tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52014993840400454852024-03-14T07:25:09.170-07:00Cat's CrossingMusings about life, living vegan, cats, cooking, relationships (or lack thereof), gardening and whatever else comes to mind.Laura Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00874889561929236906noreply@blogger.comBlogger406125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5201499384040045485.post-60612253463090075382024-03-01T08:27:00.000-08:002024-03-01T08:27:59.526-08:00My Sourdough Starter Misadventure<p> <span style="color: red; font-family: helvetica;">It started with what would have been my mother's 99th birthday, Valentine's Day. Or maybe I should go back a little farther. My second oldest sister passed away this past October. She was the one that stepped into the matriarchal role once my mother passed away in 1998. Now, I'm not only missing my sister, but it's made me miss my mother more. So, as her birthday approached, I determined to make foods that reminded me of her on that day. Pancakes for breakfast, </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-family: helvetica;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJfKkAjR9O8a-jXrvD4c_PJt2V5iykrXhMJ9UKXCW7AKcyStenGCNV_znpQ9Nm9XP1zNjK8m9Cl3THy0CzVo3iGUzaL61JjsI0Vg8byG_WDsRuAwwa3S_RaDNxk12aF6sMEi-ejwQKyhFxoACL4iakNSUKgd31ON3pr1o9QsDgI-QqCZGhlfsNUE5xs1Dd/s4160/IMG_20240214_094224515.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJfKkAjR9O8a-jXrvD4c_PJt2V5iykrXhMJ9UKXCW7AKcyStenGCNV_znpQ9Nm9XP1zNjK8m9Cl3THy0CzVo3iGUzaL61JjsI0Vg8byG_WDsRuAwwa3S_RaDNxk12aF6sMEi-ejwQKyhFxoACL4iakNSUKgd31ON3pr1o9QsDgI-QqCZGhlfsNUE5xs1Dd/w480-h640/IMG_20240214_094224515.jpg" width="480" /></a></span></div><span style="color: red; font-family: helvetica;">lazy cabbage rolls (I don't believe my mother ever made lazy cabbage rolls, but I was too lazy to make rolled ones)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsDVImWxynTcOu-skcXiIDxUcF6Na6YJBd053dPOutebbO6ch2S8BEX0NPzyORcSIqYRs2Aya_922Ss1ZKpjhEsZ2j52IRuF4loZYWeR8p5KQ8NNR6L5keP-lY0Q6Zyz9m0QRl3k-c7TukOYYxmW8CXxxvsGVPH9pYYzNhCByOOWdCUO9EakI0LCbV7fYF/s3264/ff476b2f-e81b-40f5-9c6a-e2475adf8f05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsDVImWxynTcOu-skcXiIDxUcF6Na6YJBd053dPOutebbO6ch2S8BEX0NPzyORcSIqYRs2Aya_922Ss1ZKpjhEsZ2j52IRuF4loZYWeR8p5KQ8NNR6L5keP-lY0Q6Zyz9m0QRl3k-c7TukOYYxmW8CXxxvsGVPH9pYYzNhCByOOWdCUO9EakI0LCbV7fYF/w480-h640/ff476b2f-e81b-40f5-9c6a-e2475adf8f05.jpg" width="480" /></a></div> and Waldorf salad for dinner, and a Western sandwich for supper (using <a href="https://gardengrubblog.com/the-best-vegan-omelette-recipe/?fbclid=IwAR3myKyJO-bZfHHWOQk-gobMrNp60UFH0qZs_h0UGvy1IXq5y28gEfehB7g" target="_blank">this recipe</a> for the omelette).<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXuzleyXzXtju1ImEmHTnYSyXae5GYjZ11_H5pNGzUmRxmUwClZMfVuixFHlIK-e1Ie0bJSdkZamn7GBKiXoAOeasuB7ppLRLja7s6dDfcWvL-M625cL2vRIdJt5UU0Qg9JFVD-IngqzY9GOjH8LX7P-1VW9dOs8iO_AeB1TNgvEi1-P4gNDXMo9kFJEYe/s4160/IMG_20240214_182450100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXuzleyXzXtju1ImEmHTnYSyXae5GYjZ11_H5pNGzUmRxmUwClZMfVuixFHlIK-e1Ie0bJSdkZamn7GBKiXoAOeasuB7ppLRLja7s6dDfcWvL-M625cL2vRIdJt5UU0Qg9JFVD-IngqzY9GOjH8LX7P-1VW9dOs8iO_AeB1TNgvEi1-P4gNDXMo9kFJEYe/w480-h640/IMG_20240214_182450100.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>I would have liked to have had pumpernickel bread to go with dinner. Mom never made it from scratch, that I can recall, but she did like to eat it. And so do I. But, even though she never made it, I want to. And I've tried several recipes over the years, without the success I'd like. I want the light, dark-coloured, round loaf, not the dense rectangular loaf as found in my World Encyclopedia of Bread. Occasionally, Mom would buy those as well - I still remember one brand: <a href="https://dimpflmeierbakery.com/" target="_blank">Dimpflmeier</a> - though that bread is definitely an acquired taste. <br />So I googled and found another <a href="https://www.kingarthurbaking.com/recipes/sourdough-pumpernickel-bread-recipe" target="_blank">recipe</a> to try on the King Arthur website.Unfortunately for me, as it turns out, this one called for sourdough starter. I'm not sure why this is the one I found because this website has at least a couple more pumpernickel recipes that don't require the starter. Well, I had been considering trying making my own sourdough starter, so I decided that this was the time, and King Arthur happily obliged with a <a href="https://www.kingarthurbaking.com/recipes/sourdough-starter-recipe" target="_blank">recipe</a>. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUp-4ICKAaAQ_yiFBD-VrcWl97dD9fwaFt_QsKh_WXZYWvfIwL1AvXnf665ArDK66RaSztc97yr2ZUObwfmIrCf0tZB0hk2x_UXkFzdGg3xDe1IMNWlOtxX0A_A0_ndUy8JApqr_OLNPdeWwhr9JXT6kjLwbsORi0KTANZAo3rhePGN2IAzj8_EkBFlXON/s4160/IMG_20240214_162850060.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUp-4ICKAaAQ_yiFBD-VrcWl97dD9fwaFt_QsKh_WXZYWvfIwL1AvXnf665ArDK66RaSztc97yr2ZUObwfmIrCf0tZB0hk2x_UXkFzdGg3xDe1IMNWlOtxX0A_A0_ndUy8JApqr_OLNPdeWwhr9JXT6kjLwbsORi0KTANZAo3rhePGN2IAzj8_EkBFlXON/w300-h400/IMG_20240214_162850060.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>I started out with my "blob" in a Gem jar because the recipe called for a jar that was "at least" a quart, and I figured that I would err on the larger size and these jars are 1½ quarts. However, I soon realized that that mouth wasn't big enough to do all the messing around in the jar that I had to do: removing discard, adding flour and water and stirring it in. So, I switched the blob to a 1-quart wide mouth jar. <br />One of the first issues was what to do with the discard. According to the instructions, with each feed, I had to discard one cup of the starter and add a further one cup of flour and half a cup of water (I actually used my kitchen scale for accuracy, and weighed in grams). I hate wasting food, but King Arthur kindly obliges with a <a href="https://www.kingarthurbaking.com/recipes/collections/sourdough-discard-recipes" target="_blank">bunch of recipes</a> for using sourdough starter discard, most of which require the 1 cup that I had to remove each time. <br />However, after the first couple of days of "feeding" the starter once daily, I then had to bump it up to twice daily and was beginning to feel overwhelmed by sourdough starter discard, and sent this text to one of my sisters:<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Ky1zG_-G0XboW3-P2pJXjTnkIkMseh_0hmW2BXTn_JnPU6q1zC9zWkTE8-62eVtNoR92yExnP7Ur1bWJiYEZMh65v8sbHzSfvAqw2jOjbHGykcFJZn1ykgCP7UrN9oI6LXxxz9L6kIssg_rV7rC3530Qhx8NvKowzgOnChG38DYSAyeUMm2C_-EmZxFO/s823/Screenshot_20240218-072846-701.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="823" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Ky1zG_-G0XboW3-P2pJXjTnkIkMseh_0hmW2BXTn_JnPU6q1zC9zWkTE8-62eVtNoR92yExnP7Ur1bWJiYEZMh65v8sbHzSfvAqw2jOjbHGykcFJZn1ykgCP7UrN9oI6LXxxz9L6kIssg_rV7rC3530Qhx8NvKowzgOnChG38DYSAyeUMm2C_-EmZxFO/w560-h640/Screenshot_20240218-072846-701.png" width="560" /></a></div>And I tried using it in some of the recipes:<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3ycfxSdDf8Q_Yyc4OEBBm_8gJvRqcBkGtDwSuB3hV6zVP29-w1-EH2TszeHB-h5WpmDkXnXocXvMfWHxW-SoKwkITjBpogw3IgJMozUCtc-A2QlS_InIAYbcNlIGQzcrYpIaaWOz-UJnYejySeJZAYvwWC6FC_dZNN27PrFIxVkL168Hr9s1qDoGlunRv/s4160/IMG_20240218_074348291.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3ycfxSdDf8Q_Yyc4OEBBm_8gJvRqcBkGtDwSuB3hV6zVP29-w1-EH2TszeHB-h5WpmDkXnXocXvMfWHxW-SoKwkITjBpogw3IgJMozUCtc-A2QlS_InIAYbcNlIGQzcrYpIaaWOz-UJnYejySeJZAYvwWC6FC_dZNN27PrFIxVkL168Hr9s1qDoGlunRv/w300-h400/IMG_20240218_074348291.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>Sourdough crackers, which were pretty tasty, <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVEzt7PIhG9tZGHb5l5ypQQP61ub3Btve24DIJyYT96KsRp5ZOcZByvOhqcNXd0E1sIPFj8c4NwMIZgmutRrntm1YyAwoZMXAK-grQ1KqfDlOGLv3Pm34yyIifpf46bC7vLRdphkRfZY0aysi0mGRQYk6JP5DYUMJpQnl0F2460PTBpf5LcxAqkqJLQNpr/s4160/IMG_20240218_104518492.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVEzt7PIhG9tZGHb5l5ypQQP61ub3Btve24DIJyYT96KsRp5ZOcZByvOhqcNXd0E1sIPFj8c4NwMIZgmutRrntm1YyAwoZMXAK-grQ1KqfDlOGLv3Pm34yyIifpf46bC7vLRdphkRfZY0aysi0mGRQYk6JP5DYUMJpQnl0F2460PTBpf5LcxAqkqJLQNpr/w300-h400/IMG_20240218_104518492.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>sourdough pretzels (the recipe doesn't tell you to poach them, but any pretzel recipe I have read does, so I did),<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkzB1XWPucJa_arOxbQ5v0iQfCblOF0EgaHz3UWxbIzi2ZaIOdRolMnpdCPx8s-lJHUSfK0vcQYxHTkWeS_BrA5UxRpgWSjJ5RvDI0wlpK43lJHNoBWiGVxhaRf7mofBGZuKJ9JG-91BHdpa0gaIRKiUInQHmbqVU9AmpuoMJUSN_QzZENuajfim7lHjJ3/s4160/IMG_20240219_075849200~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkzB1XWPucJa_arOxbQ5v0iQfCblOF0EgaHz3UWxbIzi2ZaIOdRolMnpdCPx8s-lJHUSfK0vcQYxHTkWeS_BrA5UxRpgWSjJ5RvDI0wlpK43lJHNoBWiGVxhaRf7mofBGZuKJ9JG-91BHdpa0gaIRKiUInQHmbqVU9AmpuoMJUSN_QzZENuajfim7lHjJ3/w400-h300/IMG_20240219_075849200~2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>sourdough pancakes, <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUSQY7Fz0pF9Ri4HLYHQU2hWDPSPKW_r0NtHMVk3zoeNhhLKUhBBgoG7oDGoA8wM22ME_QAq88zTeJIBgU9W-nDmROwtwqJdnql_VJDnkDAWVFtksIu6vgJKS4Pig9HO8yEuiEpxaMo5aQ1z6cW4277eb9l8mnPMcou87kszGb3B1jEOszRlcA2GtQhQtU/s4160/IMG_20240221_080721787.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUSQY7Fz0pF9Ri4HLYHQU2hWDPSPKW_r0NtHMVk3zoeNhhLKUhBBgoG7oDGoA8wM22ME_QAq88zTeJIBgU9W-nDmROwtwqJdnql_VJDnkDAWVFtksIu6vgJKS4Pig9HO8yEuiEpxaMo5aQ1z6cW4277eb9l8mnPMcou87kszGb3B1jEOszRlcA2GtQhQtU/w400-h300/IMG_20240221_080721787.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>and sourdough biscuits, here used with my <a href="https://catscrossing-laura.blogspot.com/2024/02/vegan-breakfast-sandwiches.html" target="_blank">vegan breakfast sandwiches</a>. But still, I had this mountain of discard, and was now adding 2 cups to it daily. And I was getting tired and frustrated with trying to figure out what to do with it.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPLtewZxcove1xD7rxiItLJJXbxfsrk8v_YMDJPuMYrn0k6zQJKCd0bEd7orlpL998uT8A2JRFdvSHFXsKtXQn9t4cPPgorRAZZh_rzDSHJNRk82bSbRN7xJ23szN3ObnhP9VxnvohR07Cjrjb4_mo_2HIwbO5m6YADNipI5rp4uNIonzLVv9qOuiZaSA1/s4160/IMG_20240222_075355426.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPLtewZxcove1xD7rxiItLJJXbxfsrk8v_YMDJPuMYrn0k6zQJKCd0bEd7orlpL998uT8A2JRFdvSHFXsKtXQn9t4cPPgorRAZZh_rzDSHJNRk82bSbRN7xJ23szN3ObnhP9VxnvohR07Cjrjb4_mo_2HIwbO5m6YADNipI5rp4uNIonzLVv9qOuiZaSA1/w300-h400/IMG_20240222_075355426.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My mountain of discard</td></tr></tbody></table>I was also beginning to wonder if my starter had "gone south" when it smelled something like bad beer. But the next time, it smelled like nail polish remover! According to my online research, that acetone odour just meant that my starter needed to be fed. Seriously?!? I was already feeding it twice daily and struggling with the amount of discard. There was no way that I wanted to add a third feeding. So, instead, I tried switching up the "feed": according to the instructions, I had mostly just been feeding it unbleached all purpose flour. But now, I added spelt, rye, whole wheat. By this time, the starter was over a week old and still was nowhere near active enough to actually be used to make bread. And the next time I fed it, it smelled like acetone again. <br />When I shared my vegan breakfast sandwiches to a vegan group on Facebook, one commenter asked me about the sourdough. This is my reply: <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8kFZjCnoNCh6P9sGKuUYXWM2ZGTDBYgkqP__NglRTvG_9omb1C7MKf9_Hk32VJ1lNpu6WmvB8daUwDtni-7FgNumnJR6dlJbk1KrmKTHWnP_O60-4T4KjGt98wjGGT_9t6jWDG32tA9JS8RyoM_yjV57oNRiaqw6qsBHQQu8LBafvR24Upd9k9A12eXCj/s458/Screenshot%202024-02-23%20110104.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="395" data-original-width="458" height="345" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8kFZjCnoNCh6P9sGKuUYXWM2ZGTDBYgkqP__NglRTvG_9omb1C7MKf9_Hk32VJ1lNpu6WmvB8daUwDtni-7FgNumnJR6dlJbk1KrmKTHWnP_O60-4T4KjGt98wjGGT_9t6jWDG32tA9JS8RyoM_yjV57oNRiaqw6qsBHQQu8LBafvR24Upd9k9A12eXCj/w400-h345/Screenshot%202024-02-23%20110104.png" width="400" /></a></div>And guess what? Even after feeding it my precious organic, whole grain flour, it still smelled like acetone the next time I was supposed to feed it. But there wasn't any feeding that time. I just dumped it in with the rest of the discard. <br />Meanwhile, I had determined to try to use up a whole lot of discard at once, and I tried making bread. After all, the discard was just flour and water, so I should be able to just add some actual yeast, and maybe some more flour and water. Unfortunately, I ended up with more of a batter, rather than a dough and I wasn't sure if I even wanted to bother putting it into the oven. After more than an hour's baking time, I did end up with some reasonable looking loaves. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjniQ3aoIjjoZXQTdVdpoOUiYhKOeSYZXldZXwf0BLvWaU5Gfe7tc07v_vtmI3Bi6PIB3hZuw1IqPcKOTKCE0ZCzfIBHLvRAxsji0Gxr2c-MeFy32lpsjo9PxNFHWAYEtFVby2AvJNCeW99qTgZZbkbLQulVQ99zgd7Bzm0-RhQa5mdjCUoJ5JA_BA8EPMn/s4160/IMG_20240222_201019509.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjniQ3aoIjjoZXQTdVdpoOUiYhKOeSYZXldZXwf0BLvWaU5Gfe7tc07v_vtmI3Bi6PIB3hZuw1IqPcKOTKCE0ZCzfIBHLvRAxsji0Gxr2c-MeFy32lpsjo9PxNFHWAYEtFVby2AvJNCeW99qTgZZbkbLQulVQ99zgd7Bzm0-RhQa5mdjCUoJ5JA_BA8EPMn/w300-h400/IMG_20240222_201019509.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>But the crust was really thick and tough and the inside was gummy. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ9o-0K72G9FfNNTwuU59XcYiTM1D983ImILfh9c14OC3vrLSt8jn11XTZRFKDlWNY2F_64RH5BKxdDwekiNfJW8GFR6FbBLqPjqJMPsYAEtH0FLKm7gckyUuYUieknm1mT5i2t8UkHBpk-hoAqKC3MG4ptegb9e7JrC-097VfYUzYWQApq1Sg2GZaYsH3/s4160/IMG_20240223_135851026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ9o-0K72G9FfNNTwuU59XcYiTM1D983ImILfh9c14OC3vrLSt8jn11XTZRFKDlWNY2F_64RH5BKxdDwekiNfJW8GFR6FbBLqPjqJMPsYAEtH0FLKm7gckyUuYUieknm1mT5i2t8UkHBpk-hoAqKC3MG4ptegb9e7JrC-097VfYUzYWQApq1Sg2GZaYsH3/w300-h400/IMG_20240223_135851026.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>The taste was definitely sour and rye, reatlly not too bad. I put two of the three loaves into the freezer and ate a good part of the third loaf before deciding that it likely wasn't healthy bread, being so dense and gummy, and tossed the remainder into the compost. I'm not sure what I'll do with the ones in the freezer. Or with the rest of the discard, which is still sitting in my fridge. As I mentioned, I hate wasting food. But likely, instead of feeding the starter, I will be feeding the compost.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span><p></p>Laura Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00874889561929236906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5201499384040045485.post-15682162876191160162024-02-21T09:37:00.000-08:002024-02-21T09:37:14.638-08:00Vegan Breakfast Sandwiches<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY3-l0ly2F_sOV5xtI2u6mZAqwEMtQa9f4iC0B-4lL7F7NlKSctwnOD-6FB055_kVKRIyOJWStTMYA5qVhwglcmQ4P6rmvdIItS3Hxcbe8xMqD3UGVVtzMl2TmEWK1MWJXATjXliG0kDMAo9dV-zv_yAwzQG4Fgm9PcaGjzNIcwEPdLbKbr0M2SLLPIxNx/s4160/IMG_20240221_080721787.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY3-l0ly2F_sOV5xtI2u6mZAqwEMtQa9f4iC0B-4lL7F7NlKSctwnOD-6FB055_kVKRIyOJWStTMYA5qVhwglcmQ4P6rmvdIItS3Hxcbe8xMqD3UGVVtzMl2TmEWK1MWJXATjXliG0kDMAo9dV-zv_yAwzQG4Fgm9PcaGjzNIcwEPdLbKbr0M2SLLPIxNx/w400-h300/IMG_20240221_080721787.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: arial;">I've been wanting to make vegan breakfast sandwiches for some time. But trying to find the right recipes for the sausages and eggs was a challenge. I didn't want just store-bought processed vegan food products. Those are okay in a pinch, but I prefer to make my food from scratch and then I'm in control of the ingredients, and can make sure that they're mostly (if not all) whole foods and healthy. <br />I tried the vegan Unsausage recipe first, and was happily impressed. Nice texture, great flavour. I found it in my cookbook, <a href="https://www.amazon.ca/Give-Them-Something-Better-Americas/dp/0983559430/ref=sr_1_1?crid=27D3P58W0X9AT&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.5loha09QdQwJ-YfdKSVI6mNEiXXZ88UhOfFLbypayJhL2cHyCeKyCvOonsW0JZ4wF9kYu709Rgj_3sU5HfFSevVv9vMi8MR4OJ3jAYpS0odLpkauo8Of8BkycrfG_zKzoRuv7xo1xzkOoa-qdCcpf03gntMCs81yFpRJRf94AMcHxcrhkb7V2PlUVVrQzPG142-fi38IDAuqTikGQ7nyImPWbfYiv_IPipAKu3QyA7_nvPFFkwrCNK2esRW3e92s23M9uRud1moGpnjkg1SzFD7M6ydM4ffKfpKcqWYl6NA.XDoCHFmvXMeP6zXq9gDOE5V5sa8GOHm1mUQmIg_CsrA&dib_tag=se&keywords=give+them+something+better&qid=1708535197&sprefix=give+them+some%2Caps%2C145&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Give Them Something Better</a>. But I have since found that the cookbook authors have posted it online <a href="https://givethemsomethingbetter.com/vegan-breakfast-sausage-recipe-with-oatmeal/?fbclid=IwAR2B0US7HbQNphE8WfdIcriITDJySFQegNA5Z-UgqV0lBexQifzWUVpI3BE" target="_blank">here</a>. This time, I cut they cayenne to 1/4 teaspoon as the first time I made them, I found them a little hot for my taste. I also allowed the mixture to sit for at least 10 minutes, not the 5 that's in the recipe. Using a wide mouth canning jar lid to form the patties, I found it made about 13. With a narrow mouth lid, it makes about 25. <br />The next thing to tackle was the "egg". I had tried a chickpea omelette once before and really wasn't impressed with the taste or texture. Recently, I decided to make foods that reminded me of my mother on what would have been her 99th birthday, Valentine's Day (she passed away in 1998). One of those things was a western sandwich, which is basically an omelette between 2 pieces of toast. I googled "vegan western sandwich" and found one that sounded tasty, but it was basically a scrambled tofu recipe. And the filling in a western sandwich is not scrambled. So, instead, I googled "vegan omelette" and found <a href="https://gardengrubblog.com/the-best-vegan-omelette-recipe/?fbclid=IwAR3myKyJO-bZfHHWOQk-gobMrNp60UFH0qZs_h0UGvy1IXq5y28gEfehB7g" target="_blank">The Best Vegan Omelette Recipe</a>. Honestly, I can't say that I've tried every single vegan omelette recipe out there, so I can't say that this is "the best", but it certainly worked out best for me. It's simple, fast and tasty. To use it in a sandwich, I mixed sauteed onions and red peppers into the batter and cooked it on both sides, rather than fold it. In order to fit it into the breakfast sandwiches, I cut it into 4 pieces, so there was enough for 4 sandwiches (and no, I didn't eat four sandwiches. I ate 2, and regretted it about halfway through the second sandwich). <br />Originally, I had planned on putting these sandwiches into store-bought English muffins. Eventually, I am going to try making my own, but in the meantime, I can at least find whole wheat ones in the supermarket. However, I have been playing with sourdough lately (more on that in another post) and have been trying to find ways to use up the discard (you have to discard some of the starter daily or twice daily before you "feed" it with more flour and water). I don't like to waste food, so I've been following recipes that use sourdough discard, so I don't have to "discard" it. This is the recipe for the biscuits I used for the sandwiches: <a href="https://www.kingarthurbaking.com/recipes/buttery-sourdough-biscuits-recipe?fbclid=IwAR2_qqtyPBFCHRz0U-ytOIOKxwovbMmxZS0HUQXUIY0PXi62191e5VhgwpE" target="_blank">Buttery Sourdough Biscuits</a>. Buttery is the operative word, and I likely won't be using this recipe again because there is too much fat! I used Earth Balance Buttery Spread for the butter and whole wheat pastry flour for the flour. They taste good, but I don't want to be consuming things that high in processed fat on a regular basis. <br />So, two thumbs up for both the sausage recipe and the omelette recipe. One thumb up for taste on the buscuit recipe, but one thumb down for fat content. </span><p></p>Laura Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00874889561929236906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5201499384040045485.post-32167014579315423162024-01-28T09:06:00.000-08:002024-01-28T09:06:29.185-08:00Christmas Spice Blend Collection<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Aor6_F1RRrAcH_i3wy-VbiTkAEWsTqrPMTHfo70wLlITSOmTxLxq41rhZHeOK8lnhp-JaJm9e9jo_R3N3yRj_ztT6UTTix8JCregRtf4QdVrXXGamc3-B36SYUGys1dy6LuGs4rxEdO3V4wnJZrj1WkAzyWyrDh1FCvOAP9nqYM7VQIIK6dGhFIgBzms/s4160/IMG_20240110_092350409~2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Aor6_F1RRrAcH_i3wy-VbiTkAEWsTqrPMTHfo70wLlITSOmTxLxq41rhZHeOK8lnhp-JaJm9e9jo_R3N3yRj_ztT6UTTix8JCregRtf4QdVrXXGamc3-B36SYUGys1dy6LuGs4rxEdO3V4wnJZrj1WkAzyWyrDh1FCvOAP9nqYM7VQIIK6dGhFIgBzms/w400-h300/IMG_20240110_092350409~2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Ubuntu;">One of our local fairs has a fairly large Christmas craft section in their bench show, and this past year, I determined to enter as many classes in this section as I could. <br />I don't know why, when I was in a time crunch to get the projects completed for the fair, I would pick patterns like these. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwOEkpkM-4P2qxfbT_gd9dSn24rvSHEEd0kDOxpqdrHIygIwwOT5EvcnLSCbnFIJCPbH5lj_6wB-VQGi8f8QUUxQssxNhfReWFlxPeWuU1bAwFs18x0hhxQMbvMaa5jSIukukgLLAz7qG-xEXteMAF4CtcZhZ6P_Rb9mY8RTDCnTMUVKVXGKlEKYTMAAS7/s4160/IMG_20240125_075226640~2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwOEkpkM-4P2qxfbT_gd9dSn24rvSHEEd0kDOxpqdrHIygIwwOT5EvcnLSCbnFIJCPbH5lj_6wB-VQGi8f8QUUxQssxNhfReWFlxPeWuU1bAwFs18x0hhxQMbvMaa5jSIukukgLLAz7qG-xEXteMAF4CtcZhZ6P_Rb9mY8RTDCnTMUVKVXGKlEKYTMAAS7/w400-h300/IMG_20240125_075226640~2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Definitely not in the quick and easy category! As it turned out, I didn't complete the placemats until just before Christmas. The tops were made before the fair, but I ran out of time to get them quilted and bound. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzvaOicKdBoT2lw_3TLIMzo3AW6_shVbDYzhUJfJ457EyRuFPVOew0m0MRoZrIaVMbn_5CdqbAikUUUvDPFf2kbTr4UVlyARApaG0k4wzVJYESpdiEtp5M7zQSfSXjgQZsCi4ob_Z_Zaf01rjKcn8t7MO1ALMIonHkXu1qJnzdDhtV6ZC4eBEiMkmeaFTK/s3250/IMG_20231217_112804573~2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3250" data-original-width="3120" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzvaOicKdBoT2lw_3TLIMzo3AW6_shVbDYzhUJfJ457EyRuFPVOew0m0MRoZrIaVMbn_5CdqbAikUUUvDPFf2kbTr4UVlyARApaG0k4wzVJYESpdiEtp5M7zQSfSXjgQZsCi4ob_Z_Zaf01rjKcn8t7MO1ALMIonHkXu1qJnzdDhtV6ZC4eBEiMkmeaFTK/w384-h400/IMG_20231217_112804573~2.jpg" width="384" /></a></div>Creating these placemats required 11 different fabrics. The table runner required only 8, but since I wanted them to coordinate, I used the same fabrics, just omitting 3 in the runner.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiURI0ODP7K0ymO2AWQSFuckn0ou_fQM3gsG4S7vq0mp4XxsYZQwauIUhjhjrOdV_ogvEL0y-uuqcaSSFAYYZ1sZO1dXBs094mvplx6rRwYKBOeYGEDhRMIphsRhD3_6RBJN-jbFJPQlMlfqzAELZ9zVGw5YQFHRL3h4F2tI10PjoH7ww214yKk_AEmUlaj/s4160/IMG_20230807_175810195~2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiURI0ODP7K0ymO2AWQSFuckn0ou_fQM3gsG4S7vq0mp4XxsYZQwauIUhjhjrOdV_ogvEL0y-uuqcaSSFAYYZ1sZO1dXBs094mvplx6rRwYKBOeYGEDhRMIphsRhD3_6RBJN-jbFJPQlMlfqzAELZ9zVGw5YQFHRL3h4F2tI10PjoH7ww214yKk_AEmUlaj/w400-h300/IMG_20230807_175810195~2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Finishing the edges on this odd shape would have presented a challenge, so the instructions said to stitch it together inside out, then turn it right side out and quilt it. But I wanted to quilt it on the longarm, which I did, using an old broadcloth fabric from my stash as a false backing. I then stitched it inside out with the actual backing fabric, turned it right side out and stitched the opening closed. Finished!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwdG_WHrHQqZwhm09jU_9r5gkkKVighPb62NKWDS2FeK3zcEqIGddjqXCiRJXYODUmLVFjaXQxP6gIg6PEDQGNflMc5ITazqkBzxdWOooqVql2q3mUne8VRnzxUEXsZVkaprLVMfqQJNWfBpxJ-Qe6tk9vVqU7FAguvPFP_oGWnPPG1tabp5KR7R9Ubby1/s4160/IMG_20231217_163040156.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwdG_WHrHQqZwhm09jU_9r5gkkKVighPb62NKWDS2FeK3zcEqIGddjqXCiRJXYODUmLVFjaXQxP6gIg6PEDQGNflMc5ITazqkBzxdWOooqVql2q3mUne8VRnzxUEXsZVkaprLVMfqQJNWfBpxJ-Qe6tk9vVqU7FAguvPFP_oGWnPPG1tabp5KR7R9Ubby1/w400-h300/IMG_20231217_163040156.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>I used the <a href="https://www.urbanelementz.com/amber.html" target="_blank">Amber</a> pantograph to quilt it as I felt the it echoed the curves of the table runner. <br />When I purchased the fabric, I chose clearance fabric that my local quilt shop sells in pre-cut metres and half-metres. So, I started out with 11 metres of fabric (or maybe it was only 10½ because one of them might have been just a half metre), so plenty not only for these projects, but for others as well. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhic2xeROoB2IN9sKyoJU3e-zQPQwzNoRq9BZrUWOqaK7cbOudBnSxKB9-1LPDtwUyZXVIymID5eCc9Nn2HkNt8EqFBTTyWaezNaG-05IM3NJmCRq4csFq3oJMXFg7mQGLN0ZIqHBHgFgsEUP7IcCRlwiL010D-iB9erTvwI-c9raaY52HnAHIt9T2s0ztb/s4160/IMG_20240112_094929268.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhic2xeROoB2IN9sKyoJU3e-zQPQwzNoRq9BZrUWOqaK7cbOudBnSxKB9-1LPDtwUyZXVIymID5eCc9Nn2HkNt8EqFBTTyWaezNaG-05IM3NJmCRq4csFq3oJMXFg7mQGLN0ZIqHBHgFgsEUP7IcCRlwiL010D-iB9erTvwI-c9raaY52HnAHIt9T2s0ztb/w480-h640/IMG_20240112_094929268.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>This is the Spiced Tea Mat from <a href="https://www.amazon.ca/Country-Quilting-Projects-Margit-Echols/dp/0878578862/ref=sr_1_2?crid=6MF0MKR264Q7&keywords=50+country+quilt&qid=1706196867&s=books&sprefix=50+country+quilt%2Cstripbooks%2C112&sr=1-2-catcorr" target="_blank">50 Country Quilting Projects</a>. You may recall that I'm trying to gradually work my way through this book, completing every project. I think I've still got 40 projects to do after this one. The idea behind this one is that, instead of just a regular hot mat, you create it with a pocket on the back to insert a little packet of spices. The instructions said to make the little packet using fusible interfacing, which didn't seem like the best idea to me. Instead, I made it using muslin. And because it was a Christmas hot mat, I used a blend of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves and allspice. It smells wonderful. And that was the inspiration for calling this collection Christmas Spice Blend. Since I was using a collection of mostly unrelated fabrics, I needed a name to call the assortment of projects I was making from it. And since it's a "blend" of 11 different fabrics, I figured that name would work. <br />I have set a goal of making a different wallhanging for the living room and table treatment for the dining room for each month of the year, so naturally I needed a Christmas wallhanging for December. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-thgcpGKBD6a99jDnEm5-YzGjFMS66sxWeQ19jyHc95TKkd7E_1bFploPAnUbWzoGzp4LsNmrIoHYnPweF57PYpsloKIza7XmRIJBMaH_7_PUN9jj_dJAnDvBOD9SOclva5wLqoouwwsInXFlVexE7bbSpKiHnvkgblV1v6ZoPHS7i5_BBAXhaF2RpZNX/s4160/IMG_20231214_071659746.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-thgcpGKBD6a99jDnEm5-YzGjFMS66sxWeQ19jyHc95TKkd7E_1bFploPAnUbWzoGzp4LsNmrIoHYnPweF57PYpsloKIza7XmRIJBMaH_7_PUN9jj_dJAnDvBOD9SOclva5wLqoouwwsInXFlVexE7bbSpKiHnvkgblV1v6ZoPHS7i5_BBAXhaF2RpZNX/w480-h640/IMG_20231214_071659746.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>I love the vintage look of this wallhanging. To me, the colours are so rich. <br />I quilted the placemats, together with the wallhanging using a pantograph called Cappuccino. It's an older pantograph from Golden Threads that I bought second hand. Because both of these projects have small pieces, I wanted a fairly dense pantograph and this one fit the bill. I don't know if it's still available or not. When I try to go to the Golden Threads website, I get a warning from my security software. And it's not the same as the Cappuccino pantograph from Urban Elementz. <br />Next, I decided to make some pillows for the couch. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipELZLARRwt-7Ue6kZ16d7_WUUueQvgxYM7EfcN9lhd6_ICvW-bBthiwzAK69I0SyzpFVk2dNlO-eiPOSc8mDnB7p0ha-hxktzp0LQ44b1UnO8Pwezb4DY9-3vhyphenhyphenZz-AehEIfbJ1iUYswlSUx7KV3m9M8WHtN7pmThhB20jleV6bjT4EHZ4PdFnKGYUnJr/s4160/IMG_20240112_094910428.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipELZLARRwt-7Ue6kZ16d7_WUUueQvgxYM7EfcN9lhd6_ICvW-bBthiwzAK69I0SyzpFVk2dNlO-eiPOSc8mDnB7p0ha-hxktzp0LQ44b1UnO8Pwezb4DY9-3vhyphenhyphenZz-AehEIfbJ1iUYswlSUx7KV3m9M8WHtN7pmThhB20jleV6bjT4EHZ4PdFnKGYUnJr/w480-h640/IMG_20240112_094910428.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>I used a colouring sheet I printed off the internet as a pattern for the applique. I call it Christmas bells. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi46ncChSNvPXy7nWegmAVR_384rUhY_p7dJG-ULDCevuanqqLt_vtDCPYARP0kZWMSmpArNMU9aHM7dpXC20IRguMOqNgoyI8B_Et5ruEYlS-3-L3UQ7D6Tuv0VMxsQonDWVlmnKVGKqV-dezriTUCmYm3YEG-JWX4atAS3bpWIU1B0GWifzZ1eYDNLWJV/s4160/IMG_20240111_112051526.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi46ncChSNvPXy7nWegmAVR_384rUhY_p7dJG-ULDCevuanqqLt_vtDCPYARP0kZWMSmpArNMU9aHM7dpXC20IRguMOqNgoyI8B_Et5ruEYlS-3-L3UQ7D6Tuv0VMxsQonDWVlmnKVGKqV-dezriTUCmYm3YEG-JWX4atAS3bpWIU1B0GWifzZ1eYDNLWJV/w480-h640/IMG_20240111_112051526.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>It's funny how the circle looks distorted into a rounded square once I placed the pillow form inside. I didn't have any extra 12" pillow forms, and they're not readily available or cheap, so, since I have a big bag of stuffing, I made my own using muslin. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUu_P223DnKzjUSb-wwLoCfzyjuhNi8vJlFMqFDUPC2qIckXhHpALJNYIb6A-4bDbxRLAplMJ72BBofGPRNLoW60E8dFITu0-7-bEGO_5JRBJolCx6qyacW0QBh-GldsV0YT9YgN9kIZNmP7-CJy58topknHhyh6ucKNLlP-9Lv2h15WeI6Y70n76p5UXw/s4160/IMG_20240104_143428780.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUu_P223DnKzjUSb-wwLoCfzyjuhNi8vJlFMqFDUPC2qIckXhHpALJNYIb6A-4bDbxRLAplMJ72BBofGPRNLoW60E8dFITu0-7-bEGO_5JRBJolCx6qyacW0QBh-GldsV0YT9YgN9kIZNmP7-CJy58topknHhyh6ucKNLlP-9Lv2h15WeI6Y70n76p5UXw/w480-h640/IMG_20240104_143428780.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>This block is called Swamp Angel. I found it during a search on my BlockBase+ software and found the name so intriguing that I decided I needed to make it. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf0q27Ox-47IBMGNVUW9z08WAzoC2WgyZMzhsvgkq4gGIF5Gpu4aX1hKRhyQNp0uHJrUBz-FTb66RWiiKM_h75XcwEZXh7OFOhHfeF3J6nd4SEivUFAIYlkza2BS3rer3WECiExbiZ_yn3hKo-iV_tD_hUcBK8FnZU4kudjCmyLtYGhc9IjN_1WLkEmi6u/s720/Screenshot_20240104-143908-295.