tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57133384677116580322024-03-27T23:52:58.416+00:00Listen To The Birds Sing.....creativity in everyday livingKarenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685219874989941817noreply@blogger.comBlogger98125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5713338467711658032.post-25724550099697644022014-11-17T22:05:00.001+00:002014-11-17T22:05:19.726+00:00Winter Nights & Cozy KnitsHello there!<br />
I hope you are having a lovely November. Here on the North Coast, the skys are becoming darker, the seas become stormy, and the days are shorter as the sun sets in the late afternoon…<br />
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I am enjoying long nights by the fireside, knitting cozy hats for my two eldest children who are at university and their friends<br />
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Its lovely to make something for them which will keep them warm & let them know they are loved & missed...<br />
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This one is for my son, to remind him of the beaches back home...</div>
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This one is for my daughter, soft & cozy…<br />
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These are for my daughters flat-mates..<br />
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And this one… well, I saw it on <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/birdsongstitch/crazy-crochet-cozy-knits/" target="_blank">pinterest</a> & couldn't resist..</div>
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If you fancy making some cozy knits, check out some of the free patterns <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/birdsongstitch/crazy-crochet-cozy-knits/" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/birdsongstitch/christmas-yarns/" target="_blank">here</a>. I think I'll maybe try this one next….<br />
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If you have any favourite hat or scarf patterns, I'd love to hear from you & we could share them in the next post.. In the meantime, I hope you have a lovely week & manage to get out & enjoy some November sunshine</div>
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<i>Karen</i></div>
Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685219874989941817noreply@blogger.com39tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5713338467711658032.post-90022365152005259482014-11-02T01:03:00.000+00:002014-11-02T01:03:13.307+00:00Back from a blogging break<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hello there & happy first of November!<br />
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Its been a wee while since my last post, so please forgive me… I've been out of the blogging world for a few months now I know, but life sometimes overtakes from things like blogging. As a family we've been on a path with lots of unknown twists & turns… But we've had a beautiful autumn here with lots of lovely forest walks…</div>
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If you follow me on <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/birdsongstitch/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> or <a href="http://instagram.com/birdsongstitches" target="_blank">Instagram</a> you'll know that, despite all the comings & goings, I have been busy making lots of bits & pieces - like these house placemats, which were a house-warming gift to three wee cuties<br />
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I used Svetlana's great placemat tutorial with a few amendments, which is available <a href="http://ellisonlane.com/2014/06/cute-placemat-tutorial-patchwork-summer-series.html" target="_blank">here</a><br />
I've also been busy finishing off this baby quilt, for my gorgeous wee nephew<br />
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I used Mary's triangle quilt tutorial, which you can see <a href="http://mollyflanders.blogspot.com.au/2014/03/a-refresher.html" target="_blank">here</a> I hand stitched round each triangle with hand-quilting thread & added a few embroidery Xs too<br />
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As the triangles were quite small, for the back I pieced larger bits together, for a more scrappy, improv look<br />
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As the winter nights draw in I've been busy with my knitting needles too - this hat reminds me of the pebbles on the beaches near our home<br />
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I hope you have a great weekend - stitching, knitting - or just enjoying the winter sunshine & I'll be back soon with some more stitchy loveliness<br />
Take care<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Karen</i></span><br />
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<br />Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685219874989941817noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5713338467711658032.post-6059415774442891462014-06-07T17:58:00.000+01:002014-06-07T17:58:39.015+01:00Behind the blog giveawayHello there!<br />
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I hope you are having a lovely June... It's hard to believe we are nearly half way through the month already. I've missed blogging the past couple of weeks, but things have been pretty hectic over here with lots of family comings & goings, a quick hop, skip & a jump across the pond to Kansas, school exams for the kids, running sewing workshops & (drum roll please!!!) OPENING MY ETSY SHOP.... Yes, I've finally plucked up the courage, taken the plunge & <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/BirdsongStitches" target="_blank">BirdsongStitches</a> is now finally trading!!</div>
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I'll be stocking things in the shop that I love to make, like this bunting</div>
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Or this cushion cover</div>
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To celebrate, I thought we could have a giveaway... So, here is what you could win...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFV0cBpdzRiofN1wOsEmWjeb1wHMm6waSKKENRzFF5VkgarmfYGvhB2KAnHv6dq5MdsQ7ZMdFmINF8KYh6SlFuPsmilO7pIjgDa9bT4psxidv3_WuyTPiA2eUJttB0STcRTdroFB_JJDw/s1600/DS+quilts+giveaway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFV0cBpdzRiofN1wOsEmWjeb1wHMm6waSKKENRzFF5VkgarmfYGvhB2KAnHv6dq5MdsQ7ZMdFmINF8KYh6SlFuPsmilO7pIjgDa9bT4psxidv3_WuyTPiA2eUJttB0STcRTdroFB_JJDw/s1600/DS+quilts+giveaway.jpg" height="266" title="Denyse Schmidt Giveaway" width="400" /></a></div>
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A lovely stash of 10 fat eighths of Denyse Schmidt fabrics which I bought on my last wee visit to America. I don't think they are available over here & they really are very pretty. They are from her new Piccadilly, and Bakersfield and Union Station collections</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDq1U7_S2r9kufbjtU0Q7dztAQWEVXs0HNnD-Oo7WjCSFNCJfCs5_86CTkgW4VD4d-hqzKSlXMYyZJIF407XKszZYu0Q_YCiA9-KKGa9ZBGdrJ6N8omPK4xoKbgrhPJxd1qxza-fMxMvo/s1600/DSQuilts+giveaway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDq1U7_S2r9kufbjtU0Q7dztAQWEVXs0HNnD-Oo7WjCSFNCJfCs5_86CTkgW4VD4d-hqzKSlXMYyZJIF407XKszZYu0Q_YCiA9-KKGa9ZBGdrJ6N8omPK4xoKbgrhPJxd1qxza-fMxMvo/s1600/DSQuilts+giveaway.jpg" height="274" width="320" /></a></div>
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To enter the giveaway I would love for you to have a wee look at the shop by clicking <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/BirdsongStitches" target="_blank">here</a> & telling me what you like, or what you think I should stock, or any tips or advice you have for selling on etsy. If you are a follower of the blog, or you follow me on Pinterest or Instagram, do please let me know for another chance to win. The giveaway will close on Friday 13th June at midnight & I'll announce the winner on Saturday 14th..</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF9n37THzdGiIxe6ZDhWbJ9dxYcFAWMf_ataTjYD9RUUPg9UF_e3ZOUgRcW7RkiYakXd_nSQfxYCv5wr3ow3ykSxCLbXYnxAHDfOh0KEI3Omp3lmSAEFeUkaalTU3XXV15AIdWNKLysOk/s1600/DS+Fabric+giveaway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF9n37THzdGiIxe6ZDhWbJ9dxYcFAWMf_ataTjYD9RUUPg9UF_e3ZOUgRcW7RkiYakXd_nSQfxYCv5wr3ow3ykSxCLbXYnxAHDfOh0KEI3Omp3lmSAEFeUkaalTU3XXV15AIdWNKLysOk/s1600/DS+Fabric+giveaway.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a></div>
So good luck & I hope you all have a lovely, creative weekend<br />
<i>Karen x</i><br />
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<br />Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685219874989941817noreply@blogger.com71tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5713338467711658032.post-62885408954853605892014-05-09T23:06:00.000+01:002014-05-09T23:33:58.995+01:00My Giro d'Italia Inspired ToteHello there<br />
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I hope you are having a good week. Here on the Causeway Coast there are great preparations afoot for the Giro d'Italia (which, believe it or not, is the worlds second largest cycle race) which starts here tomorrow. The route will pass about half a mile from our house & will follow the coastline through Northern Ireland</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uH_GLtx34_U/U20_mWRmD8I/AAAAAAAACJE/ro3MnGjSISQ/s1600/IMG_0622.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uH_GLtx34_U/U20_mWRmD8I/AAAAAAAACJE/ro3MnGjSISQ/s1600/IMG_0622.JPG" height="266" title="Giro d'Italia Causeway Coastal Route" width="400" /></a></div>
Inspired by all the cyclists & bikes appearing everywhere, I sat down & stitched this....<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-reSpYZm1RPE/U21FsQdPLgI/AAAAAAAACJs/MU9gEhpVa7g/s1600/IMG_0642.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-reSpYZm1RPE/U21FsQdPLgI/AAAAAAAACJs/MU9gEhpVa7g/s1600/IMG_0642.JPG" height="640" width="380" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ro-jPf4LkPk/U21FeCf_6RI/AAAAAAAACJc/S6Bs5F6hk0A/s1600/IMG_0631.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ro-jPf4LkPk/U21FeCf_6RI/AAAAAAAACJc/S6Bs5F6hk0A/s1600/IMG_0631.JPG" height="320" width="208" /></a></div>
I used some lovely grey linen & wee scraps for the applique.The bag has a drawstring closure & plenty of room inside for lots of bits & pieces</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cfN48ICUfI0/U21FjI4zLRI/AAAAAAAACJk/Om3tHhBOZO4/s1600/IMG_0633.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cfN48ICUfI0/U21FjI4zLRI/AAAAAAAACJk/Om3tHhBOZO4/s1600/IMG_0633.JPG" height="304" width="320" /></a></div>
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I love the coral & blue fabrics with the grey linen. I used an air-erasable marker to just draw the bike outline onto the linen & then I stitched over it using brown thread, adding a wee bit of applique for the bike and the books. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OTBREHxapmQ/U21F9lYE_jI/AAAAAAAACKE/At2zsAfpLcU/s1600/IMG_0658.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="listentothebirdssing" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OTBREHxapmQ/U21F9lYE_jI/AAAAAAAACKE/At2zsAfpLcU/s1600/IMG_0658.JPG" height="267" title="linen bicycle tote" width="400" /></a></div>
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I'm off now to get ready for the race (viewing I hasten to add!!!) - good luck to all of you cyclists, especially my wee brother!</div>
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Whether you're doing something sporty, or something more relaxing, I hope you have a lovely weekend & I'll be back next week with something special I've been planning for you :)</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Po3Jj4D654c/U21FXqkYs-I/AAAAAAAACJU/2Vqjex1NWns/s1600/IMG_0621.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Po3Jj4D654c/U21FXqkYs-I/AAAAAAAACJU/2Vqjex1NWns/s1600/IMG_0621.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
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Enjoy the ride!</div>
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<i>Karen x</i></div>
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Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685219874989941817noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5713338467711658032.post-3907935431019503782014-05-03T00:40:00.001+01:002014-05-03T00:40:34.046+01:00Bagalicious: Schooldays Notebook Tote Tutorial<b>Hello there & welcome to May!</b><br />
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I hope you are enjoying the first days of May. Over here, May has brought a sad day for me & a happy day for my son - his last day of school!! <i>(Isn't it funny how us mummys get so sad when another stage of childhood is gone, but our children can't wait for the next one!)</i></div>
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As the end of school approaches, I thought I should get organised with some teacher appreciation gifts, so I sat down & stitched these the other day</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCNQSFk2q_Cnvj4ZICkbzpa8mh6CG_jCu5fxLqjuCfzqFcixMNZ05fn-i-P2upsW3cnnm5iSpCzcLOJtG26hgiwyr_-FjhU6zUGybQ2j09b8FaUWyVsv7-pymg7NtznqRmFKEsb0KJd3Q/s1600/Schooldays+Notebook+Tote+Tutorial.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCNQSFk2q_Cnvj4ZICkbzpa8mh6CG_jCu5fxLqjuCfzqFcixMNZ05fn-i-P2upsW3cnnm5iSpCzcLOJtG26hgiwyr_-FjhU6zUGybQ2j09b8FaUWyVsv7-pymg7NtznqRmFKEsb0KJd3Q/s1600/Schooldays+Notebook+Tote+Tutorial.jpg" height="400" title="listen to the birds sing schooldays notebook tote tutorial" width="266" /></a></div>
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They're reversible too</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg88QCg_lWGhqnM7mojNoUK3ljdVXXt4kZJ3zBYaiaJ9-xKzDV7IQ0rKAWOw0mhCybLDlLs36EEQFb-73FYZ_ZmNAQRvbuGoCN5trcoEg0ip8V4EVaqY5DungAt_LIxEoi3ilBs9tfPyEY/s1600/Schooldays+Notebook+Tote+Tutorial+Bags.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg88QCg_lWGhqnM7mojNoUK3ljdVXXt4kZJ3zBYaiaJ9-xKzDV7IQ0rKAWOw0mhCybLDlLs36EEQFb-73FYZ_ZmNAQRvbuGoCN5trcoEg0ip8V4EVaqY5DungAt_LIxEoi3ilBs9tfPyEY/s1600/Schooldays+Notebook+Tote+Tutorial+Bags.jpg" height="260" title="listen to the birds sing schooldays reversible notebook tote" width="320" /></a></div>
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They are made out of canvas, so they're nice & sturdy for books</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3k6POdD8Wusfx4cBfRELvSQP00dBwuPzRFuRN36yshww6xibNnS_sxqB74KChD8Wdr53OzHeVvrDe_XG_bPQFwIr6g8eit0t2Cey_5xDpBoXpSaXo6snomWjHqpkwbG5Z8zkYCTppV2s/s1600/Schooldays+Notebook+Tote+Bag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3k6POdD8Wusfx4cBfRELvSQP00dBwuPzRFuRN36yshww6xibNnS_sxqB74KChD8Wdr53OzHeVvrDe_XG_bPQFwIr6g8eit0t2Cey_5xDpBoXpSaXo6snomWjHqpkwbG5Z8zkYCTppV2s/s1600/Schooldays+Notebook+Tote+Bag.jpg" height="266" title="listen to the birds sing notebook tote tutorial" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="text-align: justify;">Wouldn't it make a nice teacher appreciation gift?</span><br />
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If you fancy making one, here's a tutorial to help you on your way, or if you like you can access a printable version <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0Bz286UxgI_OueU5jbnhNMEZXU28/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">here</a></div>
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<v:shapetype coordsize="21600,21600" filled="f" id="_x0000_t75" o:preferrelative="t" o:spt="75" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" stroked="f"> <v:stroke joinstyle="miter"> <v:formulas> <v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"> <v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0"> <v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"> <v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2"> <v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"> <v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"> <v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1"> <v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2"> <v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"> <v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"> <v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"> <v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"> </v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:formulas> <v:path gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect" o:extrusionok="f"> <o:lock aspectratio="t" v:ext="edit"> </o:lock></v:path></v:stroke></v:shapetype><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_25" o:spid="_x0000_s1032" style="height: 39.4pt; margin-left: 408.8pt; margin-top: -10.45pt; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: page; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: page; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 44.4pt; z-index: -251628544;" type="#_x0000_t75"> <v:imagedata o:title="" src="file:///C:\Users\npeu01\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image001.jpg"> <w:wrap type="through"> </w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_18" o:spid="_x0000_s1031" style="height: 39.4pt; margin-left: -3.45pt; margin-top: -10.45pt; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: page; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: page; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 44.4pt; z-index: -251630592;" type="#_x0000_t75"> <v:imagedata o:title="" src="file:///C:\Users\npeu01\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image001.jpg"> <w:wrap type="through"> </w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9jiHHUqnc5k/U2QdMVRblwI/AAAAAAAACFo/F-g98bnNarI/s1600/Notebook+Tote+Tutorial+Bags.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="listen to the birds sing" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9jiHHUqnc5k/U2QdMVRblwI/AAAAAAAACFo/F-g98bnNarI/s1600/Notebook+Tote+Tutorial+Bags.jpg" height="544" title="schooldays notebook tote tutorial" width="640" /></a></h2>
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<span style="text-indent: 0cm;">This tutorial will guide you through the process of making basically two bags, joined at the top </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; text-indent: 0cm;">…</span><span style="text-indent: 0cm;"> one with a notepaper effect and an alternative, so that the bag can be reversed as desired. Heavier weight cotton or canvas would be ideal fabrics. A quicker option would be to use cotton webbing, instead of making straps.</span></div>
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<b><o:p> </o:p>What You Will Need</b><span style="color: teal;"> </span> </div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">"<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->19” X 32” cream/white canvas fabric for the outer bag<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">"<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->19” X 32” co-ordinating fabric for the reversible bag<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">"<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Usual sewing bits & pieces plus:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<v:shape id="Picture_x0020_30" o:spid="_x0000_s1029" style="height: 138pt; left: 0px; margin-left: 301.95pt; margin-top: 14.8pt; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 180.2pt; z-index: -251642880;" type="#_x0000_t75"> <v:imagedata o:title="" src="file:///C:\Users\npeu01\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image003.jpg"> <w:wrap type="through"> </w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape>red, blue & cream thread<o:p></o:p></div>
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air erasable fabric pen/chalk <o:p></o:p></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 12pt;">When sewing please remember to use </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">¼</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">”</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> seam allowance throughout (unless otherwise indicated) & backstitch at both ends</span></i><span style="font-family: 'Kristen ITC'; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
