tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10468877786594486232024-02-07T11:59:50.155-08:00through my handsLet the favor of the Lord our God be on us;
establish for us the work of our hands—
establish the work of our hands! Psalm 90:17JoJohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04987759175664670419noreply@blogger.comBlogger116125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1046887778659448623.post-79980601492470166382019-10-22T09:34:00.000-07:002019-10-22T09:34:11.633-07:00Kung Pao Chicken (diabetic friendly)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDyAGFBSIAYztKZw1V2TtCsiKMTI64b6LRa2EU-3sn9Cp37PITGRpHZfCyGnYwckgiOcAwfUyCpgqfC0WCBC6u7XL_6QLRSRjxnlGsepl4e8gm3oOmblRRbM78YPm8myoorvZyJeSv8CY/s1600/IMG_0481.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDyAGFBSIAYztKZw1V2TtCsiKMTI64b6LRa2EU-3sn9Cp37PITGRpHZfCyGnYwckgiOcAwfUyCpgqfC0WCBC6u7XL_6QLRSRjxnlGsepl4e8gm3oOmblRRbM78YPm8myoorvZyJeSv8CY/s320/IMG_0481.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<b><u>Ingredients</u>:</b><br />
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<ul>
<li>2 Tbsp cornstarch</li>
<li>1/2 cup fat-free, low-sodium chicken broth</li>
<li>2 Tbsp rice wine vinegar</li>
<li>2 Tbsp Coconut Secret Coconut Aminos (soy free alternative to soy sauce) or lite soy sauce</li>
<li>1/2 tsp hot pepper sauce</li>
<li>1 tsp Splenda Brown Sugar Blend or 2 tsp Whey Low Gold (low-calorie, low-glycemic, all-natural sugar replacement) [this is my preference]</li>
<li>2 tsp sesame oil, <i><b>divided</b></i></li>
<li>1 garlic clove, minced</li>
<li>Nonstick cooking spray</li>
<li>1 pound boneless, skinless, chicken breasts, cubed</li>
<li>1 medium red or orange bell pepper, cubed</li>
<li>1/2 cup carrots, diced or sliced</li>
<li>1, 8-oz can water chestnuts, rinsed, drained, and chopped</li>
<li>2/3 cup no salt, roasted peanuts</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>2 cups of brown rice or make <a href="https://minimalistbaker.com/how-to-make-cauliflower-rice/" target="_blank">cauliflower rice</a> for lower carbs</li>
</ul>
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<b><u>Directions</u>:</b></div>
<div>
<ol>
<li>In a small bowl, combine cornstarch and chicken broth and whisk until cornstarch dissolves. Add vinegar, soy sauce, hot pepper sauce, brown sugar, 1 tsp sesame oil, and garlic; stir well and set aside.</li>
<li>In a large nonstick skillet or wok, heat cooking spray and 1 tsp sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken breast and cook for 4 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.</li>
<li>Add peppers, carrots, water chestnuts, and peanuts to pan. Stir fry for 4 minutes. Add chicken broth mixture to skillet and bring to a boil. Add chicken and any juices accumulated from cooked chicken back to pan and simmer for 3 minutes.</li>
<li>Serve over brown rice or cauliflower rice.</li>
</ol>
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Bon Appetit!</div>
<div>
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</div>
JoJohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04987759175664670419noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1046887778659448623.post-79685756243155226832019-09-09T13:05:00.001-07:002019-09-09T13:05:40.126-07:00Weekend Stitching<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglLqMTT4Y6Ee1q5bDNRp5qTYUYGwXuaVJinBlf36EXpdHYr7vo4_nfIlr_QXYIX2aoXcypzWG3R8HGQiCBCJqy9crzS2KgKJsOpUrma9G7YvOZj1J5vgwq-s2m_AJYUtzdQ1zzsxv0Iwo/s1600/IMG_0311.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglLqMTT4Y6Ee1q5bDNRp5qTYUYGwXuaVJinBlf36EXpdHYr7vo4_nfIlr_QXYIX2aoXcypzWG3R8HGQiCBCJqy9crzS2KgKJsOpUrma9G7YvOZj1J5vgwq-s2m_AJYUtzdQ1zzsxv0Iwo/s320/IMG_0311.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Decided to try and blog more and in order for me to do that, I need to be able to post off-the-cuff instead of feeling like I need to have something worthy to say which never happens. Lol<br />
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On Friday, I finished all my outdoor yard work. Yay!<br />
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Then Saturday morning we woke up to cool breezes. Relief! Then it started raining! Yay! That meant no outdoor watering and it became the perfect weekend for no-guilt stitching and eating chili.<br />
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I love <a href="https://www.suespargo.com/store-detailnew.php?cat=2&ID=0" target="_blank">Sue Spargo's</a> projects and recently watched a lady stitching herself this needle roll. Oh no! The itch just wouldn't go away. Those cute little labels, the little wool circles, and those stitches...those awesome, jewel-like stitches. That's was it. I just had to make one for myself too! I'd thank her here but I don't know her name.<br />
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They look so pretty and remind me of little pieces of candy but much more healthy. And the needle roll is going to be oh so wonderful because now I can have a home for one of each type of needle right in its place while the 'overstock ones' can be safely tucked away in their appropriate tubes.JoJohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04987759175664670419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1046887778659448623.post-88623438152991519422019-09-04T13:50:00.002-07:002019-09-04T13:53:19.871-07:00Contentment<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieW01glvcc7idTuZAI7sDh7rMsurssV5s4I7oW5l0HlnEr2x3Xf8eCF3DwdN_clshxAy9Ka2SUnTY026Pm7XiYEgxh5lPgYp5DirhWFw5Tw2bowUOaic1Nrt_PqhfLw309EiSj68xrl_E/s1600/Birdfront.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieW01glvcc7idTuZAI7sDh7rMsurssV5s4I7oW5l0HlnEr2x3Xf8eCF3DwdN_clshxAy9Ka2SUnTY026Pm7XiYEgxh5lPgYp5DirhWFw5Tw2bowUOaic1Nrt_PqhfLw309EiSj68xrl_E/s400/Birdfront.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
September is here and I can smell fall in the air. The higher temperatures still linger but fall is pushing its way in closer every day.<br />
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The title of my post is contentment and has been on my mind all this year for a number of reasons. I recently finished a Bible study in Philippians. In Philippians 4:8-9, Paul is reminding the Philippians to do the things they saw him do and remember what he taught them. He says to think on things that are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue, and if there is anything praiseworthly--mediate on these things. I claim these verses for myself daily so that when I feel a way I know I shouldn't I remember his instructions. And even if in the heat of the moment, I'm struggling to come up with a thought, I can always remember God is Good and loving to His children. I can be appreciative of having a husband that loves me and cherishes me, and to have friends that care and reach out to see how I'm doing. And if I'm really struggling, I may only be able to come up with 'it's nice to not hurt on my right side.' Let me tell you it is impossible to be harboring any ill-will or angst while being thankful. Mediating on God's Word, makes me a better human and I hope a better person to others. Which brings me to verse 11 where Paul says he has learned in whatever state he is in, to be content. I'm working on that one too. Some days I do better than others.<br />
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The picture above is my recent finish. Every part of the front is hand stitched. I was pulled into it because of the sheer amount of different techniques on it. It's an <a href="http://www.annmyhrequilts.com/" target="_blank">Ann Myhre</a> stitch along from <a href="https://thequiltshow.com/learn/classrooms/category/latest/a-little-birdie-told-me-with-ann-myhre" target="_blank">The Quilt Show</a>. She uploaded weekly videos to You tube. I joined in very late (about the 4th week if I remember correctly). I tried to not do it but all those techniques just wouldn't stop calling out my name. It was a fantastic project and I ended up making up my fantastical bird because it just wouldn't allow me to make it any other way. Sometimes you just have to give in to the project.<br />
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My health took center stage this year as I developed arthritis in my neck and couldn't work or do just about anything I needed or wanted to do. Remember contentment? I practiced it a lot this year and learned/relearned how to be able to work around health issues or simply to just give in and rest even when I found it against every part of my being. I tend to have hummingbird tendencies and find it very difficult to not be a doer.<br />
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Last week, I knew I wanted to finish the top into a pillow. Here's the back. I added a zipper near the bottom of the pillow with a hidden flange. I really liked this process and will do this again because of the ease of making it and being able to remove the insert if needed.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjemFuyX3yeL1t8JVeVykewK_8euomt21hkPOqbdjOJwx4knPG8yKv7e0WvdVcHCKTAuV60Zl82N9nKfIxjRaVNseVMpiyKB6lTXH2stXirF7bOYVqSMAowzfpm6V13KBFD28MfKTI6fa4/s1600/Birdback.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjemFuyX3yeL1t8JVeVykewK_8euomt21hkPOqbdjOJwx4knPG8yKv7e0WvdVcHCKTAuV60Zl82N9nKfIxjRaVNseVMpiyKB6lTXH2stXirF7bOYVqSMAowzfpm6V13KBFD28MfKTI6fa4/s320/Birdback.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Another project I finished for myself is a stitching pillow. It hurts me to do handwork but I refuse to give it up. I saw Anna's (<a href="https://youtu.be/a5hR-eIV93s" target="_blank">Woolie Mammoth</a>) You Tube video teaching how to make a stitching pillow. This is unlike any pillow I have ever made and I've made lots. It was fun to make and really does help reduce the pain of handwork. I highly recommend it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3vwLBECxGL6R-PkAHcko90ghQdsh-dl33wzegMFH3pCeChHdjFXHGfOScmnsBNn3df-C99kOWsqI6N82gwl7MDII0zQh0y30oQt_4DgB_BX4YaZhiIup4IV4B4O2XgbPUhkMb_8-giwI/s1600/Stitching+pillow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3vwLBECxGL6R-PkAHcko90ghQdsh-dl33wzegMFH3pCeChHdjFXHGfOScmnsBNn3df-C99kOWsqI6N82gwl7MDII0zQh0y30oQt_4DgB_BX4YaZhiIup4IV4B4O2XgbPUhkMb_8-giwI/s320/Stitching+pillow.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Last but definitely not least is a project that came late but finished before everything else is a tuffet for my husband. He requested it and wanted me to use his work ties that he's been collecting his whole working life. It was a joint project of selecting his favorites and then deconstructing and sewing it together and forming it around the tuffet form. Sharyn Cole's company called <a href="https://tuffetsource.com/" target="_blank">Tuffet Source</a> has the patterns and kits. If you follow her instructions, you will have a perfect tuffet. Plus, she is one very sweet person who answered many questions and helped me get started when I told her I was using my husband's ties.<br />