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="545" data-original-width="720" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf0q27Ox-47IBMGNVUW9z08WAzoC2WgyZMzhsvgkq4gGIF5Gpu4aX1hKRhyQNp0uHJrUBz-FTb66RWiiKM_h75XcwEZXh7OFOhHfeF3J6nd4SEivUFAIYlkza2BS3rer3WECiExbiZ_yn3hKo-iV_tD_hUcBK8FnZU4kudjCmyLtYGhc9IjN_1WLkEmi6u/w400-h303/Screenshot_20240104-143908-295.png" width="400" /></a></div>I later googled to find out what a "Swamp Angel" actually was. Not exactly consistent with the message of Christmas. 😕 But it's still a great block and made an attractive pillow. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHfG-Qx43yypv_C3heZa8ZFuJ9sNQflrBQEQlkvFOxL0uDoDLM8jKyFxhDrRa4Q1fuSQ34BVgsMvregEqQNbtLHSu7iC7HJhznWMZua2YbFdIZLMIqtZIugen7qeMxsRGFcy7TJYlRuV5QMyz1yjvDY4QebviXtmfHd5kYAJHUzLdkXfOwrf19DGZu3AET/s4160/IMG_20240111_113335772.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHfG-Qx43yypv_C3heZa8ZFuJ9sNQflrBQEQlkvFOxL0uDoDLM8jKyFxhDrRa4Q1fuSQ34BVgsMvregEqQNbtLHSu7iC7HJhznWMZua2YbFdIZLMIqtZIugen7qeMxsRGFcy7TJYlRuV5QMyz1yjvDY4QebviXtmfHd5kYAJHUzLdkXfOwrf19DGZu3AET/w400-h300/IMG_20240111_113335772.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Remember my Christmas Tree napkins I made for the previous Christmas? <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHzS_PLj5wt91PhksLWVi0HqrctlLdBDuagJlOlWgFw8dAMjxKg0TIurMbTMbUOV6tsP9-y62iwKcaVT_qSv4tMMPM1p88fvq7nIyVD47WUsIybNKCyaRoQRr9H1kOQad1a1_0ugCVinrkCAoy5gL3Ae9MZX4qqFC3NXq1QAR0xVi0FGzvEnuxrXcrhpa8/s4160/IMG_20221229_074353135~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHzS_PLj5wt91PhksLWVi0HqrctlLdBDuagJlOlWgFw8dAMjxKg0TIurMbTMbUOV6tsP9-y62iwKcaVT_qSv4tMMPM1p88fvq7nIyVD47WUsIybNKCyaRoQRr9H1kOQad1a1_0ugCVinrkCAoy5gL3Ae9MZX4qqFC3NXq1QAR0xVi0FGzvEnuxrXcrhpa8/w400-h300/IMG_20221229_074353135~2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>They just happen to be made from fabrics that I included in the Christmas Spice Blend, so they coordinate as well. <br />I still have plenty of fabric left from this collection, so more projects may be forthcoming. But that's enough Christmas projects for now. </span><p></p>Laura Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00874889561929236906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5201499384040045485.post-37955218491620255812024-01-01T14:42:00.000-08:002024-01-25T06:46:38.307-08:00Christmas in July: Let It Snow<p> <span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: Poppins;">It's New Year's Day, so why am I posting about Christmas in July?</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: Poppins;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfL27Ju7MBSJ2m7VXz6neE6YbDxYjxf4aZXJyKPcx6vqSN2nSHJJd9gYlVxlQohadjWwZ6DcEQMpPFaMNB9ihFqv2InuWUpO0u-hIA0a-Ife-qnH6wNLAyYmh3USpz7JLpuUU37m3T7WfssgY1aPTSPRL_thwxILUDarwOS_1OdFJ3pN4XqyuMe6fkaNxZ/s4160/IMG_20240101_104824969_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfL27Ju7MBSJ2m7VXz6neE6YbDxYjxf4aZXJyKPcx6vqSN2nSHJJd9gYlVxlQohadjWwZ6DcEQMpPFaMNB9ihFqv2InuWUpO0u-hIA0a-Ife-qnH6wNLAyYmh3USpz7JLpuUU37m3T7WfssgY1aPTSPRL_thwxILUDarwOS_1OdFJ3pN4XqyuMe6fkaNxZ/w480-h640/IMG_20240101_104824969_HDR.jpg" width="480" /></a></span></div><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: Poppins;">I don't always do a "Christmas in July" project, but this past July, I decided I would. I had a fat quarter bundle of snowflakes and stars fabrics in blues and whites that had been in my stash for several years. Why not see what I could do with that? <br />Having designed the Grandmother's Twins quilts (which I will share at a later date), which use 10" blocks set on point to create a "snuggle" size quilt, I chose that layout. <br />Then I had to choose the blocks. Why I chose two different blocks is anyone's guess. July seems like a lifetime ago and I really don't remember. Or why I chose Jinny Beyer's book, <i>The Quilter's Album of Blocks and Borders</i>, rather than my <i>BlockBase+</i> software, is also unclear, though I can probably figure that one out. It's easier to find a 10" block in the book by just going to the 5-patch chapter, whereaas in the software, I would have to open each individual block to see if it was a 10" or not. <br />The first block I chose was <i>Here's the Steeple</i>. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX79mM7b3A3nFsDYHydK01YvUbNUpMYImpPfNavwMIio7fiGiSSfF0gqN7RKFBWmcPR109nKwJSf9_QqgYWMdpXhsxUD0CuI04OLStD9UyDsvA6YwuYRApMROeVJoH0XtIl2rxIy5__0M60OulM2KbcHzUvNmrNfzpbv1-TiZrvYImlUgV38gsPDUKVyaO/s3182/IMG_20230711_193421042.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3182" data-original-width="3120" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX79mM7b3A3nFsDYHydK01YvUbNUpMYImpPfNavwMIio7fiGiSSfF0gqN7RKFBWmcPR109nKwJSf9_QqgYWMdpXhsxUD0CuI04OLStD9UyDsvA6YwuYRApMROeVJoH0XtIl2rxIy5__0M60OulM2KbcHzUvNmrNfzpbv1-TiZrvYImlUgV38gsPDUKVyaO/w393-h400/IMG_20230711_193421042.jpg" width="393" /></a></div>Not a simple block and I had to draft it myself from the approximately 2" picture in the book and then create my own templates. I was able to use Tri Recs tools for some of the pieces. <br />My second block choice was <i>Follow the Leader</i> or <i>Pinwheel Square</i>.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8t14ShF94RS3vjIj_ajs5mqu6i5df2jDjlTz3FeeHYcDveukvNhaVvo7RQKl4u2oRtkjccqwj4yO620ADWwyZLLi8TvMfGCpYcDkAFjrpm3FwxraaR5orkcOVGK22yvgFoeru4IfTG1WO7xq4lDF4S30-hI2oFaf2iHmUAplYu98Htwt79_A6m-gy6eBM/s3333/IMG_20230713_132945398.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3333" data-original-width="3120" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8t14ShF94RS3vjIj_ajs5mqu6i5df2jDjlTz3FeeHYcDveukvNhaVvo7RQKl4u2oRtkjccqwj4yO620ADWwyZLLi8TvMfGCpYcDkAFjrpm3FwxraaR5orkcOVGK22yvgFoeru4IfTG1WO7xq4lDF4S30-hI2oFaf2iHmUAplYu98Htwt79_A6m-gy6eBM/w375-h400/IMG_20230713_132945398.jpg" width="375" /></a></div>As I had insufficient fabric left from my fat quarter bundle, I had to "borrow" from my stash for the small dark blue triangles and the white half-rectangle triangles. And I had a note in the book where I had already done the calculations for the pieces. <br />Neither of these were simple blocks, but I was able to create 3 of the Here's the Steeple block and the remainder were partly finished, plus one of the Follow the Leader blocks with most of the pieces cut out. Then I realized that the local fairs were drawing closer (they're in early August) and I needed to get some projects completed if I wanted to have entries for the fairs. And this project was left idle. For months. <br />Once the hubbub of Christmas was over, as the year was drawing to a close, I wanted to complete the quilt I'm making in honour of the coronation of King Charles III. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwRwbwCHayrwdXnsGkXTs71tvvnf0AxbuUlv-zMgtfMfXtHPQzCeOLIBt50IUvixPNiOGconAqfc4xeIpxL3W371yI63MQk4P_LpMKB2LIAS1gvx8AiS-qKIQKjG9N8kcev4VzTFhXDsmEzFlW_tyLJzlFuFUBk-V7WM0C1o5eV1CNVjxIFywfV_RBwbOE/s2886/IMG_20230514_092309561.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2886" data-original-width="2824" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwRwbwCHayrwdXnsGkXTs71tvvnf0AxbuUlv-zMgtfMfXtHPQzCeOLIBt50IUvixPNiOGconAqfc4xeIpxL3W371yI63MQk4P_LpMKB2LIAS1gvx8AiS-qKIQKjG9N8kcev4VzTFhXDsmEzFlW_tyLJzlFuFUBk-V7WM0C1o5eV1CNVjxIFywfV_RBwbOE/w391-h400/IMG_20230514_092309561.jpg" width="391" /></a></div>I figured it was a good idea to actually finish it in the year that his coronation actually occurred. However, this is not a simple block. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgGvLADP0BMzF9VP9n62pZQCQ4vt7IycA4pu29nCXg8m1INqbetb4KtgQv-MxHUT0Ucfz1FskZOP52Tfdp53O3PGAbwWHNqScAp5gyBVmtEJu8xET0Xg71o9NwPMxQHEtGOP5TZzh66dZYKAfMaPAjQZg4iUWSswTJFRsuom83B0O6L0hNvzkSgnx1b9rx/s2909/IMG_20230514_091929349~2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2909" data-original-width="2881" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgGvLADP0BMzF9VP9n62pZQCQ4vt7IycA4pu29nCXg8m1INqbetb4KtgQv-MxHUT0Ucfz1FskZOP52Tfdp53O3PGAbwWHNqScAp5gyBVmtEJu8xET0Xg71o9NwPMxQHEtGOP5TZzh66dZYKAfMaPAjQZg4iUWSswTJFRsuom83B0O6L0hNvzkSgnx1b9rx/w396-h400/IMG_20230514_091929349~2.jpg" width="396" /></a></div>And I needed 16 of them. I had finished 1 and partially finished a second one. I completed this second one, but it's that square in the middle. There's no easy way of getting it there! It requires several partial seams with small pieces, so not much room to work. And when I looked at the foundation paper piecing option in BlockBase+, there really wasn't an easy solution there either. I would still have to figure out a magic formula for getting that square in the middle. It was kind of discouraging. And then I found out that my local quilt shop was closed during the week between Christmas and New Year's, so I couldn't get backing fabric anyway. There was no way I could finish this quilt in 2023 even if I got the top done.<br />I have to admit that I was not really reluctant to relinquish this project for some time in the future. Sorry, Charles. Instead, I decided to complete my Christmas in July project. I already had purchased the filler fabric for the alternate squares and setting triangles, plus the backing fabric, a blue fleece with white snowflakes. And because I had already cut out most of the pieces and partially finished several of the blocks, it went quite quickly. <br />I chose the <a href="https://www.urbanelementz.com/snow-winds.html" target="_blank">Snow Winds</a> pantograph from Urban Elementz for the quilting and Super White Glide thread. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFNWJ5YwYJZ3mF5Xz40xVg25W6XMyJBiD5Io7DZGY1sVuaqYM2OhTybhiG8uy1haLM-clM7HbuRc920MT6hhawEKdbEZJk-jfEXH-s_qr6DwyqU6OzqbTHweP_qCsDSIDl51gK4OXigLIZ7vitNjhrGNar8eAyNYwyJr7lg2SnNBRMaHEVywx5ngMs1y8q/s4160/IMG_20231229_053046702_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFNWJ5YwYJZ3mF5Xz40xVg25W6XMyJBiD5Io7DZGY1sVuaqYM2OhTybhiG8uy1haLM-clM7HbuRc920MT6hhawEKdbEZJk-jfEXH-s_qr6DwyqU6OzqbTHweP_qCsDSIDl51gK4OXigLIZ7vitNjhrGNar8eAyNYwyJr7lg2SnNBRMaHEVywx5ngMs1y8q/w480-h640/IMG_20231229_053046702_HDR.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>Perfect for the "snow" theme of this quilt, and I christened it "Let It Snow". <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4h1hM1qm0nOWG9caVG3PvRDPU2XoSm1PnF6IL3bByc8uf6IL8q90pagVcKvri1zOPb0HyXf0i8e7UK9Kgvx8FVEd9SbmY_C0Gi_oN8qLovKWEgMnOfk0WS8TDakWV8VcUw5oEBkJIVdy3iVpmzFYLLYF5KHqhwAa5cxvssit7hyphenhyphencTpGOtNV-j3arpiNWt/s4160/IMG_20231229_070347685_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4h1hM1qm0nOWG9caVG3PvRDPU2XoSm1PnF6IL3bByc8uf6IL8q90pagVcKvri1zOPb0HyXf0i8e7UK9Kgvx8FVEd9SbmY_C0Gi_oN8qLovKWEgMnOfk0WS8TDakWV8VcUw5oEBkJIVdy3iVpmzFYLLYF5KHqhwAa5cxvssit7hyphenhyphencTpGOtNV-j3arpiNWt/w480-h640/IMG_20231229_070347685_HDR.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>By the time I was finished, I had already determined to see if I could complete a couple of other snuggle quilts before the end of the year. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvBKijM4lqjiZ89Jwk2qdaAI1491njLpVCZ2MilnitRGLsDJj18T1psrPVDVRHPu6IQ35SUoujzkXdGaWgNZu3EoWfpkNpgM38CVU_umMxPeWZrW5vqtH94B9INLeZvZBlii8x4gCub2OcXkAXHUwJvg51PKbE4qHv6Xhcl0ERPadVULm2jTTVPNHJIxmN/s4160/IMG_20240101_104943595.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvBKijM4lqjiZ89Jwk2qdaAI1491njLpVCZ2MilnitRGLsDJj18T1psrPVDVRHPu6IQ35SUoujzkXdGaWgNZu3EoWfpkNpgM38CVU_umMxPeWZrW5vqtH94B9INLeZvZBlii8x4gCub2OcXkAXHUwJvg51PKbE4qHv6Xhcl0ERPadVULm2jTTVPNHJIxmN/w480-h640/IMG_20240101_104943595.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>The tops were finished. I had the backing fabric and the binding strips were already cut. I just needed some polyester fibrefil batting, which is what I use when quilting with minky or fleece. I was able to get that at Walmart. But you'll have to wait for later to see if I was able to get those finished or not. </span><p></p>Laura Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00874889561929236906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5201499384040045485.post-63890136021629550442023-10-07T10:53:00.007-07:002023-10-07T11:15:16.068-07:00Don't Choose Joy<p><span style="font-family: "Amasis MT Pro Medium", serif; font-size: 14pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-tSWgF1yA_cwj9WAWmspaAoE0EgD0R5khyphenhyphenvSPIoCia0Inx7mIhiOagtzM_7Nb8HNwUx2OpBwhLHWuAq1k9Avpho3eyIZtil_g8HJqP963vwe2MfwWoB1CI4UvnbMKGzQUMWLJhJGWQDwYfTWxNATAhwxBQb259p6-p9h_aggxaMpX6dFkPytL5-S1QvIS/s4160/IMG_20230701_114143127.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-tSWgF1yA_cwj9WAWmspaAoE0EgD0R5khyphenhyphenvSPIoCia0Inx7mIhiOagtzM_7Nb8HNwUx2OpBwhLHWuAq1k9Avpho3eyIZtil_g8HJqP963vwe2MfwWoB1CI4UvnbMKGzQUMWLJhJGWQDwYfTWxNATAhwxBQb259p6-p9h_aggxaMpX6dFkPytL5-S1QvIS/w400-h300/IMG_20230701_114143127.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">One of my favourite parts of the book of Ruth in
the Bible is when Naomi returns to the land of Israel, impoverished, having lost
her husband and both sons, with only Ruth, one of her daughters-in-law as
companion. Upon arriving back in Bethlehem, the residents questioned, “Can this
be Naomi?” Naomi responds, “Don’t call me Naomi (which means pleasant). Call me
Mara (which means bitter), for the Almighty has made my life bitter!” (Ruth 1).
She is figuratively, if not literally, shaking her fist at God and blaming Him
for the calamities that she has experienced. There’s no record that God
condemns her anger, and if you finish the story (it’s only 4 short chapters),
you’ll find that God blesses her and she, of course, does not stay angry. I
find this story encouraging because it reminds me that God understands my sorrow,
grief, anger and pain, that He does not judge me for expressing those feelings.
He does not expect me to “just get over it”. He does not call for me to “choose
joy” in the midst of my grief.<br /><span>Jesus was a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief (Isaiah 53:3), so it’s not
a sin to feel the depths of my sorrow and pain and express them.<br /></span><span>Jesus wept (John 11:35), so I can go ahead and cry my heart out and sob with
gut-wrenching, soul-crushing sobs.<br /></span><span>I can scream and shake my fist at God, if I need to. His shoulders are broad
enough to take it. He is not put off by my anger. He knows and understands. And
in order to experience full healing, He knows I need to allow myself to go
through the grieving process. Therefore, He does not call me to “choose joy” in
my time of sorrow.</span><span> <br />The Bible says, “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh
in the morning.” Psalm 30:5b. The long night of grief and pain may seem to last
forever, but just as the day dawns gradually, so, too, our grief will lift, our
pain will heal – gradually. We don’t have to choose joy. It will come – in small
bursts, as the healing comes, and as it gradually dawns towards fullness of joy
in the resurrection morning</span></span><p></p>Laura Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00874889561929236906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5201499384040045485.post-80595275925606921582023-08-19T19:09:00.002-07:002023-08-19T19:11:32.037-07:00Surprises<p style="text-align: center;"> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;"><i>But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.</i><br />1 Corinthians 2:9</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: arial;">As usual, my fair entries bought some surprises - both good and not so good. This tree skirt, for example, which for me was pretty simple and straightforward, and not a whole lot of work, comparatively speaking, won first place. And I'm not even sure I like it.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2G1VUZaqC3_QS0VS3wQN1GUC2xUwwY335xthdg6LAvFm8dsFtN-satlEBhj7vAnm1WOn9QDmjjoELQKf00kCT138USkFWBVnt48qe6JRawCwIgAHCiwduBaq-iMt5_u-EaKZp8FeRgHRO3np7clZJps1Uu2o7vQcDmkKk1zzf752WaMtyj6D-UUY5Zsow/s3583/IMG_20230804_065543282-EDIT.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3583" data-original-width="3120" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2G1VUZaqC3_QS0VS3wQN1GUC2xUwwY335xthdg6LAvFm8dsFtN-satlEBhj7vAnm1WOn9QDmjjoELQKf00kCT138USkFWBVnt48qe6JRawCwIgAHCiwduBaq-iMt5_u-EaKZp8FeRgHRO3np7clZJps1Uu2o7vQcDmkKk1zzf752WaMtyj6D-UUY5Zsow/w349-h400/IMG_20230804_065543282-EDIT.jpg" width="349" /></a></span></div><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: arial;">And it was displayed at the fair with the backing side up, so you couldn't even see the quilting, which to me was the "main attraction". Yes, it has pretty backing fabric, but it's a whole cloth quilt, so it's about the quilting... And because I quilted it using a simple broadcloth on the back and then stitched on the actual backing fabric using the envelope method (stitch the edges of the quilt top and backing right sides together, leaving an opening to turn it right side out), you can't even see the quilting on the back! 😁<br />Then there was the Christmas Spice Blend table runner (I'll blog more about this with pattern info later). <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-1YglbmX_FlDMMx1IirlSUquoOwlFHvpXwzglKYAOYu_K-StkC6j2gSjUvkQlJJRc3IUEa1lKJsyql7pv7pqB3ekds9wsVjZuiGdpGe8DEPDcubs5G7FoZVt168ehwoi1kne5Dp7LuR3yjYfZE-ODAyBOe7xTSpO1daC4FT14Qvu4eSPnJeiy5bUEttMV/s4160/IMG_20230807_175810195~2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-1YglbmX_FlDMMx1IirlSUquoOwlFHvpXwzglKYAOYu_K-StkC6j2gSjUvkQlJJRc3IUEa1lKJsyql7pv7pqB3ekds9wsVjZuiGdpGe8DEPDcubs5G7FoZVt168ehwoi1kne5Dp7LuR3yjYfZE-ODAyBOe7xTSpO1daC4FT14Qvu4eSPnJeiy5bUEttMV/w400-h300/IMG_20230807_175810195~2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Rather tricky piecing, and I was sure it would win a first place, but it only won a second. The first place ribbon went to something in black, made with a panel. </span><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: arial;">Because you're not supposed to touch the exhibits, and it was folded, I couldn't look at all of the details of the first place winner, but the only thing I noticed which might have surpassed mine was snowflakes quilted in the corners, which were too precise to be anything but computerized. If computerized quilting trumps complicated piecing, I might as well throw in the towel now... Admittedly, there might have been other details, like the fact that I machine stitched the opening closed, rather than hand stitch, so the stitches were visible - this was another envelope method project. But, personally, I hardly think that justified a panel project winning a first over mine. Nevertheless, it did win a first in the other fair in which I entered it. <br />And then there was The Study of Geometry. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp8U_2EzLwNC24qfIIWYAeU52syzmEeZyrC5zfvJES-ROveiTD92_knDF3Ij97wnsyqfUmkQ5chH_dwQiQB-4tBbfsRaIkBtHvUtaUdDGSk-L00u3LexwOx-0wSlMHGJzyl1CekAHICAa3WNPSbN0MNyfYTSlzK2pQAa59P7EgpzyXAZ20BeHDIzqjV0v9/s3264/IMG_20220704_132116349_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp8U_2EzLwNC24qfIIWYAeU52syzmEeZyrC5zfvJES-ROveiTD92_knDF3Ij97wnsyqfUmkQ5chH_dwQiQB-4tBbfsRaIkBtHvUtaUdDGSk-L00u3LexwOx-0wSlMHGJzyl1CekAHICAa3WNPSbN0MNyfYTSlzK2pQAa59P7EgpzyXAZ20BeHDIzqjV0v9/w480-h640/IMG_20220704_132116349_HDR.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>I entered it in one fair last year, where it placed 2nd and a different fair this year, where it placed 3rd. And I thought it should be a first place winner. But this humble dishcloth (the pink and green one in the centre) won first place in both fairs in which it was entered. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtTkbFvWITmwfgyr1tFrWgwfyxOHJgtQ_p6JydhIwtkhpAjzpGgsUaS2MGhuHEWEmXLWdB8wVDUSR2CnTcl_Ef3ATef28QFy1PvMu7wjKwXI6BmSfiSlhcw-_ooErlJJEXN2qQdek46dWExkgsKA6lQGWRG5vG9Rf-q7NRek8cyJxSEEO0FBjq810zQXYR/s3264/IMG_20210214_153605272.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtTkbFvWITmwfgyr1tFrWgwfyxOHJgtQ_p6JydhIwtkhpAjzpGgsUaS2MGhuHEWEmXLWdB8wVDUSR2CnTcl_Ef3ATef28QFy1PvMu7wjKwXI6BmSfiSlhcw-_ooErlJJEXN2qQdek46dWExkgsKA6lQGWRG5vG9Rf-q7NRek8cyJxSEEO0FBjq810zQXYR/w400-h300/IMG_20210214_153605272.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We all have surprises in our lives, both good and bad, many of which are far more significant than winning a ribbon in a local fair. The most important are what happens when life on this planet as we know it is over. As the Bible verse at the beginning of this post says, we can't even begin to imagine the things that God has prepared for us. It will be so amazing.<br />There are many misconceptions about eternity. Floating around on a cloud, playing a harp... No, that's not how God wants us to spend forever. Others think that it will just be an eternal continuation of life on this earth. I don't know about you, but I really don't want to spend eternity in the same kind of life we have here. Bars serving alcohol will not be there. Movies portraying crime and immorality will not be there. Revelation 21:27 says, "But there shall by no means enter it anything that defiles, or causes an abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life." NKJV. Life will be perfect: no crime, no death, no sorrow. Only perfect peace and happiness forever. But note what that verse says: only those who are written in the Lamb's Book of Life will enter there. How do we get our names written in the Lamb's Book of Life? Only those who have surrendered their hearts to Jesus and live their lives for Him will have their names written in the Book of Life. Jesus said, " I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture." (John 10:9 KJV). 'Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." ' (John 14:6 NKJV). Acts 4:12 says, "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." Only through Jesus can we have eternal life!<br />To find out more about having a relationship with Jesus and receiving eternal life, follow these links: <br /><a href="https://www.adventist.org/experience-of-salvation/" target="_blank">The Experience of Salvation</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.amazingfacts.org/media-library/study-guide/e/4980/t/saved-from-certain-death" target="_blank">Saved From Certain Death</a><br />To find out more about heaven, the new earth and eternity, follow these links:<br /><a href="https://www.adventist.org/the-new-earth/" target="_blank">The New Earth</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.amazingfacts.org/media-library/study-guide/e/4981/t/a-colossal-city-in-space" target="_blank">A Colossal City in Space</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I put in a lot of work to produce my entries for the fairs and mostly was quite pleased with the results. But my quality of life would not be altered significantly if I had missed out on receiving those ribbons. But missing out on eternity is not a concept I even want to contemplate. <br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QaWv4gLqyeg" width="320" youtube-src-id="QaWv4gLqyeg"></iframe></div><br /><br /></span><p></p>Laura Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00874889561929236906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5201499384040045485.post-73643641665242720002023-08-12T14:47:00.000-07:002023-08-12T14:47:21.899-07:00Unfinished Projects<p style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: Poppins;">"Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ." <br /></span><span style="font-family: Poppins;">Philippians 1:6 NKJV</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy9uKTQh5WLpJGWVG_XhNtEMGtim69E58GYT6GvwDSdb5fdhyhWvCbxvmAZ0enZc5R9mz4Rv02tS_HhXtlAouz4_rMqXjsyWHIDfH8oI77j-7DXBQPAHg58IYOoGeRcna0GYMRMygcwdpK7XYSAlRbW8p9J3-0RlM81pHNih-oibMC1tAVuXlMw5keLCwp/s4160/IMG_20230810_112318330.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy9uKTQh5WLpJGWVG_XhNtEMGtim69E58GYT6GvwDSdb5fdhyhWvCbxvmAZ0enZc5R9mz4Rv02tS_HhXtlAouz4_rMqXjsyWHIDfH8oI77j-7DXBQPAHg58IYOoGeRcna0GYMRMygcwdpK7XYSAlRbW8p9J3-0RlM81pHNih-oibMC1tAVuXlMw5keLCwp/w400-h300/IMG_20230810_112318330.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unfinished Place Mat</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: Poppins;">It's fair season and I've been working like a machine, trying to get projects completed in time to enter in the fairs. There's the local fair in the town I live in, plus a couple of other fairs in nearby smaller communities. Three fairs, and because the one in town, which is a 5-day fair, overlaps the other two., which are one day fairs, anything I entered in the one in town could not be entered in either of the other two. And while I had quite a few projects finished, and while many of the entries in the smaller two fairs could be duplicates, there were still classes for which I wanted to make projects. And so I was making, and making. And I got down to the wire for making projects for the final fair and I just couldn't do it. Insomnia is a serious problem for me and while I sometimes do end up working on projects in the middle of the night because I'm wide awake anyway, I don't want to plan to do it deliberately. So I gave myself permission to not enter every class that I wanted to. As it was, I had 19 entries in the fair in town, and 18 each in the other two. <br />And I have some unfinished projects left over. In addition to the above place mats (a set of four), I began an applique pillow cover and a wall hanging, with plans to also make a tree skirt. But I have a lot more unfinished projects than that. We call them UFOs in the crafting world, which stands for unfinished objects. Also WIPs for works in progress (I loosely define the difference by whether or not I've worked on the project in the last year. If I have, then it's a WIP. If I haven't it's a UFO). I do plan to finish them all eventually, if the Lord tarries, and I live long enough. I don't like unfinished projects. But I also get bored/distracted easily and move onto something new. It's a fault, I know (though recently my daughter and I were discussing our and my grandson's symptoms of ADHD/ADD, so that could be the issue). So, it takes self-discipline to see a project through to the end. And though I'm generally quite pleased with the final results and happy to have a project finished, it's getting there that is the challenge.<br />We are all works in progress. In the pressure cooker of life, God is working on developing our character, if we allow Him to, and making us better people, more like Him. But, unlike me, God doesn't get bored or distracted. As long as we cooperate by surrendering to Him, we will never become unfinished objects, neglected in a dusty corner somewhere. And like some of my projects that involve meticulous, painstaking work, there may sometimes appear to be little progress in our lives. But some tasks require more time and patience. And, as the opening Bible verse states, "</span><span style="font-family: Poppins; text-align: center;">He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ." That's a promise! He will continue to work in our lives, as long as we allow Him to, so that we will be ready to meet Him when Jesus comes again!</span><br /><span style="font-family: Poppins;"><br /></span></p>Laura Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00874889561929236906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5201499384040045485.post-53377951617764908852023-07-28T14:10:00.001-07:002023-07-28T14:10:56.448-07:0041 Country Quilting Projects: Geese and Tulips Pillow<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG_7bZAd-TMOsO0gbb3aLiy8dX3055U6elF2AY9nECzeFEg3dB2-0BrjtgXX8ynGRWMHMJcfb2dq-V411Iijn-YehT9RMEpCL6ZUFX5BPSHabGcl5DxB0jrtrLiCktsYoV-dyIqGlj2-hicyG8frC2xWHgrtiroj1OqrppqZgeNr5XoN8knJBsqFSGDXkq/s4160/IMG_20230727_215722297.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG_7bZAd-TMOsO0gbb3aLiy8dX3055U6elF2AY9nECzeFEg3dB2-0BrjtgXX8ynGRWMHMJcfb2dq-V411Iijn-YehT9RMEpCL6ZUFX5BPSHabGcl5DxB0jrtrLiCktsYoV-dyIqGlj2-hicyG8frC2xWHgrtiroj1OqrppqZgeNr5XoN8knJBsqFSGDXkq/w480-h640/IMG_20230727_215722297.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><span style="color: #5b722a; font-family: verdana;">I have seen this book in thrift stores several times. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkQ5qYnKi3eTYsMOtHLu1dBkdKiVaDi1GvmySubWN1u5WrxrhKdVf7Pz-Ef3lD2DOl4ZyS7CHrI7_DrRDH62oEHuuCGOtLAhZ3Q7WkMjOI1ZjNZEkT3ZVxW4OSJrAw7m_gmDrum2B9t36iAH5gpswSUnsln8Pt3kCBqBSVoRlVmACKq8rMBYygDgRgXKJt/s4160/IMG_20230728_142511723.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkQ5qYnKi3eTYsMOtHLu1dBkdKiVaDi1GvmySubWN1u5WrxrhKdVf7Pz-Ef3lD2DOl4ZyS7CHrI7_DrRDH62oEHuuCGOtLAhZ3Q7WkMjOI1ZjNZEkT3ZVxW4OSJrAw7m_gmDrum2B9t36iAH5gpswSUnsln8Pt3kCBqBSVoRlVmACKq8rMBYygDgRgXKJt/w300-h400/IMG_20230728_142511723.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>Now that I've completed a number of the 50 projects, I'm beginning to understand why. Yes, I know lots of quilting books end up in thrift stores. I know because I've bought lots of them there. But it's not often I see the same one multiple times. And it could be because it's just not a really great book. I question whether or not anyone ever tested the patterns. Ideally, a pattern should be tested by someone who is not the designer, to determine that the instructions are clear and adequate to actually produce the end product. Someone needs to "follow the recipe" to make sure they can actually make the "soup". 😊 Otherwise, you end up with a book like this one, where the measurements are not always correct, supplies are missing from the supply list and steps in the assembly are missing altogether. I can't imagine being a novice quilter tackling some of the projects in this book, hoping to be successful, even some of the ones rated as "Easy". <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyItkhZpwxXzxO38RyODdm0p79d5hYEkRWBCb5tLn0k8chvOgoc2hsBZ0HJJzpcAeMkiySgcWwq71fho5Kbp-XGSJOxvcLYif05J2X8O78c-L32edtMKZWVo6H3pAEUehqHtPZiLEeidu301WKHXdRp2Z6Zja6fzaSlOhBt-E0yyf5TlhfHyt4zXaq634G/s4160/IMG_20230728_142625121.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyItkhZpwxXzxO38RyODdm0p79d5hYEkRWBCb5tLn0k8chvOgoc2hsBZ0HJJzpcAeMkiySgcWwq71fho5Kbp-XGSJOxvcLYif05J2X8O78c-L32edtMKZWVo6H3pAEUehqHtPZiLEeidu301WKHXdRp2Z6Zja6fzaSlOhBt-E0yyf5TlhfHyt4zXaq634G/w400-h300/IMG_20230728_142625121.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>This pillow was one that was rated easy. It definitely was not. Some of the instructions are rather silly: to make Template A, draw a 7" square and cut in half diagonally. Why not just cut out the 7" squares of fabric and cut them in half? Why would I need a template for that? Or "When ready to appliqué, remove paper before fusing pieces to background fabric." I appreciate that some people might not be aware of this necessity, but considering the fact there are really no detailed instructions for the appliqué, it's rather ironic that they would include this. Nowhere in the supply list is there any mention of embroidery floss or instructions on how else one would get the flower stems and eyes into the picture.