tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14346755929979723412024-02-07T19:44:16.009+08:00Quokka QuiltsMostly quilts but a few other ravings in between.Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470851503660445900noreply@blogger.comBlogger397125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1434675592997972341.post-18218378331410756342013-07-18T21:29:00.001+08:002013-07-18T21:29:17.141+08:00Moving!!It's been pretty quiet around here because I'm MOVING!!!<div>
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I need a little more time to get fully organised, but you'll find me at my new home: <a href="http://quokkaquilts.com/">Quokkaquilts.com</a></div>
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<a href="http://quokkaquilts.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-asazGOPOQyI/TolbTO-bbOI/AAAAAAAACHA/SJULthWNJ_c/s200/QQ+Button.jpg" /></a></div>
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Bloglovin followers should be redirected at some point, but please hop on through and follow me from the new site!</div>
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Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470851503660445900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1434675592997972341.post-39551419189341425152013-07-14T07:00:00.000+08:002013-07-14T18:23:08.645+08:00Alleyways and mosaic musings<center>
<a href="http://3and3quarters.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/modern-blocks1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3and3quarters.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/modern-blocks1.jpg" width="252" /></a>I'm not a block girl. I prefer to see the WHOLE big picture of a quilt. Dear Jane quilts and Farmer's Wife quilts - well, I like the look of some of them, but making one myself? Never in a million years!</center>
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But occasionally, I do get caught up in block passion and one of the projects I've committed to this year is the Perth Modern Quilt Guild's Mod Block of the Month. We are working from the Modern Blocks book (which you can get from <a href="http://www.bookdepository.co.uk/?a_aid=quokkaquilts&a_bid=1c53b2a9" target="_blank">the Book Depository</a> if you so wish). I do love the blocks in this book. They are a little bit out of the box. I'm really enjoying them. </center>
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This month was Bev's choice, and she chose the Alleyways block. It's been rather grey and overcast here, both weather and post-holiday-still-have-tummybug-mood-wise, so I've felt the need for bright colours. If these fabrics don't lift your mood, I don't know what will!</center>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XLlh-YFd4_o/UeJ54JzbxbI/AAAAAAAAFE8/1lnFIZ2mHu8/s1600/alleywaysblock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XLlh-YFd4_o/UeJ54JzbxbI/AAAAAAAAFE8/1lnFIZ2mHu8/s1600/alleywaysblock.jpg" /></a></div>
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I have also been itching to make OhFransson's Mod Mosaic forEVER. Well, ever since I first saw it. You can download the tutorial <a href="http://www.ohfransson.com/oh_fransson/2012/01/mod-mosaic-tutorials.html" target="_blank">here</a>. So I hit my scrap pile and this emerged a while later...</center>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--LSmNLVtYwk/UeJ5427PubI/AAAAAAAAFFE/6JweR2Tn76o/s1600/modmosaic1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--LSmNLVtYwk/UeJ5427PubI/AAAAAAAAFFE/6JweR2Tn76o/s1600/modmosaic1.jpg" /></a></div>
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I love it. It's a seriously addictive block! I think it's going to become a cushion, but the trouble is, a blue-green one is now calling out to be done, and I don't have that many scraps in those colours (any more). Because they got <b>eaten</b>. Not naming any names. </center>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v4b5ULtb7_w/UeJ67XwVCsI/AAAAAAAAFFU/kbWtXNSyAuw/s1600/scarlettwindow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v4b5ULtb7_w/UeJ67XwVCsI/AAAAAAAAFFU/kbWtXNSyAuw/s1600/scarlettwindow.jpg" /></a></div>
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Linking up with Lyn for BOMs Away Monday!</center>
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<a href="http://whatahootquilts.blogspot.com/search/label/BOMs%20Away"><img border="0" src=" https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir5biC5BmVp5walRKmDakB4UHoWZiDyodluCzCCqDLVVjt2I_EaWxEWD82St0X8uT38QNyB2h54XL99g-6YymN_PBhZ9YMeY2MOObHgh1W0io0gyAaSl-VWydsYKR3B9yMu830Z5eYlNHs/s1600/BOM+Button.jpg " /></a></center>
Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470851503660445900noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1434675592997972341.post-82709842774697141972013-07-05T06:00:00.000+08:002013-07-05T06:00:00.820+08:00TGIFF - the Batdog Edition<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Greetings Humans. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I am about to reveal my true identity. Prepare to be amazed.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">By day, I am Scarlett, mild mannered Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. At night, criminals, a cowardly and superstitious lot, call me... <b>Batdog</b>.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg_VROY0nh5u2HaJCn4nf8beJ2DJ35HpA7Pn-WEpwRzFIDMhXN3cFuUBVTdZ3TNHR6EJcB7xgre0_OXqYXGCGc_FT0Eq3vZldEDWvpXtMFTz38K4nkacdriwIZhHQKORYlarlcTVwQUA8/s610/Scarlett11weeks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg_VROY0nh5u2HaJCn4nf8beJ2DJ35HpA7Pn-WEpwRzFIDMhXN3cFuUBVTdZ3TNHR6EJcB7xgre0_OXqYXGCGc_FT0Eq3vZldEDWvpXtMFTz38K4nkacdriwIZhHQKORYlarlcTVwQUA8/s1600/Scarlett11weeks.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">People think it's an obsession. A compulsion. As if there were an irresistible impulse to act. It's never been like that. I chose this life. I know what I'm doing. And on any given day, I could stop doing it. Today, however, isn't that day. And tomorrow won't be either.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">My calling as Batdog was </span><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">evident from an early age.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H8akY3HyHgE/UdJvHfaKY1I/AAAAAAAAFA4/XqQCyxOU_vA/s610/Batdog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H8akY3HyHgE/UdJvHfaKY1I/AAAAAAAAFA4/XqQCyxOU_vA/s1600/Batdog.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7PoeK1rSpts/UdJvIF7G79I/AAAAAAAAFBA/cQ5MRoOj6Is/s591/batdogearlyyears.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7PoeK1rSpts/UdJvIF7G79I/AAAAAAAAFBA/cQ5MRoOj6Is/s1600/batdogearlyyears.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">When I am not fighting evil (the BAT), </span><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I live (sometimes) peacefully with</span><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"> my faithful sidekick Robin (who you may know as Melody, pictured below after we defeated THE BAT).</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9zbHrD_pN_g/UdJvEsZDtBI/AAAAAAAAFAY/hYoIGYmj4cw/s590/BatdogandMelody.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9zbHrD_pN_g/UdJvEsZDtBI/AAAAAAAAFAY/hYoIGYmj4cw/s1600/BatdogandMelody.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">We are (somewhat) ably attended by our butler/valet, Laura. She tries her hardest, but she has recently made a terrible faux pas in the the wardrobe department. In my work as a crime-fighting superhero, it is important that I can slip through the night like a panther, pass through the jungle like a leopard, well-camouflaged and sight unseen. All was going smoothly until my Valet presented me with this... </span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KidIR8FqQ-g/UdJvGn3T4gI/AAAAAAAAFAw/Wq64btwT-9I/s610/batdog4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KidIR8FqQ-g/UdJvGn3T4gI/AAAAAAAAFAw/Wq64btwT-9I/s1600/batdog4.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">We are not amused.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">As if the orange stripe and THIS clue weren't enough..</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_cHZjOiGePY/UdJvC0j_I3I/AAAAAAAAFAI/4wjgyemdLxg/s610/batdogside2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" height="263" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_cHZjOiGePY/UdJvC0j_I3I/AAAAAAAAFAI/4wjgyemdLxg/s400/batdogside2.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> Our identity is now obvious to all.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GHhcJgc9FAQ/UdJvF1jEnfI/AAAAAAAAFAo/o-w5gUqrP-c/s713/batdog3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" height="330" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GHhcJgc9FAQ/UdJvF1jEnfI/AAAAAAAAFAo/o-w5gUqrP-c/s400/batdog3.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I predict an increase in crime of unprecedented proportions. You know whose fault it is. You know who to complain to. </span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P_9Wwcn_SXc/UdJvDnBg5BI/AAAAAAAAFAQ/RIos5A0wuPM/s610/batdogandrobin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P_9Wwcn_SXc/UdJvDnBg5BI/AAAAAAAAFAQ/RIos5A0wuPM/s1600/batdogandrobin.jpg" /></a></div>
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</span> <span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">To show your support for my cause, leave a comment or a link or both below.</span></div>
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Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470851503660445900noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1434675592997972341.post-72168543011080102732013-07-04T17:43:00.000+08:002013-07-04T17:43:00.557+08:00A class act<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
After missing two weeks of dog training with my <i>enfant terrible,</i> and a week running riot with my lovely friend Natascha's Schnauzer while I was in Vietnam, I didn't hold out much hope that Miss Scarlett wouldn't disgrace me at dog training. After all, this is the dog who ate her own dog behaviour and obedience training notes.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxvDJ91PJ19M-aLLGXzymxk-hobIGslxAOvBqfxtYmelzd8vTavjoAt1dsS34JaLM5-IDtc85n2-VDsHmaROZ7UPEX0iArAzgVrCAfMhSsit2HDjorMpa-EYukrD-lQ5uAMxVeB-20VSs/s610/Scarlettobediencehomework.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxvDJ91PJ19M-aLLGXzymxk-hobIGslxAOvBqfxtYmelzd8vTavjoAt1dsS34JaLM5-IDtc85n2-VDsHmaROZ7UPEX0iArAzgVrCAfMhSsit2HDjorMpa-EYukrD-lQ5uAMxVeB-20VSs/s400/Scarlettobediencehomework.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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So I dragged myself out of bed, still sick, pulled some bits of meat off the chicken bones that I'd used for soup, tucked them in my treat bag thinking if ANYTHING was going to inspire good behaviour, that would, and headed off. </div>
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We arrived to find an unusual situation. Instead of the normal class gatherings, people were either huddled of pacing, and there were some ominous looking little signs stuck in the grass. Signs that said things like SIT, HEEL, LOOSE LEAD, LEFT TURN, STAND, RIGHT TURN, LEAVE IT, COME, TRICK... Quaking in my requisite sensible dog training sneakers, I asked what was going on. </div>
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And found out we'd turned up on test day, exam day, grading day or whatever you want to call it, having missed two weeks and done NO practice.</div>
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I nearly turned around and went home. We hadn't practised STAND or the turns. We'd not done LEAVE IT at all, although I was pretty sure she'd sit when asked if she didn't get distracted. So we lurked. And watched. And practised... And went second last.</div>
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And came top of the class!</div>
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Butter wouldn't have melted in her mouth, but chicken soup remnants did!</div>