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Here are some progress pictures with the finish at the end.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSuqQ9z8uSkebwVnzJ886wP6lZ7frqzyfQELmxc38AkziIC3qHLLig1Qae0UBNoNpQ2iFxuvo3S1IOf_Zrea929ID7cF4udB5QRUHOBgQ1U_d88k_y-TlwZP-DGqvET8N35fFpNaAYGs0/s1600/tuf4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSuqQ9z8uSkebwVnzJ886wP6lZ7frqzyfQELmxc38AkziIC3qHLLig1Qae0UBNoNpQ2iFxuvo3S1IOf_Zrea929ID7cF4udB5QRUHOBgQ1U_d88k_y-TlwZP-DGqvET8N35fFpNaAYGs0/s320/tuf4.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVE411_AgIxJfr2A6yaKzTE0E1629pSzUL2oNhYSp0OxxL0p5EaEQX0rgD956ct2-vuvNS58CXXYcy3di4H4JNZXPIgehyphenhyphenQRTcRSlA0zhsGRUcYpL4luNYwWG-FTV0eRWNUVAUf6Iy6ZM/s1600/tuf3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVE411_AgIxJfr2A6yaKzTE0E1629pSzUL2oNhYSp0OxxL0p5EaEQX0rgD956ct2-vuvNS58CXXYcy3di4H4JNZXPIgehyphenhyphenQRTcRSlA0zhsGRUcYpL4luNYwWG-FTV0eRWNUVAUf6Iy6ZM/s320/tuf3.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVYjOyur9iB-HD_RC7URHXV79TsSNl260o7sDPwFyEtpsAKyoG_yDBUP1aFu3Fm7wENRwnKHnSQOv_3dztY-cHfJgSR6sUrVuMDLOWhXcQhzbDKecx1zv7960legcjxBbDr_zehEBRFtc/s1600/Tuf2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVYjOyur9iB-HD_RC7URHXV79TsSNl260o7sDPwFyEtpsAKyoG_yDBUP1aFu3Fm7wENRwnKHnSQOv_3dztY-cHfJgSR6sUrVuMDLOWhXcQhzbDKecx1zv7960legcjxBbDr_zehEBRFtc/s320/Tuf2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjguK-3KRQfvqGL7duyH6xGd-jhNz7uoxj5YpZsfyKFO671iuz7QUMvumssGyYgMa2IPZTSlv60bdTyz5F1J39C6C4FlZ6jdSGwkuoklu4ek2eQqPRQen9exhPEmVhL7h4IAtHgdsA9cVw/s1600/tuf1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjguK-3KRQfvqGL7duyH6xGd-jhNz7uoxj5YpZsfyKFO671iuz7QUMvumssGyYgMa2IPZTSlv60bdTyz5F1J39C6C4FlZ6jdSGwkuoklu4ek2eQqPRQen9exhPEmVhL7h4IAtHgdsA9cVw/s320/tuf1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
The Bowdee-man being a good prop for mama. He's the same height as the tuffet.<br />
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Enjoy today, stop and be thankful for something or someone in your life, and know you are eternally loved by God.JoJohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04987759175664670419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1046887778659448623.post-47709693138706309282019-03-19T20:52:00.000-07:002019-03-19T20:52:12.248-07:00Waiting...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHSEIZDAlqCHUJ-72cItQWrrtTP8RquHmu5I_Zt8rbubH6SdU-L1U25ZwAQWB0FS-broPoTijJnmSNWaQ2LhnFbvID-iRH4-r9dsUX0IDGMTUon7iR9Dz4zfzmhKsDIRVlpbNaPehIqo4/s1600/57430107640__E49DE795-0CF8-4AF7-905A-9C804B380A69.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHSEIZDAlqCHUJ-72cItQWrrtTP8RquHmu5I_Zt8rbubH6SdU-L1U25ZwAQWB0FS-broPoTijJnmSNWaQ2LhnFbvID-iRH4-r9dsUX0IDGMTUon7iR9Dz4zfzmhKsDIRVlpbNaPehIqo4/s320/57430107640__E49DE795-0CF8-4AF7-905A-9C804B380A69.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
This isn't a great photo technique-wise but I love it all the same because this is Bowdee waiting and watching for his favorite human to arrive home. I just love the shadow of him in the light. He adores his papa and gets on high alert when his 'it's time to come home' timer goes off.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmJ54qYalYUBtYu-fQfvKNlD3GNcv1Vor6xFGkH-DUH_bnDaPIcR5KQd3P6LRMWQ-qJLOxAc-timfaEaz8LDdVySbRwQ5RIcraHHwaso7dmlIZaQiUWP2cAtmgH21IcTsaUUaa44_Tqd4/s1600/IMG_6010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmJ54qYalYUBtYu-fQfvKNlD3GNcv1Vor6xFGkH-DUH_bnDaPIcR5KQd3P6LRMWQ-qJLOxAc-timfaEaz8LDdVySbRwQ5RIcraHHwaso7dmlIZaQiUWP2cAtmgH21IcTsaUUaa44_Tqd4/s320/IMG_6010.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Received two little travel pillows recently and had to make them their own pillow cases. It was a fast and fun project and the best thing is that I had everything in my stash. Goodness knows how old that tree fabric is, but I was happy to have enough for the two pillows. The naked pillows measured 12"x18". Couldn't resist adding the little cuff and flange. I think they are so cute and usable now that the covers can be easily removed and washed.<br />
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Speaking of Waiting....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWkPsuy-f9VPtKuFgSWQFaLeDL5I0A_047iIPvKuPq71_wzEpoBrL8dl8R3XGele_wUG70Mt_-X_QraEYsSZ-l0FV0rPj-M8JdvfUl8JMKF7t2UtZmEoVB0A8kGvTQiFpedeHTe93CmQU/s1600/IMG_5992.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1544" data-original-width="1160" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWkPsuy-f9VPtKuFgSWQFaLeDL5I0A_047iIPvKuPq71_wzEpoBrL8dl8R3XGele_wUG70Mt_-X_QraEYsSZ-l0FV0rPj-M8JdvfUl8JMKF7t2UtZmEoVB0A8kGvTQiFpedeHTe93CmQU/s320/IMG_5992.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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This was me last week doing my duty. Sat through several hours of listening to attorneys and being asked questions. I wasn't one of the 9 chosen to stay for the trial so my duty is finished for at least two years.</div>
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The wind is howling something fierce but the sun is shining and the temperature is not bad. The wind is so strong that I cannot stand to be out in it though so here I wait with my nose pressed up against the window waiting for the wind to calm.</div>
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Did anyone else participate in the online <a href="https://www.studygateway.com/online-bible-studies/taste-and-see-study-home/" target="_blank">Taste and See Bible Study</a>? It was so good (good for the soul, spirit, and belly!). I never fully recognized how important food was in the Bible, but if you think about it -- we all have really great memories and many of them started around a table with friends and family. Jesus has invited us all to His table and what a wonderful, bountiful table He has for all of us who love Him; makes me smile just thinking of reaching out to His outstretched hands as I accept food from His table. Figs, bread, fish, wine and more. Can we say Amen and Bon Appetit!</div>
JoJohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04987759175664670419noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1046887778659448623.post-68137058655320291382019-01-31T15:47:00.003-08:002019-01-31T16:07:31.973-08:00Small accomplishments<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Finished my little sewing kit today. It was an enjoyable slow stitching project. I think it's good to do small projects that have new to me techniques because then I can see if it is something that I enjoy and even if I don't like it, the project gets finished because it is small. Crazy patch and hand embroidery will be something that I will continue. It was fun and meditative to do.<br />
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So what did you play with this week?<br />
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Here's a couple more pics of my sewing kit.<br />
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<br />JoJohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04987759175664670419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1046887778659448623.post-9680609473965330872019-01-25T12:47:00.000-08:002019-01-25T12:47:11.385-08:00Puppy Teeth & Happenings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Bowdee's big boy teeth have started coming in which means that his baby teeth are being pushed out. He's been a little moody because it hurts having teeth shoved out and new ones coming in. Did you know that puppies have 28 teeth and that when they start to lose them, they are replaced with 42 adult canine teeth! That's a lot of teeth to squeeze into a space where only 28 had been previously. I'm sure I have either vacuumed up or he has swallowed many of them but occasionally he actually gives them to me. I'm sure you are wondering just how he 'gives' me a baby tooth. Well, it goes like this. Bowdee comes up and sits in front of mommy. He is twisting his face and asking me to pick him up. I bend down and pick him up and he looks me in the face and starts sucking on his lip. I'm like what are you doing and he gets more enthusiastic about the process. I then open his mouth and right on his little tongue is a baby tooth which I promptly snatch out and then tell him what a good boy he is and then he gets a cookie. I have a collection of 5 so far. They are interesting looking, aren't they.<br />
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Here he is looking all cool and showing me he has decided to confiscate papa's chair. Papa is at work so no one can object! LOL He's grown so much and is quite the 'little tank.' I love the feel of his body. Nothing wimpy about this boy!<br />
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I finished putting all of the embroidery stitches in on my future sewing kit. Just waiting for the instructions for sewing it together. I will definitely keep up stitching because I had such a wonderful time making this. It feels so wonderful.<br />
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Homemade vanilla was made using my Instant Pot. Here it is with vanilla beans and vodka.<br />
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Here's the result after completing the cycle in the Instant Pot. This would be the equivalent of it sitting for several months and all it took was 30 minutes.<br />
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Here it is a week later. It will continue to deepen in color and flavor. I will wait a month and then transfer it into individual bottles. There is nothing like homemade vanilla in your recipes. Try it even if you don't have an Instant Pot. You will be a convert forever.<br />
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Thought I would leave you with some sunshine. This is a picture I took at the Tulip Festival last summer. It was a beautiful day and it was our first time visiting.<br />
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<br />JoJohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04987759175664670419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1046887778659448623.post-14847657929377933532019-01-14T12:01:00.001-08:002019-01-14T16:03:39.884-08:00Savoring the Process <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Now those pictures are sure to get your mouth watering. I made some things that hardly ever are made here, which was homemade cinnamon rolls and caramel candies both hard and chewy...some with sea salt and others without. It was a delicacy to enjoy them and even more so to share them with family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers. I also made homemade fudge (the one that gives your arms a workout), but it didn't get into the pictures. I had to get it out of the house as quickly as possible because fudge is something I simply cannot keep my fingers out of. It was soooooooo good.<br />