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGrmd9ZP21kpUb2CJjV8II_8JgrWoQb8TQrMhAADDNH--vSiZtoZOBD6vQnYIAY8iQbbnz6EmoP8h3pctnSZq42FVX7BcbF1KgYoP4BVxyR5gVr0x_u4UjzRqMCe6fIrJKfu9Tc1oopFnLIRh21yRN2hQkcKW5OPzsBjPchtZZGDgAY-Md82CjIqvT-wQV/s4160/IMG_20230727_074307464.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGrmd9ZP21kpUb2CJjV8II_8JgrWoQb8TQrMhAADDNH--vSiZtoZOBD6vQnYIAY8iQbbnz6EmoP8h3pctnSZq42FVX7BcbF1KgYoP4BVxyR5gVr0x_u4UjzRqMCe6fIrJKfu9Tc1oopFnLIRh21yRN2hQkcKW5OPzsBjPchtZZGDgAY-Md82CjIqvT-wQV/w480-h640/IMG_20230727_074307464.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>Fortunately, I have rudimentary embroidery skills and recently, when I was searching for an apron pattern, I came across my embroidery supplies. And since I've never done a French knot, I also had beads available that worked for the eyes. <br />Finally, after attaching two double-sided ruffles, I had to struggle with all of that bulk to get the back of the pillow attached with a ¼" seam. That was about as much fun as sewing the stuffed biscuits together when making the <a href="https://catscrossing-laura.blogspot.com/2019/12/4-country-quilting-projects.html" target="_blank">Rainbow Biscuit Quilt</a>. <br />In spite of all that, I love this pillow. In the book, it's done in blues and white, which I normally love, but it just didn't do it for me. The geese and tulips looked cartoonish and I considered appliqéing something different on this pillow. Remember, my goal is to complete every project in this book. And I decided to go ahead with the geese. And, while they are rather odd looking, the fabric, the colours - whatever it is - it just "sings" to me. <br />If you happen to have or see this book, you will notice that my appliqué is reversed. Rather than trace the design onto paper or directly onto the fabric as the instructions suggest (another weird idea), I chose to trace it directly from the book onto the fusible web. And since the fusible web goes onto the back of the fabric, the design was reversed. <br />Do I intend to continue with my goal of completing every project in this book, in spite of the book's shortcomings? Yes, actually, I do. I like a challenge. And I believe I figured out the project count in this book. Under one title, there may be more than one project. So, for example, under "Mini Patchwork Ornaments", there are 3 different ornaments, each considered a project. With this pillow, I have then completed 9 projects, and hence my countdown now states 41 as that is how many I have left to complete. </span><p></p>Laura Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00874889561929236906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5201499384040045485.post-79364682112799317952023-07-28T13:00:00.002-07:002023-07-28T13:00:49.512-07:00A Couple of Fabric Panel Projects<p><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="font-size: medium;">As I mentioned in a previous post, Fair season is almost upon us.</span> <span style="font-size: medium;">This year, I plan to actually keep my Fair Exhibit Hall/Bench Show books, so I can refer to them throughout the year and plan my projects accordingly. That way, I won't be left madly scrambling at the last minute trying to get projects finishes so that I can enter them. We'll see how that works out...<br />One of the classes in the Sewing Section is Aprons. Somewhere in my stash is this lovely fabric.</span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnErjwkNZqcJF1iNOlMYADrI33_BWZpdR4rg9kHcVuVuVXud89Db_UbRlt_GC_zmFSxIwUrNj9WbSFIeC3qyq-u3pNk2KW7BtNa3lJYH1TlkaLnB_wS4BUPeNR1Q8Z_jeRGmjVp-ujXpzDB6POHyxiv4dMeOtyHwlrQWzdRWPE07hIWKPZ4e29UIwf3Oho/s4160/IMG_20230607_083340503.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnErjwkNZqcJF1iNOlMYADrI33_BWZpdR4rg9kHcVuVuVXud89Db_UbRlt_GC_zmFSxIwUrNj9WbSFIeC3qyq-u3pNk2KW7BtNa3lJYH1TlkaLnB_wS4BUPeNR1Q8Z_jeRGmjVp-ujXpzDB6POHyxiv4dMeOtyHwlrQWzdRWPE07hIWKPZ4e29UIwf3Oho/w400-h300/IMG_20230607_083340503.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></span></div><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;">It would be perfect for an apron.</span><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: trebuchet; font-size: large;"> I didn't even buy it that long ago (the date on the picture is June 7). But can I find it now? Noooo!<br />There was, however, the pink John Deere apron panel.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdT9A_4eJaB8kmPIVg-mkiCeQ99PJ2R85XBnxmcUOu_etQGX-emVXbxdtOLccfooTU3SuorWzjC0HjTGbeeJXQliLSZCiG3IKKXnx3GV_wrmm5_Zrinq5V9i92lNQCRkC6chRC84VqV2hGZzRolCIRoML9J7fM8ciemnoRrBzqpDOpvjWj4h9Kw4XNAN2Z/s4160/IMG_20230726_124451840.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdT9A_4eJaB8kmPIVg-mkiCeQ99PJ2R85XBnxmcUOu_etQGX-emVXbxdtOLccfooTU3SuorWzjC0HjTGbeeJXQliLSZCiG3IKKXnx3GV_wrmm5_Zrinq5V9i92lNQCRkC6chRC84VqV2hGZzRolCIRoML9J7fM8ciemnoRrBzqpDOpvjWj4h9Kw4XNAN2Z/w480-h640/IMG_20230726_124451840.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /> But somehow, submitting an apron made from a panel to be judged in a fair bench show didn't seem right. But then I thought that if I had made the same style of apron from a pattern, there would be no more cutting or sewing involved than making it from a panel. The only difference would be in laying out and pinning the pattern. And since I ended up lining the apron, I did that as well by pinning the apron part of the panel to the lining fabric in order to cut it to size. <br />Why did I line an apron? Well, in spite of being licensed fabric, it was really thin. I imagine one little splatter of whatever I was cooking would go right through it onto whatever I was wearing. That kind of defeats the purpose of an apron. Furthermore, not only were the finishing instructions for this apron inadequate, but not really what I wanted to do. The instructions say to finish all raw edges with serging or zigzag stitching, and then folding the edges under and topstitching. Even though that would be on the inside of the apron, I didn't consider that very functional or attractive. And trying to turn under those curved seams around the underarm would be rather challenging. Initially, my plan was to just finish the raw edges with bias tape, and I purchased an appropriate green to do so. But when I started handling the panel in preparation for cutting, I realized that it was just too flimsy. I was concerned that, once the straps were stitched in place, a good tug on a strip could rip the fabric. So, I pulled some fabric from my stash and cut out a lining. It finishes the edges much nicer than the instructions suggested. <br />A couple more weird things about this panel: it doesn't say to cut the neck strap in half, but it would have been much too long otherwise (at least in my opinion); and the pocket linings were square whereas the pockets are rounded. So, this wasn't my favourite fabric panel.<br />Another class in the Bench Shows is for Christmas Stockings. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUmHPSVmD0PZHr627ffv0sbuOarMBdHFbeQwkkdDjKODTh4YM_ksSzUDPErw-pPf-4GSyAoVNgbC5WYOBNM_gknlPFezzbN7hrEeksCkt5JVwNsxWQuKksjEDwIM1u6-7Dk8nAMSjBBNZU0kcLjU2ce-uVaGvKaBUaemwlUjtFlV-h11h8uuhFgtoRuNwG/s4160/IMG_20230726_182504949.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUmHPSVmD0PZHr627ffv0sbuOarMBdHFbeQwkkdDjKODTh4YM_ksSzUDPErw-pPf-4GSyAoVNgbC5WYOBNM_gknlPFezzbN7hrEeksCkt5JVwNsxWQuKksjEDwIM1u6-7Dk8nAMSjBBNZU0kcLjU2ce-uVaGvKaBUaemwlUjtFlV-h11h8uuhFgtoRuNwG/w480-h640/IMG_20230726_182504949.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>This panel was from Northcott. It had much better instructions and the fabric quality was better. The instructions said to use a piece of ribbon for hanging, but I chose to use a piece of the lining fabric and where I placed the hanging straps is different from where the instructions said (I don't remember where they suggested). I quilted them using the <a href="https://www.urbanelementz.com/cardinals.html" target="_blank">Cardinals</a> pantograph from Urban Elementz. <br />Even though it's one of my smaller designs, it was still rather large for these stockings. I like to have larger designs because they work up quicker when quilting a quilt, but they don't work as well on a smaller project. Of course, you can't necessarily have the detail in a smaller design, but I may have to pick up a few just to use for quilting smaller projects. <br />At least one Christmas in July project finished. </span><p></p>Laura Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00874889561929236906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5201499384040045485.post-3815029682361889442023-07-28T11:36:00.000-07:002023-07-28T11:36:16.235-07:0010-Minute Block Tote Bag<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin8JcPvif-vCSv5PslOs-HBUJ4s123BsPENYGJZFTwKRhiPZqesjyH4KFOKJTYrue5Qs-bdbXxnxabuLmMowwCIxeK_4MSQVTq7WyACUY5hMIb9WeOCVBh2lnA-HTqJRwFlb2MgxdfFyy0eLT8wUGSx77bS0lfB5_cebKsVAj-WU6fWZ-9v9mq3ILynPQ4/s4160/IMG_20230724_101437245.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin8JcPvif-vCSv5PslOs-HBUJ4s123BsPENYGJZFTwKRhiPZqesjyH4KFOKJTYrue5Qs-bdbXxnxabuLmMowwCIxeK_4MSQVTq7WyACUY5hMIb9WeOCVBh2lnA-HTqJRwFlb2MgxdfFyy0eLT8wUGSx77bS0lfB5_cebKsVAj-WU6fWZ-9v9mq3ILynPQ4/w480-h640/IMG_20230724_101437245.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><span style="color: #ae00ff; font-family: helvetica;">Another UFO in the bag, pun intended. <br />I don't remember what year I started this tote bag, but it began with a desire to try the 10-minute quilt block. Haven't heard of the 10-minute block? Neither had I, but you can find it on YouTube. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZbTHlGGKMPM" width="320" youtube-src-id="ZbTHlGGKMPM"></iframe></div>I finished four 10-minute blocks, with the intention of making them into a tote bag, and that's as far as I got. Actually, I shouldn't say "finished" because I hadn't even stitched down the centre piece. <br />I'm trying to get more of my UFOs finished. And having fair season rapidly approaching has been a good motivator. There is a class for tote bags in the bench show and I decided to drag out these blocks and see if I could finish this project. But first, I had to find the rest of the fabric. I seemed to recall using some of it for something, but couldn't remember what. And surely, I didn't use all of it... But there wasn't any other fabrics with the blocks. Finally, thank the Lord, I found the fat quarter bundle, and then I just had to decide what fabric to use where.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx8j_CbG-aedmVAId7YqmsR5Vorhgai27k-BeYaDqXDH0Vt0bD7PEfXkEsZ-LbuYvBDKChQ_UTxF7L9SBGfk4EQzU81rdOwdfjfkeHka4EvUNeB2DJVHzDXqxUmzUjvqxmoW65cZDyIfO3unrRb1PZY9YnL2FL2TdRseS-utAXfJAw5xppPH95dNsNQpRh/s3250/IMG_20230720_100313507.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3250" data-original-width="3093" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx8j_CbG-aedmVAId7YqmsR5Vorhgai27k-BeYaDqXDH0Vt0bD7PEfXkEsZ-LbuYvBDKChQ_UTxF7L9SBGfk4EQzU81rdOwdfjfkeHka4EvUNeB2DJVHzDXqxUmzUjvqxmoW65cZDyIfO3unrRb1PZY9YnL2FL2TdRseS-utAXfJAw5xppPH95dNsNQpRh/w381-h400/IMG_20230720_100313507.jpg" width="381" /></a></div>All along, I had planned on putting this saying on the reverse side of the tote bag. My fabric choice for the letters was probably not the best because it makes the words less distinct. But it's still legible.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ2EE0DmxaGWE4bk9a8xmLjwSZfMkl-TAgY1cJ7zEUiy3YSDa3lTi4gLzNkkv92zrWBB-v5DMU4EFD_IQDFcok0qq84y_6FzOvGD2YToEH3xPXeu4nu_6gIJjIvg5UQvJimKEpNUr7P5xAyzl9GN0C6U7350DDr8dND_lZSmYvEubjFbghMSB9yN9LOkQU/s4160/IMG_20230724_104025502.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ2EE0DmxaGWE4bk9a8xmLjwSZfMkl-TAgY1cJ7zEUiy3YSDa3lTi4gLzNkkv92zrWBB-v5DMU4EFD_IQDFcok0qq84y_6FzOvGD2YToEH3xPXeu4nu_6gIJjIvg5UQvJimKEpNUr7P5xAyzl9GN0C6U7350DDr8dND_lZSmYvEubjFbghMSB9yN9LOkQU/w400-h300/IMG_20230724_104025502.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>I quilted it using the Cable & Feather pantograph from Golden Threads. I purchased it at my Handi Quilter vendor when they were trying to clear out their pantographs. I don't know if Golden Threads even exists any more. I couldn't find them when I googled, so I can't share a link to the pantograph. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyuMVB528sCTVQBMzO-Yz-fpNsWNopnco60dDAaDZaXvmvHpJcZugsQcpVs9pKvJsAl6lZjcWY3fe8nxViOLkxsRJ0Dgt73bvcIQ1dJjQcatFNQ-JTFoLGO5RvJ3pV6X6Aedhw2Gd3i4B2tR0CexklR4-5DbHvHouD4ov6xy6eB0_7tdxCvT531I7KKIvY/s3196/20230724_103605-COLLAGE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2400" data-original-width="3196" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyuMVB528sCTVQBMzO-Yz-fpNsWNopnco60dDAaDZaXvmvHpJcZugsQcpVs9pKvJsAl6lZjcWY3fe8nxViOLkxsRJ0Dgt73bvcIQ1dJjQcatFNQ-JTFoLGO5RvJ3pV6X6Aedhw2Gd3i4B2tR0CexklR4-5DbHvHouD4ov6xy6eB0_7tdxCvT531I7KKIvY/w400-h300/20230724_103605-COLLAGE.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>I'm happy to have this project off the UFO list. It's ready for the fair and after that, it will be my shopping bag for when I visit the fabric stores.<br /><br /></span><p></p>Laura Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00874889561929236906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5201499384040045485.post-6028344722758370122023-07-28T00:32:00.000-07:002023-07-28T00:32:48.905-07:004? Country Quilting Projects: Rainbow Biscuit Quilt<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="color: #741b47;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCvWiC7OYs7PWMtyAQ5sbAOC68dzs1jY-yXEUoiLoc1e3dxEkUNF9DzpDsU6ODz1y7pf06KCofXx6I7M6WtnGDZpATWLNV9fi0p1SYwIX6-6mmyIXCg-o3scCtuWY9_bbLgzLlJM3Kls5NId6cspyEwL1PCctkeJaTerJuT3tsbTaOncckHzBcWm3Nx7V2/s4160/IMG_20230723_181538255_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCvWiC7OYs7PWMtyAQ5sbAOC68dzs1jY-yXEUoiLoc1e3dxEkUNF9DzpDsU6ODz1y7pf06KCofXx6I7M6WtnGDZpATWLNV9fi0p1SYwIX6-6mmyIXCg-o3scCtuWY9_bbLgzLlJM3Kls5NId6cspyEwL1PCctkeJaTerJuT3tsbTaOncckHzBcWm3Nx7V2/w480-h640/IMG_20230723_181538255_HDR.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />The book: 50 Country Quilting Projects by Margit Echols, 1990</span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="color: #741b47;">The project: Afghan Quilt, pp 236 & following</span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: "arial";">The first comment I want to make is about the name of this quilt: Afghan Quilt??? Either it's an afghan or a quilt, but not both. In this case, it's fabric with batting (or stuffing, in this case) and backing, so it must be a quilt. I'm not sure if the designer called it that because it's about the size of an afghan (though afghans can actually be any size) or because the layout of the blocks reminded her of an afghan. Either way, I consider it a rather silly name for a quilt and I prefer a more imaginative name, like Rosy Sunrise or Pink Lemonade, since the quilt in the book is done in shades of pink. Or, since it's laid out similar to a Trip Around the World quilt, how about Biscuits Around the World? Wait a minute, that gives me an idea. Since there are over 200 biscuits in this quilt and about 200 countries in the world, I could do an individual biscuit to represent each country in the world. <sigh> So many ideas, so little time...</span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: "arial";">My real concern about this quilt pattern, however, is not the name, but the inaccuracies in the fabric requirements. The quilt in the book uses 5 different fabrics, not 6 like mine, but that isn't the issue. The squares for the biscuits are 4". Allowing for selvages, you can count on 10 squares per width of fabric strip. The pattern calls for 3/8 yard of fabrics B, C, & D. Three eighths of a yard equals 13.5". Fabric B is fine at 3/8 yard, requiring only 20 squares or 2 strips. Fabric C, however, calls for 28 squares, which would require 3 strips or 12". That's cutting it pretty close to the 13.5" in 3/8 yard, especially if you have to allow for uneven cuts. I prefer a bit more margin for error than that. But 3/8 yard is definitely not enough for fabric D, which requires 36 squares or 4 strips, 16 inches. And with fabric E, the pattern only calls for 1-1/4 yards, or 45", which is really cutting it close to the 44" required for the 11 strips. If it weren't for the fact that I live in Canada where we use the metric system and I had to do some conversion before purchasing this fabric, I might not have caught these errors and I wouldn't have been very happy. In case you have this book and would like to make this quilt, here is what I purchased in metres:</span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: "arial";">Fabric A - blue - 0.6 m (In the pattern, fabric A is also used where I have the red squares as well as for the backing. The requirements in the pattern, 3-1/4 yards, should be sufficient for this).</span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: "arial";">Fabric B - orange - 0.3 m</span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: "arial";">Fabric C - yellow - 0.4 m</span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: "arial";">Fabric D - green - 0.5 m</span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: "arial";">Fabric E - purple - 1.2 m</span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: "arial";">Fabric F - red - 0.3 m</span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: "arial";">Calculating for just straight squares is pretty simple, so I'm at a loss to understand the reason for the errors in fabric requirements. I certainly hope that this is not an issue throughout this book as I've already purchased the fabric for the Iris Medallion quilt, which I plan to make for my oldest sister.</span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: "arial";">Back to this biscuit quilt - I just called it the Rainbow Biscuit quilt - as I mentioned, the one in the book is done in shades of pink, and has lace edging and ribbon ties. Mine is for one of my great nephews, so pink, ribbons and lace wouldn't have been appropriate. </span><br /><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: "arial";">My original plan was to make this quilt for Canada's Sesquicentennial As I was perusing the book,300 Years of Canada's Quilts, </span><span style="font-family: arial;"> <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="color: #741b47;">I found this statement, " Anna Strum of Mador's Cove, Lunenburg County, Nova Scotia made an elaborate and beautiful quilt for her only son in 1874. Of German descent with a strong heritage of featherbeds and down quilts, Mrs. Strumm made what is now called a 'biscuit' quilt. Each little 'puff' is filled with uncarded wool..." (p. 52). This quilt can still be found in the Desbrisay Museum in Bridgewater, Nova Scotia. Unlike the book, however, the museum exhibit states that the quilt was made in 1877 of many types of fabrics stuffed with cotton, and contains 945 squares. (I was able to find this information online before the museum changed their website). Personally, I lean more towards what the book states: sheep can be raised in Canada, but not cotton. And since Canada had not yet developed a textile industry, I question whether "cotton stuffing" would be readily available to make this quilt. An interesting connection, Bridgwater is only 25 minutes from Lunenburg, where the Bluenose II is located, the schooner featured in my pixel quilt. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: "arial";">So, the biscuit quilt was in existence around the time of confederation and at least one was made in Canada not too many years after confederation. </span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: "arial";">(For some interesting background on the history of the biscuit quilt, see <a href="http://www.womenfolk.com/quilt_pattern_history/biscuit-quilt.htm" target="_blank">Those Peculiar Biscuit and Puff Quilts</a>). <br />My plans don't always turn out the way I planned them and this quilt never got finished until this year. It's actually incredibly tedious making all of those biscuits. But the most frustrating part is stitching them together. The instructioins in the book say to complete each biscuit individually and then stitch them together in rows and then stitch the rows together. It was really a struggle trying to get all of that bulk under the presser foot on the sewing machine in order to stitch them together. I just got quite frustrated with that process. <br />When I finally got back to this quilt this year, I continued to do what the book said until finally I got the brilliant idea to stitch a row of unstuffed biscuits together and then stuff all of them and stitch the whole row closed at once. Yes, it was much easier that way. But still I struggled to get those bulky rows together. And sometime during the process of trying to push all that stuffing togehter and force it under the presser foot, I managed to get my finger too close to the needle and did something that I don't think I have ever done before in my 46 or so years of sewing: I hit my finger with the needle. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFRI8Ogc8VDMepOgpbwp7Qj2Wume-usd7B_AAyvTirlrF6WthrlZH6489RYwOvYFh-Z6imhlnBkqvfaem0-G1kMRAxpVU3opYHR400i4RT9SBszr7pWWMdMsG-y68y89HbK52cYP1Sd8x9zQwpi0P4euFUi5RgrYe4_UdzwpuvRprMtPSMEzRvxrtwySZm/s911/IMG_20230717_070614814.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="911" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFRI8Ogc8VDMepOgpbwp7Qj2Wume-usd7B_AAyvTirlrF6WthrlZH6489RYwOvYFh-Z6imhlnBkqvfaem0-G1kMRAxpVU3opYHR400i4RT9SBszr7pWWMdMsG-y68y89HbK52cYP1Sd8x9zQwpi0P4euFUi5RgrYe4_UdzwpuvRprMtPSMEzRvxrtwySZm/w400-h300/IMG_20230717_070614814.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Thank the Lord, it wasn't too serious. It didn't hurt that much, but bled a fair amount. I poured hydrogen peroxide on it and then applied a bandaid. I still can't figure out exactly what happened. The needle must have hit my finger nail and then entered the skin beside the nail. But it went in more parallel than perpendicular. I'm sure my guardian angel was doing his job. Since this project, the lowest thread guide on my sewing machine - the last one before threading the needle - has been bent. I have no idea how that happened or if it's in any way connected to my injury. I'm not rough with my sewing machine, so I really have no explanation for it. <br />My next brainstorm for completing this quilt was to stitch the whole row of unstuffed biscuits to the previous - already stuffed - row. That way, I was only dealing with the bulk of one row of stuffed biscuits, not two. That worked much better as well. My final brainstorm didn't happen until I was going to put the binding on, but that was after I came up with a couple of not-so-brilliant ideas. <br />The instructions in the book said to put the quilt top and the backing right sides together and stitch them together, leaving an opening to turn. Then turn it right side out, stitch the opening closed and sew a bar tack over a ribbon in multiple biscuit intersections, but not all of them. As I mentioned, this quilt is going to a great nephew, so I didn't want ribbons. I also didn't want to tie the quilt. My experience with tied quilts is that the knots work themselves loose with wear and laundering and I'd have to go back and re-tie or replace them. I also don't think they look as nice. And I wanted quilting around every biscuit, not just a bar tack at certain places. So, I decided to mount it on the longarm and stitch between all of the biscuits. And to compound my foolishness, I also decided to add a layer of polyester fibrefil batting... All of that bulk really became quite unmanageable and my quilting between the rows tended to go in whatever direction the biscuits pushed it. Definitely not nice straight rows. Nevertheless, I got it done. But now, because I chose to quilt it on the longarm, I also had to bind it, something I wouldn't have had to do if I'd followed the method in the book. And I had added to already incredibly bulky quilt by including batting...That's when my final brainstorm came in. I decided to use the Brother sewing machine. Its ¼" foot is narrower on the left side than the one on my Janome. That meant the bulk didn't have as much presser foot to fit under. Even so, I nearly ended up crying - and considered burning the quilt - while fighting to get the binding on. <br />Thank God, it's finished. There are a few more biscuit projects in this book, but they are all smaller projects and I at least learned a few tricks to make the going easier while constructing this quilt. <br />Here's the fun backing fabric I chose for this project. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0nyRKGQ9ANBZ119H-mbAQce9BNhC-SHDXIE0kaeVmIaHCVaYPbgKH3JDbjJpKTePa5hX_2QSjswHTdsNq3q2hhxdeLsQQIUZxoudmWWG54WyX9Aw2-IjNKkA-s4DzLiliOpbk16YIsNWDMc02ch82xiLDbnQgdXAjlLqoQzt3YlcSvSpoXJ1vVBjGMOfU/s4160/IMG_20230723_181617754_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0nyRKGQ9ANBZ119H-mbAQce9BNhC-SHDXIE0kaeVmIaHCVaYPbgKH3JDbjJpKTePa5hX_2QSjswHTdsNq3q2hhxdeLsQQIUZxoudmWWG54WyX9Aw2-IjNKkA-s4DzLiliOpbk16YIsNWDMc02ch82xiLDbnQgdXAjlLqoQzt3YlcSvSpoXJ1vVBjGMOfU/w480-h640/IMG_20230723_181617754_HDR.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>And I lost track of my countdown of projects I've completed in this book, as seen in the title of this post. I haven't quite figured out how the author counts 50 projects, but I'm not going to lose any sleep over it.</span>Laura Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00874889561929236906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5201499384040045485.post-76299967182804384262023-06-22T13:32:00.001-07:002023-06-22T13:32:07.321-07:00Kimono Rose<p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidaaK_nOTTfu0cFmrVDM496fdyRQVjMjiSm-tMLGjLlcEeqis2ZZ-dqSwoTlnMygnkvMa3L1HqdZDdOUgAGQsFS30UHgzewZ1HBirOnqBZtaCOIOVVcZB-VR0h51PLUHbAyCRjMxVtP9XbrH9WNq6balkmK1uIPnDcpWgkMJSpv9otVlaPvJtRjiUOIzob/s4160/IMG_20230622_135234961_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidaaK_nOTTfu0cFmrVDM496fdyRQVjMjiSm-tMLGjLlcEeqis2ZZ-dqSwoTlnMygnkvMa3L1HqdZDdOUgAGQsFS30UHgzewZ1HBirOnqBZtaCOIOVVcZB-VR0h51PLUHbAyCRjMxVtP9XbrH9WNq6balkmK1uIPnDcpWgkMJSpv9otVlaPvJtRjiUOIzob/w480-h640/IMG_20230622_135234961_HDR.jpg" width="480" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="color: #bf9000;">There are some advantages to writing a blog, even if I don't post often or regularly. By searching in my blog posts, I was able to determine that I bought the <a href="https://www.quiltingdaily.com/product/asian-influences-ebook/" target="_blank">Asian Influences e-book</a>, from which I got this pattern, some time in 2014, and that I purchased a large part of the fabrics used in this quilt top at the <a href="https://catscrossing-laura.blogspot.com/2014/09/report-on-creative-stitches-crafting.html" target="_blank">Creative Stitches/Crafting Alive</a> show in Edmonton that same year. I was also able to find out that <a href="https://catscrossing-laura.blogspot.com/2016/08/2016-fair-entries.html" target="_blank">I was working on the quilt in 2016</a>, but wasn't able to finish it in time for that year's fairs. Or any fair since then. But it's finished now and I should be able to enter it in this years' fairs and then send it off to the recipient (my brother's widow). <br />If you're interested in the pattern, you don't have to buy the book, like I did. There's actually a <a href="https://www.quiltingdaily.com/product/free-asian-quilt-patterns/" target="_blank">free e-book</a> available now that contains this pattern. I think I need to explore more of the freebies available on Quilting Daily. Not that I really need any more patterns, but just in case... <br />Because I started this quilt so long ago, I don't remember much of the process. I do recall having to rip a seam out because the blue lattice strips were not lining up properly. I also vaguely remember fussy cutting these cranes</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjySn4xMS5xxfevbsW4QTmil8pdtYkIsAjAfEQFJU810BO_JKZEN8f3NGkOcFmk7kQfh_dvRnmA3duf1qZGu2rZTH-AbFc-DHh7zdntGHCY4XA5qglPMb9lgWh6YOmVU5nzmSdy8RXaSZYOwuQMi1MnJ1-QdAybeQLY0qO16ObylTUpPXppVy-0D85XITcU/s4160/IMG_20230622_135248360_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjySn4xMS5xxfevbsW4QTmil8pdtYkIsAjAfEQFJU810BO_JKZEN8f3NGkOcFmk7kQfh_dvRnmA3duf1qZGu2rZTH-AbFc-DHh7zdntGHCY4XA5qglPMb9lgWh6YOmVU5nzmSdy8RXaSZYOwuQMi1MnJ1-QdAybeQLY0qO16ObylTUpPXppVy-0D85XITcU/w480-h640/IMG_20230622_135248360_HDR.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><span style="color: #bf9000;">so that they would fit nicely into the squares I was cutting. I'm thankful that none of the already fused and cut out applique pieces went missing during stage 2 of my craft studio renovations that prepared the space for my longarm I actually took this out last year (or was it early this year?) and got a little more of the applique finished. But it lanquished some more until I determined to get it finished THIS YEAR! <br /></span></span><span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: helvetica;">I also had to choose a quilting pantograph. Originally, I purchased </span><a href="https://www.urbanelementz.com/jessica-s-ginkgo.html" style="font-family: helvetica;" target="_blank">Jessica's Ginkgo</a><span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: helvetica;"> as an appropriate oriiental-themed design. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="color: #bf9000;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="color: #bf9000;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD6CQHX3XVgFRFEx1z2IXv_XjrCkT4gyupFXYd0uy7ub3mDlNlOdj4AX7ZgvcwJW_ear3jHwthA3dNHkdEiqylfV43R1BwsUCq2LsfWHDvfNldPo7ZSI4S_JSj11LogQLWO4piMTd2Ax5yEe02EyZ9eTL9Tle51DoD6wWZ5Xl6u5cj70SemGgBapQ2YXlB/s600/jessicas-ginkgos.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD6CQHX3XVgFRFEx1z2IXv_XjrCkT4gyupFXYd0uy7ub3mDlNlOdj4AX7ZgvcwJW_ear3jHwthA3dNHkdEiqylfV43R1BwsUCq2LsfWHDvfNldPo7ZSI4S_JSj11LogQLWO4piMTd2Ax5yEe02EyZ9eTL9Tle51DoD6wWZ5Xl6u5cj70SemGgBapQ2YXlB/s320/jessicas-ginkgos.png" width="320" /></a></span></span></div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="color: #bf9000;">Then I found Kyoto Fans and decided that it would coordinate much better with the theme of the quilt. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4b_j2b9BlOrNCPl6rqQjuHiOcJ4o_r-IMbykhdEGEz6Pe1-X5Ob4uSH_DDxzwl1nGGWfZIsZ3zLqOPwI46KEBYLlMVENWsa0CqWtziH3bjrxRFY8xFh9WtrWeGq2mTV7mBmfIUcT93KHn1-f7Ldy0_MKMOzPJNnYv49R2ccegWQsGNUCN5DBL8KmReR0y/s600/kyoto-fans_1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4b_j2b9BlOrNCPl6rqQjuHiOcJ4o_r-IMbykhdEGEz6Pe1-X5Ob4uSH_DDxzwl1nGGWfZIsZ3zLqOPwI46KEBYLlMVENWsa0CqWtziH3bjrxRFY8xFh9WtrWeGq2mTV7mBmfIUcT93KHn1-f7Ldy0_MKMOzPJNnYv49R2ccegWQsGNUCN5DBL8KmReR0y/s320/kyoto-fans_1.png" width="320" /></a></div>However, it's a much denser, more intense design and now that I'm finished it, I really don't feel that it was the best design for this quilt top. Even on the backing, you can't really discern what the quilting is supposed to be. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSgJNToE2Oob6vQ0htOrNhvaiLHlHDfaiHLxhGypm31ArWczFfZx_14G6W-g1zfxV8w_GG-pt7UP6NFEzawk3kPc1RdttLVWDUMohEBjDzv2mSjwhkXbRuHjG9bCl3aJQV_XoB28o4hN23Th-MkH11A2PIaudF5-ssmZyJaEIQlGzqhHXWxvHWPEeng84e/s4160/IMG_20230622_135949960.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSgJNToE2Oob6vQ0htOrNhvaiLHlHDfaiHLxhGypm31ArWczFfZx_14G6W-g1zfxV8w_GG-pt7UP6NFEzawk3kPc1RdttLVWDUMohEBjDzv2mSjwhkXbRuHjG9bCl3aJQV_XoB28o4hN23Th-MkH11A2PIaudF5-ssmZyJaEIQlGzqhHXWxvHWPEeng84e/w480-h640/IMG_20230622_135949960.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>It looks like just a bunch of scribbling with my longarm. I think it's too dense a design for such a busy quilt top, and I should have probably gone with Jessica's Ginkgo. Nevertheless, it did meet with Mystery's approval. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0-R3alyRVq1mtwmNh2H5gXbzSBzk6UR-2-Oqkqp4mRLVSBosbMBETUgTTXvt5P6yCsKOWijY0AN2ODFwiW27Ym3OW_BjC65Sy35W-7BpFgae-ntXd6ZzezcFlB8YMM2SusSmRQ5zWPjTHZoY2tpvZbzHa14NbSiud8ECyvkCjeV62agwTXYilgo2hrlMK/s4160/IMG_20230622_135922933.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0-R3alyRVq1mtwmNh2H5gXbzSBzk6UR-2-Oqkqp4mRLVSBosbMBETUgTTXvt5P6yCsKOWijY0AN2ODFwiW27Ym3OW_BjC65Sy35W-7BpFgae-ntXd6ZzezcFlB8YMM2SusSmRQ5zWPjTHZoY2tpvZbzHa14NbSiud8ECyvkCjeV62agwTXYilgo2hrlMK/w480-h640/IMG_20230622_135922933.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>I'm happy to have another UFO finished. UFO no more!</span></span><p></p>Laura Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00874889561929236906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5201499384040045485.post-43562678372009960472023-06-21T14:02:00.001-07:002023-06-21T14:02:07.288-07:00Winnings and Updates<p><span style="font-family: arial;">Have you ever entered those contests on social media and wondered if anyone actually wins? Especially when no winner is announced after the contest ends. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">Or if they "win", do they really receive the prize? Well, several years ago, when Google+ was still a thing (I really liked Google+ and I'm sorry Google retired it), I won this thread collection. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNKfUsdfG97fW3U_tt0ejF5W0GPJwoDmko9Mwp_TwF7kw5E7McJsscJQh3x7O5D_ITJnfMMHJJ_zOTJdrfhRo2sItOC_hq_QAfzfzfs0sytpD0E1kBILWf3XJH9kHU72k9RJ58dVWkdJPUPWxWIaRFGHEXhFMaTXcZWUCoVCNE1BM3JQYrHEfrRUlYYWbV/s4160/IMG_20230621_122951266.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNKfUsdfG97fW3U_tt0ejF5W0GPJwoDmko9Mwp_TwF7kw5E7McJsscJQh3x7O5D_ITJnfMMHJJ_zOTJdrfhRo2sItOC_hq_QAfzfzfs0sytpD0E1kBILWf3XJH9kHU72k9RJ58dVWkdJPUPWxWIaRFGHEXhFMaTXcZWUCoVCNE1BM3JQYrHEfrRUlYYWbV/w400-h300/IMG_20230621_122951266.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;">And yes, I actually received it! And have since put it to good use.<br />Then a few years back, on Instagram, I "won" a gift card from a quilt shop in California. I never heard from them after I supposedly won. And when I contacted the coordinator of the contest to ask her about it, I never heard from her again either. Very disappointing!<br />But this year, I've had a little more success in my online winnings. Probably because I was dealing with more reputable organizations. <br />First there was an Alberta Quilt Shop, <a href="https://www.craftycreationsquiltgallery.com/" target="_blank">Crafty Creations Quilt Gallery</a>, that ran a contest on Facebook asking for designs to use some fabric that they got into their store. The fabric looked like tweed, but was a quilting cotton, and it came in three different colours. The winner would receive 2 metres of the fabric. Because it looked like tweed, I chose the bowtie block to use in my quilt design and called it Tweed Suit and Bowtie. And I won! I chose to receive 2 metres of the grey fabric. </span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwYOGQgi8FmFZKjpE1oPlExm-_RZFQLk5ZUe2cDsTcOf9stZc3xDWPMyuWJVVc9tSTL7xiufwKdAm4_5vYshYx0sXuvQmiO5-H6qnT3HDO4CwiHHKA_l1sOQHEhqLmrddYW-vetiEOyOiZz99K2xZaiGcuXHWkzHOn8FdZ5bYIjd7WJcgxg1rvNWjlxhYt/s3153/IMG_20230405_141419715~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3153" data-original-width="2102" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwYOGQgi8FmFZKjpE1oPlExm-_RZFQLk5ZUe2cDsTcOf9stZc3xDWPMyuWJVVc9tSTL7xiufwKdAm4_5vYshYx0sXuvQmiO5-H6qnT3HDO4CwiHHKA_l1sOQHEhqLmrddYW-vetiEOyOiZz99K2xZaiGcuXHWkzHOn8FdZ5bYIjd7WJcgxg1rvNWjlxhYt/w426-h640/IMG_20230405_141419715~2.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;">I origally planned on making the bowtie quilt using fabric scraps from my stash. </span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJDzDLGtLo8qh--YLPBcnJXwWkeXTJWRRoS-T2PPktlKxFf9oOgnGU4es9Ha-3c1HXPOmBmHT5uKXDDVsELlDgCcgxlHK-DzGoL2zxX5diN5R4KoAgOXCEPgtUYHg1ZcNssicjR924UyhQS2jBtpERtyXC-qwjErNDZuoggA0_bS4xmmQWm8xy9paB1kff/s3165/IMG_20230621_131440114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3165" data-original-width="3120" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJDzDLGtLo8qh--YLPBcnJXwWkeXTJWRRoS-T2PPktlKxFf9oOgnGU4es9Ha-3c1HXPOmBmHT5uKXDDVsELlDgCcgxlHK-DzGoL2zxX5diN5R4KoAgOXCEPgtUYHg1ZcNssicjR924UyhQS2jBtpERtyXC-qwjErNDZuoggA0_bS4xmmQWm8xy9paB1kff/w394-h400/IMG_20230621_131440114.jpg" width="394" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;">But then I thought about the book, The Secret Lives of Colour. </span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3cyPBwYKUyRciwTtm72ArinC3dqyQbbL0CLmqkrhWRLeZAKzHYHQ8dLOeonmYpYLO6jWt34SFi9uDHRxfUw0Hf-wtEYYoKBeZ0mmqL77tSfWKCroQ1dpQzR73VgA9VyvYZ93belXkgxylehDsBDXqAOcJhbMBon4-2ynZQfk-ymK0n16Y0JFP8GsSP-gJ/s4160/IMG_20230604_165118108~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3cyPBwYKUyRciwTtm72ArinC3dqyQbbL0CLmqkrhWRLeZAKzHYHQ8dLOeonmYpYLO6jWt34SFi9uDHRxfUw0Hf-wtEYYoKBeZ0mmqL77tSfWKCroQ1dpQzR73VgA9VyvYZ93belXkgxylehDsBDXqAOcJhbMBon4-2ynZQfk-ymK0n16Y0JFP8GsSP-gJ/w480-h640/IMG_20230604_165118108~2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;">One of the quilters I follow on Instagram participated in Pat Sloan's The Secret Lives of Color Quilt Along, where she made a churn dash quilt block in each colour in the book, 75 colours in all. And I thought that I could do that with the bowtie block. </span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfSp3xUDFvFj6YKqSHO8HQK1bOpmBuICkQjP6_9CYmIAGU-i_Hzg1hCpsKnmktZiy333r7z1SYNosGFPAeUD3T-mfwlvlWPBf02VktKYpkgWxyGCocmURZGj_Lc8G8qW0Wvx8Prrw0zsYa6pctItI8CuAFqwwRGlTkzTOI2mXj1dlDM9bHpe5jXCXjgZCI/s2046/IMG_20230604_204217907-COLLAGE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2046" data-original-width="2046" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfSp3xUDFvFj6YKqSHO8HQK1bOpmBuICkQjP6_9CYmIAGU-i_Hzg1hCpsKnmktZiy333r7z1SYNosGFPAeUD3T-mfwlvlWPBf02VktKYpkgWxyGCocmURZGj_Lc8G8qW0Wvx8Prrw0zsYa6pctItI8CuAFqwwRGlTkzTOI2mXj1dlDM9bHpe5jXCXjgZCI/w400-h400/IMG_20230604_204217907-COLLAGE.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top left: Fluorescent Pink; top right: Shocking Pink; middle right: Blonde; bottom left: Indian Yellow; bottom middle: Minium; bottom right: Avocado</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: arial;">Initially, I was just doing the blocks as I found the colours in my stash. But I found that jumping around in the book was just too disorganized, and it would make it difficult to keep track of which colours I had done and which I still needed to do. Instead, I chose to complete them in order, one section at a time. </span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEruoJtnEg3yfj3C16XU918LjnH-3KpJZjdKjQXrcxSr45UTlLExRzr-MBM0ufY8oI9QYFC96Uwz6cHYDWn60N2Ja14QcQgWrIEATZpaX-xvGcSopZaUU6UW_KTA5Swvbm0RALDtRqHatFQ8P6h7c-FXkBt7y5-rWe6FwrLpgqe6AD1Z9qt8wnGYOimwq5/s2046/IMG_20230606_193059790-COLLAGE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2046" data-original-width="2046" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEruoJtnEg3yfj3C16XU918LjnH-3KpJZjdKjQXrcxSr45UTlLExRzr-MBM0ufY8oI9QYFC96Uwz6cHYDWn60N2Ja14QcQgWrIEATZpaX-xvGcSopZaUU6UW_KTA5Swvbm0RALDtRqHatFQ8P6h7c-FXkBt7y5-rWe6FwrLpgqe6AD1Z9qt8wnGYOimwq5/w400-h400/IMG_20230606_193059790-COLLAGE.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Left: Isabelline; middle top: Silver; top right: Lead White; middle centre: Whitewash; middle right: Beige; bottom middle: Ivory; bottom right: chalk</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: arial;">These are the blocks from the white section. <br />Interestingly, the author of the book did not choose the same number of colours from each family. Or the prettiest or brightest. Rather, she chose "individual shades with particularly fascinating, important or disturbing histories." p. 11. I'm not going to share the histories of the various shades. That would be too exhausting. You'll just have to buy the book, if you're interested. Or borrow it from your library. <br />I had hoped to use mostly fabric from my stash, but trying to match as closely as possible to the colours in the book is making that very challenging. So, I will be buying fabrics as I see fit. Most of the fabrics in the white section were purchased for this quilt. <br />My goal is to make a quilt to fit a twin-sized bed, so I plan on making 96 blocks, not just the 75 colours in the book. I calculated that if I make 10 of each colour family, not including white and black, I will end up with 96 blocks including the 7 whites and the 9 blacks. That will give me the opportunity to include some of the prettier shades not included in the book (but often found in my stash). <br />The next winning up is the <a href="https://www.hobbsbatting.com/" target="_blank">Hobb's Batting</a> prize that I won on Instagram. And yes, it's an awesome prize. </span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkF6ARXrW51FykEvTjASwN0WdLBG-1ysXIOqy5ZVzBgpcsLNSAPmnRFCIu0UdkUVo2BD5_0YxxmPYiXuCqmzA9sq0wVwng8fnwokezEL5-fgZdodJ9TC__1nGU-Qfo_SGoxq2Ao2aGYmI9BelUZTbamiCxvlXG9gTAYlIjp2sF4OxYL6Ag_X6EqVDdoIlF/s4160/IMG_20230606_104805550.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkF6ARXrW51FykEvTjASwN0WdLBG-1ysXIOqy5ZVzBgpcsLNSAPmnRFCIu0UdkUVo2BD5_0YxxmPYiXuCqmzA9sq0wVwng8fnwokezEL5-fgZdodJ9TC__1nGU-Qfo_SGoxq2Ao2aGYmI9BelUZTbamiCxvlXG9gTAYlIjp2sF4OxYL6Ag_X6EqVDdoIlF/w400-h300/IMG_20230606_104805550.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;">Not only did I receive various types and sizes of batting, plus a couple of pillow forms, but a batting information card. </span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEthcx_lAz93jbbt-hTigF9qrhI4S94L93ScfnY6Ua9IgYdL3bPi83muIdy7LMcJIzm4hl2zdDU2ns6ayxssvIJPG7sM_K3dh9BqU8h7r68VROm0GxUR3-V7dYBBWfmDrOK4LWWMpm1FN9CSeIK-E7OaitsQMA7Zj2xQXD_81jD_ZoKS1DFNnuHVZymhbN/s4160/IMG_20230606_105213514.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEthcx_lAz93jbbt-hTigF9qrhI4S94L93ScfnY6Ua9IgYdL3bPi83muIdy7LMcJIzm4hl2zdDU2ns6ayxssvIJPG7sM_K3dh9BqU8h7r68VROm0GxUR3-V7dYBBWfmDrOK4LWWMpm1FN9CSeIK-E7OaitsQMA7Zj2xQXD_81jD_ZoKS1DFNnuHVZymhbN/w400-h300/IMG_20230606_105213514.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;">That was definitely a prize worth winning. <br />Finally, I receved this prize from <a href="https://www.ladybugthreads.com/" target="_blank">Ladybug Threads</a>, also on Instagram. </span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDJ4NE8Ms5dQz80KMn0kXXESBjDc_Il7qouxdAhfx_t_Ldx0NPNwry7Jm04DritlxaAwAHcFatMgx5WN_xBB_3KeRM9NGV6ZgFp7hnGY5NxItn0SbT-lpTg8b6Vz-JMewxLUsgwqwa8LM_YVRji6NTU9DacoDp6FWmv5AKHpVaDJqnmJr6DSCPU4K5AYZh/s3120/IMG_20230609_111945387~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2710" data-original-width="3120" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDJ4NE8Ms5dQz80KMn0kXXESBjDc_Il7qouxdAhfx_t_Ldx0NPNwry7Jm04DritlxaAwAHcFatMgx5WN_xBB_3KeRM9NGV6ZgFp7hnGY5NxItn0SbT-lpTg8b6Vz-JMewxLUsgwqwa8LM_YVRji6NTU9DacoDp6FWmv5AKHpVaDJqnmJr6DSCPU4K5AYZh/w400-h348/IMG_20230609_111945387~2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;">A cone of Omni thread in a nice neutral colour, a journal, a poster that says, "Sewing Forever, Housework Whenever", a lens cloth and a retractable measuring tape. Another lovely prize. <br />Now for quilting updates: it seems that lately I'm only able to finish small projects. I've started numerous quilts, but then I run out of steam and start a different one. There's always excitement in a new project, but then the endorphin rush rushes on and it's easy to lose motivation. I do have a couple of smaller quilt tops done that just need quilting. I still have to order the right colour of thread...<br />I did get a few blocks done on the Log Canada quilt for my middle sister. </span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgop64JrItQZ-SrYFKPO1il9wMpnZ2Dbs3m8ytQveJIvd-AT2KLThNiQaLgQjrh2zV63cV-xIWHYB7dvocQTyhUq4925-9N1CPApgAoqpqVCd2LbCfC0R6xgOGdoHIGuSuxcf24Y9IC4bljBJJI3LN5rjgj9h1q1AVp_Cn7aIt95Gnp04CugGZQ4Czce0UJ/s4160/IMG_20230309_160427637.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgop64JrItQZ-SrYFKPO1il9wMpnZ2Dbs3m8ytQveJIvd-AT2KLThNiQaLgQjrh2zV63cV-xIWHYB7dvocQTyhUq4925-9N1CPApgAoqpqVCd2LbCfC0R6xgOGdoHIGuSuxcf24Y9IC4bljBJJI3LN5rjgj9h1q1AVp_Cn7aIt95Gnp04CugGZQ4Czce0UJ/w480-h640/IMG_20230309_160427637.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;">I got another block done on the Tales of Ireland quilt, but then set that aside as not a priority.</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Ad1HqV_rHU0HHV66BwtJt_bDlne5J0L-d-94hGM10YXjGo2sKosiXjecmLuRi5X5xkGpb4oYkuS6kRn6ruyLPmmrmKxcpfWWM7hqURgucawQx849bqXG2RLfo6oeV_bGduFsDwmTSVUBLVdCZk6fhxw3U6eQCsaQiKSROyIwnoPP326qsyuPT2lSn_Ku/s4160/IMG_20230303_132253001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Ad1HqV_rHU0HHV66BwtJt_bDlne5J0L-d-94hGM10YXjGo2sKosiXjecmLuRi5X5xkGpb4oYkuS6kRn6ruyLPmmrmKxcpfWWM7hqURgucawQx849bqXG2RLfo6oeV_bGduFsDwmTSVUBLVdCZk6fhxw3U6eQCsaQiKSROyIwnoPP326qsyuPT2lSn_Ku/w480-h640/IMG_20230303_132253001.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;">I tried my hand at Fair Isle crochet and got one pocket finished for the Poet Shawl. (still need to work in all the ends).</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9rbtJUFf4FVVZizZp_0CoQi6fX30ozf7th5tevupdFxuiOooOxP3mxeyGdEsu5J2uSm5CgqGF24YM7A0mCjCz_HyW-UAOH2vW1KJozqAlbX8VTiPHqXgrI2k1cYGnWCIzP2Sj7CQ7KrOvUK969pPYv9YFxtJ3uolf9QB-Nq2TB3toBltuIuGYpIgKpn6-/s4160/IMG_20230325_155534599.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9rbtJUFf4FVVZizZp_0CoQi6fX30ozf7th5tevupdFxuiOooOxP3mxeyGdEsu5J2uSm5CgqGF24YM7A0mCjCz_HyW-UAOH2vW1KJozqAlbX8VTiPHqXgrI2k1cYGnWCIzP2Sj7CQ7KrOvUK969pPYv9YFxtJ3uolf9QB-Nq2TB3toBltuIuGYpIgKpn6-/w480-h640/IMG_20230325_155534599.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;">I designed and started a quilt in honour of the coronation of King Charles III. </span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuM9l76MpLlILiO5-YzjF41khtgzlfXEOi6Ih1Sw8ftyWSjtpdS0H6N2UssubSu2rLrWj1PFzYS1Yji14SwlBZSWbUrSNnjpM4Ux1VhBJHheeKPOPJLEn_4WTpqhYs6zwCdIh86RfO8OgHdDzzkc8RycmyHMD7x2XYQNJvxi8h8Jbq7pzVlBrL0wwcWbMn/s2886/IMG_20230514_092309561.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2886" data-original-width="2824" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuM9l76MpLlILiO5-YzjF41khtgzlfXEOi6Ih1Sw8ftyWSjtpdS0H6N2UssubSu2rLrWj1PFzYS1Yji14SwlBZSWbUrSNnjpM4Ux1VhBJHheeKPOPJLEn_4WTpqhYs6zwCdIh86RfO8OgHdDzzkc8RycmyHMD7x2XYQNJvxi8h8Jbq7pzVlBrL0wwcWbMn/w391-h400/IMG_20230514_092309561.jpg" width="391" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;">This is the King's Crown block, originally designed as a 6" block, I made it 24" and it will be the centre of the quilt. </span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz5nCiu3xxQelipYGEy9frk-RwKlV4Ahn5SHbdcHlBDq24B9DdnHRHAyhueI2CZ7NLd_ZEt_-XUXiqtZomC2htI5VrK5B4jy4T0nzEuytdRXcQ7C9qk-lS7irSyxWIXIRXCBVEQv1IzY-aMySO0JuSIzSm9u552yCH2amnImk-_3G1J4581IseORkU8KAV/s4160/IMG_20230512_065836696.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz5nCiu3xxQelipYGEy9frk-RwKlV4Ahn5SHbdcHlBDq24B9DdnHRHAyhueI2CZ7NLd_ZEt_-XUXiqtZomC2htI5VrK5B4jy4T0nzEuytdRXcQ7C9qk-lS7irSyxWIXIRXCBVEQv1IzY-aMySO0JuSIzSm9u552yCH2amnImk-_3G1J4581IseORkU8KAV/w400-h300/IMG_20230512_065836696.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;">Just look at the difference in size for the templates for a 6" block versus a 24" block. </span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh85bK7ygAdZS9zC5qf5tic1KgIIsDvzPJtjE0g3958E1johJubwGQ5N_ubltkEjl5dYJgC7m4lWjfgYL3AYqwzvOG8wxaLsCQA6rlf1EoT3J4QnqdocydKh5mux1ApUheAHRsrWAlmc3PEXrKvJ-_b4FIlynKw0j1fjGwYptvdSutSYCHqTjBvshFMYYQY/s2909/IMG_20230514_091929349~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2909" data-original-width="2881" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh85bK7ygAdZS9zC5qf5tic1KgIIsDvzPJtjE0g3958E1johJubwGQ5N_ubltkEjl5dYJgC7m4lWjfgYL3AYqwzvOG8wxaLsCQA6rlf1EoT3J4QnqdocydKh5mux1ApUheAHRsrWAlmc3PEXrKvJ-_b4FIlynKw0j1fjGwYptvdSutSYCHqTjBvshFMYYQY/w396-h400/IMG_20230514_091929349~2.jpg" width="396" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;">This is the Coronation Block. There will be a border of the gold fabric around the King's Crown block, surrounded by a square of 16 Coronation Blocks, and then I think a border of the purple fabric. I think the fabrics I chose are awesome and just as rich and opulent as the coronation itself. But also not a priority. <br />I finished a commission quilt, Face Off, which I will blog about later. <br />Finally, as I realized that fair season is getting closer, I decided I'd better get some projects finished so that I have some articles to enter. I pulled out the Kimono Rose quilt, finished the applique and the piecing and it is currently on my longarm.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5LBU84kmlgAfBLaWdZ0lGaXJ2aeXBriJ7la-waVmbdzCX44j8OHoKqnNFuLigTX8op4s1tVwgzL9YrnrusjJvnGzXhs21dUoIbfCpHhFy7mLeW4H2thnvx1D-SkpaQyNnCfCnRl-P3iG8v3DZbf7C_h6mf9hH3xowmKVD35ArxKMcHbxihmgmUzoreLpw/s4160/IMG_20230621_105424937.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5LBU84kmlgAfBLaWdZ0lGaXJ2aeXBriJ7la-waVmbdzCX44j8OHoKqnNFuLigTX8op4s1tVwgzL9YrnrusjJvnGzXhs21dUoIbfCpHhFy7mLeW4H2thnvx1D-SkpaQyNnCfCnRl-P3iG8v3DZbf7C_h6mf9hH3xowmKVD35ArxKMcHbxihmgmUzoreLpw/w480-h640/IMG_20230621_105424937.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>Another UFO on its way to being finished. <br />When thunderstorms in the forecast prevented me from working on the longarm, I pulled out the biscuit quilt and determined to finish that as well. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEzVOZkmGChRQk1VmWRQjk2wpxIcxjkKARQhCjHRWQVsEnkY1Wbh66G_6lxegEv7gOwTagTHccmKAfkDUoVgE1FxMtEJlxYJi4QH7ZVcSZy4fN7LMIDpwElOCDWoGeXqUOvQ9fN6LYu_BfyJHwJjnkbqFIdHCAG2wScrh85hH2BBK_H76iXkOzKXudleIP/s4160/IMG_20230619_112441492.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEzVOZkmGChRQk1VmWRQjk2wpxIcxjkKARQhCjHRWQVsEnkY1Wbh66G_6lxegEv7gOwTagTHccmKAfkDUoVgE1FxMtEJlxYJi4QH7ZVcSZy4fN7LMIDpwElOCDWoGeXqUOvQ9fN6LYu_BfyJHwJjnkbqFIdHCAG2wScrh85hH2BBK_H76iXkOzKXudleIP/w400-h300/IMG_20230619_112441492.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>I think I only had 3 rows finished. I'm now up to 10 out of a total of 19. It's tedious and challenging to stitch the rows together, trying to push that bulk under the presser foot. But I am determined to finish it.<br />I've got a few other UFOs that I'm hoping to finish in time to enter in the local fairs, plus a few that will be start to finish. We'll see how much I can accomplish. The bowtie quilt may or may not be a fair entry. As it's for me, it's not a huge priority. And finding all of the colours is somewhat of a scavenger hunt. </span><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p></p>Laura Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00874889561929236906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5201499384040045485.post-16016387345532157802023-06-21T11:07:00.000-07:002023-06-21T11:07:27.642-07:00Hanging Kitchen Towel Dress<p style="text-align: left;"><br /> <span style="font-family: arial;">When I was looking for a tutorial on making a <a href="https://catscrossing-laura.blogspot.com/2022/12/catching-up-with-some-smaller-projects.html" target="_blank">hanging hand towel</a>, I found several for making one to look like a little girl's dress. I thought they were adorable and saved several of the videos to one of my YouTube playlists, intending to try making one later. <br />This is probably my favourite of the several videos I referred to. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pLIgHgkyKYc" width="320" youtube-src-id="pLIgHgkyKYc"></iframe></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;">But after reviewing several, I found that there were different options and also some things that required clarification. Plus, I switched some things up. So, I decided to write this blog post to help anyone who would like to make one and show my process and options.<br />The first challenge that appeared was that I could not find the fabric requirements. I'll admit that I didn't watch every video all the way through, but one would think that it would either be near the beginning or listed in the description. Maybe I missed it, but I certainly didn't find it. So, here it is. If you plan on making this one without the optional ruffles on the bottom, then you need one fat quarter. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZP7RRuqAdXIVFAX57W1wBEs6let3sPGebZhHuK03S79QEe_syeP5UObiC2FqttAffUbWtBj5VBTdBkmvZjPcBZeVXI3PZNSvqaHhNU96NHhF8NsNKi4702kRmygl5GH8Yz7bhKDX0x-tnUcFY-F7DWF6Y0TrL33bg44O4g_kqKUWXhsrS5IZYUqB6VA/s4160/IMG_20230223_102412645.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZP7RRuqAdXIVFAX57W1wBEs6let3sPGebZhHuK03S79QEe_syeP5UObiC2FqttAffUbWtBj5VBTdBkmvZjPcBZeVXI3PZNSvqaHhNU96NHhF8NsNKi4702kRmygl5GH8Yz7bhKDX0x-tnUcFY-F7DWF6Y0TrL33bg44O4g_kqKUWXhsrS5IZYUqB6VA/w480-h640/IMG_20230223_102412645.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>That gives you enough fabric for the bodice and lining and 4 ties. If you plan on adding the ruffles, then a second fat quarter should be enough. <br />These are the measurements given in the above video:<br /></span><span style="font-family: arial;">Bodice - body 6" wide across the bottom, 3" long from armpit to bottom<br /> - sleeves 2½" from fold to bottom, 1½" from armpit to end of sleeve<br /> - neckline 3" wide, 1½" deep<br />Ties 2" x 14" - cut 4</span><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Ruffle - 6" x 24" - cut 2<br /><span> </span><span> - 1½" x 20" - cut 2 pieces to cover seam where ruffle is attached to skirt (towel)<br /></span>I chose to add ¼" to the bodice length as I wanted a half inch for the bottom seam allowance where the towel is attached. I also rounded off the underarms, as in the video. You can find my pattern <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1bLDvWP_CPsCPzh9PSeQTT-LSgag4baIQ/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">here</a>. Honestly, this is the first time I have created and shared a PDF file, so I make no promises or guarantees.This particular video does have a link to the author's pattern in the comments. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9lEOFfhxAE0" width="320" youtube-src-id="9lEOFfhxAE0"></iframe></div>She chose to use a vertical rather than a horizontal fold for her pattern.<br /> My pattern has a round neckline, but I later decided to do a square one. It can depend on how you want to finish the neckline. Unfortunately, the first video above does not indicate how to do that. In another video, the square neckline was finished by folding in the seam allowances and topstitching. In another, a rounded neckline was finished with bias binding. I really didn't like either of those options and was hoping to figure out how to stitch it together from the inside, doing one side at a time. No, there really isn't room enough to do it that way. So, I opted to use one of the seldom-used decorative stitches on my sewing machine. I used a scallop stitch and trimmed off any fabric extending beyond the stitching and ended up with a pretty scalloped edge neckline. Using this option, you can probably make any shape of neckline you want. <br />Regarding the ties, I chose to press them in half widthwise, then pressed in the ¼" seam along both sides and one end. It isn't necessary to do the other end as it will be inside the seam of the bodice. Topstitch along the side and end of each tie. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">This way, you don't have to fight to turn a long narrow strip sewed right sides together right side out again. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">Clip or pin in place ½" from the bottom of the side seams on the bodice before stitching the bodice. One of the videos uses velcro instead of the ties, but I think it looks prettier with the ties. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja1wOnyZIY1kEAjtlveLOBaTI6Kzv-nV8o0Cwbk2Qaso0N3JQqMuh59455VCDJLITJmn_I4Pomd4gdakwTqzYACd_QKNQVMHupJz4Hed6dgulX81VvtHbq-Tw548S9gJMzR1R2oey79H4ti2MhOfyPXaL7v82jxBkKLMK_5vHu10Fma-PO1XytZCtGBFgr/s4160/IMG_20230322_095922745~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja1wOnyZIY1kEAjtlveLOBaTI6Kzv-nV8o0Cwbk2Qaso0N3JQqMuh59455VCDJLITJmn_I4Pomd4gdakwTqzYACd_QKNQVMHupJz4Hed6dgulX81VvtHbq-Tw548S9gJMzR1R2oey79H4ti2MhOfyPXaL7v82jxBkKLMK_5vHu10Fma-PO1XytZCtGBFgr/w480-h640/IMG_20230322_095922745~2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>I made this one for my youngest sister. It is necessary to put a seam in the ruffle if you want to make it as full as the indicated in the video. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZz_3Tq7UKn5a4whMVKDBDOWg-V1jgkQF5masY3F6mzBrcxMawNppQoPuMHpOh_fAqSWXZfO7ZYdMgOUXDStDtjCAlp4vkgez_zBBXueBhQUc6XoWbHTiLxudxSsEvtePnbJKxWASsyYmWLPVGzoP3c9P2OdCZ4Y0V7zu32ZdRZ-A7YWACZkjnW41CBstv/s4160/IMG_20230322_111718369.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZz_3Tq7UKn5a4whMVKDBDOWg-V1jgkQF5masY3F6mzBrcxMawNppQoPuMHpOh_fAqSWXZfO7ZYdMgOUXDStDtjCAlp4vkgez_zBBXueBhQUc6XoWbHTiLxudxSsEvtePnbJKxWASsyYmWLPVGzoP3c9P2OdCZ4Y0V7zu32ZdRZ-A7YWACZkjnW41CBstv/w480-h640/IMG_20230322_111718369.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>I included a coordinating hot pot holder. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIVu-RNCrQuzztYcrUYWQQ1n5UmpYa_8ZAQsUa1fqe7KqmZV8T64dY7gZvOJ0S6MPIpmiV1GRApSmImEuZJGISJKL3JTIm5vahs90KxXzEyACvz_W8jJYb2TjrVcAGCvpRXnh998ODF00c3PqR4oak6ukewkTVhZNgnJE3UBVgDMdgIbXpPYH17eBZu9UI/s4160/IMG_20230317_182459901.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIVu-RNCrQuzztYcrUYWQQ1n5UmpYa_8ZAQsUa1fqe7KqmZV8T64dY7gZvOJ0S6MPIpmiV1GRApSmImEuZJGISJKL3JTIm5vahs90KxXzEyACvz_W8jJYb2TjrVcAGCvpRXnh998ODF00c3PqR4oak6ukewkTVhZNgnJE3UBVgDMdgIbXpPYH17eBZu9UI/w400-h300/IMG_20230317_182459901.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>I also gifted her a couple of regular hanging hand towels - one Christmas and one Dad-themed (tools and buffalo plaid) because she said these towels reminded her of our mother since Mom usually had one hanging on the fridge or stove. You can find the video for these <a href="https://youtu.be/LoMsnbymXDQ" target="_blank">here</a>.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK6f3qPuGIXSJR7u0Fp-l_ksOeiDk-97IoqdluIXLiMHDRx6LGLLAJ8kKvfGsQ1rHFpBuxyxJtQSHiLty64cRrvnBYP7lAgKKijGpq-p5g-PrAXhULyMdZJXCUQZhTz8xk8P6QgX0UyaU7luhVm6qw2E1wzt_EVezEmySytyCG6J20-h3OwUkWlA1P1diQ/s4160/IMG_20230523_172635882.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK6f3qPuGIXSJR7u0Fp-l_ksOeiDk-97IoqdluIXLiMHDRx6LGLLAJ8kKvfGsQ1rHFpBuxyxJtQSHiLty64cRrvnBYP7lAgKKijGpq-p5g-PrAXhULyMdZJXCUQZhTz8xk8P6QgX0UyaU7luhVm6qw2E1wzt_EVezEmySytyCG6J20-h3OwUkWlA1P1diQ/w480-h640/IMG_20230523_172635882.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>And I did finally get around to putting the ruffle on the lemon kitchen towel dress. <br /><br /><br /></span></div><div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span><br /></span></span></p></div>Laura Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00874889561929236906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5201499384040045485.post-91863453579303020752023-06-21T10:39:00.000-07:002023-06-21T10:39:45.759-07:00Lovely Lemons<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGHMdlXvdNq4cpEZsD1YZ1hII3yefBXMNIAcEB-fUb3PEqTS7KRBnx806p1TJ5yQbS3xpnOuFWoVz7AkTqUVZtPcSKT7Jdoxzm1p9lIcCPyd0EtAl1R9YkERwLczt9Y3RZcmfhKPaVxXU73WTyl017RfLb2m0S1E0NN27qtfRys53NRsoSgsQua35OFS-G/s4160/IMG_20230602_181110650~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1508" data-original-width="4160" height="145" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGHMdlXvdNq4cpEZsD1YZ1hII3yefBXMNIAcEB-fUb3PEqTS7KRBnx806p1TJ5yQbS3xpnOuFWoVz7AkTqUVZtPcSKT7Jdoxzm1p9lIcCPyd0EtAl1R9YkERwLczt9Y3RZcmfhKPaVxXU73WTyl017RfLb2m0S1E0NN27qtfRys53NRsoSgsQua35OFS-G/w400-h145/IMG_20230602_181110650~2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Poppins;">Last year, you may recall, I made the <a href="https://catscrossing-laura.blogspot.com/2022/06/take-four-placemats.html" target="_blank">Take Four placemats</a> using a lemon-themed fat quarter bundle. Except that it had 5 fat quarters and so I made 5 placemats. For whatever reason, the lemon theme really appeals to me. Whether it's the bright, cheerful yellow, or what, I'm not sure. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaDdyFURIKPl8fUr_fDgmKRfXjUGUSc_o_cLnAOJ11vftR1lLTouzX62E-fGlWWRkVGvuIJff-L_xWKpofYLwRyGU0neyN74znoaJBihnGUKzRtJixPUDGHG_WXdhuP1ll1K3eYI5TPGud92ogQein5_YvdYQlQvdDFZ41WRKuXjqEABCXCuRw_n10RlQ6/s3264/IMG_20220609_154214013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaDdyFURIKPl8fUr_fDgmKRfXjUGUSc_o_cLnAOJ11vftR1lLTouzX62E-fGlWWRkVGvuIJff-L_xWKpofYLwRyGU0neyN74znoaJBihnGUKzRtJixPUDGHG_WXdhuP1ll1K3eYI5TPGud92ogQein5_YvdYQlQvdDFZ41WRKuXjqEABCXCuRw_n10RlQ6/w480-h640/IMG_20220609_154214013.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>Then later in the year, I found a second lemon-themed fat quarter bundle, this one with black as the accent colour instead of blue, and purchased it as well and made a table runner. Other projects superceded that one, however, and I didn't get around to quilting it until this year when I bought another of the same fat quarter bundle to make a wallhanging. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGlpo-Ggwk-tAsikoF-LwDQ-VvdxL5UUHB-2gLyIo4EnUAIl_6MASM1EfQbxrzMZZe-1bxiymvrx5-XNkbc6PeXN1TFAGSC6SzLAWI6xe8Nmh_gCiEZHCk0FMjmbdKgZC14scVnhXt_km-Bml7_0BdJ_bhXEioiS0zR3GjMRIOU3QKU13mMyOtWAEovozZ/s4160/IMG_20230530_124957228.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGlpo-Ggwk-tAsikoF-LwDQ-VvdxL5UUHB-2gLyIo4EnUAIl_6MASM1EfQbxrzMZZe-1bxiymvrx5-XNkbc6PeXN1TFAGSC6SzLAWI6xe8Nmh_gCiEZHCk0FMjmbdKgZC14scVnhXt_km-Bml7_0BdJ_bhXEioiS0zR3GjMRIOU3QKU13mMyOtWAEovozZ/w480-h640/IMG_20230530_124957228.