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<b>STEP 1: Cut your bag pieces</b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12pt;">"<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Cut from your cream fabric:</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> </span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: ZDingbats; font-size: 12pt;">_<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">One piece 15</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">½</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">” X 32” for the main bag piece<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: ZDingbats; font-size: 12pt;">_<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">From remainder (or webbing), cut two strips 1<span lang="EN-US">¾</span></span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">” X </span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">23</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">”</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> for the straps<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12pt;">"<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">From your lining</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> fabric:</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: ZDingbats; font-size: 12pt;">_<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">One piece 15</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">½</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">” X 32” for the main bag piece lining<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: ZDingbats; font-size: 12pt;">_<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">From remainder, cut two strips 1<span lang="EN-US">¾</span></span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">” X </span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">23</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">”</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> for the straps<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<o:p> </o:p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb-TEkJj8jhttjErxdXAdHr4a3dxXtnum9h54fsTnZD8o4qY8oj2T5xEewBVEoZ20-omFv2Cg2aHacjQuqmLrZKUQfvTGaKLKVKbGOuGHHsZ5R2JveAUT1AfRcAeXQQFDJQzA1mpYi7H8/s1600/Notebook+Tote+Tutorial+Lines.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb-TEkJj8jhttjErxdXAdHr4a3dxXtnum9h54fsTnZD8o4qY8oj2T5xEewBVEoZ20-omFv2Cg2aHacjQuqmLrZKUQfvTGaKLKVKbGOuGHHsZ5R2JveAUT1AfRcAeXQQFDJQzA1mpYi7H8/s1600/Notebook+Tote+Tutorial+Lines.jpg" height="148" width="200" /></a></div>
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<b>STEP 2: Making the “notepaper” fabric</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<v:shape id="Picture_x0020_2" o:spid="_x0000_i1034" style="height: 84.75pt; mso-wrap-style: square; visibility: visible; width: 125.25pt;" type="#_x0000_t75"> <v:imagedata o:title="" src="file:///C:\Users\npeu01\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image004.jpg"> </v:imagedata></v:shape><o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">"<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Starting 2<span lang="EN-US">½</span>” in from the edge of a long side, mark 7 lines running the length of the fabric, spacing them 1<span lang="EN-US">½</span>” apart. You will have a 4” space at the top<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">"<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Using blue thread, stitch along these lines. Stop approx. 1/8” from the edge & sew down to the next line (this will help you not have too many threads & the connecting line will be stitched in the seam). You now have some lines on your fabric… next we need a couple of margins…<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbqVBezc4uvIrJFg_TvHK6jz8KPYYd7_CICKWMg2rwhyphenhyphenjd7dSPKQ-ITWH5nUfKpIi5FAhHQMWfSwjpbYHaS4_yRr63zCw_84Fl4m3P2LbrWsQSXkLOWCarTppFeQvR1A7x4_WCU8g75xE/s1600/Notebook+Tote+Tutorial+Stiched+Lines.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbqVBezc4uvIrJFg_TvHK6jz8KPYYd7_CICKWMg2rwhyphenhyphenjd7dSPKQ-ITWH5nUfKpIi5FAhHQMWfSwjpbYHaS4_yRr63zCw_84Fl4m3P2LbrWsQSXkLOWCarTppFeQvR1A7x4_WCU8g75xE/s1600/Notebook+Tote+Tutorial+Stiched+Lines.jpg" height="148" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #c00000; font-family: Wingdings;">"<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span>Fold the fabric in half lengthwise & draw a line <b>2<span lang="EN-US">½</span>”</b> from the FOLDED side & a line <b>2<span lang="EN-US">¾</span>”</b> from the RAW edge side</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<v:shape id="Picture_x0020_3" o:spid="_x0000_i1032" style="height: 93.75pt; mso-wrap-style: square; visibility: visible; width: 125.25pt;" type="#_x0000_t75"> <v:imagedata o:title="" src="file:///C:\Users\npeu01\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image006.jpg"> </v:imagedata></v:shape><o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">"<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Using your red thread stitch down these two lines twice (just to make the “margin” stand out a bit more)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdo2TzecUPbzpTssW7KngDERq0tOR57sVAOyKVjasi0XxwJQAv36fkC0Th3j3XCnCwIGfdiVjztOyo2r6cTYzp5rYZFK4AzxCQdo5Hom82oT086ZhqIoEgbw8LttgE3HQwYFhynKDdq8A/s1600/Notebook+Tote+Tutorial+Stitched+Margins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdo2TzecUPbzpTssW7KngDERq0tOR57sVAOyKVjasi0XxwJQAv36fkC0Th3j3XCnCwIGfdiVjztOyo2r6cTYzp5rYZFK4AzxCQdo5Hom82oT086ZhqIoEgbw8LttgE3HQwYFhynKDdq8A/s1600/Notebook+Tote+Tutorial+Stitched+Margins.jpg" height="137" width="200" /></a></div>
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<b>STEP 3: Making your outer bag</b></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="Patternfont" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-list: none; text-align: center; text-indent: 0cm;">
<v:shape id="Picture_x0020_5" o:spid="_x0000_i1030" style="height: 102.75pt; mso-wrap-style: square; visibility: visible; width: 129.75pt;" type="#_x0000_t75"> <v:imagedata o:title="" src="file:///C:\Users\npeu01\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image008.jpg"> </v:imagedata></v:shape><o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">"<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Fold your “notepaper” fabric in half lengthwise right sides together, being careful to match the blue lines. Stitch down the raw edges using <span lang="EN-US">¼</span>” seam allowance (so that you catch the blue side stitches in the seam) & along the bottom raw edge. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXfB8O6Oqc-GKqHqNPC30k9tG418OEpeIQVrkah7BiGN0OUcDEp0agMolGtCENdCZlzMSJrEAov2Flu2W9QujavEJQPQCriKuEi3pKzRZN5134Bp0my7Mu6B-63YhBI1oL64w8l7ecFO8/s1600/Notebook+Tote+Tutorial+Side+Seam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXfB8O6Oqc-GKqHqNPC30k9tG418OEpeIQVrkah7BiGN0OUcDEp0agMolGtCENdCZlzMSJrEAov2Flu2W9QujavEJQPQCriKuEi3pKzRZN5134Bp0my7Mu6B-63YhBI1oL64w8l7ecFO8/s1600/Notebook+Tote+Tutorial+Side+Seam.jpg" height="158" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #c00000; font-family: Wingdings;">"<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span>To make the corners, take the bottom seam & the side seam, & place together to make a triangle. Measure carefully to make sure that the same amount of fabric is on both sides of the seam & iron to keep it nice & flat.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">"<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Measure 2” down from the tip of the triangle & draw a straight line across the fabric (you should have 2” on each side of the seam). Sew on top of the marked line (this should be a total of 4”).<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgow6jP2dm9qJcdMXigTpk9lt3na4-pPJcLSmIMGKSp7qbW4rKbhb1kshv1oO7av68tQumlTAQABh3LE0qgCs1TQbr8DLiQ4KrCnRWLjcK7L76iU-ZpQUgzfb18RrYnZHODT_teEpJLZ6w/s1600/Notebook+Tote+Tutorial+Corner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgow6jP2dm9qJcdMXigTpk9lt3na4-pPJcLSmIMGKSp7qbW4rKbhb1kshv1oO7av68tQumlTAQABh3LE0qgCs1TQbr8DLiQ4KrCnRWLjcK7L76iU-ZpQUgzfb18RrYnZHODT_teEpJLZ6w/s1600/Notebook+Tote+Tutorial+Corner.jpg" height="200" width="160" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #c00000; font-family: Wingdings;">"<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span>You can either trim the excess fabric in the corners, or leave is as it is… (I prefer to leave it for the outer bag & trim for the reverse bag).</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: Wingdings;">"<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Repeat this for the other corner of the bag.<span class="apple-style-span"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: Wingdings;">"<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span class="apple-style-span">Well done! You’</span><span class="apple-style-span">ve made your outer bag! </span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Batang; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Batang; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span> </span><span class="apple-style-span"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span class="apple-style-span"> </span>Step 4: Making the reverse bag</b></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12pt;">"<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Repeat step 4, but leave </span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">a gap of </span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">4</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">” </span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">in the bottom seam (which you will use for turning the bag through later)</span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">. </span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<v:shape id="Picture_x0020_8" o:spid="_x0000_s1028" style="height: 130.95pt; margin-left: 101.2pt; margin-top: 5.9pt; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-percent: 0; mso-height-relative: page; mso-position-horizontal-relative: text; mso-position-horizontal: absolute; mso-position-vertical-relative: text; mso-position-vertical: absolute; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-percent: 0; mso-width-relative: page; mso-wrap-distance-bottom: 0; mso-wrap-distance-left: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-right: 9pt; mso-wrap-distance-top: 0; mso-wrap-style: square; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 237.75pt; z-index: -251632640;" type="#_x0000_t75"> <v:imagedata o:title="" src="file:///C:\Users\npeu01\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image010.jpg"> <w:wrap type="square"> </w:wrap></v:imagedata></v:shape><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b>Step 5: Making the straps (if not using webbing)</b></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">"<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Take the four fabric strap pieces & fold in half lengthwise wrong sides together. Press along fold<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">"<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Open up and fold in ¼” at each side. Press along fold<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">"<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Take one lining strap & place an outer strap carefully on top WRONG SIDES together. Pin in place<o:p></o:p></div>
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<v:shape id="Picture_x0020_7" o:spid="_x0000_i1028" style="height: 121.5pt; mso-wrap-style: square; visibility: visible; width: 173.25pt;" type="#_x0000_t75"> <v:imagedata o:title="" src="file:///C:\Users\npeu01\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image011.jpg"> </v:imagedata></v:shape><o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">"<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Stitch down each side of the strap 1/8” from the edge. Go over stitching row, or down the middle of strap if desired<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipMEnUFX4U73d4LX4Gtzg1Ks3YXE-l48aVy89EKMbckfgZdhNwrCkznuEg1-hR-b4qEMYle-e1v0sagRvl3YhzfpDSvwnEiVXvFHXQwN6n_AlR2SvUmIpbzSCa2gA_AxidPH__2ZHc6vk/s1600/Notebook+Tote+Tutorial+Straps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipMEnUFX4U73d4LX4Gtzg1Ks3YXE-l48aVy89EKMbckfgZdhNwrCkznuEg1-hR-b4qEMYle-e1v0sagRvl3YhzfpDSvwnEiVXvFHXQwN6n_AlR2SvUmIpbzSCa2gA_AxidPH__2ZHc6vk/s1600/Notebook+Tote+Tutorial+Straps.jpg" height="146" width="200" /></a></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">"<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Take your reverse bag right side out & fold in half to find the midpoint of the bag<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">"<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->With right sides together, pin straps to the reverse bag 3” from the midpoint<o:p></o:p></div>
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<v:shape id="Picture_x0020_9" o:spid="_x0000_i1027" style="height: 165.75pt; mso-wrap-style: square; visibility: visible; width: 261pt;" type="#_x0000_t75"> <v:imagedata o:title="" src="file:///C:\Users\npeu01\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image012.jpg"> </v:imagedata></v:shape><o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">"<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Stitch in place with 1/8” seam, go over seam line again to reinforce</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwz_yb319ZSAXb8A6dAkkWW7CpPS9eIG1Pc__X0B4F4GOH4aWpofKIBhtbyNGcZSEX5ZX6ZcDLbxUZjIEVUudBGiSisE1jnGYSH6Ntwgd6CunRWxZyT9iX8Z9qoHXm4m-cIuvv7fFlqEE/s1600/Notebook+Tote+Tutorial+Straps+Lining.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwz_yb319ZSAXb8A6dAkkWW7CpPS9eIG1Pc__X0B4F4GOH4aWpofKIBhtbyNGcZSEX5ZX6ZcDLbxUZjIEVUudBGiSisE1jnGYSH6Ntwgd6CunRWxZyT9iX8Z9qoHXm4m-cIuvv7fFlqEE/s1600/Notebook+Tote+Tutorial+Straps+Lining.jpg" height="202" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Step 6: Putting it all together</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">"<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Place bag outer (RIGHT SIDE OUT) inside the reverse bag (WRONG SIDE OUT) & carefully match up, making sure your handles are tucked down out of the way. Stitch all the way around using <span lang="EN-US">¼</span>” seam allowance<o:p></o:p></div>
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<v:shape id="Picture_x0020_10" o:spid="_x0000_i1026" style="height: 144.75pt; mso-wrap-style: square; visibility: visible; width: 205.5pt;" type="#_x0000_t75"> <v:imagedata o:title="" src="file:///C:\Users\npeu01\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image013.jpg"> </v:imagedata></v:shape><o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">"<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Pull the bag through the gap in the reverse bag & hand-stitch the gap closed using a ladder stitch.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<v:shape id="Picture_x0020_11" o:spid="_x0000_i1025" style="height: 105pt; mso-wrap-style: square; visibility: visible; width: 141pt;" type="#_x0000_t75"> <v:imagedata o:title="" src="file:///C:\Users\npeu01\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image014.jpg"> </v:imagedata></v:shape><o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">"<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Push the reverse bag into the outer bag & press.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">"<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Topstitch around the bag edge with 1/8” seam & 1/4” seam.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">"<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Press the bag again & sit back & admire your work!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p> </o:p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiA5xc1_F-ViQurfXFfFp5aYM5rDPvFMZccX_BCfaRUHscPSCSD6o0lTXbp6RGar6K2l3gDslgKwm8qFQc6IDFYVN1YdzSmpTXiHmdpRW3s7rZNGatcd-SGW6DQuwEQgAh7Zkl3gw95bc/s1600/Schooldays+Notebook+Tote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiA5xc1_F-ViQurfXFfFp5aYM5rDPvFMZccX_BCfaRUHscPSCSD6o0lTXbp6RGar6K2l3gDslgKwm8qFQc6IDFYVN1YdzSmpTXiHmdpRW3s7rZNGatcd-SGW6DQuwEQgAh7Zkl3gw95bc/s1600/Schooldays+Notebook+Tote.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a><b><span style="font-family: "Janda Scrapgirl Dots"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> </span></b></div>
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I hope you have enjoyed this tutorial & have lots of fun with this stitchy schooldays notebook tote.... but please be kind & do not reproduce it without permission. If you make one (or two) I'd love to hear how you get on :)</div>
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Take care & have a lovely weekend</div>
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Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685219874989941817noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5713338467711658032.post-86488845392259634872014-04-25T15:22:00.001+01:002014-04-25T15:22:13.633+01:00Tablemats for toddlersHello there!<br />
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I hope you are having a lovely Easter. Over here we've been enjoying lots of family comings & goings.... and special guests deserve special gifts - so the other day I made these placemats for two precious wee guests who were coming for tea</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLIshsmHsa2OAYqNok6s8IvoaqHECFlCu7xKF-b6311of_b4JZvGMwjfbobASt04JPb8yOSuVphGjjVPndDKQ7c6wHmPsg741KdonjdhPIWg_LFXqMvk9qhOvd6rWzpzjhaw5bvDzJlbs/s1600/listentothebirdssing+cloud+tablemats.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLIshsmHsa2OAYqNok6s8IvoaqHECFlCu7xKF-b6311of_b4JZvGMwjfbobASt04JPb8yOSuVphGjjVPndDKQ7c6wHmPsg741KdonjdhPIWg_LFXqMvk9qhOvd6rWzpzjhaw5bvDzJlbs/s1600/listentothebirdssing+cloud+tablemats.jpg" height="409" title="listentothebirdssing cloud placemat" width="640" /></a></div>
I made them out of raw linen for the front, insul-brite wadding & some spotty linen/cotton blend for the back<div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWSNCmBWbx4HES3KtQSbEABV-wTAD-1XdA0AU0eSFw9hF3RoxxBrhSITorl3Lnf_xlrlZvB7_GtNf4WpGPzNHjf49DvlxHSKLqz2SypXezvAvGmDxWuQ9cxHQA6mVUHqkBk1DcNg9VrnU/s1600/listentothebirdssing+cloud+tablemat+back.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWSNCmBWbx4HES3KtQSbEABV-wTAD-1XdA0AU0eSFw9hF3RoxxBrhSITorl3Lnf_xlrlZvB7_GtNf4WpGPzNHjf49DvlxHSKLqz2SypXezvAvGmDxWuQ9cxHQA6mVUHqkBk1DcNg9VrnU/s1600/listentothebirdssing+cloud+tablemat+back.jpg" height="266" title="listentothebirdssing cloud placemat" width="400" /></a></div>
The sun was shining, so I sat outside (not normally something you can do in Ireland in April!!!) to stitch in some wee details<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUxoF4MTLhdBD_84mwGr4Hqob9-ZFFLeObolu2kSLp2BD3mtg9nPfMEuiKHYgt19fpTOd-gB0FGNAjF8cUr4GBjtZ3I_WbRjGjNPW0l6ACh5_5nZKsiaHYqfzwgYmYBGvleu1XNbRIqxE/s1600/listentothebirdssing+clouds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUxoF4MTLhdBD_84mwGr4Hqob9-ZFFLeObolu2kSLp2BD3mtg9nPfMEuiKHYgt19fpTOd-gB0FGNAjF8cUr4GBjtZ3I_WbRjGjNPW0l6ACh5_5nZKsiaHYqfzwgYmYBGvleu1XNbRIqxE/s1600/listentothebirdssing+clouds.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig7Wu8fOBgUOEjWjRkA2yIeEtNbhoyjhIhJ1zcNl0PVK1-6bTh9P456AudT2N6mzj73JGFgywKARPzaQhxPPHx_uwAZYhYv9blOE54cQfgurnvH-TRGjKZe0gYg9bwAHB-gf6vmUHPHTs/s1600/listentothebirdssing+cloud+tablemat+face.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig7Wu8fOBgUOEjWjRkA2yIeEtNbhoyjhIhJ1zcNl0PVK1-6bTh9P456AudT2N6mzj73JGFgywKARPzaQhxPPHx_uwAZYhYv9blOE54cQfgurnvH-TRGjKZe0gYg9bwAHB-gf6vmUHPHTs/s1600/listentothebirdssing+cloud+tablemat+face.jpg" height="266" title="listentothebirdssing cloud tablemat" width="400" /></a></div>
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I may have got slightly carried away....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLvOmCN1dad8QY6K78F_aCM5wjew3ZBod4MvqJiFQPJSlKV23oAmQc-ogyaoa9KG4LrBBJ-od2se3tfJepdj1OxFikq5oKWEKSO8ZDi25QAzbPJzzXos7qwu30YsVLzLFD-ohMiNdc-r4/s1600/listentothebirdssing+cloud+tablemat+detail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLvOmCN1dad8QY6K78F_aCM5wjew3ZBod4MvqJiFQPJSlKV23oAmQc-ogyaoa9KG4LrBBJ-od2se3tfJepdj1OxFikq5oKWEKSO8ZDi25QAzbPJzzXos7qwu30YsVLzLFD-ohMiNdc-r4/s1600/listentothebirdssing+cloud+tablemat+detail.jpg" height="266" title="listentothebirdssing cloud tablemats" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">....but they were such fun to make</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1XUwl8JxEkPkYk3q-wSQqBjZWgAHu4glzcbE2P1jfQ77WYR53tAWG4Vs3ujN48R4vB0bWSW4kbGwhF60FT8Xr4k8wQ2E13LnzteSby4raL7Xln8tpmAMD3zadCYSkU2wf2nR3hu56UqM/s1600/IMG_0032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1XUwl8JxEkPkYk3q-wSQqBjZWgAHu4glzcbE2P1jfQ77WYR53tAWG4Vs3ujN48R4vB0bWSW4kbGwhF60FT8Xr4k8wQ2E13LnzteSby4raL7Xln8tpmAMD3zadCYSkU2wf2nR3hu56UqM/s1600/IMG_0032.JPG" height="424" title="listentothebirdssing cloud tablemat" width="640" /></a></div>
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Hopefully they will make mealtimes fun for Evie & Jude..<span style="text-align: left;"> .</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje_TvPFG25i-MPCB5eJec4floUj5Lu-neUyyRyEPWdunBv2BO9tX647Sl6Hy-sIU_h72_o7iT26OPYijhee3C59sWD6rRxDRuK8n0uBdqkpmQfin7RTSB9TcJBV0ydOt6AZ-cny99lTEI/s1600/listentothebirdssing+cloud+tablemat1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje_TvPFG25i-MPCB5eJec4floUj5Lu-neUyyRyEPWdunBv2BO9tX647Sl6Hy-sIU_h72_o7iT26OPYijhee3C59sWD6rRxDRuK8n0uBdqkpmQfin7RTSB9TcJBV0ydOt6AZ-cny99lTEI/s1600/listentothebirdssing+cloud+tablemat1.jpg" height="468" title="listentothebirdssing cloud placemat" width="640" /></a></div>
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I hope you enjoy the rest of your Easter, whether its inside or out, with family or friends, or just doing something special for you....<br />
Love<br />
<i>Karen x</i></div>
Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685219874989941817noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5713338467711658032.post-41199825815861523002014-04-15T17:49:00.000+01:002014-04-15T17:49:25.138+01:00Bagilicious: the 241 tote<div style="text-align: justify;">
Hello there!</div>
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Thank you so much for the lovely comments on the last post. Its great to be back!</div>