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Next Monday, January 21, I'm participating in a free <a href="https://www.faithgateway.com/taste-and-see-obs-registration/?utm_source=facebookgroup&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=FBGROUP20190107tasteseeobs&fbclid=IwAR3PxYIWFV3xBJ38xtUGlIz1w5iqbkdMSGaESRawoXwFtn4p-10LjLknuDY" target="_blank">online Bible Study called Taste and See</a>. Psalms 34:8 "Taste and see that the Lord is good. How happy is the man who takes refuge in Him!" is one of my favorite verses in the Bible and I love being in the kitchen and making meals for family and friends so how can anyone resist savoring time with the Lord and learning how much God and Jesus loves food too. I hope you will join in with me on the study. I think we will all come away from the table filled and happy.<br />
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I love the process of creating. My hands have a difficult time not being in perpetual motion. This equates to having many projects in differing stages of progression. Some things complete faster than others and then there are the long-term projects that spread through years. Many times it is because what I need to do is not currently in my skill toolbox so they wait patiently for me to catch up. The end of 2018 and our Christmas Holiday enabled me to finish one of those long-term projects and I am so pleased to have finally completed her. Her name is The Lady and she has been a decade long project. I'm not sharing a full picture yet because I hope to enter her into a few shows and don't want to disqualify myself just in case they have a policy of not showing the completed piece online.<br />
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She is faced to not distract from the front and this stopped me from finishing her for quite some time. A big shout out and thank you to <a href="https://terryknott.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Terry Knott</a> for her help and on-going patience in repeating herself over and over again as I asked for clarification for the umpteen time. Thank you Terry! Love you to pieces!<br />
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And then I also finished a a tablecloth that I've been working on for about a year. Sewing all those houses with windows and doors and trees with leaves (Yoko Saito house pattern) took much longer than I anticipated. Of course I made up the tablecloth pattern and got almost a little too creative for myself with the linen insert, fancy joining stitches and cording. Although I do love the linen insert and I am keeping up with my pledge of using as many as possible of all those pretty stitches that are available on my sewing machine.<br />
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Here it is with two sides of the 'ground' added.<br />
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All done and on the table.<br />
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I sure do love it!<br />
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And I've had some really wonderful logos to digitize at work too. I had to do a lot of online research to get the cow and tractor details correct since all I had was a shadow. Oh and for those observant ones (you know who you are), I did go back in and add the brand mark on the cow. Sometimes, I can get lost in the trees when digitizing and don't see something until I've stitched it. Of course, then it's blaring in my face and I wonder how I missed it!<br />
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This one was fun too. Love it when customers want to GO BIG!</div>
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Quick little project for a company. I love making pillows.</div>
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And I started working on a small project that <a href="http://www.valeriebothell.com/2019/01/new-year-new-project.html?fbclid=IwAR1cAw3pVcoEEMYQaYiNQOJ5m8aOmeGLU_lJVD1Hfku-y_OUfF0NO1EbZxM" target="_blank">Valerie Bothell</a> started last week. There is still time to join in on the fun if you'd like to play too. I'm having a blast hand embroidering the stitches.</div>
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Still quilting this <a href="https://www.shabbyfabrics.com/Forever-My-Valentine-In-Flannel-Quilt-Pattern-P61329.aspx?categoryid=4253" target="_blank">Shabby Fabrics</a> Forever My Valentine quilt. I have three more background blocks to quilt and then I can start quilting the hearts. This has been a very enjoyable project and one that just makes me smile every time I look at the hearts. </div>
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Can't end the post without a picture of the 'Bowdee man' all comfy in mama's chair. Enjoy your day wherever you are and know that God loves you.</div>
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<br />JoJohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04987759175664670419noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1046887778659448623.post-856132397432514892019-01-10T14:56:00.000-08:002019-01-10T14:56:51.976-08:00Excitable Puppy Peeing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbSsepAy4cK1hxXYjBYLE_LhifZ9E5tQVsP5CcfO54vgmmuKXwLCayVFzag1nnUENKnvfhyphenhyphenhc4yqMdItXG7qYyFPXzTHFdbnGBG7CmJESbRCVamwj0DrkgLFyC5T93YbnqPWos81SEIkA/s1600/IMG_5623.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbSsepAy4cK1hxXYjBYLE_LhifZ9E5tQVsP5CcfO54vgmmuKXwLCayVFzag1nnUENKnvfhyphenhyphenhc4yqMdItXG7qYyFPXzTHFdbnGBG7CmJESbRCVamwj0DrkgLFyC5T93YbnqPWos81SEIkA/s320/IMG_5623.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Happy New Year! I introduced you to Bowdee last month. He is growing like a weed and just celebrated his five-month birthday on the 3rd of January!<br />
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He is such a lover and greets everyone with licks and kisses and a wiggle that starts at the head and runs down to the end of his tail. He is learning so many things and finally barks at me when needing to go 'out' to do his business. There is just one thing that he does that is a first for us and that is he gets so darn excited to greet us and others that he will tinkle on the floor. We've read everything. He's very healthy, we keep our greetings calm, no eye contact, no bending over to pat his head, exercise him, many potty breaks, yada, yada, yada. He's getting better but when papa comes home, there is nothing I can do to stop the leaking. He just loves him to pieces and the flood will flow. LOL It's not funny, but he can't help it so you can't get mad at him.<br />
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I decided to make him a belly band that he can wear whenever we are going somewhere where people might make a fuss over him. I've found it is easier to teach Bowdee tricks than to stop a person from baby talking him when we are out. Baby talking to him will cause a puddle every time.<br />
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At first I thought I'd just buy one but trying to fit him proved to be impossible. He's too big for a small and too small for a medium and the material they make them out of is not soft and not very nice. Well, since I quilt and sew, I thought how hard can it be to make one? It wasn't hard but did take me longer than I anticipated to get the kinks out for my pattern. All in all I am happy with it. I will need to make another one sooner than I anticipated because I should have added more length for growing.<br />
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If you or someone you know has a puppy with leaky issues, you can easily make one. I cut 2 fabrics 5 inches wide by 19 inches long (next time I will make it 21 inches long). I also cut one piece of cotton batting 4-3/4" wide by 18-3/4 inches long. Placing right sides of fabric together and batting on top (which is the wrong side), I sewed around the rectangle using a 3/8" seam. Leave an opening for turning. Turn fabric right side out being careful not to pull out batting. Once turned, sew around perimeter using a 1/8" seam. This will also close up your opening. I added additional sewing lines to keep the cotton fabric from migrating around inside the belly band. I added a 3-1/2 inch by 2 inch piece of velcro (soft side on left as fabric is facing you and the rough side on the right on opposite side) at the narrow edges of band.<br />
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Now the only additional thing I made was a mini pad that I could toss in the washer. I didn't have any PUL fabric to add to the backside of it so I'll make more later. For this one, I used leftover terry cloth fabric I had and two layers of cotton batting. Basically a little pillow. I insert it inside the belly band when I put it on him. It stays put. I'll report back how it works.<br />
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If you are a picture person like me, I hope these help you.<br />
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2 pieces of fabric (I used prewashed flannel).<br />
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1 layer of cotton batting.<br />
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Right sides of fabric together and batting on top. Sew around leaving an opening for turning.<br />
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Mini pad for inside band. Easy to wash and keep clean.</div>
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Bowdee seems to like it.</div>
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Yep. He's okay wearing it. Went right to sleep with his chew toy.JoJohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04987759175664670419noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1046887778659448623.post-56496660589521496102018-12-12T15:21:00.001-08:002018-12-12T15:34:36.269-08:002018 - The Year of the Blur<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mama loves you Dilly boy</td></tr>
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2018 began with a bang. I came down with a horrible flu that knocked me for a loop. I was in bed for a week and it kept hanging around for what seemed like months. By the time I recovered, it was tax time which takes mounds of time to finish.<br />
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Our boy, Dilly, was just getting ready to celebrate his 12th birthday when our lives took a turn for the worse and he unexpectedly passed on. He so wanted to stay with us but his little body just gave out on him. We were so blessed to have him for as long as we did. He survived a liver shunt birth defect and encephalitis at aged 3. We sure loved that little man and decided to not pursue getting another animal. In fact, we even gave away our chickens and chicken coop to allow us time to come and go unimpeded. It had been many years since we were able to travel so we made the most of it and traveled to Alabama to see family. Flying isn't quiet as fun as it used to be and I forgot how tired you get from the whole process. However, once we arrived, our excitement about the adventure gave us a burst of happy energy. It was my first time visiting New Orleans, Alabama, and Mississippi. We also visited parts of Florida. Alabama is beautiful and the people even more so. I cannot express sufficiently how refreshing it was to hear people wish you a blessed day and see how much pride people have for our country and veterans. I still have a tender spot for the Foley area and the people living there.<br />