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>As I was working with fat quarters and not yardage, I wasn't sure what to do for a wallhanging. In a quilting group on Facebook, someone suggested the Fat Quarter Shop, and I ended up choosing the <a href="https://www.fatquartershop.com/fat-quarter-cobblestone-shortcut-quilt" target="_blank">Cobblestone</a> pattern. In addition to the 5-fat-quarter-bundle I had recently purchased, I was trying to use up leftovers from the previous projects, but still ended up having to buy some individual fat quarters. That's how I ended up with some fabrics from both fat quarter bundles in this project. I honestly am not really that happy with it. While it is bright and cheerful, the design just doesn't speak to me. However, one of my Facebook friends liked it well enough to offer to buy it, but when I quoted him a price, it didn't happen. No surprise there. Although I do think he wanted more green in it... I would have been rather happy to sell it: more money for my projects and I don't have to look at it any more. <br />Meanwhile, I had decided to add more projects to my lemon collection: <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-8X2aYzkUC0n_jwFLUK5lUF8ehrzwPouE6JPofj2s8uhd4b_LEkbV1vyvbN7CiNZSECyOkCqpOdj_zjdhtR-kWRiQMT4YU6T_oTwZ8jVS19slPoBRPNpAblyjTgD_Y0B9cIxCxHvsmsk2jPC3deQ4Z5Et8_bNdBxzLRtOH2NYtNqlbd3QSSFkmwNtdujp/s4160/IMG_20230523_172635882.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-8X2aYzkUC0n_jwFLUK5lUF8ehrzwPouE6JPofj2s8uhd4b_LEkbV1vyvbN7CiNZSECyOkCqpOdj_zjdhtR-kWRiQMT4YU6T_oTwZ8jVS19slPoBRPNpAblyjTgD_Y0B9cIxCxHvsmsk2jPC3deQ4Z5Et8_bNdBxzLRtOH2NYtNqlbd3QSSFkmwNtdujp/w480-h640/IMG_20230523_172635882.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>When looking for kitchen towels to use for projects in the dollar store, I found this one that actually had lemons on it. You can find the kitchen towel dress instructions <a href="https://youtu.be/pLIgHgkyKYc" target="_blank">here</a>. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRqW3l1UPe1LzmxlYA03fJL6sNXxP-9bY7qQynHpQaSqh5V-cr9kOnTAbySgvEYq75h24wLhJIkCxa-IHrW6WAneNBa5F7hZSR4NWwLQSsKNUjaYz1rCx6BNzbIYrnwFclFPqIRBpZFCKOq66qQqbqHXVDv5EgEQBGH1Te--uDULrSo8gHMi1Cbrx49iW7/s4160/IMG_20230602_180842314.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRqW3l1UPe1LzmxlYA03fJL6sNXxP-9bY7qQynHpQaSqh5V-cr9kOnTAbySgvEYq75h24wLhJIkCxa-IHrW6WAneNBa5F7hZSR4NWwLQSsKNUjaYz1rCx6BNzbIYrnwFclFPqIRBpZFCKOq66qQqbqHXVDv5EgEQBGH1Te--uDULrSo8gHMi1Cbrx49iW7/w480-h640/IMG_20230602_180842314.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>Hot pot holders - I made the hourglass blocks and quilted them on the longaram along with the wallhanging and the table runner. Then I used some cotton yarn to crochet some hanging loops and stitched them in when I added the binding. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgC8q4DDkXJGLjaZAGN1xiP1IkaWs1vpff0edtILCr-I1feex5MFGPtfN_EEHP8VE5OrcDejQQcwPxa1D0_U6lZZS2OObx4Bd1-z8kGto2Ekot73CUoKTrzl4wimFBJu3oL1FwIuQt5HiLquKiJvIXCc_k9hi8wvDI-B3WgP3LpUn6IPsV0-Q6SvXwdKEy/s4160/IMG_20230601_181445977.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgC8q4DDkXJGLjaZAGN1xiP1IkaWs1vpff0edtILCr-I1feex5MFGPtfN_EEHP8VE5OrcDejQQcwPxa1D0_U6lZZS2OObx4Bd1-z8kGto2Ekot73CUoKTrzl4wimFBJu3oL1FwIuQt5HiLquKiJvIXCc_k9hi8wvDI-B3WgP3LpUn6IPsV0-Q6SvXwdKEy/w400-h300/IMG_20230601_181445977.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>I managed to find some brighter yellow cotton yarn and added this lemon slice dishcloth to my lemon collection. This is the Orange Slice pattern from <a href="https://www.amazon.ca/Year-Dishcloths-Maggie-Weldon/dp/159012314X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3OMJVUD917L92&keywords=a+year+of+dishcloths&qid=1687368409&sprefix=a+year+of+dishcloths%2Caps%2C1145&sr=8-1" target="_blank">A Year of Dishcloths</a> by Maggie Weldon. If I use this pattern again, I will make the long white spike stitches looser because they tend to pull the dishcloth up into a bowl shape instead of lying flat. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu0EPyWsinPj60HCEpw4PuU1Z-qkwZ2imtIyZ1jxOmN50DZVG3w_in6i6hebKayOjH3wBhsk-l_pQJ22lRyeVRXsWxw2SKHxPNBq9tjPDTexb6xTPy03YFON9OGyhfDkRytBzKUrxQH6q1TwVWNXNKutGYRWTC9FavNbMhesZTH1VDTFXHSbdeV_NlR-g2/s4160/IMG_20230602_180705267.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu0EPyWsinPj60HCEpw4PuU1Z-qkwZ2imtIyZ1jxOmN50DZVG3w_in6i6hebKayOjH3wBhsk-l_pQJ22lRyeVRXsWxw2SKHxPNBq9tjPDTexb6xTPy03YFON9OGyhfDkRytBzKUrxQH6q1TwVWNXNKutGYRWTC9FavNbMhesZTH1VDTFXHSbdeV_NlR-g2/w400-h300/IMG_20230602_180705267.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Of course, I have my lemon salt/pepper/cream/sugar set that I picked up at an antique mall that completes the ensemble. So, it's all very coordinated. I have enough scraps left of the lemon fabric that I will likely complete another small project or two. <br />I don't plan on using most of these items until after fair season is over as I may wish to enter them. The wallhanging is on the wall and the table runner is on the table, but it's covered in plastic. So neither is likely to get dirty before I have a chance to enter them. </span><p></p>Laura Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00874889561929236906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5201499384040045485.post-23360903993854265562023-05-08T14:32:00.001-07:002023-05-08T14:32:21.638-07:00Coronation Quiche<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI5qg3--WYzJ6hAWKFgPPY9HbBQVEcj1f_d7r2dcP8TFO3m6Jgi4oZ0UOgh5ZnWjqcv5OsFw3OxxgbjftxMoAaXRQUdit50IQlVsoFh1VWjphhygdAyn2hCX0ajM9YSBneFCrJx1cN8Epj0u06QWPLab3c4juw1PNicSv8xxVivWU1ZBdWc_ko9FaD6g/s4160/IMG_20230508_141156887.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI5qg3--WYzJ6hAWKFgPPY9HbBQVEcj1f_d7r2dcP8TFO3m6Jgi4oZ0UOgh5ZnWjqcv5OsFw3OxxgbjftxMoAaXRQUdit50IQlVsoFh1VWjphhygdAyn2hCX0ajM9YSBneFCrJx1cN8Epj0u06QWPLab3c4juw1PNicSv8xxVivWU1ZBdWc_ko9FaD6g/w400-h300/IMG_20230508_141156887.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Ubuntu;">This past weekend was the coronation of King Charles III. Yesterday was the "Big Lunch" celebrating the coronation, for which a recipe for a "Coronation Quiche" was created. You can find the recipe <a href="https://www.royal.uk/the-coronation-quiche" target="_blank">here</a>. Personally, I found the recipe cringeworthy. All that saturated fat and cholesterol. Definitely not health food. Strike one. And lard in the crust! Seriously, who makes crust with lard any more? I know that Charles eats vegetarian two days a week and vegan one day a week for the environment. But how could anyone think that raising beef cattle is any better for the environment than raising dairy cattle? Or raising chickens for the eggs rather than the meat? Strike two. And then there's the animal cruelty factor. I can pretty much guarantee that the dairy and egg industries are no kinder to the animals than the meat industry. Not to mention the pigs that provided the lard... Strike three. Sorry Charles, but your chefs definitely struck out with this recipe, in my opinion. <br />So, I determined to make a vegan version. Healthy whole foods, except that I did use some vegetable oil (not lard!!!) in the crust.<br />I started with the Spinach Quiche recipe from Whole Foods for Whole People cookbook. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBdOvRHl9oLu00gl8j2DbgDpgoERyBFXbi-U0kzcoqPQFK1ZB3h6vWmLd1LF-W-Zx2lOuRFu36N0kDchNmuspl76w8204wNz4lCbexKUfyZLz_DGwHJVYk3T6QyU-TJiZzmxx6SY0CfZqiR6K3jhBKIq5ueeAT-oa37_ODtJZ7UE5rggZuKdmMKmcM3Q/s4160/IMG_20230508_151123579.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBdOvRHl9oLu00gl8j2DbgDpgoERyBFXbi-U0kzcoqPQFK1ZB3h6vWmLd1LF-W-Zx2lOuRFu36N0kDchNmuspl76w8204wNz4lCbexKUfyZLz_DGwHJVYk3T6QyU-TJiZzmxx6SY0CfZqiR6K3jhBKIq5ueeAT-oa37_ODtJZ7UE5rggZuKdmMKmcM3Q/w480-h640/IMG_20230508_151123579.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>You can find used copies of this cookbook on Amazon <a href="https://www.amazon.ca/Whole-Foods-People-Lucy-Fuller/dp/0912145102/ref=tmm_other_meta_binding_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1683580706&sr=8-1" target="_blank">here</a>. I only had about 1 tablespoon of Chicken Style Seasoning (the recipe calls for 2), so I used what I had, added about a teaspoon of poultry seasoning and substituted black salt (kala namak) for the celery salt. I didn't really measure the spinach but my plan was for 1-1/3 cups instead of the 2 cups and I added 2/3 cup of frozen, shelled edamame, which I rinsed under hot water to defrost slightly. Instead of the cheese, I used the Pizza or Lasagne "Cheese" recipe from the same cookbook. I totally forgot about the tarragon, but I likely would have used dill or sage instead. Nevertheless, it still turned out delicious. The base was actually blenderized, soaked soybeans. <br />The Favorite Wildwood Recipes cookbook is where I got the pie crust recipe. This is probably my first vegan cookbook and, as you can see, it's "well loved". <br />Really, it's not necessary to sacrifice flavour to eat healthfully. Next, I'm hoping to tackle <a href="https://www.thepetitecook.com/coronation-chicken/" target="_blank">Coronation Chicken</a>, which was the dish for Queen Elizabeth II's coronation. </span><p></p>Laura Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00874889561929236906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5201499384040045485.post-81178063658419488562023-04-30T18:27:00.000-07:002023-04-30T18:27:02.438-07:00Easter Projects<p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="color: #351c75; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNHc2Of9vtRrrnvbOypnAq9GifHizoWBdRZ8eChogDIIrBqxVt4H0AX8B7Wfeo210-JWKXFdOhqLralKVn4uFaEKuU03nAnXHYoqd7fqOezDhIUCZUOmhc93xG6Q2-cIP8bNM8JPYuLfT8-c3O9aAsHgV1hsNx4Z-EE93li99vTkF101tiTEd_mhBHvQ/s3278/IMG_20230427_081030505~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3278" data-original-width="3120" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNHc2Of9vtRrrnvbOypnAq9GifHizoWBdRZ8eChogDIIrBqxVt4H0AX8B7Wfeo210-JWKXFdOhqLralKVn4uFaEKuU03nAnXHYoqd7fqOezDhIUCZUOmhc93xG6Q2-cIP8bNM8JPYuLfT8-c3O9aAsHgV1hsNx4Z-EE93li99vTkF101tiTEd_mhBHvQ/w381-h400/IMG_20230427_081030505~2.jpg" width="381" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cross and Crown Sampler</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="color: #674ea7;">Since I made my heart wallhanging and table topper for February, I thought it might be a nice idea to make a wallhanging and some type of table treatment for every month of the year. That way, I can switch them out and have some variety. I would go with a theme of the month - if there was a relevant one. March has St. Patrick's Day and I already had <a href="https://catscrossing-laura.blogspot.com/2017/11/celtic-ballad.html" target="_blank">Celtic Ballad</a> for a March wallhanging and would have to think of something for the table. But I decided to move onto April and Easter. <br />When I looked online for Easter fabric, it's almost all rabbits and eggs. While I may get my grandson Easter candy in the shape of eggs and rabbits, that's not what I wanted my quilt projects to celebrate. I kept thinking of this song: </span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TYSJj-EHAAk" width="320" youtube-src-id="TYSJj-EHAAk"></iframe></span></div><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;">So, I looked up "cross" in BlockBase+. There are lots of options, many of which have nothing to do with Jesus. Anyway, I didn't want to just do a cross block as Jesus didn't stay on the cross or in the tomb. He rose again as victor over death, and the grave, and sin. So, I narrowed it down to "cross & crown" and found that there were 12 different Cross & Crown blocks. For me, the crown part represents His victory as well as the victory He has given us over sin and death through His power, and the crowns He will give us when He comes again. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggFhzAMv_-fsdlaw8u3yTaGSnaT3LJdLwTXcBYr1x-KHh6NQj-gHYscGFobXsE5IcCMeGvgkd9LEN6exkugpdeGtE-y0d2VbdC8HzEkOa0cUpCZ7FiQPwUjvE08Lv3A754iuUQhWYXrqRwMM4sZYGvt8I9gSAtdBytmJ2vxwD8QzHKppMeE92mWw9FLA/s4160/IMG_20230323_105410163.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggFhzAMv_-fsdlaw8u3yTaGSnaT3LJdLwTXcBYr1x-KHh6NQj-gHYscGFobXsE5IcCMeGvgkd9LEN6exkugpdeGtE-y0d2VbdC8HzEkOa0cUpCZ7FiQPwUjvE08Lv3A754iuUQhWYXrqRwMM4sZYGvt8I9gSAtdBytmJ2vxwD8QzHKppMeE92mWw9FLA/w480-h640/IMG_20230323_105410163.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brackman 1891, 13"</td></tr></tbody></table></span><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><div style="text-align: left;"><i>For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: Job 19:25</i></div></span></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><div style="text-align: left;"><i>But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:57</i></div></span></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><i>But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. 1 Corinthians 15:20-22<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY4WwcZEDIreTETL3OO2R0wfw5U1Gz7nAU-6pfxI92asaxs79Le-X7mKLcLlnALeRHpqkgIMFQwR7pDoL9ZgHlUj0SKqpWRraKwhmNS9NfwYGhm-tkM2K8dFo3TO-kbmP5khBObv0dE39P07CKCcZxCgiqNYO1AkcZgFIR2HhWIifyplRFDMtFIQ2Y3A/s4160/IMG_20230323_143139866.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY4WwcZEDIreTETL3OO2R0wfw5U1Gz7nAU-6pfxI92asaxs79Le-X7mKLcLlnALeRHpqkgIMFQwR7pDoL9ZgHlUj0SKqpWRraKwhmNS9NfwYGhm-tkM2K8dFo3TO-kbmP5khBObv0dE39P07CKCcZxCgiqNYO1AkcZgFIR2HhWIifyplRFDMtFIQ2Y3A/w480-h640/IMG_20230323_143139866.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brackman 1871, 12.5"</td></tr></tbody></table></i></span></blockquote><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;">And I decided to see if I could make all 12 into a wallhanging. Unfortunately, I can not import the blocks in BlockBase+ into Quilt Pro 6, my quilt design software. And Quilt Pro 6 does not have all of the Cross and Crown blocks that BlockBase+ does. So, I resorted to paper and determined that yes, I could fit all 12, at their originally published sizes, into a reasonable sized wallhanging. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP1DsFus0d7gANe881wBk1r6KuRl2VaoladdYaEqhXNX9YjeUjeYoc5RGBGHSKEV7HOIAdwF97S14ir--Or-30YaxUuaMD60KXoMOCcxHwjMsGzpsoyTZJpuqtiSGsFAXX2ScUQXqZ_tU4ah0F3dgtHzI9DmLDwyAlVItuxQadI3SNjrhmyIgRQX3u0A/s4160/IMG_20230324_113553978.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP1DsFus0d7gANe881wBk1r6KuRl2VaoladdYaEqhXNX9YjeUjeYoc5RGBGHSKEV7HOIAdwF97S14ir--Or-30YaxUuaMD60KXoMOCcxHwjMsGzpsoyTZJpuqtiSGsFAXX2ScUQXqZ_tU4ah0F3dgtHzI9DmLDwyAlVItuxQadI3SNjrhmyIgRQX3u0A/w480-h640/IMG_20230324_113553978.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brackman 1863a, 10"</td></tr></tbody></table>I also opted to use the colour arrangements (but not the same colours) as in BlockBase+. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheum9d25O6QxllRqclecO75AAkI-cRyD8K64XrhfOGy54puDT3zziI8ubsi3GdSG8C4JbIKXoPa9o2dRpwnJakgmxHDMiXwB0eiBzEirJVMXzQRriInH-w70NskNXdRW_PsQdQal6sFJtBpiFW0N6CzUEognAJR0HpsG2CLSgEHau5csFCPrpGJ_Te9g/s3008/IMG_20230326_185843989.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2988" data-original-width="3008" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheum9d25O6QxllRqclecO75AAkI-cRyD8K64XrhfOGy54puDT3zziI8ubsi3GdSG8C4JbIKXoPa9o2dRpwnJakgmxHDMiXwB0eiBzEirJVMXzQRriInH-w70NskNXdRW_PsQdQal6sFJtBpiFW0N6CzUEognAJR0HpsG2CLSgEHau5csFCPrpGJ_Te9g/w400-h398/IMG_20230326_185843989.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brackman 3234, 7"</td></tr></tbody></table>Where the fabric was concerned, as mentioned, when I looked for Easter fabrics, most of what I found was bunnies and eggs. I couldn't even find an Easter lily fabric at my local quilt shop. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRHhdrOa6xIa-MIwkufykVL0PTQ4-Lk9-TY-vetDDF76MGnmQvvq3ZCpg19Qw5JTka8pWXdiLsmC5msxmqG_XUL63axrIOusy33q3i0GRCn0FNFmiFkmhW5mk09eb3pqTtdYX3a245HydGiSCoVXFm69UAT7YcLGqAOjdRiqB-Em265snXXoP_bS7idQ/s2965/IMG_20230326_185829108.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2965" data-original-width="2876" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRHhdrOa6xIa-MIwkufykVL0PTQ4-Lk9-TY-vetDDF76MGnmQvvq3ZCpg19Qw5JTka8pWXdiLsmC5msxmqG_XUL63axrIOusy33q3i0GRCn0FNFmiFkmhW5mk09eb3pqTtdYX3a245HydGiSCoVXFm69UAT7YcLGqAOjdRiqB-Em265snXXoP_bS7idQ/w388-h400/IMG_20230326_185829108.jpg" width="388" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brackman 1864, 10"</td></tr></tbody></table>Instead, I chose to use one of my absolute favourite fabrics, Michael Miller Fairy Frost in what I considered "Easter" or "spring" colours, and chose a solid lavender for the background. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtTds0Y4gCJEfxPDJWunuhffG4oR2eKLaRbeo97zL86IRU3GPlNDLlzWX2PSZOplQmOAVuDoqG0aKnYx5LXTHj5PoCVWib5d2wbDVPWaNJriz9ylzo1r8cC6gjXiNSxNYa-nZQZT-DuTunqPgLqwPh45eYighIH44Q3V7_xETRfPcHQnuP6teMvkSTLA/s3003/IMG_20230403_125337398.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3003" data-original-width="2929" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtTds0Y4gCJEfxPDJWunuhffG4oR2eKLaRbeo97zL86IRU3GPlNDLlzWX2PSZOplQmOAVuDoqG0aKnYx5LXTHj5PoCVWib5d2wbDVPWaNJriz9ylzo1r8cC6gjXiNSxNYa-nZQZT-DuTunqPgLqwPh45eYighIH44Q3V7_xETRfPcHQnuP6teMvkSTLA/w390-h400/IMG_20230403_125337398.jpg" width="390" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brackman 1667, 9"</td></tr></tbody></table>Because there were numerous different sized blocks, I knew that they were not going to fit together perfectly. So I would also need some filler fabric, with enough to make a border. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjVBO_DZVY2uWu619T5PDwctfoXk7yBfxhEVHZULOdfzO3i5MmOphsOpO4p6LvE4tlLl4S54vCU09d4PK9F7k1Er6GfKzsRSReoC9sBoz8anvqCpZYWJvazKsNBlXvYJlSzmk-RYhKZgubkvr0I84Ud-p33oikVIi-8x7AK6m_EoS0m0Fb7K5A5xoxew/s3120/IMG_20230404_212248646.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3110" data-original-width="3120" height="399" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjVBO_DZVY2uWu619T5PDwctfoXk7yBfxhEVHZULOdfzO3i5MmOphsOpO4p6LvE4tlLl4S54vCU09d4PK9F7k1Er6GfKzsRSReoC9sBoz8anvqCpZYWJvazKsNBlXvYJlSzmk-RYhKZgubkvr0I84Ud-p33oikVIi-8x7AK6m_EoS0m0Fb7K5A5xoxew/w400-h399/IMG_20230404_212248646.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brackman 3805a, 8.5"; 16 Y-seams and a lot of bias edges</td></tr></tbody></table>I "auditioned" several different fabrics, but this is the only one that felt "right". <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVyG5wE8iSlBVKyjhB-zlgH8sp40tts1x0aJwvrTUlbcP2oPSJq7fmZGQcH1IK_Abr00kkPfNjQDGWpyGdH2UxLP7UlaQJYuzGFk0nzSuNQq_AnHkoa1XwwyXCxUkhJxXkZrP985npuIJpuz2AxPHTQzJwJTRnn32WnB8inJ6h22zhz3fgKNNYmtQJVw/s4160/IMG_20230327_073906670.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVyG5wE8iSlBVKyjhB-zlgH8sp40tts1x0aJwvrTUlbcP2oPSJq7fmZGQcH1IK_Abr00kkPfNjQDGWpyGdH2UxLP7UlaQJYuzGFk0nzSuNQq_AnHkoa1XwwyXCxUkhJxXkZrP985npuIJpuz2AxPHTQzJwJTRnn32WnB8inJ6h22zhz3fgKNNYmtQJVw/w480-h640/IMG_20230327_073906670.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Filler fabric</td></tr></tbody></table>While it kind of competes with the quilt blocks in the finished wallhanging, and I'm not altogether thrilled with it, there is great meaning behind why I chose this fabric. <br /></span><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><i>In the end of the Sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre. And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. Matthew 28:1,2 </i></span></blockquote><p> <span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;">This fabric looks like sunrise and that's about when the resurrection occurred. It also makes me think of the ascension, when Jesus returned to heaven. <br /></span></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><i>And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. Acts 1:9</i></span></p></blockquote><p><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;">Notice the cloud mentioned in this verse, and the clouds in the fabric. Clouds are also mentioned in reference to Jesus' second coming. <br /></span></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: verdana;"><i>Behold He cometh with clouds, and every eye shall see Him. Revelation 1:7a</i></span></p></blockquote><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #351c75;">So, I also want this wallhanging to remind us of that coming event. While we don't know what time of day it will happen ("But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only." Matthew 24:36), and if He comes at noon in Alberta, it could be the middle of the night in Australia, the second coming has also been associated with sunrise or daybreak, especially in some songs (Gleams of the Golden Morning, Some Golden Daybreak). I suppose that's because it will mean a brand new start, new life, new beginnings, just like a new morning.</span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #351c75; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4yX_qcmxaqc" width="320" youtube-src-id="4yX_qcmxaqc"></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #351c75;">As I think I've mentioned previously, I can find sampler quilts quite tedious. They're just not as efficient as using the same block for the whole quilt. </span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="color: #351c75; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAOSRmbBkzIqYaRtwKKNEw9mHDgpoUZww_hMQmSMSgmuKq_2fC0Js6FyNr6YHgvgMdU64T62QzQDhFiYXD6wpC_W0NI4t9jzQAX67bu6E5MPJWW_sEF1zYzb0S8SIN51AJtmmymVfVw3Yy8lY0kIetqugGGZFSX5mJWANylt58AuRTnosz9bqQrntF0A/s3086/IMG_20230409_135402531.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3086" data-original-width="3068" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAOSRmbBkzIqYaRtwKKNEw9mHDgpoUZww_hMQmSMSgmuKq_2fC0Js6FyNr6YHgvgMdU64T62QzQDhFiYXD6wpC_W0NI4t9jzQAX67bu6E5MPJWW_sEF1zYzb0S8SIN51AJtmmymVfVw3Yy8lY0kIetqugGGZFSX5mJWANylt58AuRTnosz9bqQrntF0A/w398-h400/IMG_20230409_135402531.jpg" width="398" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brackman 2802, 6"</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="color: #351c75;">And this one had some blocks with some quite tiny pieces. </span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="color: #351c75; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgki8At05PNbFO7btFgpdYgr4HBBEk9AMdtcIfFW186Xx3uvxYgPr5yFza59Hq6XJJnYi7lPYiMSNAE_BMag4SHTlB2qFX0P8J-7pQzLto1aF8aQokORikaL69YbAIG2anFsJYdlWkZ_2yW9aFl_avojPvDm4t4bKIsPSmnPv45yNUH1r8gYyHej6QgVQ/s3118/IMG_20230409_105636618.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3118" data-original-width="3085" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgki8At05PNbFO7btFgpdYgr4HBBEk9AMdtcIfFW186Xx3uvxYgPr5yFza59Hq6XJJnYi7lPYiMSNAE_BMag4SHTlB2qFX0P8J-7pQzLto1aF8aQokORikaL69YbAIG2anFsJYdlWkZ_2yW9aFl_avojPvDm4t4bKIsPSmnPv45yNUH1r8gYyHej6QgVQ/w396-h400/IMG_20230409_105636618.jpg" width="396" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brackman 949.7, 12"</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="color: #351c75;">Meanwhile, as I was putting the pieces together, I was wondering if I should put the filler fabric between all of the blocks. </span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="color: #351c75; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5hGgnk1XdDnMylWpqkXcNKG9QPStrPFESoRnk5ME-4Q_KDPKcKKBuuKjhDxm6vt44Tag9i9J2OntLOypUTX5Q84FS43c2wiinbytAvmsGGSzv2n1OwE_aoEkMGImQZd9kYNOKAXxHWIRx0g3pSsMev0ZdUvqnlJFMMBTCaM42H5Wpk1x88p9Br5kakw/s3216/IMG_20230409_072153297~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3216" data-original-width="3120" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5hGgnk1XdDnMylWpqkXcNKG9QPStrPFESoRnk5ME-4Q_KDPKcKKBuuKjhDxm6vt44Tag9i9J2OntLOypUTX5Q84FS43c2wiinbytAvmsGGSzv2n1OwE_aoEkMGImQZd9kYNOKAXxHWIRx0g3pSsMev0ZdUvqnlJFMMBTCaM42H5Wpk1x88p9Br5kakw/w388-h400/IMG_20230409_072153297~2.jpg" width="388" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brackman 3261, 6"</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="color: #351c75;">I had originally planned on butting all of the blocks against each other and only adding filler where needed. But then I thought it might look better if I spaced them out, as long as I had sufficient fabric and the resulting wallhanging wouldn't be too big for the space on my wall. </span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="color: #351c75; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ4mszp-S9DLsbKGn1NwoKbMyyCaAQjWCbaKXn068IOR_FxfxH7KE15fupYBOYp4xKTLwAnmgt01Q37MuEiNrCeO6ZibK49SnDA04-KfmILyHu0p2pX4-76rNOKRs-DrP3ZQEkyPFPKrSgS6f1K76lWH7QV3FeK-OBYU_PL9o3s12j4B9DQxdBZdcvfQ/s3087/IMG_20230410_164347964.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3087" data-original-width="3073" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ4mszp-S9DLsbKGn1NwoKbMyyCaAQjWCbaKXn068IOR_FxfxH7KE15fupYBOYp4xKTLwAnmgt01Q37MuEiNrCeO6ZibK49SnDA04-KfmILyHu0p2pX4-76rNOKRs-DrP3ZQEkyPFPKrSgS6f1K76lWH7QV3FeK-OBYU_PL9o3s12j4B9DQxdBZdcvfQ/w399-h400/IMG_20230410_164347964.jpg" width="399" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brackman 2069, 6"</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="color: #351c75;">And it turned out fine: enough fabric and enough wall space. </span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="color: #351c75; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBNP-0FqCiSQ5qprevy5VOE6gZ7DSUf7RqLN6KNk6CPiBTJwWovC9gbSZqVgOu-CcLoZiNESu-FfIF_Y__KtlsjymR-MoMhHpbHyIbo2j79a7pfvGVbyWsZPGH-vuFFf0akVRYoAPqLYuYJNWUoPBZbeCgzEebNIh6DimRBYnME5Xmxj-Dq1ZJNlQTAw/s3113/IMG_20230410_123908525.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3113" data-original-width="3061" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBNP-0FqCiSQ5qprevy5VOE6gZ7DSUf7RqLN6KNk6CPiBTJwWovC9gbSZqVgOu-CcLoZiNESu-FfIF_Y__KtlsjymR-MoMhHpbHyIbo2j79a7pfvGVbyWsZPGH-vuFFf0akVRYoAPqLYuYJNWUoPBZbeCgzEebNIh6DimRBYnME5Xmxj-Dq1ZJNlQTAw/w394-h400/IMG_20230410_123908525.jpg" width="394" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brackman 1382, 12"</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="color: #351c75;">Conveniently, Urban Elementz had a sale and I placed an order, including <a href="https://www.urbanelementz.com/king-of-kings.html" target="_blank">King of Kings</a>, which I used on this quilt. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHYkLJcSE5vXUvVVrX8F0P9xtLvJbYxigAhTgojwOy6eoVoZZtm7K1f_zinhqemOX67paPxOHTSxCBEZ7lwxwlD4OHhWJXK_Eeln2-oIF6Kf6qE3a0SOAUu2jZZ_yrEyQnfCy6vUlt5w7BUr7wFJuit1fCj5kvLYEYNMMTycJEkWotXRUmKhycXEKvGQ/s4160/IMG_20230426_073922709.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHYkLJcSE5vXUvVVrX8F0P9xtLvJbYxigAhTgojwOy6eoVoZZtm7K1f_zinhqemOX67paPxOHTSxCBEZ7lwxwlD4OHhWJXK_Eeln2-oIF6Kf6qE3a0SOAUu2jZZ_yrEyQnfCy6vUlt5w7BUr7wFJuit1fCj5kvLYEYNMMTycJEkWotXRUmKhycXEKvGQ/w400-h300/IMG_20230426_073922709.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Back to the fabric supply, I still had plenty of fabric to make the coordinating table runner. </span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="color: #351c75; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvUiGDgTWh3RZeBvEebEB8AqwiSPLLhaFDVJUkULXqU0ayISD-QnPQkLgY1PCPldlf2-uncO8yoU71rz31NwhmuROpp7rymCweLjwz9pKSZuqCIk4j9c9oIo41GhKQYQI2Ew-4QvbQuHe04dKFclMSm4xywqiPgfIif7kXFnoqLazg2eJZ4bhPqAaSBw/s4160/IMG_20230430_190438273_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvUiGDgTWh3RZeBvEebEB8AqwiSPLLhaFDVJUkULXqU0ayISD-QnPQkLgY1PCPldlf2-uncO8yoU71rz31NwhmuROpp7rymCweLjwz9pKSZuqCIk4j9c9oIo41GhKQYQI2Ew-4QvbQuHe04dKFclMSm4xywqiPgfIif7kXFnoqLazg2eJZ4bhPqAaSBw/w400-h300/IMG_20230430_190438273_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crown of Thorns Sampler</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="color: #351c75;">Often, when I'm working on a project, I'm also looking ahead - to the thread and pantograph selection, but sometimes also to the next project. </span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="color: #351c75; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVRWy8FAJianbeDgSk-Ayfq1bbQ8remHC5SzIQ2UFkAh3jpEGDHd2iqIjJmw27Ur8KmPBxU7v_elZ5mBcQ9ql5v4fcuI7GdrgwymA6B5h-gzo4MqlLOcW1Iz4EDBZT3gKhStCG1bfT2Avs62XpEt-EqE8e98q9FqDzG_tIpMHFsn5sfJg--h68bHpwgw/s2965/IMG_20230423_151640770.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2965" data-original-width="2959" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVRWy8FAJianbeDgSk-Ayfq1bbQ8remHC5SzIQ2UFkAh3jpEGDHd2iqIjJmw27Ur8KmPBxU7v_elZ5mBcQ9ql5v4fcuI7GdrgwymA6B5h-gzo4MqlLOcW1Iz4EDBZT3gKhStCG1bfT2Avs62XpEt-EqE8e98q9FqDzG_tIpMHFsn5sfJg--h68bHpwgw/w399-h400/IMG_20230423_151640770.jpg" width="399" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Golgotha, Brackman 2068</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="color: #351c75;">So, I was considering what I was going to do for the table treatment. </span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="color: #351c75; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFUbw0QbXVlkcHDMNidu8imuKJ79-lGDdlnnssoELlCwWSzklHK-EEgEv0sAYbUdtESFMtU31G7Tq9YVWhezoesgaAns3TYWuCMIdf3HuzH_bTwO_F8C2fmgO96yZ0s9Hkx7YrfjGSggxafNLafIPYuAjN53ModYnBNNnIk4-N7pAgysQi1b88MEGnZQ/s4160/IMG_20230423_124345126.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFUbw0QbXVlkcHDMNidu8imuKJ79-lGDdlnnssoELlCwWSzklHK-EEgEv0sAYbUdtESFMtU31G7Tq9YVWhezoesgaAns3TYWuCMIdf3HuzH_bTwO_F8C2fmgO96yZ0s9Hkx7YrfjGSggxafNLafIPYuAjN53ModYnBNNnIk4-N7pAgysQi1b88MEGnZQ/w480-h640/IMG_20230423_124345126.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brackman 3654, meant to be a pieced block, but I opted to do applique.</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="color: #351c75;">When I searched for "crown" in BlockBase+, I found several Crown of Thorns blocks. </span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="color: #351c75; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVbHNzAS6fuIusYG0HwJ8z5ukFUXMeHTfRX5m-X7uQAKIXmHhU_5YNLHS2PtxA_QlRrUQBWOJzCnPxI29wF0po-DXXUB-kE6kxR7N5Dz6yzX0i3uyzU5jsdFNenn-Y5ZmbH_IhZDKrqc9FDSoZBBKGPSyK18MkEAgN3MkZvdAkaEicYuljDCCjWyV6lA/s4160/IMG_20230424_140633713.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVbHNzAS6fuIusYG0HwJ8z5ukFUXMeHTfRX5m-X7uQAKIXmHhU_5YNLHS2PtxA_QlRrUQBWOJzCnPxI29wF0po-DXXUB-kE6kxR7N5Dz6yzX0i3uyzU5jsdFNenn-Y5ZmbH_IhZDKrqc9FDSoZBBKGPSyK18MkEAgN3MkZvdAkaEicYuljDCCjWyV6lA/w480-h640/IMG_20230424_140633713.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brackman 2152</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="color: #351c75;">As it turns out, there are 6, but two of them are bordered blocks which I didn't think would work well in a sampler-type quilt. </span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="color: #351c75; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP_txDW1p5H8W_p8E38zQLGkrniBgzNjdyqD_ZLpwYUHkkvDIYu7lrnjXrYxzDn8FF6guUtIXBuSxj_KJiiAFaK55LqbEQW1DqTtVzg9fZ_QbegwD8wJdMY78Q-Gv0p4tcrdCLVl5ceNEEJrU7-gqW4ZLqvLm-Pz2eDFbtUpMhNTcINQQezAW0d-BfQA/s3160/IMG_20230424_123309822.