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100% perfect. We heeled the whole way although it wasn't required, and even laid down on the nasty wet grass when asked!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl9CN58koIjlumGF5ft99hXPvEbhvQ6gzV5x6keyK005ghx00tq9jcfZHAorID0uA-W1eFaJp1_1P83ovczIM2qhqGBr6kk0jkTFqVlkr2ioaEkpvmBaZYNj2JiqyxJOj2fvwzmSdSxw8/s1600/IMG_2815.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl9CN58koIjlumGF5ft99hXPvEbhvQ6gzV5x6keyK005ghx00tq9jcfZHAorID0uA-W1eFaJp1_1P83ovczIM2qhqGBr6kk0jkTFqVlkr2ioaEkpvmBaZYNj2JiqyxJOj2fvwzmSdSxw8/s640/IMG_2815.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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As a reward, I'm letting Scarlett take over the blog tomorrow for <a href="http://tgiffriday.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">TGIFF</a>. Be sure to check back and see what she has to say.Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470851503660445900noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1434675592997972341.post-58464437461725957602013-07-03T13:30:00.000+08:002013-07-03T13:30:01.343+08:00WIP Wednesday: the Paper-pieced Vietnam Star edition<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The paper-piecing bug has bitten. I've been on planes and after that too sick to do much more than sit in front of the tv - I haven't even felt like turning on the sewing machine - so paper-piecing has been my panacea, so I've been working on what I'm calling my Vietnam Star project. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sOL43FriYFQ/Uc1mR2nXMGI/AAAAAAAAE_U/O-6N6IY3Veg/s628/paperpiecedvietstar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sOL43FriYFQ/Uc1mR2nXMGI/AAAAAAAAE_U/O-6N6IY3Veg/s400/paperpiecedvietstar.jpg" width="388" /></a></div>
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Carol left me a lovely comment when I showed this first star asking what it was called, but Carol is a no-reply blogger with no contact details at all on her profile, so I can only hope she's reading this. The answer is, I don't know, but I first saw it on Kerry's blog <a href="http://verykerryberry.blogspot.com.au/2012/08/english-paper-piecing-prepping.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
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When I travel, I like to have a paper piecing project and to tie it in with my trip somehow. One way I make that link is by using a palette generator to 'draw' the colours out of a photo and match them to a set of fabrics.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1hi6llRIB9us972vyZDGR030PRzkV7_OSG30P4MU8vaDLqFG3rtal-MO8scaywyvhlfAbUm_9HBq522w3aOEAgRHq6ooZPcXjGcf1hPmG0n6k_rQTsHt5NZB9oVMBNokFknJIbYS4Zrk/s350/flag_palette.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1hi6llRIB9us972vyZDGR030PRzkV7_OSG30P4MU8vaDLqFG3rtal-MO8scaywyvhlfAbUm_9HBq522w3aOEAgRHq6ooZPcXjGcf1hPmG0n6k_rQTsHt5NZB9oVMBNokFknJIbYS4Zrk/s400/flag_palette.jpg" width="347" /></a></div>
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There are a couple of different apps/sites I use for palette creation. I made this one using <a href="http://www.play-crafts.com/blog/palette-builder/" target="_blank">Playcraft's Palette Builder</a> which is one of the easiest. If I'm feeling fussy / not lazy, I use Adobe Ideas for iPad.</div>
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I didn't KNOW Ho Chi Minh city would be so beige and brown and grey, but I had a whole heap of fabrics that I was itching to use and luckily, they fit right in.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GaGhjAxBz_M/UdJ4JVCE89I/AAAAAAAAFBs/ZwmKpKypEP0/s610/vietnamstarfabrics.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GaGhjAxBz_M/UdJ4JVCE89I/AAAAAAAAFBs/ZwmKpKypEP0/s1600/vietnamstarfabrics.jpg" /></a></div>
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So here is my second, nearly finished star. I thought the French theme would work well with the 'Paris of the East' and ties in well with Vietnam's colonial history.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDUuFWTzmjH7D6DDdu6aX3yrm1kL6o9vdgS62_Pw4zmxl8mhe6UHuaK4t1f___GJVfr4q2Ke_Re5Q_dDh6LIGA_jbdJJxUg-gNDTV-oUgwIzXKBdUW9U80AH5qGCUGHyyh81u0NZCVNYs/s631/vietnamstar2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDUuFWTzmjH7D6DDdu6aX3yrm1kL6o9vdgS62_Pw4zmxl8mhe6UHuaK4t1f___GJVfr4q2Ke_Re5Q_dDh6LIGA_jbdJJxUg-gNDTV-oUgwIzXKBdUW9U80AH5qGCUGHyyh81u0NZCVNYs/s1600/vietnamstar2.jpg" /></a></div>
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And a third star is cut and started.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4MZ8J0z4lEA/UdJ4H98dE1I/AAAAAAAAFBc/dx81DCq1Z-U/s590/vietnamstar3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4MZ8J0z4lEA/UdJ4H98dE1I/AAAAAAAAFBc/dx81DCq1Z-U/s1600/vietnamstar3.jpg" /></a></div>
I'm not sure what these are going to be - I swore I wouldn't do any more queen size quilts, but they seem to keep growing. And these are addictive.<br />
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My 'kit' for paper piecing consists of:<br />
<ul>
<li> a needle and thread (Aurifil for handpiecing if possible)</li>
<li>fabric (of course)</li>
<li>pre-cut paper pieces from <a href="http://paperpieces.com/">paperpieces.com</a> (because a) they are accurate and b) I am lazy). <i>(I have just heard of a local - Aussie local - supplier but have not tried them yet - <a href="http://pbpatch.com.au/patchwork/mos/Frontpage/Itemid,1/" target="_blank">PossumBlossumPatch</a>)</i></li>
<li>thread snipper</li>
<li>a sew-line glue pen.</li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjemQPqQ34LN6ZCZXtHTrto1Znt3-MFv7Dw2Sv8On0wkIfJZo3f430xCRuNKSQh-zCAeVmnwZl2wq2XWgGqCUsYsziJyR3-QRMDTqIlIEHdYX93b4Iopt5Qz414TiEnQWnuPGOn80GkMPM/s610/vietnamstarkit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjemQPqQ34LN6ZCZXtHTrto1Znt3-MFv7Dw2Sv8On0wkIfJZo3f430xCRuNKSQh-zCAeVmnwZl2wq2XWgGqCUsYsziJyR3-QRMDTqIlIEHdYX93b4Iopt5Qz414TiEnQWnuPGOn80GkMPM/s1600/vietnamstarkit.jpg" /></a></div>
I don't tack through the card - I just glue around the edges and fold the fabric over. I don't even tack the corners, except for my outermost row.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tF_E3Kf00Ao/UdKB-UWmNcI/AAAAAAAAFCs/Y19exdgiFRA/s610/vietnamstarback.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tF_E3Kf00Ao/UdKB-UWmNcI/AAAAAAAAFCs/Y19exdgiFRA/s1600/vietnamstarback.jpg" /></a></div>
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So here are my three stars - all ready to keep growing!<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lPiBI3T6B94/UdJ4ImSc4cI/AAAAAAAAFBk/qb1qLZRjOC8/s610/vietnamstarwip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lPiBI3T6B94/UdJ4ImSc4cI/AAAAAAAAFBk/qb1qLZRjOC8/s1600/vietnamstarwip.jpg" /></a><br />
Do your projects just GROW or are they carefully planned right from the start?<br />
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Linking up! <a href="http://freshlypieced.blogspot.com/"><img alt="WIP Wednesday at Freshly Pieced" height="150" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8357/8253389546_fdb631e427_o.jpg" width="150" /></a>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470851503660445900noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1434675592997972341.post-29850890286489527282013-07-02T15:05:00.001+08:002013-07-02T15:05:15.237+08:00GiftedOne of the lovely things about blogging is the friendships you can make without ever having met someone in person. I have had the fortune to meet a number of my favourite bloggers, but one I haven't met yet is Janine, of <a href="http://rainbowharequilts.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Rainbow Hare Quilts</a>. Janine is in England and I am in Australia so we couldn't be further apart.<br />
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I've been following Janine for a while and she is incredibly gifted. And now she has gifted me. Back at the start of the year, Janine made a little improv wall-hanging and said in her blog she wasn't convinced that she liked it. Being the shy retiring sort, I commented "I'll have it!" and Janine promptly asked for my address.<br />
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Months passed... I wondered if Janine had changed her mind about sending it, or whether it was lost in the post. Worried that it was the latter and Janine was thinking I was incredibly rude for not saying thanks, I emailed and rather hesitantly asked if she'd fallen in love with her little artwork and changed her mind. She hadn't. She'd sent it. It never arrived. We wracked our brains and decided that someone confused Austria with Australia and the little improv wall hanging is halfway up a mountain adorning a goatherd's hut somewhere. So not long after, this arrived.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPoWN00kyoftF9hO27hpwFgMhaJD-4BUDzFYHM3a5gvxFXsLG0HE3afAI2pz8-G-lg0xq0TN1hi6Jd9V8fRkqDarQcxldhgNu5zNwv3fLoNz3gEdJrrkSJlTqMJLOblo5VQMAhoF5WeSY/s610/giftrainbowhare2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPoWN00kyoftF9hO27hpwFgMhaJD-4BUDzFYHM3a5gvxFXsLG0HE3afAI2pz8-G-lg0xq0TN1hi6Jd9V8fRkqDarQcxldhgNu5zNwv3fLoNz3gEdJrrkSJlTqMJLOblo5VQMAhoF5WeSY/s1600/giftrainbowhare2.JPG" /></a></div>
A lovely little zippered keep-all pouch. :) I love the music fabric and the bright sunflower!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I4J1PJShB5U/UdJ5X9o8ZfI/AAAAAAAAFCA/v5_7Pm-CEjM/s610/giftrainbowhare.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I4J1PJShB5U/UdJ5X9o8ZfI/AAAAAAAAFCA/v5_7Pm-CEjM/s1600/giftrainbowhare.JPG" /></a></div>
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You can never have enough pouches! Hmm, what to put in it? Pencils, threads, wonder clips? :) The possibilities are endless. So glad to have something from one of my favourite bloggers. Anyone else want to send me something?!!! ;) Oh ok, just thought I'd ask. ;)<br />
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Pop over and visit Janine at <a href="http://rainbowharequilts.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Rainbow Hare Quilts</a> and say hi from your part of the world.<br />
<br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470851503660445900noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1434675592997972341.post-71040608990656708992013-06-29T22:30:00.000+08:002013-06-29T22:30:00.619+08:00Fabric tour of Nam<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
One of the first places Jemma took me to was one of her favourite places. As Jemma is a style diva, it shouldn't have surprised me that that was the fabric market. What a horrible friend, dragging me there! </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nbq7eHyf-tI/Uc0h7CEU-ZI/AAAAAAAAE90/eY07lTz3eE0/s590/fabricmarket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nbq7eHyf-tI/Uc0h7CEU-ZI/AAAAAAAAE90/eY07lTz3eE0/s1600/fabricmarket.jpg" /></a></div>
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Tailoring in Vietnam is good and cheap. There wasn't so much by way of patchwork cotton, but as my fabric room is exploding, that was fortunate and I was very restrained. I just walked away with this lovely home decor weight fabric ... for about $3/yard.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UaXR4YGRxXI/Uc1mNl3gFdI/AAAAAAAAE-s/PvRhrxTgJao/s610/vietnamfabric.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UaXR4YGRxXI/Uc1mNl3gFdI/AAAAAAAAE-s/PvRhrxTgJao/s1600/vietnamfabric.jpg" /></a></div>
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Won't that make a lovely bag?! I also took a favourite dress and two tops with me. My trip to the fabric market followed by the tailor yielded two tops and two dresses.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7J1xJ3QrAFM/Uc1mSszO5DI/AAAAAAAAE_c/d84qlWnJwCQ/s590/vietdresses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7J1xJ3QrAFM/Uc1mSszO5DI/AAAAAAAAE_c/d84qlWnJwCQ/s1600/vietdresses.jpg" /></a></div>
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The red and gold is a little shiny and dressy, and the other is a very light weight cotton. They both fit beautifully. Not brilliantly finished off but you can't see those bits and I can fix them easily enough. 4 stars for tailoring. </div>
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Right on a prime corner in downtown Ho Chi Minh city, I spotted this shop.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-moWp7-9_rKk/Uc1uSDiP_yI/AAAAAAAAE_s/FL55Jad5LfY/s610/mekongshop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-moWp7-9_rKk/Uc1uSDiP_yI/AAAAAAAAE_s/FL55Jad5LfY/s1600/mekongshop.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.mekong-quilts.org/about-us" target="_blank">Mekong Quilts</a> is a not-for-profit organisation which trains and employs women throughout the Mekong Delta in impoverished conditions who would otherwise have no income. Here are a selection of photos. I love the appliquéd Vietnamese girls!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VViEsED_dBY/Uc1mPxsdoyI/AAAAAAAAE_E/HF_XqeM-aCA/s610/quiltwall2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VViEsED_dBY/Uc1mPxsdoyI/AAAAAAAAE_E/HF_XqeM-aCA/s1600/quiltwall2.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="text-align: center;">And this cute little laundry bag.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mrp04cCLnfA/Uc1mPH9WHjI/AAAAAAAAE-8/ior05jAJtaY/s590/vietpatchworkbag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mrp04cCLnfA/Uc1mPH9WHjI/AAAAAAAAE-8/ior05jAJtaY/s200/vietpatchworkbag.jpg" width="172" /></a></div>
