tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72352410263173218992024-02-18T20:43:35.845-05:00Rocks and ChickensMusings of a girl who loves sewing, crafting, gardening, and God.Ashleigh @ Rocks and Chickenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15738929353163939093noreply@blogger.comBlogger90125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7235241026317321899.post-22986517595656754032015-11-06T00:00:00.000-05:002015-11-07T06:43:10.326-05:00Arielle Skirt Accomplished!<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm a little behind, I know.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But - I finished the <a href="http://shop.tillyandthebuttons.com/collections/sewingpatterns/products/arielle" target="_blank">Arielle skirt</a>! And without any tears, cursing, or other major (or really minor) fiascos. Success. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Well, there was trouble with one buttonhole. And I sewed them inside out, so the prettier part's on the inside and not-quite-as-pretty part is on the outside, but it's not too bad. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq24lYWwyZzTdetZVzPTJ8vLMp5Xz10EmBPfB9t4zBUdJCKlbA0O4F0B-ng0ggQR_Ymc1X0nPmF4Rl8F9wbgv39XsbFaf75-MRhXBSHX_vJRwuhhr3GdQLmF4J7LPE1zA8dO7k2PUCqmk/s1600/P1030906.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq24lYWwyZzTdetZVzPTJ8vLMp5Xz10EmBPfB9t4zBUdJCKlbA0O4F0B-ng0ggQR_Ymc1X0nPmF4Rl8F9wbgv39XsbFaf75-MRhXBSHX_vJRwuhhr3GdQLmF4J7LPE1zA8dO7k2PUCqmk/s640/P1030906.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Excuse the wrinkles...I wore it, and then made Mr. Gardener take a picture at the end of the day. But, I think you get the idea. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I am not going to tell you how long I took to make it...other than it was over the course of a weekend and a long-butt time. It really wasn't, but people who sew faster than I do (everyone) would be like, <i>what the heckola</i> were you doing that whole time? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjENULcL7HtN8_BEYNFqEkRmCfKguCLgWBdx-XmDori3N_-AbVn3h3qGi7408lK4MA8IFmJ_EPb6UZzqixVFTL4jAifoy5mkgn7_JdJ6NTOSt_NIto6P2hLEROJpLWsGckHrrNgDe6MNfw/s1600/P1030904.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjENULcL7HtN8_BEYNFqEkRmCfKguCLgWBdx-XmDori3N_-AbVn3h3qGi7408lK4MA8IFmJ_EPb6UZzqixVFTL4jAifoy5mkgn7_JdJ6NTOSt_NIto6P2hLEROJpLWsGckHrrNgDe6MNfw/s640/P1030904.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So, technically speaking, I've made two garments (well, two and a half, one is very much a <strike>UFO</strike> work in progress) previously. But, one is just barely wearable, and the other is fairly good, but not from a pattern, so that doesn't really count for these purposes.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I have to say, then, that I'm pretty qualified to say that Tilly's patterns and instructions are very beginner friendly. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I only had a couple of moments where it took me a couple of minutes to figure out how to accomplish something from the instructions. Her <a href="http://shop.tillyandthebuttons.com/products/love-at-first-stitch" target="_blank">book</a> and her <a href="http://www.tillyandthebuttons.com/" target="_blank">site</a> were extremely helpful, however, in clarifying those couple of items. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMnUOwtLoh2vOLb5dAaHFeyrN09pvs3qBZOcD_h8k7m5ky2FM4CsuRnVdzxhC49qY-1j9cel4SsiiBASbQyDK5wciXxKumwsu5q6ibTyRe58CCzxn0tW0WF5FIgzS2IBmxohsC7B-6kbs/s1600/P1030905.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMnUOwtLoh2vOLb5dAaHFeyrN09pvs3qBZOcD_h8k7m5ky2FM4CsuRnVdzxhC49qY-1j9cel4SsiiBASbQyDK5wciXxKumwsu5q6ibTyRe58CCzxn0tW0WF5FIgzS2IBmxohsC7B-6kbs/s640/P1030905.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
By and far, I'm really happy with how it turned out. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'm really glad <a href="http://rocksandchickens.blogspot.com/2015/10/arielle-skirt-muslin-1.html" target="_blank">I made a muslin</a>. It helped me fix a couple of items with regard to fit. And...it drew my attention to some important points in the instructions (like how to cut it out properly so that part of the skirt doesn't end up inside out...not that I did that twice while sewing the muslin or anything). ;) </div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilVZjDmLskCWjd953f5YQMkdqHc45Nrpp51sRRmbM_TSZX34eSA4ylNUG15nZZ6Iiww1m5f6zJxzyKQHejgI504G-sUv6BfMbfEV6Oa8oyHbIBOA-vNR3tn9bCfcK9u61f1HqZWt7UI6k/s1600/P1030815.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilVZjDmLskCWjd953f5YQMkdqHc45Nrpp51sRRmbM_TSZX34eSA4ylNUG15nZZ6Iiww1m5f6zJxzyKQHejgI504G-sUv6BfMbfEV6Oa8oyHbIBOA-vNR3tn9bCfcK9u61f1HqZWt7UI6k/s640/P1030815.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The two main things that I did were to shorten the length. The skirt comes in two lengths - mini and pencil. While the mini really wouldn't have been <i>too</i> mini on me (I'm 5'1"), I wanted to wear it to work and not be concerned that it was too short. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So, I shortened the pencil. I cannot recall how much I shortened it by - sorry!! But, I'd recommend that you make your own muslin anyway. Even with the same measurements we're all different.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I also took in the back darts. I left the bottom portion at the size 4, but graded out to the next mark on either side.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Next time, however, I think I need to take the darts in about half an inch more. It fits well everywhere, but still gapes in the back a little when I sit down. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU7hfkSYmSK_TOwnV6WXpGNUAkg3_cTyCqLhxbca0-86PuzLKj3ElWJjVUauVtGSaxxGSsa05FZEgAZV-lSaPafkPwYOYpuC__Zsyd7Ua2myMApnVeAZCDGzEM4hpkh8hVZxLWD6UPE6g/s1600/P1030907.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU7hfkSYmSK_TOwnV6WXpGNUAkg3_cTyCqLhxbca0-86PuzLKj3ElWJjVUauVtGSaxxGSsa05FZEgAZV-lSaPafkPwYOYpuC__Zsyd7Ua2myMApnVeAZCDGzEM4hpkh8hVZxLWD6UPE6g/s640/P1030907.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Other changes won't be many, but I think I'll pick a fabric with just a little more drape, too. It needs some structure, but I feel like this might just have a little too much structure.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I don't know - what do you think? </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Any other thoughts or suggestions or fit?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I also lined it and, for some reason, took no pictures. It's a basic white, definitely not exciting. But, I'm so glad I did it. It feels nice, and makes it stick less if I wear tights.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And, people, winter's coming. Tights are coming out.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I hate winter. Oh well, asi es la vida, right?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Main Fabric - <a href="https://www.fabric.com/buy/0397772/stretch-cotton-sateen-solid-pumpkin" target="_blank">Stretch Cotton Sateen Solid Pumpkin</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Lining Fabric - <a href="https://www.fabric.com/buy/0304845/kaufman-duet-lining-white" target="_blank">Kaufman Duet Lining in White</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Buttons - Joann's </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Pattern - <a href="http://shop.tillyandthebuttons.com/collections/sewingpatterns/products/arielle" target="_blank">Arielle Skirt</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Size 4</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Linking up with <a href="http://crazymomquilts.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Crazy Mom Quilts</a> for <a href="http://crazymomquilts.blogspot.com/2015/11/mini-coffee-cups.html" target="_blank">Finish it Up Friday</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Ashleigh @ Rocks and Chickenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15738929353163939093noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7235241026317321899.post-35076252349786094202015-11-04T00:00:00.001-05:002015-11-04T00:00:01.006-05:00Not So Scary Y-Seams<div style="text-align: center;">
I have a new baby quilt that I've been working on for a very special, longtime friend. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am incredibly happy for her, and this is going to be a really special baby. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4ixO5oLz8xD8ZrMJlHqv2HU2BRVc1B-61y-6I8HDChWq21X4GX4dz-7YNZtT0k4aOdSyzCOJK-F1x6CYACu9pQXh7r2O2k0in1Wg7J95Kt5C7DHnyoYBShux7NHFIEg2ghPm0sltkq_U/s1600/P1030817.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4ixO5oLz8xD8ZrMJlHqv2HU2BRVc1B-61y-6I8HDChWq21X4GX4dz-7YNZtT0k4aOdSyzCOJK-F1x6CYACu9pQXh7r2O2k0in1Wg7J95Kt5C7DHnyoYBShux7NHFIEg2ghPm0sltkq_U/s640/P1030817.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I've been learning Y-seams just for this quilt.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
They're really not as scary as people make them out to seem.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
That being said, piecing is slow-going, and I need to take breaks with other projects in between to keep my sanity, but it's not terrible. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0b7KT7mtRd3Ub-EfRak77ybdpEmJYJnWlt9Ubrh20rCLKkb5pOcnsbXl93LzPeDK7t1AScg5thVF6dRQmFxIs1_BQawZVdZ70b2OSKp9eUsF3iD62NG_sm-wFzXjyQsPjHcVffi6y80g/s1600/P1030818.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0b7KT7mtRd3Ub-EfRak77ybdpEmJYJnWlt9Ubrh20rCLKkb5pOcnsbXl93LzPeDK7t1AScg5thVF6dRQmFxIs1_BQawZVdZ70b2OSKp9eUsF3iD62NG_sm-wFzXjyQsPjHcVffi6y80g/s640/P1030818.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I am glad that it's a project that I waited on until my consistency with seam allowance improved, though.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And I have a closer relationship to my seam ripper. hahaha</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh0BBo-co6P8okLpDkrnXaKBv_oud7_WtuvRjiBBVHMUMnhaF_XuPI4hGqD_D6lvMeyK8cq9_3l1WX4zHVLSyBRuWMg8wOPtWKpdc6JYuPXP4t9dvX8LMV1-5jrViwwJbFidWpfDMXlcA/s1600/P1030819.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh0BBo-co6P8okLpDkrnXaKBv_oud7_WtuvRjiBBVHMUMnhaF_XuPI4hGqD_D6lvMeyK8cq9_3l1WX4zHVLSyBRuWMg8wOPtWKpdc6JYuPXP4t9dvX8LMV1-5jrViwwJbFidWpfDMXlcA/s640/P1030819.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I got on the somewhat low volume bandwagon.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I really wanted the colored, arrow-type pieces to pop. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSCxtSD0etCEnDdQpfly8gb02b5jF5buDnFc0LDqBkAXGR7FTK8eApFG90wKcMAGL7IFwOR4wQW5iNKPJiLDTBljm9Swa9tOIq9JKBd3i6mUT_UqUPOdtOrMYHBAxVhN5JnJIJzZpvpcY/s1600/P1030820.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSCxtSD0etCEnDdQpfly8gb02b5jF5buDnFc0LDqBkAXGR7FTK8eApFG90wKcMAGL7IFwOR4wQW5iNKPJiLDTBljm9Swa9tOIq9JKBd3i6mUT_UqUPOdtOrMYHBAxVhN5JnJIJzZpvpcY/s640/P1030820.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I don't know if it's a boy or girl (my money's on boy), but I think it's gender-neutral enough.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And these are fabrics that really remind me of my friend.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwdKTwUg36damlgm-wbir_1ZJdymYFqR82JZBz-8V1axD2tDHZtbjDfvEQUfUwe54JHolwO3SdlDuxX-pgGqsinwhKsEE9ZvNPpMqNgwK2SoY2bUC0kGKUQ9fr-ruOJLc39DikAfeL19w/s1600/P1030821.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwdKTwUg36damlgm-wbir_1ZJdymYFqR82JZBz-8V1axD2tDHZtbjDfvEQUfUwe54JHolwO3SdlDuxX-pgGqsinwhKsEE9ZvNPpMqNgwK2SoY2bUC0kGKUQ9fr-ruOJLc39DikAfeL19w/s640/P1030821.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Look at that beauty of a seam!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Some are certainly better than others, but it's coming along nicely. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy3gJrWcANAvSioEXFmvIZm84Rh_vxZRJV0DZ-JhK9O9fcR2xLLWe9DwNH-TcaH0mxGRSMzvY8Tyxfn8bB8aXDMzmkYG3KM7p7MdNp0PgTalyYZkPR44twy1UCt6auaMeCm-gMIuC_5lw/s1600/P1030822.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy3gJrWcANAvSioEXFmvIZm84Rh_vxZRJV0DZ-JhK9O9fcR2xLLWe9DwNH-TcaH0mxGRSMzvY8Tyxfn8bB8aXDMzmkYG3KM7p7MdNp0PgTalyYZkPR44twy1UCt6auaMeCm-gMIuC_5lw/s640/P1030822.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Not too shabby here, either. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEOv_6S3HaiDYefRgBjWe1S31QtltllcsJlyx5MsNG8tTHvl1fDST5-bxnauLYU6bxTxNj8WDX5xBN0DjZ4q3tTO7ST5ZWfFYeivuh8Lm9LZYIqmIePJIxFDMEvLAE_HGkMbj-8icZd5E/s1600/P1030826.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEOv_6S3HaiDYefRgBjWe1S31QtltllcsJlyx5MsNG8tTHvl1fDST5-bxnauLYU6bxTxNj8WDX5xBN0DjZ4q3tTO7ST5ZWfFYeivuh8Lm9LZYIqmIePJIxFDMEvLAE_HGkMbj-8icZd5E/s640/P1030826.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I can't wait to finish this baby up and pass it on. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I love making quilts for friends, praying for them and their families, putting my love in the quilt. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Any new skills that you're working on?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Ashleigh @ Rocks and Chickenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15738929353163939093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7235241026317321899.post-33002423091763034572015-10-07T06:00:00.000-04:002015-10-07T21:49:51.427-04:00Arielle Skirt - Muslin #1<div style="text-align: center;">
So, I've been wanting to venture out into apparel for some time now.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But it's super intimidating. First of all, patterns. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I mean, I can measure out so many inches by so many inches on a piece of quilting cotton with my ruler and rotary cutter. But how do those markings on that tissue paper stuff get on your fabric?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Am I right?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Plus, now you're working in three dimensions.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And quilting cottons just play so nice. In quilts. Not always so much in apparel.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Somehow, at some point, I stumbled on <a href="http://www.tillyandthebuttons.com/" target="_blank">Tilly's blog</a>.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Oh my gosh, you guys. She is <i>adorable</i>. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And she's really good at explaining and demonstrating.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So, when her <a href="http://shop.tillyandthebuttons.com/products/love-at-first-stitch" target="_blank">book</a> came out, I was all over that like white on rice (3/4s white?). ;) I have read it cover to cover multiple times, and it breaks things down in such an accessible way. And it comes with super cute patterns that I actually want to make. So often sewing books for beginners have <i>terrible</i> patterns. Stuff I have no interest in making. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Not so with Tilly.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But she had this <i>other</i> pattern, not in her book, that I was just loving. The <a href="http://shop.tillyandthebuttons.com/collections/sewingpatterns/products/arielle" target="_blank">Arielle Skir</a>t.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I mean how cute is that?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And work appropriate?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Yes and yes.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And I need a little distraction from some other things on my mind and heart right now?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Also yes.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So I started the Arielle.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4boRS_gsj_GOuDPuFGd7xZwe71JGmv7Vd31ap-bzFIa2zjhCI_WQtaljKBIQkBj-Q4xIP7CzfgIB8BDauHHtks4TlDpb8ki8OXTBt6nWqFyHCzCy-m-6LM574egoED9SFCm3tB8zsaTE/s1600/P1030434.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4boRS_gsj_GOuDPuFGd7xZwe71JGmv7Vd31ap-bzFIa2zjhCI_WQtaljKBIQkBj-Q4xIP7CzfgIB8BDauHHtks4TlDpb8ki8OXTBt6nWqFyHCzCy-m-6LM574egoED9SFCm3tB8zsaTE/s640/P1030434.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So, I, per Tilly's great advice, made a muslin. I measured between a 3 and 4 in Tilly's sizes, so I graded between the two (how-to shown in her book and her blog) on my trusty Swedish tracing paper. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1dKZv6zKJbWmlhond2NrwyTkDJvcWuYH_Kkl79uA2WDAku9QnsM_LBhmQvZBUK8rJPAP3QkR6XZml5qSZk0eAWBhy4PMPuOtQMloQCnUbslop5w0oKPbCTdsn5Q5gYzJKOHmcZMC1RSs/s1600/P1030437.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1dKZv6zKJbWmlhond2NrwyTkDJvcWuYH_Kkl79uA2WDAku9QnsM_LBhmQvZBUK8rJPAP3QkR6XZml5qSZk0eAWBhy4PMPuOtQMloQCnUbslop5w0oKPbCTdsn5Q5gYzJKOHmcZMC1RSs/s640/P1030437.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I used Saral Tracing Paper and my Clover tracing wheel to transfer the markings to muslin (that's how you do it!) and carefully cut out.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBb0kwdRYM2gG-VARHXpOzC9Nc3yVN4uxC6tRdZaUlkjcCHJx8ND4gilIVEGkcCl9pFWjSfwqBWjCbSaCxC3AWcMnBwSq-0OHbfB7CD1du9zmnNPtQ1eQPar5PCdBbk1-sSVOnaCdjhy0/s1600/P1030438.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBb0kwdRYM2gG-VARHXpOzC9Nc3yVN4uxC6tRdZaUlkjcCHJx8ND4gilIVEGkcCl9pFWjSfwqBWjCbSaCxC3AWcMnBwSq-0OHbfB7CD1du9zmnNPtQ1eQPar5PCdBbk1-sSVOnaCdjhy0/s640/P1030438.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'm so glad I took the time to make a muslin, because it really just didn't fit the way I wanted. And if you're going to the trouble of making something for yourself, it really should fit well, right? </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I mean that's the advantage of sewing.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'm certainly not "average" size wise. Who is? I'd like to meet you. ;)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'm shorter than what ready-to-wear considers petite for example. I'm 5'1" and "petite" is made for a 5'4". Three inches can be quite a bit of difference. </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzMan2yraMeW_s82YEEAhFp8pD0YOGJVa_REkATPEsuoXQaYREN1f2MxnAldCe6Wfk9XAkiEyCVOUzJpFrvfe5lac49CF92AjMil1I_T4peAv4Tf31bwo3YoxST-x3wjKiF8NFWkd69Bc/s1600/P1030447.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzMan2yraMeW_s82YEEAhFp8pD0YOGJVa_REkATPEsuoXQaYREN1f2MxnAldCe6Wfk9XAkiEyCVOUzJpFrvfe5lac49CF92AjMil1I_T4peAv4Tf31bwo3YoxST-x3wjKiF8NFWkd69Bc/s640/P1030447.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
For example, you can kind of see in this first picture that the skirt is just too long for me. </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I apologize, these aren't the greatest pictures. I'll make Mr. Gardener take them next time. ;)</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbHBjwHPg_wgkVFu8rDeoVHOF9YSaKjwj2spA2NG8Tds7FyXHlBXBHfxwTmyYJgq6yXd4gz2MyidTLDpTwtlnedsJuPk796Wv67uPr7rYUw2v0OkA4TmdrzailKSmFm_Gw55Gr_gZLC1o/s1600/P1030444.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbHBjwHPg_wgkVFu8rDeoVHOF9YSaKjwj2spA2NG8Tds7FyXHlBXBHfxwTmyYJgq6yXd4gz2MyidTLDpTwtlnedsJuPk796Wv67uPr7rYUw2v0OkA4TmdrzailKSmFm_Gw55Gr_gZLC1o/s640/P1030444.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Pinning it up made it much better for me.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Some people can really pull off that mid-calf, midi look. I, however, look stumpy. So, I just don't do it. ;)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It fits <i>okay</i>, but I'm not in love with how it's pulling across the middle. It makes me feel like it's too tight and made me just feel unattractive.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And I'm a believer that how you feel influences what you look like (and how often you wear something). So I need to make some adjustments here. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I also realized that I didn't follow the tracing/cutting instructions quite right so the darts are right side in in the back and wrong side out in the front. Oops. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc3b1G8dXNhCpZ7YKvFeWqqoa6AUFfBclig0IoD4v8QPnj7sgoWbU56-fopOft7eIfTjt0f2uBWgL6fyVIoV5RhGvijlzrnW61JGB7OKfPNAg8pz3zrUMnRpEifD_vef1JyFaa7Z_K5CY/s1600/P1030453.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc3b1G8dXNhCpZ7YKvFeWqqoa6AUFfBclig0IoD4v8QPnj7sgoWbU56-fopOft7eIfTjt0f2uBWgL6fyVIoV5RhGvijlzrnW61JGB7OKfPNAg8pz3zrUMnRpEifD_vef1JyFaa7Z_K5CY/s640/P1030453.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
