and dismayed how long it took me. My back is also not pleased with me. And because a bunch of trees wasn't enough, I also ordered about 40 berry bushes. I haven't planted them yet, and I am crossing my fingers that they don't dry out or sprout before I get back after the weekend. At least the holes for them will be smaller.<br />
<br />
I am exhausted. Manual labor has beaten me and whipped me. I am very much looking forward to getting away for the weekend and just learning about some new skills. I am a bit terrified that I might fall asleep in my classes.<br />
<br />
What classes am I taking? Ironically, a lot of hand work classes. I am taking a hand piecing class and an embroidery class. I'm also taking a design clinic with Anne from Play-Crafts. I admit, I signed up for that one just to hang out and hopefully spark some inspiration and motivation. Finally, on Sunday, I got into a quilting class I had been waitlisted for. I had already made my flight reservations before I got in, so I will have to leave the class early to catch my plane, but hopefully, the first half will be the informative part.<br />
<br />
What blocks have you been working on this week? I would love to see. Link up your fabulous blocks. You put a lot of hard work into them - show them off! This free linky will stay open until the first Monday of next month, but I will repost it every Tuesday until a new month starts.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPxt3ltsvsS45T-0rbj9fomQCzfurDJF81XXl1e-ZdfM7SUYJxEkBCeroybtbju3sdogk-V0PayHnUDsQz9tdzKKmn9S2a-xeWd3VVjICcNlR6_8LZ-7mhzOQumGzWqPOHIW-A19USyrOc/s1600/BBT+fresh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPxt3ltsvsS45T-0rbj9fomQCzfurDJF81XXl1e-ZdfM7SUYJxEkBCeroybtbju3sdogk-V0PayHnUDsQz9tdzKKmn9S2a-xeWd3VVjICcNlR6_8LZ-7mhzOQumGzWqPOHIW-A19USyrOc/s320/BBT+fresh.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
Rules:<br />
<br />
1) Please link up only to the page on your blog showing your wonderful blocks, not just the blog homepage. Flickr and Instagram pictures are also OK.<br />
2) Make sure to put your blog name as the description so people know where they are going or the name of your block!<br />
3) Please grab my button and post it in your blog post or sidebar.<br />
4) Visit other linky participants!<br />
<br />
<span style="text-align: center;">Thanks for reading,</span><br />
<br />
Jennie<br />
<br />
<br />
***This post may contain affiliate links. If you <u>purchase </u>something after clicking on one of my links, I may be compensated, but at no additional cost to you!<br />
<br />
<br />
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<!-- end InLinkz script -->Newbie Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12534962427221353029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3613797883539438221.post-3922433691917941022017-02-07T11:36:00.003-08:002017-02-07T11:36:36.598-08:0030-ish Day Check In for the 100 Day Challenge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIwxDBPIJBqmBU6Em8fNNQRaM4PWw2xZMX7vcbWvIhhJHM1dzDb5NrbqE0yQTk3j0b7VX0nmrA5178IMa3AhkrOJ7x9WM2m5nmtq_JI_vUpdC1I7F24IbZYkE5A-9tVlUYuTt96IvOHn71/s1600/100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIwxDBPIJBqmBU6Em8fNNQRaM4PWw2xZMX7vcbWvIhhJHM1dzDb5NrbqE0yQTk3j0b7VX0nmrA5178IMa3AhkrOJ7x9WM2m5nmtq_JI_vUpdC1I7F24IbZYkE5A-9tVlUYuTt96IvOHn71/s400/100.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Welcome back to the 100 Day Challenge! I am excited to see what progress you have made on your 3 goals!<br />
<br />
First let me apologize for the tardiness of this check in; we are a few days past the 30 day mark. I've been having some computer problems. I hope they are remedied and will not cause any further delays.<br />
<br />
So? How is it going? How far have you progressed on your goals?<br />
<br />
I must admit that I haven't gotten as far as I hoped, but I keep telling myself that just starting is progress.<br />
<br />
My 3 things:<br />
<br />
1) Update the blog - I haven't done any of this. Computer problems weren't the only reason.<br />
2) Aviatrix Medallion Quilt - I've gotten out the fabric and pattern, but need to make the templates and start cutting (which hasn't happened).<br />
3) Finish Batik Tile Quilt - This is the one goal I have made progress on! I completed all the blocks needed, and put the top together. I even made a backing and put it on the frame. There all progress stopped. I actually need to put it back on the frame since my cat, Tookie, chose to lay on it while we were gone for the weekend and the pins holding it to the leaders just couldn't take her weight!<br />
<br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/quilterinthecloset/32124123830/in/datetaken/" title="Batik tile - flimsy complete"><img alt="Batik tile - flimsy complete" height="640" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/535/32124123830_55c8279b8b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<br />
<br />
So there you have it! My progress.<br />
<br />
If you just stumbled upon this today, you can still join up. To recap, we are shortening up the timetable for those New Year's Resolutions so we don't conveniently forget about them over the course of the year. 100 days is just long enough to accomplish something BIG and short enough that keeping the momentum/motivation going should be easier. You can check out the <a href="http://quilterinthecloset.blogspot.com/2017/01/100-day-challenge-2017-kicking-it-off.html">Kick off post HERE</a>, but you can also join in below. Your time will be a bit shorter than the 100 days, but all are welcome!<br />