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Here's Jemma being quilt model. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iJsFD5qQIOs/Uc1mROCrEPI/AAAAAAAAE_M/PkmcaXZkTCs/s590/geckoquilt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iJsFD5qQIOs/Uc1mROCrEPI/AAAAAAAAE_M/PkmcaXZkTCs/s1600/geckoquilt.jpg" /></a>These geckos are known as tokek or cicak (chi-chak) in Indonesia depending on their size and the noise they make. I was delighted to see them in Vietnam too. I do like the brick quilting on that one. I do have to say that the puffy polyester 1990s style thick batting made me cringe. I suppose it is the cheapest they can get, but I wish a company that produces some natural cotton batting would take on the charity and supply some decent batting.</div>
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On my own sewing, <a href="http://lifeunderquilts.blogspot.com.au/2013/03/my-big-secret.html" target="_blank">Jess</a> reinspired me to paper-piece again. I had to do a quick lot of cutting without a picture before I went and I decided on a set of low-volume texty prints. The overcast skies and the beige and grey of downtown Ho Chi Minh could have been made to match.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bXBbtzZTh0k/Uc0h7-aoWwI/AAAAAAAAE98/UpYGRhuSlkY/s610/flag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bXBbtzZTh0k/Uc0h7-aoWwI/AAAAAAAAE98/UpYGRhuSlkY/s1600/flag.jpg" /></a></div>
This is one of my favourite designs - I'm going to do a set of these. Still waiting for <a href="http://lifeunderquilts.blogspot.com.au/2013/03/my-big-secret.html" target="_blank">Jess's book</a> to arrive - post is SLOOWWW! But here's my first block.<br />
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<br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470851503660445900noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1434675592997972341.post-83593388306408709982013-06-28T15:33:00.003+08:002013-06-28T15:33:26.909+08:00Really random - Post-Nam post I loved being back in Asia. I love the hustle and bustle, the smell of bitumen in the humidity as you get off the plane, the complete overload of the senses with sight, smell, and sound. The brightness and diversity; the contrasts and clashes. And I LOVE coconuts. If there was only one reason to move to Asia, coconuts would be it for me.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh70F4mkOvZrXu9wxezGWi5iWCpjzVC8W62x2JTAyp92U-ysjuPriK3M9Nr5xYE1OYfNnmHvTSorAgiWOehu8suweatd6Iomqk78LiR1p2N86WuXBPIdUMLOpRlZS_n7kru_EJ_DWItmhc/s610/coconut2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh70F4mkOvZrXu9wxezGWi5iWCpjzVC8W62x2JTAyp92U-ysjuPriK3M9Nr5xYE1OYfNnmHvTSorAgiWOehu8suweatd6Iomqk78LiR1p2N86WuXBPIdUMLOpRlZS_n7kru_EJ_DWItmhc/s1600/coconut2.jpg" /></a></div>
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I loved catching up with Jem. We had a fabulous time in Saigon and Hanoi, eating, shopping and laughing. A tropical thunderstorm put paid to our trip to Ha Long Bay, but Hanoi kept us occupied. A city where streets are named after what they sell, and staying on Silk St around the corner from Shoe Road, well, it wasn't a hardship...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg49i5_af66afTXZRHZneLAzU5gT46IlCl8OhygMNIa7h_yPf8ibUNTR8hSGbuFGvB0uz7ul_PpjUa_iODGHlx5uZ5vVtDSGUeGj-H1d5hD6OphU2dhu7PZI5ECvmPteYJdvOB8hsyOPw/s610/hochiminhcity.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg49i5_af66afTXZRHZneLAzU5gT46IlCl8OhygMNIa7h_yPf8ibUNTR8hSGbuFGvB0uz7ul_PpjUa_iODGHlx5uZ5vVtDSGUeGj-H1d5hD6OphU2dhu7PZI5ECvmPteYJdvOB8hsyOPw/s1600/hochiminhcity.jpg" /></a></div>
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One of the fascinating things I find in Asia is the stereotypes that are played out. Stereotypes have their basis in reality - sometimes they are benign and amusing (the oodles of glittery shoes and Hello Kitty paraphernalia beloved of many Asian women); sometimes they are irritating (being considered a walking ATM or a 'loose woman' because I'm white in Java); and sometimes, the line between stereotyping and racism is hard to define, and sometimes I find myself walking it.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ufYIjoZUouI/Uc0e8X9F9oI/AAAAAAAAE9c/sefOTloTGYM/s610/Hanoibridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ufYIjoZUouI/Uc0e8X9F9oI/AAAAAAAAE9c/sefOTloTGYM/s1600/Hanoibridge.jpg" /></a></div>
I hate racism. I wish everyone could walk a mile in someone else's shoes, see something from the other side of the coin. It's not just a one sided thing - it goes both ways. It sounds odd, but the discrimination I experience from time to time in Asia - being a <i>bule</i> (albino) in Indonesia, a <i>guilo</i> (foreign devil) in China, or goodness knows what in Vietnam - reminds me to look at things from the other side.<br />
For example, queuing. I found myself wryly reminded that Asians can't queue. They shove in front, sneak up the side, cut in any way possible. There is no idea of one straight, orderly line, one person in front of the other. It's every person for themselves. The idea of personal space or waiting one's turn doesn't exist.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6jFKBR5XL5l36PpFCaJTdjc04GGg6y-JsI_4fc7ywvzX-_mtYzp3AY3j2wenNazwFOLCi7lx4yDJXxvz6JAC6Uq_RqCySiPf_oixDLCmejoGJdGdmyKwghLRYfvFKJx5zZphQhcmc4uA/s610/mallcontrast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6jFKBR5XL5l36PpFCaJTdjc04GGg6y-JsI_4fc7ywvzX-_mtYzp3AY3j2wenNazwFOLCi7lx4yDJXxvz6JAC6Uq_RqCySiPf_oixDLCmejoGJdGdmyKwghLRYfvFKJx5zZphQhcmc4uA/s1600/mallcontrast.jpg" /></a></div>
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Or, are Westerners just bad at queuing? If we look at it from the other perspective, they hang back, they don't take advantage of the space provided, they are slow and hesitant and not very clever at finding gaps. You could call that polite (as we do in the West) or just plain dumb.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cOAlCSTnfkI/Uc0e87HxrVI/AAAAAAAAE9k/oZv8CvH8Db4/s590/statue_unity.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cOAlCSTnfkI/Uc0e87HxrVI/AAAAAAAAE9k/oZv8CvH8Db4/s400/statue_unity.jpg" width="281" /></a>The idea of polite differs greatly from place to place. The little Buddhist monk who sat across the aisle from me on the plane and I disgusted each other. Both having head colds, he spent the short flight from Ho Chi Minh to Kuala Lumpur snorting and sniffing - long, wet, reverberating sniffs like slime up a vacuum cleaner - and I blew my nose into a tissue - a completely disgusting thing to do by most Asian standards.<br />
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And that word "they". I snuck it in there, a few times, deliberately. It's an innocuous word, but it's divisive. Because if there's a 'they' there's also a 'we'. There's a 'them' and there's an 'us'. It's language dividing and unifying, but unifying camps one against the other, not creating unity.<br />
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I visited a couple of sites in Vietnam that reminded me of the importance of looking at both sides of the coin thing. The first was the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cu_Chi_tunnels" target="_blank">Cu Chi tunnels</a>. These 200km of tunnels were used by the VietCong to launch surprise attacks and resist the invading troops. The Vietnamese pride in the ingenuity of the tunnel system and associated trapdoors and booby traps which enabled them to resist the military might of the US forces was evident and understandable, but the glorification of war was disturbing. The cheeriness in telling a one-sided story disturbed me: "Here are the ways we maimed and killed the invading forces". I was the only nationality in my tour group who had any connection with the war, and my connection is negligible. I wasn't born in 1973 when the last Aussie troops sailed into Sydney Harbour - I'm not even Australian by birth - but the Vietnam war is strong in our popular culture through songs like <i><a href="http://youtu.be/dTjvG4WJD_A" target="_blank">Khe Sahn </a></i>and <i>I was only 19</i>. I wondered how anyone who had any connection would cope without punching out the tour guide. This song kept running through my head.<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/ns82tHhJOr0?rel=0" width="560"></iframe><br />
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I didn't go to the War Remnants museum in Saigon, but there's a place that tells the other side of the story. Being confronted with deformed foetus in jars, victims of Agent Orange, and other atrocities of "the American war" was not something I wanted to spend time doing on holiday. But again, only one side of the story. Here's a blogger who tells it <a href="http://twenty-somethingtravel.com/2011/02/bad-guy-war-remnants-museum/" target="_blank">well</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IzWB3qBaj6Y/Uc0h-DpJplI/AAAAAAAAE-U/w_RmuP9Y0gM/s590/hanoihilton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IzWB3qBaj6Y/Uc0h-DpJplI/AAAAAAAAE-U/w_RmuP9Y0gM/s400/hanoihilton.jpg" width="270" /></a>We did drop by the Hoa Lo prison in Hanoi, a place which was also known as the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hoa_Lo_Prison" target="_blank">Hanoi Hilton</a>. The French built it originally to house, and sometimes torture and execute political dissidents who were pushing for independence. The (poor) translations provided ample information about the amount and quality of food prisoners were allowed, and the number of Vietnamese who died there. The prison was also used to house captured (mainly American) servicemen during the Vietnam war. Despite numerous firsthand accounts of the torture the prisoners suffered, according to the photos of laughing servicemen and the captions, the Hanoi Hilton was kind of a summer camp for US soldiers - badminton, chess, Christmas dinners, chickens as pets... Jemma and I were ready to sign up. I find propaganda fascinating, but I prefer it to be acknowledged as such.<br />
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I've visited Dachau Concentration Camp in Germany, where thousands (nearly 32000) of prisoners died, many gassed then cremated, which explicitly tells the story of the atrocities that happened there and has the words "Never again" emblazoned on a memorial wall in many languages. The difference in naming and claiming the war crimes is poles - but only 30 years - apart.<br />
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I will post about more cheery things when I've processed some more photos. I've missed Thursday but I may as well link up with <a href="http://aroundtheblockdesigns.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">Really Random Thursday </a>for the first time!<br />
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<i>In other news, somehow, Google+ turned me into a no-reply blogger. I'm not sure how or why. Katy pointed it out to me. <a href="http://www.flusterbuster.com/2013/02/are-you-no-reply-blogger.html" target="_blank">This post</a> from Fluster Buster showed me how to get around it in case you are having the same problem. I'm seriously thinking of migrating to wordpress, but I find the google link with Picasa just a tad easier to import photos.</i>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470851503660445900noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1434675592997972341.post-29540410559737476872013-06-21T08:30:00.000+08:002013-06-21T08:30:01.505+08:00Rolling back the years... and the earrings.<br />
Here I am not packed to go away to Vietnam, instead I'm sewing and blogging. Finishing THIS off in fact. Priorities, right?<br />
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In my first ever week at Uni, at the tender age of 17, I walked into Indonesian class and met Jemma. 18 months later, Jemma and I lived in the same boarding house(s) in Yogyakarta, Central Java, for almost a year. If it wasn't late and I had already packed my undies and things, I'd find a photo and scan it. As it's late and I don't want to go commando in Vietnam, I won't. </div>