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Its wonderful to see lots of bunny pouches springing up all over the place! They are super quick & easy to make, so you've still got time to make one before Easter... just click <a href="http://listentothebirdssing.blogspot.com/2014/04/bunnypouchtutorial.html" target="_blank">here</a> to go straight to the tutorial. If you do make any, do let me know & I'll post some of your pictures on Sunday.</div>
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One thing I make a lot of is bags... & its funny to see how many of you share the same obsession :) </div>
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So, for the next couple of weeks I'm going to show you some of the bags I've been making & let you know how you can too...</div>
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First up is the extremely talented Anna from <a href="http://www.noodle-head.com/" target="_blank">noodlehead</a>. I've been following Anna for about 5 years now & I love her blog which is full of inspiration, tutorials & patterns. Her wee <a href="http://www.noodle-head.com/2009/10/tutorial-lil-cutie-pouches.html" target="_blank">lil cutie pouches</a> were one of the first zipper pouch tutorials I tried & I've been hooked ever since! I noticed a lot of 241 totes appearing all over the place - like this gorgeous one from <a href="http://wheretheorchidsgrow.blogspot.com/2011/08/241-tote-2.html" target="_blank">Leila (wheretheorchidsgrow)</a></div>
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<a href="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6181/6078627223_3df22398d8_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6181/6078627223_3df22398d8_z.jpg" height="303" width="320" /></a></div>
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Source: Leila at wheretheorchidsgrow</div>
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So here was my first one:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiocaKEZ_S9WuhH2PGJgfBynHthli5nOfeH3IYQ-P4JyeeWRNDdCN6HqPOfo8wc_YnA96qS0SUBVGL3bxR8ZM_v4r94w0GC01rh1aJgdllbZ7lKbp1lk0KGyyUV79vZX6D5tj96hnccdA4/s1600/241+tote+1++listentothebirdssing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiocaKEZ_S9WuhH2PGJgfBynHthli5nOfeH3IYQ-P4JyeeWRNDdCN6HqPOfo8wc_YnA96qS0SUBVGL3bxR8ZM_v4r94w0GC01rh1aJgdllbZ7lKbp1lk0KGyyUV79vZX6D5tj96hnccdA4/s1600/241+tote+1++listentothebirdssing.jpg" height="320" width="200" /></a></div>
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The pattern was easy to follow & I love the scrappy look of each of the sections. I made a couple of alterations - for the straps I stitched a second layer of fabric onto the webbing, just to give them a bit more structure & I added a wee key chain on the inside</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj28rYtbozrm7r6RPEZdAM7aQD8RcY4p4dy4aZemiqwqTWvYMA4EnAeRzFiAa1S9tlZvXYgjPVK3076PT3Wnom1Xgs2AcVmwwtuaV9RSIO_VtfXbZJQzzNgs3biQZ3ukFHOst2Fq5ZVUOQ/s1600/241+tote+1b+listentothebirdssing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj28rYtbozrm7r6RPEZdAM7aQD8RcY4p4dy4aZemiqwqTWvYMA4EnAeRzFiAa1S9tlZvXYgjPVK3076PT3Wnom1Xgs2AcVmwwtuaV9RSIO_VtfXbZJQzzNgs3biQZ3ukFHOst2Fq5ZVUOQ/s1600/241+tote+1b+listentothebirdssing.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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I had such fun making one, I made another, this time with a zip</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnLeAeoOx-_bNgbUcw40AvSWmCgr0ed09qv1nd48G4KSXaivgeM9WVfvWUQ1JOwWCeFEpusrJbF46hsSeJtOX96FKjIq3EbJtedxZsUXRb_j1NU-uI09rlA8-X6KgnP14DPyrRLnR360E/s1600/241+tote+2+listentothebirdssing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnLeAeoOx-_bNgbUcw40AvSWmCgr0ed09qv1nd48G4KSXaivgeM9WVfvWUQ1JOwWCeFEpusrJbF46hsSeJtOX96FKjIq3EbJtedxZsUXRb_j1NU-uI09rlA8-X6KgnP14DPyrRLnR360E/s1600/241+tote+2+listentothebirdssing.jpg" height="320" width="259" /></a></div>
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It's such a great bag for the summer - perfect for shopping or the beach.... with lots of room & pockets to keep your stuff safe. If you fancy making one yourself, the pattern is available <a href="http://www.noodle-head.com/2011/03/241-tote-pattern.html" target="_blank">here</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVL9K9Wp5MfN4Rsbq5GfqZ-nVFl-Z3j2nEHAnOTBNhDCQnTSs3uYq6jK6kQafQiyKcZdMcmBRxsupjuuz1hcK3xHGVH1F_gTIMZUrxBtgnnYP4cNk1bYMAShNfjTJYbmT9u9dvUrughLU/s1600/241+tote+2b+listentothebirdssing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVL9K9Wp5MfN4Rsbq5GfqZ-nVFl-Z3j2nEHAnOTBNhDCQnTSs3uYq6jK6kQafQiyKcZdMcmBRxsupjuuz1hcK3xHGVH1F_gTIMZUrxBtgnnYP4cNk1bYMAShNfjTJYbmT9u9dvUrughLU/s1600/241+tote+2b+listentothebirdssing.jpg" height="320" width="232" /></a></div>
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I'm off now to take my life in my hands... visiting a theme park with the children!! But I'll be back on Sunday with some bunny pouches & another bag review, so I'll see you then</div>
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In the meantime, try to take time to listen to those birds singing!</div>
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Love</div>
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<i>Karen x</i></div>
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<br />Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685219874989941817noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5713338467711658032.post-57649731011912209412012-08-15T13:59:00.001+01:002012-08-15T13:59:57.669+01:00the question was asked...<div style="text-align: justify;">
It was a relatively ordinary day.... but a question was asked which needed an answer. Finally, a truthful answer was given & my precious wee family was torn apart.</div>
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As the children & I pick up the shattered remains of our dreams & hopes & try to figure out how to navigate our way through these troubled waters, please forgive me if I don't quite manage to blog as much as I should, or if I am behind on swaps, or if I don't appear on the usual sewing groups....Its not because I have forgotten any of you...its just because, well, just because at the moment, my three children need me more... I've no idea what lies ahead, but I do know we will be OK...</div>
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Thank you</div>
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Karen</div>
<br />Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685219874989941817noreply@blogger.com40tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5713338467711658032.post-45691513656862376472012-07-21T01:11:00.002+01:002012-07-21T01:22:23.556+01:00A mummy of teenagers....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Being a mummy of teenagers means ....<br />
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<li><span style="background-color: white;">When the boys come home filthy (& deliriously happy) from a week away at SU camp my first thought is to make them something to eat.... </span></li>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3tkUXGsQyRM7PreSqyFaS9F9yrMMZmPYfRmpBC_1UZR0bXVdDNTbmHJg-bg9Fu5qHunlHFmBTjvw91ffKH-uCVU4tv2iClHEjFnHz4i5ZDX9Mz-YhcM1KoRTdFAmR8RDBvkkErtp8Qv0/s1600/Chocolate+Marshmallow+Delight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3tkUXGsQyRM7PreSqyFaS9F9yrMMZmPYfRmpBC_1UZR0bXVdDNTbmHJg-bg9Fu5qHunlHFmBTjvw91ffKH-uCVU4tv2iClHEjFnHz4i5ZDX9Mz-YhcM1KoRTdFAmR8RDBvkkErtp8Qv0/s1600/Chocolate+Marshmallow+Delight.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chocolate Marshmallow Delight</td></tr>
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<li><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">Jumping into the car & driving from one end of Ireland to the other (that's over 5 hours driving) to watch son number one in the Irish Rowing Championships</span></li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg24hx8nqTtIZM7Up3y2dwFOGI6jgrmauirKX45r85vcaEHIg2NNWQuUVt4SS93byDgvfuQrgtMakJPsdN-eozP8a3xAmaQMjJmtQB37Y2JxYZW8Pfg_GtpxhBha8yRyceFeFAFLO32DWA/s1600/Bann+Irish+Championships+2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="147" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg24hx8nqTtIZM7Up3y2dwFOGI6jgrmauirKX45r85vcaEHIg2NNWQuUVt4SS93byDgvfuQrgtMakJPsdN-eozP8a3xAmaQMjJmtQB37Y2JxYZW8Pfg_GtpxhBha8yRyceFeFAFLO32DWA/s320/Bann+Irish+Championships+2012.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
in the rain (of course!)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi31ktkYEM1VpglA8aVGFJGTs6eQiBEJBQm-zJHA9pPUoD8-cuaG6jUxOSxmcNVFiMML2miT0kQRkZayFWbKGVzKMB_cVSOL402iujXJZfnOJSnmmqBpMZNB1ECuPdX74rtpzaxjzVBDX8/s1600/Bann+Final+Irish+Championships+2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi31ktkYEM1VpglA8aVGFJGTs6eQiBEJBQm-zJHA9pPUoD8-cuaG6jUxOSxmcNVFiMML2miT0kQRkZayFWbKGVzKMB_cVSOL402iujXJZfnOJSnmmqBpMZNB1ECuPdX74rtpzaxjzVBDX8/s320/Bann+Final+Irish+Championships+2012.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<li><span style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;">An endless battle (which I never win) with the laundry pile...</span></li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQV7PKOETo1CCW6Oz24mvbEjdxljp1hXSsejNnHJE9PLCrQ3GSyS3IixM6Vg7rIyRlzNs58aPiSC2HvaFFLqOkO_s56TaXW2D6g3a2RhvfPsN_ix7ytG-KAOrERmnFvrnXc-aSB8265gd3/s320/wooden-painted-laundry-schedule-sign.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQV7PKOETo1CCW6Oz24mvbEjdxljp1hXSsejNnHJE9PLCrQ3GSyS3IixM6Vg7rIyRlzNs58aPiSC2HvaFFLqOkO_s56TaXW2D6g3a2RhvfPsN_ix7ytG-KAOrERmnFvrnXc-aSB8265gd3/s320/wooden-painted-laundry-schedule-sign.jpeg" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;">More cooking... </span></li>
<ul></ul>
<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/AVvXsEgtaC1pvkALP5BYiy5a9mzhzea_-wpTgWIFKXIEY5tCd_ijrRk3B3K9pmkThkGdMkNsKUZVMl3hqSXjA4GxR_Q15Ts9pNSrDkQfT9ALvAxG6fLLmjnq3w137v9dTWsH-OnIVBcN-VrdgRM/s1600/Barbecue+Pineapple+Chicken.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtaC1pvkALP5BYiy5a9mzhzea_-wpTgWIFKXIEY5tCd_ijrRk3B3K9pmkThkGdMkNsKUZVMl3hqSXjA4GxR_Q15Ts9pNSrDkQfT9ALvAxG6fLLmjnq3w137v9dTWsH-OnIVBcN-VrdgRM/s320/Barbecue+Pineapple+Chicken.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Barbecue Pineapple Chicken with Wild Rice & Leeks</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">Squeezing in a little bit of sewing when everyone has gone out </span></li>
</ul>
<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/AVvXsEj1IC55sxzC70msQ3O768tBaFch9AX5WedIi_GPC38kWueipKNdNiBG-qVwauj3X7kSz3busx7sUmExLFdmk2OoSrJhF77JM3MF97GsGYi50OIUJW9rmsgOFBMXviJzQTCZEeh52Zx2kUU/s1600/Liberty+Frame+Purse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1IC55sxzC70msQ3O768tBaFch9AX5WedIi_GPC38kWueipKNdNiBG-qVwauj3X7kSz3busx7sUmExLFdmk2OoSrJhF77JM3MF97GsGYi50OIUJW9rmsgOFBMXviJzQTCZEeh52Zx2kUU/s400/Liberty+Frame+Purse.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Liberty Purse for my In The Frame Swap partner</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<ul>
<li>More baking....</li>
</ul>
<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/AVvXsEirshuX_nY5rFeCnTtnTshdInbVZfYJPgnpI5Ba9PaJhfA4OOh-awDrnw8ZTMZX_5xE_NnS1b0JTJLOn7YB6Yap1-dElWGFGnWD2rPrQLqSBRn3sJWbXfp-_37v_HUSUJwh61cqZaVMAvM/s1600/making+millionaires+shortbread.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="153" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirshuX_nY5rFeCnTtnTshdInbVZfYJPgnpI5Ba9PaJhfA4OOh-awDrnw8ZTMZX_5xE_NnS1b0JTJLOn7YB6Yap1-dElWGFGnWD2rPrQLqSBRn3sJWbXfp-_37v_HUSUJwh61cqZaVMAvM/s200/making+millionaires+shortbread.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making Millionaires Shortbread<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<ul>
<li>And, if I have any free time left.... trying to catch up on all the wonderful stitchy stuff in blogland!</li>
</ul>
<div>
I hope you have had a great, fun-filled week. I'm so sorry I haven't been around, but I'm off now to see what you all have been getting up to...</div>
<div>
In the meantime, if you fancy the look of the Millionaires Shortbread, here's the recipe:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTKPyDJFFodvZ2ytTBAD6QP7OZA_yAfKEVlmz0v2EhSJtwXIvFiWo25c_-aHADz1XWWsmUlSUrXdssX5Dc4N8_Xdd2ScZ0jSLj_php6RCbJfITW8pqIWm9_MD7Ql0h0C53hVZfG3mp8Ng/s1600/Millionaires+Shortbread.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTKPyDJFFodvZ2ytTBAD6QP7OZA_yAfKEVlmz0v2EhSJtwXIvFiWo25c_-aHADz1XWWsmUlSUrXdssX5Dc4N8_Xdd2ScZ0jSLj_php6RCbJfITW8pqIWm9_MD7Ql0h0C53hVZfG3mp8Ng/s320/Millionaires+Shortbread.jpg" width="308" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Preheat the oven to 160' C / 325' F</i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Ingredients:</i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="background-color: white;">SHORTBREAD: </i><br />
<ul>
<li><i style="background-color: white;"><i style="background-color: white;">225g Self Raising Flour</i></i></li>
<i style="background-color: white;">
<li><i style="background-color: white;">150g Butter</i></li>
<li><i style="background-color: white;">75g Caster Sugar</i></li>
</i></ul>
<i style="background-color: white;">
</i><br />
<li style="display: inline !important;"><i style="background-color: white;"><i style="background-color: white;"></i></i></li>
<i style="background-color: white;">
<li style="display: inline !important;"><i style="background-color: white;"><i style="background-color: white;"><div style="display: inline !important; font-style: normal;">
<div style="display: inline !important;">
<i>CARAMEL: </i></div>
</div>
</i></i></li>
</i></div>
<i style="background-color: white;"></i><br />
<ul style="font-style: normal;"><i style="background-color: white;">
<li><i style="background-color: white;">1 tin (397g) Condensed Milk</i></li>
<li><i style="background-color: white;">150g Butter</i></li>
<li><i style="background-color: white;">100g Caster Sugar</i></li>
<li><i style="background-color: white;">15ml Golden Syrup</i></li>
<li><i style="background-color: white;"><i style="background-color: white;">2 drops Vanilla Essence</i></i></li>
</i></ul>
<i style="background-color: white;">
<div>
TOPPING:</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>150g Dark Chocolate</li>
</ul>
</div>
</i><br />
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<ol>
<li style="text-align: left;"><i>Shortbread: Mix flour & sugar & rub in butter. Tip into a 30cm X 20cm swiss roll tin & press down evenly. Bake for 20-25 mins in preheated oven. Leave to cool in tin.</i></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><i>Caramel: Melt butter, sugar & syrup in a saucepan. Add condensed milk & vanilla essence & simmer for 6 mins, stirring continuously. Pour over shortbread base & leave to cool.</i></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><i>Topping: Melt chocolate and pour over caramel. Leave to set (if you can resist!) & cut into squares</i></li>
</ol>
</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ2AKlK9KP7wQBx1GXfpQuOuLKTeoVHvKpcpKsVCHeaRd5CxxswgTHUqbRpn9Mv5m1mWjiXFwB8nTPIvjvY0uSLUdKssj8ELAj5aEQTtvOKyPM5f8UjgdHjIFGqlklcMCqwSuhsHGx0ug/s1600/Millionaires+Shortbread+Squares.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ2AKlK9KP7wQBx1GXfpQuOuLKTeoVHvKpcpKsVCHeaRd5CxxswgTHUqbRpn9Mv5m1mWjiXFwB8nTPIvjvY0uSLUdKssj8ELAj5aEQTtvOKyPM5f8UjgdHjIFGqlklcMCqwSuhsHGx0ug/s200/Millionaires+Shortbread+Squares.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
I hope you have a great weekend... I'll be back soon.....<br />
Take care<br />
Karen</div>
</div>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685219874989941817noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5713338467711658032.post-73414021297471315152012-07-12T23:57:00.000+01:002012-07-12T23:57:36.308+01:00Floral FindsHello there!<br />
I hope you have had a great week....over here on the Causeway Coast the sun has finally come out & the flowers have been enjoying a sunny respite from the rain<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7107/7534733586_22d2776448_m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7107/7534733586_22d2776448_m.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I've been trying to get a better grasp of instagram & its amazing filters, but u<span style="background-color: white;">nfortunately I think (yet again) my children are better at it than me... This is Hannah's photo from a sunset walk....</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/165969_468172003212230_765205474_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/165969_468172003212230_765205474_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Anyway, if you are on instagram do let me know, or if you have any tips I'd love to hear them... I'm birdsongstitches - I think...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8286/7556847444_8e5054976b_m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8286/7556847444_8e5054976b_m.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
As you can probably tell, I've been spending a lot of time in the garden enjoying the flowers & scents (in between weeding & grass cutting) & dreaming up lots of stitchy possibilities, so I thought I would share some flowery loveliness with you ...</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><span style="color: #134f5c;">Crochet Flower Card</span></b></div>
<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/AVvXsEhJ5Q93_3p3UxTq1QgZcsgCFTM7Bdle36lUKhH9dOGUU4U4ZRJ-je5OQHovSn7wenm7Iumz0ei5uMKvktEfPQ_ffKRUyUomOj82j6GQE64kifQ2zQs9uvMYhIpKRYAy_a26J_vPvS83L5Xb/s400/seven+petal+big+flower+crochet+pattern+card.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ5Q93_3p3UxTq1QgZcsgCFTM7Bdle36lUKhH9dOGUU4U4ZRJ-je5OQHovSn7wenm7Iumz0ei5uMKvktEfPQ_ffKRUyUomOj82j6GQE64kifQ2zQs9uvMYhIpKRYAy_a26J_vPvS83L5Xb/s320/seven+petal+big+flower+crochet+pattern+card.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pattern available here: <a href="http://littlebirdiesecrets.blogspot.co.uk/2010/09/seven-petal-crochet-flower-pattern.html">little birdie secrets</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #134f5c;">Flower Hair Clips</span></b></div>
<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/AVvXsEhmFVWPfI6nHBpFlOH7eZwCTFvo32fNQVwDbL9nVBXOcl_FXRC2z8nf93hy2z25MRxQXnBtEE-SjqNGGPaPYQAOPKKLugb7PkF0jee3knyDWSx2OUB2pKncBruKtJndUhKQzBQcqIC6C54/s640/IMG_7212.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmFVWPfI6nHBpFlOH7eZwCTFvo32fNQVwDbL9nVBXOcl_FXRC2z8nf93hy2z25MRxQXnBtEE-SjqNGGPaPYQAOPKKLugb7PkF0jee3knyDWSx2OUB2pKncBruKtJndUhKQzBQcqIC6C54/s320/IMG_7212.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tutorial available here: <a href="http://ohforsweetnesssake.blogspot.co.uk/">oh for sweetness sake</a> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><div style="text-align: left;">
<b><span style="color: #134f5c;">Aneela's Summer Flowers Embroidery</span></b></div>
</b><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="http://comfortstitching.typepad.co.uk/.a/6a010536fd6c85970c017742cba95d970d-500wi" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://comfortstitching.typepad.co.uk/.a/6a010536fd6c85970c017742cba95d970d-500wi" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pattern available here: <a href="http://comfortstitching.typepad.co.uk/comfortstitching/2012/06/summer-flowers-for-you-.html">comfort stitching</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: #134f5c;"><b>Krista's Liberty Lemonade Table Cloth</b></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: justify;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://acuppaandacatchup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/krista-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="http://acuppaandacatchup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/krista-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tutorial available here: <a href="http://poppyprintcreates.blogspot.ca/2012/07/liberty-lemonade-tablecloth-tutorial.html">poppyprint</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white;">I hope this gives you a little bit of floral inspiration... if you're looking for some other interesting stitchy stuff, click </span><a href="http://pinterest.com/birdsongstitch">here</a><span style="background-color: white;"> which will take you to some more pinterest finds.....</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Hope you have a lovely rest of the week & wherever you are, that the sun shines - at least a wee bit!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Take care</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Karen</div>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685219874989941817noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5713338467711658032.post-13264099818189544212012-07-08T15:55:00.000+01:002012-07-08T15:55:07.704+01:00Giveaway GreetingsHello there & a special holiday greeting to all American readers!<br />
I hope you have had a wonderful week whether you were soaking up the sun...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2G-6QcMiQQbH6PjWa1AEQHOgNsO1e6nPH7mB_avu8tEIrVvW69sSVHW25nu8mDcPtdLs_7Jawamtf88Yhud2XoXp8yJGTl1DIgi501y-gYKIhpaE3MuX7GNP6u33A-5Wb1n-aFrKuAyk/s1600/by+the+pool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2G-6QcMiQQbH6PjWa1AEQHOgNsO1e6nPH7mB_avu8tEIrVvW69sSVHW25nu8mDcPtdLs_7Jawamtf88Yhud2XoXp8yJGTl1DIgi501y-gYKIhpaE3MuX7GNP6u33A-5Wb1n-aFrKuAyk/s320/by+the+pool.jpg" width="282" /></a></div>