<br />
Thanks for reading,<br />
<br />
Jen<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
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Newbie Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12534962427221353029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3613797883539438221.post-27975662098964399002017-02-07T11:36:00.002-08:002017-02-07T11:36:30.473-08:00Pardon the delay - Building Blocks TuesdayI apologize, I've been having computer difficulty the last few weeks. I hope all is resolved now and there will not be any further delays in posting.<br />
<br />
Here is the link up for the month of February for Building Block Tuesday. I actually don't have any new blocks to share this week, but I've done a bunch of cutting, so I hope to have something next week.<br />
<br />
What blocks have you been working on this week? I would love to see. Link up your fabulous blocks. You put a lot of hard work into them - show them off! This free linky will stay open until the first Monday of next month, but I will repost it every Tuesday until a new month starts.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPxt3ltsvsS45T-0rbj9fomQCzfurDJF81XXl1e-ZdfM7SUYJxEkBCeroybtbju3sdogk-V0PayHnUDsQz9tdzKKmn9S2a-xeWd3VVjICcNlR6_8LZ-7mhzOQumGzWqPOHIW-A19USyrOc/s1600/BBT+fresh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPxt3ltsvsS45T-0rbj9fomQCzfurDJF81XXl1e-ZdfM7SUYJxEkBCeroybtbju3sdogk-V0PayHnUDsQz9tdzKKmn9S2a-xeWd3VVjICcNlR6_8LZ-7mhzOQumGzWqPOHIW-A19USyrOc/s320/BBT+fresh.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
Rules:<br />
<br />
1) Please link up only to the page on your blog showing your wonderful blocks, not just the blog homepage. Flickr and Instagram pictures are also OK.<br />
2) Make sure to put your blog name as the description so people know where they are going or the name of your block!<br />
3) Please grab my button and post it in your blog post or sidebar.<br />
4) Visit other linky participants!<br />
<br />
<span style="text-align: center;">Thanks for reading,</span><br />
<br />
Jennie<br />
<br />
<br />
***This post may contain affiliate links. If you <u>purchase </u>something after clicking on one of my links, I may be compensated, but at no additional cost to you!<br />
<br />
<br />
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<!-- end InLinkz script -->Newbie Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12534962427221353029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3613797883539438221.post-39214712606464939032017-01-24T09:10:00.000-08:002017-01-24T09:10:09.641-08:00Batik tile progress - Building Blocks Tuesday<br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/quilterinthecloset/31691630853/in/datetaken/" title="Batik tile blocks in progress"><img alt="Batik tile blocks in progress" height="640" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/545/31691630853_c0ecd9f683_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<br />
<br />
I finished up all my Batik tile blocks this week!<br />
<br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/quilterinthecloset/31691631093/in/datetaken/" title="Batik tile, blocks in progress"><img alt="Batik tile, blocks in progress" height="640" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/704/31691631093_c76b7ab7b3_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<br />
<br />
One good thing about the wet weather we have been having is that it has kept me inside, which has given me time to put the flimsy together.<br />
<br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/quilterinthecloset/32124123830/in/datetaken/" title="Batik tile - flimsy complete"><img alt="Batik tile - flimsy complete" height="640" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/535/32124123830_55c8279b8b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<br />
<br />
I must admit that this is nothing like I pictured it when I chose these fabrics years ago. I really don't know what I was thinking. The original pattern had a lot of teal, and some copper in it. But, at the time I couldn't find exact matches so I went with what I could find and it looks like I made some interesting choices. For me, the yellow just doesn't belong, and worse it totally drowns out the navy with copper fabric that is my favorite of this group. BUT....it is finished. And finished is better than perfect!<br />
<br />
Now to piece a backing together, and start quilting it. It looks like I might have a chance of getting at least one of my 100 Day Challenge items done. Speaking of....we are only about 10 days away from our first check in. I hope you have all been working hard, and I can't wait to see your progress.<br />
<br />
What blocks have you been working on this week? I would love to see. Link up your fabulous blocks. You put a lot of hard work into them - show them off! This free linky will stay open until the first Monday of next month, but I will repost it every Tuesday until a new month starts.<br />
<br />
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Rules:<br />
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1) Please link up only to the page on your blog showing your wonderful blocks, not just the blog homepage. Flickr and Instagram pictures are also OK.<br />
2) Make sure to put your blog name as the description so people know where they are going or the name of your block!<br />
3) Please grab my button and post it in your blog post or sidebar.<br />