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Jemma is a bit of a modern day gypsy. She spends time here, she spends time there, and she's SHOCKING at keeping in touch when she's not in town. But when she is in town, the years slip away and it's back to the same jokes and excitement we had when we were 18 in Indonesia. So when Jemma was in town and said she was 'at a loose end' in Vietnam and I should come up and stay with her, I went home and booked my ticket. But what to make her.</div>
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Jem has a few crafty bones herself and is a style maven. She ALWAYS has awesome jewellery and has been known to make a bit. So what better for a travelling jewellery fashionista than a travelling jewellery roll? This one has 4 small compartments for earrings / pendants, four larger ones for chunkier jewellery such as bangles, and one long one for larger necklaces. </div>
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I chose a couple of gorgeous Alexander Henry fabrics, some red text print (not sure what) that I got from Sew Me a Song, and some random newsprint fabric. Black, red, mustard and burgundy zips. Soft n stable for padding (think I have the padding thing sorted now!) and some Sara tips have helped this evolve. I'm quite pleased with it and SURE Jemma will like it. :)</div>
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I'm not 100% happy with the sizing, but it's nearly there. This will be coming out as a pattern - I have two testers - anyone else up for giving it a go?!</div>
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Phew! It's finished, just in time. <a href="http://www.52quilts.com/" target="_blank">TGIFF</a> is on at http://www.52quilts.com so whizz on over and say hi. And link me up please, I'll be on a boat swanning around the Mekong Delta in all likeliness! Now I'm off to pack my undies...<br />
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Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470851503660445900noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1434675592997972341.post-35986879514731038232013-06-19T11:00:00.000+08:002013-06-19T11:00:00.700+08:00WIP Wednesday - the Yanchep editionI spent the weekend up at Yanchep sewing with the girls.<br />
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I had a lovely relaxing weekend, but I didn't feel like I got a LOT of sewing done. I took too many projects, not the right supplies for all, and my small machine. When you are making jewellery cases, and sewing through plastic, zips and layers of soft-n-stable, you need the right tools. Plus it's hard to sew straight after <strike>a few glasses of champagne</strike> a long hard week at work... But I got a BIT of the travelling jewellery case done...<br />
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I also pieced the top of our PMQG modern block quilt. In case you are wondering, I asked for blue, green and aqua on grey. I am going to talk Bev in particular into visiting the optometrist soon. She turned 40 this year so is getting quite elderly. </div>
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I also got Batdog's batdog coat almost done. Just forgot the right colour for binding. I think a bright orange would be nice!<br />
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That's about it for WIP wednesday from me!</div>
<br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470851503660445900noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1434675592997972341.post-1995864566850857962013-06-17T22:04:00.003+08:002013-06-17T22:04:52.446+08:00Escape! My parents are avid SKIers. Spending the Kids' Inheritance. Good on 'em, I say. Live while you can. Especially when they leave me the keys and let me invade their house near the beach with the girls for a sewing weekend. This is the view from the balcony. See the Indian Ocean there? 5 minute walk down the road.<br />
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And the back garden. Plenty of birds for Scarlett to bark at, and not just the metal ones you see here.<br />
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The dogs came too, of course. What is better than hanging out on the couch with fabric and people who can be inveigled into cuddles? Melody spent most of the weekend on the arm of the sofa, waiting for victims. (Not my NY Beauty blocks. Wish they were!).<br />
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Mid-winter calls for soup, so I whipped up a vat of sweet potato soup.</div>
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It basically calls for 'enough' sweet potatoes (I use about 6 big ones). Cover with vegetable stock and water. Add a small chilli or 1/4 tsp chilli powder and about 1tsp coriander powder. Boil until potatoes are soft and use a stick blender to blend. Add juice of 1/4 lemon. Serve with chopped coriander. YUM. </div>
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We drank, ate and were merry. Of course I got SOME sewing done but I might leave that for another post! </div>
Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470851503660445900noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1434675592997972341.post-43746726639334756712013-06-16T16:53:00.001+08:002013-06-16T16:53:04.005+08:00Quilting on the Go - BloghopI'm not sure when exactly I ran into <a href="http://lifeunderquilts.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">JessUnderQuilts</a> but it's been a while... I first became aware of her beautiful diamond quilt and her excellent "How to Paper Piece with a small ginger child on your lap" video. So when I dreamed up the<a href="http://www.quokkaquilts.blogspot.com.au/p/the-travelling-picstitch-bloghop.html" target="_blank"> Travelling Pic Stitch Bloghop </a>last year, it seemed natural to ask Jess to take a starring role. She's a busy lady but she leapt in and wrote a few posts. One of the reasons Jess was so busy was, besides producing another small (ginger) child, Jess has also been busy writing a book on paper piecing.<br />
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I was <i>tres</i> thrilled when she asked me if I'd be interested in reviewing it. Unfortunately, we have underestimated the postage time to Australia, so you're going to have to wait on a proper review. That and I am off to the site of the picture below shortly to catch up with a friend of 18 years who's now living in Vietnam:<br />
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Ha Long Bay, Vietnam.<br />
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Which means it's the perfect opportunity for me to revisit the travelling pic-stitch palette idea, dig out my paper piecing and try out one of Jess's projects.</div>
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Now I don't know about you, but I struggle to know what to do with my finished paper pieced blocks. Apparently, so do others because Jess has come up with a number of non-quilt projects for paper piecing. First of all, she suggested I try this photo frame.</div>
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HA. Now anyone who knows me in Quilt-Life knows what I think of Hexagons. The DEVIL'S shape. 6 sides. 666. Coincidence? I think not! Jess explained to me that there are numerous options in the back of the book for making the projects in different shapes. </div>
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I decided to have a bash at her pincushion, in Ha Long Bay colours. Kind of. With some of my Tula Pink Salt Water fabric. So naturally, it needed an appropriate photoshoot - the edge of my parents' swimming pool was convenient. I went with greens on the back.<br />
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Anchors on the side</div>
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And a seagull on the front. Sigh. Once again, I have made myself a pincushion which will involve sticking pins and needles into animals. I'm sure a psychoanalyst would have a field day with my head.<br />
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I'm really pleased with it, even if I am reluctant to stick pins in the seagull... And I can't WAIT to see the rest of the book! There are some links below to win or buy a copy, and Jess has also organised a paperpieces.com coupon - 20% off with the code UNDER20. What are you waiting for?!<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">June 11 Lesly at Stitch Literate <a href="http://pickledish.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #38761d; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://pickledish.blogspot.com</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">June 12<span class="yiv9962992710tab"> Clare at Selfsewn</span><span class="yiv9962992710tab"> </span><span class="yiv9962992710tab"> </span><span class="yiv9962992710tab"> <a href="http://selfsewn.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #38761d; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://selfsewn.blogspot.com/</a></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="yiv9962992710tab" id="yui_3_7_2_1_1370957784994_5285">June 16 Laura at Quokka Quilts <a href="http://quokkaquilts.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #38761d; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://quokkaquilts.blogspot.com/</a></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="yiv9962992710tab">June 18</span><span class="yiv9962992710tab" id="yui_3_7_2_1_1370957784994_5282"> Katy at I'm A Ginger Monkey <a href="http://www.imagingermonkey.blogspot.com/" id="yui_3_7_2_1_1370957784994_5281" rel="nofollow" style="color: #38761d; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://www.imagingermonkey.blogspot.com/</a></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="yiv9962992710tab">June 19 Ara Jane at What Ara Jane Loves</span><span class="yiv9962992710tab" id="yui_3_7_2_1_1370957784994_5280"> <a href="http://whatarajaneloves.blogspot.com/" id="yui_3_7_2_1_1370957784994_5279" rel="nofollow" style="color: #38761d; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://whatarajaneloves.blogspot.com/</a></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="yiv9962992710tab" id="yui_3_7_2_1_1370957784994_5278">June 20 Kathy at Pink Chalk Studio Blog <a href="http://www.pinkchalkstudio.com/blog/" id="yui_3_7_2_1_1370957784994_5277" rel="nofollow" style="color: #38761d; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://www.pinkchalkstudio.com/blog/</a></span></span></span></div>
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Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470851503660445900noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1434675592997972341.post-32572332500537686202013-06-11T23:05:00.003+08:002013-06-11T23:05:32.793+08:00On the hop ... It seems to be my week for bloghopping. And other types of hopping. But Jess from Life Under Quilts has published a BOOK and asked me to review it, so that's coming up on Sunday. But you can check out the other stops on the bloghop already at Jess's <a href="http://lifeunderquilts.blogspot.com.au/2013/06/quilting-on-go-blog-tour.html" target="_blank">blog</a>.<br />
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On other types of hopping, my neighbour was hopping up and down in great excitement on the weekend. She called across the road for me to "COME AND TAKE A LOOK" in the back of her visitor's car. I peered in and saw the edge of a baby blanket.<br />
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"Oh god," I thought, "I have to coo and be pleasant about a total stranger's new baby. What a drag!"<br />
I made the appropriate noises, moved a bit further in and... well. There were two babies.<br />
THESE two babies.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R2dlX6f8nS4/Ubc6RnWjJpI/AAAAAAAAE5Y/1KDhzagOmvs/s1600/kangas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R2dlX6f8nS4/Ubc6RnWjJpI/AAAAAAAAE5Y/1KDhzagOmvs/s1600/kangas.jpg" /></a></div>
AMAZING, right? I mean, getting red kangaroo babies this far south!!!! Obviously, two Western Greys in a laundry basket in the back of a Commodore in the suburbs on a weekend is run of the mill, but these guys?<br />
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In other furry news, the dogs left me a dead mouse on the sun-lounger, and we found a baby snake - a DEADLY baby snake - on the back patio. Melody went after it but was hauled out of harm's way just in time. <Shudder>. I'm moving to Ireland.<br />