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3160" data-original-width="3060" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP_txDW1p5H8W_p8E38zQLGkrniBgzNjdyqD_ZLpwYUHkkvDIYu7lrnjXrYxzDn8FF6guUtIXBuSxj_KJiiAFaK55LqbEQW1DqTtVzg9fZ_QbegwD8wJdMY78Q-Gv0p4tcrdCLVl5ceNEEJrU7-gqW4ZLqvLm-Pz2eDFbtUpMhNTcINQQezAW0d-BfQA/w388-h400/IMG_20230424_123309822.jpg" width="388" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brackman 2048</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="color: #351c75;">So, I chose to do the other 4, adding the quilt block called Golgotha as the centre block in the table runner, and making all blocks 12".</span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="color: #351c75; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-C6IOTSr-EriRC0mY8dbN-omyGMLdt5F3SYucRJRz0nysYk4U0AA76kz6kvf918TKyy7I1JQYqb34Y53vh3BeKh27e-iDpCSnPItsQMzWtAlg_ZAdnsn34OERp_a36Lvk7vOFUtlhyj5iDKKLuFUy_URDcJ6PKEKMz3EDRZPk09f0wbPu0BRa5QH57w/s3117/IMG_20230424_101507811.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3117" data-original-width="3026" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-C6IOTSr-EriRC0mY8dbN-omyGMLdt5F3SYucRJRz0nysYk4U0AA76kz6kvf918TKyy7I1JQYqb34Y53vh3BeKh27e-iDpCSnPItsQMzWtAlg_ZAdnsn34OERp_a36Lvk7vOFUtlhyj5iDKKLuFUy_URDcJ6PKEKMz3EDRZPk09f0wbPu0BRa5QH57w/w389-h400/IMG_20230424_101507811.jpg" width="389" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brackman 1806d</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="color: #351c75;">Since these were all 12" blocks, I didn't have as many miniscule pieces to contend with. But Brackman 3654 would have created all kinds of grief with curved and Y-seams. So I opted to do it as an applique block instead. Much less hassle! I quilted the table runner with <a href="https://www.urbanelementz.com/easter-lily.html" target="_blank">Easter Lily</a>, also from my recent Urban Elementz order. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhssnHAz5mFOSv49XdyXjSkFHuKjlNexXeLqBwSM2fiIOXWfpPdX2p7Ig9HqaAGPWrDsdJXYA6esoCiiWd7vbMXBOiaNnG8S4n9JuXdgUgXCETfSwF7paq0i_cFRDPkAhtd_JuEgAil89-P1wi9983z7oNkI4rbLz77NxLuh4nON3EY-JVOyLmmS8P6QA/s4160/IMG_20230425_113419280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhssnHAz5mFOSv49XdyXjSkFHuKjlNexXeLqBwSM2fiIOXWfpPdX2p7Ig9HqaAGPWrDsdJXYA6esoCiiWd7vbMXBOiaNnG8S4n9JuXdgUgXCETfSwF7paq0i_cFRDPkAhtd_JuEgAil89-P1wi9983z7oNkI4rbLz77NxLuh4nON3EY-JVOyLmmS8P6QA/w400-h300/IMG_20230425_113419280.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /></span><span style="color: #351c75;">In between times, I was working on Easter projects for my daughter and grandson. </span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #351c75; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS-kh4NlpkFn8HBMaoZiNAYxyoXL3Cxffq7bq0Y4p_KEaGIfh8novLL5P3NOwiddKv0_8xU30JEZhXGvtxtCOLU3iDZ6ehrvNfRnUH9uC88jkKBSfa5KS8WYsFH8w_2BnT-TxgMRoOzfXSpZUBZ0qYZWN7AE9LdnNXibOmKeP1eckayw8LJKW83_MXxg/s4160/IMG_20230328_212707377~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS-kh4NlpkFn8HBMaoZiNAYxyoXL3Cxffq7bq0Y4p_KEaGIfh8novLL5P3NOwiddKv0_8xU30JEZhXGvtxtCOLU3iDZ6ehrvNfRnUH9uC88jkKBSfa5KS8WYsFH8w_2BnT-TxgMRoOzfXSpZUBZ0qYZWN7AE9LdnNXibOmKeP1eckayw8LJKW83_MXxg/w480-h640/IMG_20230328_212707377~2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><span style="color: #351c75;">I saw some cute projects online, and made these carrot treat bags. </span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #351c75; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/iQp4Gsa-8Xg" width="320" youtube-src-id="iQp4Gsa-8Xg"></iframe></div><span style="color: #351c75;">I opted to use hair elastics rather than add drawstrings. </span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #351c75; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB_1rVa0XbvBo-kTLirrAuVfyzHsu7L2LekDIp6mGRBe2bgK2ekrbrP8bPPEDopv8VcqG9QhWuEF8-yTmar19qT52bU71ZYUwPRMJ5EHIrk37-bdxuvYHISUinP3MlLGjlJVHrvSWhLhOr5wuaCIT4QGXlVeF5IGnIbeaACAYoKaZ22FaGmirZ-E1eRQ/s4160/IMG_20230405_203407866.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB_1rVa0XbvBo-kTLirrAuVfyzHsu7L2LekDIp6mGRBe2bgK2ekrbrP8bPPEDopv8VcqG9QhWuEF8-yTmar19qT52bU71ZYUwPRMJ5EHIrk37-bdxuvYHISUinP3MlLGjlJVHrvSWhLhOr5wuaCIT4QGXlVeF5IGnIbeaACAYoKaZ22FaGmirZ-E1eRQ/w400-h300/IMG_20230405_203407866.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="color: #351c75;">I think these bunny treat bags would look better if they weren't overfilled, but I didn't want any leftover jelly beans. </span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #351c75; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/W0_216ziKfI" width="320" youtube-src-id="W0_216ziKfI"></iframe></div><span style="color: #351c75;">A couple of years ago, I made fabric baskets for Easter for my daughter and grandson. But they were not Easter-themed fabrics so they could use the baskets for whatever they wanted. I'm not sure what I used for their Easter goodies last year - maybe just plastic bags? 😁 This year, I decided to make baskets again, but I'm going to ask for them back, plus the bunny and carrot treat bags, if they want them filled again for next year. I don't really want to continue making new baskets every year. Besides, my daughter can sew, so if she wants more fabric baskets she can make her own. I used less generic fabric this year as well. The lining fabric has Easter eggs and flowers on it. I used a carrot and blue stripe fabric in both baskets and a chick/bird fabric on the second basket as well. </span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #351c75; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHdvB-oGLNICQRJnz8ErHVJ1WN5gKAp0hucwybpP6NC1eaYPb8aA4TzTWEh0valGHCAsZ98EZvGH9GlBQDcJjlHWmwvY0owfd0l_e8ovfLfsNttMYXYG4NEQ-FRY4LJEQbE9M0Z5pNGp-PcPITmvT2b6pOzkHLLREvUzvU7ocm6hQYqzVdQQMBub1iPg/s4160/IMG_20230430_175618190.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHdvB-oGLNICQRJnz8ErHVJ1WN5gKAp0hucwybpP6NC1eaYPb8aA4TzTWEh0valGHCAsZ98EZvGH9GlBQDcJjlHWmwvY0owfd0l_e8ovfLfsNttMYXYG4NEQ-FRY4LJEQbE9M0Z5pNGp-PcPITmvT2b6pOzkHLLREvUzvU7ocm6hQYqzVdQQMBub1iPg/w480-h640/IMG_20230430_175618190.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><span style="color: #351c75;">This is my daughter's basket. I used the pattern in this video, though obviously I didn't add the face and rabbit ears. </span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #351c75; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JA48ybPLxQM" width="320" youtube-src-id="JA48ybPLxQM"></iframe></div><span style="color: #351c75;">This video is kind of annoying because all it has is irritating music and captions. I had to rewind several times to make sure I got the measurements and number of pieces correct. Initially, I was going to add the face and ears for both my daughter and grandson. But it is kind of silly, and extra work. </span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #351c75; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1n5uEr-0mAWS8yuP0n9s7FyiDdJda-x-wW4WhuT5e3xCb5JwtbPKL3Ob2vLrpeyO4_1pw6FHhc1gGlmEfaAvKpp_eORzN4s0b5K6JjdRYdRvOrML4dwZ9TyOCbvvGYIu5ViHXNzzF01uLjbln5kqt1WIN3ufIW4xd4Adwmwt6ulI0pzsAa8EvfEqWyA/s4160/IMG_20230430_163058778.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1n5uEr-0mAWS8yuP0n9s7FyiDdJda-x-wW4WhuT5e3xCb5JwtbPKL3Ob2vLrpeyO4_1pw6FHhc1gGlmEfaAvKpp_eORzN4s0b5K6JjdRYdRvOrML4dwZ9TyOCbvvGYIu5ViHXNzzF01uLjbln5kqt1WIN3ufIW4xd4Adwmwt6ulI0pzsAa8EvfEqWyA/w480-h640/IMG_20230430_163058778.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><span style="color: #351c75;">Besides, my grandson is 10 years old, getting kind of old for a bunny basket. So, I used a different tutorial for his basket. </span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #351c75; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4VfhGAbvDqs" width="320" youtube-src-id="4VfhGAbvDqs"></iframe></div><span style="color: #351c75;">That's it. While my Easter projects were late this year, I guess I've got a head start on next year. I thought of lots of different songs while working on these crafts. Here's one to close this post that goes with the Crown of Thorns sampler: </span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #351c75; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hWVQ_WATcLc" width="320" youtube-src-id="hWVQ_WATcLc"></iframe></div><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><p></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"> </blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"> </blockquote><p></p>Laura Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00874889561929236906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5201499384040045485.post-49793416362198166982023-04-06T09:05:00.000-07:002023-04-06T09:05:18.932-07:00AeroGarden Review<p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkqo__7nqoCZjnRQm4QAtZStQyJ2_3OX5Mca4avmp3Lekt7q_X4x1v-c5MeCk3akNQ63TFujI1wy0baHNSSavDR2XXde3kmzue82H1GihcpgOE3L1jye0rCZ1_DhEgqfR-hz0nSqrxc02rqux2vgG2EtMzyfxZEgy_FPvFMzdCRKugIm5iYmr8REkMTw/s4160/IMG_20230406_062212611_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkqo__7nqoCZjnRQm4QAtZStQyJ2_3OX5Mca4avmp3Lekt7q_X4x1v-c5MeCk3akNQ63TFujI1wy0baHNSSavDR2XXde3kmzue82H1GihcpgOE3L1jye0rCZ1_DhEgqfR-hz0nSqrxc02rqux2vgG2EtMzyfxZEgy_FPvFMzdCRKugIm5iYmr8REkMTw/w400-h300/IMG_20230406_062212611_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After an aggressive trimming</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: arial;">I have been wanting an AeroGarden for years, since I first saw them in Canadian Tire. But the price was rather dear and the purchase would have to wait. Finally, last year, when they were on sale, I bought myself one for Christmas. I set it up on January 10, 2023. <br />I have the AeroGarden Harvest Elite in stainless steel. It doesn't take up a whole lot of space, about 11" by 6½", but you still need enough space to put it near an outlet. In my case, I chose to put it on top of a filing cabinet in my office (my smallest bedroom). I also read somewhere that they should not be near a window. I'm not really sure why, but I assume to keep them growing with the LED light and not the sun coming in the window. Sorry, my office has a south-facing window and the AeroGarden is right below it and I haven't found another space to put it.</span></p><p><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: georgia;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ6p9TT1264qlsOoHfE2zaYlQMT3wi2JxFRovkWfwUC0x5igz2hyPKU8CvccSjVL4Al0LIqDVSOED8KzI68TxUZxQ_i-lzi--UckDMfeE8z-RYoHrFBkJagp4M4E5bjEI46vkZ2p81XqRIMqMtn9shcK4gup4sWt0DepgC8QZB4Mj0EqpZD3GoITC4jQ/s911/IMG_20230115_054910445.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="911" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ6p9TT1264qlsOoHfE2zaYlQMT3wi2JxFRovkWfwUC0x5igz2hyPKU8CvccSjVL4Al0LIqDVSOED8KzI68TxUZxQ_i-lzi--UckDMfeE8z-RYoHrFBkJagp4M4E5bjEI46vkZ2p81XqRIMqMtn9shcK4gup4sWt0DepgC8QZB4Mj0EqpZD3GoITC4jQ/w400-h300/IMG_20230115_054910445.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sprouts appear by January 15</td></tr></tbody></table>The AeroGarden came with 6 pods, pre-planted with herb seeds: Genovese basil, Thai basil, dill, mint, curly parsley and thyme. The light only extends to 12" above the grow deck, so I found their choice of herbs rather laughable. Dill and mint, as any herb gardener knows, are rather aggressive in their growth and spread, and definitely reach heights above 12". I also considered the idea that I could grow tomatoes or peppers in this particular model extremely optimistic. Even lettuce, because it has both vertical and horizontal growth, would be very crowded in the AeroGarden, unless I only planted 3 pods and harvested them young.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJjrWZkGnzsoacDlQXFDVFYfUmcPJGG6bhriodDcMBiOh1rf1d6zoQYukdbRyTpk7yfbqNITcCAZJCLoOVzKG3DxDFanN-vnuOjSdMCCySUMpVsoVQnLNXck_ZVa712e-W_csT4B4YlUs-iTTPzfHimZgeb2ThFgIIEFqwkyu4w1MJM8aWEbVika-YWw/s911/IMG_20230120_174533501_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="911" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJjrWZkGnzsoacDlQXFDVFYfUmcPJGG6bhriodDcMBiOh1rf1d6zoQYukdbRyTpk7yfbqNITcCAZJCLoOVzKG3DxDFanN-vnuOjSdMCCySUMpVsoVQnLNXck_ZVa712e-W_csT4B4YlUs-iTTPzfHimZgeb2ThFgIIEFqwkyu4w1MJM8aWEbVika-YWw/w400-h300/IMG_20230120_174533501_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">January 20</td></tr></tbody></table>One of the first things I noticed about my AeroGarden is how difficult it is to adjust the settings. While the on/off button for the lights works very readily (I accidentally turned the light off a couple of times while repositioning the AeroGarden after the last cleaning), the settings buttons do not. I was either advancing too fast or not at all. I found it rather frustrating. Fortunately, once you get it set, you don't have to reset it unless you switch from herbs to vegetables, or when the time changes. 😒 I do appreciate the fact that the main settings button - a green leaf - turns red when I need to add fertilizer or water, and the viewing screen tells me what I need to do: add fertilizer or water. Otherwise, I would likely forget and would end up with dehydrated/underfertilized plants. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghZJhSudObTlerqSXsJskECIS53b6Nf_dxzU05Y6Is_qxdYkUR6-4u2KPF53-oUuIwTxXj0ZyjoWExEpTAfJbngcZk7St-j9OjeEr8fECkeMIOLvFrUfUdm1WSPPRGg8Aodl95M_g5OYhffto5vTxcoM58mYbqjmZeNdGDUeZwKFJ17i1YLkMhq3o5jA/s911/IMG_20230124_133045438_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="911" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghZJhSudObTlerqSXsJskECIS53b6Nf_dxzU05Y6Is_qxdYkUR6-4u2KPF53-oUuIwTxXj0ZyjoWExEpTAfJbngcZk7St-j9OjeEr8fECkeMIOLvFrUfUdm1WSPPRGg8Aodl95M_g5OYhffto5vTxcoM58mYbqjmZeNdGDUeZwKFJ17i1YLkMhq3o5jA/w400-h300/IMG_20230124_133045438_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">January 24</td></tr></tbody></table>The next thing I noticed was how bright the light is. Very bright! So bright that I find it annoying and distracting, even during the day. And since the "herb" setting is for 17 hours of light, it doesn't turn off until after I go to bed. I have never liked sleeping with my door fully shut, but I now have to shut it almost completely since the office is right next to my bedroom. I will have to re-evaluate that for the next growing cycle. It also confuses my cat. When it comes on in the morning, he figures that I have to have turned the light on, so I must be up, but where am I? I suppose the ideal option would be to have it on a kitchen counter. But I keep a number of my small appliances on my counters and there is no room for an AeroGarden. I might have to look for space in the basement. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj98wiyr2-5vsuRLm4ACB0elGSQ0T9LyHbGm5TDobYxL0rN0K-Ovcq8piyZattfS9mF7bl722jMiLs1iEE1Z3d4l0tenyb1fAsU01_-HkW-eo1JO1euYwuq0BL9nArWEfELJ-uJ4qIA4_Jq1GTlSgKGoUuOZc1Z3N_ltIuzJ1JQH60NW_YzmlF59l-GFg/s911/IMG_20230208_082257555_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="911" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj98wiyr2-5vsuRLm4ACB0elGSQ0T9LyHbGm5TDobYxL0rN0K-Ovcq8piyZattfS9mF7bl722jMiLs1iEE1Z3d4l0tenyb1fAsU01_-HkW-eo1JO1euYwuq0BL9nArWEfELJ-uJ4qIA4_Jq1GTlSgKGoUuOZc1Z3N_ltIuzJ1JQH60NW_YzmlF59l-GFg/w400-h300/IMG_20230208_082257555_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">February 8</td></tr></tbody></table>The instructions say to exchange the water and clean out the tank monthly (every second time that you need to add fertilizer), but it doesn't really explain how to go about doing this. I googled and one man said that he uses a container from the dollar store. The entire grow deck with the plants has to be removed, trying not to damage any roots in the process, and I have to put it somewhere. So that's where the container, filled with water to keep the plants hydrated, comes in. I now have a container that I have to store somewhere when not in use. For lack of a better place, I put it behind the toilet. The pump filter needs to be extracted from the roots, the filter cleaned, the tank cleaned (using bleach or vinegar, which is not in the included instructions, but is online) and refilled, fertilizer added and the grow deck, with the plants and roots intact, replaced. Don't forget to wipe down the grow deck and in and around the port for fertilizer. It then has to go back on the stand. Quite a rigmarole! The last time I cleaned it, I had to use tweezers to extract roots from the pump housing, and I'm wondering if roots can eventually destroy the pump. Can the pump be replaced? Will it be worth it?<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3F9W9WwITX59PJgPZHMZtWT4Hxa5Lw1-6rzNhFnDLADIkNLZuoMfEBk_EHPNy6pphbjTTmTYmD-oj0PkdFVHxoVpRK3uYNd0upklzzBhGukuLpOcqiY4TGt21e6VvoWYkNqfsKnEwD32V39gOBQ_neEDOz5ApAlp3THqn7NAQVyocwxCaUU61YRDvNQ/s4160/IMG_20230406_062306759.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3F9W9WwITX59PJgPZHMZtWT4Hxa5Lw1-6rzNhFnDLADIkNLZuoMfEBk_EHPNy6pphbjTTmTYmD-oj0PkdFVHxoVpRK3uYNd0upklzzBhGukuLpOcqiY4TGt21e6VvoWYkNqfsKnEwD32V39gOBQ_neEDOz5ApAlp3THqn7NAQVyocwxCaUU61YRDvNQ/w400-h300/IMG_20230406_062306759.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Container for keeping the plants during cleaning</td></tr></tbody></table>While the plants were small, I only had to add water every week or two. When they got really large, they were really sucking up the water and I was topping it up daily. As I have relatively hard water, the recommendation is to use half tap water and half distilled water. At that point, I was going through quite a lot of distilled water, which is not expensive, but it does add up. I honestly have not monitored my power bills to see if running the AeroGarden has had any significant impact. The LED lights should not use considerable power, but the pump runs for 5 minutes every half hour (sorry, I have misplaced my instructions and am only going by what I recall, so forgive me if that's incorrect). I doubt such a small pump would have a significant impact on my power bill. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKbarO2hiWegkRlBt7UPztxFbT7nUfDS891eMjOTfwVnN9P3zdPynOJXjtnPRZAFMSHvgi5FAmHah9_PmbRxIbo-H8rPwyHagCCV7nwkmZvso13tMPqGIZT4okKk-Ym5IuQrjuMKoqiQcdVEoolTFitf6J4f728eyJoam3XaNqSmNwyv4N1Rhhkid5ug/s911/IMG_20230219_073321151_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="911" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKbarO2hiWegkRlBt7UPztxFbT7nUfDS891eMjOTfwVnN9P3zdPynOJXjtnPRZAFMSHvgi5FAmHah9_PmbRxIbo-H8rPwyHagCCV7nwkmZvso13tMPqGIZT4okKk-Ym5IuQrjuMKoqiQcdVEoolTFitf6J4f728eyJoam3XaNqSmNwyv4N1Rhhkid5ug/w400-h300/IMG_20230219_073321151_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">February 19</td></tr></tbody></table>The AeroGarden comes with a 3 oz. (about 85 ml) bottle of fertilizer. Following the label, I give 8 ml every two weeks. That means the the bottle will last for 20 weeks. Unfortunately, the method for adding fertilizer is to use the cap on the bottle, not very accurate or efficient. It doesn't come with a syringe or a measuring cup. Fortunately, I have some medicine cups and that is what I've been using, after making a mess more than once trying to use the cap. Canadian Tire currently sells a 1 litre jug of fertilizer for $39.99. That would be $41.99 with GST. That works out to 34 cents per dose every two weeks. So that's quite reasonable, even though the initial outlay seems steep. <br />As for using the AeroGarden next time, I would have to purchase a new set of grow pods. At Canadian Tire, I can purchase a set of 6 (choice of herbs, salad greens, cherry tomatoes, salsa garden, or Grow Anything where I get to choose my own seeds) for $24.99. With GST, that's $4.37 per pod, so I'd want to get a lot of benefit from whatever I'm growing to justify that cost (plus the cost of power and distilled water, but that does include the fertilizer). I can find online instructions for re-using or making my own pods, but my time is worth something as well, so I don't think I'll pursue that option. Amazon, on the other hand, has an AeroGarden Grow Anything 50-pod set for $83.64, which also includes the fertilizer. With GST, that's $1.76 per pod, less than half the price of the 6-pod set. And Amazon has some off-brand pod sets for even cheaper. <br />I live alone and so generally only have myself to cook for, so that could be why I haven't been able to keep up with the herbs that are growing in my AeroGarden. Or I should say some of the herbs. As anticipated, the dill and mint took over, along with the Thai basil, which grew a stem so thick and woody that I could not cut it with my kitchen shears. They blocked out the light from the remaining three herbs to the point that I have only had one reasonable harvest of the Genovese basil, a small amount of parsley and I haven't used the thyme at all yet. But I've had dill in abundance. I've used the mint once, but it shot up past the light and I ended up with a bunch of dried/burnt leaves. I really doubt that I would use mint frequently enough to justify ever growing it again in my AeroGarden. Aside from the practicality of growing such an aggressive plant in that environment. And I really didn't like the Thai basil all that well because it tastes too much like licorice, and I'm not a fan of licorice. Sorry, but I neglected to take a picture of the overgrown mess before I trimmed it back as seen in the picture at the top of this post. I will say that trimming it back has drastically reduced the water usage.<br />Amazon also has some off-brand indoor hydroponic growing systems for much cheaper than AeroGarden, that have good reviews. I just found one for $139.99 that has capacity for 12 pods and a 30" height for the light. To get something similar from AeroGarden, I would have to spend about $400.<br />My conclusions? After my experiences, would I buy an AeroGarden if I had to do it over again? Probably not. It's a lot of trouble for what I have gotten out of it. Having said that, there are some things I would do differently if I chose to have one of these systems. First of all, I would really explore the cheaper options. Spending less money would be less heartache if I decided that it wasn't worth the trouble. And since there are some systems with better options for cheaper, why not? Knowing what I know now, I would probably not have bothered starting the mint and dill, or maybe starting them at different times from the other herbs. Only using 3 or 4 pods at a time is another option, giving the plants more room to spread out without blocking the light from each other. The openings are only a couple of inches apart! I would also try to see if I could thin the plants in each pod. I'm not sure how many seeds were planted in each pod, but they likely should be thinned to one or two healthy seedlings per pod. This would be challenging since the sponge is well below the lip of each pod and the pods are partially covered with a label, leaving only a small opening for the plants to grow through. Another thing would be to locate it in another part of the house, so that the light is not so bothersome. The problem with this option is that if it's in a low traffic area, I might not notice the warning to add water or fertilizer. <br />I haven't yet determined the future of my AeroGarden. Sell it or keep using it? After this batch of herbs is finished, I will likely make another attempt with herbs of my choosing. I really can't see going through all that rigmarole for 3 heads of lettuce, because that's all I would likely plant if I chose to plant lettuce. The space is too limited to expect a good harvest if I planted 6. There are some interesting videos on YouTube of what different things people have grown in their AeroGardens, mostly in larger ones than the one I have. I can't imagine trying to lift the deck and plants laden with tomatoes - even cherry tomatoes - every time the tank needed to be cleaned...<br />So, if you're thinking of buying an indoor hydroponic system, do your research, watch some videos and consider what I've said here. Only you can determine whether or not it's a worthwhile purchase for you. It's too bad they aren't available for rent...</span></p>Laura Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00874889561929236906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5201499384040045485.post-50981224593502967222023-04-03T08:51:00.000-07:002023-04-03T08:51:13.961-07:00Subtle Incapacitation<p><span class="et03" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: "Open Sans", "Sohne Buch", Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic;">Subtle incapacitation</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Open Sans", "Sohne Buch", Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> means gradual, initially imperceptible impairment of physical or mental function, whether reversible or not</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Open Sans", "Sohne Buch", Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">, which is likely to result in safety, performance and/or conduct issues that may undermine the agency</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Open Sans", "Sohne Buch", Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">'s commitment to maintaining a safe working environment for all employees</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Open Sans", "Sohne Buch", Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> and others.<br /><a href="https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/5/339.104#:~:text=Subtle%20incapacitation%20means%20gradual%2C%20initially%20imperceptible%20impairment%20of,safe%20working%20environment%20for%20all%20employees%20and%20others." target="_blank">Cornell Law School</a><br /><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Noto Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 20px;">Subtle incapacitation is most commonly caused by hypoxia (low oxygen levels), hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), extreme fatigue, alcohol, drugs or other toxic substances. Neurological problems, such as stroke or brain tumour, may also be a cause. <a href="https://tc.canada.ca/en/aviation/publications/pilot-incapacitation-tp-11629" target="_blank">Transport Canada</a><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">In watching an episode of <i>Mayday: Air Disaster</i>, which is a program that shows the investigation process involved in various airplane accidents, I became aware of the condition known as subtle incapacitation. If you Google it, you'll find that it is only used to apply to pilots/air crew. I'm not sure why because the factors contributing to the development/manifestation of subtle incapacitation can be found in other situations as well. <br />Last week, I was in Edmonton for an occupational therapy functional assessment. Because of my anxiety about driving (the assessment was in a very busy area of the city and the driving would be during rush hour), the disability company paid for a driver to take me in and return me home. During one of our trips, the driver informed me that he had been driving at 130 kph (speed limit is 110, by the way) on his way to pick me up and had been passed by a truck, obviously doing more than 130 (80 mph) and the truck driver lost control of the truck, which started weaving dangerously, until he was able to get it under control again. It made me wonder if the truck driver was a victim of subtle incapacitation. Having been married to a truck driver, I know the crazy hours they keep, and the poor lifestyle they often have, including lack of physical exercise and erratic and improper eating. Transport Canada has this to say about the symptoms of subtle incapacitation:<br /></span></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Skills or judgement may be lost with little or no outward sign.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">The victim may not respond to stimulus, may make illogical decisions, or may appear to be manipulating controls in an ineffective or hazardous manner.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Failure to respond normally to two consecutive challenges or one significant warning ("You're 100 feet below decision height") should trigger action.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Symptoms may be evident only in moments of high stress or workload.</span></li></ul><div><span style="font-family: arial;">So, who's to say that subtle incapacitation can not apply to transport drivers? The causes can be present and the symptoms can be the same. And what about shift workers? Or even people like myself, who suffer from mental health issues and chronic and often severe insomnia? I know that my decision-making ability, my memory, my organization skills have all been negatively impacted. Even my ability to type. I also know that there are times when I'm so tired that I get clumsy. Is that not subtle incapacitation? <br />I don't honestly know if "subtle incapacitation" is even an official medical diagnosis or if it can be found in the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders), but I think it should be recognized and acknowledged that it can apply to more than just airline pilots. And I have no doubt that stress can contribute to it as well. <br />And nursing can be a very stressful occupation. And I guess maybe that's where I'm going with this. There is little doubt that there are likely many nurses suffering from subtle incapacitation. And maybe they've been called in by their managers for a performance review and told to do better. And they try to do better, but the situations that have produced the symptoms don't go away. There is altogether too much blame placed on nurses instead of acknowledging the factors that may be directly contributing to "poor performance". I don't know what can be done about it, but I think recognizing its existence is a step in the right direction. <br />We're losing nurses faster than we can replace them. And something needs to be done. And I think exploring and dealing with why is far more important than finding replacements. Otherwise, we'll just continue to lose them. </span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p>Laura Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00874889561929236906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5201499384040045485.post-61829779301149968922023-03-09T12:02:00.000-08:002023-03-09T12:02:39.812-08:00Self Harm<p><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: helvetica;">It's been a while since I posted anything about mental health. First of all, I'm exercising regularly, thank the Lord, though I don't really see any improvement in my sleep, energy levels or mood. Nevertheless, I do know that it's doing me good physically. But yesterday, I just never got around to it. For the most part, I just forgot. My memory is actually getting worse, which I know can be impacted by my mental health. And lack of sleep, which is also impacted by my mental health. And lately, I've found brain games, like Wordle, much more challenging and stressful. My shortness of breath and abdominal discomfort have gotten worse again as well. And the eczema on my right hand never seems to go away permanently, in spite of using sterioid ointment. Of course, I don't always remember to put it on. Nor do I apply moisturiizing cream to my hands every 20 minutes as my doctor recommended. It's fine if I'm just sitting there watching TV, but if I'm washing dishes or working with fabric or yarn, it's not very practical. Tuesday morning, I woke up around 2:00 in the morning and didn't get back to sleep. And really didn't have the energy to do anything during the day. But that's not entirely true. <br />We had a period of warmer weather 2 or 3 weeks ago and the snow on the garage roof got soft and mushy and slid off the roof, landing on the sidewalk between the deck and the garage. I managed to shovel up the first bunch, but then more fell off the roof later in the day and I didn't get the chance to shovel it up before it froze in what was a small, icy mountain range on the sidewalk. Frozen solid, it couldn't be shovelled up and the ice melting salt barely touched it. My turf edger, which I might have used to try to break it up, was in the shed. And the shed was still inaccessible because of the snow. So, I figured I was stuck with it until the spring. And I had to gingerly clamber over it any time I left the house. But yesterday, I knew my new roll of quilt batting was going to be delivered. Plus I had my friend, Barb who makes soap, delivering some soap to me Wednesday. So, I needed to do something about accessibility to my home. Before breakfast, I went out with a hammer and hammered that ice until I managed to clear enough to be able to safely get to the stairs on the deck. Hurray! That's why I said that it wasn't entirely true that I didn't have the energy to do anything, but I basically just lazed around for the rest of the day. Although, I did exercise Tuesday. I just didn't get around to it on Wednesday. It remains to be seen whether or not I exercise today.