walking in the rain<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja3V_AmVRbrJlgNlSgHks1MUxvU7AinoysGy8P1h1WWkCCHvV-QiDj8JepKdoDnWYuQl3v6jVjr-u_mzi-1y7DMIKqA9bCe6ET0pSvwQL9oZUNRKc_y62S4jcVy6yMqRgXQJEpKXwuC60/s1600/by+the+river.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja3V_AmVRbrJlgNlSgHks1MUxvU7AinoysGy8P1h1WWkCCHvV-QiDj8JepKdoDnWYuQl3v6jVjr-u_mzi-1y7DMIKqA9bCe6ET0pSvwQL9oZUNRKc_y62S4jcVy6yMqRgXQJEpKXwuC60/s320/by+the+river.jpg" width="278" /></a></div>
or building castles in the sand<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilVzDicJOZlRkWAdHgt4u2fOPsxx7KRFeCBjNWcuDxSCsMgz9VnsqSpOFXDgxxgdew0DW8yf95yYkA6PF-X9P003opPf4gHPwTZ6dw84-JI2MoIjflrPDSArV_XdPcdPxD1EpC_faeDqI/s1600/by+the+sea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilVzDicJOZlRkWAdHgt4u2fOPsxx7KRFeCBjNWcuDxSCsMgz9VnsqSpOFXDgxxgdew0DW8yf95yYkA6PF-X9P003opPf4gHPwTZ6dw84-JI2MoIjflrPDSArV_XdPcdPxD1EpC_faeDqI/s320/by+the+sea.jpg" width="271" /></a></div>
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With the children out of school for the summer, I've been doing all three this week - which was lovely, but it means I am a wee bit behind on lots of other important things, like blogging & catching up on all the fun on Flickr.... </div>
But back to the giveaway. <span style="background-color: white;">Thanks again for all the lovely blogiversary wishes (especially to Judith & Amy!!) & congratulations to number 72 </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeipOIfVgndDNDXGwPkGyjr0F7Vi21lo7w985VIOIascV8JCKYbnE58u9P1L-OHMvhepin5332XVPQ6wwHCDF6Fnl5UmHLEj9LvHGWWB0eIdY82MMZ-hPaaiX2TgxARyPP7gJZI01EpKM/s1600/June-giveaway.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeipOIfVgndDNDXGwPkGyjr0F7Vi21lo7w985VIOIascV8JCKYbnE58u9P1L-OHMvhepin5332XVPQ6wwHCDF6Fnl5UmHLEj9LvHGWWB0eIdY82MMZ-hPaaiX2TgxARyPP7gJZI01EpKM/s1600/June-giveaway.gif" /></a></div>
who was<br />
<cite class="user" style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Copse; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/06227878040557382421" rel="nofollow" style="color: #666666; text-decoration: none;">gccmom</a></cite><span class="icon user" style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Copse; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; text-align: left;"></span><span class="datetime secondary-text" style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Copse; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; margin-left: 6px; text-align: left;"><a href="http://listentothebirdssing.blogspot.com/2012/06/happy-blogiversary-to-me.html?showComment=1341007941213#c2343598908681952353" rel="nofollow" style="color: #666666; text-decoration: none;">29 June 2012 23:12</a></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Copse; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px; text-align: justify;">What lovely things. Congratulations on your blogiversary! Fudge is my absolute favorite candy!!</span><br />
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<br />
Could you please email me your address so I can get this lot of lovelies off to you<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMwDElDDKrTQomRRM3wQJRVZ24vH5tBNTwc7O_AMB0jrPKekUs2o5PnQxtET6lTl91sN59KLITGMwLJuO0zgVnzjAn1ukb6VMMZYMKweulDpPWkYiu5LcbKuI8u2yON6n3KF8yKFTAWZ0/s1600/June+Giveaway+Goodies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMwDElDDKrTQomRRM3wQJRVZ24vH5tBNTwc7O_AMB0jrPKekUs2o5PnQxtET6lTl91sN59KLITGMwLJuO0zgVnzjAn1ukb6VMMZYMKweulDpPWkYiu5LcbKuI8u2yON6n3KF8yKFTAWZ0/s320/June+Giveaway+Goodies.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
If you didn't win this time, don't forget I'll be having another giveaway at the end of July & it might just be your lucky month!<br />
While I was away, we stayed in an old converted monastery deep in the mountains of the tiny island of Majorca<br />
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The scenery was stunningly beautiful & I tried to capture it on Instagram<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOwRGVUEM_odEdMwteaAZwI_9-AL5z-x8iYBVxLnE8QmhndbXM-SieC5mobFn57upe497W26CBTLscyF-9UcqaNeQAeWLiO0KUC3X1-5YA2xow43ttE7UF1e5qjRfHCFZmuEJvP7IN3JU/s1600/entrance+way.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOwRGVUEM_odEdMwteaAZwI_9-AL5z-x8iYBVxLnE8QmhndbXM-SieC5mobFn57upe497W26CBTLscyF-9UcqaNeQAeWLiO0KUC3X1-5YA2xow43ttE7UF1e5qjRfHCFZmuEJvP7IN3JU/s320/entrance+way.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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At every turn there were wee courtyards, cobbled streets, a wonderful sense of history </div>
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and most importantly, NO RAIN!</div>
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I'm off now to see how Andy's getting on at the tennis, but I'll be back with a tutorial next week & some exciting news</div>
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Hope you all have a lovely rest of your weekend & if you have any instagram tips, do please let me know</div>
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Take care</div>
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Karen</div>
</div>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685219874989941817noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5713338467711658032.post-46899943635433878752012-07-01T01:23:00.000+01:002012-07-01T01:23:36.352+01:00A Momentous June<div style="text-align: justify;">
Hello there</div>
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I hope your week has been going well..... Thanks so much to all of you who sent me such lovely blogiversary wishes - I really enjoyed hearing from each one, so many thanks again... If you haven't already entered for the June giveaway, please do by clicking <a href="http://listentothebirdssing.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/happy-blogiversary-to-me.html">here</a> ....</div>
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As I sit here in front of the fire (YES, THE FIRE IS LIT....its the end of June & its so cold we have a lovely fire crackling in the hearth....) But anyway, I was thinking how momentous this June has been for our country with the Queen's Jubilee. But for me, it was also a momentous month for family & friendships.... </div>
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Here are some of the highlights:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5RMZIvHJVdMToLiExaS2T303SwlcCUwNeXp-KCBVfJtfW8TzGAp57WD0mECP9_jHpbTz7lAP9nuJU5JCmOrN3si64lyM1wDvZZs1Ic4CMtZlkxmpJXTDAViJJHjnmDaxJXtKm5lXQccc/s1600/Fat+Quarterly+Namebadge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5RMZIvHJVdMToLiExaS2T303SwlcCUwNeXp-KCBVfJtfW8TzGAp57WD0mECP9_jHpbTz7lAP9nuJU5JCmOrN3si64lyM1wDvZZs1Ic4CMtZlkxmpJXTDAViJJHjnmDaxJXtKm5lXQccc/s400/Fat+Quarterly+Namebadge.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The FAT QUARTERLY RETREAT in London was wonderful - a fantastic weekend to meet & laugh with bloggy friends ...& maybe get a wee bit of stitching done too!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRzTaQI-WsjXJgAb3EIIbq2zGL69YgYHSPtQ3g3cYwwLde__UZ6_MN8_7PdTLAgiw86OrQ3BoWz6uzq8uhDGlDYq1yyZcbW7Mdt_Vq8u9l397Usmwh2FH3YQho1q1oC-jtel9OBgjFKWQ/s1600/FQR+Stitching.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRzTaQI-WsjXJgAb3EIIbq2zGL69YgYHSPtQ3g3cYwwLde__UZ6_MN8_7PdTLAgiw86OrQ3BoWz6uzq8uhDGlDYq1yyZcbW7Mdt_Vq8u9l397Usmwh2FH3YQho1q1oC-jtel9OBgjFKWQ/s320/FQR+Stitching.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I managed (just at the very last minute) get this backpack finished with some wonderful Summersville fabrics</div>
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The Olympic Torch arrived in town & my two lovely boys (& the rowing coach) were there to help receive it!!</div>
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<a href="http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/c0.67.403.403/p403x403/575172_365324030188204_1727208329_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/c0.67.403.403/p403x403/575172_365324030188204_1727208329_n.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQWuV91FCErfxNMHamEWdlSuFkiipYffmk1bTmNlYQjy_fYdB7KVrx7LJX_euo8OLHLeIxjD2GoAFUrNL3jnfoZeoxN8PJrP0lWQSN2Lx3F4QoHx_mzLu6oht0dOI89fb694Q54MB38V4/s1600/Christi+&+the+Olympic+Torch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQWuV91FCErfxNMHamEWdlSuFkiipYffmk1bTmNlYQjy_fYdB7KVrx7LJX_euo8OLHLeIxjD2GoAFUrNL3jnfoZeoxN8PJrP0lWQSN2Lx3F4QoHx_mzLu6oht0dOI89fb694Q54MB38V4/s200/Christi+&+the+Olympic+Torch.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
My wonderful daughter finished her school years....<br />
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<a href="http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/c100.0.403.403/p403x403/574784_475363299159767_2121808213_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/c100.0.403.403/p403x403/574784_475363299159767_2121808213_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
It seems that only a wee while ago she had her first day in a tiny school house in Scotland<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGBnb-8eBZBJEI74OeUutc0Jfz9VN5LvoXNipEkQQvErOHql0EudORUWumm7HvoEYzO3BPwz_Q03OWjGXVZQktcAQ0zcE2S0GoBStyU-cfl3mA6EnwQ_DoNCbjMDx8J8JrzLghUB8YSIE/s1600/First+day+of+school.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGBnb-8eBZBJEI74OeUutc0Jfz9VN5LvoXNipEkQQvErOHql0EudORUWumm7HvoEYzO3BPwz_Q03OWjGXVZQktcAQ0zcE2S0GoBStyU-cfl3mA6EnwQ_DoNCbjMDx8J8JrzLghUB8YSIE/s320/First+day+of+school.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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How the years have flown by!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFk3qxl0AibUgFTnvvu2GiUP4phRiLtBeOhWiwglZHtdr0pts-ZEJ0otRIgpJXsYGgwSFYWMrfX_NPey5DVBmsL6h4NT6VTpxKfhS9kv1zfkgv7AVFMrFqLc3xAQYEGv0n8iSGu51BOv0/s1600/Last+day+of+school.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFk3qxl0AibUgFTnvvu2GiUP4phRiLtBeOhWiwglZHtdr0pts-ZEJ0otRIgpJXsYGgwSFYWMrfX_NPey5DVBmsL6h4NT6VTpxKfhS9kv1zfkgv7AVFMrFqLc3xAQYEGv0n8iSGu51BOv0/s320/Last+day+of+school.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Fathers Day included some more stitching</div>
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McGinty became a model (at the request of a local photographer I might add!!)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw2OW0TVOYvX3odh0Iu1G3UcK86ZYnWf8rbIAHIsgSwOQd4UedckPy65KHTOcTfs0Df0s48NLTEhPxLsGhPeiDIFBL6l1S3lUf60-xXCQ8LS7D8ivmLKymK8B0TgpmQeZ6jUC-Gi_pkIU/s1600/McGinty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw2OW0TVOYvX3odh0Iu1G3UcK86ZYnWf8rbIAHIsgSwOQd4UedckPy65KHTOcTfs0Df0s48NLTEhPxLsGhPeiDIFBL6l1S3lUf60-xXCQ8LS7D8ivmLKymK8B0TgpmQeZ6jUC-Gi_pkIU/s640/McGinty.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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And in between all this & the exam (GCSE & A level) trials & tribulations & trying to avoid the rain, I made this sunshine tote for someone in our do. Good Stitches Circle</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgszIAjSTZDiVtHG4TkLYKB5ssmtvYeTnLVIFhTHgwVJL3a4ZwChO1-NQDPhYPR_kg2aAxNtaTzJPBpHG9Ew1iIWp1_PGXb3jR6_mIWFD523jLMEQB7h4XonssmSgitwh4_V_2kCqAWtCY/s1600/sunshine+tote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgszIAjSTZDiVtHG4TkLYKB5ssmtvYeTnLVIFhTHgwVJL3a4ZwChO1-NQDPhYPR_kg2aAxNtaTzJPBpHG9Ew1iIWp1_PGXb3jR6_mIWFD523jLMEQB7h4XonssmSgitwh4_V_2kCqAWtCY/s320/sunshine+tote.jpg" width="224" /></a></div>
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So a few stitchy things done & some still to do... Here's (some of) my plans for July</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm-NCvdG8oDaHseZTC1OzS_P4Vq_wxpX3OQrBWSYpSdV-v51WMUQgvRphtIppQgRRB-ADb8wuuQ4Nt8Luh80a_vRzkNy5Wn2EpRQHVK5n8C87RIaEXFlcTb4cFRFPxAK8ZeNy0XHwgR_A/s1600/July+plans.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm-NCvdG8oDaHseZTC1OzS_P4Vq_wxpX3OQrBWSYpSdV-v51WMUQgvRphtIppQgRRB-ADb8wuuQ4Nt8Luh80a_vRzkNy5Wn2EpRQHVK5n8C87RIaEXFlcTb4cFRFPxAK8ZeNy0XHwgR_A/s400/July+plans.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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You might notice a lot of hand sewing over the next couple of weeks!! I'm wondering what you all will be up to.... <span style="background-color: white;">Well, no matter what your plans are for July I wish you all a great month, filled with lots of stitchy creativity & birdsong!</span></div>
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Take care</div>
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Karen</div>
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<br />Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685219874989941817noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5713338467711658032.post-46361757365152967432012-06-27T00:22:00.000+01:002012-06-27T00:22:28.866+01:00Happy Blogiversary To Me!Hello there!<br />
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I hope your week is going well... I'm just posting quickly to-day because there are great celebrations afoot</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMy-wIhm_KfYRW7xtxdYXXF5wFZVq5_IUX-HUNFJBEULjGgcRorxkidy_QZKbOYoQgJ1XFkyufDuz0CKthC_Vil9YrP1oV2VovxmsCtMeMLjhbXdyNrz4hG7WfZaxojhCZF-qLyWAr_q4/s1600/Happy+Blogiversary.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMy-wIhm_KfYRW7xtxdYXXF5wFZVq5_IUX-HUNFJBEULjGgcRorxkidy_QZKbOYoQgJ1XFkyufDuz0CKthC_Vil9YrP1oV2VovxmsCtMeMLjhbXdyNrz4hG7WfZaxojhCZF-qLyWAr_q4/s320/Happy+Blogiversary.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">To-day I'm celebrating (courtesy of my son's marshmallow/dairy milk/smore concoction) a one-year milestone... it was one year ago that I started out on my blog journey. </span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;">I'm amazed, overwhelmed and so thrilled to have spent the last year with you all... especially those of you who have taken the time & effort to leave me comments, each one of which I have treasured (& I confess to have read over & over again!)</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;">To help me celebrate, I would love to share some of my favourite things from the length & breadth of UK with you</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEuZVHc_Syu4tTVUdT1-hw5Zuh2jOkUVWzaXrk-D2bLjGWboHgX86RzK3aGZ04FknzvHGx1sNEIl-uG4Hz43MGbVKnKu3YjOgx64HDRBqD_rJJ_edARVgWMoYMv9tEruYlL6Xbjwr8KIQ/s1600/IMG_3961.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEuZVHc_Syu4tTVUdT1-hw5Zuh2jOkUVWzaXrk-D2bLjGWboHgX86RzK3aGZ04FknzvHGx1sNEIl-uG4Hz43MGbVKnKu3YjOgx64HDRBqD_rJJ_edARVgWMoYMv9tEruYlL6Xbjwr8KIQ/s320/IMG_3961.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;">First up is some gorgeous Liberty fabric.... I'll say no more :)</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOSlVn3t2Iedwh_W1mMbwZVcWYLIO_2POFrhp0kFOzh_dJ11u_6oSOitYhLEmisUK_KoWivVLk0CCf4J4M7r2z8fVeJboag4l2TP8K2cJnOYKYenitchVs5G3x9-qJbFKakJE3L2YCDSI/s1600/Liberty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="159" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOSlVn3t2Iedwh_W1mMbwZVcWYLIO_2POFrhp0kFOzh_dJ11u_6oSOitYhLEmisUK_KoWivVLk0CCf4J4M7r2z8fVeJboag4l2TP8K2cJnOYKYenitchVs5G3x9-qJbFKakJE3L2YCDSI/s320/Liberty.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;">Next is some lovely fine tweed from Wales - perfect for a wee pouch if you're that way inclined</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5SSvo9QEGwBmUvLeSbkVnDgk8pXGlv0KGucqg54kKIEj0YDhAggQuPITAMj3eYFfRyUkRBL8SPEiZIt-s4ui-ZOoSIfJ2bZVh3gIL1WQbeKpGKtu4xYSeccoEih4b6EoTEA6SiipqP7A/s1600/Tweed+from+Wales.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5SSvo9QEGwBmUvLeSbkVnDgk8pXGlv0KGucqg54kKIEj0YDhAggQuPITAMj3eYFfRyUkRBL8SPEiZIt-s4ui-ZOoSIfJ2bZVh3gIL1WQbeKpGKtu4xYSeccoEih4b6EoTEA6SiipqP7A/s320/Tweed+from+Wales.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;">Here are some pretty buttons & beads made here in the Emerald Isle (some by me!!) - well, everyone needs to accessorize, don't they??</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEkfgKjPdCHxAKm3Lif34V8rq2DDH3eWmVazQgpyA3Ct9m93CuMaHfis_I64TYOIRASQ0oBk4oI5X3fdxdsonVw2FXXfBa8p19YF6JwJwFeVsVgfzfKKfK94VHKL-UJ9aGIrbCvX_KgWQ/s1600/Handmade+buttons+&+beads.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEkfgKjPdCHxAKm3Lif34V8rq2DDH3eWmVazQgpyA3Ct9m93CuMaHfis_I64TYOIRASQ0oBk4oI5X3fdxdsonVw2FXXfBa8p19YF6JwJwFeVsVgfzfKKfK94VHKL-UJ9aGIrbCvX_KgWQ/s320/Handmade+buttons+&+beads.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This Scottish hand-dyed wool & felt is so beautiful.... I can imagine lots of wonderful things to do with it!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjL-THMcQw-ibSlSA8Gq9ObNfFvyh9owCjSKmbS9i45EqVRkZlVR4luV7CFm6q83hWLWpPRmQkEc5jK5DTBVgTZg0v5l_1BGVLVFG-t4GQmT-b0zt1uPxYZv_d0Vl8RAnZPXnAscjtGr0/s1600/Felt+&+Wool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjL-THMcQw-ibSlSA8Gq9ObNfFvyh9owCjSKmbS9i45EqVRkZlVR4luV7CFm6q83hWLWpPRmQkEc5jK5DTBVgTZg0v5l_1BGVLVFG-t4GQmT-b0zt1uPxYZv_d0Vl8RAnZPXnAscjtGr0/s320/Felt+&+Wool.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Some delicious Orkney fudge from the Scottish Island to keep your sugar levels up while you're stitching (this is something I used to love as a wee girl... a long time ago!)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRxyAs1rlrIRfXbJBIY9QIZ61Y0tICG1SPZb1Fxbit38NexqBwGpAki3U3-Hrjh5BvfJJI8oPraVTOQxNaqqTNCSPhpeNFjzY4-IpU73LYHBQsHJ0TsGTHxrdnwAjF12vsW83-Bq7EBT8/s1600/Orkney+Fudge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRxyAs1rlrIRfXbJBIY9QIZ61Y0tICG1SPZb1Fxbit38NexqBwGpAki3U3-Hrjh5BvfJJI8oPraVTOQxNaqqTNCSPhpeNFjzY4-IpU73LYHBQsHJ0TsGTHxrdnwAjF12vsW83-Bq7EBT8/s320/Orkney+Fudge.jpg" width="282" /></a></div>
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And last, but certainly not least, a charm pack of Lucies wonderful Summerville fabrics</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI31VDGTYUZYhHtZlUOS8G8ua7rQ7NhpE6Gzj5Ww-oVDSm2Uq4VhiUMrU6UmWBvGnJEN-fqCQMOPJuDFxQZWNQ_yS74e3fORnH1TnH9QiRFdmodVjy9adOM5-szWqaV-CO2UTkLdxxYQ0/s1600/Summersville+Charm+Pack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI31VDGTYUZYhHtZlUOS8G8ua7rQ7NhpE6Gzj5Ww-oVDSm2Uq4VhiUMrU6UmWBvGnJEN-fqCQMOPJuDFxQZWNQ_yS74e3fORnH1TnH9QiRFdmodVjy9adOM5-szWqaV-CO2UTkLdxxYQ0/s320/Summersville+Charm+Pack.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I'd love to give this lot to you, if you are a follower... you certainly deserve it!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiebqjgFZYXPlhR1siQBTYj6iqU-w6f7UUpZpzr60SeBJwwG2v_Kt7B29FZkUpnQEnjgTl8vvW09-9WCXRu_Z8-oDuVKhgH3MOlSAh0_VDGbORYuCgRvTsQTAFCnEGDHUa6NHLgwVI6xbs/s1600/Blogiversary+Goodies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiebqjgFZYXPlhR1siQBTYj6iqU-w6f7UUpZpzr60SeBJwwG2v_Kt7B29FZkUpnQEnjgTl8vvW09-9WCXRu_Z8-oDuVKhgH3MOlSAh0_VDGbORYuCgRvTsQTAFCnEGDHUa6NHLgwVI6xbs/s400/Blogiversary+Goodies.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">So to enter (only if you are a follower please) just leave me a wee comment.. anything you fancy will be grand! I'll close the giveaway on Tuesday 3rd July & announce the winner on Wednesday 4th.... good luck!</span></div>
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Thank you again to each one of you for your inspiration/encouragement/quirkiness & kindness.... I really appreciate it all!</div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Karen</span></div>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685219874989941817noreply@blogger.com80Coleraine BT52 2LN, UK55.131011 -6.580989555.121933 -6.6007305 55.140089 -6.5612485000000005tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5713338467711658032.post-35298412444021938512012-06-25T11:56:00.000+01:002012-06-25T11:56:53.201+01:00Pillow Talk with SvetlanaHello there!<br />
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I hope you had a lovely weekend & managed to get a wee bit of stitching done. I'm back from wild, windswept & beautiful Orkney & have lots so show you later on this week (including a special celebration post tomorrow!). But for to-day I'm so thrilled to introduce you to Svetlana.... she is one of the first bloggers I officially "followed" last year when I started blogging & she makes the most amazing cushions....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0hpI6i3herbDsqQK7-8fJo1cTW1345m0Sx11M-mTi_XjKwOAV6UpgYoxi-UQD9O9gmrSODFrj5pfF_P9bt5A_TaIYXg-oEdDlfRFrdh2_StPuhy4SKl-T0U5ah0ttPBooGD1nIEnCw6qg/s400/013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0hpI6i3herbDsqQK7-8fJo1cTW1345m0Sx11M-mTi_XjKwOAV6UpgYoxi-UQD9O9gmrSODFrj5pfF_P9bt5A_TaIYXg-oEdDlfRFrdh2_StPuhy4SKl-T0U5ah0ttPBooGD1nIEnCw6qg/s320/013.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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quilts...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5xXD6QQNcPJApiHnhcyu4y8JvQTSr5pD8e0SlbXwu0sIACmNihYi2EjY2hW62r3bgCzogsE_cfnjvrWyXTWApqNzalVtgZEkT5QixErlY7rIpTGCHMQoIJMS4WAsYeJtavUIBfmsBaUmm/s320/005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5xXD6QQNcPJApiHnhcyu4y8JvQTSr5pD8e0SlbXwu0sIACmNihYi2EjY2hW62r3bgCzogsE_cfnjvrWyXTWApqNzalVtgZEkT5QixErlY7rIpTGCHMQoIJMS4WAsYeJtavUIBfmsBaUmm/s320/005.JPG" /></a></div>