But at the same time, while I've got some hips and booty influencing the pull in the front, the waist doesn't fit quite right either.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So, I think I will shorten the length, size up to a four instead of grading between the three and four, and take in the darts in the back. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'll let you know how it goes. :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
But I'm so glad I did this with my cheap, crappy muslin fabric versus my nice and more expensive apparel fabric (which should be in the mail!).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Are you working on anything interesting?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
Linking up with <a href="http://www.freshlypieced.com/" target="_blank">Freshly Pieced</a> for <a href="http://www.freshlypieced.com/2015/10/wip-wednesday-kaleidoscopes-back.html" target="_blank">WiP Wednesday</a>!</div>
Ashleigh @ Rocks and Chickenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15738929353163939093noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7235241026317321899.post-73584623302523241402015-09-30T11:59:00.000-04:002015-10-02T19:21:24.862-04:00Minky Baby Blanket<div style="text-align: center;">
So, you know the whole <a href="http://www.focusonthefamily.com/marriage/communication-and-conflict/learn-to-speak-your-spouses-love-language/understanding-the-five-love-languages" target="_blank">5 love languages</a> thing?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So, disclaimer, I've never read the book. I have the book. It's on my shelf. Haha. But I know the general principles.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Basically, we're all wired differently. I think this is a pretty universally accepted truth, yes? So, in that same spirit, we show and receive love differently.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Well, I'm not sure what my receiving language is, but I think my giving is gifts. I love to make things for people. It's a reminder for me to pray for the recipient and his/her specific situation and I think that knowing that time was spent on something is an affirmation of love for that person. (There's some selfishness in there, too, I will admit. I like to make. I also like when the things I make are appreciated. I'm human.) But, moreover, I like to show my love that way.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Anyway, our friends' little guy had to have some pretty serious surgery this summer. He came through it like a champ and is doing fabulously well. Praise God! But, I wanted to give him and them a little cuddly something to hang onto in the hospital.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
What better than a cuddly blankie when you're not feeling good? Plus, every baby and little guy needs a good blankie. Am I right?</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGJzMgC6eJiLrj3Xp3bbWjsq7eaYnhsRZ4G-rmlWSlJ0WtkkQPiu5XgT0g7PmxKiBa4AA98ACmKg-HbR9ut-i6ocYrbjJ_T5N128cFJqjAfjI8ZVMTxEoCpy21lKdwSsbKPrUQ0VGkleY/s1600/P1030264.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGJzMgC6eJiLrj3Xp3bbWjsq7eaYnhsRZ4G-rmlWSlJ0WtkkQPiu5XgT0g7PmxKiBa4AA98ACmKg-HbR9ut-i6ocYrbjJ_T5N128cFJqjAfjI8ZVMTxEoCpy21lKdwSsbKPrUQ0VGkleY/s320/P1030264.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5mjM1L31Ynd_JxIXKyvunlU7CYt17X9I-iRX7WWOlbG-u0-jlgyeA5YvhA557CBj39pcJbvBcpgJstyx4rIEriPfalOebjbB6Fk_dkfLhOEOw8wDKEhJcdm86269s6flfYyUZ8TbJglo/s1600/P1030266.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5mjM1L31Ynd_JxIXKyvunlU7CYt17X9I-iRX7WWOlbG-u0-jlgyeA5YvhA557CBj39pcJbvBcpgJstyx4rIEriPfalOebjbB6Fk_dkfLhOEOw8wDKEhJcdm86269s6flfYyUZ8TbJglo/s320/P1030266.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So, I got some minky and some flannel from JoAnn's and went to town.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The little guy's dad plays bass and guitar, so I had to get some musical flannel. Plus, aside, if Mr. Gardener and I are blessed to have children, I definitely got a glimpse into the future when we visited the hospital. They asked Mr. Gardener to play some lullabies on the guitar, which was sweet. But, obviously, lullaby means a sweeter version of Gimme Shelter followed by some Black Sabbath. Yes? No? hahaha</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Anyway, I had never sewn with minky before so I looked at some tips online. Got some thoughts and went to town.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So minky. Sucker sheds like a dog in summer. Be prepared. Clean your machine afterward. Have your vacuum handy. Just saying.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It's also very stretchy. So I approached the initial blanket construction a lot like basting a quilt.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIjpSY7oZntKbBYqt2H4WcZW3HCH5WSETs8n7Ty-kH_gsd3uI6A7-z8xZSCxFBFD8mAoBsWBz6ylG8iPCU8E8ojrnIPmSPjBgK2wYPAKnFTMI96ovY7t0l3RcMB3sBd6s_TRDCt4GHiUE/s1600/P1030272.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIjpSY7oZntKbBYqt2H4WcZW3HCH5WSETs8n7Ty-kH_gsd3uI6A7-z8xZSCxFBFD8mAoBsWBz6ylG8iPCU8E8ojrnIPmSPjBgK2wYPAKnFTMI96ovY7t0l3RcMB3sBd6s_TRDCt4GHiUE/s320/P1030272.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
After I cut the top and bottom to the approximate size I wanted (really was determined by the width of the flannel minus selvedges - I think it was 45", but I can't remember for certain), I taped the minky to the floor right side up with masking tape.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Then I laid the flannel right side down on top.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCG4qfmFs0FbIU9t0LP5tUTZdIZ8a-R-yeckhgQtWFJNj39yHOe-T7VXJKmHyVIvGB7ef93gvUHBKF3RJiNHyL9_vLB4CTIE1LycBRFHHzto0-oC9CWeDWCsXS2BLm8tpcJA4MF-ZyY3M/s1600/P1030275.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCG4qfmFs0FbIU9t0LP5tUTZdIZ8a-R-yeckhgQtWFJNj39yHOe-T7VXJKmHyVIvGB7ef93gvUHBKF3RJiNHyL9_vLB4CTIE1LycBRFHHzto0-oC9CWeDWCsXS2BLm8tpcJA4MF-ZyY3M/s320/P1030275.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
One of the tips I read online, which I totally agree with, is to pin the minky like crazy. Pin, pin, pin. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It builds character.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
You will probably live through the pinning.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYrC_ywdCvPA7jV5vWQGICKd0DRjhAadk1od1jDFYW2VNbTmpJ5XbjHVGloY_qzq4b5T3w0QYQaO8Y26VPnKqBrDfqfni66ccug7B9LhWu2wlytjMAdLn7DtC5-h9CHN70FHncH9IZ2sQ/s1600/P1030277.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYrC_ywdCvPA7jV5vWQGICKd0DRjhAadk1od1jDFYW2VNbTmpJ5XbjHVGloY_qzq4b5T3w0QYQaO8Y26VPnKqBrDfqfni66ccug7B9LhWu2wlytjMAdLn7DtC5-h9CHN70FHncH9IZ2sQ/s320/P1030277.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Then I trimmed the excess minky. For me, it was tremendously easier to trim down at this stage. It was forced to stay more in place and was more accurate.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRh_DeyAtArFoNJqA3UuJPIafBhYCArqS5rK3EsbJ3tg5d8BHA1dnMdG12mKBzbyuK43VU0DeGPzMTkvLU1VWxJ42EVqmzLPy6LGD7QGCWBG0VdMm77iFgEL_A0mjM2j-zY42QrD_DK-Y/s1600/P1030278.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRh_DeyAtArFoNJqA3UuJPIafBhYCArqS5rK3EsbJ3tg5d8BHA1dnMdG12mKBzbyuK43VU0DeGPzMTkvLU1VWxJ42EVqmzLPy6LGD7QGCWBG0VdMm77iFgEL_A0mjM2j-zY42QrD_DK-Y/s320/P1030278.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Then I sewed the pieces together (right sides together) with a 5/8 seam allowance, using my little strip of washi tape on the side as a guide.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
While I'm sure you can use a regular foot, I used my even feed foot (or use your walking foot if you don't have a built-in even feed), which I believe made a HUGE difference. It was so much easier with the stretchy fabric. I also recommend keeping the minky on the bottom. I think it feeds through the machine more easily.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_oicbQnH3beq4ycFGb_srh0otMvnWUcnoqVi1qnjEdjjo7pBR2PhDnWH-6y5l-oVMsJieHx-K_bIb3QGcVz2rsoOlhsdItq12_ak4_nGcct63BxkLbiyFAZw6Bd7sl0tojXXtv_Vw50Q/s1600/P1030282.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_oicbQnH3beq4ycFGb_srh0otMvnWUcnoqVi1qnjEdjjo7pBR2PhDnWH-6y5l-oVMsJieHx-K_bIb3QGcVz2rsoOlhsdItq12_ak4_nGcct63BxkLbiyFAZw6Bd7sl0tojXXtv_Vw50Q/s320/P1030282.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Sew, sew, sew, making right angles at the corners.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Leave a space for turning the work on one of the sides and backstitch at both ends so you don't pull out your stitches while turning. Probably 10 inches or so should do.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtdVVspjXQ9juP4cmE9uR3bKgKECsqNBPd9DpEnlrKG6IO_0L7Mt5fwIdSEsDv1fd0eW-V3dghWZ32FMxlMImCSHJNHL-6XeJEuwLOmIiFUt3YQ9RFxL2ir9HMIaYaa9nahFIMgSQqYeA/s1600/P1030283.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtdVVspjXQ9juP4cmE9uR3bKgKECsqNBPd9DpEnlrKG6IO_0L7Mt5fwIdSEsDv1fd0eW-V3dghWZ32FMxlMImCSHJNHL-6XeJEuwLOmIiFUt3YQ9RFxL2ir9HMIaYaa9nahFIMgSQqYeA/s320/P1030283.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Before you turn, clip your corners to reduce bulk, but be careful not to clip your stitches.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFJpUNQy4OnS8u4c3_-S_0VT7Kj46ZalXvQot0eWZoXX9_JYlx2ZMDf0pX_07pD5EX2NQPfH4aP1Ht1LqsBqyb59jbt9PBOFLv5yybZZGO5-JnNQyy6yVFeRw2TNUAZHg_ah2PDupq2R4/s1600/P1030284.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFJpUNQy4OnS8u4c3_-S_0VT7Kj46ZalXvQot0eWZoXX9_JYlx2ZMDf0pX_07pD5EX2NQPfH4aP1Ht1LqsBqyb59jbt9PBOFLv5yybZZGO5-JnNQyy6yVFeRw2TNUAZHg_ah2PDupq2R4/s320/P1030284.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Turn inside out, tuck in the area that you left open for turning, and topstitch, being careful to catch the open area in topstitching to stitch it closed. I used a 1/2 inch seam allowance and readjusted my washi tape guide accordingly.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Don't forget to backstitch!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW96CgR4ECCLzGunl3ib4xsP63t3GmSNbK_nQaPaI2yP5jfrhy0usNa2psO-AneGNcsF935HIhfHaVR7ytjT7sHEfFsv2nt9NH72uxl-__L0RW7xKj8ClQNkPTOULSMFtKU4XZ-2QY8tc/s1600/P1030289.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW96CgR4ECCLzGunl3ib4xsP63t3GmSNbK_nQaPaI2yP5jfrhy0usNa2psO-AneGNcsF935HIhfHaVR7ytjT7sHEfFsv2nt9NH72uxl-__L0RW7xKj8ClQNkPTOULSMFtKU4XZ-2QY8tc/s320/P1030289.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
There you have it! Wash and gift.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Snuggly baby blanket all around, and it really only takes about an hour to do if you have some basic sewing skills. Once you've made a couple, I actually expect it might take less time.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Easy, loving gift for a friend.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
How do you like to show your love? Do you have gifts you love to make for others?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Happy crafting!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Linking up to <a href="http://crazymomquilts.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Crazy Mom Quilts'</a> <a href="http://crazymomquilts.blogspot.com/2015/10/finish-it-up-friday-10215.html" target="_blank">Finish it up Friday</a>.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Ashleigh @ Rocks and Chickenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15738929353163939093noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7235241026317321899.post-23486567582302750212015-09-23T11:27:00.000-04:002015-09-23T11:27:00.662-04:00Getting Started - What's Holding You Back?Okay, so obviously I have neglected my blog.<br />
<br />
I pretty much start out every entry with this disclaimer, yeah?<br />
<br />
And I've been thinking about this a lot. I mean, I do things and think to myself, this would be great to share on my blog. Or, I see a cool project someone else has shared and think, oh, I've done something similar but with a little twist or different approach. I should share mine, too, and share a link to theirs. Or, offer my perspective on how to do something. I mean, I've learned to sew from blogs, it would be great to give my thoughts to other beginners.<br />
<br />
But what's holding me back?<br />
<br />
Well, for one, I am not a naturally organized person. I have to build serious systems into my life to make it work. Time management is not a natural gift of mine. Nor, is really any sort of organization. So, it kind of just snowballs into an unmanageable mess. My house becomes crazy, I need to clean all the bathrooms, vacuum, do the laundry...<br />
<br />
So, I just find myself trying to come out from under it all, all the time.<br />
<br />
Plus, which my husband has helped to realize, I just kind of shut down when overwhelmed.<br />
<br />
This is a great characteristic in someone who is chronically disorganized. ;)<br />
<br />
So, I've dug out my standby approach that worked for me in college. The planner.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitdHw7K0AdIcqV4JRuVv3-iCHuftIENFoB9KzbCvJaerYRSCiSDg-AXNalu_YS0fMw52yCa9FXIeIS-Vc6txMeA5kePQcTnvUp2bspdHhTAB8H974Y0Y_57HIIOSj8zbUoxvYnkW8e7eE/s1600/P1030428.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitdHw7K0AdIcqV4JRuVv3-iCHuftIENFoB9KzbCvJaerYRSCiSDg-AXNalu_YS0fMw52yCa9FXIeIS-Vc6txMeA5kePQcTnvUp2bspdHhTAB8H974Y0Y_57HIIOSj8zbUoxvYnkW8e7eE/s320/P1030428.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Orange Circle Studio "Do It All" Planners are my personal favorite. http://www.orangecirclestudio.com/planners/do-it-all/</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
You can keep your fancy electronic app. Actually, if that works for you, by all means, that's fantastic - use it.<br />
<br />
But I need the tangible act of writing something down in order for it to stick. It's just who I am.<br />
<br />
I now have a list of general cleaning actions that I need to complete each week. On a super fancy index card that I keep in the front pocket of my planner.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy9QeU4W6kBJWWCQ7ZoD8PgNqOd2_jnimUmmIh-hvdi8mZF_SBpGDhl_S2W11IoLd83Ve51pRuFSU3k7X39bnLmJRUVcpT2ztRyXfQ1HTG2yayDcUOorUhgeY3ffMCS9Ba9z8McSsXq6w/s1600/P1030430.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy9QeU4W6kBJWWCQ7ZoD8PgNqOd2_jnimUmmIh-hvdi8mZF_SBpGDhl_S2W11IoLd83Ve51pRuFSU3k7X39bnLmJRUVcpT2ztRyXfQ1HTG2yayDcUOorUhgeY3ffMCS9Ba9z8McSsXq6w/s320/P1030430.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
And I write when I intend to complete them on my calendar. One, it keeps me on track. Two, I get the satisfaction of crossing them off. :) At first, I tried to assign days to do specific tasks, but it made it hard to realign things during busy weeks when we had a lot of commitments in the evenings. The card allows me to see what my week looks like and assign tasks accordingly. (Plus, I know what needs to get done so I know what to ask Mr. Gardener to help out with.) ;)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEQyrS9p5dl3MW-ZZIsQibCmnk0d20ZON9JMKkNW_U7JOEK9XFNYP2u-cfY-PDGIX0jhbxkOsa4Y1jJaq250xPSD7RXhhEdKrCe5sj30tSjo6Vnyxc6WZOtlzk2EyR7Fdty8i4640tpSY/s1600/P1030427.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEQyrS9p5dl3MW-ZZIsQibCmnk0d20ZON9JMKkNW_U7JOEK9XFNYP2u-cfY-PDGIX0jhbxkOsa4Y1jJaq250xPSD7RXhhEdKrCe5sj30tSjo6Vnyxc6WZOtlzk2EyR7Fdty8i4640tpSY/s320/P1030427.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Which, from an outsider's perspective seems sooo organized (my hair stylist saw my planner and thought I was the most organized person on the planet. Ha!). But, in reality, it just won't get done otherwise. This helps break down what otherwise feels, to me, like an overwhelming set of tasks into manageable chunks.<br />
<br />
I've been doing this for a few months now, and it's become routine. And I need routines and systems, people.<br />
<br />
If you're one of those people who can just get 'er done, my hat is off to you. Can you tell me your secret?<br />
<br />
And, amazingly, I have more time now. Woohoo! Because I'm not just sitting thinking and worrying about all the things I have to do and how am I going to do them, and where do I even start??<br />
<br />
So, that's one hurdle down.<br />
<br />
The other thing is that all the things that I want in place to blog better just aren't there yet.<br />
<br />
I don't take fabulous and professional-looking pictures. I have ideas in my head for logos and branding, but I don't have them yet. I need to develop great content. So on and so forth.<br />
<br />
But here's the thing, that's ridiculous.<br />
<br />
I do want to accomplish those things. But, if I don't just start, it's not going to happen.<br />
<br />
So, I bought a Craftsy class on picture taking with a DSLR and I'm going to start there. We're on this journey together.<br />
<br />
So, here's to mid-year improvements and trying to stop worrying about the things holding me back and just getting started.<br />
<br />
What's holding you back from pursuing the things you want to do? Do you have any tips or tricks?<br />
<br />
See you soon!Ashleigh @ Rocks and Chickenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15738929353163939093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7235241026317321899.post-33328282807494841202014-09-30T08:00:00.000-04:002014-09-30T08:00:03.235-04:00What a Way to Finish Out September...<div style="text-align: center;">
Oh friends, it has been awhile.<br />
<br />
And for that, you have my apologies. Thanks for hanging in there if you're reading this.<br />
<br />
Life has been busy! When isn't it, though?<br />
<br />
I am trying to get my life in order. Haha. So you'll likely see some organization (or attempts) posts in the coming weeks and months. That's one of the things that's been tying me up.<br />
<br />
I do have some new quilts to share. A couple of finishes, a work in progress, a top that's rapidly becoming a hard core UFO.<br />
<br />
And some music. ;)<br />
<br />
And, of course, being a baseball fangirl.<br />
<br />
I am going to <i>attempt</i> a commitment to at least a post a week. That's fair, yes?<br />
<br />
I don't want to make any false promises.<br />
<br />
But without further ado, I have no quilts or organization to share with you today.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHSpK_rcfloyXkPy5yuwMB-ocyRlAm1SFXYe79oy66I5_Ok58dBM1SbOJpVv5ynh8hzxucQOcGbJFTRzj2BQqJqHHyQxdKAVazVx7XoumIyGLJ8Q0ws3mhtSzFikmp2UzgMAoDGggVbMw/s1600/P1020035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHSpK_rcfloyXkPy5yuwMB-ocyRlAm1SFXYe79oy66I5_Ok58dBM1SbOJpVv5ynh8hzxucQOcGbJFTRzj2BQqJqHHyQxdKAVazVx7XoumIyGLJ8Q0ws3mhtSzFikmp2UzgMAoDGggVbMw/s1600/P1020035.JPG" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
Just lots of Nats.<br />
<br />
Nats. Nats. Nats.<br />
<br />
You know I love 'em. And it's now officially POSTSEASON!!!<br />
<br />