4) Visit other linky participants!<br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">Thanks for reading,</span><br />
<br />
Jennie<br />
<br />
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<br />Newbie Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12534962427221353029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3613797883539438221.post-66052329671086233582017-01-17T01:30:00.000-08:002017-01-17T01:30:24.410-08:00More Batik tile blocks - Building Blocks Tuesday<br />
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/quilterinthecloset/32249874196/in/datetaken/" title="More Batik tile blocks"><img alt="More Batik tile blocks" height="640" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/436/32249874196_05a38b09d9_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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I made a few more of these Batik tile blocks this week, in between packing up my kitchen into boxes and squirreling away plates and glassware anywhere I could fit them. We are remodeling our kitchen and the current one had to be cleared out for demo yesterday. I thought I had eliminated most of the junk when we moved last year, but I found myself packing up plenty of items that I haven't used at all in the last year and a half.<br />
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This brings my blocks up to:<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/quilterinthecloset/32249874156/in/datetaken/" title="Batik tile in progress"><img alt="Batik tile in progress" height="640" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/261/32249874156_52e8a5872a_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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Man, is this not my style at all! I've got one more color way to go, and I may need to repeat one of the color combos to finish up the corner. At least it is farther along now than it was a couple of weeks ago.<br />
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I also need to start on those Sawtooth Star blocks this week, and I have a TON of gardening chores to do while the contractors are busy making a disaster of my house. It will be raining dust for weeks, no doubt. But, I am sure it will all be worth it in the end.<br />
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What blocks have you been working on this week? I would love to see. Link up your fabulous blocks. You put a lot of hard work into them - show them off! This free linky will stay open until the first Monday of next month, but I will repost it every Tuesday until a new month starts.<br />
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Rules:<br />
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1) Please link up only to the page on your blog showing your wonderful blocks, not just the blog homepage. Flickr and Instagram pictures are also OK.<br />
2) Make sure to put your blog name as the description so people know where they are going or the name of your block!<br />
3) Please grab my button and post it in your blog post or sidebar.<br />
4) Visit other linky participants!<br />
<br />
<span style="text-align: center;">Thanks for reading,</span><br />
<br />
Jennie<br />
<br />
<br />
***This post may contain affiliate links. If you <u>purchase </u>something after clicking on one of my links, I may be compensated, but at no additional cost to you!<br />
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<br />Newbie Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12534962427221353029noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3613797883539438221.post-39881478752120496332017-01-10T14:33:00.000-08:002017-01-10T14:33:08.809-08:00Batik tile blocks - Building Blocks TuesdayWow! The 100 Day Challenge has really kicked off with a bang! So many people have jumped right on their challenges. It inspired me to get out my old Batik Tile UFO and try to assess where I was in regards to completion of the project....I've got to tell you, it wasn't easy!<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/quilterinthecloset/31394763374/in/datetaken/" title="Batik Tile block"><img alt="Batik Tile block" height="640" src="https://c7.staticflickr.com/1/514/31394763374_4dc3217086_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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(I am not sure why the block above looks so bright and colorful on the floor, must be the lighting on the floor compared to the lighting on the wall. It really is more drab.)<br />
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I pulled this project out of the closet a few months ago and put the blocks up on the wall for a few days, but I really didn't stop to see how many more blocks I needed to make, and if I had enough fabric. To make things a little more complicated, I discovered that I must have chosen some different colors than the pattern called for because I got some weird stuff that looks nothing like the pattern. Basically, I spent the morning asking myself, "What was I thinking?".<br />
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I got as far as figuring out where I was in the completion process and how many blocks I needed to make to finish the rows I was working on. So today, I went from this:<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/quilterinthecloset/31394763284/in/datetaken/" title="Batik Tile UFO"><img alt="Batik Tile UFO" height="640" src="https://c5.staticflickr.com/1/613/31394763284_7bf98d77e6_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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to this:<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/quilterinthecloset/32235996765/in/datetaken/" title="Batik Tile UFO - more blocks in progress"><img alt="Batik Tile UFO - more blocks in progress" height="640" src="https://c6.staticflickr.com/1/597/32235996765_0dcbea6151_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
