tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18477629312431229662024-02-19T19:20:25.952-06:00The Pipkin HouseAbout my house, my quilts, my dog, and lifeLisa Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04976178827995361889noreply@blogger.comBlogger206125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1847762931243122966.post-59179122070680232482022-11-11T12:00:00.001-06:002022-11-11T12:00:12.604-06:00Verdun, part 2<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt;">"At Romagne they are building an American cemetery.
They are moving all dead Americans in this section of the front into this one
cemetery. It must be an awfully unpleasant kind of work. They have many
labor troops working at this and also German prisoners. The prisoners make
coffins and dig the new graves. There are quite a number of P.W.s and P.G.s
(P.W.=Prisoner of War and P.G.=Prisoner de Guerre, which is French for war). A
P.W. is a Boche <i>(German)</i> captured by
Americans and a P.G. a Boche captured by French. They keep them in barbed wire
pens under guard always and paint the letters P.W. on the back of their coats
and on their trousers also. Theirs must be an unhappy lot. They look well-fed.
Guess they get the same ration our soldiers do. But that isn't saying much. For
what they are issuing now will support life but you couldn't make a man enjoy
eating it all the time.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span>The weather here is excessively hot and everyone is
awaiting news from the signing of the treaty. If the Germans do not agree to
sign the treaty Monday, we go forward Sunday (22nd). Everyone here is anxious
to move somewhere. They are getting tired staying here.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span>Love to all-<br /></span>Alfred"<br /><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt;">Within the <a href="https://www.abmc.gov/cemeteries-memorials/europe/meuse-argonne-american-cemetery" target="_blank">Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery</a>, built near Romagne-sous-Montfaucon, rests the largest number of American military dead in Europe, 14,246. Most were lost during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive of World War I.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt;"><span><br /></span></p>Lisa Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04976178827995361889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1847762931243122966.post-47925531790606173192020-05-25T15:11:00.010-05:002020-05-25T22:13:09.647-05:00Verdun<div><i>Italicized text added by me.</i></div><div><br /></div>If I had gone looking for a letter to fit this day of solemn remembrance, I would have come up empty-handed. But this random selection from the box says everything. It was written June 19, 1919.<div><br /></div><div>Armistice Day was November 11, 1918. The Treaty of Versailles has been drafted and is yet to be signed. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpVFfQHaeMY79Km98qbEAhibQjoKHJjubbEhslP9HkxrMnWLU0gIUDwrKDRd2nTev1nHr-H4K_vxlenAN-XYKRyefCqhFkUv9NpNXrVJGWa1oqIxM8Nm4JEgApHHkit5YnYS63uePGpz98/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpVFfQHaeMY79Km98qbEAhibQjoKHJjubbEhslP9HkxrMnWLU0gIUDwrKDRd2nTev1nHr-H4K_vxlenAN-XYKRyefCqhFkUv9NpNXrVJGWa1oqIxM8Nm4JEgApHHkit5YnYS63uePGpz98/w640-h480/Flag+poppy+Verdun.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div>"Dearest Mother:</div>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt;">Last letter I had from you was of May 29th and <st1:place>Edison</st1:place>'s letter was enclosed. Am
glad and proud that he won the scholarship. It will be a great help to him. He
is going to be awfully educated before he finishes.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt;">I took an automobile trip Sunday. Went to <st1:city><st1:place>Verdun</st1:place></st1:city> and down through the old
battlefields. Was thru the country the 5th Div. fought over. Some of those
places certainly do look quiet and peaceful compared to what they were when we
were there. Now the country is covered with grass and flowers. The poppys are
wonderful. There's acre after acre of this torn up country that's covered with
poppys. It doesn't look nearly so desolate as in the wintertime when all of its
ugliness and bareness was exposed to view. Went up on top of Dead Man's Hill
(Hill 295). This was taken and retaken several times by the French and Germans
when the battles of <st1:city><st1:place>Verdun</st1:place></st1:city> were raging. The hill is of
lime rock and almost nothing grows on top of it but a few poppys. The poppy
petals I enclose grew on top of it. In the battles fought around <st1:city><st1:place>Verdun</st1:place></st1:city>, about 1,300,000 men were
killed during the entire war. The towns that were on the battlefield are
absolutely demolished. There's nothing left of them but a few jumbled piles of
stone that are crumbling to dust and being overgrown by grass, flowers, etc. </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6pt;">At
Consenvoye on the Meuse river saw the spot where a captain, who is now with
this Bri<i>(gade)</i> and was with me
Sunday, was wounded and captured by the Germans. He was recrossing the river
after having carried a telephone line across when discovered by the Germans. He
was hit by their machine gun bullets and also wounded by a hand grenade. In the
fight he killed three Germans and wounded several with an automatic pistol. The
Germans carried him into a dugout under an old church where he stayed for
several hours until the place was captured by the Americans. He was in the
hospital until a month or two after the Armistice. He was awarded the D.S.C. <i>(Distinguished Service Cross)</i> for his
conduct in this fight. Of course it was very interesting for him to go back over
the scene of this former exciting experience. <o:p></o:p></p>
The city of <st1:city><st1:place>Verdun</st1:place></st1:city> is very badly shot up, although it was never
taken by the Germans. It has a fort or citadel that is very strong. Has
underground passages that will hold 20,000 people. These passages are all
electric lighted, walls cemented up, and places for sleeping, cooking and eating.
In fact, the town could almost go ahead with its business underground. This
country is certainly a wreck. At <st1:place><st1:placetype>Mount</st1:placetype> <st1:placename>Faucon</st1:placename></st1:place> we saw two old men working in the cemetery
trying to straighten up and repair their family vaults. In many of the
cemeteries the skeletons of the persons buried were blown out of the ground.
Not even the dead were left undisturbed."<div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Lisa Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04976178827995361889noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1847762931243122966.post-78379461860224470652020-05-23T21:34:00.002-05:002020-05-25T16:38:15.712-05:00Safer at Home<div class="MsoNormal">I have not worked on personal projects much during this
season of safer-at-home. Between making masks for family, friends, and neighbors
and the working-at-home that I manage, not to mention the regular chores,
there hasn't been much time or energy left for indulging in non-essential
activities. </div>
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A passing YouTube video captured my attention a few weeks
ago and I have squeezed in time to piece a new quilt top, something cozy and
easy. It's the <a href="https://youtu.be/YFJqMu_wrG4" target="_blank">Easy Carpenter's Star</a> from Missouri Star Quilt Company. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal"><br></div><div class="MsoNormal">Another project resurfaced this afternoon.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br></div><div class="MsoNormal">It's been a few years since I picked up any of my
grandfather's war-time letters to transcribe for the digital age. He suffered
more than one stroke in his life by the time I was born. Because of the
debilitations they brought, I never got to really see his true nature before he
passed. These letters reveal his personality as a young man in a time of two major
world events - the Great War and the Spanish flu. As I transfer the words from
his hand to my keyboard, I am struck by the window I am peering through - to
another time and place, to family on the threshold of the unknown, to a
connection more than a century old. Born in 1889, he is a dentist, graduated
from Vanderbilt in May 1914. My house was built in 1914.</div>
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The letters are out of sequence in my shoebox, so I have
previously gotten to Armistice Day before he even arrives for basic training at
Camp Pike in <st1:state><st1:place>Arkansas</st1:place></st1:state>. I started again today with a group of envelopes from the Fall of 1917. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwLqYjLZ3Ndpjlq_bajBjajv7PGssOmO2h2lKpfT33QUOguH8OCMRL2Pp94LB9mhaZQQ3PZ720MEcpyySYUKpZDddAH0Pv0yS9S9v956Fcyzf44gqm3SXViFbL7eAeYNGc7TujWoB6bvE-/s1600/Pic2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwLqYjLZ3Ndpjlq_bajBjajv7PGssOmO2h2lKpfT33QUOguH8OCMRL2Pp94LB9mhaZQQ3PZ720MEcpyySYUKpZDddAH0Pv0yS9S9v956Fcyzf44gqm3SXViFbL7eAeYNGc7TujWoB6bvE-/w480-h640/Pic2.jpg" width="480"></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">To see from his own letters, much less from history,
what he does not yet know as he writes about the mundane aspects of settling into
camp life is like reading a book whose ending is already known. His reports about vaccinations <i>(for typhoid)</i> and quarantine sound all too familiar. He talks
about seeing friends from home and Saturdays on the town in <st1:city><st1:place>Little