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I know there is no merit to bad things happening in threes, but it was definitely a tester of me when I was called for a federal jury duty a week before we were to travel to Alabama. I was told when I called that I could not request a date change. In Multnomah county it is never a problem to make a change, but apparently Federal courts are not as accommodating. Because the trial could be extended past the day I needed to fly out, it was a stressful time wondering whether I would be called. Thankfully, the night before when I called my juror number was not needed. Whew....our trip could proceed with me in it!<br />
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The other thing that happened is that I was rear ended by a guy driving a Maserati. Okay, that's a first in a couple of ways. I've never seen one in person and definitely never have been hit by one. The thing is...I was sitting at a dead stop waiting in line to get into a quilt show. The line was long and everyone was waiting. How do things like this happen. He wanted to brush it off as no damage but when the estimate came in, the damage to my car was over $1200. So much for no damage. It was a pain getting his insurance to step up but thankfully the shop I went to (Mackin's Auto Body in Gresham, Oregon) really did above and beyond their job and got it done. Mackin's Auto Body has secured any future business from me, but I hope I never have to visit them again!<br />
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I've not visited my travel adventure projects at all this year, but I gave myself the okay to keep going or call it the end. I believe I must finish at least one more since I have it all designed and the fabric pulled. We'll see how 2019 goes.<br />
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Remember how I said we were not going to be puppy parents again. Well, our stamina sure is strong! We succumbed in September and welcomed Bowdee (pic below) to our home. He is a Maltese/Shih-Tzu mix. I believe he looks more Shih-Tzu than Maltese and is definitely much different in body than Dilly which was a Maltese/Poodle mix. We forgot how much work it is having a puppy but all in all, he is the most loving, kind boy we've ever had. That's saying something because Dilly was Top Dog all the way. I wish the two of them could have known each other and played. We know it would have been a hoot watching them play.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxazEd6JIxMO_p3SxjFB7JDYhMj4ymvfpTA6SGqmsJ3ItIBkRL0C4CEeaGLrNA-VsVg-ECpEN1hhyg6pPMY7niPepDV48xPDMDltzX5GHMwkwfh16BCbshjHn5E7DQIcXWjKq0ghT1sx0/s1600/TGH_5846.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1066" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxazEd6JIxMO_p3SxjFB7JDYhMj4ymvfpTA6SGqmsJ3ItIBkRL0C4CEeaGLrNA-VsVg-ECpEN1hhyg6pPMY7niPepDV48xPDMDltzX5GHMwkwfh16BCbshjHn5E7DQIcXWjKq0ghT1sx0/s320/TGH_5846.JPG" title="Bowdee" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Introducing Bowdee Jak</td></tr>
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<a href="https://terryknott.blogspot.com/2018/11/pot-holder-third-finish-4th-quarter.html" target="_blank">Terry Knott</a> finished one of her souvenirs and I promised to showcase it because it is beautiful. This is her souvenir for Canada, and I love her extra detail she added. Terry's souvenir is larger than mine which I really like too. Check out her handmade Schatzi (definition: little treasure) at the bottom of it. Is that just awesome or what! I'm wanting to make one for myself!<br />
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I wish you peace and love and good health through the Holy-days and throughout 2019!<br />
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And here's a sign I took a picture of in Florida. Great reminder to myself to enjoy 'today' for there is no tomorrow guaranteed.<br />
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<br />JoJohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04987759175664670419noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1046887778659448623.post-49936897962378528622017-12-29T12:30:00.000-08:002017-12-29T12:30:22.999-08:00Ornament Exchange Reveal<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This year I participated in an <a href="https://mercifulmoments.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">online ornament exchange</a>. I received the name and address of my person as well as additional information she chose to provide and then I got to go to work on getting her ornament made and sent out. I elected to have a person outside the U.S. so had to run about as quickly as possible in order to assure she would receive it by Christmas.<br />
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Marina in Canada, if you are reading this, I hope you loved your ornament and goodies. I imagined your house all busy with Christmas celebrations and loved thinking of your black lab and rescue bird partaking in the celebrations as well. I really enjoyed stitching the bell and once it was done, I had to run back out and buy a bell for the inside so it would jingle!<br />
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The ornament I received traveled all the way from Williamsburg, Ohio! Shannon, I love the ornament you made me. Thank you so very much for it and for giving me a glimpse of your life, your family, and the starting up of your "farm." I don't have your email, but I hope to have a little something in the mail to you next week! <br />
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Here's a picture of how perfectly your ornament looks on our little tree. Shannon also sent me hot chocolate but it didn't last long enough for a photo and some fun stickers. Thank you again!<br />
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I took some action shots of how the <a href="http://www.emblibrary.com/EL/Products.aspx?Catalog=Emblibrary&ProductID=X13711" target="_blank">3-D Bell</a> was made in case others with an embroidery machine wanted to give it a try. I hand sewed the individual sections together once the embroidery part was done. I also decided to use ribbons for the insert instead of a white organza that the instructions requested. I think it gave the ornaments a stained-glass effect. Depending on your ribbon, you can get lots of different looks. I made Marina's ornament with a red and silver ribbon and this next one is red and gold.<br />
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Because I run an embroidery business, I rarely embroider for fun. These bells were really a lot of fun and something I think I will do each year.<br />
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Red and gold ribbon<br />
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Cut into sections (each section had two pieces of ribbon sandwiched)<br />
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Ribbon fussy cut to fit my shape<br />
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Stitching down two sections of ribbon on washaway stablizer<br />
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Now I can let go of the ribbon and let the machine finish the rest of the stitching. <br />
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<br />JoJohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04987759175664670419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1046887778659448623.post-21309732668123034552017-12-25T12:17:00.000-08:002017-12-25T12:17:26.816-08:00Merry Christmas from our home to yours!I finished my nativity scene this morning! It was the perfect way for me to keep my mind on Jesus during the weeks leading to His birth.<br />
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<br />JoJohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04987759175664670419noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1046887778659448623.post-65644075590843391492017-12-09T13:24:00.000-08:002017-12-09T13:32:48.610-08:00He's the Reason for the Season<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's been a while so this post is a tad bit long so grab yourself a cup of tea, and I'll wait right here for your return.<br />
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I'm so excited that I was able to finish the hand embroidery yesterday on my newest design. I'm calling it my forced handwork day because we lost power in the morning yesterday and it didn't come back on until later in the evening and even then it was off/on, off/on, off/on so much that it threw our furnace into a fault code and we lost heat until today at 11 a.m. Needless to say waking up at 4 a.m. to a 55 degree house was brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.<br />
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Now that I've warmed up, it has been sandwiched and is ready to be pinned for some light machine quilting. I can't wait to hang it on the wall. Creating and stitching the nativity scene gave me quiet time to reflect on the birth of Christ and His sacrifice of leaving His throne in heaven to become flesh on earth. He did this for all of us everywhere and for every generation. I want to hold onto that kind of love every day of my life. I try to imagine the angels shouting praises at His birth and telling the shepherds out in the fields. Oh how my heart soars contemplating how the shepherds must have felt seeing and hearing an angel telling them about their Savior being born and then going to see Him lying in the manger.<br />
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My inspiration to design this scene was from a Facebook picture of a Santa Claus scene that had chalkboard fabric in the corner where you could write how many days it was before Christmas. I wanted to make something similar that reflected the reason for Christmas. Initially, I included a chalkboard area at the top, but it just didn't work design wise no matter how much I fiddled with the layout so I eliminated it and went with the Joy heart ornament instead. I also added the three wise men where the tree is but again it just didn't work. The size was off and it just felt wrong. Once I added the tree and changed the animals from side facing to front facing, it was perfect.<br />
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If you like hand embroidery using simple stitches (back stitch and stem stitch), you will love making this for yourself. Once I drew the design on the fabric, I painted in the areas and then went back and did the hand embroidery. You could just as easily add in some applique if you wanted to. I have not written up specific instructions, but if you are comfortable transferring designs to fabric and want to get a start on making your own nativity, post a comment below and make sure to leave your email address so I can email you the pattern. I am offering the design for free until the end of December at which time it will available to purchase with instructions.<br />