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And I taught my first patchworking class on the weekend. Meet the (Deliberately) Wonky Star Crew. Isn't that a good name for a hiphop group?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gUB5bgMGmF8/Ubc8WEg8g5I/AAAAAAAAE5w/7alpcsJPyAU/s1600/beginnerclass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gUB5bgMGmF8/Ubc8WEg8g5I/AAAAAAAAE5w/7alpcsJPyAU/s1600/beginnerclass.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Emme, Janine, Me, Pokua, Melanie</td></tr>
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Phew. It feels like this week has been a thousand day's long. And it's only Tuesday! What does the week hold for you?<br />
<br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470851503660445900noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1434675592997972341.post-46389730725075344822013-06-07T06:00:00.000+08:002013-06-07T06:00:00.328+08:00Kate Spain Bloghop collides with TGIFF at QuokkaQuilts<br />
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It's my day for the Kate Spain Bloghop! AND it's my turn for <a href="http://tgiffriday.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Thank Goodness It's Finished Friday</a>. Having them coincide meant that I worked my not-so-little tail off trying to get my Terrain quilt finished in time. Failing that, I was hoping to master Photoshop by now in order to edit the pins out of the photo below and make you think I'd finished my Terrain Stepping Stones quilt top. Sadly, that wasn't possible. It's coming along nicely but it's really not there yet.<br />
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I was also vaguely hoping I might get a chance to do something with THIS before my turn came, but sadly, it was not to be. Robust good health meant I have been unable to throw a sicky (Aussie slang for cutting work) all week since this arrived.<br />
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But I can't wait to get into it. I'd love to hear in the comments what layer cake pattern you'd use with Sunnyside!<br />
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I felt honoured when Alyce asked me to join the Kate Spain bloghop. Anyone who has been reading this blog for any amount of time knows that we are BIG Kate Spain fans around here.<br />
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Not only do Kate's designs look lovely, I have it on good authority that they taste delicious too! (Endorsed by three out of four Cavalier King Charles Spaniels).<br />
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At the risk of sounding a wee bit stalkerish, one of the GREAT excitements of my life since re-starting sewing and blogging was receiving a bundle of Good Fortune Scraps from Kate herself. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M5Xz_IuDMYc/T6_BTyQfmlI/AAAAAAAACr4/NpsDYKpjwkA/s400/IMG_3079.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M5Xz_IuDMYc/T6_BTyQfmlI/AAAAAAAACr4/NpsDYKpjwkA/s320/IMG_3079.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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As a thank you to Kate for her kindness in sending me this bag, I made her a bag and sent it over.</div>
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On Sunday, I am teaching a beginner's patchwork and quilting class. The project we are going to make is an iPad cover. I decided to kill several birds with one stone and make my sample up with some of the Good Fortune Scraps Kate sent me, which also gives me a TGIFF finish into the deal. </div>
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I used a double layer of batting - White 'n' warm and a wool batting - to give extra ipad protection. It means it's a bit puffier than I'd like but the ipad will be snuggly safe.</div>
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You can see how well the wonky star puffs out! </div>
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Apologies for the indoor photos, but it's mid-winter here and we're <b>ONLY</b> getting about 11 hours of sunlight a day. :P :P :P<br />
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Here are a few of my other KS projects...<br />
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Now, if you'd like to join the linky party for TGIFF, feel free to add your link below. It doesn't have to be a Kate Spain Project but do go and visit <a href="http://www.blossomheartquilts.com/2013/05/announcing-kate-spain-blog-hop.html" target="_blank">Blossom Heart Quilts</a> and see all the amazing posts so far, including an interview with Kate and a giveaway here and there! The honour roll runs thus:<br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Monday June 3rd - </span><a href="http://www.blossomheartquilts.com/2013/06/getting-to-know-kate-spain-interview.html" style="background-color: white; color: #888888; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Interview with Kate Spain</a><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Tuesday June 4th - </span><a href="http://www.blossomheartquilts.com/2013/06/getting-to-know-kate-spain-interview_4.html" style="background-color: white; color: #888888; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Interview Part 2</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> and Jane at </span><a href="http://quiltjane.blogspot.jp/2013/06/all-things-kate.html" style="background-color: white; color: #888888; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">QuiltJane</a><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Wednesday June 5th - Christa at </span><a href="http://christaquiltsblog.com/2013/06/04/kate-spain-in-from-the-cold-jelly-roll-quilt-and-weekly-giveaway-9/" style="background-color: white; color: #888888; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Christa Quilts</a><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Thursday June 6th - Kimberly at </span><a href="http://fatquartershop.blogspot.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #888888; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: none;">Fat Quarter Shop</a><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Friday June 7th - Laura at </span><a href="http://quokkaquilts.blogspot.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #888888; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: none;">Quokka Quilts</a><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Monday June 10th - Chrissy at </span><a href="http://sewlux.blogspot.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #888888; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: none;">Sew Lux</a><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Tuesday June 11th - Lynne at </span><a href="http://lilysquilts.blogspot.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #888888; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: none;">Lily's Quilts</a><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Wednesday June 12th - Julie at </span><a href="http://intrepidthread.blogspot.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #888888; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: none;">The Intrepid Thread</a><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Thursday June 13th - Kristy at </span><a href="http://quietplay.blogspot.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #888888; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: none;">Quiet Play</a><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Friday June 14th - </span><a href="http://blossomheartquilts.blogspot.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #888888; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: none;">Link up</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> your favourite Kate Spain project! </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Monday June 17th - Gemma at </span><a href="http://prettybobbins.blogspot.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #888888; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: none;">Pretty Bobbins</a><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Tuesday June 18th - Heidi at </span><a href="http://fabricmutt.blogspot.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #888888; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: none;">Fabric Mutt</a><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Wednesday June 19th - Melissa at </span><a href="http://msmidge.blogspot.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #888888; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: none;">Ms Midge</a><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Thursday June 20th - Jess at </span><a href="http://theelvengarden.blogspot.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #888888; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: none;">The Elven Garden</a><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Friday June 21st - Janice at </span><a href="http://www.betteroffthread.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #888888; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: none;">Better Off Thread</a><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Monday June 24th - Diane at </span><a href="http://fromblankpages.blogspot.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #888888; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: none;">From Blank Pages...</a><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Tuesday June 25th - Alyce at </span><a href="http://blossomheartquilts.blogspot.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #888888; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: none;">Blossom Heart Quilts</a><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Wednesday June 26th - Kara at </span><a href="http://meandelna.blogspot.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #888888; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: none;">Me And Elna</a><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Thursday June 27th - Readers' Q&A with Kate Spain at </span><a href="http://blossomheartquilts.blogspot.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #888888; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: none;">Blossom Heart Quilts</a><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Friday June 28th - </span><a href="http://blossomheartquilts.blogspot.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #888888; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: none;">Link up</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> your blog hop projects!</span><br />
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<!-- end InLinkz script -->Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470851503660445900noreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1434675592997972341.post-52393857449401862592013-05-31T05:00:00.000+08:002013-05-31T05:00:14.458+08:00Shooting upPHOTOS! That's all people! Where are your minds going?!!!<br />
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Since getting a DSLR camera when I went to the US last year, I haven't progressed an awful lot. I haven't had a chance to learn much more than what <a href="http://thelittlestthistlecraftshop.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Katy</a> showed me while we were travelling. She will undoubtedly groan of the quality of these indoor night shots (and I couldn't even work out how to get rid of the light reflection on the first one). But I think we can all agree to blame Katy for the quality of my photos and not teaching me better ;) [Brace for some very rude words in the comments those of you who know Katy].<br />
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The little camera bag I bought with my camera annoyed me to bits, although it is sturdy, so I leapt at the chance to try another of Sara's SewSweetness patterns. This one is the Paparazzi Bag. Sara gave me the fabric at Sewing Summit last year - I brought her a yard of fabric from Down Under and said 'surprise me' in return. She gave me a yard of this lovely home dec weight fabric. (Sorry about the flash reflection. Remember - Katy's fault).<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uEl02yV7Rkw/UaSqBATWswI/AAAAAAAAE2A/08T_XXPw0f0/s1600/paparazzi2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uEl02yV7Rkw/UaSqBATWswI/AAAAAAAAE2A/08T_XXPw0f0/s1600/paparazzi2.JPG" /></a></div>
This is a VERY padded bag and I cursed A LOT while making it. Those front pockets are a nightmare. But great and functional and worth the effort. It has hidden magnetic snaps - mine are sadly not strong enough to 'snap' together through layers of fabric so are fairly useless. I think I'd use velcro or normal snaps if I did it again.<br />