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pouches...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKbarvoobLPPCLlAsoLbxoEbsvbNALzaJhzsl89VjjE9FcHgU038VkpZredD4yHvsZj5knOVnjEA-adVJTM2pZPfn8hQJYqyHumIWCoOn6gklGuBsfJi1yN_15xie6lxvzZ4LsyVnVSvg/s320/027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKbarvoobLPPCLlAsoLbxoEbsvbNALzaJhzsl89VjjE9FcHgU038VkpZredD4yHvsZj5knOVnjEA-adVJTM2pZPfn8hQJYqyHumIWCoOn6gklGuBsfJi1yN_15xie6lxvzZ4LsyVnVSvg/s320/027.JPG" /></a></div>
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and loads more!! Over to you Svetlana...</div>
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<i><span lang="EN-US">Hello, I'm Svetlana from <a href="http://sotakhandmade.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">s.o.t.a.k handmade</a>. I was so excited when Karen asked me to write a guest post for her blog. I decided to do "a sort of” pillow tutorial. I'd like to show you how a simple quilt block, or two, could be turned into a beautiful pillow cover.</span></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqgz4zNIZVd5DNmZKtlHCCyGJfHCtFKFWsnXSR4ODAUn6IH5qJuEIE5yPEGBTaEbWrqglx0vQggq267sQAwRuY29bI6rbKeHwPDqJ2ijUbtM3lAsRQDVT00Rr9ptJtPEmev1QhBgLUn2Gy/s1600/011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqgz4zNIZVd5DNmZKtlHCCyGJfHCtFKFWsnXSR4ODAUn6IH5qJuEIE5yPEGBTaEbWrqglx0vQggq267sQAwRuY29bI6rbKeHwPDqJ2ijUbtM3lAsRQDVT00Rr9ptJtPEmev1QhBgLUn2Gy/s400/011.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i><span lang="EN-US">This is the pillow I made using 2 cupcake blocks by Malka Dubrawsky. I found this mini quilt in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Pretty-Patchwork-Quilts-Little-Stitch/dp/1600599249/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1340479752&sr=8-1&keywords=pretty+in+patchwork+doll+quilts" target="_blank">Pretty in Patchwork Doll Quilts</a> book and I totally fell in love with the whole design and pretty colors.</span></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4XnZvI1zEizpWGwhSwf1mLXv5EroxrA7rCXfFtOaKntfAw01EfKAvUwJRT2YGa7iXSGAuqriFB7QbxyE8qs-RP6x-1BlJm6hPf7A7_Rm6RZu1Dl-Z-euqVcdCyv2driASSI1I0Hb2hfPl/s1600/008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4XnZvI1zEizpWGwhSwf1mLXv5EroxrA7rCXfFtOaKntfAw01EfKAvUwJRT2YGa7iXSGAuqriFB7QbxyE8qs-RP6x-1BlJm6hPf7A7_Rm6RZu1Dl-Z-euqVcdCyv2driASSI1I0Hb2hfPl/s200/008.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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<i><span lang="EN-US">And while I adore this block, I just don't have patience or time to work on the whole quilt right now. So I decided to make just two of these yummy blocks and turn them into a pillow.</span></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguWxbC3REPAgZzg8KZRQtYLgr1n7X3FrEskUmxx5ECTEbrCqjY0Zo1terwBtog_vCa8w6euYN7PnChKZGrmtRicjLeSBH3eDcS4MglECsyD_pFZ8qzmjCMXP1tQkxwjJiBKf1VrHcvT89R/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguWxbC3REPAgZzg8KZRQtYLgr1n7X3FrEskUmxx5ECTEbrCqjY0Zo1terwBtog_vCa8w6euYN7PnChKZGrmtRicjLeSBH3eDcS4MglECsyD_pFZ8qzmjCMXP1tQkxwjJiBKf1VrHcvT89R/s200/003.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Zx9myktBI93aVCaASRGUxGX-Qvz9WlFuQITEfQzYlgRmy5OUIt59iaclsEMLnKpCn7BixpZCx_nJc8_9VfZnfWiDp8tSr1cn0d32_48oFTmGfx6h5tyUaAFs2O8lpL0BsQCpuy1LEFWg/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Zx9myktBI93aVCaASRGUxGX-Qvz9WlFuQITEfQzYlgRmy5OUIt59iaclsEMLnKpCn7BixpZCx_nJc8_9VfZnfWiDp8tSr1cn0d32_48oFTmGfx6h5tyUaAFs2O8lpL0BsQCpuy1LEFWg/s200/004.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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<i><span lang="EN-US">Once my blocks were done, I cut out sashing to join and frame the blocks. This part can be customized to any dimensions you need. It all depends on the size of the blocks and the pillow form you have. My blocks measured 11.5" x 12.5" each. </span></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh72Hxye64pE_DlkytY5iC3Rhds95Y5KgYdvgKDjSa54j_VvEDc0RyDk30ED7NiFxO20m2TiferyrGfuCtnYGVlhTuXDDZXkvLulP8Ag9lKDo5xfTb_apNJrgccLiOKZT8-6oPplCVjrB0t/s1600/007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh72Hxye64pE_DlkytY5iC3Rhds95Y5KgYdvgKDjSa54j_VvEDc0RyDk30ED7NiFxO20m2TiferyrGfuCtnYGVlhTuXDDZXkvLulP8Ag9lKDo5xfTb_apNJrgccLiOKZT8-6oPplCVjrB0t/s320/007.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i><span lang="EN-US">I needed to bring the size of the whole pillow top to 15.5" x 29.5" - the size of the pillow form I wanted to use - so I decided to add one more, contrasting border. I love how this print fabric frames all my cupcakes so nicely.</span></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7nurs8R8A0uiT9At2M9LqW1e6VvNzFtxj9NR1oSQgBr_V13giEnxWYHTbIBwuzbf6jUFZ_ihHUFqyoi8A-J-kZSHbSmHt7JAkwW1XICdKkMLarnD7c4-j-vmcIoApxnIAa7t8-N2hJI2T/s1600/015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7nurs8R8A0uiT9At2M9LqW1e6VvNzFtxj9NR1oSQgBr_V13giEnxWYHTbIBwuzbf6jUFZ_ihHUFqyoi8A-J-kZSHbSmHt7JAkwW1XICdKkMLarnD7c4-j-vmcIoApxnIAa7t8-N2hJI2T/s320/015.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<i><span lang="EN-US">I like to iron fusible fleece to the wrong side of the pillow top which means no basting and being ready for quilting in no time at all. It works wonderfully every time. </span></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4AE6dqatEtlXUhWy9yalmXoiYGpimDNR3DDuj2Af37dPciCD7gSxLniFdFmLyJZ2Ny_Fgc_R2xxEYeexG8qovuP8_NFYABNM3PxyzM7d6YMh5N67fPKoOIgBFJl3yWYuQcOi62Z_I70a2/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4AE6dqatEtlXUhWy9yalmXoiYGpimDNR3DDuj2Af37dPciCD7gSxLniFdFmLyJZ2Ny_Fgc_R2xxEYeexG8qovuP8_NFYABNM3PxyzM7d6YMh5N67fPKoOIgBFJl3yWYuQcOi62Z_I70a2/s200/012.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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<i><span lang="EN-US">I decided to hand quilt the pillow top, outlining all my cupcakes using 3 strand whitish embroidery thread. I really, really love the extra special touch that hand quilting adds to this pillow.</span></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrexxLGreCFfJVKUkLLOXnrO1mEJENFsIIKxguB6M68Ezm5k_ThoKqlIZI4-TYznxHFIQMbQyAHuoxRwAqseDNATyglaqJ9a20qW8LWijK2dZsc7rr1qHKIQ3KCA-M6BBpTjmWU1ZZ4cfY/s1600/014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrexxLGreCFfJVKUkLLOXnrO1mEJENFsIIKxguB6M68Ezm5k_ThoKqlIZI4-TYznxHFIQMbQyAHuoxRwAqseDNATyglaqJ9a20qW8LWijK2dZsc7rr1qHKIQ3KCA-M6BBpTjmWU1ZZ4cfY/s320/014.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>O<span lang="EN-US">nce the pillow top was quilted, it was time to make a backing. I usually don't quilt my pillow backs (no rules here, just my preference). I used two coordinating Denyse Schmidt fabrics and joined them with the zipper.</span></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO6D54vY8LIV-pp3SLp4y8SvK35XDo5jzQYEUvdiK4ISOtMuNN_6zrR9qdMZyotst_MvW9EEWGnH0GZ5nXJebWmw5TTrbGXPDgvLzq9dX-LXcOBNaojSspDF6GWjP_2RtTBl-nuwzKQBAb/s1600/012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO6D54vY8LIV-pp3SLp4y8SvK35XDo5jzQYEUvdiK4ISOtMuNN_6zrR9qdMZyotst_MvW9EEWGnH0GZ5nXJebWmw5TTrbGXPDgvLzq9dX-LXcOBNaojSspDF6GWjP_2RtTBl-nuwzKQBAb/s200/012.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<i><span lang="EN-US">I placed the pillow top and back on top of each other, wrong sides together, pinned them in place, and basted all the way around. Then all that was left to do was attach the binding - the same way as I would have for the quilt.</span></i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimDvd0umAurrHfuiCN4TpV-lSfJKklMo4qfNcuhnlCTAjAx2gj9afVahyj_5hAc8Xlwb9D7ySu7v0aG8x2rO09sqVnD28aqte8kXXxh9xKWWu_uM3vJz1pi4OhyxTgRc74inrQdjuZx8iO/s1600/016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimDvd0umAurrHfuiCN4TpV-lSfJKklMo4qfNcuhnlCTAjAx2gj9afVahyj_5hAc8Xlwb9D7ySu7v0aG8x2rO09sqVnD28aqte8kXXxh9xKWWu_uM3vJz1pi4OhyxTgRc74inrQdjuZx8iO/s320/016.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i><span lang="EN-US">So, there you have it. A pretty pillow using just 2 quilt blocks. How fun is that?</span></i></div>
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<i></i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6cBH-1zU98GRTPH66xh1ou-upoH23Rd3UYrcH7-wlkE4YtGwwuXwV39eKC9aP9Gbigre5ofCsvf8st95A5lX__Fzqageij3uUd2Js2ucFn3bd0KsJEwKSMWFPpXgUymJs8FbdINEiFFHZ/s1600/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="329" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6cBH-1zU98GRTPH66xh1ou-upoH23Rd3UYrcH7-wlkE4YtGwwuXwV39eKC9aP9Gbigre5ofCsvf8st95A5lX__Fzqageij3uUd2Js2ucFn3bd0KsJEwKSMWFPpXgUymJs8FbdINEiFFHZ/s640/009.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i><span lang="EN-US">I hope you give it a try and turn some fun quilt blocks into lovely pillow covers.</span></i></div>
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<i><span lang="EN-US">Happy blogiversary, Karen! You rock, my friend!</span></i></div>
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<i><span lang="EN-US">Svetlana</span></i><br />
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<span lang="EN-US">Than</span><span lang="EN-US">ks so much Svetlana! If you get a moment, do drop by her <a href="http://sotakhandmade.blogspot.co.uk/">blog</a> - her stuff is fantastic & amazingly she has only been stitching for about 18months!!!</span><br />
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<span lang="EN-US">Lots of fab things to post tomorrow, so hopefully I'll see you then. In the meantime, I hope you enjoy your day wherever you are & whatever you do :)</span><br />
<span lang="EN-US">Karen </span><i><span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></i></div>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685219874989941817noreply@blogger.com10Coleraine BT52 2LN, UK55.131011 -6.580989555.121933 -6.6007305 55.140089 -6.5612485000000005tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5713338467711658032.post-48406234218457885002012-06-21T22:13:00.001+01:002012-06-22T11:21:01.606+01:00Sunshine (and showers) ToteHello there!<br />
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How has your week been so far? Have you had sunshine? Or showers? Or both?? I'm writing this post from a wee island off the North Coast of Scotland called Orkney (which is where my great grandparents came from) & as I write this the rain is pouring down & there are wee streams of rainwater trickling over the cobbled stones... But at least the plants in the gardens look happy!!</div>
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This week in between exam runs & the rain, I've been busy finishing off a surprise for someone in our do. Good Stitches bee<br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-cTo4UKedHk8/T-N2vC9wWvI/AAAAAAAABmU/22WsPm2-5fI/s640/2012_%2525206_21_20_36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-cTo4UKedHk8/T-N2vC9wWvI/AAAAAAAABmU/22WsPm2-5fI/s640/2012_%2525206_21_20_36.jpg" width="550" /></a><br />
I designed the bag expecially for this person & I really enjoyed making it.. It has a lovely curvey bottom....<br />
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<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_1exib2PrzI/T-OAvru6TnI/AAAAAAAABmw/hqIuUo6xmQ0/s640/2012_%2525206_21_21_19.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_1exib2PrzI/T-OAvru6TnI/AAAAAAAABmw/hqIuUo6xmQ0/s640/2012_%2525206_21_21_19.jpg" width="427" /></a></div>
I used some of the printed text I made a couple of weeks ago & lots of my favourite fabrics which I quilted individually <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a6gnMo5hZRk/T-OCJRjmKxI/AAAAAAAABng/v3zYDSxuYpE/s1600/2012_+6_21_21_25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" rca="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a6gnMo5hZRk/T-OCJRjmKxI/AAAAAAAABng/v3zYDSxuYpE/s320/2012_+6_21_21_25.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The front has a large padded pocket with a snap closure (which might be good for the recipients camera!!)</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GIQIxQWuAYQ/T-OGf0gsH9I/AAAAAAAABoE/yBTIT09m7gA/s1600/2012_+6_21_21_43.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" rca="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GIQIxQWuAYQ/T-OGf0gsH9I/AAAAAAAABoE/yBTIT09m7gA/s320/2012_+6_21_21_43.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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There's another zipped pocket inside & a wee key fob too</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pxaSvQhz4Ek/T-OHS37C0OI/AAAAAAAABoY/U7pOZjeHKtk/s1600/2012_+6_21_21_47.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" rca="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pxaSvQhz4Ek/T-OHS37C0OI/AAAAAAAABoY/U7pOZjeHKtk/s320/2012_+6_21_21_47.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I used fusible fleece to make it nice & squishy & am really hoping that the person who I've sent it to will like it... </div>
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Here's Hannah modelling it to give you an idea of the size</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2DDbXZeFyk0/T-NYJUW3SXI/AAAAAAAABmE/LNEcVYRNfXM/s1600/2012_+6_21_18_25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" rca="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2DDbXZeFyk0/T-NYJUW3SXI/AAAAAAAABmE/LNEcVYRNfXM/s320/2012_+6_21_18_25.jpg" width="231" /></a></div>
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I was thinking of maybe making a pattern for this - I'd love to know what you think....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLB1YNSgt0NKEQEpath36MFj6jWsXgiI3-T1FAvdAXycCFzbvqAAHCs7_XlmItlUlhhwb_u-2cNSvOoAVGSSqPYcwbxo2hPkZqM6AusMxWWUx_Xhaf11WKzU_1JRsCSR2Mp0veEW81FkPN/s1600/pursepaloozabutton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="96" rca="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLB1YNSgt0NKEQEpath36MFj6jWsXgiI3-T1FAvdAXycCFzbvqAAHCs7_XlmItlUlhhwb_u-2cNSvOoAVGSSqPYcwbxo2hPkZqM6AusMxWWUx_Xhaf11WKzU_1JRsCSR2Mp0veEW81FkPN/s200/pursepaloozabutton.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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If all these photos have given you a taste for totes, check out Sara's Purse Palooza at <a href="http://www.sewsweetness.com/2012/05/purse-palooza-2012.html">Sew Sweetness</a>. There are lots of fantastic purse reviews, tips & tricks & prizes too...Here's the list from to-day onwards</div>
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<strong>June 21</strong> - Katy @ <a href="http://thelittlestthistlecraftshop.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #c25470;">The Littlest Thistle</span></a> (Noodlehead 2-4-1 Tote)<br /> Terri @ <a href="http://sew-fantastic.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #c25470;">Sew-Fantastic</span></a> (In Color Order Lined Drawstring Bag)<br /><b>June 22</b> - Elizabeth @ <a href="http://www.dontcallmebetsy.com/"><span style="color: #c25470;">Don't Call Me Betsy</span></a> (Amy Butler Weekender Bag)<br /> Sarah @ <a href="http://fairyfacedesigns.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #c25470;">Fairy Face Designs</span></a> (bag from the Bag Making Bible)<br /><b>June 25</b> - Amy @ <a href="http://sukie.mt-wudan.com/"><span style="color: #c25470;">Sukie Don't You Know Who I Am?</span></a> (Amy Butler Sophia Bag)<br /> Laurie @ <a href="http://ontheqt-quiltingtangents.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #c25470;">On the QT - Quilting Tangents</span></a> (Betz White Hexie Hipster)<br /><b>June 26</b> - Julianna @ <a href="http://jednoiglec.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #c25470;">Jednoiglec</span></a> (Charlie's Aunt Kitchen Garden Bag)<br /> Jeni @ <a href="http://incolororder.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #c25470;">In Color Order</span></a> (Bari J. State Street Tote)<br /><b>June 27</b> - Kerry @ <a href="http://verykerryberry.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #c25470;">Very Kerry Berry</span></a> (bag from Suzuko Koseki)<br /> Michelle @ <a href="http://ilikeorangetoo.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #c25470;">I Like Orange Too</span></a> (Left Bank Granny Bag)<br /><b>June 28</b> - Kay Whitt @ <a href="http://blog.sewserendipity.com/"><span style="color: #c25470;">Sew Serendipity Studio</span></a> (tutorial: adjustable strap with metal slider)<br /> Amy Barickman @ <a href="http://www.indygojunction.com/blog/"><span style="color: #c25470;">Indygo Junction</span></a> (tutorial: installing grommets/magnetic snaps)<br /><b>June 29 </b>- Melissa @ <a href="http://blog.sewbittersweetdesigns.com/"><span style="color: #c25470;">Bittersweet Designs</span></a> (Bella Nonna Boutique Shoulder Bag)<br /> Kelly @ <a href="http://kelbysews.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: #c25470;">Kelby Sews</span></a> (Pat Bravo Paris Bag)<br /> Bianca @ <a href="http://sweetdieseldesigns.com/"><span style="color: #c25470;">Sweet Diesel Designs</span></a> (Lisa Lam For Pleat's Sake)</div>
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There are some great prizes for completed bags too, including....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjisRBpPzD-th6koSzA1KUKuSsW5cDXZRwrbYRX74coX7Oc_dkL5jDhorvhHuPgNW559inB9gxZb6JjvwhNe7VufhoIyZQFaC6ZcINgF9ruB6IidKSoVbfvIWleeQA8uxNRGS9-Yn2iNfrN/s1600/art1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_uid_udwr2u="4" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjisRBpPzD-th6koSzA1KUKuSsW5cDXZRwrbYRX74coX7Oc_dkL5jDhorvhHuPgNW559inB9gxZb6JjvwhNe7VufhoIyZQFaC6ZcINgF9ruB6IidKSoVbfvIWleeQA8uxNRGS9-Yn2iNfrN/s200/art1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<b><a href="http://www.sewsweetness.com/2012/05/purse-palooza-2012-1st-prize-rundown.html"><span style="color: #c25470;">1st Prize</span></a></b><br />* $50 gift certificate from <a href="http://www.fatquartershop.com/"><span style="color: #c25470;">Fat Quarter Shop</span></a> </div>
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* 3-pack of books from Martingale Publishing<br />* $50 gift certificate to <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/zipit"><span style="color: #c25470;">Zipit</span></a><br />* $70 <a href="http://www.pellonprojects.com/"><span style="color: #c25470;">Pellon</span></a> gift pack<br />* fat quarter bundle and sewing pattern from <a href="http://www.artgalleryquilts.com/"><span style="color: #c25470;">Art Gallery Fabrics</span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJX_8nTz_hpxu00vX2ZJE7WVvZIKeLmrc5JWvIAIgSbDsmV5KnwC8izCehPlHIBj1QIP2OwwXzXkg51D0QvVvxeuhDVwwJChRnOkO_bw5YKz27bEtt2meJluzn3-JLupBxNV8ILNte1Cm1/s1600/art3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_uid_udwr2u="6" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJX_8nTz_hpxu00vX2ZJE7WVvZIKeLmrc5JWvIAIgSbDsmV5KnwC8izCehPlHIBj1QIP2OwwXzXkg51D0QvVvxeuhDVwwJChRnOkO_bw5YKz27bEtt2meJluzn3-JLupBxNV8ILNte1Cm1/s200/art3.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.sewsweetness.com/2012/05/purse-palooza-2012-2nd-prize-rundown.html"><span style="color: #c25470;"><strong>2nd Prize</strong></span></a></div>
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* fat quarter bundle and sewing pattern from <a href="http://www.artgalleryquilts.com/"><span style="color: #c25470;">Art Gallery Fabrics</span></a> <br />* 3-pack of books from Martingale Publishing<br />* $50 gift certificate from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/sewfreshfabrics?ref=pr_shop_more"><span style="color: #c25470;">Sew Fresh Fabrics</span></a><br />* $30 gift certificate to <a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/"><span style="color: #c25470;">Spoonflower</span></a></div>
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<b><a href="http://www.sewsweetness.com/2012/06/purse-palooza-3rd-prize-rundown.html"><span style="color: #c25470;">3rd Prize</span></a></b></div>
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* fat quarter bundle from <a href="http://www.artgalleryquilts.com/"><span style="color: #c25470;">Art Gallery Fabrics</span></a> <br />* 2-pack of books from Lark Crafts Publishing<br />* $80 prize pack from <a href="http://www.olfa.com/splash.aspx"><span style="color: #c25470;">Olfa Cutting Tools</span></a></div>
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I'm off now to explore Stromness... I'll take some photos to show you, but in the meantime click <a href="http://www.sewsweetness.com/2012/06/purse-palooza-pattern-review-noodlehead_21.html">here</a> to see Katy's review of the 241 Tote</div>
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Hope you have a lovely day</div>
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Karen<br /></div>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685219874989941817noreply@blogger.com15Orkney Islands, UK59.0429125 -3.154215558.5201595 -4.417643 59.5656655 -1.890788tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5713338467711658032.post-75091839257762887962012-06-18T12:27:00.000+01:002012-06-18T12:27:04.092+01:00Fathers Day (fatigue!)Hello there!<br />
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I hope you had a great weekend... did you have a nice Father's Day yesterday?</div>