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Now onto gifts completed so far.<br />
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First one is a pillow. The design for the embroidery is one of <a href="http://www.elefantz.com/" target="_blank">Jenny of Elefantz</a>. She is a wonderful prolific hand embroidery designer. If you don't know of her and her wonderful patterns, you are in for a treat. Head over there and be ready to be wowed.<br />
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Next is one of several ornaments that I've been making this month. I joined an ornament exchange this year and made this for my recipient that lives in Canada. I mailed it on December 1 with some other goodies that I'll share later. I sure hope it arrives safely and on time to her.<br />
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I plan to add another post on how I made it with the red insert you see so stay tuned. I had a childlike moment of wonder and discover while playing with it. Of course, I had to add a bell to it too. This particular one's insert is red and silver. I made another one with gold and red and it turned out beautifully too but I forgot to take a picture of it.<br />
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Next was a homemade food item --- Cream Cheese! How fun is that. I must admit that my first attempt failed but I'm pretty sure it was because my lemons had lost too much of their acidity. For the next batch, I used white vinegar. It worked perfectly! I'm adding the recipe <a href="https://www.biggerbolderbaking.com/how-to-make-cream-cheese/" target="_blank">link</a> here because you know you want to make some too. An added benefit is that she has a video showing you how to do it. I love listening to her accent too!<br />
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Couldn't resist showing Mr. B being all pouty because I made him take a bath. This is right after him getting blow dried and he was none too happy with me.<br />
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I also attended such a fun get-together at a friend's house. Everyone brought such wonderful food and we each brought a wrapped ornament. We had a game where each person got a wrapped package and then each person got to roll a dice. I've included a picture below so you can see what had to be done based on how the dice rolled. It was such a blast. I had more fun watching others try to hold onto the ornaments they wanted only to see another person steal it away and then have it stolen from them. Once the last ornament was unwrapped, whatever ornament was on your lap was the one you went home with you. I had such a great time.<br />
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I have to ask if you've ever had a brain lapse? You don't have to really answer me, but I recently went blank on a subject that I shouldn't have and then later wonder what the heck happened to myself. Humor me because this particular post is for myself. During the get-together, we broke out on a conversation of broken bones. I know that sounds like a topic that wouldn't necessarily be spoken about at a Christmas get-together, but our hostess's hubby had just recently broken a bone in his leg. I couldn't stop thinking about the bones in my leg and how much that had to have hurt when I said I was glad I had not broken any of my bones. Well, I'm one crazy lady because I have broken bones; albeit none of the bigger arm or leg bones, but I've broken fingers (worst one was slamming my dad's old pickup door on my own hand), toes (many of them and some multiple times and one so bad that I won't even paint you a picture of it), and I broke my tail bone falling off a bicycle when I was young. So.....yeah, I think that means I've broken some bones. Now with that said, I may have broken something else that is escaping me but I figure I'd better write this down so I have it in print for myself later just in case I need to remind myself! LOL Oh, the joy of my brain getting older. Maybe it's time for some of that ginkgo pill. What's it called? {OH NO!}<br />
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Enjoy your weekend no matter where you are and don't forget to let me know if you would like the nativity scene pattern in the comment section. Please don't forget to let me know your email. The majority of posters have a no-reply which means I can't see your email and will not be able to email you the pattern.<br />
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<br />JoJohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04987759175664670419noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1046887778659448623.post-46384107175171910412017-11-17T15:19:00.002-08:002017-11-17T15:19:42.996-08:00Another Oregon Souvenir finished!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyK1mD72YdPnao48o9lSkoLRK0FHIMKgWV4L4YChHa2K88qobcxx3EQCnNP4Lu8ACp45bBoapna48Eavkg-H8osgiK4n700TQgCP_TWSBzL7tHr2YcBY0S8r1HCsfS_5Sq501fVntixSo/s1600/TerryKnottMtHoodView.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyK1mD72YdPnao48o9lSkoLRK0FHIMKgWV4L4YChHa2K88qobcxx3EQCnNP4Lu8ACp45bBoapna48Eavkg-H8osgiK4n700TQgCP_TWSBzL7tHr2YcBY0S8r1HCsfS_5Sq501fVntixSo/s320/TerryKnottMtHoodView.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Terry Knott's Mt. Hood View -- Oregon Finished!</td></tr>
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I just had to pop in and do a quick share of Terry's finished Mt. Hood -- My View, which was Oregon's souvenir. Isn't it just perfect? For detailed, up-close and personal pictures of it and her marvelous quilting, click <a href="https://terryknott.blogspot.com/2017/11/mt-hood-5th-finish-4th-quarter-finish.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>. You really don't want to miss seeing them.<br />
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The world quilting travel adventure has been such a wonderful journey. I must get back to the itinerary soon so we can continue traveling the globe.JoJohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04987759175664670419noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1046887778659448623.post-28164386111498652152017-11-14T17:06:00.001-08:002017-11-14T18:03:23.261-08:00Help...I cannot stop making them!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My version of an old, vintage towel</td></tr>
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Remember back a few weeks ago when I shared my chicken tea towels? If not, go <a href="http://jojohall.blogspot.com/2017/10/my-most-challenging-project.html" target="_blank">here</a> and then scroll to the bottom of the page to see and read about them! I made two immediately because they were so fun to do. The pattern and instructions were free from my local Craft Warehouse. I bought the chicken fabric and wide ric rac from them. They have the pattern available for free so you, too, can make <strike>one</strike> twenty. 😃 Click <a href="https://craftwarehouse.com/make-towel-toppers-hanging-dishtowel-pattern/?utm_source=MailingList&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2017+Oct+21+-+Towel+Toppers" target="_blank">here</a> for pattern instructions.<br />
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Since then, I haven't been able to stop thinking of tea towels and how I can modify it to give an entirely different look and feel. The picture above is my idea of what a vintage handmade towel would look like if I were able to find one in perfect condition in an antique store. The fabric is a linen (60%) / cotton (40%) blend and is wonderful. I prewashed it so I wouldn't have issues later on.<br />
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Next, I questioned myself with how I could redo the pattern in order to get the look I wanted. Initially, I was going to do some hand embroidery which would have looked nice but I decided to go a different route and got out my pintucking foot and using a double needle created all of the pintucking you see. Then I looked for a stitch in my Bernina that would exactly fit the void inside the tucks. I also used a very, very narrow ric rac that someone left on the free table of my quilt guild. All of the thread used was to mimic the unusual color of that ric rac.<br />
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I even used an old, vintage button from my button jar!<br />
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Up close and personal look at the pintucking and machine stitching.<br />
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Have I convinced you to make a tea towel yet?JoJohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04987759175664670419noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1046887778659448623.post-64109201055270821042017-11-08T12:27:00.002-08:002017-11-08T12:27:28.916-08:00Enchanting Rose Teacup Exchange REVEAL<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gift sent to me from Regina</td></tr>
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Stephanie from <a href="http://theenchantingrose.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">The Enchanting Rose</a> hosts a yearly teacup and/or mug exchange, and this year I just happened to see her post saying that the deadline was in a few days. It sounded like such fun that I clicked the sign up even before reading all of the rules! Stephanie matches women up from around the world, and then emails you your soon-to-be-new friend. The fun part starts after that when you get to go shopping for a teacup or coffee mug that your new friend indicated as her favorite.<br />
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<a href="https://coveredwifeoftim.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Regina</a> in Arizona was given my name, and she outdid herself and sent me the wonderful goodies you see at the top of this post. I'm attaching a link to her blog so you can get to know her as well.<br />
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I chose to have my new friend living in the USA since I am new and got a late start this year, but next year, I'm hoping to gain a new friend from another country! :)<br />
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Stephanie sent me a detailed email about my teacup partner, <a href="http://thequiltinggarden.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Kris</a>! She included lots of tidbits that Kris shared about herself. Kris recently moved to Oregon. How fun is that! She also is a hot chocolate gal - I liked her already! My gift package didn't have far to travel to her. It was a blast finding items that I thought she would love. A link to Kris's blog is above (she actually has 2 blogs!) so be sure to check them both out.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gift I sent to Kris</td></tr>