But here's a little peek from the regular season ender. Which was, by the way, a NO HITTER! First in franchise history!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQscuvugfza9eUYHNvcGeFcaWWphxFIC7e-GtzXdSgIVG1wxYhrIcND-U7ZgZ4tft7xshqq4nRLVa_Wwewfl0URBYAP17JJsYRfFn0nZ7MKC2jx9KJVb0M3iE9VVKKcx_rIZUAErA4iy4/s1600/P1020011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQscuvugfza9eUYHNvcGeFcaWWphxFIC7e-GtzXdSgIVG1wxYhrIcND-U7ZgZ4tft7xshqq4nRLVa_Wwewfl0URBYAP17JJsYRfFn0nZ7MKC2jx9KJVb0M3iE9VVKKcx_rIZUAErA4iy4/s1600/P1020011.JPG" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Mr. Gardener and I took the whole family. Naturally, in the one picture of all 5 of us with decent (note that I didn't say good) light, my brother isn't looking at the camera.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicZQU1uzxJm886GzikyU_UdOF2O6HulcH7-nET_9YGbpi_G_4-Y7BU4VQYyC8g7QxHbdVeFzMO_KlSSzDyDxUuRghq_SkQLu3j8XllxW99YmutEPnGqTQhpZwQmxCa8h0l2tNfHBYGTmE/s1600/P1020027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicZQU1uzxJm886GzikyU_UdOF2O6HulcH7-nET_9YGbpi_G_4-Y7BU4VQYyC8g7QxHbdVeFzMO_KlSSzDyDxUuRghq_SkQLu3j8XllxW99YmutEPnGqTQhpZwQmxCa8h0l2tNfHBYGTmE/s1600/P1020027.JPG" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Zimmerman...one of the heroes of the game. (It was a team effort.) This was taken during warm-ups; we sat right above the bullpen. Who knew what an incredible season ender this would be? </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr9wjNqGKIGcDJdMsyLlEDKfkPmt-uEi7TGvNQ9e-PLlDWXPtGWRhk0ddO8AyZXrTi22vyr_sFf8WG5fw1vQejnS1rmTe3BRUcvGRC9NeL8fZGK94MCmvdoERHd71fMly3HhUM-T18_OU/s1600/P1020067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr9wjNqGKIGcDJdMsyLlEDKfkPmt-uEi7TGvNQ9e-PLlDWXPtGWRhk0ddO8AyZXrTi22vyr_sFf8WG5fw1vQejnS1rmTe3BRUcvGRC9NeL8fZGK94MCmvdoERHd71fMly3HhUM-T18_OU/s1600/P1020067.JPG" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And of course, I have a TON of pictures of Span. Denard Span is the man. He ended the season with his 184th hit, a franchise record for a single season.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAPshBl6utIy5prHaGSvNcze3UYGN_rP_K4qjn1fMN3tF0p-IgEaAw0wnvyJjmKTNx3HKMydI1nptNv61uYLEKcpIC5ZM72dkRhqJj1am5ETriXDLwjMGcpvqng6OfJ64keSrxhjn6a2A/s1600/P1020107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAPshBl6utIy5prHaGSvNcze3UYGN_rP_K4qjn1fMN3tF0p-IgEaAw0wnvyJjmKTNx3HKMydI1nptNv61uYLEKcpIC5ZM72dkRhqJj1am5ETriXDLwjMGcpvqng6OfJ64keSrxhjn6a2A/s1600/P1020107.JPG" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Harper played left field yesterday versus right, so I got some nice shots of him. I think his slump this season has been really good for him as a player. He's really matured a lot. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I have some great shots of him from when he was rehabbing with the Potomac Nationals (minor league) that I'll have to share. Wilson Ramos, too.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVAFP_PZ4lNwPwnpIITzA98AwodmbpV7DVglfHVDUfclTRJNTAKL-Bd7joddEA3-2WeXrRILl4l2K1YLVecyM4qwE4crBtbhS4fyf9n0sRXk316rw3XgmLRmEvl23Cc78PnyOFDWCC5mA/s1600/P1020117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVAFP_PZ4lNwPwnpIITzA98AwodmbpV7DVglfHVDUfclTRJNTAKL-Bd7joddEA3-2WeXrRILl4l2K1YLVecyM4qwE4crBtbhS4fyf9n0sRXk316rw3XgmLRmEvl23Cc78PnyOFDWCC5mA/s1600/P1020117.JPG" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Nice picture of my mom and Matt. Not sure what my dad is doing.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIMy7un9RTVFI_FlbgpldqCxOhaIlfpwQelbE5ACeTC-3hn7X3c1zxhN-YKRSVr6g65jq60x19NLolu3pI9MR8bl_jG0Hop3YYOqaRDUhu1nxDgDI_ZrOlh2AZZBXYhbSm-xmEr07jLSk/s1600/P1020125.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIMy7un9RTVFI_FlbgpldqCxOhaIlfpwQelbE5ACeTC-3hn7X3c1zxhN-YKRSVr6g65jq60x19NLolu3pI9MR8bl_jG0Hop3YYOqaRDUhu1nxDgDI_ZrOlh2AZZBXYhbSm-xmEr07jLSk/s1600/P1020125.JPG" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
TEDDY!!!!!!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqbrOaU8nZYhVGd4220I49LXr73_d401pyODwrPKQwFSnV6MGPT1A5zxZyrWPClLcuUJ8BifdFh7odmmwtDsZ6R5CmA9ecdYjXKCpqt9M0t0pJhJuWCseveruTtjSRBrhbb1tL48bSoVg/s1600/P1020139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqbrOaU8nZYhVGd4220I49LXr73_d401pyODwrPKQwFSnV6MGPT1A5zxZyrWPClLcuUJ8BifdFh7odmmwtDsZ6R5CmA9ecdYjXKCpqt9M0t0pJhJuWCseveruTtjSRBrhbb1tL48bSoVg/s1600/P1020139.JPG" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Who expected the rookies to play so well? I certainly didn't. The Nats have a great farm system, but it was just Zimmerman, Wilson, and the rookies out there after about the 4th/5th inning.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgONAcH0Ox3JvfUXtiyMPgojEgIEFM0OgGVyYppWbi3avRm6X8dLk8ECO1DzcCxFyq3Y1TYr0Vb8OpKSEWaHgTnJ0XJn1tJVEb4w6FTqG-UpBeZZsm__w2jdZFzTYVa29joqvzE5m1k8dg/s1600/P1020156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgONAcH0Ox3JvfUXtiyMPgojEgIEFM0OgGVyYppWbi3avRm6X8dLk8ECO1DzcCxFyq3Y1TYr0Vb8OpKSEWaHgTnJ0XJn1tJVEb4w6FTqG-UpBeZZsm__w2jdZFzTYVa29joqvzE5m1k8dg/s1600/P1020156.JPG" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We sat right above the bullpen, so it was fun to watch them watching the game. Storen got up to warm up a few times, but, fortunately, they left Zimmerman in and let him finish attempting the no hitter.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-UE1w-uVpZH2hQP7s5o5u9m86oI67z-XWVOD6hIo2X71TUoQOfdUY-L6wtScv5JAs6IpQhjQv8Y8CEYByp2leEJJyW5r9gQCnOLrvsXn4UM20DaDCoaohFlg4EdsJ_ElPXQzrYfKpoeg/s1600/P1020177.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-UE1w-uVpZH2hQP7s5o5u9m86oI67z-XWVOD6hIo2X71TUoQOfdUY-L6wtScv5JAs6IpQhjQv8Y8CEYByp2leEJJyW5r9gQCnOLrvsXn4UM20DaDCoaohFlg4EdsJ_ElPXQzrYfKpoeg/s1600/P1020177.JPG" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Mark my words. Michael Taylor. Next big thing.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNWIa2ncUEEjytXMPxEjfy_St5nV3Zk2RD6vH4lUSwcD1TjJCy7XMGvH6-Cf44B5BZmiGV4BvnYCU5i0w-hIupII0K5pmvmY8Bdz8UkjQsDeBGU-zlYcJCmwBbC_MjzjZ3diMR9I-vbN4/s1600/P1020218.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNWIa2ncUEEjytXMPxEjfy_St5nV3Zk2RD6vH4lUSwcD1TjJCy7XMGvH6-Cf44B5BZmiGV4BvnYCU5i0w-hIupII0K5pmvmY8Bdz8UkjQsDeBGU-zlYcJCmwBbC_MjzjZ3diMR9I-vbN4/s1600/P1020218.JPG" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Celebrate!!!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPNSeI7LHXAIoFKhA2hTzC_sVUrVyxsfiY7AuAg4tsMZt3xC4Yl8qnDbnHFAx-2RGW-8aS89sLPYjhdfl2pi1aVXKJMljHpAYtJGS59JctMTtiAugALV2-O2MPJTcuH7u9N7gkWblTXeY/s1600/P1020222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPNSeI7LHXAIoFKhA2hTzC_sVUrVyxsfiY7AuAg4tsMZt3xC4Yl8qnDbnHFAx-2RGW-8aS89sLPYjhdfl2pi1aVXKJMljHpAYtJGS59JctMTtiAugALV2-O2MPJTcuH7u9N7gkWblTXeY/s1600/P1020222.JPG" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
What a way to end such a great season!!!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR5PQ14FiGOuQQROnu5gPXU1nGwsqAOajgJlqYaHx4dkGw4dlsnXzAH52bjJLWN7FLXS-xmQZATKwBZmqRXtPz2gEQNz-Zxec6PFvrnFPETlmuvoxc2BR23pWqn3WH61iM5pFmIvEQzzM/s1600/P1020244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR5PQ14FiGOuQQROnu5gPXU1nGwsqAOajgJlqYaHx4dkGw4dlsnXzAH52bjJLWN7FLXS-xmQZATKwBZmqRXtPz2gEQNz-Zxec6PFvrnFPETlmuvoxc2BR23pWqn3WH61iM5pFmIvEQzzM/s1600/P1020244.JPG" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Screech celebrating the win.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM97PSrc6KwIUBi6A1JzyS8PbdgRn7Vq7dDvf1Y9nE9Gcmw9wetucVVuzsdxFWfGr4H2E_cMDeresJ_nQoEfREiDZ9iqN7ZAZorOZoyAJHHSziLmOSP8XubDoYpvsylQnLd1I2hyJDncM/s1600/P1020263.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM97PSrc6KwIUBi6A1JzyS8PbdgRn7Vq7dDvf1Y9nE9Gcmw9wetucVVuzsdxFWfGr4H2E_cMDeresJ_nQoEfREiDZ9iqN7ZAZorOZoyAJHHSziLmOSP8XubDoYpvsylQnLd1I2hyJDncM/s1600/P1020263.JPG" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The fans were going wild.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I can't wait for the playoffs to start.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And even if they go no further (although I certainly hope not!), the Nats have a season they should be really proud of.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMzDhajNIOyu2-segWiHV4j806bDmABsFr8twT9O5qccsr3BHpznNXkmYKl6K0EIlLnUDaQ6otZijw97YnBo20RUxzlSCitVVcQTBE8-WeQ3mDimFTbRHtK-jXtyZnaWvfu6KJN9kHj-I/s1600/P1020267.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMzDhajNIOyu2-segWiHV4j806bDmABsFr8twT9O5qccsr3BHpznNXkmYKl6K0EIlLnUDaQ6otZijw97YnBo20RUxzlSCitVVcQTBE8-WeQ3mDimFTbRHtK-jXtyZnaWvfu6KJN9kHj-I/s1600/P1020267.JPG" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Man, how many times do you have to get a shot like this?</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlaoyqMTPtJwPqgmJP8Oii2H_vi_QKMqIhCa982KmRutzpZGiUpFnGz7R6iU1KcDZThvrxTwMQ1_csBqHdsVKjkrr1et1ZyTXvoncnKtY3rW51yQsmk2ah2J9KMMuzLjiyIQuZMV3Rqd0/s1600/P1020295.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlaoyqMTPtJwPqgmJP8Oii2H_vi_QKMqIhCa982KmRutzpZGiUpFnGz7R6iU1KcDZThvrxTwMQ1_csBqHdsVKjkrr1et1ZyTXvoncnKtY3rW51yQsmk2ah2J9KMMuzLjiyIQuZMV3Rqd0/s1600/P1020295.JPG" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
For you MASN (or former Expos) fans, that's FP Santangelo. For my non-local friends, he is one of the TV announcers for the Nats.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
FP was cool - waving to folks who recognized him and giving thumbs ups all around.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Sadly, Fox, not MASN, has the rights to play the playoffs. In my opinion, Fox broadcasts are the worst. Their announcer is no fun and their camera shots are sub par. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRqadB5mtH4j7GLqltiu_H7U8tU3tgg_C1cBZpTKXEOVeIgcwBwkHje7CYbLbprouN5IN2e5PtIGZDCTybSputA6diP8FihBQNkUgrzzq7ZJOyuRWIMoaf2WjXwqEexVVYsFASvrq0cqY/s1600/P1020296.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRqadB5mtH4j7GLqltiu_H7U8tU3tgg_C1cBZpTKXEOVeIgcwBwkHje7CYbLbprouN5IN2e5PtIGZDCTybSputA6diP8FihBQNkUgrzzq7ZJOyuRWIMoaf2WjXwqEexVVYsFASvrq0cqY/s1600/P1020296.JPG" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My brother, enjoying his Nats' swag - the Nats' stocking hat. He kind of looks like he could fit in with the gnomes, though, doesn't he?</div>
<br /></div>
Ashleigh @ Rocks and Chickenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15738929353163939093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7235241026317321899.post-10767946187893248022014-02-06T06:00:00.000-05:002014-02-06T06:00:05.479-05:00Spring is Coming...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And you know what that means!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Time to start seeds!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilnZ-qVj231i0JiQW7Hb_PS8sEYT0tM7VUbmN4AZHNLy3CB05GRCdQxAkdNw-6IQdYEdD65XacHeIkdVA90Y2blXTV8BSf5xIYaqBgFob3ljUzVQMMC2f0hXN8JdBXrJ8E_8oS28s82w0/s1600/P1000576.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilnZ-qVj231i0JiQW7Hb_PS8sEYT0tM7VUbmN4AZHNLy3CB05GRCdQxAkdNw-6IQdYEdD65XacHeIkdVA90Y2blXTV8BSf5xIYaqBgFob3ljUzVQMMC2f0hXN8JdBXrJ8E_8oS28s82w0/s1600/P1000576.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
So I got out the grow light that Mr. Gardener made me last year out of PVC pipe.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBgXVYLC9tm-A0cKXVP-IDInsgq2uvwf00OL1CeX6ths3H-J_jZCC8G_lZ_mdrHtcu1KsKcNLwzlZu73yUpagZQGHqhQULTMzpjQOyKr7dIdCjfFB5foJTkxNriGOG5gwGTjjlgNND8Iw/s1600/P1000577.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBgXVYLC9tm-A0cKXVP-IDInsgq2uvwf00OL1CeX6ths3H-J_jZCC8G_lZ_mdrHtcu1KsKcNLwzlZu73yUpagZQGHqhQULTMzpjQOyKr7dIdCjfFB5foJTkxNriGOG5gwGTjjlgNND8Iw/s1600/P1000577.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Put down the insulation for my heat mats.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkgXS__HJ-SBSJpQp19yGJngrP9dLyjpLUyQTrGcTpNbuA5u7ZRE5gVN6S4SkGBQqdbQdMfcf0-9CiHFn2ywUkpIIr9P7ztZI4ZVYnRZqrumU-6NYhiUfjCfLhMn8E2C0L5VumpzmYnGc/s1600/P1000578.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkgXS__HJ-SBSJpQp19yGJngrP9dLyjpLUyQTrGcTpNbuA5u7ZRE5gVN6S4SkGBQqdbQdMfcf0-9CiHFn2ywUkpIIr9P7ztZI4ZVYnRZqrumU-6NYhiUfjCfLhMn8E2C0L5VumpzmYnGc/s1600/P1000578.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Set out my heat mats. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFBzHcMSMHEi1lvwU9WvGYl8pogvpjYLEBpR7PrJGOzD5y201I3YHEvXRia2vgI5ADwNTZVBFjRqOBOl36l4-JtsMmI09EKlsQNDJxuGrZApbXlkFAaK_3K1PG4OLIHn3Ij46Y1cIeqyw/s1600/P1000579.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFBzHcMSMHEi1lvwU9WvGYl8pogvpjYLEBpR7PrJGOzD5y201I3YHEvXRia2vgI5ADwNTZVBFjRqOBOl36l4-JtsMmI09EKlsQNDJxuGrZApbXlkFAaK_3K1PG4OLIHn3Ij46Y1cIeqyw/s1600/P1000579.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And set up this nifty little Jiffy Greenhouse I got from Lowe's.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'm not going to lie.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Lowe's seed starting selection was highly disappointing. They hardly had anything out yet.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Yes, I know it snowed today.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
But we're starting to get behind starting from seed people. Let's go Lowe's! I don't care if Phil did or did not see his shadow. It's time to get started!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA5tespcvk-o4rG1CHxT6l80dmkV5Uoj4uvYV76cK5o_NdV5x8-IMVTFWeaqTz0ej6Ggpb76r51oG8eLBpieMHtFr8c3VOlqu4fp1JV_7msO6N3nLwxRPFc0-lc00-HnpDvQw8xGSdJLE/s1600/P1000580.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA5tespcvk-o4rG1CHxT6l80dmkV5Uoj4uvYV76cK5o_NdV5x8-IMVTFWeaqTz0ej6Ggpb76r51oG8eLBpieMHtFr8c3VOlqu4fp1JV_7msO6N3nLwxRPFc0-lc00-HnpDvQw8xGSdJLE/s1600/P1000580.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
At least they did have these. I didn't order seed starting materials from Burpee thinking Lowe's would have their crap together. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Wrong.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Now I know for next year.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnIG8ZwAe9zcC20ubjhCN3o_LJE492jDouF9ntZu6_M5Vsm_p9esTEfPw8PkQINlmRXbkiLw_Ogs-4IB7GuOtr52MGxK1FX2WAaDcNZKgAS-JxWK57OVqecMgPOLuvb-2OF3ZxTgUytrc/s1600/P1000582.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnIG8ZwAe9zcC20ubjhCN3o_LJE492jDouF9ntZu6_M5Vsm_p9esTEfPw8PkQINlmRXbkiLw_Ogs-4IB7GuOtr52MGxK1FX2WAaDcNZKgAS-JxWK57OVqecMgPOLuvb-2OF3ZxTgUytrc/s1600/P1000582.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
But look how cool these are! Just add water and you get a little self-contained seed starting mix/pot. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And you can plant them directly in the ground like this. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So I'm thinking these will work well for plants that will be a little bigger come transplanting time, like peppers, tomatoes, pumpkins.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTy9-tRbYvueDUAWwKRqscmVyXqXg5KucGRQKyZvkt_6sIpEXsZaS4nkjdp07hw4N8yatt0Kyc0MY6s2a-Q3pLi-RtLInyCivBBP3AodlUQ_tFWmXwo6Z5h4tiEsInQV2OzbRPXP_3fII/s1600/P1000588.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTy9-tRbYvueDUAWwKRqscmVyXqXg5KucGRQKyZvkt_6sIpEXsZaS4nkjdp07hw4N8yatt0Kyc0MY6s2a-Q3pLi-RtLInyCivBBP3AodlUQ_tFWmXwo6Z5h4tiEsInQV2OzbRPXP_3fII/s1600/P1000588.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
You just tear the top open a bit and get started. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvof21YNwwkaSLj_A3qD5Ksd3jRvaP3pjtruwazo8X8M4VPmkBXAi2JuD8aC0jjQdw5BBiuzkAOpdfTWQk-U78UreN2NexRKcciIqSUroHzBdrqtXpkF3r0nDIEZfeR3BTOFWN_hvVMQI/s1600/P1000593.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvof21YNwwkaSLj_A3qD5Ksd3jRvaP3pjtruwazo8X8M4VPmkBXAi2JuD8aC0jjQdw5BBiuzkAOpdfTWQk-U78UreN2NexRKcciIqSUroHzBdrqtXpkF3r0nDIEZfeR3BTOFWN_hvVMQI/s1600/P1000593.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And they have a little lid to help keep the heat and moisture in as they get started. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJwnIBsGQanFdacCDjbBs8bbbXGNWa7Yb8SrVjHlmwBmS_y5Wbn6OYUDCAHys7hXiBJGLEi9kBQf-x6rnHF9J7Zp7gHcVNJDu_bNpFBwL82i4U3dR-8XesYCn7HiXN4Kivba97j34Z4MM/s1600/P1000596.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJwnIBsGQanFdacCDjbBs8bbbXGNWa7Yb8SrVjHlmwBmS_y5Wbn6OYUDCAHys7hXiBJGLEi9kBQf-x6rnHF9J7Zp7gHcVNJDu_bNpFBwL82i4U3dR-8XesYCn7HiXN4Kivba97j34Z4MM/s1600/P1000596.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So this past weekend, I started Mini Harvest Blend Hybrid Pumpkin (just those little bitty mini guys) and Red Popper Sweet Pepper. They have little bitty fruits, too. About an inch or so wide and tall.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'm really trying to keep all the planting in check this year. I am not confident in my ability to be successful in this endeavor. Time will tell. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Next up with be tomatoes and petunias. (I do love me some petunias.)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And, of course, God can teach us in and through anything, so let's take a brief moment to reflect on how our work in the earth mirrors the Lord's work in us.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Luke 8:4-15</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
"While a large crowd was gathering and people were coming to Jesus from town after town, he told this parable:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
'A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path; it was trampled on, and the bird ate it up. Some fell on rocky ground, and when it came up, the plants withered because they had no moisture. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up with it and choked the plants. Still other see fell on good soil. It came up and yielded a crop, a hundred times more than was sown.'</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
When he said this, he called out, 'Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.'</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
His disciples asked him what this parable meant. He said, 'The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but to others I speak in parables, so that, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
'though seeing, they may not see; though hearing, they may not understand.'</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is the word of God. Those along the path are the ones who hear, and then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. Those on the rocky ground are the ones who receive the word with joy when they hear it, but they have no root. They believe for a while, but in the time of testing they fall away. The seed that feel among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life's worries, riches pleasures, and they do not mature. But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.'"</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Let us plant in good soil and produce a crop for the Lord!</div>
<br />Ashleigh @ Rocks and Chickenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15738929353163939093noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7235241026317321899.post-15026015500539506932014-02-05T06:30:00.000-05:002014-02-05T07:09:22.997-05:00WiP Wednesday 8<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Got one more block done on my Circle of Geese quilt.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Slowly but surely...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDy6WqsUNE1ygxkL5co3Cg-YzAMH1eYsPAy5T3X1ADUCTLfIojlZUR7Os7jGWRAJ5EvwMuwz_t4ePf-fg9eTv_Wke4DzPWqNqX5iQ5Zq30g3d4ARq4CW-OkyhYziWd8zMxEjDAjG0Ep5Y/s1600/P1000678.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDy6WqsUNE1ygxkL5co3Cg-YzAMH1eYsPAy5T3X1ADUCTLfIojlZUR7Os7jGWRAJ5EvwMuwz_t4ePf-fg9eTv_Wke4DzPWqNqX5iQ5Zq30g3d4ARq4CW-OkyhYziWd8zMxEjDAjG0Ep5Y/s1600/P1000678.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Four down, five to go!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKnsLMwHEIYucjT3M_ODcDPSn4TpUetXWuXQjbxRiJDdG1xnSXECVWsQ_qnvP0MS1WzlTsJoRqmu9ISdVIVZIIHyLKkFGnOskhKLOPUZb4dwBFpZSRcYWxKdH1Py5ln-kl9yXCA8hWu04/s1600/P1000687.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKnsLMwHEIYucjT3M_ODcDPSn4TpUetXWuXQjbxRiJDdG1xnSXECVWsQ_qnvP0MS1WzlTsJoRqmu9ISdVIVZIIHyLKkFGnOskhKLOPUZb4dwBFpZSRcYWxKdH1Py5ln-kl9yXCA8hWu04/s1600/P1000687.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I think this little guy is so darn cute.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I love Riley Blake!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglfrAd8Qkh9ia4rn-HYjmLJVFc1s5Fn-0dBl6aisKBJ8GVzMJwu7MOdI0Ru4iPi4c2RrfR6yhFEE8pICdZH2gDhe9uCh1cNTOm9PqLVHqP2RmwVWsKy99oPd2EuDKGVJrT4VvKjlP6n30/s1600/P1000688.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglfrAd8Qkh9ia4rn-HYjmLJVFc1s5Fn-0dBl6aisKBJ8GVzMJwu7MOdI0Ru4iPi4c2RrfR6yhFEE8pICdZH2gDhe9uCh1cNTOm9PqLVHqP2RmwVWsKy99oPd2EuDKGVJrT4VvKjlP6n30/s1600/P1000688.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhimkx_mfFBGl0LiS9pkdamddYRHQ2Tj-KN6jWtJezwEGgniOEQg-uf34JSo0Q2pVy4tAVjsfKE1eRoe6_p55EJ57KonxhGdrCR6ySry3lT_hwTmWn991J7hVNkz1mZNb92jwtqncA1sjA/s1600/P1000689.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhimkx_mfFBGl0LiS9pkdamddYRHQ2Tj-KN6jWtJezwEGgniOEQg-uf34JSo0Q2pVy4tAVjsfKE1eRoe6_p55EJ57KonxhGdrCR6ySry3lT_hwTmWn991J7hVNkz1mZNb92jwtqncA1sjA/s1600/P1000689.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Here are all four all together.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I gotta get my act together. I think the baby shower is soon!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Darn it! I'm going to bring one of these to a baby shower! :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Join me for <a href="http://www.freshlypieced.com/2014/02/wip-wednesday-with-guest-host-leigh.html" target="_blank">WiP Wednesday</a> at <a href="http://www.freshlypieced.com/" target="_blank">Freshly Pieced</a>. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />Ashleigh @ Rocks and Chickenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15738929353163939093noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7235241026317321899.post-13058015290229799252014-02-04T06:00:00.000-05:002014-02-04T06:00:01.002-05:00Valentine Coaster Tutorial Part 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Alright! Coasters Part 2. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hope you enjoy. :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So, yesterday, we made a bunch of coaster tops. Today, we're going to embroider them and sew them into coasters.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1. First, you actually need to cut out your coaster bottoms. You'll need as many tops as you have bottoms, cut them 4.5" square. You can use whatever fabric you want, but for me, this is where the fabric ink and stencil came in. I used some Kona red (of some variety, not sure which exact one) and used the stencil brush to make gold dots all over. </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Like so:</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpTq0NRoGtXdtySAnir3qWutis5psRIU6dzR6LOfP5z3SqfheA0DhHEVaQKxeF-qPR0hRml1GFDpHSpyws62ymRpvWaaEQUQkQVLqQ39IFSIA4QI9oJGHAMD5yOZ4DdTG0nI07LCRfosY/s1600/P1000670.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpTq0NRoGtXdtySAnir3qWutis5psRIU6dzR6LOfP5z3SqfheA0DhHEVaQKxeF-qPR0hRml1GFDpHSpyws62ymRpvWaaEQUQkQVLqQ39IFSIA4QI9oJGHAMD5yOZ4DdTG0nI07LCRfosY/s1600/P1000670.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Disregard the fact that I forgot to take a picture before I sewed it up. Whoops.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