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The padded strap is fabulous and the padded dividers you can add are very nifty. And there's PLENTY of room for a camera, a spare lens or two, and a purse.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CstycKdgrVs/UaSp_zso88I/AAAAAAAAE1w/r-ey4wGiazk/s1600/paparazziinside.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CstycKdgrVs/UaSp_zso88I/AAAAAAAAE1w/r-ey4wGiazk/s1600/paparazziinside.JPG" /></a></div>
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And this is the second zip I've inserted like this - getting better!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8aU5XWrbIGc/UaSqAg_fr7I/AAAAAAAAE14/osy0RQHMnIE/s1600/paparazzizip.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8aU5XWrbIGc/UaSqAg_fr7I/AAAAAAAAE14/osy0RQHMnIE/s1600/paparazzizip.JPG" /></a><br />
Once again, the Soft 'n' Stable gives me a very professional finish. Happy with the finished product and once again, getting a lot of ideas from <a href="http://www.sewsweetnesspatterns.com/products/paparazzi-camera-bag" target="_blank">Sara's patterns</a>!<br />
Linking up with Lucy at <a href="http://www.charmaboutyou.com/" target="_blank">CharmAboutYou</a> for TGIFF.<br />
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<a href="http://tgiffriday.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" title="TGIFF"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiALe_PGbVBcEPsHsbl3sW9wmVysZtix-x18JGiqGctjErVnrPmQkZXdZt8Vs1UR-amPsCRVPftN5BV61RSSnyMd90NW7QWXvEm71vIfiNeVUEXh6tnIMF0jcU7rNxneiAs4Dks_6IWlKyb/s800/tgiff-button-blog.jpg" /></a></center>
Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470851503660445900noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1434675592997972341.post-83330268073128713972013-05-30T09:23:00.000+08:002013-05-30T09:23:58.563+08:00More Modern BlocksAt the <a href="http://perthmodernquilt.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Perth Modern Quilt Guild</a>, we have been working our way through the Modern Blocks book. Last month, Gina asked us to make the Quatrefoil block and Danielle chased down some of the tape measure fabric for us...<br />
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<a href="http://perthmodernquilt.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/image.jpg?w=487" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://perthmodernquilt.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/image.jpg?w=487" width="400" /></a></div>
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Gina made a pink block, someone made a blue block, so I had to go with something else.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XM79oYQx2m8/UaSqFjb6etI/AAAAAAAAE2k/Yf6fL33LudM/s1600/quatrefoil.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XM79oYQx2m8/UaSqFjb6etI/AAAAAAAAE2k/Yf6fL33LudM/s400/quatrefoil.JPG" width="395" /></a></div>
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Yellow is not my natural colour - I have the least yellow in my stash of anything and had real trouble finding fabrics that WORKED. (I'm also extremely fussy with my colour shades matching!). I was wrestling with decisions when a naughty puppy STOLE a piece of fabric out of my scraps box and... it was the yellow that worked. Bari J Ackerman's 'mountains of Arizona' (it's not called that but that's what I think of it as - mine came from <a href="http://marmaladefabrics.com/" target="_blank">Marmalade Fabrics</a>) worked beautifully.</div>
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The next block was Fussy Cut, and Emme asked for critters or creatures. I stretched the remit a little to include a deer and a little girl with JayCyn's Storyboek line. I LOVE this line of organic fabric. Mine is from Fabricworm.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fOMeHJrW6fw/UaSqH8YNy7I/AAAAAAAAE2o/BR4no4BPEtw/s1600/fussycut.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fOMeHJrW6fw/UaSqH8YNy7I/AAAAAAAAE2o/BR4no4BPEtw/s400/fussycut.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Loved this block. May have to make some more!!! </div>
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<br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470851503660445900noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1434675592997972341.post-49247609161890571042013-05-28T20:56:00.001+08:002013-05-28T20:56:11.427+08:00Getting ready to hop...<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sewblossomheart/8743112067/" title="Kate Spain Blog Hop by SewBlossomHeart, on Flickr"><img alt="Kate Spain Blog Hop" height="206" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7294/8743112067_2037b47688_b.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Alyce over at <a href="http://www.blossomheartquilts.com/" target="_blank">Blossom Heart Quilts</a> has organised a bloghop based on the work of my favourite designer ever, and knowing my passion for anything Kate Spain, asked me to join in. Of course, I said yes! Alyce has scheduled me for the first Friday of the hop which is also my <a href="http://tgiffriday.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">TGIFF</a> day.<br />
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I've been madly quilting away my <a href="http://www.quokkaquilts.blogspot.com.au/2013/05/traversing-some-terrain.html" target="_blank">Terrain Stepping Stones</a> quilt but I'm not sure I'll get it finished in time... It still needs a LOT of quilting... Will I get there? Or will I have to throw together a bag or something smaller? Or will I pull out one of my OLD projects and hope you don't notice????!<br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">Anyway, here's the schedule, so make sure you're following <a href="http://www.blossomheartquilts.com/2013/05/announcing-kate-spain-blog-hop.html" target="_blank">Alyce</a> via Facebook or subscribed via her sidebar options to keep in the loop of where to go each day!</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Monday June 3rd - Interview with Kate Spain at </span><a href="http://blossomheartquilts.blogspot.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #888888; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: none;">Blossom Heart Quilts</a><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Tuesday June 4th - Jane at </span><a href="http://quiltjane.blogspot.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #888888; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: none;">QuiltJane</a><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Wednesday June 5th - Christa at </span><a href="http://christaquilts.wordpress.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #888888; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: none;">Christa Quilts</a><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Thursday June 6th - Kimberly at </span><a href="http://fatquartershop.blogspot.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #888888; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: none;">Fat Quarter Shop</a><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Friday June 7th - Laura at </span><a href="http://quokkaquilts.blogspot.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #888888; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: none;">Quokka Quilts</a><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Monday June 10th - Chrissy at </span><a href="http://sewlux.blogspot.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #888888; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: none;">Sew Lux</a><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Tuesday June 11th - Lynne at </span><a href="http://lilysquilts.blogspot.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #888888; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: none;">Lily's Quilts</a><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Wednesday June 12th - Julie at </span><a href="http://intrepidthread.blogspot.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #888888; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: none;">The Intrepid Thread</a><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Thursday June 13th - Kristy at </span><a href="http://quietplay.blogspot.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #888888; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: none;">Quiet Play</a><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Friday June 14th - </span><a href="http://blossomheartquilts.blogspot.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #888888; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: none;">Link up</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> your favourite Kate Spain project! </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Monday June 17th - Gemma at </span><a href="http://prettybobbins.blogspot.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #888888; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: none;">Pretty Bobbins</a><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Tuesday June 18th - Heidi at </span><a href="http://fabricmutt.blogspot.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #888888; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: none;">Fabric Mutt</a><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Wednesday June 19th - Melissa at </span><a href="http://msmidge.blogspot.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #888888; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: none;">Ms Midge</a><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Thursday June 20th - Jess at </span><a href="http://theelvengarden.blogspot.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #888888; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: none;">The Elven Garden</a><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Friday June 21st - Janice at </span><a href="http://www.betteroffthread.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #888888; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: none;">Better Off Thread</a><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Monday June 24th - Diane at </span><a href="http://fromblankpages.blogspot.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #888888; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: none;">From Blank Pages...</a><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Tuesday June 25th - Alyce at </span><a href="http://blossomheartquilts.blogspot.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #888888; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: none;">Blossom Heart Quilts</a><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Wednesday June 26th - Kara at </span><a href="http://meandelna.blogspot.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #888888; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: none;">Me And Elna</a><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Thursday June 27th - Readers' Q&A with Kate Spain at </span><a href="http://blossomheartquilts.blogspot.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #888888; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: none;">Blossom Heart Quilts</a><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Friday June 28th - </span><a href="http://blossomheartquilts.blogspot.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #888888; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: none;">Link up</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> your blog hop projects!</span><br />
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<a href="http://blossomheartquilts.blogspot.com/2013/05/announcing-kate-spain-blog-hop.html" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><img alt="Kate Spain blog hop" height="200" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8412/8748419341_690cd0eb20.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: transparent 0px 0px 0px !important; background-image: none !important; background-position: initial initial !important; background-repeat: initial initial !important; border: none !important; box-shadow: transparent 0px 0px 0px !important; padding: 5px; position: relative;" width="200" /></a></div>