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I gained three new friends by stepping out and participating in this exchange. Stephanie, our wonderful hostess in all this fun, Kris, and Regina.<br />
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Thank you ladies! I look forward to reading your blog updates and gearing up for the 2018 Teacup Exchange.<br />
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Until then I'll be thinking of you each time I enjoy a cup of tea.<br />
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<br />JoJohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04987759175664670419noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1046887778659448623.post-70304214598660943772017-11-06T16:12:00.000-08:002017-11-06T16:13:26.878-08:00Honey Would You? Why Yes, I would love to!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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You may have noticed from my previous post. My husband and I love to cook together. After our bivalve class, he mentioned that he would really like his own apron. Our grandparents were smart and wore an apron anytime during cooking and sometimes cleaning to keep clothes clean and extend the life of garments. I think my generation got away from wearing aprons once clothing became inexpensive; therefore making them easier to replace.<br />
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Tracy had specific requirements for the top area and placement of how he would like it to fit. I used some newspaper print and started drafting a pattern based on his requests. I got a little carried away and added some features that I thought he would like and that would make it easy to use. It was a fun project. This would be a great project for anyone because you really can't mess up an apron.<br />
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Here are some other pictures of the sides and back.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhavP5Q9QEDXYCHZB6flnn_H4TgQ7iXs33Idks2FZU7oDRwx-cDfOWSWFsd0pJzG7-vfvTba6W8CCdhFMDkTqOJ6GunVg89WEylWyU2Yrb14Qa0QCHN_zvL5XUyHmp5-zaFA3A_E9E6Afk/s1600/IMG_3894.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhavP5Q9QEDXYCHZB6flnn_H4TgQ7iXs33Idks2FZU7oDRwx-cDfOWSWFsd0pJzG7-vfvTba6W8CCdhFMDkTqOJ6GunVg89WEylWyU2Yrb14Qa0QCHN_zvL5XUyHmp5-zaFA3A_E9E6Afk/s320/IMG_3894.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
No ties! This setup keeps the apron just where you want it. For this application, you need to pin fit it to your person or add a button and buttonholes so that it is adjustable if you are making it as a surprise gift.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFdQf9GQ0uF2NR9EIcDc-yCvxsEzaPmxuQEknu01fl8QQjyXobsPf7NT-vGu66cvcLTWvexZOThymvrOIs5up7U0LOREJqlNL7c6nQrhpTGZSPemspwZmGHaN7UzHikiGBO96otmgru5Y/s1600/IMG_3895.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFdQf9GQ0uF2NR9EIcDc-yCvxsEzaPmxuQEknu01fl8QQjyXobsPf7NT-vGu66cvcLTWvexZOThymvrOIs5up7U0LOREJqlNL7c6nQrhpTGZSPemspwZmGHaN7UzHikiGBO96otmgru5Y/s320/IMG_3895.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Side clip with adjustable strap. Although, once you set it, you really never have to adjust it again. To remove, simply unclip and slip off. He can do it in one easy step.<br />
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Other side has the strap sewn in. The dark material on the edge you see is a vinyl material I added that looks just like leather. It covers up each side of the strap, gives a nice masculine look, and made the areas sturdy.<br />
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Try making yourself a custom apron based on what you like. Wouldn't this be a nice tradition to start up again with family members!<br />
<br />JoJohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04987759175664670419noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1046887778659448623.post-84100129951489991202017-11-01T14:26:00.001-07:002017-11-01T14:26:54.247-07:00Our adventure in bivalves<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMsfU9X88eXD8lSocbULa4gjXQqNGKfDg7QTW9lqdsdqi1g6nQi0496yKOgHeHyhPUOp38ZtBKvJvZ4ZVuhWYSUxB2YPWZpxVivttRJFMD8ILpcH0U2q6KIZSa5BdAoEtpmX8YUf0la8k/s1600/IMG_0320.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMsfU9X88eXD8lSocbULa4gjXQqNGKfDg7QTW9lqdsdqi1g6nQi0496yKOgHeHyhPUOp38ZtBKvJvZ4ZVuhWYSUxB2YPWZpxVivttRJFMD8ILpcH0U2q6KIZSa5BdAoEtpmX8YUf0la8k/s320/IMG_0320.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Aprons on...check! Prep station readied...check! Smiles all around...check!<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgessewRYLkvRSRgfnWtOGjvpdC2Ro-L-ef9TPK4bqL1h8Bqiw4JDPXeEwu_Ws6wf9avUXNE9XkcpxKZgDCNM8-5irRQmJcpcDjnPiIrjn-BE3CICv5iyjikz3Z5CLDtOoiWlHAcYP-isw/s1600/IMG_0307.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgessewRYLkvRSRgfnWtOGjvpdC2Ro-L-ef9TPK4bqL1h8Bqiw4JDPXeEwu_Ws6wf9avUXNE9XkcpxKZgDCNM8-5irRQmJcpcDjnPiIrjn-BE3CICv5iyjikz3Z5CLDtOoiWlHAcYP-isw/s320/IMG_0307.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our view of the Columbia River</td></tr>
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We had a bivalve adventure and learned how to cook them at <a href="http://saltys.com/portland" target="_blank">Salty's</a> on the Columbia River. It was a spur of the moment decision after getting an email about the upcoming class a few days before the event.<br />
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<span style="color: #6a6a6a; font-weight: bold;">Bivalves</span> as a group have no head and they lack some usual molluscan organs like the radula and the odontophore. They include the clams, oysters, cockles, mussels, scallops, and numerous other families that live in saltwater, as well as a number of families that live in freshwater. The majority are filter feeders</div>
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Now in all fairness, I freely admit to loving clams, oysters, and mussels...oh my! My sweet steak-loving husband came with me even though his idea of delicious eating is more meat...add potatoes! I, too, am a steak and meat lover and am pretty comfortable cooking lots of different cuts of meat. What I am not comfortable cooking is seafood other than fish. It was such fun cooking together with ingredients that are way outside of our comfort zone. <div>
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Our stations were setup perfectly and each person was given a glass of champagne upon arrival complete with a luscious cheese and fruit tray. I think that was a ploy to get us to relax and it worked perfectly.</div>
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Each person has his/her own cooking and prep station. Isn't that the prettiest picture of our ingredients!</div>
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Our three-course meal included: Oysters on the half shell. Sorry no pictures of them halved. I ate as I opened them. We were taught how to safely and properly open up those yummy suckers! It was nice to make our own fresh cocktail sauce. I made out like a bandit because Tracy fed me nearly all of his oysters too! SCORE!!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg9xJB4FiY0R4v1GPfT6HcBUwxeLsakfERXHuiute2YbpdyL_9VZQDGlHMa6ANLWFKumTSOPGqej0Fto9G7OBvVDJlnm9GdZftPIcvqCycLsmpFZ48X4ib_Y1_miEBpLM0jl-qFiCzENA/s1600/IMG_0313.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg9xJB4FiY0R4v1GPfT6HcBUwxeLsakfERXHuiute2YbpdyL_9VZQDGlHMa6ANLWFKumTSOPGqej0Fto9G7OBvVDJlnm9GdZftPIcvqCycLsmpFZ48X4ib_Y1_miEBpLM0jl-qFiCzENA/s320/IMG_0313.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Second on the list is Harissa Mussels with Smoked Tomato and Chorizo. Thankfully, the chefs had already cleaned the mussels so we could get down to chopping and cooking right away.</div>
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We needed bigger bowls and a larger tummy. The portions were huge!</div>
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Last on the list was clams risotto. By then I was so full that I could barely move, but they were so tasty, I couldn't stop eating mine and even helped myself to a few of Tracy's clams. Hey, we shouldn't waste, right?</div>
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We were surprised by the kitchen with tiny cooked desserts. Sorry no picture. Even as full as we were, we both swallowed them whole! </div>
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It was a perfect evening spent with the most important person in my life. Thank you honey for such a wonderful date! How about we do our own private weekend class complete with New York steaks, baked potato, and a caesar salad.....and maybe a lemon cheesecake for dessert. YUM.....</div>
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JoJohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04987759175664670419noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1046887778659448623.post-59156611830270809272017-10-26T13:30:00.002-07:002017-10-26T13:30:17.446-07:00My most challenging project...<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1leS88wqb7RU0upr69JajIUxVm_vcZ_gkNcpyRg9kXcRtwcODHmCpC_50Q4tuuYAIQeNSZPdRLukpexucAwK3LtptgRgrqoNU2Sw8ZWlQUIkd3pjR7ZLayKPHI5hJr9fZDqzqdI5LCko/s1600/IMG_3847.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1169" data-original-width="1600" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1leS88wqb7RU0upr69JajIUxVm_vcZ_gkNcpyRg9kXcRtwcODHmCpC_50Q4tuuYAIQeNSZPdRLukpexucAwK3LtptgRgrqoNU2Sw8ZWlQUIkd3pjR7ZLayKPHI5hJr9fZDqzqdI5LCko/s320/IMG_3847.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Newly finished couch slipcover</td></tr>
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Making a fitted slipcover for my wonderful couch that is still in awesome shape was extremely challenging for me, but as of last night, I am officially finished with everything except the narrow hem for the back which will need to wait until my hands recover. I'm very proud to have it finished. The pillows you see is what the couch looks like underneath her covering. We were sick to death of the pattern and color, but having the pillows as an accent isn't bad. I'll live with it for a bit before deciding whether to recover them as well. If I were to do it again and not to distant in the future, I'm sure it would be much easier having had the first one to get the hiccups ironed out. My Bernina was a trouper and didn't balk at me until the end when the layers of material got very excessive. It was slow going one stitch at a time, but I made it. I understand why upholstery professionals own commercial walking foot machines.<br />
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I'm pretty proud of how the sides came out. In order to get the cover to be fitted, I added a length of velcro on the seam line underneath the arm and my sweet husband was kind enough to add the sticky side of the velcro to the couch using a staple gun. It worked perfectly! Prior to doing that, the fabric from the bottom part of the outside arm wanted to hang out from the body of the couch a bit. It wasn't bad looking at all. I just like a more tailored appearance.<br />