If you choose to do this, be sure to follow the manufacturer's directions.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
You'll also need as many 4.5" squares of batting.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
2. Set those aside for now. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
3. Determine your design. I decided to do some hugs and kisses and some hearts. For the heart, I drew it on a piece of paper and then scanned it into my computer. Then, I flipped the image over and printed. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></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/AVvXsEilJSfik8Hcg2JxSZEYzpD1vKyHpnFP-VXQcsaYxJ6l21-EDTv8FiXEqmEU2atVyEDdlBVRGrBpcL41NaL4CPJP3ybFT8NONG-J6O1sMMYkkv_84tFZnxtpsbkyuMGWxRjYD2rsxaS5Ey8/s1600/Scan.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilJSfik8Hcg2JxSZEYzpD1vKyHpnFP-VXQcsaYxJ6l21-EDTv8FiXEqmEU2atVyEDdlBVRGrBpcL41NaL4CPJP3ybFT8NONG-J6O1sMMYkkv_84tFZnxtpsbkyuMGWxRjYD2rsxaS5Ey8/s1600/Scan.jpeg" height="274" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If you want to go green, or you're cheap like me, use scrap paper.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
For the hugs and kisses, I chose a font I liked in Word and printed it (also in reverse). </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRj9TnzS1UAJQgHtDsk1cYey6Jmns2wK0zvU2izNnX62kFoYCsVXBy6DaUfoGU-iD1sKz5sTerC1nXYxwW9_l-ixDZ4j7HLQwd19NqdLSEn6mRQAupB9U4jN7lHuoSp6hKTX3ntQOWwS4/s1600/P1000572.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRj9TnzS1UAJQgHtDsk1cYey6Jmns2wK0zvU2izNnX62kFoYCsVXBy6DaUfoGU-iD1sKz5sTerC1nXYxwW9_l-ixDZ4j7HLQwd19NqdLSEn6mRQAupB9U4jN7lHuoSp6hKTX3ntQOWwS4/s1600/P1000572.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The reason is that when we transfer our image, it's going to be backward, so we want it to be opposite of how we want it from the get-go.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
4. Get your handy iron-on transfer pencil and trace your images. A heavy, dark line makes for a better transfer. </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-nXM24D2-1NDZPHN3drCMZRnvtndU94pOJbo-bDEx3EOrmtDa9IHwTCgpFi2NdMrXbyhdc0XrWdzUGT9DvhCbcL1crzY7AX73bQH7k9OD9jVkoPUE7eNZ6Pia6JpSpw5uACpI1-BTdoU/s1600/P1000570.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-nXM24D2-1NDZPHN3drCMZRnvtndU94pOJbo-bDEx3EOrmtDa9IHwTCgpFi2NdMrXbyhdc0XrWdzUGT9DvhCbcL1crzY7AX73bQH7k9OD9jVkoPUE7eNZ6Pia6JpSpw5uACpI1-BTdoU/s1600/P1000570.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
5. Following manufacturer's instructions, transfer your image to the white square in the center of your coaster tops.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
(Excuse the quality of these next few photos. Our iron broke while I was making these and so the only photos I could get were in the evening.) </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_P2c-w5T_my-o3TbOU4BslrtdN6xRPMRbejfx0RRtVhjmmaA_RUxxEnm3oqccMH5emL12qGn5Wht2qGoIAG5E3VeGLApTIx-mcM0M89F9jSVMS64ImzDiKp-3mqLf2CQD3IWfyJskKMY/s1600/P1000617.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_P2c-w5T_my-o3TbOU4BslrtdN6xRPMRbejfx0RRtVhjmmaA_RUxxEnm3oqccMH5emL12qGn5Wht2qGoIAG5E3VeGLApTIx-mcM0M89F9jSVMS64ImzDiKp-3mqLf2CQD3IWfyJskKMY/s1600/P1000617.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
First, I placed the image where I wanted it. Then, I started ironing. </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn-fCF4tUM0cbVEw3L7xJOicuFDtLFdtNJHOZLduRNBDFhyuOAMcV6FYifpvjzz9GYha9FFSE-j2VxgEbJN3ty4V_p-1OIFO2fMX-DY9uDp1dGRfOY5O6G4sUbeumeYxxmrulCG4zw44E/s1600/P1000623.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn-fCF4tUM0cbVEw3L7xJOicuFDtLFdtNJHOZLduRNBDFhyuOAMcV6FYifpvjzz9GYha9FFSE-j2VxgEbJN3ty4V_p-1OIFO2fMX-DY9uDp1dGRfOY5O6G4sUbeumeYxxmrulCG4zw44E/s1600/P1000623.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I found that the image transferred best when I first pressed down with the tip of the iron onto the various sections of the image. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUzphtVqj_YMgRWk4M2C0AQC55txAXnmQu8wmHdr6nlo0lYFaemrr8IaUwDZ6MG59zq2vtXnXfaUBMt5OUv8IBXEs8Ucdg_MZY9vPBiG7TOGAS-Fa7SQ6zkTL7jVSN4_3KGao9PfGXBkM/s1600/P1000624.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUzphtVqj_YMgRWk4M2C0AQC55txAXnmQu8wmHdr6nlo0lYFaemrr8IaUwDZ6MG59zq2vtXnXfaUBMt5OUv8IBXEs8Ucdg_MZY9vPBiG7TOGAS-Fa7SQ6zkTL7jVSN4_3KGao9PfGXBkM/s1600/P1000624.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Then I pressed down with the whole iron. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnr4gfQjLgyACAihW65OkiLl_5CsTrgZ9xNzv-VCr8ljDbU31Cs1qU8HDo43RbOzA4uAHcFODQbUua_yyDoYv4LfJC_GxT2iS6HWIcuW3qlSSuoEQ9ucRsIraUWjMST-dz6yHLR45Ulgc/s1600/P1000634.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnr4gfQjLgyACAihW65OkiLl_5CsTrgZ9xNzv-VCr8ljDbU31Cs1qU8HDo43RbOzA4uAHcFODQbUua_yyDoYv4LfJC_GxT2iS6HWIcuW3qlSSuoEQ9ucRsIraUWjMST-dz6yHLR45Ulgc/s1600/P1000634.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
6. Now you should have an image that looks something like this.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMdvCM2eEXL97zYnrv5jDZW_3j7AJcIRKyawQFcMNJHepBjbTaLgpOcgEej6NtgOPiJoPnUEVA-UsEekqp8apwDVCgsEcCLgTH5tN5n3f7_y9MeQmBMJe7PlcJRCyIKuyIDNktE1X1S44/s1600/P1000644.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMdvCM2eEXL97zYnrv5jDZW_3j7AJcIRKyawQFcMNJHepBjbTaLgpOcgEej6NtgOPiJoPnUEVA-UsEekqp8apwDVCgsEcCLgTH5tN5n3f7_y9MeQmBMJe7PlcJRCyIKuyIDNktE1X1S44/s1600/P1000644.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
7. Now for the fun part. :) Get your embroidery floss, a hand sewing needle, a hoop, and pick your poison. I mean color. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL9CxvCGP2T6eoDX47foT8u05XSQbKS7TDkrRrVZMMt0z3hfRGdLesSukrxv2U0AusWJ2tGRz2wFGyx2rSkf788Wsatbu_7vymAPP8PifOW7IbQ_IAo4ZM_5xIYPVGbynG5PD49lnhEzg/s1600/P1000645.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL9CxvCGP2T6eoDX47foT8u05XSQbKS7TDkrRrVZMMt0z3hfRGdLesSukrxv2U0AusWJ2tGRz2wFGyx2rSkf788Wsatbu_7vymAPP8PifOW7IbQ_IAo4ZM_5xIYPVGbynG5PD49lnhEzg/s1600/P1000645.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
8. Choose how many strands of the floss you want. I actually used all 6. I wanted my design to stand out.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkU0BxUp8sOFMdt69GigJgmHIExDw3qXg2ObonEUPqcx-_Hrr5NA9h7Kv6I4EFYkRbCWJVeBn-HpTYPzGDJLlL0gZS43WmR8HNdOQPw7J67d5u5uFftykJsKs7l5itOu-zIQ4R8aR3ig0/s1600/P1000646.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkU0BxUp8sOFMdt69GigJgmHIExDw3qXg2ObonEUPqcx-_Hrr5NA9h7Kv6I4EFYkRbCWJVeBn-HpTYPzGDJLlL0gZS43WmR8HNdOQPw7J67d5u5uFftykJsKs7l5itOu-zIQ4R8aR3ig0/s1600/P1000646.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
9. I just did a simple running stitch. There are some fantastic tutorials on YouTube if you don't know how. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie4MpmAFq_0oTWVUMWFI_4coXuczZPpCCquAujbJAW6ijUajfng-Zbfsoj2pi2_gsW0lltCCby71dKDHf0_boLmDPcIdnzL8uA_qKb3d6BaWFAeUP1k1PaM5Pn9-8y3WbeIvkVfHmuiQQ/s1600/P1000655.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie4MpmAFq_0oTWVUMWFI_4coXuczZPpCCquAujbJAW6ijUajfng-Zbfsoj2pi2_gsW0lltCCby71dKDHf0_boLmDPcIdnzL8uA_qKb3d6BaWFAeUP1k1PaM5Pn9-8y3WbeIvkVfHmuiQQ/s1600/P1000655.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
10. Square up your top so that it's nice and square. No more hangover on any of the ends.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
11. Once you're done, gather your tops and backs. Time to make a sandwich!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvIulgS0FCKIBEICdM5Pi9LQOadQpZ8CnZzzNAtVawir7z5Ray_YBvKRjMVm_jIRXd6qRhhxb7qhhQJpEgGs3wHDILP0NFMXDLdjZXQx8TziR3ENmdsgMLBtqPabWPDh1f3UXn6clBwLg/s1600/P1000656.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvIulgS0FCKIBEICdM5Pi9LQOadQpZ8CnZzzNAtVawir7z5Ray_YBvKRjMVm_jIRXd6qRhhxb7qhhQJpEgGs3wHDILP0NFMXDLdjZXQx8TziR3ENmdsgMLBtqPabWPDh1f3UXn6clBwLg/s1600/P1000656.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
12. For real though. You're making a sandwich. Put the bottom, right side facing up, on the bottom of the sandwich. Put the top, right side facing down, on top of the bottom. Put your batting on top.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyMndrdgCvKkgEidoELHAEnnzgEiBjnbb0bvTg0LII2iTrwfgYddBa0CSJReC21YueiH44ZYprP3MVPF3uUD_rPjeOhd-8Bk64lCOl46oE-ww6NF2arsb-v_l_6xolLm89KOwJiNnSQ50/s1600/P1000658.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyMndrdgCvKkgEidoELHAEnnzgEiBjnbb0bvTg0LII2iTrwfgYddBa0CSJReC21YueiH44ZYprP3MVPF3uUD_rPjeOhd-8Bk64lCOl46oE-ww6NF2arsb-v_l_6xolLm89KOwJiNnSQ50/s1600/P1000658.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
13. Pin.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0ZC6x6pnDVTSrp2sn6JqrquYmfsC2AhgGqnGRW9gHP0VlZjVq9_rq4IHqs2U9OhRKshKYbzUKmp-FhJtxCnmhfuMRfLRVQPdm63DLT1liSOdV3lRX9C8baQdk1BR9I_iqk1_1olQR6VQ/s1600/P1000659.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0ZC6x6pnDVTSrp2sn6JqrquYmfsC2AhgGqnGRW9gHP0VlZjVq9_rq4IHqs2U9OhRKshKYbzUKmp-FhJtxCnmhfuMRfLRVQPdm63DLT1liSOdV3lRX9C8baQdk1BR9I_iqk1_1olQR6VQ/s1600/P1000659.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
14. Sew around the sandwich using a 1/4" seam. Leave a hole 1-2" for turning. You'll want to backstitch to prevent ripping your seams when you turn right side out.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRKZGqkzjspANAnZuDCm-SW2YvENGXTIOICbLfbONEM6Ljfy6cnPJVR2EUPnwWF17R-hp8Epwn1-yKLfE7RF6XrOsPFO-OW9DY7_oIsOcQ0GjVoaOfThZ57oT69vpbinjZv6VLq6M-ZUI/s1600/P1000661.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRKZGqkzjspANAnZuDCm-SW2YvENGXTIOICbLfbONEM6Ljfy6cnPJVR2EUPnwWF17R-hp8Epwn1-yKLfE7RF6XrOsPFO-OW9DY7_oIsOcQ0GjVoaOfThZ57oT69vpbinjZv6VLq6M-ZUI/s1600/P1000661.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
15. Clip the corners. This keeps them sharper when you turn right side out. Be sure not to clip your seams!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1x8T8JJUTzpAy3Cum-b08zC9uEiIgqn4DJxJ7HQxoMGG58spExMrzfPMH1-9dQpwMP0eUyYPraVS8ItrZKZOH5Xl9kB5DsMn4A1t_RBDS_R26cHgaYCgih4NtfHjch0jqYabUOZtXHAo/s1600/P1000662.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1x8T8JJUTzpAy3Cum-b08zC9uEiIgqn4DJxJ7HQxoMGG58spExMrzfPMH1-9dQpwMP0eUyYPraVS8ItrZKZOH5Xl9kB5DsMn4A1t_RBDS_R26cHgaYCgih4NtfHjch0jqYabUOZtXHAo/s1600/P1000662.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
16. Turn right side out.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7o4YOtr_qAyEYiAh3xzkx0q3LD5b8l8Mh7L2vJMRLy3UEWeV1NGwVxOlqkUbNMENTVIu6qFfXhL_8BaVna35UKDYdjkzwbKauaonnO19bLoDAXSSMpuzVb5yymLwZpAEZWb7qdx9tcW8/s1600/P1000664.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7o4YOtr_qAyEYiAh3xzkx0q3LD5b8l8Mh7L2vJMRLy3UEWeV1NGwVxOlqkUbNMENTVIu6qFfXhL_8BaVna35UKDYdjkzwbKauaonnO19bLoDAXSSMpuzVb5yymLwZpAEZWb7qdx9tcW8/s1600/P1000664.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
You may find that a turning tool or a chopstick helps you in this endeavor. This guy's pointy ends help turn out the corners. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
17. Give it a good pressing. </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
18. Now you want to topstitch. Stitch pretty close to the edge, so that you close up the hole. You can just topstitch once around the edge if you'd like or you catch stitch around the coaster as many times as you'd like. I did mine twice. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXLYEh1mxDP7GEenjSum-hh4ZwAd00Bvidwg5nOEscGyUunPsbiMzSx5Y0doYi-4CD-EghEZ1C_dteDugq3i78e45_ukPeqLdEMyjfdYU731h3ln_2usixb47YLGUOHYuaNs-neeEexlc/s1600/P1000669.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXLYEh1mxDP7GEenjSum-hh4ZwAd00Bvidwg5nOEscGyUunPsbiMzSx5Y0doYi-4CD-EghEZ1C_dteDugq3i78e45_ukPeqLdEMyjfdYU731h3ln_2usixb47YLGUOHYuaNs-neeEexlc/s1600/P1000669.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
If you use metallic thread like me, make sure to lower the tension in your machine.</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEDabndIeKBDHdM68CI2OKb1Hi3Q7sRVrFFDoUfjf6Z1Y536TreiX60XnCh8M3eP0VEZreZHer1ffUsB2ocQtbN3akbIwRXMIl_qcAQdPusaMo8gYHN00kJmmr7zXsoJmJwYSUxjz2npQ/s1600/P1000675.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEDabndIeKBDHdM68CI2OKb1Hi3Q7sRVrFFDoUfjf6Z1Y536TreiX60XnCh8M3eP0VEZreZHer1ffUsB2ocQtbN3akbIwRXMIl_qcAQdPusaMo8gYHN00kJmmr7zXsoJmJwYSUxjz2npQ/s1600/P1000675.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYAz6ByHMJ4SrMDGwIQeTvRQUCjN0rIV1t_lzQ8MT8irBX9pq7yVjZJvUgs_sscm86WUkMA0xGtT8W1LkM8JlfQA09oLcb-5FF41_0VtSxcDc7BQFiau4vZ8oWVh-YgTA3pX8Azjb-Kq8/s1600/P1000676.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYAz6ByHMJ4SrMDGwIQeTvRQUCjN0rIV1t_lzQ8MT8irBX9pq7yVjZJvUgs_sscm86WUkMA0xGtT8W1LkM8JlfQA09oLcb-5FF41_0VtSxcDc7BQFiau4vZ8oWVh-YgTA3pX8Azjb-Kq8/s1600/P1000676.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
19. Clip your threads and admire your handiwork.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinZBEua63L1r79pSHUrTSRVyxmLIMVY6RjM4NjpJllB8whk7p-UQvdBXj3qDLSrjBU4lLTWmCZ2DP7JJhelkaoqLsKH_ovuwLX48X2088aQ5YgZavmTqbsjcqbGWSg-yoffRYmgco7LZo/s1600/P1000677.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinZBEua63L1r79pSHUrTSRVyxmLIMVY6RjM4NjpJllB8whk7p-UQvdBXj3qDLSrjBU4lLTWmCZ2DP7JJhelkaoqLsKH_ovuwLX48X2088aQ5YgZavmTqbsjcqbGWSg-yoffRYmgco7LZo/s1600/P1000677.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
20. Give to a friend or enjoy a cup of coffee or tea. :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdgkNZ7cryMYe5tGz8CZijrOsUpxO33IJVucW6N_-OzidZo1R1sPqz4rL9RR7a7rZ48pnQhJUSGMn0Ih7r-egSCN5UQSKkpqPMMqFpQShOBuxT-BDOt4JniSut-BBgYneGoq2oeq5FdQ0/s1600/P1000668.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdgkNZ7cryMYe5tGz8CZijrOsUpxO33IJVucW6N_-OzidZo1R1sPqz4rL9RR7a7rZ48pnQhJUSGMn0Ih7r-egSCN5UQSKkpqPMMqFpQShOBuxT-BDOt4JniSut-BBgYneGoq2oeq5FdQ0/s1600/P1000668.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Happy Valentine's Day!</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Ashleigh @ Rocks and Chickenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15738929353163939093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7235241026317321899.post-35343012519012750752014-02-03T06:00:00.000-05:002014-02-03T21:29:07.308-05:00Valentine Coaster Tutorial Part 1<div style="text-align: center;">
So I am really excited today because I'm going to share my first tutorial with you!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Now, it is my first time writing a tutorial, so let me know if anything is confusing. :)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Valentine's day is just around the corner, so I thought it would be fun to make some cute little coasters for some folks. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb2XVRRzVA3MCcYmjpRTQfq2FlcPPnObI2ZpbShagqEcKPmhqJke2-aCFKUE8G0MHbscna1A4luINe67hPIFhjgO75M_4myHC_oplgv4b1slRhVxjFt1Jq0leSgSIcG0wBoX-mz9FL59I/s1600/P1000677.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb2XVRRzVA3MCcYmjpRTQfq2FlcPPnObI2ZpbShagqEcKPmhqJke2-aCFKUE8G0MHbscna1A4luINe67hPIFhjgO75M_4myHC_oplgv4b1slRhVxjFt1Jq0leSgSIcG0wBoX-mz9FL59I/s1600/P1000677.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. I hear some of you. It's a Hallmark holiday, blah blah blah. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But I like it.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And I like the chance to show a little love for some people around me. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But if you must hate on V-day, then you can make these coasters in whatever theme you want. ;)<br />
<br />
You can put whatever embroidered design you want. In fact, later on I'm going to show you a completely different design I've done.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am going to break this into two parts, just for ease and clarity, so join me tomorrow for the second half. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJVy9F9H9fZuutZDT2xMLPv5p8P9_H_A88mGXcDjIPadALEWjZaeJB9SmlCTwGohqxMp0Zume7JjiR09cYLKOmbtJHuKGPVK_zUK7y9sv4q5kNWyrDqhuhz2YVCs0igHB9_C0NyeOc46w/s1600/P1000564.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJVy9F9H9fZuutZDT2xMLPv5p8P9_H_A88mGXcDjIPadALEWjZaeJB9SmlCTwGohqxMp0Zume7JjiR09cYLKOmbtJHuKGPVK_zUK7y9sv4q5kNWyrDqhuhz2YVCs0igHB9_C0NyeOc46w/s1600/P1000564.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Supplies:</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
You're going to want the following:</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<ul>
<li>A sewing machine</li>
<li>Embroidery floss in a variety of colors </li>
<li>Hand sewing needle</li>
<li>White or light-colored fabric</li>
<li>Backing fabric </li>
<li>Strips of colored fabric (this might be a great time to raid your scraps stash; the strips are as thin as 1.25 inches wide)</li>
<li>Machine sewing thread in a color of your fancy (I used some metallic thread from Gutermann)</li>
<li>An iron-on transfer pencil</li>
<li>A seam ripper</li>
<li>An iron</li>
<li>Pins</li>
<li>Batting</li>
</ul>
<div>
Optional: </div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Fabric paint/ink</li>
<li>Paintbrush or stencil brush</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3dE8FNno_TXjRxzl5thjaduQRi_agfMySWI1jvdjD-QvQMVd7pmh03UbpjFtS939vI_gVBMwhh9mjb23_4Lf2rU1VS5ASVJf0zBZPeARONN6G8ZW8jxIShX5wsI761uxnP_0AUb-TYns/s1600/P1000570.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3dE8FNno_TXjRxzl5thjaduQRi_agfMySWI1jvdjD-QvQMVd7pmh03UbpjFtS939vI_gVBMwhh9mjb23_4Lf2rU1VS5ASVJf0zBZPeARONN6G8ZW8jxIShX5wsI761uxnP_0AUb-TYns/s1600/P1000570.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<b>Directions:</b></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
<ol>
<li>Cut your white fabric into 2.5" squares. You'll need one square per coaster, so cut out the number you need based on how many coasters you plan to make.</li>
<li>Cut your colored fabric into 1.25" x 3.75" strips. You'll need four per coaster. </li>
</ol>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXuJPs1uIJf3pUlmK8JfBF4Hh22gDvxT5M-O6xqsJSGKE9U5UIPOA1RUDbhy29xGI15VAuf1jkAvwek7QfjLiThY17FjRPlln9loxHMhgWuT03WznzUu5mj4yqUc8NoyjxbZcHiJo9Hq8/s1600/P1000533.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXuJPs1uIJf3pUlmK8JfBF4Hh22gDvxT5M-O6xqsJSGKE9U5UIPOA1RUDbhy29xGI15VAuf1jkAvwek7QfjLiThY17FjRPlln9loxHMhgWuT03WznzUu5mj4yqUc8NoyjxbZcHiJo9Hq8/s1600/P1000533.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
3. Pin your first strip to the white square. The left edge of the colored strip should be flush with the edge of the square. There should be overhang.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgST7j2rXc_nUw8ChRMzZ7KVtznhawnzBZlYGhjEGkvoplonb0IoTst-jGFvZbf4W1YXdgI0uyBvKgj5_HkliQhYIKmDaYv_a1ld8QVrY-K_UqDZeT632-umbCrbhRJGy8Bqe73YGzpuwY/s1600/P1000525.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgST7j2rXc_nUw8ChRMzZ7KVtznhawnzBZlYGhjEGkvoplonb0IoTst-jGFvZbf4W1YXdgI0uyBvKgj5_HkliQhYIKmDaYv_a1ld8QVrY-K_UqDZeT632-umbCrbhRJGy8Bqe73YGzpuwY/s1600/P1000525.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
4. Sew the strip to the square using a 1/4" seam allowance. (Excuse the fact that I'm clearly sewing later in the process here.) You can backstitch the end that is flush with the square, but do not backstitch on the side with the overhang.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjudIk8vc18jynF6E0SKBKj7YYHuyGLrsTWXcoXihs394bQ6LVUVaILI_mIUndX1HF4900zwUbTgYqDti-6ic6bpCL4PbjxnPlZYZdFha6B95WmtiSrVjzZza_RL9EY0L9FPNQkR07Zc34/s1600/P1000534.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjudIk8vc18jynF6E0SKBKj7YYHuyGLrsTWXcoXihs394bQ6LVUVaILI_mIUndX1HF4900zwUbTgYqDti-6ic6bpCL4PbjxnPlZYZdFha6B95WmtiSrVjzZza_RL9EY0L9FPNQkR07Zc34/s1600/P1000534.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