Rock</st1:place></st1:city>.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLoBDVPFOVJz9GNHNIqkvV3S8zGAteBCqVI780uyRe_9FjiSpNofwTDfOXaQav2NPXOk39nC5L643mmssgb0uZoCN1OcuHLe9s71-0XMS-V_xhXiLcvYrVRUBh32UcDb8DvxHC6cdzIieZ/w480-h640/Pic3.jpg" width="480"></div>
<div class="MsoNormal"><br></div><div class="MsoNormal">As I work my way through these letters, what will I find in common with this man, this man who was
gone before I was old enough to really engage? How much of myself will I see?</div>
<br>Lisa Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04976178827995361889noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1847762931243122966.post-62896040946727524422017-12-19T22:26:00.009-06:002020-05-24T12:45:16.628-05:00Goodnight, Sweet Maisy<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
I love you, MaiMai.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://vimeo.com/247838326" target="_blank"><b><u>You'll always be a part of me.</u></b></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9zohskzQTAG0NSdAk59ujfgMvGD9vZfxwwOKo0MlhdTJtc64Lyqywq-WJOSYKBP9CpCyR-UQBGolT-RWaDEUEIGjQuIdy_aW3KakMDeOzzndB5iR577mzyXcAe413xjH0E_hkuMefEIOP/"><img border="0" data-original-height="1392" data-original-width="1392" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9zohskzQTAG0NSdAk59ujfgMvGD9vZfxwwOKo0MlhdTJtc64Lyqywq-WJOSYKBP9CpCyR-UQBGolT-RWaDEUEIGjQuIdy_aW3KakMDeOzzndB5iR577mzyXcAe413xjH0E_hkuMefEIOP/w400-h400/20170102_235946.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br />May 9, 2000 - December 19, 2017</i><br />
<i><br />
</i> <i><br />
</i></div>
</div>Lisa Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04976178827995361889noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1847762931243122966.post-32336754978776436192013-07-14T16:45:00.001-05:002020-05-24T12:46:03.099-05:00Lazin' on a Sunday afternoon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Lisa Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04976178827995361889noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1847762931243122966.post-30656779542498783802013-07-03T22:20:00.004-05:002020-05-24T12:46:14.044-05:00Wordless Wednesday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ2GFuEA1ptsLkKam9UVAli2CgnrlAMmjlzXkeR5BKOcfFj_9xynsWnO6P2eyM1hID9f2Lg6GPggAGc3axjfw9VStRzgG2o57dKIO8Zatil8rKOkWT8oiBEFu63cTvH0KPxtliCH0gHPgY/s482/babydove.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ2GFuEA1ptsLkKam9UVAli2CgnrlAMmjlzXkeR5BKOcfFj_9xynsWnO6P2eyM1hID9f2Lg6GPggAGc3axjfw9VStRzgG2o57dKIO8Zatil8rKOkWT8oiBEFu63cTvH0KPxtliCH0gHPgY/w640-h450/babydove.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Lisa Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04976178827995361889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1847762931243122966.post-28305627532441417812013-06-30T18:53:00.003-05:002020-05-24T12:47:29.744-05:00Laid Out and Hung UpMy quilt guild just wrapped up QuiltFest 2013 last weekend. About a year's worth of planning goes into an event like this, not to mention the individual work on all those quilts.<br />
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I was in charge of layout AND hanging. Not my first time either.<br />
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I know.<br />
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You are saying, "What kind of crazy is that?"<br />
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At take down, one of my faithful crew members asked why quilts aren't hung in numerical order. The more I explained, the more I realized that layout is quite a complex task. But I'm a bit crazy that way anyway.<br />
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To get started, you need a few things.<br />
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dimensions of Oak Mountain Middle School gym<br />
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a calculator</div>
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lots of colored pens and a pencil...and an eraser </div>
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You also need to review previous year layouts hoping that you will remember how this process happens and will be able to make it happen again.<br />
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To insure the utmost concentration, you cannot begin this project until the clock strikes at least 10:00 pm. Before then, you are distracted with mundane things like fixing dinner, walking the dog, and perhaps vacuuming the living room. You must also find your local public radio station and hope that they are playing some light background music. If not, you can proceed in silence.<br />
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Next are required the category lists. One is sorted by length, the other by width. Both are used equally as much. It is best to color code them and number the pages so you don't get them mixed up. That would be tragic.<br />
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Also required are copious amounts of Dr. Pepper. Sugar and caffeine are essential tools to keep your mind sharp and keep the project moving forward. <br />
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Then comes the tediousness. Category by category you match quilts by length and width for placement. It's best to write every measurement on the page so you don't lose track. It also pays to count after you have placed a category to make sure you haven't left a quilt out. <i>This does not always work when you have to make changes. Be prepared to shift on the fly on hanging day.</i><br />
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One might also have to call in the elves for a bit of a binge. This assists the Dr. Pepper in its job.<br />
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After many days of late nights, the layout is complete. All 290 quilts and a special exhibit have each been given a place of honor in the show.<br />
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Individual row layouts look something like this and are distributed to the quilt display chairman and the capable ladder captains and map readers to interpret for their crew members.<br />
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The show went up in about four hours and was a sight to behold. Lovely quilts in all directions and nice wide aisles from which to view them. Two days later it all came down in 55 minutes. Lisa Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04976178827995361889noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1847762931243122966.post-29091029791637247862013-02-06T00:00:00.001-06:002020-05-24T12:49:21.421-05:00Word-less Wednesday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Why so sad, sweater?</div>
Lisa Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04976178827995361889noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1847762931243122966.post-18644000407252800192013-01-29T21:31:00.000-06:002013-01-29T21:31:33.203-06:00In which I review an ebook about quilting<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><br />
Today I give you my very first book review. The good folks at Fons and Porter contacted me to see if I would be interested in sharing my thoughts about their free ebook <a href="http://www.fonsandporter.com/landing/free-log-cabin-quilt-patterns" target="_blank">“Build Your Best Log Cabin.”</a><br />
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I said, “Sure!” <br />
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First of all, this book is 24 pages of nothing but the good stuff. No filler here. Lots of great pictures and clear instructions. Starting off with a bit of history, they move into basic construction techniques for three popular types of log cabin blocks: traditional, courthouse steps, and chevron. </div>
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I’m all about a good chart, and this book has no shortage. Charts for how wide to cut strips for different size blocks give the reader options. Cutting charts for the various patterns help eliminate the stress of wondering if you have what you need. </div>
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But that’s not all! Included are four great patterns from quilters you know like Ricky Tims and Marti Michel. They even throw in instructions for trapunto work and binding with piping. </div>
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And just when you thought that’s all there was, when you download this free ebook, you also get:</div>
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<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;">A free e-newsletter highlighting the latest quilting news, including trends and styles</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;">Insider details on upcoming features in <i>Love of Quilting, Easy Quilts</i>, <i>Quilting Celebrations,</i> and more</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;">Special Deal of the Week offers just for e-newsletter subscribers</li>
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So, I highly recommended that you run, not walk, to your nearest computer and hit <a href="http://www.fonsandporter.com/landing/free-log-cabin-quilt-patterns" target="_blank"><u>this link</u></a> to get this most informative book. </div>
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Did I mention that it’s free?!</div>
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Lisa Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04976178827995361889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1847762931243122966.post-39748098664123837832012-11-17T13:41:00.002-06:002012-11-17T13:46:25.785-06:00write.here.write.nowSo, I have to tell you about my lunch today<br />
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Two blocks from my house, the Desert Island Supply Company (DISCO) is having their big grand opening event for their offices in Woodlawn. Here’s <a href="http://www.desertislandsupplyco.com/" target="_blank">more about them</a> and what they do. </div>