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My other project was a fun one -- Kitchen Towels! I've made two so far and have plans for several others.<br />
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And so you, too, can join in on the fun, I am attaching the link to my local craft store that is giving away the instructions and pattern for free! <a href="https://craftwarehouse.com/make-towel-toppers-hanging-dishtowel-pattern/?utm_source=MailingList&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2017+Oct+21+-+Towel+Toppers" target="_blank">Click HERE</a>! I'd love to see your versions of the kitchen towel if you make one/many!<br />
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Waiting for a customer order to arrive but for now I think I will add a few more rows to my rug in progress.JoJohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04987759175664670419noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1046887778659448623.post-41838277632416067732017-10-04T16:13:00.003-07:002017-10-04T16:13:52.623-07:00Dressed to Impress -- The Flamboyant Hoopoe's first show<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I purposely have not posted a finished picture of the hoopoe because I wanted to get a picture of it hanging at the NW Quilting Expo show. I love how the pieced background turned out because it really does give me the feeling of a misty sky.<br />
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I took Esterita Austin's Luminescent Painted Illusion two-day class so I didn't have much time at lunch and after the class to really take my time and look at all of the quilts, but what I did see was fabulous. There were so many talented artists reflected in this year's show. Esterita's class was insanely fun. Even though I struggled with the painting, she was able to keep me on track with her calm demeanor and fun personality. I highly recommend taking any class she offers if you get the chance. I'll post a picture of my project once I get it quilted.<br />
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I picked up my quilt yesterday and read the judges comments. I haven't entered many quilts into shows but one of the main reasons I have started doing so is for the comments. I'm at a point where I need to know how to get to the next level so getting suggestions on how to do something better or what I didn't do well is really appreciated. There were three judges that signed the sheet, and their comments were:<br />
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<li>Pieced background is well done and a great addition to piece</li>
<li>Very successful composition</li>
<li>Fabrics are well chosen to depict imagery</li>
<li>Head feathers are excellently done</li>
<li>Very good piecing and applique technique</li>
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While they didn't specifically say anything against my piece, what they didn't say may be of help to me for future projects. There were no comments on the machine quilting so I'm thinking that maybe that is an area where I need improvement. I already know that machine quilting is my weakest link and have really quilted a lot this year in an effect to improve. </div>
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I'm presenting machine quilting The Lady, and she has stretched me greatly. </div>
JoJohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04987759175664670419noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1046887778659448623.post-4936661860740150432017-10-04T15:21:00.003-07:002017-10-04T16:58:31.005-07:00Do you love...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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and then fill in the blank. The word Love is used too easily and on everything from food to things, to sports, to movies, and on people. It may seem to have lost its strength; however, there is tremendous power in Love especially when it seeks the best for another without expecting anything in return. The shooting this week in Las Vegas tore my heart in two, and I had to put my thoughts to words. I do not know any of the concert attendees but I ached for them and their loved ones. In my grief, I searched the Bible and listened to how Jesus responded when asked what is the first commandment of all.<br />
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<i>Mark 12:28-31:<br /><br />“28 One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, ‘Of all the commandments, which is the most important?’ 29 ‘The most important one,’ answered Jesus, ‘is this: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ 31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”</i><br />
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The love that was shown by so many that tried to protect others (many of which were strangers) even when they themselves were injured is the true definition of love. I want to always have that kind of love, and I pray for that same love for you too. Jesus commanded us to love one another just like he loves us. That means it is not an option. The question is--can we obey His commandment? As Pastor Jeremiah recently preached on: Love is not a feeling. It's an action. Love is a response, Love is a verb, Love is what we do more than what we feel. The feelings come after the action.<br />
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In the face of so much heartache in our world, it may feel overwhelming in the sense of what can one person do. I'm praying to God about what I see is needed in my area and how there is no way I alone can fulfill those needs. I'm waiting on Him to open up doors that I alone cannot do. Would you join me in doing the same in your community?<br />
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A good showering of <b>Love </b>will do the world a world of good.<br />
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<br />JoJohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04987759175664670419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1046887778659448623.post-91976241803274818412017-09-20T16:41:00.000-07:002017-09-23T16:05:35.757-07:00Where did the summer go?<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me trying to not wheeze because of all of the smoke</td></tr>
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It is amazing that three months have gone by in a blink of an eye. Summer is at an end and thankfully, we have begun to receive well-needed rain in Oregon. It has been so dry and the fires have really been bad. We were at a Level 1 evacuation level for two weeks and it was a long two weeks. When you are told to get ready to evacuate and you look around your home at what has taken you a lifetime to accumulate, it is an emotional experience. We gathered pictures, papers, quilts, and short-term clothing and stacked them by the door. I took pictures of everything inside of closets and rooms so that I would have something to see to remind me of items just in case. We were lucky because we didn't have to leave. Others were not as lucky and were homeless for many weeks and some lost their homes even through the heroic efforts of the men and women firefighters working endlessly trying to contain the fire and save as much as they could.<br />
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I have been trying so hard to catch up on some long overdo projects. 2017 has been a wonderful year with working on the World Quilting Travel Adventure but it did consume a lot of time in designing and creating the souvenirs and writing patterns and instructions. I realized that I was not getting any closer to finishing older projects. So after designing Australia, I stopped and finished piecing my Christmas quilt. The top is now done and is resting on the second bed waiting its turn to be quilted.<br />
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Next I pulled out The Lady that really has languished for years with its top being done but me not feeling up to the level to quilt it myself. I realized that I may never feel comfortable in quilting her so I bit the bullet and have been quilting her. It's been hard and I don't feel like I am getting anywhere near close to being finished, but I am plugging away at her.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quilting on The Lady's hair</td></tr>
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To give myself a break on quilting, I have been making a toothbrush rug for my kitchen. It is a perfect mindless activity after machine quilting for too long. So far, it is about 27 inches in diameter and I hope to finish it at least 45 to 60 inches in diameter.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Toothbrush rug in progress</td></tr>
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My finished Israel souvenir was accepted in a local quilt show. I look forward to seeing it hanging next weekend. I was so nervous on whether it would be accepted. Isn't that silly? In the big scheme of life, that is really not even on a measurable level.<br />
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Other projects on my to-do list is to make a baby quilt for a neighbor's daughter who is expecting next year. She is such a sweetie and I so rarely get to do baby things. And speaking of baby things! I learned of an organization that makes NICU-friendly diaper shirts for babies, no matter how small! I immediately offered my sewing services and have my flannel all washed and prepped. I still need to locate a special soft Velcro and then I can start cutting and sewing. When you see how small the pattern is for a 1 pound or less infant, it is difficult to wrap your brain around a baby being that tiny. I received 7 patterns for babies from 1 pound to 7 pounds, 8 ounces and you get to choose the ones you want to make. If you are interested in using up a little of your cotton and flannel, please go to <a href="https://www.twentyfiveandfour.com/" target="_blank">Twenty-Five and Four</a> to learn more. I'm thinking this would make a great reason to gather several friends together for an afternoon party of sewing and fellowship while sewing these tiny shirts for such precious babies.<br />
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And before you think we have stopped travelling, we have not. Just taken a pause. I assure you that all this activity has not stopped me from contemplating Australia's souvenir and the different techniques to use for it. Honestly, I have gone from one end to another and still have not nailed down which techniques to use. It may end up an everything including the kitchen sink souvenir! The cooler weather is spurring me on to a decision and then I will start transferring the design to templates. I have my fabric chosen so at least that part is decided.<br />