5. Press the fabric open. You can either press your seams open or to the side; it doesn't matter. I pressed mine to the side with the colored fabric so the seams wouldn't show through the white. Your preference.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsKUYR-mkf5S-cA67iLd9O9AKdR7GyBAuhpp1Z8C7iknAGedrwc_8DhKef8MX98gE1BMLGrHFaVDu-l3c4oj4eWOTcdwj6vBs8AhoxOhD-w0s9ZCHmsFwbcVYUWHL49h5OywcaXiUse0o/s1600/P1000537.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsKUYR-mkf5S-cA67iLd9O9AKdR7GyBAuhpp1Z8C7iknAGedrwc_8DhKef8MX98gE1BMLGrHFaVDu-l3c4oj4eWOTcdwj6vBs8AhoxOhD-w0s9ZCHmsFwbcVYUWHL49h5OywcaXiUse0o/s1600/P1000537.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
6. Pin on your next strip. Again, you want one edge to be flush with the square and one to overhang just a little bit. The overhang should be over the edge that was flush with the square in the last step.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQujPGBURLHaUkzBY3oa26ZMGHuBJyZRrMw9Q-lmujxYbGcpeE_CRGU4KFDYgWJ-rhfb0Fp7uMNmjy1mSvkc5W_jOUCnMaE0H2rGnQLtZ2XzdbZKS15D3aW-BvLtqAp6ZBaXWWfCGIEps/s1600/P1000530.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQujPGBURLHaUkzBY3oa26ZMGHuBJyZRrMw9Q-lmujxYbGcpeE_CRGU4KFDYgWJ-rhfb0Fp7uMNmjy1mSvkc5W_jOUCnMaE0H2rGnQLtZ2XzdbZKS15D3aW-BvLtqAp6ZBaXWWfCGIEps/s1600/P1000530.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
7. Sew with a 1/4" seam allowance. You can backstitch at both ends this time.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7yg6246DG9PhsbGJlBu9rlddk5GeuhrjPyao3-8qdCFOLHkf7eDcUMlFbWcBmaqsBe2CBfQjcSDzgTJTIcqH_LxeuWDfpXIDW4mFdeo8gVv8soFpMkjgaRQ9q66JGkCEqJKTdsShXaMM/s1600/P1000538.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7yg6246DG9PhsbGJlBu9rlddk5GeuhrjPyao3-8qdCFOLHkf7eDcUMlFbWcBmaqsBe2CBfQjcSDzgTJTIcqH_LxeuWDfpXIDW4mFdeo8gVv8soFpMkjgaRQ9q66JGkCEqJKTdsShXaMM/s1600/P1000538.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
8. Press open.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3lw1zK6OUvgo_4LvrUN3n60vkDsAAX63s8YzF3RdUE4-9wahJ31hncU11KQLgGfe00sjhyHbr774XWUrhyYZzGR31nm47ZnLNTy1GRBDM8dGOeF7wVNNDOqR-mbGHJTCDEtfYQ_qLU0o/s1600/P1000539.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3lw1zK6OUvgo_4LvrUN3n60vkDsAAX63s8YzF3RdUE4-9wahJ31hncU11KQLgGfe00sjhyHbr774XWUrhyYZzGR31nm47ZnLNTy1GRBDM8dGOeF7wVNNDOqR-mbGHJTCDEtfYQ_qLU0o/s1600/P1000539.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
9. Pin down the third strip. Same process as before. One end should be flush; the other should have a little overhang. The side with the overhang should overlap with the side that was flush in the last step.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrc__daq3ApLIXetNWD_R7gGyxCKVhp4X5cEzV8dYXjaGS-6B9QoN2UcyWtxpRDU4c6jmPQfIduZkR333xDtBa4gvY6cjWjfoSszl_sl_W5n7mhuibiZAWuBiNvBpPUq4gUo6IuB7tjX0/s1600/P1000526.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrc__daq3ApLIXetNWD_R7gGyxCKVhp4X5cEzV8dYXjaGS-6B9QoN2UcyWtxpRDU4c6jmPQfIduZkR333xDtBa4gvY6cjWjfoSszl_sl_W5n7mhuibiZAWuBiNvBpPUq4gUo6IuB7tjX0/s1600/P1000526.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
10. Sew using a 1/4" seam allowance. Again, you can backstitch at both ends.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9QGHohLVvpHmMTP8Q_5kG6Yqa-OAYCN2OOtHutt9HItN18QmMMrTaCaB_TMAFg016gXGbiFy47leSTUe4Z4pUD6h58Kg-PKnZDKHLh9DX3JGoZ72xLCKon9RNZPWQURuK667AnCq2y4c/s1600/P1000540.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9QGHohLVvpHmMTP8Q_5kG6Yqa-OAYCN2OOtHutt9HItN18QmMMrTaCaB_TMAFg016gXGbiFy47leSTUe4Z4pUD6h58Kg-PKnZDKHLh9DX3JGoZ72xLCKon9RNZPWQURuK667AnCq2y4c/s1600/P1000540.JPG" height="240" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
11. Press open.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibmZaFD_oefwIjebazq_YlXWxrQYdeHHqIHC73leQewHxRHP_7Kkhr4usylLgyCnCmi6DPSNekgXGbD0pxv-oTMXrqqVpSFmlO1Sq_YGOrXfy7mDAa2T-To4W_msGKrlXSZp5izR9wkAE/s1600/P1000541.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibmZaFD_oefwIjebazq_YlXWxrQYdeHHqIHC73leQewHxRHP_7Kkhr4usylLgyCnCmi6DPSNekgXGbD0pxv-oTMXrqqVpSFmlO1Sq_YGOrXfy7mDAa2T-To4W_msGKrlXSZp5izR9wkAE/s1600/P1000541.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
12. This is what it should look like at this point in the process. One side is left overhanging. Get out your handy dandy seam ripper. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisz47bAVw2C1UvtHuor6Jzjmbtd-0EyGwLU_RAqrlwsJ8g_jHsSkqzfIAFS8rdsw3tNyT95pBi9c_xzOg-0IRroOl51OiEUnExz-bLYxBE7ddBqE6-QMa-aXOY1e2zgRwExm360jkACXs/s1600/P1000542.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisz47bAVw2C1UvtHuor6Jzjmbtd-0EyGwLU_RAqrlwsJ8g_jHsSkqzfIAFS8rdsw3tNyT95pBi9c_xzOg-0IRroOl51OiEUnExz-bLYxBE7ddBqE6-QMa-aXOY1e2zgRwExm360jkACXs/s1600/P1000542.JPG" height="240" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
13. Rip down about halfway. Pin the strip out of the way.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRMMjYn1xGOi2cHrG4VYebtcxqyDaZtgIDOnVgWHzDu0_shToKNwgiiT6xzqajw3gm3PChjzQSeS2MKQg536d7-RA5ilxtdEUiPwO74ur1ySOvT-pNKgSZrQ58ha9veCkQ7bGR-nX1v0Y/s1600/P1000544.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRMMjYn1xGOi2cHrG4VYebtcxqyDaZtgIDOnVgWHzDu0_shToKNwgiiT6xzqajw3gm3PChjzQSeS2MKQg536d7-RA5ilxtdEUiPwO74ur1ySOvT-pNKgSZrQ58ha9veCkQ7bGR-nX1v0Y/s1600/P1000544.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
14. Pin your final strip down. Same process as before. One end should be flush with the side that is still intact. The other should overhang about a 1/4" or so on the side that you just pinned down. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdSEPrZlLgw5dPbWwpXTQcsgLk4uAqx9d90A5D2C-6x7LbTIZQw4owjJe27e56O4X96CWJ_K9NbGCU_4b9wIYKTMzPPvjUznPpu6qNEQfPuzhDtcIn5i5Lkuaf302uZe2BZl0GORgFYmo/s1600/P1000545.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdSEPrZlLgw5dPbWwpXTQcsgLk4uAqx9d90A5D2C-6x7LbTIZQw4owjJe27e56O4X96CWJ_K9NbGCU_4b9wIYKTMzPPvjUznPpu6qNEQfPuzhDtcIn5i5Lkuaf302uZe2BZl0GORgFYmo/s1600/P1000545.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
15. Sew using a 1/4" seam allowance. Backstitch at both ends. Press open. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxJetbX19L8YbL0NfWvNdsKQOtaiGpagJMTwu9PcLmlSzripx4hlZpzxNYZ1wxDkdKQgsLIcdcS57SsCTiNbIVs0CmKJdcE7LhkaK-bjTpGQi81_NtBAUSEzY2vSRjqa8_wHE3i_4nCl0/s1600/P1000546.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxJetbX19L8YbL0NfWvNdsKQOtaiGpagJMTwu9PcLmlSzripx4hlZpzxNYZ1wxDkdKQgsLIcdcS57SsCTiNbIVs0CmKJdcE7LhkaK-bjTpGQi81_NtBAUSEzY2vSRjqa8_wHE3i_4nCl0/s1600/P1000546.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
16. I forgot to get a picture here; my apologies. Remove the pin from the side you pinned down. Fold it back down over the side you just completed. Sew using a 1/4" seam allowance. Backstitch at both ends. Press.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8bRCVpRsIexVZviP9C-HDEUsTdIh-WTbcz17zTV5GVPzSikykKSkB_zBu7qRwHAtd2kn3Khj4dOd6dp4KGTCsMMJynHp0R9PGsD5WpB8pgcC9jEBTfh5CVU23h8E2v8fwS_T0evlw9Dk/s1600/P1000558.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8bRCVpRsIexVZviP9C-HDEUsTdIh-WTbcz17zTV5GVPzSikykKSkB_zBu7qRwHAtd2kn3Khj4dOd6dp4KGTCsMMJynHp0R9PGsD5WpB8pgcC9jEBTfh5CVU23h8E2v8fwS_T0evlw9Dk/s1600/P1000558.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
17. You'll end up with a coaster top that looks like this. (We'll square them up later.)</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYuLS2kv3O1Bik8cdO0RautCqQLETV9aPAARhV9gWjhP-NAc5ZKSmsMNlhikftBZ0DTsJ2AeRa-PMlFtO7CuBMZt3d2A6I4YF7O03gIt7R9po1v7uVJni8bupPqU5uQ24oqK19MwiDLN4/s1600/P1000559.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYuLS2kv3O1Bik8cdO0RautCqQLETV9aPAARhV9gWjhP-NAc5ZKSmsMNlhikftBZ0DTsJ2AeRa-PMlFtO7CuBMZt3d2A6I4YF7O03gIt7R9po1v7uVJni8bupPqU5uQ24oqK19MwiDLN4/s1600/P1000559.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
18. Make as many as you need. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
19. Join me tomorrow where I'll show you how we'll make a fun back and an embroidered design on the front, as well as sew the coaster. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
20. Breathe! You've just completed the hardest part! :)</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8uW-iHZGSkr5V9q_eqlShwEUznVLK0J1ipsex92tCTA2eVOp3zZaj5szU_VFwLhr-rWENQfW_dCNdEV2OQsaNMZduRPi1NJpkkVhhOUxJWWu8F5fJekZ_Ph8vQKCs2IshajtR1k8lETk/s1600/P1000561.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8uW-iHZGSkr5V9q_eqlShwEUznVLK0J1ipsex92tCTA2eVOp3zZaj5szU_VFwLhr-rWENQfW_dCNdEV2OQsaNMZduRPi1NJpkkVhhOUxJWWu8F5fJekZ_Ph8vQKCs2IshajtR1k8lETk/s1600/P1000561.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Thanks for joining me! Hope to see you tomorrow!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Let me know if you have any questions.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Join me for Funday Monday at <a href="http://www.stillbeingmolly.com/" target="_blank">Still Being Molly</a> and <a href="http://lipglossandcrayons.com/" target="_blank">Lipgloss and Crayons</a>. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="center">
<a href="http://stillbeingmolly.com/" title="still being [molly]"><img alt="still being [molly]" src="http://stillbeingmolly.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/funday-monday-button-200x192.jpg" style="border: none;" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Ashleigh @ Rocks and Chickenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15738929353163939093noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7235241026317321899.post-63856716586019415062014-01-31T06:30:00.000-05:002014-01-31T06:30:02.645-05:00Radiant Orchid Pantone Quilt Challenge Perhaps?<div style="text-align: center;">
Hmmm....</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This is tempting.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div align="center">
<a href="http://www.play-crafts.com/blog/category/2014-pantone/" title="2014 Pantone Quilt Challenge: Radiant Orchid"><img alt="2014 Pantone Quilt Challenge: Radiant Orchid" src="http://www.play-crafts.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/orchidbutton1.png" style="border: none;" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Because what I need is another project. ;)</div>
Ashleigh @ Rocks and Chickenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15738929353163939093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7235241026317321899.post-80107455260481276312014-01-30T06:00:00.000-05:002014-01-30T06:00:05.529-05:00Let's Pretend It's Summer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Let's pretend it's summer.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Get out our flashy sunglasses. (Oh, you don't have a pair? You should. They make you feel snazzy.)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Put on our swimsuits.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Pretend we're at the beach.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And that the temperature is above freezing.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'm just sayin'.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Yz2nS6zg94J7rP_jnDpVgsmZpSFDP_QUlpPsThUzpdq-UCM0dvQamiEvk4edluk-i7OwK70Ma992RMVdu3MpbHdSJChEjKhb6SS83Fsj7lycwmv-JndCmm-SdPYthsz54swKmMGuK94/s1600/P1000268.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Yz2nS6zg94J7rP_jnDpVgsmZpSFDP_QUlpPsThUzpdq-UCM0dvQamiEvk4edluk-i7OwK70Ma992RMVdu3MpbHdSJChEjKhb6SS83Fsj7lycwmv-JndCmm-SdPYthsz54swKmMGuK94/s1600/P1000268.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
In other news, the first round of seed starting begins this weekend. :)<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Stay tuned, friends. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And think warm thoughts. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiALRw54tnA_E38N2kHb7oGuN2wBPDL2u5z4EzYFks-HMUAwPZ9ZwkSO7v0TWcjX310cuZf0TbwrYRbgV1438SWYPZIoEyrhkB99G-6M9NuVkSoIN7PWD7enH1E45r2GjGPqjssGnuR7Cw/s1600/P1000308.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiALRw54tnA_E38N2kHb7oGuN2wBPDL2u5z4EzYFks-HMUAwPZ9ZwkSO7v0TWcjX310cuZf0TbwrYRbgV1438SWYPZIoEyrhkB99G-6M9NuVkSoIN7PWD7enH1E45r2GjGPqjssGnuR7Cw/s1600/P1000308.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Ashleigh @ Rocks and Chickenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15738929353163939093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7235241026317321899.post-77565070784163951002014-01-29T06:00:00.000-05:002014-01-29T06:34:47.841-05:00Works in Progress Wednesday 7<div style="text-align: center;">
So...for this week, I have two more Circle of Geese Blocks for my newest baby quilt.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Nevermind the fact that I need to finish quilting my <a href="http://rocksandchickens.blogspot.com/2013/06/works-in-progress-wednesday-4.html" target="_blank">Bloom Bloom Pow quilt</a>.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Whoops.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It will get done. I promise.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSh5SyHDqgPI1RHwQ4S_lVNpyzQg958gE9A6Ny1fS_TciloTJu-IbTirefcna48XC7-tAsL2S7f1Ddt1eFTq5ciytao-2gcVPD3HSQfU8qxeluv1j1lwGwt0jX92doQl0jZOJpmLm48Ho/s1600/P1000549.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSh5SyHDqgPI1RHwQ4S_lVNpyzQg958gE9A6Ny1fS_TciloTJu-IbTirefcna48XC7-tAsL2S7f1Ddt1eFTq5ciytao-2gcVPD3HSQfU8qxeluv1j1lwGwt0jX92doQl0jZOJpmLm48Ho/s1600/P1000549.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Block 2.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Excuse the shiny sun. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'm glad to see it here once in a while. If only it would warm up. I'll take 32 degrees at this point.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrVJ2JESpa3OPGbFTqyaA9Zitg5plrsn2e2A8xdRJCuhK-8IVzUa3BEz_xuzofTcMoW-e3m1oKYkREjfSXuCAQibZyhqUpzxSgFwymWEtWvt2Wokt5De2wYdXe7MXX_9SK3iyxG8D6ypw/s1600/P1000554.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrVJ2JESpa3OPGbFTqyaA9Zitg5plrsn2e2A8xdRJCuhK-8IVzUa3BEz_xuzofTcMoW-e3m1oKYkREjfSXuCAQibZyhqUpzxSgFwymWEtWvt2Wokt5De2wYdXe7MXX_9SK3iyxG8D6ypw/s1600/P1000554.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Block 3. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7qMt13eu-MLTxcK5fWfhTj-jLTZ2mE9Vvpa_j5VFVtlVA1aNFVY4GwXzex5W42oaGOdVnAW0eDtZtOOLM4-Jwv8niyXfxrM_jYhmMt0wQqZu2ele4VCw5AouCe9siMRUVfvu_WsFLhsQ/s1600/P1000555.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7qMt13eu-MLTxcK5fWfhTj-jLTZ2mE9Vvpa_j5VFVtlVA1aNFVY4GwXzex5W42oaGOdVnAW0eDtZtOOLM4-Jwv8niyXfxrM_jYhmMt0wQqZu2ele4VCw5AouCe9siMRUVfvu_WsFLhsQ/s1600/P1000555.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
You can see that I'm using scrap paper for paper piecing here. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hehe. See the music lyrics in the background? </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyMyL3UOc-Bd9Spmu-yeVkgpbAeguNaRm_67DpF53EV1zgMgQ50J5ls5pF163y41-WQD6n9SgglTTXIEd8GaSBQLvTiCfNThyphenhyphenNGLD4VZQvLPtOPVMoiu1MpdoS1kQsgHOrbVY7rShzwlI/s1600/P1000556.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyMyL3UOc-Bd9Spmu-yeVkgpbAeguNaRm_67DpF53EV1zgMgQ50J5ls5pF163y41-WQD6n9SgglTTXIEd8GaSBQLvTiCfNThyphenhyphenNGLD4VZQvLPtOPVMoiu1MpdoS1kQsgHOrbVY7rShzwlI/s1600/P1000556.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I love the stained glass look that the backlighting gives the blocks here.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt8FvX8BTRlXWwIOZ37nQ_fSphDV9bry7iLLwo3JPKWu7I9gM81DZUOTz3yKkre2fXZHSmsrWwoLug6mAxB7ZBkr3ELuey947TY2xWQGYBzGjTnORiCGcX4qOq25CGNakpuU_n1WxFgFw/s1600/P1000567.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt8FvX8BTRlXWwIOZ37nQ_fSphDV9bry7iLLwo3JPKWu7I9gM81DZUOTz3yKkre2fXZHSmsrWwoLug6mAxB7ZBkr3ELuey947TY2xWQGYBzGjTnORiCGcX4qOq25CGNakpuU_n1WxFgFw/s1600/P1000567.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'm having so much fun sewing these up. They are sooooo much easier than they look!<br />
<br />
And what a privilege and honor it is to have a reminder to pray for my friend, her baby, and her family every time I sit down at the sewing machine.<br />
<br />
So, I now have 3 total blocks for this quilt. I'm going for 9 total Circle of Geese blocks, plus some sashing and borders. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH3s97DWBmabkIESFUBL1foXmD2pk51K8DxmSMuH4WnWrDKIdATQYBeCEsfatT6O30Q93VeTSvlwjxsqlurMFLJJi8kJg_224d6vL4hSga9n3_QsHsjRtCdKZLcXZxbsXDa1-IV-E3Y7s/s1600/P1000557.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH3s97DWBmabkIESFUBL1foXmD2pk51K8DxmSMuH4WnWrDKIdATQYBeCEsfatT6O30Q93VeTSvlwjxsqlurMFLJJi8kJg_224d6vL4hSga9n3_QsHsjRtCdKZLcXZxbsXDa1-IV-E3Y7s/s1600/P1000557.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I also worked on some Valentine coasters I'm making. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
They're going to be more exciting than this, I promise. But have to do Part A to get to Part B.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'm hoping to get a tutorial up for y'all here soon. Check back in with me. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb_sTk3YcO40H50gZCCZ9o8MFE_Xc9CfBovyO1YTdeapIQaiYzb__2NKqLo3ZuwN7dDsjzJTEqnDvC7xYqEDDZOnmXRyspkX6li1sL9cHPZbRVxqd2V-ZS2lMFQGZvAz37dHki1-DgurA/s1600/P1000561.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb_sTk3YcO40H50gZCCZ9o8MFE_Xc9CfBovyO1YTdeapIQaiYzb__2NKqLo3ZuwN7dDsjzJTEqnDvC7xYqEDDZOnmXRyspkX6li1sL9cHPZbRVxqd2V-ZS2lMFQGZvAz37dHki1-DgurA/s1600/P1000561.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I cranked out 16 of these babies on Sunday.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9F6XrQmrLnQY5aHfoLKvmcvRwDzusvfW_443swYYtlOclqzmjwCFHGky2qArDe931UC-lpouVME8TTtOoPiXYppy_vz99kYeU07OoiBj81BoaPjjljj50LHdHxAjcHSgFlBYCXlkshD4/s1600/P1000564.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9F6XrQmrLnQY5aHfoLKvmcvRwDzusvfW_443swYYtlOclqzmjwCFHGky2qArDe931UC-lpouVME8TTtOoPiXYppy_vz99kYeU07OoiBj81BoaPjjljj50LHdHxAjcHSgFlBYCXlkshD4/s1600/P1000564.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
See how fun they'll be? Embroidery floss, fabric paint, gold thread. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And I finally bought into the Washi tape trend? Did you know Target carries this stuff now?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'm not late to the party. ;) It doesn't start until I get there. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Do join me for the party at <a href="http://www.freshlypieced.com/" target="_blank">Freshly Piece</a>d and <a href="http://www.freshlypieced.com/2014/01/wip-wednesday-right-on-time.html" target="_blank">Works in Progress Wednesday</a>.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Ashleigh @ Rocks and Chickenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15738929353163939093noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7235241026317321899.post-69995955075520603042014-01-23T08:00:00.000-05:002014-01-23T08:00:02.429-05:00New Year's in Williamsburg<div style="text-align: center;">
After Christmas and over New Year's Mr. Gardener and I ventured to Williamsburg with my family. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg08qXyxz9AyqPtxOboNaIL94dAt_qUyPFW2izV26R2iD9lqhVCrw8nEb6h7SCv-k9S7tG_TIWfu1e0jc2H0byze0j-WM_0LzZ4n_cfl78BvqUuPavcOo34nEX8U9ZOwCDilG_KHNXg1Wg/s1600/P1000419.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg08qXyxz9AyqPtxOboNaIL94dAt_qUyPFW2izV26R2iD9lqhVCrw8nEb6h7SCv-k9S7tG_TIWfu1e0jc2H0byze0j-WM_0LzZ4n_cfl78BvqUuPavcOo34nEX8U9ZOwCDilG_KHNXg1Wg/s1600/P1000419.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