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I still have quite a few more blocks to make. In making the block up at the top today, I realized it isn't the blocks that I don't like about this project. They actually come together rather easily. It is the fabric - gasp! I think of Batiks like I think about the color, Orange. I don't particularly like it. I can appreciate it, and find beauty in select oranges, but in general I don't like working with it. Just the way I am!<br />
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So there they are, the first blocks of the New Year and part of my 100 Day Challenge.<br />
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What blocks have you been working on this week? I would love to see. Link up your fabulous blocks. You put a lot of hard work into them - show them off! This free linky will stay open until the first Monday of next month, but I will repost it every Tuesday until a new month starts.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPxt3ltsvsS45T-0rbj9fomQCzfurDJF81XXl1e-ZdfM7SUYJxEkBCeroybtbju3sdogk-V0PayHnUDsQz9tdzKKmn9S2a-xeWd3VVjICcNlR6_8LZ-7mhzOQumGzWqPOHIW-A19USyrOc/s1600/BBT+fresh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPxt3ltsvsS45T-0rbj9fomQCzfurDJF81XXl1e-ZdfM7SUYJxEkBCeroybtbju3sdogk-V0PayHnUDsQz9tdzKKmn9S2a-xeWd3VVjICcNlR6_8LZ-7mhzOQumGzWqPOHIW-A19USyrOc/s320/BBT+fresh.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Rules:<br />
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1) Please link up only to the page on your blog showing your wonderful blocks, not just the blog homepage. Flickr and Instagram pictures are also OK.<br />
2) Make sure to put your blog name as the description so people know where they are going or the name of your block!<br />
3) Please grab my button and post it in your blog post or sidebar.<br />
4) Visit other linky participants!<br />
<br />
<span style="text-align: center;">Thanks for reading,</span><br />
<br />
Jennie<br />
<br />
<br />
***This post may contain affiliate links. If you <u>purchase </u>something after clicking on one of my links, I may be compensated, but at no additional cost to you!<br />
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<br />Newbie Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12534962427221353029noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3613797883539438221.post-27533819266247878702017-01-06T09:27:00.003-08:002017-01-06T09:27:39.012-08:00100 Day Challenge 2017 - Kicking it off<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Welcome to the kick off of the 100 Day Challenge! I am excited that you are here and ready to get some stuff DONE! Do you have your 3 things you are going to complete in the next 100 days?<br />
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Just stumbled upon this today? To recap, we are shortening up the timetable for those New Year's Resolutions so we don't conveniently forget about them over the course of the year. 100 days is just long enough to accomplish something BIG and short enough that keeping the momentum/motivation going should be easier.<br />
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1) Pick 3 specific Quilty/Craft goals - finish some UFO's? try something new? make that baby quilt? declutter/destash? easy/hard? Doesn't matter, just be specific. Specificity helps so we don't justify changing our goals or rationalizing that we generally completed them when we only tried.<br />
2) Today, leave your 3 goals in a comment below, or write your own blog post with your intentions and link them up to the linky below. Writing them down and posting them on the interwebs will give you a feeling of accountability to the universe.<br />
3) Cheer each other on! I've even created a hashtag for those of you on Twitter and Instagram: #100daychallenge2017 AND a new blog button! Go ahead and grab it if you like. It's in the right hand border of this post.<br />
4) Get to work - this part is all up to you! Did I mention that I hope we will all cheer each other on?!?!!! Support is so nice.<br />
5) Check in linky's will be posted at Day 30, Day 60, and Day 85. (You can also tell us your progress in the comments section of the post that day if you don't want to link up).<br />
6) Finale will be April 15th (easy to remember as it is tax day in the US), when you will tell us how you did on your goals.<br />
7) Celebrate!! Perhaps pick 3 more things to do next??<br />
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Kick off Link up:<br />
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Don't forget, you may also just leave your 3 things in a comment on this post.<br />
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My 3 things:<br />
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1) Update the blog - some things are long overdue!<br />
2) Aviatrix Medallion Quilt - this quilt is crazy beautiful<br />
3) Finish Batik Tile Quilt - I just want this one out of my house!<br />
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Thanks for reading,<br />
<br />
JenNewbie Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12534962427221353029noreply@blogger.com19