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Part of the celebration includes an all-day read-a-thon of <i>The Hobbit</i>. People take 5 minute time slots and read aloud to whoever happens to wander in. When I arrived, a young lady was already in the middle of her reading. Then a grade school lad picked up where she left off. He did a fine job, even pushing through a tough word like “appreciatively.” After him, a gentleman with a wonderfully rich voice took over. He didn’t even need the microphone. I regret now not taking a slot when it was offered. </div>
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But I spent my time watching a young man from the local high school drawing the most amazing portraits with a Pigma pen. Such a talent. And he was quick, too! </div>
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Then it was outside to spend some time visiting with guild friend Lillis and her group of Inglenook sewing ladies. I bought some tickets for their donation quilt and promised to work up a pattern for my diminutive over-the-shoulder purse that they admired. They are now holding their meetings at the DISCO offices. I think I’ll look into a way to spend a little time with them. </div>
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To cap it all off, I ordered an amazing burger from the Shindigs food truck and brought it home to enjoy.</div>
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How cool is that!?</div>
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Lisa Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04976178827995361889noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1847762931243122966.post-9134180025705746612012-10-31T21:33:00.002-05:002020-05-24T12:49:41.290-05:00Sweet Boo!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Lisa Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04976178827995361889noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1847762931243122966.post-45041202739504393472012-10-11T20:50:00.001-05:002020-05-24T12:49:58.057-05:00And yet another baby...As I said earlier, it's been raining babies around here. One of our former students came back to us after college and she has taught for us for a couple of years now. It's always such fun when they come home.<br />
This one is Susie and she had baby Quinten back in July. I have wanted to do one of the zigzag quilts and I found <a href="http://beesquarefabrics.blogspot.jp/2009/03/how-to-make-zig-zag-quilt-without.html" target="_blank">this pattern</a> on Pinterest from the Bee Square Blog .<br />
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I like the idea that this is made with strips. I chose bright boyish novelty prints and tone on tones to alternate. Since this ends up with bias edges, I recommend staystitching the edge before trying to baste it for quilting. It will keep it from stretching out of whack.<br />
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I've had this fun Hawaiian shirt and swim trunk print for a long time with no plan for it. I just thought it complimented all the bright colors. The yellow and white Hawaiian print fabric came from the thrift store. It had been hemmed as a tablecloth. </div>
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<br />Lisa Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04976178827995361889noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1847762931243122966.post-49417365892500342192012-09-26T01:10:00.001-05:002020-05-24T12:50:30.049-05:00Baby BunnyIt's been a busy baby year every where I turn. One of our teachers at work had her first child back in March - a sweet little girl.<br />
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I thought I would try a project that would take less time than a quilt since it was the busy time of year for us. So I chose this cute <a href="http://www.indygojunction.com/patterns/yo-yo_patterns/yo-yo_bunny/" target="_blank">yo-yo bunny pattern</a> by Indygo Junction thinking it would work up quick. I love their stuff.<br />
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I used sweet 30's prints for the yo-yo's and I particularly like the pink plaid for the paws and inner ears. The large and extra large <a href="http://www.clover-usa.com/products/453736" target="_blank">Clover "Quick" Yo-Yo Makers</a> were the perfect sizes for this project and I made a few every night while watching television.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglA2vbdZ5jXQbke79oW-5zJ0m72FT7CyvNnbnOpG60MTLEFBTfHH7kOiKS110XZJ7M4jFUaO1TSqmD3FgfHub_k2pkpyF_6enVW4a5QNegguKGD6zI5fCfvJcUXJRBg8exDI3rEwwok7_n/s1600/bunny2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglA2vbdZ5jXQbke79oW-5zJ0m72FT7CyvNnbnOpG60MTLEFBTfHH7kOiKS110XZJ7M4jFUaO1TSqmD3FgfHub_k2pkpyF_6enVW4a5QNegguKGD6zI5fCfvJcUXJRBg8exDI3rEwwok7_n/w640-h480/bunny2.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div>
I did begin to wonder if this was going to be quicker than a quilt, but I eventually got it finished.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlcF6nR8vJd-_lgYOnq_KiBWLiwO8T5WFwx1avIpQYAN8bca9jQMKyBFwoPRvNfFlDs7Dh-TTnu3rl60Xti8EdRtuvARsm8CiCyTTIMZmI-NIKJJ9FAfm1yWQAW4Me-p73V24BeDj2lsIx/s1600/bunnyhead.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlcF6nR8vJd-_lgYOnq_KiBWLiwO8T5WFwx1avIpQYAN8bca9jQMKyBFwoPRvNfFlDs7Dh-TTnu3rl60Xti8EdRtuvARsm8CiCyTTIMZmI-NIKJJ9FAfm1yWQAW4Me-p73V24BeDj2lsIx/w640-h480/bunnyhead.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Instead of buttons for eyes, I cut some small pieces of black felt and stitched them in the same way I would have sewn in the buttons.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxHyXVNBO8VsKYeje62vFaTGM5cpkjvb3hMHFEUmu3QqZkPKmEiEyhkYFxYVghtOXnBd4RBXJc_zrdRcF5EurS2WtE9O_YZ0Jv_b_JQ9zu198KKaPpjTIhyphenhypheni9yyLj0SoaYEZlh07rMW-C6/s1600/bunny1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxHyXVNBO8VsKYeje62vFaTGM5cpkjvb3hMHFEUmu3QqZkPKmEiEyhkYFxYVghtOXnBd4RBXJc_zrdRcF5EurS2WtE9O_YZ0Jv_b_JQ9zu198KKaPpjTIhyphenhypheni9yyLj0SoaYEZlh07rMW-C6/w480-h640/bunny1.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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A final plaid puff made for a fluffy bunny tail.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrY5HSSS74eE1FZjTGoFl1PjHHYUjAjGtThYfyun9k5NT76WlIMalcMVTXSpbneCi679-t05lpZQisrwOZhu5U_fJ5xWdCP29VY6Gu6kjtmrmLeZMhM_Ct5cesHdFyyy62g5Zk4vDuvUgg/s1600/bunny+tail.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrY5HSSS74eE1FZjTGoFl1PjHHYUjAjGtThYfyun9k5NT76WlIMalcMVTXSpbneCi679-t05lpZQisrwOZhu5U_fJ5xWdCP29VY6Gu6kjtmrmLeZMhM_Ct5cesHdFyyy62g5Zk4vDuvUgg/w640-h480/bunny+tail.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I hate to say that she didn't receive the gift until July, but it was just in time for sweet baby girl to enjoy.Lisa Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04976178827995361889noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1847762931243122966.post-44438644108368005062012-09-05T22:38:00.003-05:002012-09-05T23:41:25.044-05:00Dear Mr. Woods - <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]-->I just want you to know how much I appreciate your considerable efforts to return my purse to me. It was stolen from me at Wal-Mart two weeks ago and I felt so stupid for having turned my back on it even for just a few seconds. I was mostly upset that night because my dog was in the car and I was afraid someone might drive off with her. But thankfully that did not happen. <p class="MsoNormal">The stolen credit cards, driver’s license, phone, and checks have all been replaced. I have changed the locks on my house and had my car ignition reprogrammed. While time consuming and costly, it was not that difficult to do. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Often it is the loss of the little things, the more personal things, that make us feel most violated: the little pocket knife given to me by my mother who is no longer with us, my one-of-a-kind key chain, a favorite wallet that suited my needs perfectly. You have allowed these things to come back to me.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The return of all of my keys reassures me that no one will be taking my car in the middle of the night or be coming to my house when I’m away.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The return of my Social Security card (that I didn’t even know was in the purse and made me both horrified and relieved to see was still there) gives me hope that my identity is intact and safe.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The return of my jump drive that had work files on it relieves any anxiety that I am missing important information.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Having these things in my possession again has restored some peace of mind and for that I am grateful. You are an honorable man, sir. May God abundantly bless you because of your kindness.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i>Mr. Woods retrieved my purse from the side of the highway today while picking up cans. He found my business card inside and called my work. He then drove my purse to the police station for me to pick up later in the day. </i><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman";} </style> <![endif]-->Lisa Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04976178827995361889noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1847762931243122966.post-90730430010367524162012-08-20T20:22:00.001-05:002020-05-25T22:27:10.067-05:00Be a deer...When I buy a quilting book, it has to have at least two quilts that I would seriously consider making before I can make the purchase. This saves me some money and saves room on my bookshelves.