They had timeshare time to use and kindly invited us to join them. And we all had a very nice time together. We did some things together and some separately, like Mr. Gardener and I went to go visit friends in Newport News (maybe 30 minutes from Williamsburg). So, all in all, it was great. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(Because, as I'm sure you know, blending family vacations can be a gamble. But my parents have informed us that we haven't yet been banned from vacationing with them. hehe)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfSqiBnrs_V466tTWMGQqLYbpzL-E-X1tXvwstBUIOKODdtUlqFtV4qWuywENrAosbHjSHIgLqZuwwlV9yI5nG0DXxaazflUMLJjcFrEECLSi3sjM5-duI_68Jz6jo9k6XRwq4HBiljFo/s1600/P1000444.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfSqiBnrs_V466tTWMGQqLYbpzL-E-X1tXvwstBUIOKODdtUlqFtV4qWuywENrAosbHjSHIgLqZuwwlV9yI5nG0DXxaazflUMLJjcFrEECLSi3sjM5-duI_68Jz6jo9k6XRwq4HBiljFo/s1600/P1000444.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Rare photo of my brother smiling? Had to include it. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilBTSJbP_dUzrXOz2V_lZn7MGGqt5uc4xqb2QWpLWQHU03oWKFTeWXwIlEBdRVThB8Y08uyOWmzBiH28wRg0WQdbEQiHVhCa7D7u22Xr69JTsRQGUc-zZncI3a-NdlsustUUsq_9eXyWI/s1600/P1000445.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilBTSJbP_dUzrXOz2V_lZn7MGGqt5uc4xqb2QWpLWQHU03oWKFTeWXwIlEBdRVThB8Y08uyOWmzBiH28wRg0WQdbEQiHVhCa7D7u22Xr69JTsRQGUc-zZncI3a-NdlsustUUsq_9eXyWI/s1600/P1000445.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We went to the <a href="http://www.colonialwilliamsburg.com/do/art-museums/rockefeller-museum/" target="_blank">folk art museum</a>. Loved the quilt exhibit (duh) and the whirligigs. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Fun sculpture for no apparent reason? Count me in.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I love folk art. It's all about expression for the pleasure of it. It can include form and function, an adherence to rules, but it doesn't have to. It's art for art by regular people. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDisOGJ72mz94b2k3vn8fKYe2_L_7HowfIrFo4oDbJDB3nOJpRLkz0R55kTy8WiDfDdrTQjMHK9YqqxI7ZRiVBrtVKpoysGppnUaAty6J1Z9_5XY32YDH6F5yqNfu3SVrWkMBtK96Lje8/s1600/P1000453.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDisOGJ72mz94b2k3vn8fKYe2_L_7HowfIrFo4oDbJDB3nOJpRLkz0R55kTy8WiDfDdrTQjMHK9YqqxI7ZRiVBrtVKpoysGppnUaAty6J1Z9_5XY32YDH6F5yqNfu3SVrWkMBtK96Lje8/s1600/P1000453.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Naturally, I needed to tour the colonial garden.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgYeI_YVxsC7_rEQBkJJAZd_i859tune1Bo_ZHZi0ogEwneaLECAlnk-jVgU0SeFAERokabgEMpmI1Noh2TnXHm7FcWlwY1asPb8_4qGdCIn_-J7WH7z8xADZFp8UnktvIcZADdxR0Ke4/s1600/P1000447.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgYeI_YVxsC7_rEQBkJJAZd_i859tune1Bo_ZHZi0ogEwneaLECAlnk-jVgU0SeFAERokabgEMpmI1Noh2TnXHm7FcWlwY1asPb8_4qGdCIn_-J7WH7z8xADZFp8UnktvIcZADdxR0Ke4/s1600/P1000447.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Look at these awesome ideas for winter gardening. Keep in mind, if you're a newbie gardener, that these are cool season vegetables.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I love the bell jars (left).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKEEw1tl4OxX7E6tPjlObeK4MU047qSeNZIHMmaWNeS04M2VoYmaGEbp6Xl6b1d-N6iNg0q9bR4z0Y24JqfXnI0ozyEBLkOGkR6gy5-4KaSOFTjoQ64x9coS2hwmy_r_VJV8yxF56td40/s1600/P1000448.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKEEw1tl4OxX7E6tPjlObeK4MU047qSeNZIHMmaWNeS04M2VoYmaGEbp6Xl6b1d-N6iNg0q9bR4z0Y24JqfXnI0ozyEBLkOGkR6gy5-4KaSOFTjoQ64x9coS2hwmy_r_VJV8yxF56td40/s1600/P1000448.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Kind of a like a mini greenhouse. I think that could be totally doable. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidv_Egeu07QUjaIpI77JtR_oY7eMPLX7t3xB81XT3HLwoP4QgcSEh8pzcF4vieF2VxdlsQHkrSNly-8Lm-lqlI2JlSxOOR8HXfPY6OuCRTagTgRwp63DMcbg2uKBtTQI8_AYe4UiCjp_w/s1600/P1000449.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidv_Egeu07QUjaIpI77JtR_oY7eMPLX7t3xB81XT3HLwoP4QgcSEh8pzcF4vieF2VxdlsQHkrSNly-8Lm-lqlI2JlSxOOR8HXfPY6OuCRTagTgRwp63DMcbg2uKBtTQI8_AYe4UiCjp_w/s1600/P1000449.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Coldframe. </div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBJNOVIJH7yjP4uXYxG9GN-eJ3M0IPUJAJbTFjN09XFdPx8xFxvP-2KGuwbHA1k5YWgZ_CVOwVhvshRKL0ayfD2zv29C6M53LgA7vtQ-v65W5MZX1EjnWZ0ChDQjOuYn-6KieAkAoJ2ls/s1600/P1000457.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBJNOVIJH7yjP4uXYxG9GN-eJ3M0IPUJAJbTFjN09XFdPx8xFxvP-2KGuwbHA1k5YWgZ_CVOwVhvshRKL0ayfD2zv29C6M53LgA7vtQ-v65W5MZX1EjnWZ0ChDQjOuYn-6KieAkAoJ2ls/s1600/P1000457.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
There were beautiful Christmas decorations everywhere. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipgVRvZIev3S4YiTTwYHsDPMKUsa0RyzOX7-TYGdlG05GmIWabZFawsLKJOo2NGm3sZ-NztY2WxOoqmEErPksuv6kZ2dq8MXGq0YGjIp0ToTHSkOD3UbSOgDkggF0fdw6WCb_V5CKZBHA/s1600/P1000478.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipgVRvZIev3S4YiTTwYHsDPMKUsa0RyzOX7-TYGdlG05GmIWabZFawsLKJOo2NGm3sZ-NztY2WxOoqmEErPksuv6kZ2dq8MXGq0YGjIp0ToTHSkOD3UbSOgDkggF0fdw6WCb_V5CKZBHA/s1600/P1000478.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I need to try my hand at creating something similar next year.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1EqyP1e55cGvSHSt2veW50PK2g2XMxgsL-DiBteNGJn1NQXFWqsi2dXyT6vjMEV0kYz7RphdI1eyNvlgEwcCbU0OuRh_4CF1W36gOGf4iNZFlZRvkJtOBEGcqhlc5hAyMUPdLD0tPzCU/s1600/P1000481.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1EqyP1e55cGvSHSt2veW50PK2g2XMxgsL-DiBteNGJn1NQXFWqsi2dXyT6vjMEV0kYz7RphdI1eyNvlgEwcCbU0OuRh_4CF1W36gOGf4iNZFlZRvkJtOBEGcqhlc5hAyMUPdLD0tPzCU/s1600/P1000481.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Me, my brother, and my mom cheesin'.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2UJuZcW9TYaUFtMzqsuhOY0aUNw4lHMlECB_uv4oS0YfhMk1ECoOWsPXpsbm_CYz4p50tmOqtG1hBW3fU7PBY6xzbLVcOSTlQ5lSy0eEWsCqiaK44WwXYctJvO2tA3D5FFKC7ZRuPIcc/s1600/P1000460.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2UJuZcW9TYaUFtMzqsuhOY0aUNw4lHMlECB_uv4oS0YfhMk1ECoOWsPXpsbm_CYz4p50tmOqtG1hBW3fU7PBY6xzbLVcOSTlQ5lSy0eEWsCqiaK44WwXYctJvO2tA3D5FFKC7ZRuPIcc/s1600/P1000460.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We also visited a plantation. Here, we see tobacco, Virginia's cash crop. My brother informed us that these were cigarettes. ;) He's so smart. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2ofjFtgEHv9GT9QiKdcORS07yhOSbec2TlnFgy3oPsw2bur1fyXYsabqsOMSxpFVh6BzOE_YWpobcztrjBcxHHA1c58NfnejS659CKXT4Ag0UaIvnZJk3mow7Y2oKNHxigs41fVJ4B0o/s1600/P1000464.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2ofjFtgEHv9GT9QiKdcORS07yhOSbec2TlnFgy3oPsw2bur1fyXYsabqsOMSxpFVh6BzOE_YWpobcztrjBcxHHA1c58NfnejS659CKXT4Ag0UaIvnZJk3mow7Y2oKNHxigs41fVJ4B0o/s1600/P1000464.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My dad can't resist the opportunity to teach. He needs to retire here and be one of the living history folks.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipIsxgVSNAM5zly2NuKfzguVHJ4IB5Ro_Qcw5O67Atw_20yLoce5hqf7aS4kDSQMZx__yU0UMx9EZeDHWPSWX8o5eG15O6ohinfW41osEu4FKvADfRtGCpwK9OCJB6Rt4-aeew0wx6qfk/s1600/P1000474.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipIsxgVSNAM5zly2NuKfzguVHJ4IB5Ro_Qcw5O67Atw_20yLoce5hqf7aS4kDSQMZx__yU0UMx9EZeDHWPSWX8o5eG15O6ohinfW41osEu4FKvADfRtGCpwK9OCJB6Rt4-aeew0wx6qfk/s1600/P1000474.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My dad can't smile like a normal person.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We stopped at a few of the taverns, which try to keep their fare as historical as possible. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
They have a beer based on a older recipe (with some adjustments, obviously, for modern tastes). It is delicious.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7DFt_Gz_92hI2vXnWu6fcIX5ngtXtJKSS8a0Zg1bXhjA6V8yx7t_QOEFrgApb0v5FTvHGu-mYK6M9gAtl24P7oZkKbSyc1y01h1HMYwngRA0X1KQWxXwpJQuiV_H8aInuq-H0j0rNcUs/s1600/P1000475.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7DFt_Gz_92hI2vXnWu6fcIX5ngtXtJKSS8a0Zg1bXhjA6V8yx7t_QOEFrgApb0v5FTvHGu-mYK6M9gAtl24P7oZkKbSyc1y01h1HMYwngRA0X1KQWxXwpJQuiV_H8aInuq-H0j0rNcUs/s1600/P1000475.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFYg1QJcSxGs4ny1OvmMayIGJfccuifH3CDCaSPCivBsKCt2yuVD9kBlfUMUPN58OLXLZA3h0aGdvSJx3xMVjYhZdIq3k6fd-2LB5X9pc0Whgcj300upe3ChrqwVKXxTm7bIreTMBqL4s/s1600/P1000488.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFYg1QJcSxGs4ny1OvmMayIGJfccuifH3CDCaSPCivBsKCt2yuVD9kBlfUMUPN58OLXLZA3h0aGdvSJx3xMVjYhZdIq3k6fd-2LB5X9pc0Whgcj300upe3ChrqwVKXxTm7bIreTMBqL4s/s1600/P1000488.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Next year's Christmas card? </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Maybe I'll get a Christmas card out one year...</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitC4cVkjIXDPvu3ukkvvEjEs2XaZIFmw9Fz55gj2kTsdT_q-9FmPAZNST2XD3f9b4PEG3Zypy60DZppXwxOHIu5Gp61p-r1o6pJumQ2_agFJyKgCzxf_SGXBY4eteMub6Acc95yFH_umY/s1600/P1000486.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitC4cVkjIXDPvu3ukkvvEjEs2XaZIFmw9Fz55gj2kTsdT_q-9FmPAZNST2XD3f9b4PEG3Zypy60DZppXwxOHIu5Gp61p-r1o6pJumQ2_agFJyKgCzxf_SGXBY4eteMub6Acc95yFH_umY/s1600/P1000486.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We also learned about baking bread in this outdoor oven.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR9YS7-cUkrmrSeaaHg-tjHfnydB3xp7t7rreSQRvCUMu-Uxaj65A0soSoIfIckvbCnxuHPPpIzmthUXe2vaFJTnaNWi13NsKGVHV2i2Lyt7PSC1gi-1HVYhO0p1yA2zukt3sNNePjDkw/s1600/P1000482.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR9YS7-cUkrmrSeaaHg-tjHfnydB3xp7t7rreSQRvCUMu-Uxaj65A0soSoIfIckvbCnxuHPPpIzmthUXe2vaFJTnaNWi13NsKGVHV2i2Lyt7PSC1gi-1HVYhO0p1yA2zukt3sNNePjDkw/s1600/P1000482.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Finally, look at that beautiful basket. They created these for complete utilitarian use, not for beauty, the way we look at baskets today. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Gorgeous. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I think I've found a new craft I'd like to master....</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I just can't stop. :)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Ashleigh @ Rocks and Chickenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15738929353163939093noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7235241026317321899.post-75923881816314387402014-01-22T06:30:00.000-05:002014-01-23T07:04:39.350-05:00Works in Progress Wednesday 6<div style="text-align: center;">
It's been awhile since I posted one of these babies.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And I have so. many. WiPS. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Whoops. Quilt ADD getting the better of me. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But here's the latest (and where I have actually made progress). </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT_VQC93NSHjqZqLFKXxUdRU2SLJ8V1oWfcoj3Z0bi6ye-GlegYnkG53ABiE3MHfNdglrIh3DuT9z-LO4Ac8nEoVvr-6hjhXfxmeY2VVsytrPz0IIRv3Yfg6v3bqPuY7QNzln7O4au3Hs/s1600/P1000518.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT_VQC93NSHjqZqLFKXxUdRU2SLJ8V1oWfcoj3Z0bi6ye-GlegYnkG53ABiE3MHfNdglrIh3DuT9z-LO4Ac8nEoVvr-6hjhXfxmeY2VVsytrPz0IIRv3Yfg6v3bqPuY7QNzln7O4au3Hs/s1600/P1000518.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Remember the <a href="http://rocksandchickens.blogspot.com/2013/12/better-late-than-never.html" target="_blank">fabric I purchased</a> about a month ago? </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It's starting to take shape!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXlNv_8RAZ6ABFHxD0Zfgmm5RICkttW8AJrB4CQlZFFfxLcyeoKZPLUK-OHfcynwOkalkoTyZTFSMy_1_FZLngQp-vRsL41vduPzsAE0SpyVltdwCnLCUy8Ep7iIZepII00mSmQWW8FNo/s1600/P1000520.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXlNv_8RAZ6ABFHxD0Zfgmm5RICkttW8AJrB4CQlZFFfxLcyeoKZPLUK-OHfcynwOkalkoTyZTFSMy_1_FZLngQp-vRsL41vduPzsAE0SpyVltdwCnLCUy8Ep7iIZepII00mSmQWW8FNo/s1600/P1000520.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Into a <a href="http://www.piecebynumber.com/circleofgeese.htm" target="_blank">Circle of Geese</a> quilt!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This is block number 1 of 9. </div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifqt4Y548VWXB8HZxq0zvKXHSUkkyrj5w4Nipj55F2GzcAoRG7ktzDUTvN7UnQR5jMN6X8SeK7YmEpTJfhocvBb5_XEGG8XW5UDmWqmtBM_IfW7hn986oEfnW-hC9O3zYwmA8aVSjxuxg/s1600/P1000521.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifqt4Y548VWXB8HZxq0zvKXHSUkkyrj5w4Nipj55F2GzcAoRG7ktzDUTvN7UnQR5jMN6X8SeK7YmEpTJfhocvBb5_XEGG8XW5UDmWqmtBM_IfW7hn986oEfnW-hC9O3zYwmA8aVSjxuxg/s1600/P1000521.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The seams don't really show THAT much in person...it's the light through the background. But I kind of like it, reminds me of stained glass.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I've been wanting to try my hand at one of these for seemingly forever.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And I'm pretty stoked about this one. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Knowing who it's going to...I have pretty much free aesthetic range.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So, in that spirit, I'm diving in. Bright colors, bold prints. I'm having a great time!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggKDRnpPNtZ-QCibDfK_17UonrduICAldQnqIEOMhxDClIHhrd2vreif07K9u5yZ8FLjO87iVpDfJfGoOcu_-TjU1yNqt_5ATjcQpqE0Gvv90qOKDHCcTH8gxmkJusA6Dc9nAQwPSkJgY/s1600/P1000522.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggKDRnpPNtZ-QCibDfK_17UonrduICAldQnqIEOMhxDClIHhrd2vreif07K9u5yZ8FLjO87iVpDfJfGoOcu_-TjU1yNqt_5ATjcQpqE0Gvv90qOKDHCcTH8gxmkJusA6Dc9nAQwPSkJgY/s1600/P1000522.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'm planning the geese and cutting them out block by block to make sure I like the arrangements together.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
81 geese can get overwhelming otherwise. :)</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-vhD3rvJawwDS08VkeNuR49FDYs8roXZdLfi0WtorUWp6uad2U4bTLavtUhgENNJ9WXEPSLDwIJ00bcAL-0W4NS_PuAyIOSdwQQlKFSX7Ao3-Jj2B3zqWcHeMx7Qwrhnv8Q5M8nAFP88/s1600/P1000524.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-vhD3rvJawwDS08VkeNuR49FDYs8roXZdLfi0WtorUWp6uad2U4bTLavtUhgENNJ9WXEPSLDwIJ00bcAL-0W4NS_PuAyIOSdwQQlKFSX7Ao3-Jj2B3zqWcHeMx7Qwrhnv8Q5M8nAFP88/s1600/P1000524.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And my trusty pincushion is helping. </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
What else are you supposed to do with those VS puppies? ;)</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Join <a href="http://www.freshlypieced.com/2014/01/wip-wednesday-on-thursday.html" target="_blank">Works in Progress Wednesday</a> with <a href="http://www.freshlypieced.com/" target="_blank">Freshly Pieced</a>. </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Ashleigh @ Rocks and Chickenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15738929353163939093noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7235241026317321899.post-16203784169917801282014-01-20T08:00:00.000-05:002014-01-20T08:20:11.268-05:00Cleaning in the New Year's Spirit<div style="text-align: center;">
So...I am a geek.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And that is shocking to exactly no one. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In fact, my co-worker, Dorsa, is continuously laughing (in a nice way) at how much my other co-worker, Erin, and I own our inner geeks.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So, in my supreme geekiness, I was thrilled this weekend to discover a new way to clean my stainless steel appliances.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Yes, yes. I know that isn't exactly <i>geeky</i> per se. But, it is uncool. And I don't care. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Because someone out there is going to appreciate this. Or not. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But I will. :)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJgFtXaPaE1SY1OqxpvQitBCyzd01Jjx7gaPU-JttCPTGUgL00J84MaVWMj-HL-mlIk1UyAJzqW2tcb5W3GXw1VivNjhuv8eOGZmWTc6IURC58dGbA-AQIn2VcdGdyiNCbVjweJjKEEKQ/s1600/P1000517.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJgFtXaPaE1SY1OqxpvQitBCyzd01Jjx7gaPU-JttCPTGUgL00J84MaVWMj-HL-mlIk1UyAJzqW2tcb5W3GXw1VivNjhuv8eOGZmWTc6IURC58dGbA-AQIn2VcdGdyiNCbVjweJjKEEKQ/s1600/P1000517.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Let's get a couple of things straight first. I have a love/hate relationship with stainless steel. Yes, it's trendy and modern and looks updated and all that jazz.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But it also attracts fingerprints and other things that look gunky. And, at least in my experience, is a pain in the behinny to clean.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
For example, I have this stainless steel cleaner crap from Method. And, really, I hate it. It smells good. It kind of works. Sometimes. If I put a lot of elbow grease behind it. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Although, I sort of feel like what won't work with elbow grease? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I've seen a bunch of tips on Pinterest, but I find that they either don't work for me or they're not worth the effort.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So, I just find that at some point I stop bothering and that is how I end up with appliances that look like this:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></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/AVvXsEiUkJ_M8_aw9xxwo969JdhqNo548FCeJmT8y6HQpmMpu6UdicH783es2Uqx6hFFc9FUdIMV1-YIDu-mwlQpHWckaQOzw_k3dfE2KWrXhmiQZDUAMgpntKmfAlXNcCMHzakeTEbW8i5DqQk/s1600/P1000508.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUkJ_M8_aw9xxwo969JdhqNo548FCeJmT8y6HQpmMpu6UdicH783es2Uqx6hFFc9FUdIMV1-YIDu-mwlQpHWckaQOzw_k3dfE2KWrXhmiQZDUAMgpntKmfAlXNcCMHzakeTEbW8i5DqQk/s1600/P1000508.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I actually feel like this picture doesn't fully capture the actual gross factor.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Ew. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Yeah. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Yuck. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So, since I've been on this organize my kitchen kick, I've also been on a I should clean things that maybe don't get cleaned on a regular basis kick, too. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Don't get my wrong. I wipe down my surfaces so they're not germy. But soap/water still leave my stainless still looking dirty. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
As you saw. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So, I was actually cleaning something else with my Barkeeper's Friend and realized that it would probably work on my appliances.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And look, friends! It does. :)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKFk-TLjKUX8-n032zIDu67oiLpzVzWFJI7KsffEqF0RBTVwphDfgo2K1K3sCXLAnGqpdIIY_pKRffXVwVPw37QPIz0E-dm104QLx5Ls5BHg7T2RHvGq4vrxfStslU3eDY0lO0sORmF1s/s1600/P1000509.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKFk-TLjKUX8-n032zIDu67oiLpzVzWFJI7KsffEqF0RBTVwphDfgo2K1K3sCXLAnGqpdIIY_pKRffXVwVPw37QPIz0E-dm104QLx5Ls5BHg7T2RHvGq4vrxfStslU3eDY0lO0sORmF1s/s1600/P1000509.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
See the difference? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Plus, waaaaay less elbow grease than the crap that's marketed to clean my stainless steel. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Win. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfXFgo7AMnQy0zW2khdgMaoxv9B9WvktBYgt2ED8Ay0JXaV0hcn1fN_CuE2m78cniJdtjv-3M04P_HAO0P_hOA4PfZ5uu4gKRi9QcmmkK0XV1wUoMuOv4k9NnwQ_YXzDZZrYEx4kQ_0Pc/s1600/P1000513.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfXFgo7AMnQy0zW2khdgMaoxv9B9WvktBYgt2ED8Ay0JXaV0hcn1fN_CuE2m78cniJdtjv-3M04P_HAO0P_hOA4PfZ5uu4gKRi9QcmmkK0XV1wUoMuOv4k9NnwQ_YXzDZZrYEx4kQ_0Pc/s1600/P1000513.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I just put some in a bowl, wet down a paper towel and rubbed into the appliances in kind of a paste. You do want to try to rub in the same direction as the grain to the degree possible. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNYOQW1_5nWtcxWThD96Lm5QRSx9O_vmpt10NzIj7w35U934NWL0IDCCz51BRFflUkz_tbgiJ4TaLzJFo_W7idTn8M7yhYwNvQyxkZTH6K4xGh-mjjMgiRS5ySu4YSxJX95-66VF9d38E/s1600/P1000515.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNYOQW1_5nWtcxWThD96Lm5QRSx9O_vmpt10NzIj7w35U934NWL0IDCCz51BRFflUkz_tbgiJ4TaLzJFo_W7idTn8M7yhYwNvQyxkZTH6K4xGh-mjjMgiRS5ySu4YSxJX95-66VF9d38E/s1600/P1000515.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Then, I took a second paper towel, wet it down and wiped the paste off. Finally, I dried it with a clean dish towel. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Done!!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAT-CmugY1TuBP_LHqaU4MqNVjQBn41lK74dK8g32m7DCpi2ks6Ii5jjZfhJ2RMrf6SKSgg8nPPOY99U-OHPjNdMYLvO51eMmbv94P_-oeYdqI8oXNQAxJhdgMxekm4EqQcQAoLPWhQ3U/s1600/P1000510.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAT-CmugY1TuBP_LHqaU4MqNVjQBn41lK74dK8g32m7DCpi2ks6Ii5jjZfhJ2RMrf6SKSgg8nPPOY99U-OHPjNdMYLvO51eMmbv94P_-oeYdqI8oXNQAxJhdgMxekm4EqQcQAoLPWhQ3U/s1600/P1000510.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A couple of spots took a little elbow grease, but if it's something I do more regularly (which I will because it's not such an undertaking), then it'll be even faster next time. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If you try this, I would try it in a small spot first to make sure that it works with your surfaces and follow the instructions on the can. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Also, use Windex/Glass Cleaner to clean the windows of your appliances, like on the microwave. I got a little overzealous and scratched the button panel on my microwave a little bit. It's not bad, but I won't do it again there. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></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/AVvXsEgOVyTRDm4HLyaY1joXS1cxek_JdF16YhjpbQzthg8UNstFTYX7Q2rnTiqkoYi4UDzi9MYGyIlOJm4iRz2ETQcs8re6MaUiqa-K_LjQW_Wdm65w-KK4seXym2n9HCTQ0p5oHmccxKyIDd8/s1600/P1000511.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOVyTRDm4HLyaY1joXS1cxek_JdF16YhjpbQzthg8UNstFTYX7Q2rnTiqkoYi4UDzi9MYGyIlOJm4iRz2ETQcs8re6MaUiqa-K_LjQW_Wdm65w-KK4seXym2n9HCTQ0p5oHmccxKyIDd8/s1600/P1000511.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little scratched. Not bad, nothing to lose sleep over, but not something I'll do again.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It gets a bit messy, so I changed out of the new Nats shirt Mr. Gardener got me for Christmas and into a raggedy shirt and my trusty holey jeans. If you're wearing Yankees gear, then I wouldn't bother. ;) It can also dry out your hands a bit, so you might consider wearing gloves.<br />