<br />Wednesday was not a good day. My psychologist suggested to my disability benefit company that I should be assessed by an OT for activities of daily living, exercise capabilities, etc. I think she's hoping the benefit company will pay for a pass for me to go to the aquatic centre here in town. I don't really care, but just want to cooperate with my care plan as much as possible. Neither I nor my psychologist thought that they would want me to go to Edmonton to be assessed. We both assumed that I would be assessed at home. So I was rather surprised and dismayed when I found out that they wanted to go into Edmonton, over an hour's drive away and I would have to be there from 8:30 in the morning until 4:30 in the afternoon on the first day and 8:30 to 12:00 on the second day. That means someone with Generalized Anxiety Disorder would be driving in Edmonton during rush hour. And the appointment is later this month. March in Alberta can be very unpredictable and I never count on winter weather ending until some time in April. Most of us don't have our winter tires removed until mid-April. Or later. And so, someone with winter driving phobia is supposed to drive to and in Edmonton during rush hour when there's no guarantee of what the roads would be like. I panic if there's a little bit of ice on the roads. But the news was worse. The rehab clinic where I am supposed to go is in one of the busiest areas of the city. I don't necessarily like to drive there on a Sunday morning, let alone rush hour! So, I called them back and said that I couldn't do it. They came up with the idea that maybe my disability benefit provider would pay for a taxi. Then they suggested that I stay in a motel. No, I can't stay in a motel either as I don't want to leave my senior cat alone for a couple of nights. Yesterday, my case manager for the benefit provider called and said that they had approved funding for my transportation. Well, if they thought I'd be happy, they had another thing coming. <br />Did I mention that one of the things that increase my anxiety are appointments? Yes, that's right: appointments. I don't know what it is: fear of being late, fear of disappointing people, fear of disapproval, fear of not being taken seriously. I'm really not sure, but no one said that mental health challenges have to make sense. They really don't. I also have a hard time getting going in the morning, sometimes not showering until later in the day, if at all. Sometimes I stay in my nightgown or sweats all day. Sometimes, I'm eating breakfast at nearly noon. So, here I am with two back-to-back appointments in the city that involve taking a vehicle (even though I'm not driving) on unpredictable roads, during rush hour in one of the busiest parts of the city, and being ready to head out the door by 7:00 in the morning. Not to mention packing a lunch. I might have to pack my breakfast, too, since I will have to leave so early. <br />So, I just felt really overwhelmed. I was hoping and praying that I wouldn't have to go. And I cried. And I'm sure it's not just these OT appointments. Those are just the tipping point, or the straw that broke the camel's back. <br />Did you know that self harm doesn't always mean suicide? That there are people that scratch, bite, pinch and cut themselves to get some relief. And it's not that they actually want to hurt themselves. The emotional pain is so bad that they just want to find some way to get rid of it, some way to let it out, somehow to get some relief. And I'm beginning to understand what that means. You know how when you have a headache and you stub your toe, you suddenly don't notice the headache, at least not as much. I think it's something like that. Hoping that the physical pain will alleviate - or at least distract from - the emotional pain. <br />Don't get me wrong - I haven't self-harmed, and I don't intend to. I'm just saying that I'm in a place where I can understand the rationale behind it. I am so frustrated with feeling like crying every day, of having my life limited by anxiety and depression. Of feeling nauseated and headachy and dizzy. Of not being able to lose weight because I "self-medicate" with food and then feel guilty afterwards. I'm also frustrated with feeling like other people - my benefit provider, my psychologist, my doctor - are in control of my life and not me. And I'm just tired, so very tired, all of the time. And a lot of the time lately, I don't really even enjoy quilt-making. It feels like a chore. <br />But I keep plodding on. And by the grace of God, I will get through this. </span></p>Laura Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00874889561929236906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5201499384040045485.post-66409398879862470412023-03-02T10:09:00.003-08:002023-03-02T11:02:24.380-08:00Heart Quilts<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd7c6p6sKB0GKJqd51ndOKLD00G27AmARQbeWZgjc95fQyBLN0E8xbuVtZbIEwsZEftp2oefK6Ea0McBIpZWni2F88kkuCCa9jytw9bHxeuYxhqnOgCFT4rwK0fvifmQ9PzNaG3SWwg2LWZxtxXYV-RLTRkU2qYHZf5Z0A2brGsTQGjB02-BZGtxIc6Q/s4160/IMG_20230212_184920060.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd7c6p6sKB0GKJqd51ndOKLD00G27AmARQbeWZgjc95fQyBLN0E8xbuVtZbIEwsZEftp2oefK6Ea0McBIpZWni2F88kkuCCa9jytw9bHxeuYxhqnOgCFT4rwK0fvifmQ9PzNaG3SWwg2LWZxtxXYV-RLTRkU2qYHZf5Z0A2brGsTQGjB02-BZGtxIc6Q/w525-h394/IMG_20230212_184920060.jpg" width="525" /></a></div><span style="color: #ff00fe; font-family: courier;">As Valentine's Day approached, the Inside Out Heart quilt popped up in my YouTube feed. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/d-RcmheCrX8" width="320" youtube-src-id="d-RcmheCrX8"></iframe></div><br />Only 36" square I figured it would make the perfect wallhanging for my living room. I've had <a href="https://catscrossing-laura.blogspot.com/2017/11/celtic-ballad.html" target="_blank">Celtic Ballad</a> hanging there since I finished it in 2017, aside for a short time when I entered it in a local fair. So, maybe it was time for a change. And maybe what I will eventually do is have a different wallhanging for each month of the year. When I'm doing a workout by video, I've found it's much nicer to focus on the wallhanging than the trainer in the video. I can still do the exercises, but have something much prettier to focus on. <br />I pulled some appropriate layer cake squares from my stash and used my pale pink solid yardage, left over from <a href="https://catscrossing-laura.blogspot.com/2020/12/stitch-pink.html" target="_blank">Stitch Pink</a>, for the heart part. Then I picked up a metre and a half of fabric from the local quilt shop for the backing and binding. It was a squeeze to fit this quilt onto only one metre of backing when I loaded it onto the longarm, but I didn't really want to piece the backing when a 36" square will fit onto a fabric piece approximately 39" (one metre) by 45". <br />I have several heart-themed pantographs, but then I thought that flowers are appropriate for Valentine's as well and decided this would be a good opportunity to try the <a href="https://www.urbanelementz.com/crosshatch-roses.html" target="_blank">Crosshatch Roses pantograph</a>. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjywRzUOkEGErim96in8aBGBZQXRWQ4RTHr19KhXuR6-tHcrgGvFdV2U-J8lSRW3b0ixjtOVQA8rBKis7VrSExwlQIjluvgOWVGA4rpXW-gqpW30vhguzcbT4Ubah_bJ-3pgSi48YDXNtkyhC4QoaBEEu3OnLYptljrM21PMbMgqSVFxfII-1uMYfQUgw/s4160/IMG_20230212_102352908.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjywRzUOkEGErim96in8aBGBZQXRWQ4RTHr19KhXuR6-tHcrgGvFdV2U-J8lSRW3b0ixjtOVQA8rBKis7VrSExwlQIjluvgOWVGA4rpXW-gqpW30vhguzcbT4Ubah_bJ-3pgSi48YDXNtkyhC4QoaBEEu3OnLYptljrM21PMbMgqSVFxfII-1uMYfQUgw/w536-h402/IMG_20230212_102352908.jpg" width="536" /></a></div>It worked out as beautifully as I'd hoped and was not as labour intensive as I feared. <br />Meanwhile, <a href="https://www.black-cat-creations.com/shop/c/p/Follow-My-Heart---FREE-DOWNLOAD-x67326976.htm" target="_blank">Follow My Heart</a>, which is a free pattern download, came across my Instagram feed. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgldOQanQm13je33mKTE2F6_oovLdwxAGcC2GCnE6XHy00Lm4tFKedVk02m5_ZYbM1wJpWf_1AQolOn5domnDhksx_SAVTxMUhHWOFhkxT028skpAGMCI_YJbIwN84pm0FWfteVG_t0TKYNmtQag_g1fbkxhWlGlttXGCith4fmRF9ufpGfbqN74-fGKg/s3284/IMG_20230214_163038512~2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3284" data-original-width="3120" height="605" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgldOQanQm13je33mKTE2F6_oovLdwxAGcC2GCnE6XHy00Lm4tFKedVk02m5_ZYbM1wJpWf_1AQolOn5domnDhksx_SAVTxMUhHWOFhkxT028skpAGMCI_YJbIwN84pm0FWfteVG_t0TKYNmtQag_g1fbkxhWlGlttXGCith4fmRF9ufpGfbqN74-fGKg/w574-h605/IMG_20230214_163038512~2.jpg" width="574" /></a></div>That, I decided, would make a nice table topper for my dining room table. I ran out of the pale pink background fabric while making this quilt top, but I only needed one more border strip. Fortunately, not only did my local quilt shop have some in stock, but they were also having a 50% off sale! I bought what was left on the bolt. The new fabric is a marginally different hue than the old fabric, but not enough to make it readily apparent. The rest of the fabric came from my stash. <br />I used the <a href="https://www.willowleafstudio.com/valentino-paper-version/" target="_blank">Valentino</a> pantograph for this quilt. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ6e70sZhfWFoAAEudGaD8nGlNABZ3YPo6kWtVdGkIglPusm_qaT1UJp9k8PBDXGau0O6qj81y8T5CH8pGUIVRS22SO4FgdJhFMstKBK0VGF1e9zjFB0-3CWVG27MEkgGuiri4lyPCgfKO7lxtImFW7KyYjTjq3fvekj0z5nZ9OUFGRY2IyfECdjLeEg/s4160/IMG_20230214_125539748_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ6e70sZhfWFoAAEudGaD8nGlNABZ3YPo6kWtVdGkIglPusm_qaT1UJp9k8PBDXGau0O6qj81y8T5CH8pGUIVRS22SO4FgdJhFMstKBK0VGF1e9zjFB0-3CWVG27MEkgGuiri4lyPCgfKO7lxtImFW7KyYjTjq3fvekj0z5nZ9OUFGRY2IyfECdjLeEg/w560-h420/IMG_20230214_125539748_HDR.jpg" width="560" /></a></div>I think it was the ideal design. In my opinion, this is such a pretty quilt!<br />In my stash, I also have a couple of heart fabrics that I decided to use to make another throw quilt for my living room. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7CFaEtl_1b6aFZMBxUjEbO-y_TXJvvqF0PhObYXjArsUMBhDSVQC5yzwomYK4zlPCKtB5GQgo8v_2yhEyYC9OKzkbg2jmzqI8u7QjA2Y86KVIO_Xesp_T5uXhgXjyyA11Nu2_7ABFc1RPVlv-7AqxAzEmy70LLZR8hlI2E3WtKkz2r_hAnc1Cz9TZGg/s4160/IMG_20230302_073502242.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7CFaEtl_1b6aFZMBxUjEbO-y_TXJvvqF0PhObYXjArsUMBhDSVQC5yzwomYK4zlPCKtB5GQgo8v_2yhEyYC9OKzkbg2jmzqI8u7QjA2Y86KVIO_Xesp_T5uXhgXjyyA11Nu2_7ABFc1RPVlv-7AqxAzEmy70LLZR8hlI2E3WtKkz2r_hAnc1Cz9TZGg/w509-h382/IMG_20230302_073502242.jpg" width="509" /></a></div>During the sale at my LQS, I also purchased a couple of different red Michael Miller Fairy Frost prints, using one for the backing for Follow My Heart and the other (in the photo above) I intended to use as a third fabric in the throw quilt. I originally planned on making a 3-yard quilt. But then I decided to try something different. While 3-yard quilts are great for a relatively fast and easy project, sometimes they can be boring. So, I chose to make a quilt using quilt blocks made from the red fabric and the smaller heart print, with the larger heart print for a focus fabric in between blocks. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHm_HolhPe24RjoohUwt3dB1CFX4K4_OS_b3MLxUcI4nDSOqz_siNFFPwpoXWLsEryq6TdkuTl-HUuSeQKHEa-oR-Su8r8RndpiueeTaQ8DkpuR-3bwuzZXcG1MGHtl-E1HdxzGu8IRadQmCPfncLDKdDOnAWWKSlvgw506muWxLCkX4NizSl_pbDzbw/s4160/IMG_20230228_104657110.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHm_HolhPe24RjoohUwt3dB1CFX4K4_OS_b3MLxUcI4nDSOqz_siNFFPwpoXWLsEryq6TdkuTl-HUuSeQKHEa-oR-Su8r8RndpiueeTaQ8DkpuR-3bwuzZXcG1MGHtl-E1HdxzGu8IRadQmCPfncLDKdDOnAWWKSlvgw506muWxLCkX4NizSl_pbDzbw/w480-h640/IMG_20230228_104657110.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>I chose Grandmother's Choice as the block I would use. This is my first block. And while I liked it, I wasn't sure if I was totally satisfied with it. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1u2xVuVlCDT57GWGOxEaME6E6GIF8IShYpTNObW5KrF3uOf3KcM9Qm_Wf7WtyOgvpLdT2SbhjOaCOLTyuF9SQ6O6URz9SxEV-4tQ28WjD0pNdNa1jLExsccTmUXDam0W5GC4jy5LPO6MxxW-QG6p6s_cvEfNVWkxFey1C9f2iiBpfHRvHLf8eiD1fDg/s4160/IMG_20230302_091459117.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="347" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1u2xVuVlCDT57GWGOxEaME6E6GIF8IShYpTNObW5KrF3uOf3KcM9Qm_Wf7WtyOgvpLdT2SbhjOaCOLTyuF9SQ6O6URz9SxEV-4tQ28WjD0pNdNa1jLExsccTmUXDam0W5GC4jy5LPO6MxxW-QG6p6s_cvEfNVWkxFey1C9f2iiBpfHRvHLf8eiD1fDg/w462-h347/IMG_20230302_091459117.jpg" width="462" /></a></div>And when I put it goether with the larger heart fabric, I knew that just wasn't right. I had been so determined to use the two heart fabrics in the same quilt top that I ignored the fact that they really don't go together. Yes, they both have hearts and the main colours are pink and red, but they are different pinks and reds. And they just don't look good together. <br />So, now what? First of all, I tried replacing the red fabric in the block. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_JZkRukLsa4bW1eYeK_KjDSlutf5N3H7pv7RoYenVuoDz-rRP4v9uWOh34_44eup4F6f8vRegK3B8-E_At2Byf9KcEJ1On4_U6J15HlXX0b0brNU1bGaWe8wVyNFUptTMnloXA7hiMi4DcjMjiNpdcNC9Oh0Aykk3ABnIcyt6zG2UFk704wjNFUmiZA/s4160/IMG_20230228_145025736.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="359" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_JZkRukLsa4bW1eYeK_KjDSlutf5N3H7pv7RoYenVuoDz-rRP4v9uWOh34_44eup4F6f8vRegK3B8-E_At2Byf9KcEJ1On4_U6J15HlXX0b0brNU1bGaWe8wVyNFUptTMnloXA7hiMi4DcjMjiNpdcNC9Oh0Aykk3ABnIcyt6zG2UFk704wjNFUmiZA/w479-h359/IMG_20230228_145025736.jpg" width="479" /></a></div>That's much better (even though the majority of the vote went to the one on the left amongst my Facebook friends, I still liked it with the coral fabric better than the red fabric). But now I needed a different focus fabric and decide what to do with the other heart fabric. Not that I needed to use the other fabric right away, but for whatever reason, I wanted to solve this dilemma now. And I determined to make two quilts, identical in layout, but using different blocks. <br />With this in mind, I took the block and a square of the larger heart fabric into the quilt shop to find fabric that would coordinate with each. I had a harder time finding a fabric that would go with the block. I did finally choose one, but haven't taken a picture of it yet. I want to wait until I see how it actually looks together. <br />For the larger heart fabric, I found a couple of coordinates that I just felt so good about, and decided to try a block. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifsPgTbA8CHP4mZWJAeyzUuW_04Z86zLPkW0-oZp97j6B2wivHR6iSktXK0gaeVfhzmHwg43_WwBUXDbskjFG3gDxw2U9lhCPMEqoudOIxxQwSrUJFIBRF22TsoSEkEYAPtG-v3d8gXFpc_dwaA26BOviRxzIp0Cw7p4GJVgsNU4ZMMvJxBHkmQEhK5w/s4160/IMG_20230301_124818732.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifsPgTbA8CHP4mZWJAeyzUuW_04Z86zLPkW0-oZp97j6B2wivHR6iSktXK0gaeVfhzmHwg43_WwBUXDbskjFG3gDxw2U9lhCPMEqoudOIxxQwSrUJFIBRF22TsoSEkEYAPtG-v3d8gXFpc_dwaA26BOviRxzIp0Cw7p4GJVgsNU4ZMMvJxBHkmQEhK5w/w494-h370/IMG_20230301_124818732.jpg" width="494" /></a></div>That's much better, in my opinion. The block is Grandmother Percy's Puzzle, and it really is a puzzle to assemble it. I had to use several partial seams, but first had to figure out how. I was just using BlockBase+, which doesn't give assembly instructions for the blocks. Ironically, it has the exact same pieces as Grandmother's Choice, only in a more complex arrangement. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOpTkRuTYNYlrI2nTlgZRB_X6uJdltQ9_YQ9pwuU248vEpWZhQtdab7DLnhzl9iQ4vJduwjqXeHXcY9TkoPk2Y10JycUtxR3Fj8bPEgyaUv3jQPY78I0MdW__Hy8A1oCcjjEAWETiHeGnKPvvKmgqKdS8ZuZce3rabrreD97zqJyaNUl3GWR5iyotAgA/s4160/IMG_20230301_124855748~2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2082" data-original-width="4160" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOpTkRuTYNYlrI2nTlgZRB_X6uJdltQ9_YQ9pwuU248vEpWZhQtdab7DLnhzl9iQ4vJduwjqXeHXcY9TkoPk2Y10JycUtxR3Fj8bPEgyaUv3jQPY78I0MdW__Hy8A1oCcjjEAWETiHeGnKPvvKmgqKdS8ZuZce3rabrreD97zqJyaNUl3GWR5iyotAgA/w498-h249/IMG_20230301_124855748~2.jpg" width="498" /></a></div>I will call these quilts "Grandmother's Twins" and the individual quilts by their respective block names. Grandmother Percy's Puzzle will be for my living room and Grandmother's Choice will go in my craft studio.<br />I may or may not share the quilts later. If I want to sell the design to a quilting magazine, they want previously unpublished designs, which includes just sharing pictures of the quilt to social media. I checked with them when they called for submissions for holiday quilts, including Hanukkah. I thought about submitting <a href="https://catscrossing-laura.blogspot.com/2022/11/children-of-israel.html" target="_blank">Children of Israel</a>, since it is my design, but I have published pictures of it here on my blog, plus on Facebook and Instagram. I think I mentioned that I sent in a couple of designs previously. The first one was rejected, but I've redesigned it and am hoping to offer it to Quilts of Valour Canada once I get it written up. I submitted the second one on January 5 and still haven't heard back. But it's pretty much too late now. I haven't even purchased the fabric for it, let alone made the quilt, and it would be due in their office in the USA by March 23, and I would want to allow at least 2 weeks for shipping. So, unless it was a really simple design (it isn't) and I could readily find the fabric I wanted locally, there is no way I could have a quilt ready to be mailed by no later than March 9, even if I heard from them today. I think that from now on, if I want to submit a design for publication, I will make the quilt first. That way if they wait overlong to let me know that they've accepted the design for publication, the quilt will already be ready when I hear back.</span><p></p>Laura Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00874889561929236906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5201499384040045485.post-55307282624768895552023-02-10T07:17:00.001-08:002023-02-10T07:30:12.545-08:00Vintage<p><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Ubuntu;">I'm going to be honest here and say that I genuinely do not like <a href="https://catscrossing-laura.blogspot.com/2023/01/chelsea-rose-pop.html" target="_blank">Chelsea Rose Pop</a>. It almost makes me cringe when I see it. Yes, I have gotten positive comments online, calling it a really beautiful quilt, etc., but for me, it is just too busy. This one, on the other hand, really speaks to me. </span> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSrWqEZE3PrJaFJ95ePXeN7-_vItS-lsgeFJlKSkcXQR7aUxfJRtN7FQ7UswlAwT87GL4Nh3RoLODE15eW-MbbP_oHT5ABppG_OPdZ4noHy92lWkTbWbdS9acboJmmtJaqqhwOkowHH6ree0FnxYiZ0dreIJ2jgeeOanXW9z2lE9I9ucV7fsbty23ISw/s4160/IMG_20230209_164835002.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSrWqEZE3PrJaFJ95ePXeN7-_vItS-lsgeFJlKSkcXQR7aUxfJRtN7FQ7UswlAwT87GL4Nh3RoLODE15eW-MbbP_oHT5ABppG_OPdZ4noHy92lWkTbWbdS9acboJmmtJaqqhwOkowHH6ree0FnxYiZ0dreIJ2jgeeOanXW9z2lE9I9ucV7fsbty23ISw/w480-h640/IMG_20230209_164835002.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Ubuntu;">And it's a good thing because I'm keeping this one. <br />I'm not really sure why I decided to join the Moda Love Charm Pack Challenge (you can find the pattern <a href="https://modafabrics.com/webfiles/ModaCharmPackChallenge_ModaLoveCharmQuiltPattern.pdf" target="_blank">here</a>). I don't often join quilt-alongs, BOMs, etc, because I have so many of my own projects to work on. I suppose it was because I felt I could use a break from Chelsea Rose Pop...<br />Rummaging around in my stash of charm packs (at least the ones I could find...), I tossed around different options and came up with this one with a warm white background. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ9dZYrOslkAvXS-SibVae8lKryCj84qNQ61hd2nJixXswDtI8ccwKGGSXj9ovhPPG-ekiw3weJEHQWjM-Ika8Jsx6tZsi0OPyeJjXkEHXlxRKvBD6kfPgQ8X20GElJAdZm3zsqho79n3KJZ6hkek2Ganjdm5HCquoa1wx2r5OhnUhUrO_8yz7bkkwAg/s4160/IMG_20230111_180722182.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ9dZYrOslkAvXS-SibVae8lKryCj84qNQ61hd2nJixXswDtI8ccwKGGSXj9ovhPPG-ekiw3weJEHQWjM-Ika8Jsx6tZsi0OPyeJjXkEHXlxRKvBD6kfPgQ8X20GElJAdZm3zsqho79n3KJZ6hkek2Ganjdm5HCquoa1wx2r5OhnUhUrO_8yz7bkkwAg/w480-h640/IMG_20230111_180722182.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>I have no idea what fabric line or manufacturer this is from as the label just said something like "40 squares", but I really like it. However, I didn't really want a wallhanging, and I also didn't want leftover charm squares. So, having decided that a) I like to keep a lap quilt on the sofa, b) I prefer this quilt to have a minky backing, c) <a href="https://catscrossing-laura.blogspot.com/2014/08/go-wild.html" target="_blank">Go Wild</a> is a little bigger than I wanted for this purpose, and d) it was time to put <a href="https://catscrossing-laura.blogspot.com/2022/12/catching-up-with-some-smaller-projects.html" target="_blank">Boxes and Bows</a> away, since it is a Christmas quilt, I decided to "grow" the Charm Pack Challenge quilt into a lap quilt with a minky backing.<br />I came up with a simple design that used up the rest of the charm pack. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKlwqREPEn3l-XZOHCxhR5oLX1vinj19FdTp05XJko7yvFU9PSg0MFH0sfdmoA75kAbxzRErrEsm_NjQehD87k_gTIV3oQb5RY8BXhNU8OxSi6qfU0Ql4WrGDeHUGZxpC1s0V0ie55-SzZnj-ZwZ6dWeGci7n10MhXq0Pt30zZH06s6WWQMtnPeXmYTQ/s4160/IMG_20230111_180655331.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKlwqREPEn3l-XZOHCxhR5oLX1vinj19FdTp05XJko7yvFU9PSg0MFH0sfdmoA75kAbxzRErrEsm_NjQehD87k_gTIV3oQb5RY8BXhNU8OxSi6qfU0Ql4WrGDeHUGZxpC1s0V0ie55-SzZnj-ZwZ6dWeGci7n10MhXq0Pt30zZH06s6WWQMtnPeXmYTQ/w480-h640/IMG_20230111_180655331.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>But I needed to determine what fabric to use for the final border. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkbAzOHxA_AW3xT9DpwTrVOtohPvd4cmiyVr3olrZzjhTqYvMOuXo1NnoivKpuJqqS2c-8PlFuytbwgOuXPnkJ8zAwg01iKU3QcK4g0cX5d-AW_iKGyVOXAs_wqIaUnSBv7OhMvqKI2ynpUDzlDKvJgJotyG-5yQ4ENjbUu5POnXHXr09vuE0jnSl5Pg/s4160/IMG_20230112_070032954.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkbAzOHxA_AW3xT9DpwTrVOtohPvd4cmiyVr3olrZzjhTqYvMOuXo1NnoivKpuJqqS2c-8PlFuytbwgOuXPnkJ8zAwg01iKU3QcK4g0cX5d-AW_iKGyVOXAs_wqIaUnSBv7OhMvqKI2ynpUDzlDKvJgJotyG-5yQ4ENjbUu5POnXHXr09vuE0jnSl5Pg/w400-h300/IMG_20230112_070032954.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Because some of the fabric in the charm pack looked like it had grapevines and leaves on it, I was originally going to call the quilt "Heard it Through the Grapevine" and these two fabrics left over from <a href="https://catscrossing-laura.blogspot.com/2019/01/my-beloveds-vineyard.html" target="_blank">My Beloved's Vineyard</a>, would have suited the theme, but I felt that they were both a little too busy and were "fighting for attention" with the main body of the quilt top. Then I pulled this dark pine green from my stash, which I believe I used in <a href="https://catscrossing-laura.blogspot.com/2021/08/home-on-farm.html" target="_blank">Home on the Farm</a>. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBhv7JpEqEGGpgI7Lkp1CYTimA91lyQApQlK_-LwATRs-qwaA2ej-UqUOEQEPrRB74-SE7EyXmef5od7cpfO6KjnjmIA363HgqKBhI4nJIMW4l9pwKTBlVLVKCSxreWyX_qr02pjRcNgq_3lUlmO7CAhTBlHcvmhabmqxicjuy8sVzljoQVTcwLdAqcg/s4160/IMG_20230113_125751421.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBhv7JpEqEGGpgI7Lkp1CYTimA91lyQApQlK_-LwATRs-qwaA2ej-UqUOEQEPrRB74-SE7EyXmef5od7cpfO6KjnjmIA363HgqKBhI4nJIMW4l9pwKTBlVLVKCSxreWyX_qr02pjRcNgq_3lUlmO7CAhTBlHcvmhabmqxicjuy8sVzljoQVTcwLdAqcg/w480-h640/IMG_20230113_125751421.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>Yes, that's more like it. I was, however, a little bit alarmed by all that white for a lap quilt that's going to see a lot of use. Though it does match my cat's fur...<br />I realized that "Heard It Through the Grapevine" was not elegant enough for this quilt, and after toying with different ideas, I came up with simply "Vintage" because not only is the fabric vintage-y looking, but it suits the grapevine theme as well. <br />Originally, I had purchased purple minky for the backing, but decided against it since sometimes minky fibres can be pulled to the front. So I went with a medium muted green, about the same colour as the thread I used for quilting. That way, if any fibres pulled to the front, it would look more like it was just part of the thread. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmYFe-sb21YT2FoR1vGr0_RMmPfnpAkiXyd5rYv57hOF3pa5jTP7NvW8KE3kqZnb3X0zWKGd03Wax2zov8_dF5DLyamT8FsgaOHuXWcvT56gb4-0Q5M97_GvnpsMghtshfJ0my530YjIy6b793EXCdSRF20N6M-qxpzQXHdbRwZX5adLwZc7bLd89tww/s4160/IMG_20230208_195400081.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmYFe-sb21YT2FoR1vGr0_RMmPfnpAkiXyd5rYv57hOF3pa5jTP7NvW8KE3kqZnb3X0zWKGd03Wax2zov8_dF5DLyamT8FsgaOHuXWcvT56gb4-0Q5M97_GvnpsMghtshfJ0my530YjIy6b793EXCdSRF20N6M-qxpzQXHdbRwZX5adLwZc7bLd89tww/w400-h300/IMG_20230208_195400081.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>I had originally planned on quilting it with <a href="https://www.urbanelementz.com/vineyard.html" target="_blank">Vineyard</a>, but I wasn't sure how well the tendrils would work with a minky backing. Besides, with so many pantographs that I have never used, I like to try out a new one when I can, and I had used Vineyard before. So, I opted for <a href="https://www.urbanelementz.com/arcadia.html" target="_blank">Arcadia</a> by Patricia Ritter from Urban Elementz. It was a good choice. It works up fairly quickly and beautifully. <br />I know you can buy minky with designs sculpted into it, but when you quilt it, it looks that way anyway.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWRvsbt5ekM5ptnJOkNZCtiVqee42Oc8H6H6idJkiwzS6rp7ETI_PJcoQ7GPH4V4ob_h6qlC_I3_23d0GRPSaVkNDpewCUBzMhIr0z000Yi9n1mbBGpQgFAH7Gfte0KC5Keb4diT3Ce1Xd64J_JnMBA-Wp4hzGe5YPTcIt8I128vaAIOH5QD9Udk-Qmw/s4160/IMG_20230210_082214843.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWRvsbt5ekM5ptnJOkNZCtiVqee42Oc8H6H6idJkiwzS6rp7ETI_PJcoQ7GPH4V4ob_h6qlC_I3_23d0GRPSaVkNDpewCUBzMhIr0z000Yi9n1mbBGpQgFAH7Gfte0KC5Keb4diT3Ce1Xd64J_JnMBA-Wp4hzGe5YPTcIt8I128vaAIOH5QD9Udk-Qmw/w480-h640/IMG_20230210_082214843.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>(Sorry, this colour is really not photogenic. It's much greener and prettier in person). <br />I picked up binding fabric when I bought the green minky, so the quilt was ready to go. I brought it upstairs to trim any loose threads from around the binding, but before I got a chance to do that, Mystery insisted on "test-driving" the quilt. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAssCMHg6GGVGKWxf6PeTnhtTU5resWbkKVJxrYU8QXnxHZqJOjcVUFcBR9YqF0J4KvBP19iBHSi2Kwkk4Ma8tORnYZRM1ojL78VXVmgFuihFJp485RQchLi1BvIS41csaUO52ja0_R6o8o7_qVFKm0Dk7zHfvcPLQBhR8dhAWc6Gzyv5q1IqmLbITvg/s4160/IMG_20230209_165149266.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAssCMHg6GGVGKWxf6PeTnhtTU5resWbkKVJxrYU8QXnxHZqJOjcVUFcBR9YqF0J4KvBP19iBHSi2Kwkk4Ma8tORnYZRM1ojL78VXVmgFuihFJp485RQchLi1BvIS41csaUO52ja0_R6o8o7_qVFKm0Dk7zHfvcPLQBhR8dhAWc6Gzyv5q1IqmLbITvg/w400-h300/IMG_20230209_165149266.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I find it quite interesting that my two most recent quilt finishes are such a contrast. Chelsea Rose Pop is so busy and Vintage has so much negative space. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrN7FkHoMpjfC3VaXYQF4aPQxd89i9_yaC64ruu-DeyF8E3ZQ2lvzMQFvHe2Bk4ySTxJApETYX9HECAe7QlGCuvq-HoeOOfZhUd0LpGph7hxNfdtugrAQg8ygaGfND-7ej3F3TfP5SbGPgt6XrvWiCbsnn1L_qLk1BXpqLzAW-lxNA59NgIXAVQpp5rA/s3196/20230209_165357-COLLAGE.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2400" data-original-width="3196" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrN7FkHoMpjfC3VaXYQF4aPQxd89i9_yaC64ruu-DeyF8E3ZQ2lvzMQFvHe2Bk4ySTxJApETYX9HECAe7QlGCuvq-HoeOOfZhUd0LpGph7hxNfdtugrAQg8ygaGfND-7ej3F3TfP5SbGPgt6XrvWiCbsnn1L_qLk1BXpqLzAW-lxNA59NgIXAVQpp5rA/w400-h300/20230209_165357-COLLAGE.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>In spite of how much I dislike Chelsea Rose Pop, God knew what He was doing in helping me choose fabrics. It turns out it's the recipient's favourite colours and she loves it. </div><br /></span><p></p>Laura Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00874889561929236906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5201499384040045485.post-73885166168219371632023-01-30T10:58:00.001-08:002023-01-30T10:58:04.000-08:00Chelsea Rose Pop<p> <span style="color: #f2a0a0; font-family: Ubuntu;">This is definitely another "Gladys Over" (glad it's over) quilt. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #f2a0a0; font-family: Ubuntu;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPqT5KduAUqq1LvAIa-XL-BJQetXCJI6laMzDKJ521fsaJxjChYsALmljc7luMD8mi32QPUaZuhrV1UONj66d1xAhm7ILv_L_TJquvded8-S9v3_0EGCoCU6cfbsuTPkV1-rtNLx7zZ1md98z6AFU_8XfpWDBpLoFh8lkfjNwcvw5iZSVJ53XWEDAx7w/s4160/IMG_20230130_100413426.