I don't know what I thought I was going to make out of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Dare-Square-Quilting-Block---Block/dp/0307462366/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1345532881&sr=8-1&keywords=dare+to+be+square+quilting"><u>Dare to be Square Quilting</u></a> by Boo Davis when I spied it on Amazon.com, but I couldn't resist a book of patterns made with nothing but squares and straight strips. Maybe it was the idea of some relief from angles and pieced stars that was the attraction.
My neighbors had a baby back in May via surrogate. I decided this special baby deserved a quilt, so I took the opportunity to make up something from the book. Dad is a hunter, so I chose "Quilt in the Headlights."<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyaj1lkd9A4zzFSj_ffGTWQ7RW-dYnb5Od5vu2vhHZibsbVH0u5RA78rue8t-XeMa6p9YJW9LBuZfyz9eGpfe8wPvY6lMFso3nkxgbHTnxPnCw74pO0cJfKSpk3kX-UxdKTZi0LG6yPCwy/s1600/deerhead.JPG"><img border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5779014089153105234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyaj1lkd9A4zzFSj_ffGTWQ7RW-dYnb5Od5vu2vhHZibsbVH0u5RA78rue8t-XeMa6p9YJW9LBuZfyz9eGpfe8wPvY6lMFso3nkxgbHTnxPnCw74pO0cJfKSpk3kX-UxdKTZi0LG6yPCwy/d/deerhead.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 265px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a>The pattern called for 3" strips/squares, but I reduced mine to 2". After I had started, I realized I really meant to reduce them to 2.5", but there was no going back. I just added a couple of extra rows on three sides.
This was trickier to assemble than one would be led to believe. The subtle color differences in the diagrams in the book finally led me to abandon them and wing it with color placement.
I chose to leave out the bold red and gold accent pieces shown in the book and replace them with quieter, more woodsy bits.</div><div><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAZJ9_HaZgkP6MsvJxBy_LZIEglnOJRbin_3o0ym1rAmDS35otjlJIeozUUjqdi4ZeWA-wxTu_nFoUpArDXegNdQR-EE-Qh9aNMs0sqcf8PPhsWozJPFJe8Lgm5Lb-R6tjnGMLMvspJGvX/s1600/birds.jpg"><img border="0" height="367" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5779012292788490962" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAZJ9_HaZgkP6MsvJxBy_LZIEglnOJRbin_3o0ym1rAmDS35otjlJIeozUUjqdi4ZeWA-wxTu_nFoUpArDXegNdQR-EE-Qh9aNMs0sqcf8PPhsWozJPFJe8Lgm5Lb-R6tjnGMLMvspJGvX/w640-h367/birds.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="640" /></a>I love the little birds on the perfect blue background.
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<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxJky2gydn6cxgn9bh1EWlBd4Uz0dCy8qjC9BJ22UTcl8G_oRVp65oBorbGGZVhA-4lNNmfaryGDhgh5Zmor41_YJ-ew73KcJ2L0DyuRL9yXL2kwgEXiUGVwyFPBg_rbgEl5K5w-MXE_vH/s1600/birds2.jpg"><img border="0" height="479" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5779015036282911490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxJky2gydn6cxgn9bh1EWlBd4Uz0dCy8qjC9BJ22UTcl8G_oRVp65oBorbGGZVhA-4lNNmfaryGDhgh5Zmor41_YJ-ew73KcJ2L0DyuRL9yXL2kwgEXiUGVwyFPBg_rbgEl5K5w-MXE_vH/w640-h479/birds2.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="640" /></a>I salvaged this little chipmunk from some Aunt Donna scraps.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-t0IWWkA2vcvFoXq-r8lQ5XoDkaRSSfvHtw8h5acAyCmLVLId0nVK5rtMOFFpC56Ekk-3MBEk1aHZn8kGSKNyxzjg4kkocl4SbA94YYE_QUklS8de098Xd4HU4eK6agcD4MUlw-33yYEM/s1600/chipper.jpg"><img border="0" height="425" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5779012289013382802" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-t0IWWkA2vcvFoXq-r8lQ5XoDkaRSSfvHtw8h5acAyCmLVLId0nVK5rtMOFFpC56Ekk-3MBEk1aHZn8kGSKNyxzjg4kkocl4SbA94YYE_QUklS8de098Xd4HU4eK6agcD4MUlw-33yYEM/w640-h425/chipper.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="640" /></a>And the slices of wintry landscapes are leftovers from the backing of the Land's End quilt.</div><div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3pXZQfz-50f1z8T-RjHjznjYW5iGVMjDBusbmhT-ebhCCRR4KQmdims6F5ZycQ31gXV8Wipl3UKyUi4S5CXko6ds9bawNlPLa7Wsu17KOIEfYTTznxoHZ0eQ4aitlxqaqvN_yq-mo0hcH/s1600/backing2.jpg"><img border="0" height="313" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5779016777493425554" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3pXZQfz-50f1z8T-RjHjznjYW5iGVMjDBusbmhT-ebhCCRR4KQmdims6F5ZycQ31gXV8Wipl3UKyUi4S5CXko6ds9bawNlPLa7Wsu17KOIEfYTTznxoHZ0eQ4aitlxqaqvN_yq-mo0hcH/w640-h313/backing2.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="640" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">I bought this canoe fabric years ago and it worked perfectly. </div><div style="text-align: center;">It was about 60" wide, so I didn't have to piece the back.</div></div><div>
<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoomzGf0M0ItDNrXhLRFMc_yweokjtM9KepxcNTk0K27RfmYxzoKFsymwh_RmKlbdnvcdkZgxABjef7Mmza5EYCAMSjIRv9rieQoWM0xRXHVElHvof4D0yvoo9YrzAMmYGSqmrbZiJnT2S/s1600/canoes.jpg"><img border="0" height="424" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5779012279348934210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoomzGf0M0ItDNrXhLRFMc_yweokjtM9KepxcNTk0K27RfmYxzoKFsymwh_RmKlbdnvcdkZgxABjef7Mmza5EYCAMSjIRv9rieQoWM0xRXHVElHvof4D0yvoo9YrzAMmYGSqmrbZiJnT2S/w640-h424/canoes.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 265px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 400px;" width="640" /></a> I used a pink snowflake on red for the binding.
<br />It brought out the little cardinals on the front.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoajZ9yFfSpTJqZiehTW85OFG3lk9D-2IGQ5drvbIzq0B5iejWS-e5qjLnYBAbOu4DhglKpYxXkg6kd280c4c7agRyZNEE8JEEvw7wZKKArV3UBAera2wct8H0Y6NytvDlFgfc-LlBmSt1/s1600/deerquilt.jpg"><img border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5779012272430861730" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoajZ9yFfSpTJqZiehTW85OFG3lk9D-2IGQ5drvbIzq0B5iejWS-e5qjLnYBAbOu4DhglKpYxXkg6kd280c4c7agRyZNEE8JEEvw7wZKKArV3UBAera2wct8H0Y6NytvDlFgfc-LlBmSt1/w481-h640/deerquilt.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" width="481" /></a>I quilted it with a big, wavy diagonal grid. <i>The sun is gleaming off the bottom left-hand corner of the picture. That's why it looks lighter.</i> It was a big hit and Henry has his first deer!