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I must admit I'm shattered!! Because my parents live close by, Fathers Day is a big thing in our house.... lots of food & chat (which I love) ... but the downside is I seem to have spent all weekend on it - either sewing, cooking or cleaning up!!!<span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;">I'm embarrassed to say I didn't get the quilt finished for my husband - but he got lots of lovely gifts from the children, so is happy to wait for his birthday in July to get it. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">I did however, manage to make something for my dad... </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpaNqPZ4oiaYhQZCIZWNLoZvAwv04CSY6uriegiB9hnkiUEDZg4dc0gwR3Q90Tb02NR4UzzbQb98abhbvX6Fpko03U3nPgDJauzDMhdNDOizzbXRhL-pbd3F6UPGWrQbvQlCuc2aFQuYU/s1600/Dads-Camera-Bag.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpaNqPZ4oiaYhQZCIZWNLoZvAwv04CSY6uriegiB9hnkiUEDZg4dc0gwR3Q90Tb02NR4UzzbQb98abhbvX6Fpko03U3nPgDJauzDMhdNDOizzbXRhL-pbd3F6UPGWrQbvQlCuc2aFQuYU/s400/Dads-Camera-Bag.gif" width="386" /></a></div>
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A few months ago I gave him a camera with a case, but he keeps on loosing the charger leads & bits & pieces - so this wee bag will keep them all together for him. I love this Echino fabric!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis9LkFr8tyyQLnxCWIHQgExD8uOb0FhqW-RY6IabFUudy6EBg0ifB_0wCo0aUtBnuQ8HhH0L6JB9u6G0oryRIaFL7mZ66COErq6AttidjduMFgV104B_VrXSW2-T71VMNmGBP3_PUMJvU/s1600/Dads-Camera-Bag-Inside.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis9LkFr8tyyQLnxCWIHQgExD8uOb0FhqW-RY6IabFUudy6EBg0ifB_0wCo0aUtBnuQ8HhH0L6JB9u6G0oryRIaFL7mZ66COErq6AttidjduMFgV104B_VrXSW2-T71VMNmGBP3_PUMJvU/s320/Dads-Camera-Bag-Inside.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
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He travels quite a bit, so I used fusible fleece to give the camera a bit of protection when he packs it in his suitcase. </div>
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For this week I have set myself only one goal (seeing as I failed miserably on last weeks list!)</div>
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So I'd better get on with it!<br />
Hope you have a great week & accomplish at least one stitchy thing :)<br />
Karen<br />
<br />Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685219874989941817noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5713338467711658032.post-90288937858546214572012-06-15T22:06:00.000+01:002012-06-16T17:11:57.502+01:00Foiled on Friday by Trials with TechnologyHello there!<br />
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How has your week been? I've been super busy trying to get some long-needed projects finished... but unfortunately I've been foiled by the storms which means we've been without electricity since Thursday night. We're all sorted now, but before I get on with my quilting, here is my to-do list & progress so far:</div>
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<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><i><span style="color: #666666;">Make a fathers day gift for my dad...something for his camera </span><span style="color: #cc0000;">- got an idea for this</span></i></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><i><span style="color: #666666;">Make a fathers day gift for my husband....something for his surgery </span><span style="color: #cc0000;">- QUILT TOP FINISHED, BACKING FINISHED</span></i></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><i><strike style="color: #666666;">Post off some bee blocks</strike> <span style="color: #cc0000;">DONE :)</span></i></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><i><span style="color: #666666;">Finish a secret gift for someone in our Care Circle bee </span><span style="color: #cc0000;">- almost finished</span></i></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><i><span style="color: #666666;">Make a start at the Handstitched Class project</span><span style="color: #cc0000;"> - no progress yet :(</span></i></li>
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<span style="font-family: Copse;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">So unfortunately my great intentions haven't exactly come to too much!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Copse;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">The big project was a quilt for my husband for fathers day for his doctors surgery &, although I'm a wee bit behind schedule, hopefully I will get this finished in time....Thanks so much for all the brill suggestions about the blocks - I've squinted at it (thanks <a href="http://a-labour-of-love.blogspot.co.uk/">Dolores</a>), looked at it through a black & white filter (thanks <a href="http://verykerryberry.blogspot.co.uk/">Kerry</a>), scrutinised & pondered over it & finally, come up with this:</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDExu7VNajq8zi8Il_mUQJ2PLZMqoFliu1ku-NvR1Qdmf1cl_gBlEbt7jNem8qJJ5AEjnfqZcfXjGCm2_jTpKAsA_sIw55bHcHKqoYNjeyubjJ3B8KW4r-qpVxP1Qfg09kyz2RVpWNBEk/s1600/quilt+top.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDExu7VNajq8zi8Il_mUQJ2PLZMqoFliu1ku-NvR1Qdmf1cl_gBlEbt7jNem8qJJ5AEjnfqZcfXjGCm2_jTpKAsA_sIw55bHcHKqoYNjeyubjJ3B8KW4r-qpVxP1Qfg09kyz2RVpWNBEk/s320/quilt+top.jpg" width="317" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Copse;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">Now the colours are a lot lighter in real life than this picture & the squares are 12"X12" - so hopefully it will be a a nice wee throw & a good size for the treatment couch in the surgery... </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Copse; line-height: 24px;">For my father I'll be making a pouch for his camera & leads & bits & pieces - but that will have to wait till tomorrow too!</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Copse; line-height: 24px; text-align: justify;">So are you fixed for fathers day? Do you make gifts or buy them? What about cards?? If you're looking for some last minute fathers day gifts here are some great possibilities from pinterest....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Copse; line-height: 24px; text-align: justify;">Aren't these key chain fobs so cute!</span><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="http://sherellechristensen.typepad.com/my_weblog/images/2007/07/19/keychain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="258" src="http://sherellechristensen.typepad.com/my_weblog/images/2007/07/19/keychain.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Tutorial etc from <a href="http://sherellechristensen.typepad.com/my_weblog/2007/07/more-actionandf.html">My Crazy Life</a></span></td></tr>
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Love this dog silhouette!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.thecreativityexchange.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/silhouette-3-1024x840.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="262" src="http://www.thecreativityexchange.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/silhouette-3-1024x840.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Tutorial etc from <a href="http://www.thecreativityexchange.com/2012/06/diy-dog-silhouette-art.html">The Creativity Exchange</a> </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Copse;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">This looks like a great printable book for dad</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZLK-fmYvtUGpvAS4d7Pt2GRthSPC_JSmbhBGthrJJVIvA6n6idjWrkYn33uDqLQRL09Szw2-KBBSm2ap892gNUEt9M7690cbZdVZIC7yHsOcjWsrOpzmE5vv07uYoF7BoAX3avEw2hJM/s640/dadbookcollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZLK-fmYvtUGpvAS4d7Pt2GRthSPC_JSmbhBGthrJJVIvA6n6idjWrkYn33uDqLQRL09Szw2-KBBSm2ap892gNUEt9M7690cbZdVZIC7yHsOcjWsrOpzmE5vv07uYoF7BoAX3avEw2hJM/s320/dadbookcollage.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Download etc from <a href="http://eighteen25.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/free-download-book-for-dad.html">eighteen25</a> </span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Copse;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">Lots of great printables for fathers day</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://d38qk69dv06vr4.cloudfront.net/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/hellolucky-letterpress-fathersday-freebies-1a1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://d38qk69dv06vr4.cloudfront.net/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/hellolucky-letterpress-fathersday-freebies-1a1.jpeg" width="256" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Downloads from <a href="http://www.hellolucky.com/wordpress/2012/05/30/free-printable-fathers-day-cards-and-labels/">Hello Lucky</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Copse;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">Hopefully this lot has given you some last-minute inspiration! I'll be back on Sunday hopefully to show you my completed gifts!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Copse;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">Hope you have a wonderful weekend! (& congrats to England who have just beaten Sweden for the first time in World Cup Football history!)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Copse;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">Karen</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Copse;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><span id="goog_530449098"></span><span id="goog_530449099"></span></span></span>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685219874989941817noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5713338467711658032.post-1925339264525107902012-06-14T00:53:00.000+01:002012-06-14T00:53:51.977+01:00Wednesday wonderings & a little progressHello there!<br />
Just dropping in for a wee progress report on my "project a day" plans...<br />
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The day started well I got the front & back of a bag I am making in a secret swap for one of the ladies in our <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/care-dogoodstitches/">do. Good Stitches</a> bee</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijVitX48ld1qtp4mUTeOrkrmfu9qsmu1uj_K0iXyqS0vwgH7o16dhK85U3yQ4k2sgqLK1Umu7E1QV8oU5JUX447VPOoQjxP666vC2C0JPRVUzrgdExqDgVWglNgZyGXSo48zi0CEaTLmM/s1600/Circle-Swap-Patchwork-Bag-B.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijVitX48ld1qtp4mUTeOrkrmfu9qsmu1uj_K0iXyqS0vwgH7o16dhK85U3yQ4k2sgqLK1Umu7E1QV8oU5JUX447VPOoQjxP666vC2C0JPRVUzrgdExqDgVWglNgZyGXSo48zi0CEaTLmM/s320/Circle-Swap-Patchwork-Bag-B.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
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I am really enjoying making this bag....its so bright & happy! I had thought of using the quilt-as-you go method, but instead I used fusible fleece & quilted around each patch - laborious, but I like the finished look</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_VSsgECruqz7-MeOsKkM8z6-oPIUGrbkrwoJoXtBh9Vz2r8CBSQXMAiv8hB_rNFN6HH4jZq-7NudNUV8MkZ3xUkG_v8dbUh5YHlx0DJTxwrtiHnuD9bQZa8eTwsOrzNiCHMtgafW0_hs/s1600/Patchwork-quilting.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_VSsgECruqz7-MeOsKkM8z6-oPIUGrbkrwoJoXtBh9Vz2r8CBSQXMAiv8hB_rNFN6HH4jZq-7NudNUV8MkZ3xUkG_v8dbUh5YHlx0DJTxwrtiHnuD9bQZa8eTwsOrzNiCHMtgafW0_hs/s400/Patchwork-quilting.gif" width="400" /></a></div>
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While it was still sunny I also made some progress on my husbands fathers day gift. A few months ago Lynne (AKA Lily's Quilts) posted a <a href="http://lilysquilts.blogspot.co.uk/2011/08/interested-in-dead-simple-qal.html">Dead Simple Quiltalong</a> & my husband asked me to make him a quilt for his surgery. His favourite colours are green & purple, so I duly bought some lovely Kona Solids in various shades of purple & green. Of course, like many of my bright ideas, I kind of lost interest before I even started & the fabrics were left abandoned in a corner of the cupboard (sorry Lynne). But seeing as Fathers Day is fast approaching I thought I should look again at the fabrics... but this time no matter how I arranged them, I just didn't like them together... Does that ever happen to you - you are making something for someone & really want to be directed by their taste, not yours... but its so difficult... Well, unfortunately I just couldn't go with the green & purple combo & instead came up with this</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPY_WLK-fSSIR20ONmEMSnYLL77Wm4tfxOfATZTrt5KjoGLRHhZaKbbEFy_PEqqFvY9aL002pfWsIvtbBkzqIrDj9G1TyNFAeVbpUF-dhWYkbEdzMNFVq8ki9Lnw3ewsLc9RHiYJmfw_4/s1600/Dads-Blocks.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="395" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPY_WLK-fSSIR20ONmEMSnYLL77Wm4tfxOfATZTrt5KjoGLRHhZaKbbEFy_PEqqFvY9aL002pfWsIvtbBkzqIrDj9G1TyNFAeVbpUF-dhWYkbEdzMNFVq8ki9Lnw3ewsLc9RHiYJmfw_4/s400/Dads-Blocks.gif" width="400" /></a></div>
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My husband LOVES dogs... I mean seriously ADORES them (while I'm typing this, he's looking at photos of Old English Sheepdogs - I'll say no more!!) So hopefully he won't mind me substituting the purple fabrics for Annela's Sherbet Pips dogs.. I've made some more blocks but I was just wondering before I stitch them all together, what do you think of the colour/pattern combos? I was reading somewhere something about mixing high & low value prints & I have no idea what that means... but I am hoping someone out there might help me out (preferably by tomorrow!!!) So, please do tell me - how does this look to you? If you were a patient going to see your GP (family doctor) & you had to lie down on the treatment couch would you like this little lot over you??? </div>
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I can't wait to hear what you think.... </div>
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Take care</div>
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Karen</div>
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<br /></div>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685219874989941817noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5713338467711658032.post-71191875259539758652012-06-13T01:06:00.003+01:002012-06-13T01:06:35.633+01:00Tuesday Timekeeping: doing Good StitchesHello there!<br />
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How is your week going? I wonder how many of you have managed to start or maybe even finish stuff that has been waiting patiently for your attention? Yesterday (in a post-muffin sugar rush I suspect) I decided to try to complete a project a day for the rest of this week &, despite trying to maintain sanity in a house full of teenagers doing exams, I've managed to stick to my plans & these two were posted off to-day...</div>
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These are for the Care do. Good Stitches bee which I love being part of. <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/23378760@N07/">Kristin</a> is our bee mama for this month & the quilt we are making will be donated to her local woman's shelter. We used a tutorial from bijou lovely (available <a href="http://www.bijoulovelydesigns.com/2011/03/herringbone-block-tutorial.html">here</a>). I really enjoyed making these blocks, but there is a fair bit of wastage, but hopefully I can use the scraps for something else...</div>
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So back to business.... my to-do list now looks like this:</div>
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<ul style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Copse; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24px; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;">
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><i>Make a fathers day gift for my dad...something for his camera - got an idea for this</i></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><i>Make a fathers day gift for my husband....something for his surgery - got an idea for this</i></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><i><strike>Post off some bee blocks</strike></i></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><i>Finish a secret gift for someone in our Care Circle bee - almost finished</i></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><i>Make a start at the Handstitched Class project - no progress yet :(</i></li>
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So how are you getting on? The lovely Christine is also on a get-it-done drive this week, so if you have a moment, drop by her <a href="http://grapes-hearts.blogspot.co.uk/">blog</a> & see what she's up too!</div>
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Thanks for all your lovely motivational comments, they really are such fun to receive! I'll be back tomorrow with another progress report, but in the meantime take care... look forward to seeing you then!</div>
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Karen<br />
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<br />Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685219874989941817noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5713338467711658032.post-29145384504750505962012-06-11T17:55:00.000+01:002012-06-11T17:57:11.030+01:00Monday Motivational MuffinsHello there!<br />
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I hope you had a lovely weekend.... here on the Causeway Coast things were busy, but I guess for most of us that is the way of it. In between various drop-offs & pick-ups, laundry, cooking, dog-walking etc. I managed to get a wee bit of (much-needed) gardening done..</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglZs1SeE96BWe51Q_e4pdRPIulv2Hh0Ciyse8aOadAYQKQZlv3u3e3FSGo3vw6bLBuTIIO2ZwEyEF9TCtb9ZzYsxVjykKP4WIZU3dE2rVXS_pcx2P2AcfV8LpmtWcTkgT3yIAUn1v4DxE/s1600/Rose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglZs1SeE96BWe51Q_e4pdRPIulv2Hh0Ciyse8aOadAYQKQZlv3u3e3FSGo3vw6bLBuTIIO2ZwEyEF9TCtb9ZzYsxVjykKP4WIZU3dE2rVXS_pcx2P2AcfV8LpmtWcTkgT3yIAUn1v4DxE/s320/Rose.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I also made these scrummy banana & chocolate muffins. </div>
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They are a big favourite in our house & a great way to start the week.....so here's the recipe if you fancy the look of them.....</div>
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1) Preheat oven to 200' C/ 400'F/ gas mark 6 & line a muffin tin with muffin cases<br />
2) Mix the following dry ingredients in a large bowl:<br />
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</div>
<ul>
<li>360g plain flour</li>
<li>240g golden caster sugar</li>
<li>2tsp baking powder</li>
<li>1tsp baking soda</li>
<li>pinch of salt</li>
</ul>
<br />
3) Mix the following wet ingredients in another bowl:<br />
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</div>
<ul>
<li>3 large eggs lightly beaten</li>
<li>115mls vegetable oil</li>
<li>3 large bananas mashed</li>
</ul>
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4) Pour the wet mixture into the dry & fold together using as little folding as possible (don't worry if it seems lumpy, it will be grand!)</div>
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5) Fold in 100g dark chocolate & 100g white chocolate chips (or all dark or all white if you prefer - avoid milk chocolate as it is too sickly with the banana)</div>
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6) Spoon the mixture into the muffin cases, filling about 3/4 full (so they won't splurge over the sides when cooking)</div>
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7) Bake for 20-25mins until golden. Remove from the tin & cool on a wire rack for as long as you can resist (approx 10 seconds in our house)</div>
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8) Serve warm with a knob of butter & a lovely cup of tea!</div>
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<br /></div>
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Now it may be just a sugar rush, but after eating one (or two) of these I'm ready to tackle some exceptionally late sewing projects which I need to do.... So for the rest of this week I'm going to try to complete one each day & was wondering if you you have any stitchy stuff which you need to do? If so, would like to join me? This is my list:</div>
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<ul>
<li><i>Make a fathers day gift for my dad...something for his camera</i></li>
<li><i>Make a fathers day gift for my husband....something for his surgery</i></li>
<li><i>Post off some bee blocks</i></li>
<li><i>Finish a secret gift for someone in our Care Circle bee</i></li>
<li><i>Make a start at the Handstitched Class project</i></li>
</ul>
<div>
My plan is that each day I will post the finished project so you can keep tabs on me! If you feel up to the challenge let me know & I'll check up on you too! If you still need some motivation here's something someone much wiser than me once said:</div>
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So go for it!</div>
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I'll see you tomorrow with a progress report (hopefully)... in the meantime I'm off to eat another muffin!</div>
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Hope you have a great day & accomplish much</div>
<div>
Karen</div>