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Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470851503660445900noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1434675592997972341.post-8423420686301819682013-05-20T07:25:00.000+08:002013-05-20T07:25:13.804+08:00The Cocktail Kit(ty) Purse<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b1sJ8jOe7I0/UY-AS6Qa8gI/AAAAAAAAEzA/z5KxVuuRYmw/s1600/kitty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b1sJ8jOe7I0/UY-AS6Qa8gI/AAAAAAAAEzA/z5KxVuuRYmw/s200/kitty.jpg" width="183" /></a>A few weeks ago, I found out by surprise that an article I had submitted to <i>Australian Patchwork and Quilting</i> AGES ago (which I thought had been rejected) had been published. It was surprising that it was a surprise because I'm usually in close contact with Louise at the magazine when there's an article in the offing. I emailed Louise to ask what was going on. To cut a long story short, Louise's mum (who joked that Louise had her dream job as she was a quilter and Louise isn't) has been in and out of hospital with cancer for a long time, and Louise was in and out of the office accordingly. We had an email catchup, and Louise sent me a photo of her new kitty. Now I'm not a cat lover (I find they are very tough unless you slow-cook them) but even I have to confess that this is a cat who could give bat-dog a run for her money... Batdog and spider cat... Unstoppable.<br />
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I was so distracted by the kitty pics that I missed Louise's mention that the doctors had told her family they should go into the hospital that evening to see her mum... Or I missed the significance of that. About a week later, I heard that Louise had lost her mum.<br />
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What do you say in those situations? Louise is in Sydney and I am in Perth (which is 2045 miles, or roughly the distance from LA to Wisconsin for my American readers) and although we have never met, we have already said that we would totally go out for drinks if it weren't for the distance. So the best I could manage was "sending you hugs and cocktails." Louise replied, "less hugs, more cocktails". How do you send a cocktail that distance?<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KI5VgEe1MQ4/UXPqHwS2I3I/AAAAAAAAEo4/MV1oawqSCzY/s1600/bomwonkystarjanine.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KI5VgEe1MQ4/UXPqHwS2I3I/AAAAAAAAEo4/MV1oawqSCzY/s320/bomwonkystarjanine.JPG" width="320" /></a>Sadly, I'd already given this block to Janine and had NO MORE cats with cocktails fabric. I put a call on Quilt Club Australia and funnily enough, Cat(herine) (who is in WA and has just started her own long-arm business called <a href="https://www.facebook.com/CattyLilSewNSew?fref=ts" target="_blank">Catty Lil Sew-n-sew</a>) had a piece she gave me. So I now had a cat with a cocktail, but what was I going to do with it?<br />
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Sara had sent me another pattern - not to test this time, just because she is <a href="http://sewsweetness.com/" target="_blank">so sweet</a>. This pattern was for a trio of wallets - a basic, an intermediate, and an advanced. I decided to go with the intermediate one which has a space for a phone to fit on the back. The Ghastlies' cat fit perfectly.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UWZmnyCpbVg/UY98E44_KmI/AAAAAAAAEyQ/qEJEeTIcz4I/s1600/back1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UWZmnyCpbVg/UY98E44_KmI/AAAAAAAAEyQ/qEJEeTIcz4I/s1600/back1.jpg" /></a></div>
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The inside of the wallet features numerous credit card slots. I left some open for notes.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--LzaHbqvCMA/UY98HLlVr5I/AAAAAAAAEyo/51lUiFc_2cU/s1600/inside1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--LzaHbqvCMA/UY98HLlVr5I/AAAAAAAAEyo/51lUiFc_2cU/s1600/inside1.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6vznTLs8j50/UY98EB-Lu7I/AAAAAAAAEyI/LqH9VjQispM/s1600/walletfront1open.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6vznTLs8j50/UY98EB-Lu7I/AAAAAAAAEyI/LqH9VjQispM/s1600/walletfront1open.jpg" /></a></div>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J-vl2xQYMck/UY98FrjGsZI/AAAAAAAAEyY/seLyZBucUs0/s1600/frontclosed1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J-vl2xQYMck/UY98FrjGsZI/AAAAAAAAEyY/seLyZBucUs0/s320/frontclosed1.jpg" width="259" /></a><br />
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Halfway through, I realised there was no space for coins, so I added a little coin purse to the front of the wallet. I fussy cut the characters (obviously) but the closures are scraps of Ghastlies fabric. One scrap turned out to be the crotch area of one of the male characters (unintentional) but I'd ironed it on to the interfacing before I noticed. So I decided that would be the back of a closure and no one would ever notice. Then I accidentally sewed it the wrong way on. Oops...<br />
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Here's the outside in its full glory below.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aJ3OOW_1Djg/UY98GUCkreI/AAAAAAAAEyg/6GMw9ki15pc/s1600/outsidefull.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aJ3OOW_1Djg/UY98GUCkreI/AAAAAAAAEyg/6GMw9ki15pc/s1600/outsidefull.jpg" /></a></div>
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My parents informed me that it is unlucky to give a wallet as a gift without money in it, so I'm going to have to send cocktail money over. Which I am going to have to insist Louise spends on a cocktail to cheer herself up, so that makes this Louise's Cocktail Kitty.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_w9BNmb4rM4/UY98DBs-nBI/AAAAAAAAEyA/7IhemFeg7xg/s1600/front2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_w9BNmb4rM4/UY98DBs-nBI/AAAAAAAAEyA/7IhemFeg7xg/s400/front2.jpg" width="328" /></a></div>
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Which kicked my creative brain into action... I have to explain that Louise seems to have a similarly devious sense of humour to me before we go any further.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ixzpHp9gfGc/UY98CWXayUI/AAAAAAAAEx4/6PE4bLkAer0/s1600/back2note.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ixzpHp9gfGc/UY98CWXayUI/AAAAAAAAEx4/6PE4bLkAer0/s1600/back2note.jpg" /></a></div>
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There's a fine cotton hankerchief from Japan ("In case you are a messy drunk") and a note on the interior cat fabric ("Extra kitties in case you get rat-faced") and I popped a couple of asprin in the front pocket ("for the morning after").<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCH4PW-GMKC6wrUs7uJacmTzndMzfYeNhegESrts0TenHK3SyUCY2XMXe9-EeaklUa5_sS7ZIUUQOcWygCKU7_VcoVa9whuw7dYK_cUm901VnbU-YhWrO5wsukauAgEUCPGkL3OFmVnmA/s1600/inside2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCH4PW-GMKC6wrUs7uJacmTzndMzfYeNhegESrts0TenHK3SyUCY2XMXe9-EeaklUa5_sS7ZIUUQOcWygCKU7_VcoVa9whuw7dYK_cUm901VnbU-YhWrO5wsukauAgEUCPGkL3OFmVnmA/s1600/inside2.jpg" /></a></div>
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So this <strike>will be winging</strike> has now winged its way to Sydney. <strike>I'll wait till the end of the week to share and hope it's there by then, as Louise occasionally stalks my blog. I have NO idea whether she will like it and I have no idea whether she's 21 or 71 but I hope this at least brings a bit of happiness on a day that it is needed. :)</strike><br />
Louise loved it. She said it made her laugh and cry and the zipper on her old purse broke last week and she had to cut it open and has been carrying it around in a state of disgrace ever since. She says thank you to Cat and Sara for their contribution. And she's 26.... :)<br />
I've missed <a href="http://tgiffriday.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">TGIFF</a> but will save it up and link next Friday...<br />
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<a href="http://tgiffriday.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" title="TGIFF"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiALe_PGbVBcEPsHsbl3sW9wmVysZtix-x18JGiqGctjErVnrPmQkZXdZt8Vs1UR-amPsCRVPftN5BV61RSSnyMd90NW7QWXvEm71vIfiNeVUEXh6tnIMF0jcU7rNxneiAs4Dks_6IWlKyb/s800/tgiff-button-blog.jpg" /></a></center>
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PS. You can buy Sara's pattern <a href="http://www.sewsweetnesspatterns.com/products/greenbacks-wallet-trio" target="_blank">here</a>.Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470851503660445900noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1434675592997972341.post-83819497600409870292013-05-16T21:06:00.002+08:002013-05-16T21:06:34.864+08:00A little revenge sewing Louise, if you are reading this you are heading STRAIGHT FOR THE TEMPLE YOUNG LADY!<br />
I have a finish which I sent to my friend Louise in Sydney. It hasn't got there yet and she promised she wouldn't look at my blog, but I decided to remove the post anyway, and show you a little revenge sewing...<br />
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Since I got this little monster, she has eaten 5 pairs of shoes, including my flip-flops<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IbU6riYaY-Q/UOLwMfWcJ-I/AAAAAAAAERI/DgaDZd7TD8g/s1600/ScarlettEatsThongs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IbU6riYaY-Q/UOLwMfWcJ-I/AAAAAAAAERI/DgaDZd7TD8g/s1600/ScarlettEatsThongs.JPG" /></a></div>
and my favourite work shoes..<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qgs2zmcPyeg/URclKNC5JtI/AAAAAAAAEYc/L-BIt-1ODzI/s1600/IMG_2346.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qgs2zmcPyeg/URclKNC5JtI/AAAAAAAAEYc/L-BIt-1ODzI/s320/IMG_2346.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Dv--fJtsqkM/UOLwFY8Z0tI/AAAAAAAAERA/PrfuO0R8Qyk/s1600/ScarlettEatsCharmpack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Dv--fJtsqkM/UOLwFY8Z0tI/AAAAAAAAERA/PrfuO0R8Qyk/s320/ScarlettEatsCharmpack.jpg" width="276" /></a></div>
She's also eaten a charm pack and her 'puppy and beginner dog training notes'. Sigh. <i>Enfant terrible</i>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxvDJ91PJ19M-aLLGXzymxk-hobIGslxAOvBqfxtYmelzd8vTavjoAt1dsS34JaLM5-IDtc85n2-VDsHmaROZ7UPEX0iArAzgVrCAfMhSsit2HDjorMpa-EYukrD-lQ5uAMxVeB-20VSs/s1600/Scarlettobediencehomework.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxvDJ91PJ19M-aLLGXzymxk-hobIGslxAOvBqfxtYmelzd8vTavjoAt1dsS34JaLM5-IDtc85n2-VDsHmaROZ7UPEX0iArAzgVrCAfMhSsit2HDjorMpa-EYukrD-lQ5uAMxVeB-20VSs/s320/Scarlettobediencehomework.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vb0qZcnZAgI/UYYKLyOUKRI/AAAAAAAAEq8/kpchcqFuHGU/s1600/discodog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="142" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vb0qZcnZAgI/UYYKLyOUKRI/AAAAAAAAEq8/kpchcqFuHGU/s200/discodog.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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And of course, who could forget the glitter? </div>
Well, the weather is getting colder here and Scarlett's coat is still fairly thin, so she needed a winter coat. I had some green fleece that I bought to make a dragon softy with (it didn't happen) but... well, an idea popped into my head for a little revenge... Meet my monster...<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--qFW7orRhSw/UZTVqykkamI/AAAAAAAAE04/v0hHJBMals0/s1600/Scarlettdragon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--qFW7orRhSw/UZTVqykkamI/AAAAAAAAE04/v0hHJBMals0/s1600/Scarlettdragon.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGW9SAy1hQvqPdb0zTThPzvJHDBI_NnSbsOlV-yT7kTsxQY85sV3nVnWtZV-E1_Ii7LfldUtnF1PPrwo_7aG3pN0tX6EMPLxylnOaG5KK_NT6ujaoDAVik6mKP2u_WBb9EgqB1WaunQ9I/s1600/Scarlettdragon2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGW9SAy1hQvqPdb0zTThPzvJHDBI_NnSbsOlV-yT7kTsxQY85sV3nVnWtZV-E1_Ii7LfldUtnF1PPrwo_7aG3pN0tX6EMPLxylnOaG5KK_NT6ujaoDAVik6mKP2u_WBb9EgqB1WaunQ9I/s1600/Scarlettdragon2.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1-sqJgR8zWM/UZTVsbVs2II/AAAAAAAAE1I/MrcfobEmyD4/s1600/Scarlettdragon3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1-sqJgR8zWM/UZTVsbVs2II/AAAAAAAAE1I/MrcfobEmyD4/s1600/Scarlettdragon3.jpg" /></a></div>
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Hahahaha, I laugh every time I see her in it. She glared at me balefully for about half an hour then seemed to forget about it. Well, it amuses me and keeps her warm - win-win!!!<br />
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Linking up with <a href="http://tgiffriday.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">TGIFF</a> which is on at <a href="http://www.msmidge.blogspot.com.au/2013/05/tgiff-hostess-with-mostest-or-leastest.html" target="_blank">MsMidge's</a>.<br />
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Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470851503660445900noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1434675592997972341.post-5457794478058117332013-05-07T20:55:00.001+08:002013-05-07T20:55:08.031+08:00How simply Ghastly dah-ling!<div align="center">