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPqT5KduAUqq1LvAIa-XL-BJQetXCJI6laMzDKJ521fsaJxjChYsALmljc7luMD8mi32QPUaZuhrV1UONj66d1xAhm7ILv_L_TJquvded8-S9v3_0EGCoCU6cfbsuTPkV1-rtNLx7zZ1md98z6AFU_8XfpWDBpLoFh8lkfjNwcvw5iZSVJ53XWEDAx7w/w480-h640/IMG_20230130_100413426.jpg" width="480" /></a></span></div><span style="color: #f2a0a0; font-family: Ubuntu;">When I originally made this quilt, I wanted something that I could finish quickly, so I chose a pattern that looked like it would work up fairly easily and used fabric from my stash. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicwbaEg_J4wQZNnIndRuNmYTKrx_t2OSSvrCuR_4Sllz-sRgvUXMLA37PScuaHfBNIAtHnvbuV9i1jFgPSw8_5zLg1qOHqvKDe0F9f9PoZcKKBecqsQXnJXTJnLu9hD9use2-srL8x-3qRmO_KMdRLeAsLcTn84CzLJkXgL_-WLH0C9rdZoi9fvNMjKA/s4160/IMG_20221219_050302324.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicwbaEg_J4wQZNnIndRuNmYTKrx_t2OSSvrCuR_4Sllz-sRgvUXMLA37PScuaHfBNIAtHnvbuV9i1jFgPSw8_5zLg1qOHqvKDe0F9f9PoZcKKBecqsQXnJXTJnLu9hD9use2-srL8x-3qRmO_KMdRLeAsLcTn84CzLJkXgL_-WLH0C9rdZoi9fvNMjKA/w480-h640/IMG_20221219_050302324.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>The pattern was pretty cool because it gave you three different "sub-block" pieces to create and then 3 different layouts of how to assemble the pieces into a larger block. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_8CBq844ba4VUN0n-lcTZ-kiFwU2hXkWUFSOBxZK5Kca_e-_V3gVf6jN6Kfxi6hH_XjyKYoHTQ-77y7ye5W5AU9VVOuTiYWvr16IK1umOEqJJjukp9lXS2cUas99IQ1Rs9ec1VTeG3zZdpQLY2k3UhO-hxOpsUVKjVqQhc8TOmD_-At36_QWZYZqdoA/s4160/IMG_20221218_115832466.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_8CBq844ba4VUN0n-lcTZ-kiFwU2hXkWUFSOBxZK5Kca_e-_V3gVf6jN6Kfxi6hH_XjyKYoHTQ-77y7ye5W5AU9VVOuTiYWvr16IK1umOEqJJjukp9lXS2cUas99IQ1Rs9ec1VTeG3zZdpQLY2k3UhO-hxOpsUVKjVqQhc8TOmD_-At36_QWZYZqdoA/w300-h400/IMG_20221218_115832466.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>Snap,<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheLLzY43Vc51urcdLEs7seoh8keLTPBHQfjhICxP4zRs0cqRhmH97NDd3lRfBo64Wd8gMH_dibPIdK_KOw-Au_b9sQhlfvlSKgKg6DtGT2OD39v9um1IVf9jpJPZvVgUDRgG4JnnY3BO3p8d1cE04rEHTBp9csOtLcgNTYfSklTRiEzV7h2UuXdyMViA/s4160/IMG_20221218_120008454.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheLLzY43Vc51urcdLEs7seoh8keLTPBHQfjhICxP4zRs0cqRhmH97NDd3lRfBo64Wd8gMH_dibPIdK_KOw-Au_b9sQhlfvlSKgKg6DtGT2OD39v9um1IVf9jpJPZvVgUDRgG4JnnY3BO3p8d1cE04rEHTBp9csOtLcgNTYfSklTRiEzV7h2UuXdyMViA/w300-h400/IMG_20221218_120008454.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>Crackle, <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWnUJxlaC95FOi5_RFA2yi5ffia9Y_xmPg3VSK91Y19cnNtd-H6udGI6Jp4uLXEx2H_dCpdLFqAq7so87W-LlpT8z0etUgAo7kysEqD_lNbidGqpk2XX4dzZtzdDxm7HlggzEYf8N3OuOvKp0DxEeYaN0p46p_w8jdrkzMkvAZzA6skeCjOXOIi84vnw/s4160/IMG_20221218_120132077.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWnUJxlaC95FOi5_RFA2yi5ffia9Y_xmPg3VSK91Y19cnNtd-H6udGI6Jp4uLXEx2H_dCpdLFqAq7so87W-LlpT8z0etUgAo7kysEqD_lNbidGqpk2XX4dzZtzdDxm7HlggzEYf8N3OuOvKp0DxEeYaN0p46p_w8jdrkzMkvAZzA6skeCjOXOIi84vnw/w300-h400/IMG_20221218_120132077.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>and Pop. I chose the Pop layout because I also liked the secondary design that appeared when the blocks were put together. <br />This is the backing fabric. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvFGXjZdD4bmugFvbNkBQSEyiyAX5Zr0C9qoJ_VkTSgjW1FVVkw_Fz7BqDv2Gi9ZvV7jSMMIUrBf05xmVG3_DJY0maa-SElpiWCv_JJBAWvI4q9OMXlsMt30t5yyC6F1G0nHnovRduIB9GebBbzYk5zLP1BsiUl1xU_XSrADgVke5dFielDtA_mx0S_Q/s4160/IMG_20230130_101000202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvFGXjZdD4bmugFvbNkBQSEyiyAX5Zr0C9qoJ_VkTSgjW1FVVkw_Fz7BqDv2Gi9ZvV7jSMMIUrBf05xmVG3_DJY0maa-SElpiWCv_JJBAWvI4q9OMXlsMt30t5yyC6F1G0nHnovRduIB9GebBbzYk5zLP1BsiUl1xU_XSrADgVke5dFielDtA_mx0S_Q/w480-h640/IMG_20230130_101000202.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>I had originally hoped to use it instead of the grey in the quilt top. But I didn't have as much of the grey as I did of the burgundy and wouldn't have had enough for the backing if I used the grey. <br />Unfortunately, I did not follow my quilter's instinct to not use these fabrics together without some solid or tonal fabric as well. The large print, especially just does not work with the smaller pieces. And I ended up with a quilt top looking like floral vomit. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCI_sfG74hCGwy4VNA7oKA5W-poeG3d1nBCk8MrcyrtamA8v-CjboQWipkyXpz_-nBecva-WYsJN2_92X8l5S_z0x8_VFF7nKFtZYg2RtywT8ALMEuTQQH3J3uCZ7-wAfkmNL14FfuKkjHqco1GDAmoMvejtgRMT8h2h8dNhttjIB6g06azhNzfLjgrQ/s4160/IMG_20230104_123547565.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCI_sfG74hCGwy4VNA7oKA5W-poeG3d1nBCk8MrcyrtamA8v-CjboQWipkyXpz_-nBecva-WYsJN2_92X8l5S_z0x8_VFF7nKFtZYg2RtywT8ALMEuTQQH3J3uCZ7-wAfkmNL14FfuKkjHqco1GDAmoMvejtgRMT8h2h8dNhttjIB6g06azhNzfLjgrQ/w480-h640/IMG_20230104_123547565.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>It's so busy that it's hard to even discern the individual blocks, let alone the secondary design. I was really not happy with the results.<br />When I was considering the quilting, I had originally planned on using a rose pantograph as the fabric is rose themed. However, as I considered the quilt top, I decided to try ruler quilting to attempt to "tame" it and make the design more evident. So, instead of spending hours doing a pantograph, I ended up spending weeks doing ruler work. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE_4HXoYoWSUM8XNz4IUq6CRhxV4E-Lp6S6TrY8fnqKdTMwlbZuoONcScz89NsqBkfgEDgCSvUyJFhBiFnLF1a6Zm1aER6fCNqz298sRLF81dv4UPL844AfCbLIzSPktABu8g6uh-NwOV61jgiXdF2vSgeeuPJDCPysJD8mV8FggifW3dgcvPL22UV0g/s4160/IMG_20230117_152106553.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE_4HXoYoWSUM8XNz4IUq6CRhxV4E-Lp6S6TrY8fnqKdTMwlbZuoONcScz89NsqBkfgEDgCSvUyJFhBiFnLF1a6Zm1aER6fCNqz298sRLF81dv4UPL844AfCbLIzSPktABu8g6uh-NwOV61jgiXdF2vSgeeuPJDCPysJD8mV8FggifW3dgcvPL22UV0g/w400-h300/IMG_20230117_152106553.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I spent so many hours on this quilt that I could see it when I closed my eyes at night, and I got heartily sick of it. But did it really make a significant enough difference to justify spending all that extra time on the quilting? <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVF0PBVR0PrTpWCElq2AEDW-3K1WccttFUYrMrZxMgXWfwiztc51_dDdbhKEZmXZL2kC3Bm-3cDQOijX-LU-BgVYn-3NBZlDzr38Fc9MRTMazhEKgVX0ljiD5NspnieBDpFxWX6aZxN8U_yK_VxfxQmq3lJMYGIFuaZhWTjQoAWUUwtLpjs46jX3sl5w/s2046/IMG_20230104_123547565-COLLAGE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1535" data-original-width="2046" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVF0PBVR0PrTpWCElq2AEDW-3K1WccttFUYrMrZxMgXWfwiztc51_dDdbhKEZmXZL2kC3Bm-3cDQOijX-LU-BgVYn-3NBZlDzr38Fc9MRTMazhEKgVX0ljiD5NspnieBDpFxWX6aZxN8U_yK_VxfxQmq3lJMYGIFuaZhWTjQoAWUUwtLpjs46jX3sl5w/w400-h300/IMG_20230104_123547565-COLLAGE.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>I don't honestly think so. As this side by side collage shows, the finished quilt on the left does not look significantly different from the unquilted top on the right. Blech!</div><div style="text-align: left;">The moral of the story is: Follow your quilting instincts. At least it's finished, and the individual fabrics are pretty. <br />Now, on to more fun and visually appealing projects.</div></div><br /></span>Laura Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00874889561929236906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5201499384040045485.post-19810646844147417882023-01-17T12:47:00.001-08:002023-01-17T12:47:27.160-08:00The Great Bread Making Adventure: Double Corn Bread<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2tXyeRroCbpGvA0aRBzfMvDRbzuNOtQxo_ylk_UyPPXqDxZKvNooPJPqHLpcU34oDFp-amw4hDzcp8IGVy4IkM8lVW6mX4-q7PVhX4NUpZJxTQpOx-F9h_idZat0KsCKEyH35948l6JDfPGY_2OufxaDp2MZlK-JJrmcjR_XWO4MGL0dnQPTsTpc3EQ/s4160/IMG_20230117_121412450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2tXyeRroCbpGvA0aRBzfMvDRbzuNOtQxo_ylk_UyPPXqDxZKvNooPJPqHLpcU34oDFp-amw4hDzcp8IGVy4IkM8lVW6mX4-q7PVhX4NUpZJxTQpOx-F9h_idZat0KsCKEyH35948l6JDfPGY_2OufxaDp2MZlK-JJrmcjR_XWO4MGL0dnQPTsTpc3EQ/w400-h300/IMG_20230117_121412450.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: Poppins;">I've been thinking it's about time I got back to <a href="https://www.amazon.ca/World-Encyclopedia-Bread-Making-Full-colour/dp/1859679129/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1MVRAKEGKH5DR&keywords=world+encyclopedia+of+bread&qid=1673987163&sprefix=world+encyclopedia+of+bread%2Caps%2C133&sr=8-1" target="_blank">The World Encyclopedia of Bread and Bread Making</a>. I was planning on making bagels, especially since I have a recipe for vegan cream cheese I want to try. But today, I was making chili for dinner and corn bread always goes with chili. And sure enough, in the "Americas" section of the book was a recipe for cornbread. Double corn bread, because not only is it made with cornmeal, but it also has sweet corn in it. <br />Of course, I replaced the white flour with whole wheat and also happened to have whole grain cornmeal in my freezer. I used Earth Balance Buttery Sticks for the butter, and the verdict is still out on whether or not I actually like that stuff. The last time I used it and had to melt it, it spat all over in the microwave and made a mess. This time, when it continued to make those explosive sounds, I decided to melt it on the stovetop. It still pops, but not quite as badly. And I'm not entirely convinced that it works that well in place of butter. For the eggs, I didn't quite have enough ground flax seed, so used some ground chia seed as well. The recipe called for a can of corn, but I didn't have any, so used frozen. From the looks of the picture in the book, compared to mine, the one in the book appears to have a lot less corn than mine. You really can't even tell that they added any. And I did follow the recipe regarding quantity. Nevertheless, mine still turned out tasty. <br />I also finished off one of those bagged kale salads with my lunch. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivqOth931QXZIlGEFzmNobubs5N2k7oKzFMlboL_kLY1bfmQEX4xW8J9ezDhFJzVFY9aU9BF_Gc9xH5bwEfpzVbhKI_3QT9IjTmJ-CdPNDwkAKOoylQYi04TQvFq1Kmqw1255vxoLkwoCyYZsXyD4SO8w1y8VwbcpneDN63FrRX1qgd3ACk2UWTxT4ug/s4160/IMG_20230117_123145444.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivqOth931QXZIlGEFzmNobubs5N2k7oKzFMlboL_kLY1bfmQEX4xW8J9ezDhFJzVFY9aU9BF_Gc9xH5bwEfpzVbhKI_3QT9IjTmJ-CdPNDwkAKOoylQYi04TQvFq1Kmqw1255vxoLkwoCyYZsXyD4SO8w1y8VwbcpneDN63FrRX1qgd3ACk2UWTxT4ug/w480-h640/IMG_20230117_123145444.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>I honestly have no idea why my cat thinks he needs to help me eat my salad. Maybe he's craving greens. Or salad dressing. But he thought he should taste my Italian pasta salad a few days ago - also store bought - and I couldn't convince him not to taste it, because I'm quite sure it had cayenne in it. Definitely too hot for my taste - and Mystery's - and I won't be buying that one again. <br /></span><span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: Poppins;">Eventually, I will likely get back to Italian breads, but I think I'll still make the bagels first. <br />Meanwhile, on the quilting front, I have designed a Valentine's themed table quilt. I might not post it right away as I may try submitting the design to a quilting magazine for publishing. I have submitted a couple already, but the first one was turned down. I'm still waiting to hear about the second one. And that may determine whether or not I submit a third. Or I might try a different publisher. I'm still plugging away on the ruler quilting on Chelsea Rose Pop. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCcAMi04PIrEz9Kl9q8dvUTyWp5UHeThI-c3T-czzZrrGHqqdQduVJzyRms1pRLMbDYuVB9NNiqr99Zm9ENckEG1Gyrq-lzUBxTc2-tCnFZ40MqHUZqhB3cg3_cAUMybUOFZnb2EOrlJoo4e98K-fZ0Naru1tusmGJa8aMxDk-012l9EDkvUByGqYuIg/s4160/IMG_20230112_121507720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCcAMi04PIrEz9Kl9q8dvUTyWp5UHeThI-c3T-czzZrrGHqqdQduVJzyRms1pRLMbDYuVB9NNiqr99Zm9ENckEG1Gyrq-lzUBxTc2-tCnFZ40MqHUZqhB3cg3_cAUMybUOFZnb2EOrlJoo4e98K-fZ0Naru1tusmGJa8aMxDk-012l9EDkvUByGqYuIg/w400-h300/IMG_20230112_121507720.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>I'm finding it quite boring and will be very happy when I've finished it. And I already have another quilt top finished and ready for quilting when this one is done. But more about that in another post. </span><p></p>Laura Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00874889561929236906noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5201499384040045485.post-23315118344557125652023-01-02T16:13:00.010-08:002023-01-02T17:40:25.295-08:00Holiday Meals: Recipe and Cookbook Reviews<p><span style="color: #0e631c; font-family: verdana;">For my birthday this past year, my daughter gave me an Indigo gift card. It took me awhile to decide what to get with it, but finally on Cyber Monday, when the cookbooks were 30% off, I ordered these two. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0e631c; font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLZXY-WULcYCJMG86ifL7lDhoMsw0DqV_gjRW7cWaDfY_R_10ahM5Hv5PqxlJN_GyuFkl4LcwS5UkjynKzut-AQ-5u6qNESyFah9LH1stXy8vu5E9lHDwzT_ExpeWVMRo6cUdB86G_ErkX-eyX5TnzPMWI-FcGBAo2-91M5s9qZ1vaPelCis0t3Yx1zA/s4160/IMG_20221213_105146391~2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLZXY-WULcYCJMG86ifL7lDhoMsw0DqV_gjRW7cWaDfY_R_10ahM5Hv5PqxlJN_GyuFkl4LcwS5UkjynKzut-AQ-5u6qNESyFah9LH1stXy8vu5E9lHDwzT_ExpeWVMRo6cUdB86G_ErkX-eyX5TnzPMWI-FcGBAo2-91M5s9qZ1vaPelCis0t3Yx1zA/w400-h300/IMG_20221213_105146391~2.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="color: #0e631c; font-family: verdana;">I follow Dreena Burton on Instagram and Facebook and have tried a few of her recipes, so I figured her cookbooks would be good. <br />As I was flipping through Dreena's Kind Kitchen, I discovered that it has a Holiday Fare section that has some interesting recipes in it. With Christmas coming up, I decided to give some of them a try. <br />I generally make the whole Christmas dinner myself. Because of this, I like to have as much made ahead as possible, just having to reheat on Christmas morning. That way, I'm free to enjoy my company without too much hubbub with dinner preparations. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWUtMEQgXNdZq5fEuRiaFqn8JeIgyQo4cUKBJmZWCTFmkWuSZLUlifLoJ0KSymDTHoWXr0TKDdZeAM0XjBq3CLzaoteiNvFmc6RqLpflCJFuy-j1fHA-3N9ntbS_8gi2pFhGJ0mTAOqbdLpRe9TCRTA1PH3dIpDvilXjSoXPgIoe4eVaWQtfZYseRs2g/s4160/IMG_20221227_121737017~2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWUtMEQgXNdZq5fEuRiaFqn8JeIgyQo4cUKBJmZWCTFmkWuSZLUlifLoJ0KSymDTHoWXr0TKDdZeAM0XjBq3CLzaoteiNvFmc6RqLpflCJFuy-j1fHA-3N9ntbS_8gi2pFhGJ0mTAOqbdLpRe9TCRTA1PH3dIpDvilXjSoXPgIoe4eVaWQtfZYseRs2g/w400-h300/IMG_20221227_121737017~2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>2022's Christmas dinner consisted of tossed salad (no recipe: spinach, grape tomatoes, red onions, black olives, pumpkin seeds and dried cranberries with vegan mayo), Roasted Squash and Sweet Potato Puree (Dreena's Kind Kitchen), Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes (Oh She Glows), Mary's Brown Gravy (Country Kitchen Collection), Shamburgers (Country Kitchen Collection), Old Fashioned Bread and Celery Stuffing (old family recipe), Guinnessless Sheet Cake (Dreena's Kind Kitchen) and Coconut Cream (Country Kitchen Collection). <br />Originally, I was planning on using more recipes from Dreena's Kind Kitchen, but was a little too overwhelmed (very easy to happen when you have mental health struggles) and decided to stick with some old standbys. <br />The stuffing was delicious as always.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIzYRx5_ErXTXf8ANsvzBJJpzlIEv95eZiCTFCAU0nuDlKjg-I3wqYwffTyQ8XUaOP7xkHNSSYLwsgEe76xszhsnmg02v8XlvqtpsglJukny9EpcEl75zkNmTbmZnANzRh9XgTyDO1rXEy8MPwIcMOWySa7NbXtLMNPZ90sl8QLT6T2kTUfw2sKFZlOA/s4160/IMG_20230102_055124315.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIzYRx5_ErXTXf8ANsvzBJJpzlIEv95eZiCTFCAU0nuDlKjg-I3wqYwffTyQ8XUaOP7xkHNSSYLwsgEe76xszhsnmg02v8XlvqtpsglJukny9EpcEl75zkNmTbmZnANzRh9XgTyDO1rXEy8MPwIcMOWySa7NbXtLMNPZ90sl8QLT6T2kTUfw2sKFZlOA/w480-h640/IMG_20230102_055124315.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>Country Kitchen Collection is an old favourite cookbook. I find it rather amusing that one of the things that younger people complain about is no pictures in a cookbook. I think I can safely say that the majority of my cookbooks have no/few/black and white pictures/line drawings. And this is one of them. But I've still been happy with this cookbook and Shamburgers is a recipe I have used multiple times. Scrumptious without too much fuss. I had tried Mary's Brown Gravy before, but it's been years. It didn't disappoint. The Coconut Cream I used to top the cake was a new recipe to me, but it was quick and easy and quite tasty. Dreena's Kind Kitchen did offer a couple of topping options for the cake, but this one was simpler and didn't require any obscure ingredients (more on this later). <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcHDGzGu4qvW4f8XyfFBb2nLsViQGLax56JzKbFsHswOfR2z7Yx70Gap28AGeHoVr-aqBaVQ5P6eKi-T0N_4mAmIF1AuOfnlf4WXJUffI-n3zhWRnPlAVO4guX4GAMs1PySghJg90PHUt_XzI4Vyo6Jyut27gyDnbm5YIvyst1uxvYzWD43oFM0Xs80A/s4160/IMG_20230102_150350417.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcHDGzGu4qvW4f8XyfFBb2nLsViQGLax56JzKbFsHswOfR2z7Yx70Gap28AGeHoVr-aqBaVQ5P6eKi-T0N_4mAmIF1AuOfnlf4WXJUffI-n3zhWRnPlAVO4guX4GAMs1PySghJg90PHUt_XzI4Vyo6Jyut27gyDnbm5YIvyst1uxvYzWD43oFM0Xs80A/w480-h640/IMG_20230102_150350417.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>I have made the Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes from this cookbook a couple of times before. Prior to that I would never have dreamed of the combination, but it is delicious and has become my standby for mashed potatoes. Tasty and more nutrition, a winning combination. <br />The Roasted Squash and Sweet Potato Puree was delicious. The taste was reminiscent of pumpkin pie. However, I don't necessarily want to eat pumpkin pie for my main course. I actually enjoy the taste of squash and sweet potatoes without the addition of spices, except maybe a little sweetening. And what is the purpose of pureeing it? It's just an added and unnecessary step, in my opinion, unless I'm feeding someone with swallowing difficulties. And the Guinnessless Sheet Cake was good, but not great. And I think the spices could have been toned down in this as well. <br />Unfortunately, the weather was not great Christmas day, and my family (daughter, grandson and ex-husband) did not make it. I hadn't heated the food up yet, so we planned to try again the next day. As it turned out, we eventually decided to try for New Year's Day, and I ate the leftovers all week, with plans to create a totally different menu for New Year's.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5jD5WgFxE3Ll1LGO9yxjLOfAi4gns6aBfaOVrDVKswUs-QWIO38tUKsTnZytm5fvABVf6KEnUHMFCc4RwUQjn1C1U4j3XTpIrcVP6gG3ErwPgR2kYw5N8Quz6zrkUdUN0mUQKNCIdmS-qswpbHQXU94CH2b3Y4R68EdSvWt-HL-kYAWk2c2L1IDdjhw/s4160/IMG_20230102_135311615~2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3120" data-original-width="4160" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5jD5WgFxE3Ll1LGO9yxjLOfAi4gns6aBfaOVrDVKswUs-QWIO38tUKsTnZytm5fvABVf6KEnUHMFCc4RwUQjn1C1U4j3XTpIrcVP6gG3ErwPgR2kYw5N8Quz6zrkUdUN0mUQKNCIdmS-qswpbHQXU94CH2b3Y4R68EdSvWt-HL-kYAWk2c2L1IDdjhw/w400-h300/IMG_20230102_135311615~2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>2023's New Year's Menu consisted of Lemon-Dijon Roasted Potatoes (Dreena's Kind Kitchen) topped with Golden Gravy (Dreena's Kind Kitchen), </span><span style="color: #0e631c; font-family: verdana;">Smoky Kale Caesar Salad with Smoky Caesar Dressing and Bread End Croutons (Dreena's Kind Kitchen), </span><span style="color: #0e631c; font-family: verdana;">Cran-Apple Compote (Dreena's Kind Kitchen), </span><span style="color: #0e631c; font-family: verdana;">Rice and Pecan-Stuffed Squash (Vegan Holiday Kitchen), </span><span style="color: #0e631c; font-family: verdana;">Holiday Dinner Torte (Dreena's Kind Kitchen), </span><span style="color: #0e631c; font-family: verdana;">Carob Nut Balls (Vegetarian Cooking: a World of Difference), </span><span style="color: #0e631c; font-family: verdana;">Dreena's Nanaimo Bars (Dreena's Kind Kitchen).</span><span style="color: #0e631c; font-family: verdana;"> <br />First of all, I will say that the menu from this meal did not reheat as well as the menu from last week. I can also honestly say that, aside from dessert, the first meal was tastier than the second. <br />I ended up making most of the recipes from Dreena's Kind Kitchen that I had originally hoped to make for Christmas dinner. The potatoes were good fresh from the oven when they were first roasted and really didn't require gravy. I did find that they were slightly lacking in flavour and likely would have benefited from more of the marinade. Or possibly a vegan chipotle cheese sauce. The gravy improved them after reheating. The difficulty of making both this recipe and the torte was that they required different cooking temperatures. That would have made it very challenging to cook them both on Christmas morning unless I had a second oven. And my Breville Smart Oven is too small for either of these dishes. I've been eating a vegetarian/vegan diet for a lot of years (decades) and I don't remember ever having to prepare an entree in the food processor. Yet that's what the instructions said to do with the torte ingredients. As my food processor is not very large, I had to do it in batches. It also said to cook it in a springform pan, which would not lend well to reheating. So, I cooked it in a pie plate. Oddly, the recipe called for a diced apple tossed in lemon juice. I know the lemon juice was to keep the apple from turning brown, but since it was being baked in a savoury dish, I was puzzled why the lemon juice was used. Personally, I just waited until I had processed the rest of the ingredients</span><span style="color: #0e631c; font-family: verdana;"> and then peeled, cored and diced the apple, but I did still toss it with lemon juice just in case it was somehow needed in the recipe. I covered my serving with gravy and didn't notice any fruity taste. But my daughter did not use gravy and did notice and didn't like it. I found the flavour fine, but not as delicious as the Shamburgers from last week. And adding the cranberries to the top was a bad idea as they mostly ended up black. As far as the gravy was concerned, I had downloaded the Golden Gravy recipe from the web and tried it on a previous occasion. It said that it only took about 5 minutes, but I was still struggling with it half an hour later, while my guests were waiting for dinner. Trying to make a roux using tahini is, in my opinion, a foolish endeavour, as tahini doesn't melt like butter or margarine. And adding one ingredient at a time prolonged the process unnecessarily. This time, I browned the flour - and I used hard whole wheat flour, not spelt, whole wheat pastry flour or millet flour. When the purpose of the flour is to thicken the gravy, you want the gluten to do the job. I dumped the browned flour into the blender, added the rest of the ingredients (except the bay leaf), whizzed it to combine, poured it into a pan, added the bay leaf and cooked it long enough to thicken. The gravy was fine and much less hassle than following the directions in the book. The compote was not exciting and I found it a little too tangy for my taste. <br />The salad was not as exciting as the title sounded. I chose to wilt the kale by pouring boiling water over it first, though the directions said to add dressing and salt to it and leave it to sit before adding the Romaine. Mature kale is pretty tough and I didn't think that just adding salt and dressing would do the trick. I'm beginning to think that humans were not meant to eat kale. It really isn't delcious and even after removing the stems and poring boiling water over it, it still was kind of like chewing on plastic. Which impacted how delicious the salad wasn't. The dressing was good and the croutons were good, but the kale was not. <br />The Nanaimo bars were fabulous, but much too sweet. You can find the recipe online <a href="https://dreenaburton.com/vegan-nanaimo-bars/" target="_blank">here</a>, but it only calls for 3/4 cup of sugar. In the book, it calls for 3/4-1 cup, and it said that the sugar helps to firm it up. I figured I'd better err on the side of caution and used the full amount. Much, much too sweet. I think I could likely get away with half a cup. I used carob, by the way, which is naturally sweet, not cocoa or chocolate, so that was a factor as well. The main ingredient in the middle layer is coconut butter. I live in a small town in rural Alberta - where to find coconut butter? I didn't have time to order online or drive into the nearest city. Fortunately (???), I found instructions for making my own <a href="https://minimalistbaker.com/how-to-make-coconut-butter/" target="_blank">online</a>. It says it should take ten minutes. Well, I didn't run my food processor continuously because I was also working on other recipes and the processor was really vibrating and I was afraid it would rock itself onto the floor. Or burn itself out. However, I would say that it took about 30 minutes of processing time not 10, and even after adding some coconut oil to try to expedite the process, I was still not happy with the results. So I dumped the goopy, grainy mess into a plastic container and stuck it in the fridge and figured we would just have the carob balls for dessert, which I had already made. The following morning, which was New Year's Day, for some perverse reason, I decided I was going to try again with the Nanaimo bars, substituting cashew butter for coconut butter. But when I went to the fridge, the goopy mess had solidified and, after warming it a little in the microwave, I was able to use it in the recipe. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmNUuPltUOZ4YKN8xq7L06rXtz2ylsXWXcrWh38sgm6QMUZg_zWmqUVF6VwQ5R-9994IvB5yPDby_S-MJs1fjka7Lo0YADgDJVLbF3GdAVZJjCLOvdySNVNs0LznRqi8eSyEAXZ4B_pcJJ1K1FTqFwZAW8VJX_Fz-a68Rx3YtBV5OxvwfLwF6EF4B-5w/s4160/IMG_20230102_055140986.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmNUuPltUOZ4YKN8xq7L06rXtz2ylsXWXcrWh38sgm6QMUZg_zWmqUVF6VwQ5R-9994IvB5yPDby_S-MJs1fjka7Lo0YADgDJVLbF3GdAVZJjCLOvdySNVNs0LznRqi8eSyEAXZ4B_pcJJ1K1FTqFwZAW8VJX_Fz-a68Rx3YtBV5OxvwfLwF6EF4B-5w/w480-h640/IMG_20230102_055140986.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>I picked this cookbook up at a thrift store and hadn't used it at all yet, but I figured the stuffed squash would kill two birds with one recipe: a stuffing and a squash dish. Unfortunately, when I went to Walmart, all they had left for squash was over-ripe and very orange pepper or acorn squash. I'm not sure if that was the problem or the fact that I didn't cook them long enough after stuffing, but parts of the squash were still hard and inedible. The stuffing was delicious, however, and I will try this recipe again when I can get better quality squash and maybe alter cooking times. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO8awZpyptkngGB89htT6W0Wdp8hHGGrBboeIVsLkchuQyZQdrasLiccmdMbQ07i-iZhm8Rr3GKwbJhG26UL6nSyjHYxJGxd1nqp3roa37kt7ZzACL1ofzRO7OylAEypOl6OZdKxFCVIdBPj2QqFgVb7jxa9T7Cb_b0IIdwDvdRdH7H9FVHJJQlzS9Xw/s4160/IMG_20230101_171025_01.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="3120" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO8awZpyptkngGB89htT6W0Wdp8hHGGrBboeIVsLkchuQyZQdrasLiccmdMbQ07i-iZhm8Rr3GKwbJhG26UL6nSyjHYxJGxd1nqp3roa37kt7ZzACL1ofzRO7OylAEypOl6OZdKxFCVIdBPj2QqFgVb7jxa9T7Cb_b0IIdwDvdRdH7H9FVHJJQlzS9Xw/w480-h640/IMG_20230101_171025_01.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>This older cookbook has been in my library for years, but I've seldom used it. That's what happens when you're a cookbook hoarder. Nevertheless, I did remember a carob ball recipe from this book and I made those for dessert. Very good and nowhere near as sweet as the Nanaimo bars. By the way, they are not pure vegan because they are made with honey. <br />Now, I'm going to get back to my discussion of Dreena's Kind Kitchen. Most of the recipes I've tried so far are relatively tasty. But I have found some of them are more labourious than they need to be. The gravy and the puree, for example, as I mentioned previously. And even the torte probably doesn't need to be processed in a food processor. <br />If you go to the Cookbook Criteria tab at the top of this page, you'll see that number 4 is "limited use of obscure, exotic and specialty ingredients". That's my second issue with this cookbook. I already mentioned my problem with finding coconut butter, but I didn't mention that the recipe also called for "natural icing sugar". Yes, it does give the option of grinding coconut sugar in a blender, but still... (I used organic, unbleached cane sugar). The two topping recipes suggested for the sheet cake both called for pure vanilla bean powder. One of the things I believe about being vegan/whole food plant-based is that it shouldn't cost a fortune. Try looking up how much vanilla bean powder costs (if you can even find it). Another issue is the regular use of fresh herbs. I have nothing against using fresh herbs except that they're not always readily available, they can be expensive and they go bad quickly unless you use them soon after purchase. Then there's aquafaba and coconut milk. If I have a recipe that calls for aquafaba that doesn't also call for chickpeas, where does the aquafaba come from. Yes, I can store it in my freezer as some anonymous beige liquid in individual cubes... And it's really frustrating to open a can of not cheap coconut milk to only use a couple of tablespoons. Then I have to look for more recipes calling for coconut milk before it goes bad. I really believe that whole food, plant-based/vegan cooking should be simple or people are not likely to do it. That includes the shopping, the processing, the time and the cost involved. I have to be honest that some of my older, no pictures cookbooks are more user friendly than this one. I'm on the fence as to whether or not I regret buying this cookbook. I probably should have bought a quilting book from my wishlist instead.</span><div><span style="color: #0e631c; font-family: verdana;">By the way, I'm not prepared to do a review on Oh She Glows or Vegan Holiday Kitchen yet as I don't feel I have tested enough recipes. <br /><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="color: #0e631c; font-family: verdana;"><br /><br /><br /><br /></span> </p></div>Laura Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00874889561929236906noreply@blogger.com0