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</div></div>Lisa Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04976178827995361889noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1847762931243122966.post-10041663115987769512012-04-30T09:14:00.003-05:002020-05-25T22:27:50.467-05:00Art is MagicSunday was the last day of the Magic City Art Connection. It's a great three-day art/craft show in Linn Park in downtown Birmingham with lots of great artists, live music, yummy food, and activities for the young folk. I have to get my art fix every now and then to stay creatively grounded.<br />
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It was a warm, sunny day and lots of folks were out to see what was there to see. Last time I attended this show I bought at $12 pin made out of a bottle cap, some glitter, and a bit of a vintage Christmas card.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRaEW9vEq48VVCQA0dP-nXvWwT4ZTEV4Z1ANCnNof9f4IWFt-T7I0mQsb0gbGewd5Nd2jfMmm9CACKJiFSxluXddoWsF3zlkp5UW7Y0chaYlKGpMO63knLmiWfEiPmw7VFdOm4gdM4-VCN/s1600/pin.jpg"><img border="0" height="480" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5737052042628028626" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRaEW9vEq48VVCQA0dP-nXvWwT4ZTEV4Z1ANCnNof9f4IWFt-T7I0mQsb0gbGewd5Nd2jfMmm9CACKJiFSxluXddoWsF3zlkp5UW7Y0chaYlKGpMO63knLmiWfEiPmw7VFdOm4gdM4-VCN/w640-h480/pin.jpg" style="display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" width="640" /></a> <span style="font-style: italic;">It was even a Dr. Pepper bottle cap. My fav.</span></div>
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I did not go intending to make any real purchase, much less a significant purchase.<br />
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But when a piece of art speaks to you, you'd better listen or you could regret it for a long time. I have finally let go of a painting I fell in love with twelve years ago and couldn't really afford. But that didn't keep me from remembering it to this day and wishing for a long time that I had sacrificed a few things to buy it.<br />
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And then I encountered this work by <a href="http://www.josephbradleystudio.com/">Joseph Bradley</a> of Greenville, South Carolina. He had some lovely little birds that were much more within a reasonable person's budget. But I immediately fell for this face.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCCs0VJDenbXzYtzlC1ieOgoB2mr3P-cn3CrxFQG_a0KY-HW9XE825KsK8S2WjvHraboy5ZWG9gpSTSZu295uv-XxMiE3xAofUnRF7YUahKZkwYQCjpCnqgEISYG_mHoNwP2yErC0fRkC-/s1600/fox.jpg"><img border="0" height="640" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5737043046811447618" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCCs0VJDenbXzYtzlC1ieOgoB2mr3P-cn3CrxFQG_a0KY-HW9XE825KsK8S2WjvHraboy5ZWG9gpSTSZu295uv-XxMiE3xAofUnRF7YUahKZkwYQCjpCnqgEISYG_mHoNwP2yErC0fRkC-/w637-h640/fox.jpg" style="display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 398px;" width="637" /></a>It's 24" x 24" mixed media on board with silver leaf. I went back to look at it a second time before leaving the park without it. Fortunately I don't live that far, so once I got home I whipped out a tape measure looking for a potential spot to hang it. I even snapped a picture from the artist's website and carried it around the house on my camera holding it up to audition different walls.<br />
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I went outside to clear my head by tidying up the yard. Was this another one of those paintings that I dare not pass on lest I regret it? But it was a budget bender and could I really justify it? I spoke to a neighbor walking her dog and even told her about it. She said "I haven't even seen it and I vote yes!" So I went back to get it.<br />
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Beauty feeds our souls. It is around us everywhere every day. We just don't see most of it. No wonder our souls are so parched. There is a massive veil of old pink roses cascading over the edge of a railroad support that I see on my way to work these days. I wonder every time I pass it if anyone else sees it.<br />
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<span style="font-style: italic;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilvD5SHYllrFn4OboL3YcnnWIC8pUNPJkBGZagIc716xBu8SFidRzmn2jbFcaFlZ4xbP9nWG81lmJamnHhfxQ5mLu7J0IpWRiISlEF7orR0T1UaGSDkDtCqIU-9NpPqvcvzntKvepcqfJF/s1600/maisysquint.JPG"><img border="0" height="480" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5737053161686398162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilvD5SHYllrFn4OboL3YcnnWIC8pUNPJkBGZagIc716xBu8SFidRzmn2jbFcaFlZ4xbP9nWG81lmJamnHhfxQ5mLu7J0IpWRiISlEF7orR0T1UaGSDkDtCqIU-9NpPqvcvzntKvepcqfJF/w640-h480/maisysquint.JPG" style="display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" width="640" /></a>I'm sure I was not influenced by any expressive<br />similarity to a certain fuzzy family member. </span></div>
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The artist and his wife were excited to see me return and to know the young fella would have a good home. Apparently he had received a lot of attention throughout the day. I showed them the picture of Maisy and how much her funny face matched his. And I told them about Daddy having been gone since October and how the expression also reminded me of a picture of him from a Christmas years ago. I closed his checking account this week. I was caught off guard at the bank by the finality of that act and by the wave of emotion that swept past me during such a routine business transaction. There were enough funds left to cover this purchase.<br />
<br />
Something about the satisfied expression on this little fox tells me that he has taken time to smell the roses <span style="font-style: italic;">(or peonies in this case.)</span> It says that he has found beauty in hidden and unexpected places. And now he lives at my house so he can remind me to look for it, too.Lisa Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04976178827995361889noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1847762931243122966.post-65882092937011808882012-04-03T22:44:00.005-05:002012-04-04T16:11:56.422-05:00BOM - AprilI received a sweet thank you note from across the pond yesterday. Seems the giveaway prize made its way intact to the U.K.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilEDDIcERjzuaVZJnW_ZfNI9ROOEbidd9pJAp_9Xi4mubohyphenhyphenqP6qnwb9YqCoNcW2-FlyXfziKaaqqz6zAF98g8RhT_o4fxwvRhcVvfmukwYKnJeIWNbo9MLdqcIjZH2Pwptgk29pGheJvD/s1600/royal.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 302px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5727387230953210754" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilEDDIcERjzuaVZJnW_ZfNI9ROOEbidd9pJAp_9Xi4mubohyphenhyphenqP6qnwb9YqCoNcW2-FlyXfziKaaqqz6zAF98g8RhT_o4fxwvRhcVvfmukwYKnJeIWNbo9MLdqcIjZH2Pwptgk29pGheJvD/s400/royal.jpg" /></a>I'm looking forward to hearing from Ms. Daisy in Manchester about how she gets along with her diamonds.<br /><br />The latest block of the month for guild is a scrappy star. I really, really like this block. Of course, you would never know that I had been into my scraps at all.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgas6eawfMpNWXu_izE9fpk27wPnquYWGLYl8y2MNMsSnV4uCQfHjwKbrOT1rtfkzmZ0whkF3y467xdOhTf59Md8tcuYuU2YJrPOIJQHKBs7g4NQdQHku4OcT1Pyo-b1YIQqoT2ko8QZcFG/s1600/bagstar.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 287px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5727387240984671410" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgas6eawfMpNWXu_izE9fpk27wPnquYWGLYl8y2MNMsSnV4uCQfHjwKbrOT1rtfkzmZ0whkF3y467xdOhTf59Md8tcuYuU2YJrPOIJQHKBs7g4NQdQHku4OcT1Pyo-b1YIQqoT2ko8QZcFG/s400/bagstar.jpg" /></a>I won block of the month back in the fall and got 49 lovely fall pinwheel blocks that I have yet to do anything with.<br /><br />Can I be a little greedy and wish for these? They are a generous 18" finished. Six blocks, some sashing and a border and you have yourself a great baby gift or cuddle quilt. You could use some I Spy squares in there. I imagine that even if I don't win a set of them, I'll be making more of this block.<br /><br />Our next guild meeting is Monday. Can't believe it has come around so quickly. We are having a yard sale. I had hoped to gather some things to join a couple of friends at their table. But looks like I ran out of time, so I will likely be bringing more stuff home instead.Lisa Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04976178827995361889noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1847762931243122966.post-23358537905553104692012-03-17T00:16:00.010-05:002013-03-07T11:15:09.742-06:00Drumroll, please...<div style="text-align: center;">