<br />
How about you? Found anything to make your life easier?<br />
<br />
<br />
Why not join the party over at <a href="http://www.themollybuckley.com/" target="_blank">Still Being Molly</a> & <a href="http://lipglossandcrayons.com/" target="_blank">Lipgloss & Crayons</a>?<br />
<br />
<div align="center">
<a href="http://www.themollybuckley.com/" title="still being [molly]"><img alt="still being [molly]" src="http://www.themollybuckley.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/funday-monday-button-200x192.jpg" style="border: none;" /></a></div>
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Ashleigh @ Rocks and Chickenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15738929353163939093noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7235241026317321899.post-41211669791705329592014-01-06T08:00:00.000-05:002014-01-06T08:00:01.596-05:00It's almost garden season time again<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I am not a fan of winter.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Mostly because it's just so cold. I detest being cold. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Tights in funky patterns and colors may be the only redeeming qualities of winter. Oh and my hat. I'll have to show y'all a picture.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And unfortunately, I believe we're in for a long one this year. It's only December and I think we've had more snow than the last two years combined. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So, to feel a little better, I decided to start reflecting on this summer's garden, since, after all, I will need to begin seed starting (for some things) at the end of this month/beginning of next.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Also, since I am in the throes of kitchen re-organization, my time is generally allocated there this week, so this is the best I have for you. :) Thanks for sticking in there.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOELpVL9YXh_JQzSFH81HsL2tqAKZakVXrojuUUli2ouGZOJvoeMM1QqY2Au4rQsmbhpxgs1Jjq2GL15RlJNo8KrmLFXhBtRRTuzePaIwRcmlCcIrh5ARXzhj-NC6xBzEmmHvqUEy5aDA/s1600/P1000310.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOELpVL9YXh_JQzSFH81HsL2tqAKZakVXrojuUUli2ouGZOJvoeMM1QqY2Au4rQsmbhpxgs1Jjq2GL15RlJNo8KrmLFXhBtRRTuzePaIwRcmlCcIrh5ARXzhj-NC6xBzEmmHvqUEy5aDA/s1600/P1000310.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Yellow squash did very well. Regular ol' zucchini not so much. But that was my fault, since I prematurely destroyed them thinking that I was dealing with the dreaded vine borer again. oops.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Yellow squash is so versatile in the kitchen, as well. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Fp4-L8dyF8BjpUnpmjCrd1ouf3LS97mJVd5lrJ701rk5wHZ9zscupr17cgj7mN_3dkW1lvV9Ds2kPXK0OSnL-bx0Mui2xycC0kT3sn7w_k_m242yI8EKuVV_ceqV98zSjfECm7Ug3rc/s1600/P1000311.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Fp4-L8dyF8BjpUnpmjCrd1ouf3LS97mJVd5lrJ701rk5wHZ9zscupr17cgj7mN_3dkW1lvV9Ds2kPXK0OSnL-bx0Mui2xycC0kT3sn7w_k_m242yI8EKuVV_ceqV98zSjfECm7Ug3rc/s1600/P1000311.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And these little beauties. They're so cute. Definitely need a few more of these plants to make an impact, however. They're little bitty guys, maybe an inch and a half in diameter. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Either way, I planted too many plants this past year and I need to thin back a bit. That's the tough part.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
May your week be warm and your gardening brain be getting ready.</div>
<br />Ashleigh @ Rocks and Chickenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15738929353163939093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7235241026317321899.post-91728470826256189902014-01-01T08:00:00.000-05:002014-01-01T08:00:06.328-05:00Happy New Year!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Mr. Gardener and I would like to wish you a happy New Year!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO_dxT7s7usfUY-LdgfFbqxrNgg7xHrsHIjiMX3Ssb-GU5CAx7sAdhhV2Simf1JgfkbM2DxTrQ3nYFHmZwKV3_Lxh1zLlhkvUWwTkDWBjeXrt0kQw7AsP1klR6aNqozp2Sgx69ecAhA7A/s1600/P1000341.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO_dxT7s7usfUY-LdgfFbqxrNgg7xHrsHIjiMX3Ssb-GU5CAx7sAdhhV2Simf1JgfkbM2DxTrQ3nYFHmZwKV3_Lxh1zLlhkvUWwTkDWBjeXrt0kQw7AsP1klR6aNqozp2Sgx69ecAhA7A/s320/P1000341.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
May your year be filled with fun, friends, and family!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And may we reflect on the abundant blessings that we have from God through Christ!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead." 1 Peter 1:3</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." 2 Corinthians 5:17</div>
<br />Ashleigh @ Rocks and Chickenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15738929353163939093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7235241026317321899.post-40895234128915407002013-12-31T08:00:00.000-05:002013-12-31T08:00:09.709-05:00Baltimore<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Despite it being a busy year, Mr. Gardener and I managed to sneak in a few travels here and there.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Earlier this month, we went up to Baltimore to visit our friends, Bryan and Leah. They're actually friends of ours from Texas. Josh and Bryan were college friends in San Antonio and then we all wound up in Houston and attended the same church. About a year and some change ago, they moved out to the East Coast so Leah could pursue her MFA, and so we get to see them from time to time.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Baltimore is a fun, funny, artsy type of place.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFZeZqojI8wSve8nlT6_7Fh4otvxIlmtxqZHI-Rs_ZBbRfuwdiyDWj68OXuvNlvwh7kcin75Pi5E66MNFfvuQlfL_GkZDDY55QVEcc5MGuziiH6HZPfeiYgKmGtiNa9f8CtsmMGlpP-8k/s1600/P1000372.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFZeZqojI8wSve8nlT6_7Fh4otvxIlmtxqZHI-Rs_ZBbRfuwdiyDWj68OXuvNlvwh7kcin75Pi5E66MNFfvuQlfL_GkZDDY55QVEcc5MGuziiH6HZPfeiYgKmGtiNa9f8CtsmMGlpP-8k/s320/P1000372.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
For example, this presumably abandoned store and storefront. Just the level of chaos in its abandon amuses me. Why? Who knows? I'm weird.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiesRjvu1N9iHzOLCdJexpoYDduWcWo2hVOW4rtGnrXKYJjaqWUnKUEpDgQtXsYLvx6hy18Umh_h8T3zmZbje2nML0nCz_na9P9sspIBbBsHcUyBpgvkRXFI3U17Q6xCxjNhF6pJxBvats/s1600/P1000373.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiesRjvu1N9iHzOLCdJexpoYDduWcWo2hVOW4rtGnrXKYJjaqWUnKUEpDgQtXsYLvx6hy18Umh_h8T3zmZbje2nML0nCz_na9P9sspIBbBsHcUyBpgvkRXFI3U17Q6xCxjNhF6pJxBvats/s320/P1000373.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Also the Senior Crossing sign. I don't know why I find this so hilarious, but I do. Is this the only place that seniors should cross? Are only seniors able to cross here? Will they check your ID?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Additional nerd alert: you can find quilt patterns anywhere. Check out that sidewalk. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEindEyHGUQqgAMdfvyo25MbTs45PVjcH-54d5OgTrYVjeljGyU3vDDscqrIVqziSbxlY3ZH-N21aTYy_r7f1fi05yiyb5MOdXzdLBD7w8CWCvO_MmlzK07y00eZCJgmo2Pzx6Teao67dhw/s1600/P1000374.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEindEyHGUQqgAMdfvyo25MbTs45PVjcH-54d5OgTrYVjeljGyU3vDDscqrIVqziSbxlY3ZH-N21aTYy_r7f1fi05yiyb5MOdXzdLBD7w8CWCvO_MmlzK07y00eZCJgmo2Pzx6Teao67dhw/s320/P1000374.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We visited a couple of fun bars, as well. Baltimore has some cool craft, local brews available. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Again quilt patterns - check the sign. I could do something with those staggered blocks.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiby257rpeXEpDXaVc07NiJZYBvdymKo8d-82RRddr8dWt1B7FjPukOxzn2u6o8VFoAB6_uCy8lkWJI-KppJCOIQXaV4ypM2s54xGcSzbPkaGm6lEyG8PuCDZ4T_pSbVAR1UCziPQSGXF0/s1600/P1000375.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiby257rpeXEpDXaVc07NiJZYBvdymKo8d-82RRddr8dWt1B7FjPukOxzn2u6o8VFoAB6_uCy8lkWJI-KppJCOIQXaV4ypM2s54xGcSzbPkaGm6lEyG8PuCDZ4T_pSbVAR1UCziPQSGXF0/s320/P1000375.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Soup of the day....BEER. hahahahaha</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbKJcfMezgBnnT3cZh4CIUYRAQXCUxIuE_EonFERXhMAE-x4qJCk6lVhrAuJ0It8eJtZM4wDihsxYr99C_RI0VPNApBLefoyQI4ipAxo8O08wlc4WjJi7WWDFrPnxojNH0xYwMKd6C7UY/s1600/P1000377.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbKJcfMezgBnnT3cZh4CIUYRAQXCUxIuE_EonFERXhMAE-x4qJCk6lVhrAuJ0It8eJtZM4wDihsxYr99C_RI0VPNApBLefoyQI4ipAxo8O08wlc4WjJi7WWDFrPnxojNH0xYwMKd6C7UY/s320/P1000377.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Also fantastic...this pub had ski ball!! I kicked Mr. Gardener's behinny.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Thanks for reading my ramblings. ;)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Have a fabulous day!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />Ashleigh @ Rocks and Chickenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15738929353163939093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7235241026317321899.post-64647674372963346922013-12-30T08:00:00.000-05:002013-12-30T08:00:08.649-05:00Summer Memories<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I don't know about where you are, but it's cold here.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And I am not a fan.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Heck, it's already snowed here a couple of times. That's January/February weather, people. It is too early for that nonsense and winter has just begun.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHlcPDtrQmHmuECJkYja3X_CrOnuZ4cgir5h2xVlsm6Hpx7Ld4BhKdgmHNH18-PH_pB6EmFXBnJ4jf8l3Ur7e2Iz0oadhTeXVaMlm7kdJuBZ2BwO2dw6qR2MVHYsmaPXwjopFued1-zoo/s1600/P1000069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHlcPDtrQmHmuECJkYja3X_CrOnuZ4cgir5h2xVlsm6Hpx7Ld4BhKdgmHNH18-PH_pB6EmFXBnJ4jf8l3Ur7e2Iz0oadhTeXVaMlm7kdJuBZ2BwO2dw6qR2MVHYsmaPXwjopFued1-zoo/s320/P1000069.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So, while we miss the sun and warmth, I thought I'd share some pictures of a pretty little visitor who came to meet my marigolds this past summer. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBrJuFvL3ICt2hlD9MoWriw669UAfsMhPGa0dVYXSIdq6YGzeuuwLaAghdNtMvW1uHP2WqB8ZOh5vR_hfsYSOTl43FAh8PbpI-6X9qebvU8R2xBT_MPDh15Aiat5AmUdW_iXwGFrJkhBQ/s1600/P1000070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBrJuFvL3ICt2hlD9MoWriw669UAfsMhPGa0dVYXSIdq6YGzeuuwLaAghdNtMvW1uHP2WqB8ZOh5vR_hfsYSOTl43FAh8PbpI-6X9qebvU8R2xBT_MPDh15Aiat5AmUdW_iXwGFrJkhBQ/s320/P1000070.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Plus, it's almost time to start garden planning and seed starting.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Never too early to start considering that. ;)</div>
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Ashleigh @ Rocks and Chickenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15738929353163939093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7235241026317321899.post-55515813954867735222013-12-27T08:00:00.000-05:002013-12-27T08:00:07.365-05:00Holy Coloring Book, Batman!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I've talked to you folks about my adorable brother before. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A few years ago, I made him a coloring book holder (following instructions from <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/245449/sewing-craft#246941" target="_blank">Martha</a>), which turned out to be a big hit. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Matt's a great artist and coloring (and music) help him deal with crowds of people when we're out and about. Since Matt has both Down's Syndrome and Autism, lots of strangers about and noise really stress him out. Coloring helps him stay focused and deal with the stressors.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXGBur_O9YO7utTR67Lo6V_U460vclHv1m2IIihpJ5Im1bHY8bfaotIS0BbsO5e6cxEB7AVEHdj0pABPI6ZCj8xpFVYp1wewolCNmWgYPcd8vihFA-SaSU9M9UE3J3CakhvHrzirLBD08/s1600/P1000353.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXGBur_O9YO7utTR67Lo6V_U460vclHv1m2IIihpJ5Im1bHY8bfaotIS0BbsO5e6cxEB7AVEHdj0pABPI6ZCj8xpFVYp1wewolCNmWgYPcd8vihFA-SaSU9M9UE3J3CakhvHrzirLBD08/s320/P1000353.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
However, that particular holder had seen better days...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Way better days.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So I was on a mission to make a new one. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh15dY3J3RVb2vfKOUg3Eb9YLPZRGvauGun_AVrFlxaGtUOImaEnBIQIouuCs_6gbRyapzDb6oDowNTSsTmYVdoCleQgFO7nKwe5TvN41Lw18bXoqJeC2Jmll0z3EJhuUY1f3ho-2oIXNw/s1600/P1000357.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh15dY3J3RVb2vfKOUg3Eb9YLPZRGvauGun_AVrFlxaGtUOImaEnBIQIouuCs_6gbRyapzDb6oDowNTSsTmYVdoCleQgFO7nKwe5TvN41Lw18bXoqJeC2Jmll0z3EJhuUY1f3ho-2oIXNw/s320/P1000357.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Once you've followed her (or others, there a million tutorials on these across the web) instructions, they're pretty easy to adapt. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Her instructions call for felt, which makes a little sturdier case, but I was on the hunt for something a little more fun and colorful than I'd made the first go round. More Matthew-like.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So when I found this Batman fabric at JoAnn's, I knew I'd hit gold. </div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwUxs5dT3J4gxTAvqHQhxUtzAlEThfZPovEEHK1RnTVsVGTziQOICwtDh-vAcI-IkqMnGpUclXo8piY71pmrlKMWgoD7ZYP1ivsU5j5ZW_GuthfW05i_SvIOaV-O-zwiS5fz-tqEHDuwg/s1600/P1000360.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwUxs5dT3J4gxTAvqHQhxUtzAlEThfZPovEEHK1RnTVsVGTziQOICwtDh-vAcI-IkqMnGpUclXo8piY71pmrlKMWgoD7ZYP1ivsU5j5ZW_GuthfW05i_SvIOaV-O-zwiS5fz-tqEHDuwg/s320/P1000360.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These guys are the bomb. Every sewist should own one. They make turning out corners a snap.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Matthew loves Batman.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
For example, when he stays at our house, he has a rotating set of DVDs that seem to live in his room. Among these are Batman Returns, Friends Season 4, and Jesus Christ Superstar.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
What can I say? He has eclectic tastes.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3GmkJKTJyn6uEEmJWWMn-V8H3HehoTCnHawltjut4ef2yzVr1tuiTNS-FyXcaEOkCkgyEeMQ2CQ9B5jdmX_xcDA2Gyj83YxlBeLr2lAFHcddXyPo0tBImd-kQxGcwuF7UFPrUBGV5pdE/s1600/P1000362.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3GmkJKTJyn6uEEmJWWMn-V8H3HehoTCnHawltjut4ef2yzVr1tuiTNS-FyXcaEOkCkgyEeMQ2CQ9B5jdmX_xcDA2Gyj83YxlBeLr2lAFHcddXyPo0tBImd-kQxGcwuF7UFPrUBGV5pdE/s320/P1000362.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The problem here was making it sturdy enough. Cotton alone really isn't going to work. So I got some pretty heavy duty Pellon interfacing and hoped for the best. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I <i>think</i> it was <a href="http://www.pellonprojects.com/products/65-extra-heavyweight-stabilizer/" target="_blank">Pellon 65</a>, or something of a similar weight.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4OzGryj1M5xiLQ2yHk-MxCxEWPtOJKIcx6mGPLkvwAAxdXwWbptS0gEmmTBjXk_Li8obGw207G9WU7qlYXeC9a5Iad9rTF30yf_UDzHmHM_15Z5sE6bRTYteB1m79pETUQgLdOTXKrgs/s1600/P1000364.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4OzGryj1M5xiLQ2yHk-MxCxEWPtOJKIcx6mGPLkvwAAxdXwWbptS0gEmmTBjXk_Li8obGw207G9WU7qlYXeC9a5Iad9rTF30yf_UDzHmHM_15Z5sE6bRTYteB1m79pETUQgLdOTXKrgs/s320/P1000364.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I tried to incorporate the Batman fabric in as many places as possible, including in the pen holder (Matthew is particular; his preferred medium is gel pen) and the notebook holder. </div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVFRxZcGlpPp2oOAwAexr8XQekv-fwLOrTdEFlctO5eSZvjcQiNb5fYpN94ON8oQYMGfJfjM65-5pVgD3w28SITo0-oap3OXvM0Oe5r5-L-dA94ivikzlcNzUWY9BJWk2bUXqepbEGG24/s1600/P1000368.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVFRxZcGlpPp2oOAwAexr8XQekv-fwLOrTdEFlctO5eSZvjcQiNb5fYpN94ON8oQYMGfJfjM65-5pVgD3w28SITo0-oap3OXvM0Oe5r5-L-dA94ivikzlcNzUWY9BJWk2bUXqepbEGG24/s320/P1000368.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I have to say, I think it turned out pretty well. He seemed to like it. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUznZk331WWsZzzd1lkYHiz_RC2VBKFua4Se8ftzqmXT_npEsj_en4_VSCUoCJ8hJCsrCnCGbWyLEc06luE3aoCjj6lfu_bJXsHpKVbUzoLjOfIP_Jd1s4D5EYxs6vu0xxcC7sdfygM6E/s1600/P1000370.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUznZk331WWsZzzd1lkYHiz_RC2VBKFua4Se8ftzqmXT_npEsj_en4_VSCUoCJ8hJCsrCnCGbWyLEc06luE3aoCjj6lfu_bJXsHpKVbUzoLjOfIP_Jd1s4D5EYxs6vu0xxcC7sdfygM6E/s320/P1000370.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I did inadvertently put my label on the front rather than the back of the book, but as far as mistakes go, that's pretty minor.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjStJCZ1T88EiiLLliyeebJojp8npa6AcLZ9JOsj1d-K8C96S366eiY5NAqbo3bqZi9e9D_A3fDsiruSrW3XbB_7IAtml-4ppT77R3L-Vs5sxAPcWc8p0Zrc2AjSDIZv3saHRmqZgmjztM/s1600/P1000371.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjStJCZ1T88EiiLLliyeebJojp8npa6AcLZ9JOsj1d-K8C96S366eiY5NAqbo3bqZi9e9D_A3fDsiruSrW3XbB_7IAtml-4ppT77R3L-Vs5sxAPcWc8p0Zrc2AjSDIZv3saHRmqZgmjztM/s320/P1000371.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Notebook slides in on the right and pens go in on the left. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So glad this experiment worked. It's actually much sturdier than the original. I am beginning to become a huge interfacing fan. The right stuff makes all the difference, although it is sometimes difficult to decide what type is right for a particular project. </div>
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Ashleigh @ Rocks and Chickenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15738929353163939093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7235241026317321899.post-87366011880058049762013-12-25T08:00:00.000-05:002013-12-25T08:00:05.940-05:00Merry Christmas!<div style="text-align: center;">
Mr. Gardener and I would like to wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas this year.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