Here is what I had been waiting to show you.... Sara of <a href="http://www.sewsweetness.com/2013/05/lilium-laptop-bag.html" target="_blank">SewSweetness's Lillium laptop bag</a>. I am SOOOO in love with this bag and this pattern and I have to say, it's created a sensation everywhere I have taken it. Three people have tried to steal it. No, I am not exaggerating.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SIci0VXv5HY/UYjuxIqs8nI/AAAAAAAAEro/3fvADYx3txs/s1600/Liliumfrong.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SIci0VXv5HY/UYjuxIqs8nI/AAAAAAAAEro/3fvADYx3txs/s1600/Liliumfrong.jpg" /></a></div>
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Do you like it dah-ling?<br />
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What I can't show you is how this feels. I used several new fabrics to me. Essex linen that I picked up in Quiltique near Vegas with Katy in October (love love love), some Michael Miller Fairy Frost in silver that I picked up locally, a silver and black FQ (not sure what line) and Annie's Soft 'n' Stable which is a foam-like interfacing. It is lovely to sew through, despite its thickness, and the feel of the linen over the soft and stable is amazing. It gives the bag a really solid and professional feel.<br />
Oh, and of course, there are some Alexander Henry Ghastlies characters thrown in.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UDWSZKVevnk/UYjxUGL04QI/AAAAAAAAEr8/Tx0HEFG6f9k/s1600/laptopcloseup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UDWSZKVevnk/UYjxUGL04QI/AAAAAAAAEr8/Tx0HEFG6f9k/s1600/laptopcloseup.jpg" /></a></div>
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Here's a look at the back.</div>
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There is a zipper pocket in the back of the bag. It's the first time I've put in a zipper this way, but Sara's instructions made it so easy. That's what I love about her patterns. I always learn something. Or several things. For example, putting in sliders for strap extension. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i0WF7cRGhI4/UYjuwQ_EjTI/AAAAAAAAErg/D2zP6uo8Z18/s1600/liliumstrap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i0WF7cRGhI4/UYjuwQ_EjTI/AAAAAAAAErg/D2zP6uo8Z18/s1600/liliumstrap.jpg" /></a></div>
And the nifty trick for doing those rounded corners. I was blown away.<br />
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The inside has a padded divider and the front, back and bottom have foam inserts sewn into the lining to protect the contents of the bag. The small size fit my Macbook pro 13"in, with the charger, plus my ipad and Kindle. What more could a girl want?!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ntELNLMn6PQ/UYjuvey69-I/AAAAAAAAErY/og6js3J2g4o/s1600/IMG_1771.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ntELNLMn6PQ/UYjuvey69-I/AAAAAAAAErY/og6js3J2g4o/s400/IMG_1771.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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After doing this, I immediately hit Sara's pattern site for her camera bag which I missed out on pattern testing, but it's definitely going to happen!</div>
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You can find the pattern <a href="http://www.sewsweetness.com/2013/05/lilium-laptop-bag.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
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<a href="http://www.sewsweetnesspatterns.com/" title="Sew Sweetness"><img alt="Sew Sweetness" src="http://i869.photobucket.com/albums/ab257/bluemerleboutique/squarelogo1.jpg" style="border: none;" /></a></div>
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Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470851503660445900noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1434675592997972341.post-69761924852809991832013-05-06T21:33:00.003+08:002013-05-06T21:33:41.645+08:00ClaimingFor goodness sake... Why does all this technology stuff keep changing? Google reader going, I tried Feedly without much success so over to Blogloving it is... But they make you do this silly claiming thing. So ignore this post but <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/3276444/?claim=jry9qyggej9">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a>Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470851503660445900noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1434675592997972341.post-15384376982632539602013-05-05T15:39:00.001+08:002013-05-05T15:39:09.606+08:00Traversing some Terrain<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Isn't it satisfying when you go from this:</div>
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to this ...<br />
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To this...<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-quqNnZxrboE/UYYKI83WhfI/AAAAAAAAEq0/RBhcPtUDVOI/s1600/undermachine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-quqNnZxrboE/UYYKI83WhfI/AAAAAAAAEq0/RBhcPtUDVOI/s1600/undermachine.jpg" /></a><br />
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And you can START to see what the finished product will look like?</div>
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I have shamelessly borrowed some of the quilting design from Green Fairy Quilts but other bits I have dreamed up (or am still dreaming up) myself. I'm quilting my little heart out. It's not going to win any awards, but I love it, and it's going to be my best to date... It's just WORKING. :)</div>
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In non-sewing news, a bottle of glitter fell off the shelf in my sewing room, unnoticed by me... Scarlett has been renamed Sparkles and is passing disco-balls.</div>
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<br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470851503660445900noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1434675592997972341.post-46129366928910385742013-05-03T09:00:00.000+08:002013-05-03T09:00:01.376+08:00Abdicating...<center>
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<a href="http://tgiffriday.blogspot.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank" title="TGIFF"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiALe_PGbVBcEPsHsbl3sW9wmVysZtix-x18JGiqGctjErVnrPmQkZXdZt8Vs1UR-amPsCRVPftN5BV61RSSnyMd90NW7QWXvEm71vIfiNeVUEXh6tnIMF0jcU7rNxneiAs4Dks_6IWlKyb/s800/tgiff-button-blog.jpg" /></a>Like Queen Beatrice of the Netherlands, I am abdicating my rule of TGIFF this week to my good buddy McKenna, over at <a href="http://textilediva.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Textile Diva</a>. I actually <b>do </b>have a finish. But I can't - no, I WON'T - show you. "WHY won't you show us Laura?!" I hear you cry plaintively.</div>
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1) It's so freaking fantabulously amazing that you will immediately throw down your rotary cutter and bawl into your pins, because you will despair of ever producing anything quite this fantastic. And I don't want you to do that today.</div>
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2) Sara at <a href="http://sewsweetness.com/" target="_blank">SewSweetness</a> is not QUITE ready to release the pattern that I have been testing that has resulted in this awe-inspiring piece of quilted brilliance. She did say I could show it, but on the off-chance that 1) above doesn't happen, or that you get over your despair and decide that YES, you WILL attempt to emulate my sheer brilliance, you will want to buy the pattern IMMEDIATELY and will plunge back into despair if you can't, and I don't want to be responsible for the consequences. </div>
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Plus Sara is trying to make her living selling her lovely patterns and it's better for her if I wait, so waiting I am.</div>
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Now head on over to <a href="http://textilediva.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Textile Diva</a> and check out McKenna's finish to link up to TGIFF or check out the other finishes!</div>
Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470851503660445900noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1434675592997972341.post-62180465051847071432013-04-24T10:52:00.000+08:002013-04-24T10:52:19.902+08:00Spanish WIPSI made good progress on several projects on retreat. As we were having tapas Saturday night, I kinda went with a Spanish theme - well, Kate Spain fabrics at least!<br />
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I finished the Terrain top - it just required borders. I decided to go with a dark blue tone-on-tone border - it really makes the rest of the quilt pop!<br />
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I tackled my long-neglected Good Fortune blocks<br />
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and came up with half a top... I have a bit of an idea where this is going but you will have to wait and see...<br />
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I had some time to get into Elizabeth Hartman's Craftsy class and put together a low volume mini quilt top from layer cake squares, including some Good Fortune.<br />
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Let me tell you, putting together the puzzle pieces after a few drinks... was quite time consuming to say the least!<br />
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I am not sure what this is going to become. It's a bit small and an awkward size, so I will have to have a think... It may turn into a wall hanging if I don't come up with a better plan. Any thoughts?? Maybe two nice cushion covers?<br />
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And this is NOT Kate Spain themed, but I have my Mondrian top basted and under the machine - finally!<br />
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Linking up with WIP Wednesday at <a href="http://freshlypieced.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Freshly Pieced</a> - gosh it feels good to have made some progress!Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470851503660445900noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1434675592997972341.post-14226087236161199932013-04-22T19:30:00.000+08:002013-04-22T19:30:02.115+08:00A BOM for a special friend...<center>
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<a href="http://whatahootquilts.blogspot.com/search/label/BOMs%20Away" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src=" https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir5biC5BmVp5walRKmDakB4UHoWZiDyodluCzCCqDLVVjt2I_EaWxEWD82St0X8uT38QNyB2h54XL99g-6YymN_PBhZ9YMeY2MOObHgh1W0io0gyAaSl-VWydsYKR3B9yMu830Z5eYlNHs/s1600/BOM+Button.jpg " /></a>I'm linking up with Lyn's BOM's Away. I don't often do (or blog) a single block but I'm pretty darn impressed with this one. Janine of <a href="http://thisquiltylife.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">This Quilty Life</a> asked for a wonky star as her Modern Block of the Month for our Perth Modern Quilt Guild quiltalong. Janine is my go-to-girl for all things quilt guildy and honestly, I couldn't do the job I do as President without her as a sounding board and general runaround person. She's become one of my dearest friends. And now I'm going to insult and or embarrass her. </center>
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I chose this fabric because the cat reminded me of Janine. Janine is a cat person. The first time I met her, I thought she was a little bit stand-offish, like a lot of cats are, but it was a very wrong first impression. Janine is amazing and will put her hand to anything and befriend anyone. The hat stands for the innate elegance that is Janine and the cocktail with bubbles... well, we've had a drink or two together. Or three. Or four... I shared a room with Janine on quilt retreat and that cat's fur is rather like what Janine's hair looks like in the morning... And she has such a good-natured sense of humour that I am sure she will take all this in the spirit in which it is intended and roar with laughter. (Fingers crossed). </center>
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The central fabric is, as you probably know, from Alexander Henry's Ghastlies range. There's some black sketch, some shiny sparkly Michael Miller Fairy Frost and the raspberry pink is, of course, Madrona Road. Now, I'm off to make a phone call and see if Janine is still talking to me!</div>
Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12470851503660445900noreply@blogger.com8