We have a winner!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQimi7WeiD7Qob9iuAsk9OqNPL78Irb0oyhvAs_j9K2DpFyNCd-k4gy4NLM6U3KNbu1a_L19jBFx8Jq_n2HcBm4aRClRTzVYFrXPdvkGTvVRNpQif97LgKiS_8M6c0TOMV4KmE_y2WH-jL/s1600/random.gif"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5720732361497025922" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQimi7WeiD7Qob9iuAsk9OqNPL78Irb0oyhvAs_j9K2DpFyNCd-k4gy4NLM6U3KNbu1a_L19jBFx8Jq_n2HcBm4aRClRTzVYFrXPdvkGTvVRNpQif97LgKiS_8M6c0TOMV4KmE_y2WH-jL/s320/random.gif" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 192px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 208px;" /></a>And just who is commenter #23?<span style="font-size: 10pt; font-size: 12;"><br /><br />It's <a href="http://daisychainsandnewbeginings.blogspot.com/">DaisyChain</a> who said...<br /></span>"Really like the colours on your Aunt Donna quilt.<br />
Would love a chance to win the giveaway.<br />
I haven't worked with diamonds so far."<br />
<br />
Well, Ms. Daisy, congratulations!<br />
You get your chance to work with diamonds!<br />
Be sure to e-mail me your mailing address and<br />
I'll get these out to you next week.<br />
<br />
Thanks to everyone who left such lovely comments for the giveaway. If it was your first visit to the Pipkin House, I hope you drop in again some time.<br />
<br /></div>
Lisa Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04976178827995361889noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1847762931243122966.post-53640953871804210032012-03-13T16:31:00.009-05:002012-03-13T17:01:45.221-05:00A hitch in our get-along...I don't know what is happening with the Comment section of my posts. Lots of you have been able to get through, but I know of at least two people who have made multiple attempts to enter the Giveaway by posting a comment and have been unable to complete that process.<br /><br />Don't sink into despair if you don't see your comment right away. I have the comment moderation on, so it may take a little while for me to put yours through. If it does not appear by the end of the day, you can use Option B to enter.<br /><br /><strong>Option A:</strong> Comment through the link at the bottom of the <a href="http://pipkinhouse.blogspot.com/2012/03/its-giveaway-time.html">Giveaway</a> post.<br /><br /><strong>Option B:</strong> Send me an email using the link to the right. You MUST put GIVEAWAY in the subject line to be entered though, otherwise you won't be entered.<br /><br />Whichever you choose, please enter only once. So sorry for the trouble.Lisa Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04976178827995361889noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1847762931243122966.post-48623631656947807242012-03-11T11:13:00.001-05:002012-03-11T13:18:09.526-05:00It's GIVEAWAY Time!!!!Our program at guild Monday is "Adventures in Blogging: Enhance your quilting and Make new friends." I have found much encouragement and inspiration from quilters who blog and I've even won a giveaway from <a href="http://ankastreasures.wordpress.com/">Trends and Traditions</a>. I've had lovely comments from visitors and have come to feel as if I know some of you out there just a little through your own blogs.<br /><br />When I <a href="http://pipkinhouse.blogspot.com/2008/09/my-first-blog.html">first started this blog</a>, I showed a project I had cut from Aunt Donna scraps using a diamond template. Well, I'm still cutting diamonds from Aunt Donna scraps and can't seem to get enough of them.<br /><br /><a href="http://pipkinhouse.blogspot.com/2011/08/diamonds-are-girls-best-friend.html">Hooray for the Red, White, and Blueberries</a> and Maisy's quilt are cut from the same template. I still have the pie diamonds to sew together and a UFO of florals.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgcVNs7oWYoWQHoYXTeL1ja_n3wy6TohNNkXm-d_bThAWOpMTEwNq7BO7Ty0E4gwEfVC36T2vxRSTvCEMAhwRLWo9r_-pjw1ftFmEgMbzAGqTfohKTMkI7UK2OQSn23qNmmjIlMJqY74e-/s1600/quilt1.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgcVNs7oWYoWQHoYXTeL1ja_n3wy6TohNNkXm-d_bThAWOpMTEwNq7BO7Ty0E4gwEfVC36T2vxRSTvCEMAhwRLWo9r_-pjw1ftFmEgMbzAGqTfohKTMkI7UK2OQSn23qNmmjIlMJqY74e-/s400/quilt1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718129650122831970" border="0" /></a>I have made two quilt tops from fall scraps to use on the twin beds in my guest room.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimTINOLqFmT5MJIylzSHqPgpsa6l9n9w9Wu8FRQG1G1rpnVB3Ybzl8ZmDA77l6FxqDJCbvPeUUy81q7KAfswFUZc5YqpP9vS3dn865QKCgCD5cwAIt5ftyDVWtdvrJToHnXpAXA5A-X2km/s1600/quilt2.jpg"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKBO_D4vieAQwGFi7gU1NUt1tFICaDypvkQYvvpFIvPuTyC5Upn62a30QARz7rwjwEBa6ddCt6xV9BnjbqSuMysrAqKG7RXUc4cGPfP5RQ67umss8fanC4zxsuKMbC2b4BS-QmxfiveAcK/s1600/quilt2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKBO_D4vieAQwGFi7gU1NUt1tFICaDypvkQYvvpFIvPuTyC5Upn62a30QARz7rwjwEBa6ddCt6xV9BnjbqSuMysrAqKG7RXUc4cGPfP5RQ67umss8fanC4zxsuKMbC2b4BS-QmxfiveAcK/s400/quilt2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718134275966810290" border="0" /></a>They are not identical as the vast array of prints in Aunt Donna's scraps provided an almost infinite variety from which to choose.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkVX7Efue5yHtZVoE68VKRpkdgRIIamOn8uwE02QnYy1GUpOV_x1W66kxTctXkirnPgFy58ciAqPdBVbh-0smRyKHrxb02iBxcxbBJTDldnfIyL64jJjKHyd6AuhmUFHTw4ocyyeSjtT-E/s1600/pattern2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkVX7Efue5yHtZVoE68VKRpkdgRIIamOn8uwE02QnYy1GUpOV_x1W66kxTctXkirnPgFy58ciAqPdBVbh-0smRyKHrxb02iBxcxbBJTDldnfIyL64jJjKHyd6AuhmUFHTw4ocyyeSjtT-E/s400/pattern2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718129660114118450" border="0" /></a>For this giveaway, I decided to cut another set of fall diamonds for some lucky quilter out there in blogger land.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">UP FOR GRABS:</span><br />* set of pre-cut diamonds in 25 different prints - enough to make a 61.5" x 86" quilt <span style="font-style: italic;">(side pieces not included so you can choose your own fabric)</span><br />* plastic templates<br />* assembly tips<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">HOW TO WIN:</span><br />Leave a comment on this post before midnight Friday, March 16. A winner will be selected randomly on Saturday, March 17.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkf92GN29hUspRpyRlDuWIU2FEKcaPE6e3W3avrUSb6A1lrcfBnEl52Q-pPagsECBuvu9BCi2Mopv4C-hXxs08kbMxHlVYUi97-NCvMmoGQtNwC9jVXYLyKoyd9AHLOW5nB-D8shUT7nF0/s1600/layers2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 272px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkf92GN29hUspRpyRlDuWIU2FEKcaPE6e3W3avrUSb6A1lrcfBnEl52Q-pPagsECBuvu9BCi2Mopv4C-hXxs08kbMxHlVYUi97-NCvMmoGQtNwC9jVXYLyKoyd9AHLOW5nB-D8shUT7nF0/s400/layers2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718129673533154546" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">THE FINE PRINT:</span><br />Once a winner is posted, if I am not able to make contact with the winner within 48 hours, then another winner will be chosen.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuZQkqWzCpZL5tLF_qGxsMrEpn8OIOU_vci5ei1dtOxlDlWh-ZkrRpYioUQhsaNaGNorNU3c0sAEzBV6pIr8ztrLICd4yrH_GG1K0wOyxeKizSpiqULPzDWwyXoOyotDhkt8KAqM4Q6m3T/s1600/layers.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuZQkqWzCpZL5tLF_qGxsMrEpn8OIOU_vci5ei1dtOxlDlWh-ZkrRpYioUQhsaNaGNorNU3c0sAEzBV6pIr8ztrLICd4yrH_GG1K0wOyxeKizSpiqULPzDWwyXoOyotDhkt8KAqM4Q6m3T/s400/layers.