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And as a famous person once said, "give your loved ones a daily hug and never let the sun go down with sourness on your lips. It'll leak out of other body parts!" LOLJoJohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04987759175664670419noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1046887778659448623.post-31959096953393387802017-06-19T12:13:00.000-07:002017-06-19T12:17:06.038-07:00Seeing the light at the end of the tunnel<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm taking a break from starting on the next souvenir to finish this quilt. The next souvenir is finished design-wise and the next step is to start working on it, but my design wall is overflowing with this quilt that has been years in the making. I've tried to make a few of these swag units each week but lately I've been on a mission to get them DONE! All 28 units are now made and the next step is to sew 4 strips together of 7 swags each. I'm going to sew them this week and join the cornerstone blocks that I designed and finished a long time ago. Once I get these borders sewn, I get to measure the quilt and the borders to determine my borders that get sandwiched between the quilt and the swags. There are 4 very narrow borders so while I see the light at the end of the tunnel, I'm not there yet..... But seeing the light has given me a fire in my tummy to reach it. Maybe by July 1 the top will be completed and ready to be basted together for quilting. Hey, a girl can wish! LOL<br />
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This quilt is called <a href="https://www.comequilt.com/shop/Block-of-the-Month-Patterns/Ruffled-Roses/p/Ruffled-Roses-Complete-Pattern-Set-x1942611.htm" target="_blank">Ruffled Roses</a> and was a 2011 block of the month designed by the famous <a href="https://www.comequilt.com/" target="_blank">Sue Garman</a> for <a href="https://thequiltshow.com/" target="_blank">The Quilt Show</a>. I redesigned many of the sections to fit within my Christmas theme, but the main layout is all Sue's, and she was a master at designing beautiful, intricately pieced quilts. This one is no exception. It has stretched me in a good way. I am a better piecer because of Sue.<br />
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Have a blessed week enjoying loving, creating, and using those hands God gave you. I plan to do so as well.JoJohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04987759175664670419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1046887778659448623.post-61615716541127256202017-06-01T11:09:00.001-07:002017-06-01T11:12:58.595-07:00Reduce, Reuse, or Recycle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We love to recycle items. Normally, that means that we go through the house and garage and at least yearly look for items that have outgrown their usefulness to us. We throw away anything that we ourselves wouldn't want. Being that it is just the two of us adults, most of our items are in very good condition so we donate to our local Salvation Army. We used to donate to Goodwill but after learning about their policies in place, we changed to other centers that have proven to provide more of the dollars to really helping others.<br />
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So with a mini bathroom remodel upcoming that requires a hole in the closet, I started looking at everything that I have to haul out of the closet in order to give the workers the room they need to work and keep the clothes clean. Wow....I have a love/hate relationship with closets. Why are there so many items that never get worn inside of closets? In this case, hubby had several pair of very nice jeans that he never wore anymore. Styles change and some that were comfortable years ago lose their comfy-ness so get relegated to the back of the closet. Newer items push them further and further to the back until getting another clothes hanger in is a struggle. Have you ever tried to carry 7 pair of jeans hanging on a hanger. They are heavy, heavy!<br />
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So, I stacked his jeans on the bed that would be heading to the center and added a couple of mine. I love colored jeans and my white and orange jeans sadly no longer fit me anymore. So, I'm staring at this monster stack of jeans and hubby innocently says "well can't we do something with them." Oh NO....the challenge flag has been thrown on the floor. Should I pick it up, run away, or simply ignore that I even heard the statement.<br />
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This was on a Friday before Memorial Day. I started thinking and thinking and thought to myself: I'll just make a 'quick' throw out of the jeans! How fun that will be to have our jeans sewn together. Now, let me preface it that we do not need a throw....let alone a jeans one, but hey I couldn't stop my brain from jumping ahead of me. So I started deconstructing jeans via old fashioned scissors. I decided to not use anything with seams or pockets to reduce the bulk. Over the course of 2 days, I cut out 140 circles out of those jeans. Then I went shopping in my stash for all those 5 inch square that I had been hording for no apparent reason. Seriously, they never get used. I must stop buying them! I ignored colors of the charm squares and just grabbed one and used a tiny bit of glue to hold it centered on the jean circle. This took me I don't know how many hours to finish and then I started sewing them together in rows...then the rows into longer rows. and finally a half to a half. Now I have one monster of a pair of jeans and cotton squares sewn together. It is pretty darn heavy but so stinking cool looking. To finish the quilt, I sewed each of the flaps down 1/4 inch from the outside edge so that when washed and dried, they would fray. Okay, this took me two days to complete sewing of the flaps for a total of four days of work, but I seriously love it and hubby and the Dillman love it. AND, it is DONE!<br />
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Now that this minor intermission is done, I must get back to my other projects that are waiting for me. LOL<br />
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<br />JoJohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04987759175664670419noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1046887778659448623.post-75539536794900356302017-05-16T14:29:00.002-07:002017-05-16T14:29:38.540-07:00Australia Bound in my mind<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It is halt time on my Israel souvenir. I've finished it except for the facing. I'm not happy with the sampling I've done for nice, sharp corners for facings so until I can figure it out, I must move on. A traditional binding just isn't going to do it for this one.<br />
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I've been drawing and drawing and drawing and erasing, removing and redoing Australia until I think I've nearly got it where I want it. Now, the hardest part is to print my drawing life size and see if what I've drawn is going to work, what needs refinement, enlarging, reducing, or removing. It's the part that shows me what is and isn't going to work. I sure hope everything works on this one because I'm really loving how it looks in print. On this souvenir, I'm throwing in everything including the kitchen sink! There will be a lot of painting, applique, and lots of hand embroidery embellishment. I spied a new-to-me cotton fabric that you must get some if you haven't already done so. It is going to be perfect for Australia because you only need small pieces so buying a 10 inch square package that includes all of the colors will do the trick. It's made by Maywood Studio and is called Glitz. It's 100 percent cotton with a foil face. It's incredibly luscious in rich, wonderful colors.<br />
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I so want to share my conceptual drawing with you, but until I know whether it is doable, I think I'd better wait. Thank you for continuing to travel with me!<br />
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<br />JoJohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04987759175664670419noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1046887778659448623.post-50300366085728457052017-05-05T19:11:00.000-07:002017-05-05T19:11:19.221-07:00Tsukineko Ink Sampling<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A few weeks ago, hubby asked me if there was anything I'd been wanting and initially, I said no to which he then said 'nothing.' I thought about it for a while and then said that I'd love to get some more paints/inks. I really like the Tsukineko inks and had a few bottles from a class that I'd taken years ago. These inks never go bad and it only takes a tiny amount so the bottle never seems to empty. Isn't that cool! Well, hubby gave me the entire collection! Our 35th Anniversary is in July and this present is a wonderful present. Thank you honey!<br />
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I thought I'd do something I've never done with any of my paints and that is make a sample showing all of the colors. My goal was to show full saturation of the inks on one half and a light shading on the other half. This sample aided me in learning just how much pressure I needed in order to get a light shading. The fabric I used was an inexpensive white, bleached cotton called Roc-Lon. I think the results would have been even nicer on a nicer fabric. I could feel the ridges of the fabric pulling and in many cases causing a streaking of the ink when shading.<br />
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On the last square at the bottom, I used the green, #10 ink but before inking the box, I spritz the square with the #9 potion to see how it would react. I love how it looks but it will take some practice to know how to control the spreading of the ink. I inked the center and it immediately spread out and gave a beautiful watercolor effect.<br />
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I finished quilting my Hoopoe and am ready to cut, bind, label, and put the sleeve on it. I can't wait to post a finished picture.<br />
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I've been working on and off on my drawing for Australia as well. It's not quite where I want it yet so I'll keep working on it until it tells me it's done and to get stitching!<br />
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Enjoy your weekend! We had 2 full days of summer this week and it nearly killed me. Seriously, we've had 50 to 55 degree days and 40 to 45 degree nights. And then just this week, we had 2 days of over 80. My body did not react well to such a sudden change, but I will adjust if the temps stay put and quit varying in 30 degree increments.JoJohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04987759175664670419noreply@blogger.com1