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<br /></div>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685219874989941817noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5713338467711658032.post-33795331454132098972012-06-06T18:45:00.002+01:002012-06-06T18:45:52.946+01:00Fat Quarterly Community Retreat .... thank youHello there!<br />
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I hope you are having a great week! Here in the UK we have been enjoying some wonderful celebrations for the Queens Diamond Jubilee ..... but I feel as though I have been partying since Friday when I set off for the <a href="http://www.fatquarterly.com/fq-london-2012-has-ended.html">Fat Quarterly Retreat</a>. </div>
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At the very last minute I finished off my Summersville backpack which was stuffed with my wee sewing kit & swappy notebooks</div>
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The retreat was absolutely amazing & a really wonderful experience... I was so busy enjoying myself that I completely forgot to take pictures - but there are loads <a href="http://www.fatquarterly.com/blog">here</a> from other less star-struck folk! I loved every moment of the retreat, but for me the highlight was meeting so many lovely, talented stitchers....some who I've "known" for a wee while (like <a href="http://canadianabroad-susan.blogspot.com/">Susan</a>, <a href="http://shecanquilt.blogspot.ie/">Leanne</a>, <a href="http://thelittlestthistlecraftshop.blogspot.co.uk/">Katy</a> & <a href="http://flyingblindonarocketcycle.blogspot.co.uk/">Hadley</a>) & others who I'm looking forward to keeping in touch with (like <a href="http://wheretheorchidsgrow.blogspot.co.uk/">Leila</a>, <a href="http://grapes-hearts.blogspot.co.uk/">Christine</a> & <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lindakl/">Linda</a>). On the tickets the full title of the retreat was "Community Retreat: London" & that really captures the essence of the weekend - being part of a wonderful community of incredibly creative people. Here are some of the lovely swap gifts I was lucky enough to receive:</div>
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So thank you to everyone who came from near & far, to the organisers, sponsors, teachers, stitchy neighbours & my husband who paid for me to <strike>give him peace for the weekend</strike> go. I also owe a big thanks to my wee Liberty friend who gave me a temporary job as a Liberty rep. Their new Art Fabrics are absolutely gorgeous!</div>
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She also gave me some wonderful fabric to make her a backpack... so I'll be back in a few days to show it to you (along with some of the retreat class bits & pieces). In the meantime I hope you have a great week</div>
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Karen</div>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685219874989941817noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5713338467711658032.post-23568056249338679622012-05-31T22:03:00.000+01:002012-05-31T22:03:32.847+01:00Last Minute MadnessHello there!<br />
I hope you have been having a great week! Here on the North Coast I've been trying to (frantically) get organised for the Fat Quarterly Retreat which takes place this weekend in London.<br />
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I'm really looking forward to meeting some folks who have become great bloggy friends, making some new friends & learning a thing or two about sewing at the same time! There's a wee linky party going on <a href="http://www.fatquarterly.com/blog">on the fat quarterly blog</a> & so, for those of you who have just dropped in from the FQ link, you're very welcome! My name is Karen & probably one of the worst organised people you will meet this weekend!</div>
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I have nothing packed yet, about 4 loads of washing to iron, meals to organise for hungry teenagers while I'm away & a passport to find! But, at least I've got my priorities in the right place... I got these sample swap notebooks finished</div>
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Here's a wee peek inside the London bus ones...<br />
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I also managed to finish my name badge:<br />
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But that's about it as far as my preparation goes.....I told you I was disorganised! I'll probably be up most of the night doing things I probably should have done long before now (like finishing a backpack I've been working on with the wonderful Summersville fabrics!)</div>
Sorry to keep this short & sweet, but I'll be back on Monday with more news & tales from London<br />
Hope you have a great weekend (& FQR folks see you soon!)<br />
Take care<br />
Karen<br />
<br />Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685219874989941817noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5713338467711658032.post-63966343125051864192012-05-27T00:54:00.001+01:002012-05-27T00:54:52.393+01:00We have a winner!Hello there!<br />
I hope you had a good week & are enjoying a great weekend! Here on the North Coast of Ireland the sun has been shining & the sun daisies have come out<br />
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the farmers have been out cutting the hay<br />
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the boys have been camping in the garden<br />
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and I've been doing a wee bit of painting..... transforming this<br />
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to this<br />
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I've managed to get a wee bit of sewing done too... another notebook cover<br />
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But less about me & onto more important things, like the winner of the SMS Giveaway..... Thanks so much to every single one of you who left such nice comments... I really enjoyed reading each one of them & am so thrilled to have met so many new stitchy folk! So.... according to random.org the winner is</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlLEt1pVRgC5hrrxcBI3TFSG_H4bNXOZ4Xb1R9dybOs_9senZwAaDS0fB_fXqQSmvz-L7BS-3okCIddSP9y4xlXJHBe5y1gVS2cjTN8xr4hho4jAvvhsd2H4P5c1k_41pkvHWmAPqMD4I/s1600/SMS-giveaway-winner.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlLEt1pVRgC5hrrxcBI3TFSG_H4bNXOZ4Xb1R9dybOs_9senZwAaDS0fB_fXqQSmvz-L7BS-3okCIddSP9y4xlXJHBe5y1gVS2cjTN8xr4hho4jAvvhsd2H4P5c1k_41pkvHWmAPqMD4I/s1600/SMS-giveaway-winner.gif" /></a></div>
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Congratulations ravensrascals! I will email you to get your postal address, but for everyone else, please don't be too down-heartened. Believe it or not, I have NEVER won a giveaway :( so you are not alone... But, more importantly, every month for 2012 I have been running a giveaway, so you will have a chance to win something nice in June (& July & August!)</div>
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Meanwhile I hope you have a lovely weekend & maybe have time to enjoy the sunset!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr1i-M6cEXxyr217CDdQsCYTTneAzL10oVtvSnh39eAbXQUYFj-3pm5H4_-sHJ1diqxIOKMQSFAOX9htRUKelETm5SvFbIOJoJaDskjDgWvysUcGYovhGHphIm2Y9vchFOeXJ6IGJaZKY/s1600/Portstewart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr1i-M6cEXxyr217CDdQsCYTTneAzL10oVtvSnh39eAbXQUYFj-3pm5H4_-sHJ1diqxIOKMQSFAOX9htRUKelETm5SvFbIOJoJaDskjDgWvysUcGYovhGHphIm2Y9vchFOeXJ6IGJaZKY/s320/Portstewart.jpg" width="238" /></a></div>
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Take care</div>
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Karen</div>
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<br /></div>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685219874989941817noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5713338467711658032.post-31973063019728396002012-05-21T13:17:00.001+01:002012-05-21T14:46:58.568+01:00Giveaway Day.... Vintage Style!Hello there!<br />
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You may have already caught the giveaway fever...but if not, to-day is Giveaway Day with Sew Mama Sew</div>
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<a href="http://www.sewmamasew.com/blog2/may2012/GiveawayDay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.sewmamasew.com/blog2/may2012/GiveawayDay.jpg" /></a></div>
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This is an incredible event where you can visit lots of wonderful blogs & have a chance to win lots of incredible gifts - handmade bags, accessories, supplies, patterns....the list is endless! For more information just click <a href="http://sewmamasew.com/blog2/">here</a>. If you have just dropped in via the Sew Mama Sew Blog you are very welcome! My name is Karen & I am so delighted to have you visiting to-day!</div>
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This year I will be entering in all the fun with this bundle of gorgeous fat quarters which came from a limited collection produced by Liberty & the Victoria & Albert Museum, London</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGtiTa9wFiHoppXtdgOVXGKxffyUQUJimJRuaRe-VO2oHyLi-Z_zkvhx71U95k8E4hfLlzb3XwFZ87JTxMyuvaRuzyGEA_2YnVCAk2oaWOBhyphenhyphen6ufTsMpRpLKQ9bgpxYKAycpjDTV4zYOI/s1600/Victoria+&+Albert+Fabrics.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGtiTa9wFiHoppXtdgOVXGKxffyUQUJimJRuaRe-VO2oHyLi-Z_zkvhx71U95k8E4hfLlzb3XwFZ87JTxMyuvaRuzyGEA_2YnVCAk2oaWOBhyphenhyphen6ufTsMpRpLKQ9bgpxYKAycpjDTV4zYOI/s400/Victoria+&+Albert+Fabrics.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
They really are beautiful & have the usual Liberty soft drape. I will also be enclosing a lovely vintage booklet which the V&A also produced<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkPKR8068Phd2QhYxZ-avANmMFlLaxmLy5D5RGeRqEpMtGkChXzKvhFWSObKNR_USZQ8Oci2ZVSKILx5AAxS1B-ssBZvCublytI3yxnMZWMp1UCPLDa9lid-g8Pfy2hfa-rl9MM-fw_j8/s1600/V&A+Fabrics+&+Book.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkPKR8068Phd2QhYxZ-avANmMFlLaxmLy5D5RGeRqEpMtGkChXzKvhFWSObKNR_USZQ8Oci2ZVSKILx5AAxS1B-ssBZvCublytI3yxnMZWMp1UCPLDa9lid-g8Pfy2hfa-rl9MM-fw_j8/s400/V&A+Fabrics+&+Book.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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If you would like a chance to win these all you have to do is simply leave me a comment if you are or become a follower.... If you follow me on facebook or pinterest do please leave me another comment for another chance to win</div>
That's it, its that simple :)
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The giveaway will be open until 25th May 12MN (GMT) & I'll announce the winner through random.org on 26th. Please make sure you are not a "no-reply" blogger, so I can get in touch with you... I am happy to post this internationally</div>
Good luck & hope you have lots of fun in all the other amazing <a href="http://sewmamasew.com/blog2/">Sew Mama Sew Giveways</a><br />
Take care<br />
KarenKarenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685219874989941817noreply@blogger.com414tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5713338467711658032.post-46265977901393324292012-05-20T21:41:00.001+01:002012-05-20T21:41:49.195+01:00Vintage Clutch TutorialHello there<br />
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I hope you are having a nice weekend! The sun actually decided to appear here to-day on the Causeway Coast which meant I got lots of washing done, but not too much sewing I'm afraid.... Not to worry though, I had a lovely afternoon planning fabrics & bits & pieces for the Fat Quarter Retreat in a couple of weeks.... so exciting!</div>
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To-day I am so thrilled to post a tutorial for the liberty pouch I made, as part of <a href="http://acuppaandacatchup.com/">Nova</a>'s Liberty Scrap Challenge. Nova blogs over at <a href="http://acuppaandacatchup.com/">a cuppa and a catch up</a> & stitches some beautiful & innovative stuff, like this boxy pouch (for her new knitting project!)<br />
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<a href="http://acuppaandacatchup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/box-bag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://acuppaandacatchup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/box-bag.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
or this Bella bag<br />
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<a href="http://acuppaandacatchup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/bella-bag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://acuppaandacatchup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/bella-bag.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
As if that wasn't enough, she's featured in the <a href="http://www.bookdepository.com/Zakka-Style-Rashida-Coleman-Hale/9781607054160/?a_aid=nova">Zakka Style</a> book & she recently added this lovely pattern to her repertoire too!<br />
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<a href="http://acuppaandacatchup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/nesting-fabric-bowls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="http://acuppaandacatchup.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/nesting-fabric-bowls.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
But before I share my tutorial, could I just say a HUGE thank you to each one of you who took the time to comment with such lovely encouraging words about the teeth situation..... I know that in the scheme of things having braces is really no big deal & some of you may have family or friends who are coping with huge physical, mental, or financial problems but I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate all the kind words....If you don't normally comment on blogs, can I encourage you to do so, even if it is just to say hello....Those few words really do mean a lot to us.....</div>
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Right back to the clutch... I've posted a printable version of the tutorial & the template <a href="http://listentothebirdssing.blogspot.co.uk/p/tutorials.html">here</a>, but if you prefer to follow on screen, here we go...</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: large;"><b>Vintage Clutch Tutorial</b></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisXtVmguX3C27OCFbgm0_SMfBvfckBo2uzlIo8syMwr607kRkYEM5zo4h8hpLYcyVv77-etMNihyphenhyphenG0g0xgMkN2ra8-jHIF9kvmUlrrVO2feV5DvjmRx6lWaF2l9in-zYMyIe4hGFfSygI/s1600/Liberty+Vintage+Clutch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisXtVmguX3C27OCFbgm0_SMfBvfckBo2uzlIo8syMwr607kRkYEM5zo4h8hpLYcyVv77-etMNihyphenhyphenG0g0xgMkN2ra8-jHIF9kvmUlrrVO2feV5DvjmRx6lWaF2l9in-zYMyIe4hGFfSygI/s400/Liberty+Vintage+Clutch.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e; text-align: justify;">What You Will Need</span></div>
<span style="color: #31849b; font-family: Wingdings;">"</span><span style="color: #31849b; font-size: 7pt;"> </span>1 fat 1/8 outer fabric<br />
<span style="color: #31849b; font-family: Wingdings;">"</span><span style="color: #31849b; font-size: 7pt;"> </span>1 fat 1/8 lining fabric<br />
<span style="color: #31849b; font-family: Wingdings;">"</span><span style="color: #31849b; font-size: 7pt;"> </span>A small piece of linen for outer (approx. 5” X 3”)<br />
<span style="color: #31849b; font-family: Wingdings;">"</span><span style="color: #31849b; font-size: 7pt;"> </span>Fusible fleece (approx. 8.5” X 11”)<br />
<span style="color: #31849b; font-family: Wingdings;">"</span><span style="color: #31849b; font-size: 7pt;"> </span>1 small magnetic snap set (approx. 14mm)<br />
<span style="color: #31849b; font-family: Wingdings;">"</span><span style="color: #31849b; font-size: 7pt;"> </span>Key fob ring (optional)<br />
<span style="color: #31849b; font-family: Wingdings;">"</span><span style="color: #31849b; font-size: 7pt;"> </span>Usual sewing bits & pieces plus freezer paper, a seam ripper & embroidery thread <br />
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<span style="color: #45818e;">When sewing please remember to use ¼” seam allowance throughout (unless otherwise indicated) & backstitch at both ends</span><br />
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<span style="color: #45818e;">STEP 1: Cut Out Your Pieces</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: #31849b; font-family: Wingdings;">" </span>Print out the two templates from this document<br />
<a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/94224086/Vintage-Clutch-Tutorial-Templates" style="display: block; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 12px auto 6px; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline;" title="View Vintage Clutch Tutorial Templates on Scribd">Vintage Clutch Tutorial Templates</a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe class="scribd_iframe_embed" data-aspect-ratio="0.707514450867052" data-auto-height="false" frameborder="0" height="400" id="doc_62586" scrolling="no" src="http://www.scribd.com/embeds/94224086/content?start_page=1&view_mode=list&access_key=key-2d1cgpwaz2rkokmazhtn" width="400"></iframe></div>
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<span style="color: #31849b; font-family: Wingdings;">"</span>Trace templates A & B onto freezer paper (or onto card)<br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: #31849b; font-family: Wingdings;">"<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span>Press freezer paper templates A & B waxy side down on the wrong side of main fabric (or trace round card templates onto fabric) & cut:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: #669900; font-family: ZDingbats;">D<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span>1 X template A<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: #669900; font-family: ZDingbats;">D<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span>2 X template B<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: #31849b; font-family: Wingdings;">"<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span>Press freezer paper templates A & B waxy side down on the wrong side of lining fabric & cut <o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: #669900; font-family: ZDingbats;">D<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span>1 X template A<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: #669900; font-family: ZDingbats;">D<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span>1 X template B<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: #31849b; font-family: Wingdings;">"<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span>Press freezer paper template B waxy side down on the wrong side of your linen piece & cut out:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: #669900; font-family: ZDingbats;">D<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span>1 X template B<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: #31849b; font-family: Wingdings;">"<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span>You should now have <o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: #669900; font-family: ZDingbats;">D<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span>template A: 1 piece in main fabric, 1 piece in lining fabric<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: #669900; font-family: ZDingbats;">D<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span>template B: 2 pieces in main fabric, 1 piece in lining fabric, 1 piece in linen, <o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: #31849b; font-family: Wingdings;">"<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span>From your fusible fleece cut: <o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: #669900; font-family: ZDingbats;">D<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span>1 piece of template A<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Patternfont" style="margin-left: 54.0pt; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1;">