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5718129667035728834" border="0" /></a>But I'm not the only one offering giveaways this week. Judy at <a href="http://greenquilts.blogspot.com/">greenQuilts</a> and Susan at <a href="http://blackberrycreek.typepad.com/">Blackberry Creek Home Arts</a> are also on the program with me and they are giving away things, too. Check out their blogs to get in on the action.Lisa Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04976178827995361889noreply@blogger.com54tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1847762931243122966.post-71231068915309665342012-03-08T10:47:00.001-06:002012-03-08T10:47:00.168-06:00Coming soon to a blog near you...Dear Readers -<br /><br />Thank you so much for visiting my blog and returning from time to time. Your visits have totaled well over 55,000 since I started this blog in September 2008.<br /><br />Two guild friends and I will be talking about quilting and blogging at our guild meeting this coming Monday. As incentive to fellow guild members to check out our blogs, I will be offering a big <span style="font-weight: bold;">GIVEAWAY.</span> In fact we will all be offering <span style="font-weight: bold;">GIVEAWAYS</span>.<br /><br />But you will have to check back on Sunday for details on how you, too, can get in on the opportunity to win a fantastic <span style="font-weight: bold;">GIVEAWAY</span>.<br /><br />Did I mention it will be a <span style="font-weight: bold;">GIVEAWAY</span>?<br /><br />See you Sunday!Lisa Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04976178827995361889noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1847762931243122966.post-78333998125704602052012-02-22T19:47:00.014-06:002012-02-22T20:50:05.535-06:00Quilt for Another BabyAbout a month ago I was invited to a baby shower for the daughter of my director/friend at work. I've known her daughter since she was a young girl coming to dance intensives in Jackson, Mississippi, years ago. And now she's all grown up and is a dance teacher/choreographer and lives with her opera singer husband in New York City.<br /><br />The idea of making a quilt had crossed my mind, but I didn't get her nursery colors until two weeks before the shower and I just didn't think I could make that kind of deadline. But friend Gwen said she thought we could knock out a top in a day, so we went for it.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXrUsaXhbKJXzUfHKW84w1r8PmPfgXelSCogcfXD_pkp-Bstp2OOwZOqcEU_A2nneW_ERb9aKoJ6I39aTDTSLiFRitQWV5nnhFpqugMQPhYtvkDqHUMdVN9bx3GQ77J5QiEealxvPlyEnO/s1600/fabrics.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 264px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXrUsaXhbKJXzUfHKW84w1r8PmPfgXelSCogcfXD_pkp-Bstp2OOwZOqcEU_A2nneW_ERb9aKoJ6I39aTDTSLiFRitQWV5nnhFpqugMQPhYtvkDqHUMdVN9bx3GQ77J5QiEealxvPlyEnO/s400/fabrics.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5712149346035068770" border="0" /></a>I have loved the <a href="http://www.ohfransson.com/files/new-wave-quilt-4.pdf" target="_blank">New Wave</a> pattern since I first saw it and thought it might not be that challenging for two experienced quilters. I pulled fabrics on a Friday night and we ran to the store Saturday morning to pick up a couple more to complete the project.<br /><br />It is difficult to find good ballet fabric. A lot of it is cute, but technique is usually lacking. I had bought just one fat quarter of an Alexander Henry ballet shoe print years ago and had only a small bit of it left. I was so excited when I found there was enough for one row of end pieces.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiyBtz9SIoqeS081yctGUAOUcsC89bySiyzA41H8K4HIk4NINEWC61uxKN4jKJqNYZIAXLSxCP39zi2ROEDfIJUY920cQTn_bdLVj8AD6dASSqA2WQnkyf-hCjCf2Ij1NXaBQWnNJVPEwV/s1600/shoes.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiyBtz9SIoqeS081yctGUAOUcsC89bySiyzA41H8K4HIk4NINEWC61uxKN4jKJqNYZIAXLSxCP39zi2ROEDfIJUY920cQTn_bdLVj8AD6dASSqA2WQnkyf-hCjCf2Ij1NXaBQWnNJVPEwV/s400/shoes.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5712150629826368242" border="0" /></a><br />And then the cutting began. Gwen cut the sashing strips from a piece of dark taupe with dark pink flowers scattered on it that we had found on our shopping trip. I cut all the wedges. We set up my Featherweight table in the living room and she sewed all the strips on while I trimmed and restacked blocks to sew into columns. When we finished, my arm was so sore! I realized that while Gwen was up and down between the machine and the ironing board, I had been standing and cutting all afternoon!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL4G6RulxHxsCkZVWlAK0fqEwFMFv-xwk8g4rNI-MSmEPCl11xrIjrTVf9yaHd2Kngfrt4Qppz-npxZNUKxJm3FYCGtz9n_FTUtYcNpKktWpzZkukg1KFvJWWOR3DQ_Iy-1vFipsj1PWQS/s1600/binding.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL4G6RulxHxsCkZVWlAK0fqEwFMFv-xwk8g4rNI-MSmEPCl11xrIjrTVf9yaHd2Kngfrt4Qppz-npxZNUKxJm3FYCGtz9n_FTUtYcNpKktWpzZkukg1KFvJWWOR3DQ_Iy-1vFipsj1PWQS/s400/binding.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5712150638982151586" border="0" /></a>I spent the next week quilting and binding. But the end result was well worth it. I love this birch fabric from my stash. I found the brown plaid on that morning run to the store. Doesn't it make a great looking binding with that touch of teal?<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAu2vpyFHkVSkE0UqfvV-Cm_YFyJ0z-3DWOJHAxuEIH5kO0Y7OUeAc5xXyoQJC1s8nobNe1fVxEzJSwzTpyyGfRnzQH5V_Rtw_UCB4mPlESkrlGN618xEzssyoz0qQzrX19kyCgFqXTdNS/s1600/back.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 301px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAu2vpyFHkVSkE0UqfvV-Cm_YFyJ0z-3DWOJHAxuEIH5kO0Y7OUeAc5xXyoQJC1s8nobNe1fVxEzJSwzTpyyGfRnzQH5V_Rtw_UCB4mPlESkrlGN618xEzssyoz0qQzrX19kyCgFqXTdNS/s400/back.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5712150630735426066" border="0" /></a>These flowers look a bit orange, but they are definitely pink in the center of the petals and have a touch of brown in the details. It was perfect for the backing.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicO3ojtbOIYp-jNHlGNLb268r1SdTNYhyjZztNcj0JzoZ7Zb6-vv7VxUYeNmwtWGEWDVjef65FAi2-tcsSp8vNkeVDF1MAF1xKS2azV0eBZJz_lmvq66_hmxich4P_6dq08B4fafpk9fKI/s1600/quilt.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicO3ojtbOIYp-jNHlGNLb268r1SdTNYhyjZztNcj0JzoZ7Zb6-vv7VxUYeNmwtWGEWDVjef65FAi2-tcsSp8vNkeVDF1MAF1xKS2azV0eBZJz_lmvq66_hmxich4P_6dq08B4fafpk9fKI/s400/quilt.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5712150664042888850" border="0" /></a>In the end, it came out to be a baby quilt with a sophisticated, contemporary look. It was quite a hit at the shower. It's not so juvenile that I think it will serve the yet-to-arrive little girl for a long time and will be very suitable for a young New Yorker!Lisa Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04976178827995361889noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1847762931243122966.post-55374846004138635282012-02-13T22:56:00.005-06:002012-02-13T23:16:13.100-06:00Baby's Got a New QuiltEveryone in the family had a quilt but Maisy. That was not acceptable.<br /><br />So before Christmas I gathered up a bunch of Aunt Donna scraps that just happened to have doggies on them and made a diamond quilt.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8YZv_0JYRKRgyO5XecPl7uY-LxmSVZgMsWbtv1LhlQU_LKIgtqgs6Rq2iQLDv_aJdqwpSz9tUEKltJ04ydkKs2neYSbsHEgmdrShKPJf2dOojzVuRoxbilnUS_YwNDcAD3HzqsuhAWqki/s1600/bird.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8YZv_0JYRKRgyO5XecPl7uY-LxmSVZgMsWbtv1LhlQU_LKIgtqgs6Rq2iQLDv_aJdqwpSz9tUEKltJ04ydkKs2neYSbsHEgmdrShKPJf2dOojzVuRoxbilnUS_YwNDcAD3HzqsuhAWqki/s400/bird.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708851236689069762" border="0" /></a>The goal was to have it ready to put under the tree, and I got as far as the quilting. But I finished the binding right after New Year's and wrapped it for her to open a couple of weeks late.