May we all celebrate and rejoice in this season that is a reminder that God is Emmanuel, that He is truly with us.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDVzGKO4C-t5lshwtZMzgF7i-QUWuSwhBRjWeC9UM_HTkFWoVwptxdwJyaU6p_aT-vq5hcz1ME70eLfoN98UXjLIWgbqOJE3Q9wZd-IovKzmt5rTWb7vYtUPE2B3TS-NxSeihCDmUkUUA/s1600/P1000384.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDVzGKO4C-t5lshwtZMzgF7i-QUWuSwhBRjWeC9UM_HTkFWoVwptxdwJyaU6p_aT-vq5hcz1ME70eLfoN98UXjLIWgbqOJE3Q9wZd-IovKzmt5rTWb7vYtUPE2B3TS-NxSeihCDmUkUUA/s320/P1000384.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="text Luke-2-8"><span class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">8 </span>And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.</span> <span class="text Luke-2-9" id="en-ESV-24974"><span class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">9 </span>And an angel of the Lord <span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-24974O" title="See cross-reference O">O</a>)"></span>appeared to them, and <span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-24974P" title="See cross-reference P">P</a>)"></span>the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear.</span> <span class="text Luke-2-10" id="en-ESV-24975"><span class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">10 </span>And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all <span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-24975Q" title="See cross-reference Q">Q</a>)"></span>the people.</span> <span class="text Luke-2-11" id="en-ESV-24976"><span class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">11 </span>For <span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-24976R" title="See cross-reference R">R</a>)"></span>unto you is born this day in <span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-24976S" title="See cross-reference S">S</a>)"></span>the city of David <span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-24976T" title="See cross-reference T">T</a>)"></span>a Savior, who is <span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-24976U" title="See cross-reference U">U</a>)"></span>Christ <span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-24976V" title="See cross-reference V">V</a>)"></span>the Lord.</span> <span class="text Luke-2-12" id="en-ESV-24977"><span class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">12 </span>And <span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-24977W" title="See cross-reference W">W</a>)"></span>this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby <span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-24977X" title="See cross-reference X">X</a>)"></span>wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.”</span> <span class="text Luke-2-13" id="en-ESV-24978"><span class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">13 </span>And suddenly there was with the angel <span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-24978Y" title="See cross-reference Y">Y</a>)"></span>a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,</span></div>
<div class="poetry top-1" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-left: 2.6em; position: relative;">
<div class="line">
<span class="text Luke-2-14" id="en-ESV-24979" style="position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;">14 </span><span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-24979Z" title="See cross-reference Z">Z</a>)"></span>“Glory to God <span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-24979AA" title="See cross-reference AA">AA</a>)"></span>in the highest,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Luke-2-14" style="position: relative;"><span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-24979AB" title="See cross-reference AB">AB</a>)"></span>and on earth <span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-24979AC" title="See cross-reference AC">AC</a>)"></span>peace <span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-24979AD" title="See cross-reference AD">AD</a>)"></span>among those with whom he is pleased!”<span class="footnote" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="[<a href="#fen-ESV-24979c" title="See footnote c">c</a>]">[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+2:1-20&version=ESV#fen-ESV-24979c" style="color: #b37162; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;" title="See footnote c">c</a>]</span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="top-1" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-top: 1em;">
<span class="text Luke-2-15" id="en-ESV-24980"><span class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">15 </span>When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.”</span><span class="text Luke-2-16" id="en-ESV-24981"><span class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">16 </span>And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby <span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-24981AE" title="See cross-reference AE">AE</a>)"></span>lying in a manger.</span> <span class="text Luke-2-17" id="en-ESV-24982"><span class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">17 </span>And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child.</span><span class="text Luke-2-18" id="en-ESV-24983"><span class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">18 </span>And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them.</span> <span class="text Luke-2-19" id="en-ESV-24984"><span class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">19 </span>But <span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-24984AF" title="See cross-reference AF">AF</a>)"></span>Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.</span> <span class="text Luke-2-20" id="en-ESV-24985"><span class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;">20 </span>And the shepherds returned, <span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-24985AG" title="See cross-reference AG">AG</a>)"></span>glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.</span></div>
<div class="top-1" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-top: 1em;">
Luke 2:8-20</div>
Ashleigh @ Rocks and Chickenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15738929353163939093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7235241026317321899.post-22070924742828417322013-12-24T11:02:00.000-05:002013-12-24T11:03:06.818-05:00Better Late than NeverSo...yes, that last post? I may have been a bit premature in declaring victory over work.<br />
<br />
Things got a bit, shall we say, insane after that. Not quite to the point where work put me up in a hotel again (did I mention that during the craziest period over the summer they put me up in a hotel next to the office? I'm sure I didn't since I hadn't written since the Juneish timeframe.), but pretty insane.<br />
<br />
I am definitely using the next couple of weeks to burn off as much of my comp time as I can. It certainly won't be all of it, but I look at it like an investment. :) They do take good care of me after all and I did get a promotion when the whole bit started, so I really can't complain.<br />
<br />
Either way, for those of you who are reading this post, thanks for checking in again. I will attempt to be more regular again in my blogging, since we seem to have hit a more regularish tempo at work, but I will also not make any promises. We know how the last one turned out. ;)<br />
<br />
Right now, I'm using the time that I should be cleaning my house and finishing some last minute grocery shopping to write this post. Also, my mother gave me an article on ADHD the other day. I should probably read that.<br />
<br />
I have managed to sew quite a few things in the interim with stolen time here and there.<br />
<br />
But, because I'm dumb, pictures of most will have to wait until I can snag them back from their recipients. With whom I'm spending Christmas, so it shouldn't be a problem. ;) They can model. Probably unwillingly. But I'm persuasive.<br />
<br />
But what I'm really excited to show you is new fabric I got for a new quilt.<br />
<br />
New quilt, Ashleigh? Have you finished the other million that you're working on?<br />
<br />
Well...no.<br />
<br />
I did finish one!<br />
<br />
But probably not the one you're thinking of....that one is almost finished. It needs a few more hours, then it should be complete!<br />
<br />
Here are some pictures just to give you some of the progress (it's been basted and partially quilted at this point, so I'm much further along, but I have no pictures of that progress for you):<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhItl2SgFD76QOW7ariVc0CwVvZYZ-DjDUxonwwyco37z117GtQy7okxI9_uRDZl80R3wk-dtt6LrgfxSU_76XtmLIbahNkONsvC7XGBRbaUVUiuB8CO3WyYBGEQWt8rB3ybkDGNoTDftU/s1600/P1000081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhItl2SgFD76QOW7ariVc0CwVvZYZ-DjDUxonwwyco37z117GtQy7okxI9_uRDZl80R3wk-dtt6LrgfxSU_76XtmLIbahNkONsvC7XGBRbaUVUiuB8CO3WyYBGEQWt8rB3ybkDGNoTDftU/s320/P1000081.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I hope to finish this guy this week. So close!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Then I will have four quilt finishes for 2013, which is four more than I have ever had!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6vJL0U1jkmXcmIwm0RalLNXrK4cAFCw-EyfSp-EJCod67UPtl0RWNWVNjsDHzM8lMdUbvdjAh4Hk7vptP1K1hA2NVeBeVu4DV8r13WPlMuhh8JxgI8t9AjeOIpFiBs28WyDf7NtLRvVo/s1600/P1000083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6vJL0U1jkmXcmIwm0RalLNXrK4cAFCw-EyfSp-EJCod67UPtl0RWNWVNjsDHzM8lMdUbvdjAh4Hk7vptP1K1hA2NVeBeVu4DV8r13WPlMuhh8JxgI8t9AjeOIpFiBs28WyDf7NtLRvVo/s320/P1000083.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
By the way, this method of keeping my seams straight and at a consistent quarter inch really didn't work for me. This is one of the areas that I really need to work on. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu5fJfA02Fv4xlhuURonlXnNHFO7s_LjoSrlrbcfZRATU590u5Mff-8s54JWcyEcz534Cq5I6eaHJJD1CVnS5i7z1-FWol_jsaNeRsVnewKxIBZKOtKheNC8BxXQbWPSVG-EarukCzzME/s1600/P1000385.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu5fJfA02Fv4xlhuURonlXnNHFO7s_LjoSrlrbcfZRATU590u5Mff-8s54JWcyEcz534Cq5I6eaHJJD1CVnS5i7z1-FWol_jsaNeRsVnewKxIBZKOtKheNC8BxXQbWPSVG-EarukCzzME/s320/P1000385.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This, above and below, is the finished quilt. I've been working on this baby for about a year and a half. It's actually the quilt that brought about the final death of my old sewing machine (wherein I may or may not have punched the machine). </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It's for my brother, and since you may or may not be able to tell from these pictures, yes, it is a Halloween themed quilt. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
That he will get for Christmas. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
More with final pictures later. It's in the wash as we speak. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlAEsLJoj2yjC3CgBm6z2Y-KsR5n45ZE3i_e526T36XlnHBKMPUHW_MmOXx2LQIL7x9Mo9I3MqV5wwGL-LDmABQWWhAEU6CJJWAZMl7A1o574iD0yvj2aAW960NB7toY2rq6fc-qTLZpY/s1600/P1000386.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlAEsLJoj2yjC3CgBm6z2Y-KsR5n45ZE3i_e526T36XlnHBKMPUHW_MmOXx2LQIL7x9Mo9I3MqV5wwGL-LDmABQWWhAEU6CJJWAZMl7A1o574iD0yvj2aAW960NB7toY2rq6fc-qTLZpY/s320/P1000386.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And finally, new quilt in the works below!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE7ZAFWxQ-y2yo6xhGNa28RBmLliZJoz4El9P8d0Jualbi4QAaOdryTuIyAXBo8uD9DUpPbOoZYGRTyIzmyerM84luabvZ3Gw9uB_e69x5wfuSSHtxMX8yV3E-15FEJM086hI4QH7KIo0/s1600/P1000389.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE7ZAFWxQ-y2yo6xhGNa28RBmLliZJoz4El9P8d0Jualbi4QAaOdryTuIyAXBo8uD9DUpPbOoZYGRTyIzmyerM84luabvZ3Gw9uB_e69x5wfuSSHtxMX8yV3E-15FEJM086hI4QH7KIo0/s320/P1000389.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Yum. Look how fun that is!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Above is Rain Basic in Black from Timeless Treasures. I think that I will need to stash some of that. It's so pretty! And colorful!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjVkODfd9edVivOJtbqq9QPOhA74ZO5tV8SbqaI0gzzces3cFFfRNJcHI_l-4P9a2xcfsDoUbKqeCRy5DJwJzAaOX5auZj5rSX8k2pRkRS016d15F5pcM9m7xS8gK-X5glQewu9oXbCb8/s1600/P1000391.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjVkODfd9edVivOJtbqq9QPOhA74ZO5tV8SbqaI0gzzces3cFFfRNJcHI_l-4P9a2xcfsDoUbKqeCRy5DJwJzAaOX5auZj5rSX8k2pRkRS016d15F5pcM9m7xS8gK-X5glQewu9oXbCb8/s320/P1000391.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I'm pretty stoked about this quilt. It's a baby quilt for an artsy friend, who has similar tastes to mine when it comes to bold color and whimsy.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
From the top, there's the Rain Basic, then you can see a tiny sliver of Alexander Henry (you can see it better in the picture below), followed by Stella Solid in Lime from Dear Stella, Free Spirit Solid in Parrot Blue, Free Spirit Solid in Saffron, Free Spirit Solid in Red, Pure Elements Solid in Burnt Orange from Pat Bravo, and Crosshatch in Black from Carolyn Friedlander.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioPutkxRcFSf24lVn2KOmRj7_67Jv7_5N4A-3ENpZUf5x9X2c5-ZBgtXPvsttXPyaHWw5UgD3SQdLGMGAhMtEutozPuqDndC1ZSZgmEVmOoi-gKD9Hbqo0AR7Y3yjrwD_iipIA1-gaLRE/s1600/P1000394.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioPutkxRcFSf24lVn2KOmRj7_67Jv7_5N4A-3ENpZUf5x9X2c5-ZBgtXPvsttXPyaHWw5UgD3SQdLGMGAhMtEutozPuqDndC1ZSZgmEVmOoi-gKD9Hbqo0AR7Y3yjrwD_iipIA1-gaLRE/s320/P1000394.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Again, you can see the Rain Basic, followed by Pop Art Countdown in Multi from Alexander Henry. I am in love with this, too. I may stash that as well. Perfect for baby quilts. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3C-iXZM2FRe8DNUEXRGqu3GR5N-nuI1dVufK884qWPTO0r1dBO32Pk-N00ZyFdcXy-WwlU-k6S_SGwZ_n4iNVLsYxs9BoC6KUQXqQSX_r207pszDXne9c_FMRE46e1Jlg8QsFf9AJ4T4/s1600/P1000396.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3C-iXZM2FRe8DNUEXRGqu3GR5N-nuI1dVufK884qWPTO0r1dBO32Pk-N00ZyFdcXy-WwlU-k6S_SGwZ_n4iNVLsYxs9BoC6KUQXqQSX_r207pszDXne9c_FMRE46e1Jlg8QsFf9AJ4T4/s320/P1000396.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Mmmm...colorful.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And I'm planning on mixing in a bunch of scraps. Stay tuned. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizjEVqSMOq0vZsoz0G8bdyFtqSjECRMdEd0cxtFixmWXCC2K5Tj8Tny5dPzW_BjPWkq0oHlXxLH73bODzf9-R5QNfGkDNPK2fVYi64yYYrJsSmRQYohLk18AyVNpswbItjj-gIR-benlo/s1600/P1000398.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizjEVqSMOq0vZsoz0G8bdyFtqSjECRMdEd0cxtFixmWXCC2K5Tj8Tny5dPzW_BjPWkq0oHlXxLH73bODzf9-R5QNfGkDNPK2fVYi64yYYrJsSmRQYohLk18AyVNpswbItjj-gIR-benlo/s320/P1000398.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And friends, they may not be the best pictures because it was darn cold outside. Especially, since it was 70 yesterday and today there's ice in my ornamental kale (look in the middle). </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfgztLIOHzN0ZrqFWxuj_9wiEK8QdXGTP5eLjc3TgjKhJvDlBtBPYI9ZM5HbidFr-YKjSDsfCSNUA2TiakuhiM50oIw5atQO7j50vLGcZSqQclrOj5ybbkImiXERIqYct4HG8H7Ha0omI/s1600/P1000399.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfgztLIOHzN0ZrqFWxuj_9wiEK8QdXGTP5eLjc3TgjKhJvDlBtBPYI9ZM5HbidFr-YKjSDsfCSNUA2TiakuhiM50oIw5atQO7j50vLGcZSqQclrOj5ybbkImiXERIqYct4HG8H7Ha0omI/s320/P1000399.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
But pansies keep the area bright even in winter. :)</div>
<br />
<br />Ashleigh @ Rocks and Chickenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15738929353163939093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7235241026317321899.post-61126068370108140542013-10-28T08:00:00.000-04:002013-10-28T08:00:09.944-04:00I'm Not DeadIf you're reading this, thanks for hanging in there for my lengthy absence.<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So, as you might know, if you read prior to my departure from the blogverse in the July timeframe, my work was getting really busy. (Also, I went on vacation, but I don't like to announce that on the web until after I get back. You know, keeping the burglars out of the loop and such.)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Frankly, I knew it was going to be busy, but I had no idea. :) I worked anywhere from 12 to 18 hours a day during that period. My work even put me up in a hotel (because since I live in the Northern VA area, to live in any kind of affordable house, I live 45 minutes to an hour from my work). Aren't they sweet? (That's sincerity, not sarcasm. I really appreciated that.)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So you, my bloggy friends, fell by the wayside for a bit. I'm sorry, but I do appreciate your patience. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Fortunately, we are out of that now and have been out of that level of craziness for a bit, but it took a little while to get my life (and my house) back in order. So, now I'm back, hopefully with some semblance of regularity and we have got some catching up to do.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
-New project finishes</div>
<div>
-Garden updates (and it's never too early to start planning next season!)</div>
<div>
-New projects (yes, that's plural - I can never just one run at a time)</div>
<div>
-Vacation photos & update</div>
<div>
-New stuff - part of what I do is read resumes and there are just some things that I think would be beneficial for people to know about their resumes</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So, I hope you join me this week and the days to come. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Missed y'all and glad to be back!</div>
<div>
Ashleigh</div>
Ashleigh @ Rocks and Chickenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15738929353163939093noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7235241026317321899.post-38189197560324374622013-07-15T06:00:00.000-04:002013-07-15T06:00:01.720-04:00Good Morning Monday<div style="text-align: center;">
The next couple of weeks will probably feature really little quickie posts.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I hope that you'll stick around until my schedule calms down a little.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Busy, busy at work. Good busy. Very good busy.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Work we've been waiting on this side of forever has finally come through and, as with many projects, the beginning is the busiest. There is a season for everything.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And (praise God!) this also equated to a promotion for me and a new position! It's nice to be in a company that really looks to advance your career and mentor you to get to new places.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But that's not what I wanted to post about today.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Just wanted a quick share.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQBAMlH0PAKxH6B01p9Un7AjjcnRiKpm022IDSXPn5tUXx-q2RmSwTA4hPP3V5G-rmQLupRWHyLfewFZzObK5InrMyUU1HSf7vSxFUw2bOm819krQK1uEG9JlZb1OGN2ARNANY-lhSY08/s1600/P1000066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQBAMlH0PAKxH6B01p9Un7AjjcnRiKpm022IDSXPn5tUXx-q2RmSwTA4hPP3V5G-rmQLupRWHyLfewFZzObK5InrMyUU1HSf7vSxFUw2bOm819krQK1uEG9JlZb1OGN2ARNANY-lhSY08/s320/P1000066.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
As you know, I've been working on my Bloom Bloom Pow Quilt for a friend who is about to have her first baby. You may or may not know that I like to use (at least part-I'm being honest here, I'm FAR from perfect with this) time making things for other people to remind me to pray for them.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's exciting to be able to pray for a new baby. For health, for the mommy and daddy-to-be, for their marriage, their faith, their ability to raise their new little one. For so many things.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Tonight, I had a few minutes to work on the quilt. (Piecing the blocks together is often the most frustrating part for me - more on that another time.) While I was sewing and praising God for this new little life, He reminded me of this verse:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future. Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you seek with all your heart.'"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He knows this baby.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He has plans for him or her.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And that applies to you and me, as well.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Even in this imperfect life, with all its bumps and bruises, our God is there. With a plan. A plan of hope, of salvation, of love, and of life.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
How reassuring.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPKOPBiQadZUhYiaREbtcoLAhvG035WttnfIYGhfuH_ZaGQxaidbH9Q_5l2UIs5wJfVIJ2bTRNIeT0tggZeeWmdLmv26FOyP0BFphyg7tFKTpEUt2BLoImzPOa7q44xtrNsEwG5oL2G0M/s1600/DSC_7927.NEF" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPKOPBiQadZUhYiaREbtcoLAhvG035WttnfIYGhfuH_ZaGQxaidbH9Q_5l2UIs5wJfVIJ2bTRNIeT0tggZeeWmdLmv26FOyP0BFphyg7tFKTpEUt2BLoImzPOa7q44xtrNsEwG5oL2G0M/s640/DSC_7927.NEF" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hope you all enjoy your Monday!</div>
Ashleigh @ Rocks and Chickenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15738929353163939093noreply@blogger.com0