<span style="color: #669900; font-family: ZDingbats;">D<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span>1 piece of template B<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: #669900; font-family: ZDingbats;">D<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span>2 pieces approx. 2” X 2”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: #669900; font-family: ZDingbats;">D<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span>2 pieces approx. 2” X 4”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e;">STEP 2: Fuse your fleece</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #31849b; font-family: Wingdings;">"<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span></span><span class="apple-style-span">Following your manufacturer’s instructions, carefully fuse template A fleece to the wrong side of template </span><span class="apple-style-span">“A</span><span class="apple-style-span">” outer fabric</span><span class="apple-style-span"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #31849b; font-family: Wingdings;">"<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span></span><span class="apple-style-span">Repeat with the template </span><span class="apple-style-span">“B</span><span class="apple-style-span">” fleece & the template </span><span class="apple-style-span">“B</span><span class="apple-style-span">” linen piece</span><span class="apple-style-span"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: #31849b; font-family: Wingdings;">"<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span></span><span class="apple-style-span">If you like, you can add a wee stamp or embellishment to the right corner (approx. 1” from the side). I cut out a wee stamp from an image I had printed onto fabric</span><span class="apple-style-span"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBOm7rXVb9f_OOx122utcoIq-1onMlFm6XnHIKkGfL-uR-S3YNEA6mqY9bsUrbPZ3FKc2q8_T_ckbjYHy0YY_oisPDjre29uJ50yPmRB-beo01L_0gAPbqkUU-aznTnHUOD8xH-ayTnrc/s1600/Printed+Text.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBOm7rXVb9f_OOx122utcoIq-1onMlFm6XnHIKkGfL-uR-S3YNEA6mqY9bsUrbPZ3FKc2q8_T_ckbjYHy0YY_oisPDjre29uJ50yPmRB-beo01L_0gAPbqkUU-aznTnHUOD8xH-ayTnrc/s320/Printed+Text.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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<v:shapetype coordsize="21600,21600" filled="f" id="_x0000_t75" o:preferrelative="t" o:spt="75" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" stroked="f"> <v:stroke joinstyle="miter"> <v:formulas> <v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"> <v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0"> <v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"> <v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2"> <v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"> <v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"> <v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1"> <v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2"> <v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"> <v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"> <v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"> <v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"> </v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:formulas> <v:path gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect" o:extrusionok="f"> <o:lock aspectratio="t" v:ext="edit"> </o:lock></v:path></v:stroke></v:shapetype><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_12" o:spid="_x0000_i1036" style="height: 213.75pt; mso-wrap-style: square; visibility: visible; width: 159.75pt;" type="#_x0000_t75"> <v:imagedata o:title="" src="file:///C:\Users\npeu01\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image001.jpg"> </v:imagedata></v:shape><span class="apple-style-span"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #31849b; font-family: Wingdings;">"<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span>I then just stitched it onto a wee scrap & onto the linen front<o:p></o:p></div>
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<v:shape id="Picture_x0020_13" o:spid="_x0000_i1035" style="height: 141.75pt; mso-wrap-style: square; visibility: visible; width: 183.75pt;" type="#_x0000_t75"> <v:imagedata o:title="" src="file:///C:\Users\npeu01\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image002.jpg"> </v:imagedata></v:shape><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyDOA3ek3b8WUT9UgMP2QDh2_hszSt_1TPT31GRRXGqOKl56__35tV5LFX5jPfti5-PvvvUzn_uKfg0e_GZpyrlkAV7-n5TX42Jm9YQV9Nv9PmOle4k_uh1uWyxJrD6cV-NLYg4Y4rxqw/s1600/stamp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyDOA3ek3b8WUT9UgMP2QDh2_hszSt_1TPT31GRRXGqOKl56__35tV5LFX5jPfti5-PvvvUzn_uKfg0e_GZpyrlkAV7-n5TX42Jm9YQV9Nv9PmOle4k_uh1uWyxJrD6cV-NLYg4Y4rxqw/s320/stamp.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e;">STEP 3: Insert Your Magnetic Snaps</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: #31849b; font-family: Wingdings;">"<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span>Your snap set should have 4 parts: 2 washers (which won’t be visible) & 2 magnetic snaps. Take the thicker & heavier of the two & one of the washers & your linen piece. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: #31849b; font-family: Wingdings;">"<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span>Using the X on the template as a guide, mark the position of the snap on the OUTER side of the linen piece<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: #31849b; font-family: Wingdings;">"<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">Using the washer as a template, lay it down on the fabric over the X, & mark where you need to make wee holes to be able to insert the magnetic snap prongs easily through the fabric. Use these marks as a guide to where you need to make<span class="apple-converted-space"> wee </span><strong><span style="font-family: Batang, serif;">TINCY </span></strong>incisions with your seam ripper. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<v:shape id="Picture_x0020_14" o:spid="_x0000_i1034" style="height: 141.75pt; mso-wrap-style: square; visibility: visible; width: 189.75pt;" type="#_x0000_t75"> <v:imagedata o:title="" src="file:///C:\Users\npeu01\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image003.jpg"> </v:imagedata></v:shape><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFk0XJF-ww81Esl9HBnXRvkMg6duUDGb4OHI_7_2R5xTOEjXQTxw8Y7pEyxXqUv-3Yik6dr8L-NjvOSNOSqhu_BWySxtCymRURGClgE445IFCEG7kQqpRR_GOFcz0XHFGa2ndLqybbVU0/s1600/Snap1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFk0XJF-ww81Esl9HBnXRvkMg6duUDGb4OHI_7_2R5xTOEjXQTxw8Y7pEyxXqUv-3Yik6dr8L-NjvOSNOSqhu_BWySxtCymRURGClgE445IFCEG7kQqpRR_GOFcz0XHFGa2ndLqybbVU0/s320/Snap1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #31849b; font-family: Wingdings;">"<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">Take one of the 2” squares, &, using the washer (back of the magnetic snap) as a template, mark the position of the side slots using your fabric marker. Make small incisions in this with your seam ripper.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK0v0zvdmN-yO5pi-8tEfpxaultPG9fKnuYDawXBpXBqvvuprhfs4xcm1E0kWka4SYcqX5EfAGNuDPsyrTGCBuqgG_Zk-I3ZgAUBwQHKpPtlnY81sCyhJDzqCRvWbgG23T1tqpRgcYmzg/s1600/snap2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK0v0zvdmN-yO5pi-8tEfpxaultPG9fKnuYDawXBpXBqvvuprhfs4xcm1E0kWka4SYcqX5EfAGNuDPsyrTGCBuqgG_Zk-I3ZgAUBwQHKpPtlnY81sCyhJDzqCRvWbgG23T1tqpRgcYmzg/s320/snap2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #31849b; font-family: Wingdings;">"<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">Push the prongs of the magnetic snap through the wee slits in the fabric to the wrong side. Place the backing fabric/interlining over the prongs.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<v:shape id="Picture_x0020_16" o:spid="_x0000_i1033" style="height: 141.75pt; mso-wrap-style: square; visibility: visible; width: 199.5pt;" type="#_x0000_t75"> <v:imagedata o:title="" src="file:///C:\Users\npeu01\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image004.jpg"> </v:imagedata></v:shape><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: #31849b; font-family: Wingdings;">"<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">Push the washer onto the prongs and fold them INWARD</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYf3qSSulTaJHjpyOjUIeXoHWUSxeLLL5quy2zGNpxg_vTygCZRp01hV1nYp40asYzNdCi_6AEhsgfFpJViLrldUpCUmf6JyQMUCNwf4ljV2sJhEv6X3VzEYnQdTMl4hMNT50nX9o-FxI/s1600/snap3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYf3qSSulTaJHjpyOjUIeXoHWUSxeLLL5quy2zGNpxg_vTygCZRp01hV1nYp40asYzNdCi_6AEhsgfFpJViLrldUpCUmf6JyQMUCNwf4ljV2sJhEv6X3VzEYnQdTMl4hMNT50nX9o-FxI/s320/snap3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<v:shape id="Picture_x0020_17" o:spid="_x0000_i1032" style="height: 141.75pt; mso-wrap-style: square; visibility: visible; width: 156.75pt;" type="#_x0000_t75"> <v:imagedata o:title="" src="file:///C:\Users\npeu01\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image005.jpg"> </v:imagedata></v:shape><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: #31849b; font-family: Wingdings;">"<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white;">Take one of the longer 2 X 4” strips of fleece & place it over the back of the snap to protect the snap from rubbing on the other fabric layer</span> <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi796LG6O0h579c-achlzNZ5rnZPiJTK89q8ENntD1ehNKjMn7davobP-O7Q_uZ_1KlvEBtVhPWonSEgBh7Kmuf5CU6UMhz6RI017uodc_MfYBoBpTImXDUpXub09T6UwyEcX_d3eVt-UQ/s1600/snap4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi796LG6O0h579c-achlzNZ5rnZPiJTK89q8ENntD1ehNKjMn7davobP-O7Q_uZ_1KlvEBtVhPWonSEgBh7Kmuf5CU6UMhz6RI017uodc_MfYBoBpTImXDUpXub09T6UwyEcX_d3eVt-UQ/s320/snap4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<v:shape id="Picture_x0020_19" o:spid="_x0000_i1031" style="height: 141.75pt; mso-wrap-style: square; visibility: visible; width: 186pt;" type="#_x0000_t75"> <v:imagedata o:title="" src="file:///C:\Users\npeu01\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image006.jpg"> </v:imagedata></v:shape><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: #31849b; font-family: Wingdings;">"<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span>Now repeat the process again this time with the fabric lining which you have cut into template “A” shape<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid9KPS9OEmOKDuE7hR5SJ21wjuhNXZ-7t_bGMXFxvx0FTAgqzPTZPUATd99MWZ1xpb_4pBtYtSE0yWSXvZOwGj_HbcLb6L5mXy7N97Nglrvp_6S8SmmF9i5EdZ1njXHTlUKWZnGFF4Cfs/s1600/snap5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid9KPS9OEmOKDuE7hR5SJ21wjuhNXZ-7t_bGMXFxvx0FTAgqzPTZPUATd99MWZ1xpb_4pBtYtSE0yWSXvZOwGj_HbcLb6L5mXy7N97Nglrvp_6S8SmmF9i5EdZ1njXHTlUKWZnGFF4Cfs/s320/snap5.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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<v:shape id="Picture_x0020_20" o:spid="_x0000_i1030" style="height: 189.75pt; mso-wrap-style: square; visibility: visible; width: 141.75pt;" type="#_x0000_t75"> <v:imagedata o:title="" src="file:///C:\Users\npeu01\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image007.jpg"> </v:imagedata></v:shape><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: #31849b; font-family: Wingdings;">"<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span>Well done! You should now have a lovely neat snap closure <span style="font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e;">STEP 4: Making the pocket</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: #31849b; font-family: Wingdings;">"<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span>Pin the outer linen piece & one of the lining pieces (template B size) right sides together & stitch along the top side only<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: #31849b; font-family: Wingdings;">"<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span>Repeat this with the other two template B fabric pieces<o:p></o:p></div>
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<v:shape id="Picture_x0020_22" o:spid="_x0000_i1029" style="height: 141.75pt; mso-wrap-style: square; visibility: visible; width: 208.5pt;" type="#_x0000_t75"> <v:imagedata o:title="" src="file:///C:\Users\npeu01\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image008.jpg"> </v:imagedata></v:shape><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: #31849b; font-family: Wingdings;">"<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span>Very carefully, cut notches out all along the seam line<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ3yVnIdcjOgfwoEPGUmqxwWPDJ3KX0CTY_KZat_swxwkre-SnyfkM9e5vNuAsRVQ5gazkl3W1-WoMAsGSxSksuGlDo6Uo5pT1an6lSdgcIB89PTcBTHD9UpabXSpV9AKA2g3DI2Wr_yk/s1600/notch+seams.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ3yVnIdcjOgfwoEPGUmqxwWPDJ3KX0CTY_KZat_swxwkre-SnyfkM9e5vNuAsRVQ5gazkl3W1-WoMAsGSxSksuGlDo6Uo5pT1an6lSdgcIB89PTcBTHD9UpabXSpV9AKA2g3DI2Wr_yk/s320/notch+seams.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #31849b; font-family: Wingdings;">"<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span>Turn the pieces right side out & press<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: #31849b; font-family: Wingdings;">"<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span>If you like at this stage you can top stitch the pocket pieces on both pairs, although I preferred not to, because I wanted to try to keep the vintage look…<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm3vmQEnBPZTAcCSsEQ8PCUTTh6xIlWjwN1oKqemBAfZ6UFQT7qLvmBOTQts5W2Utor0vkvOw5HZtlwbvvp3PyAmKaRg-ZYPLI49m6oaRxelrAJ1wI6__vSHd-yTJjJXxvkK9yIz5UM8o/s1600/pockets+together.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm3vmQEnBPZTAcCSsEQ8PCUTTh6xIlWjwN1oKqemBAfZ6UFQT7qLvmBOTQts5W2Utor0vkvOw5HZtlwbvvp3PyAmKaRg-ZYPLI49m6oaRxelrAJ1wI6__vSHd-yTJjJXxvkK9yIz5UM8o/s320/pockets+together.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #31849b; font-family: Wingdings;">"<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span>Pin both pocket pairs together right sides out, matching up the notches at the bottom of your pocket pieces & stitch all the way along the sides & bottom using 1/8” seam allowance, remembering to backstitch at both ends</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<v:shape id="Picture_x0020_23" o:spid="_x0000_i1028" style="height: 141.75pt; mso-wrap-style: square; visibility: visible; width: 189.75pt;" type="#_x0000_t75"> <v:imagedata o:title="" src="file:///C:\Users\npeu01\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image009.jpg"> </v:imagedata></v:shape><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: #31849b; font-family: Wingdings;">"<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span>You should now have a wee half purse which looks something like this:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<v:shape id="Picture_x0020_24" o:spid="_x0000_i1027" style="height: 150pt; mso-wrap-style: square; visibility: visible; width: 202.5pt;" type="#_x0000_t75"> <v:imagedata o:title="" src="file:///C:\Users\npeu01\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image010.jpg"> </v:imagedata></v:shape><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5iZY04CpvvqzYy0Xmob8c_DWmmT9A76UAwNUEaqBrWPLpGRjsRMMyepSP6bs1eN2_NPZkfvd3lLi8cLpwd1z_VJgEg2j5pz5XN_zIYfk949r5eTW2IIpDb6cpRGmbZR3fh6cCBuogS4M/s1600/pocket+clutch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5iZY04CpvvqzYy0Xmob8c_DWmmT9A76UAwNUEaqBrWPLpGRjsRMMyepSP6bs1eN2_NPZkfvd3lLi8cLpwd1z_VJgEg2j5pz5XN_zIYfk949r5eTW2IIpDb6cpRGmbZR3fh6cCBuogS4M/s320/pocket+clutch.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e;">STEP 5: Preparing your main clutch piece</span></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: #31849b; font-family: Wingdings;">"<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span>You’re nearly ready to put all the pieces together, but first you could add some lace or a wee loop for a key ring if you like. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: #669900; font-family: ZDingbats;">D<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span>For the lace, simply stitch it all the way round the right side of the outer fabric template “A” piece approx. 1/8” IN from the edge of the piece (you can see a wee peak at that in the photo above) facing inward (so that it will flick out nicely when you put it all together).<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: #669900; font-family: ZDingbats;">D<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span> If you want to add a wee loop, simply take a scrap of one of your fabric pieces approx. 2 1/2” X 8”. Fold the strip in half lengthwise right sides together & stitch along the LONG side. Turn the tube right side out, press & fold in half lengthwise. Insert a ring into your loop and stitch both ends to the right side of the template “A” piece using 1/8” seam allowance<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e;">STEP 6: Putting it all together</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: #31849b; font-family: Wingdings;">"<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span>Well done! You’re nearly there <span style="font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: #31849b; font-family: Wingdings;">"<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span>Carefully pin the pocket pieces on top of the lining template “A” piece, right sides up matching the wee notch & stitch along the pocket sides & bottom using 1/8” seam allowance…you should be sewing over your previous stitch line.. This step just helps keep everything together, if you are confident in your pining & sewing you can omit this stage if you like</div>
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<span style="color: #31849b; font-family: Wingdings;">"<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span>Now take your template “A” outer fabric piece & place it on top of this lining/pocket piece right sides together. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: #31849b; font-family: Wingdings;">"<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span>Using ¼” seam allowance, stitch all the way around the clutch, leaving a gap of approx. 3” in the top left side of the clutch (not the side where you have your loop)…. This will be for turning everything through, so make sure you backstitch at both ends. At a few places you will be sewing through a few layers, so take your time to keep your machine happy <span style="font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<v:shape id="Picture_x0020_1" o:spid="_x0000_i1026" style="height: 240pt; mso-wrap-style: square; visibility: visible; width: 235.5pt;" type="#_x0000_t75"> <v:imagedata o:title="" src="file:///C:\Users\npeu01\AppData\Local\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image011.jpg"> </v:imagedata></v:shape><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: #31849b; font-family: Wingdings;">"<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span>Trim notches around the curves at the top & bottom of the clutch</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS425EOjsiEnK1hwZJKSEGebkeOCid5WvWJtA7L9xUdg0jHkOqawBI_Ln2AVajo6faXea390QQHDD5mwmdcXMpq-X4Ybkai3aO7-yFZeVEsNtoxvXvrKMm_kqLay1cqJ_ukb3q5o14nT8/s1600/clutch+inside+seams.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS425EOjsiEnK1hwZJKSEGebkeOCid5WvWJtA7L9xUdg0jHkOqawBI_Ln2AVajo6faXea390QQHDD5mwmdcXMpq-X4Ybkai3aO7-yFZeVEsNtoxvXvrKMm_kqLay1cqJ_ukb3q5o14nT8/s320/clutch+inside+seams.jpg" width="314" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e;">Step 7: Turning it out </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: #31849b; font-family: Wingdings;">"<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span>Pull the clutch inside out through the gap in the lining, so that you have the lining fabric & pocket on the inside (right sides out) & the outer fabric inside. Use a pallet knife or something rounded, but not too sharp to poke out your curves & give it a good press<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: #31849b; font-family: Wingdings;">"<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span>Using a matching thread, hand stitch closed the turning gap between the lining and your outer piece (ladder stitch is a good one to use for this)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: #31849b; font-family: Wingdings;">"<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span>If you like you could embroider a simple running stitch around the outside using 3 strands of co-ordinating embroidery floss<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: #31849b; font-family: Wingdings;">"<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span>Congratulations! You’ve just made a lovely wee vintage clutch!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_2DIQJiao5OpClA5QHD7NtI1baUNzBD25K3M1x_xSXVZfY3mbJG4T0cfBceF56QY3MAwtCmTe3tgsUB6v50EwM7d2s03BRHRcIvsUnnG7ojGOTYomLXA0yvDNHuYDfTHP2lszAMi6IOg/s1600/finished+clutch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_2DIQJiao5OpClA5QHD7NtI1baUNzBD25K3M1x_xSXVZfY3mbJG4T0cfBceF56QY3MAwtCmTe3tgsUB6v50EwM7d2s03BRHRcIvsUnnG7ojGOTYomLXA0yvDNHuYDfTHP2lszAMi6IOg/s320/finished+clutch.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="text-indent: 0cm;"> </span></div>
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<span style="text-indent: 0cm;">I do hope you have enjoyed this tutorial. If you have any questions, drop me a wee note to birdsongstitches@gmail.com</span></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
If you like, you could make a wee card with some of those lovely liberty scraps<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp1NCvjrHr22V4w0jtqwiVZ0nJdW453Yr1q5gjYTK4lad9WLZt6fh-fZjgskBH-2ICUCPQT-j1kquVWhlCRDGsu6eOlJVX1cwo4N-AGd7l_qSIljFQqnlwqX55Azb0cfsbKIgNc2iESMQ/s1600/LSC+Notelet+&+Pouch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp1NCvjrHr22V4w0jtqwiVZ0nJdW453Yr1q5gjYTK4lad9WLZt6fh-fZjgskBH-2ICUCPQT-j1kquVWhlCRDGsu6eOlJVX1cwo4N-AGd7l_qSIljFQqnlwqX55Azb0cfsbKIgNc2iESMQ/s320/LSC+Notelet+&+Pouch.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Thanks so much for calling in to-day & if you get a free moment, do drop by the <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/libertyscrapchallenge2012/">Liberty Scrap Challenge flickr group</a> to see some other gorgeous liberty tutorials<br />
Hope you all have a great week<br />
Take care<br />
Karen<br />
<br />
<br /></div>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16685219874989941817noreply@blogger.com14