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj16EKp-y1HsxcbWWa_3PObrizAjfU737dnc-RqJwS6YVEeYtrS8Ps3U0G4yASlcBzted6GyhzKnIHUbXLUeq2QbcAvqKY4hLHpJDLRO4AeZ2xvvTP2ieY5UTHt3Em2ZMSCPhr8MC60s48j/s1600/quilt.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 343px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj16EKp-y1HsxcbWWa_3PObrizAjfU737dnc-RqJwS6YVEeYtrS8Ps3U0G4yASlcBzted6GyhzKnIHUbXLUeq2QbcAvqKY4hLHpJDLRO4AeZ2xvvTP2ieY5UTHt3Em2ZMSCPhr8MC60s48j/s400/quilt.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708851209718058914" border="0" /></a>The cutey blue and white polka dot fabric<br />around the edge just ties it all together.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji9Oe-YB-zJEUJOkvc3TG4GXZk654-TorD2pxjxzw8aCEAhI5yhfhQr5Pvvif0OYW2vIaOHM2y9h4Fqgrr-mhPb8ycw4qCzzOh0ZIeX166AuZJKa0nhVCYf8i_vdqgR4KiZ9DKs2ZUfB_V/s1600/closeup.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji9Oe-YB-zJEUJOkvc3TG4GXZk654-TorD2pxjxzw8aCEAhI5yhfhQr5Pvvif0OYW2vIaOHM2y9h4Fqgrr-mhPb8ycw4qCzzOh0ZIeX166AuZJKa0nhVCYf8i_vdqgR4KiZ9DKs2ZUfB_V/s400/closeup.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708851173254193906" border="0" /></a>I had to do quite a bit of fussy cutting to get<br />the wide variety of breeds represented.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl4Huf-MSo_wau3rtvRoizT4NfLumhkuviBsDR53vC-Ye-1vetllFqosvaLb0ZKIbFDs-Wv56oTF0juFAUfDAE5R5PxGHjJ_bAmV2fKYsSC3-xV5Rm7uuH8obQpSuE06biHF9-Z5JiY0ds/s1600/closeup2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl4Huf-MSo_wau3rtvRoizT4NfLumhkuviBsDR53vC-Ye-1vetllFqosvaLb0ZKIbFDs-Wv56oTF0juFAUfDAE5R5PxGHjJ_bAmV2fKYsSC3-xV5Rm7uuH8obQpSuE06biHF9-Z5JiY0ds/s400/closeup2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708851166532137378" border="0" /></a>I found the big red and white polka dot yardage at the<br />thrift store for $1.99 and used it on the back.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYTRuZMMZ5G5oK3aayGWTpRhpfWQ1p49CB0Jaa0s7oUQSl4xt6yqP5t8hTUYkX1M_0iQYjOEpLF7hU1fg01Ql77I-2Esdu4P1Nh2mDdp8ohd6ndcDmw1_NHJeLcd-A_9JPon5DjBt2q6vI/s1600/baby.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYTRuZMMZ5G5oK3aayGWTpRhpfWQ1p49CB0Jaa0s7oUQSl4xt6yqP5t8hTUYkX1M_0iQYjOEpLF7hU1fg01Ql77I-2Esdu4P1Nh2mDdp8ohd6ndcDmw1_NHJeLcd-A_9JPon5DjBt2q6vI/s400/baby.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708851158423589746" border="0" /></a>I think she likes it.<br /></div>Lisa Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04976178827995361889noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1847762931243122966.post-25335022372650890652012-02-09T00:30:00.001-06:002012-02-09T00:41:25.025-06:00Bittersweet<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG7w6fgmKTOInICy3oR43E9pm0HjskfyvaKSnxq6zNPlHw7bpRvWZQwn2c9Bh6wQCy_vtzUFT12LmAcp9kbqEVn67MIX8EWdhdU9cl4BvlfH02nqULA6RPzR7ILfaWWKNmvL0_8zNWLExy/s1600/IMG_5211.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG7w6fgmKTOInICy3oR43E9pm0HjskfyvaKSnxq6zNPlHw7bpRvWZQwn2c9Bh6wQCy_vtzUFT12LmAcp9kbqEVn67MIX8EWdhdU9cl4BvlfH02nqULA6RPzR7ILfaWWKNmvL0_8zNWLExy/s200/IMG_5211.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5705417505230260386" border="0" /></a><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif][if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif][if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman";} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal">Last year carried a fair amount of stress and I guess I’m just now allowing myself to process it all. It’s why I was away from the blog for so long.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">A trip to China with work in June was amazing, but required a lot of planning on my part. And I held onto my quilt show responsibilities of laying out the show and securing folks to hang quilts even though I would be out of the country during the show.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">In July my ’94 Camry wagon received bad news and it was a matter of time before it blew a gasket – literally. So the search for a new vehicle was on for the first time in twenty years.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Then in September Daddy fell out of bed. And everything else stopped for a month - except the car search, which was insane to think I could handle all at the same time. And a week and a half after going into the hospital, Daddy had a stroke. And a week and a half later he was gone. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">But I had to keep the ball rolling on the car thing since I knew those trips back and forth to Memphis had only shortened the time left on the Camry.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Every night I exhausted myself trolling Autotrader, cars.com, craigslist, eBay, and local dealerships online. All in all I test drove eleven cars. And then I found it. And then it was Thanksgiving. And the sister’s Jeep was in need of too much work, so the next week, she was here buying a new vehicle herself.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">And then it was Christmas. And the aunt and the sister and the sister’s dog came for about a week and we just made things as easy as we could because we were all so tired.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">And then I needed to sell the Camry. I had worn the buyer’s hat for so long, it was hard to look at the car any other way. But after two posts on craigslist, someone who understood the car’s shortcomings bought it and I was relieved to not have the burden of it and to get it off my insurance. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">But what I didn’t expect was the hole it left not seeing it at the end of the driveway. It had been Daddy’s car before I got it. And now it was gone. And he was really gone. And the emptiness was a little more real. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">We are so thankful that his was a quiet and peaceful passing. He didn’t have to suffer in a debilitated state that he would have hated and that would have been so painful for us to watch. He turned 86 while he was in the hospital. His life had been full. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">I miss so many things about him - his smile and his sense of humor and his hugs are just a few. </p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnhR25HeTdiukSUaBG8EDyhZdI4BmdPsWiB4mDSAy504tV6VYbCRr8H4lQ4_tsngIhj61y-H2SBaax9V0deNga-cg6kihLpFpjlgnvxGwkrRO05iOXbCeNseWC9Hh8Em3SUfTfuBYyQs-l/s1600/D+headshot.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 177px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnhR25HeTdiukSUaBG8EDyhZdI4BmdPsWiB4mDSAy504tV6VYbCRr8H4lQ4_tsngIhj61y-H2SBaax9V0deNga-cg6kihLpFpjlgnvxGwkrRO05iOXbCeNseWC9Hh8Em3SUfTfuBYyQs-l/s200/D+headshot.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707018159070011874" border="0" /></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> </p> <p style="text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal">He would really like my new car.</p>Lisa Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04976178827995361889noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1847762931243122966.post-9632254221276091312012-01-23T09:00:00.012-06:002012-01-23T12:16:52.997-06:00Happy New Year!<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf5lPHDMeBcoErLRaks4HVGyx0XJhFxDo0BnBD0qA4GCtv94HkVBk-mSbcpxGcu5eAaUNI71C239kGfzyf0iEvaXLE4R7DONrwqshdSpBh696wxKdvUz_534mrrp4ANnDjX_-sUlnxCk3u/s1600/2012.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 373px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 189px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700560406837148338" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf5lPHDMeBcoErLRaks4HVGyx0XJhFxDo0BnBD0qA4GCtv94HkVBk-mSbcpxGcu5eAaUNI71C239kGfzyf0iEvaXLE4R7DONrwqshdSpBh696wxKdvUz_534mrrp4ANnDjX_-sUlnxCk3u/s400/2012.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic; COLOR: rgb(153,153,153)">Photographed at the Forbidden City on my trip to China this past June</span><br /></span></div>Lisa Ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04976178827995361889noreply@blogger.com0