tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17409650785350076932024-03-05T16:14:32.346-07:00Busty LaRue's Glitz and GlamJoannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01944989665273286235noreply@blogger.comBlogger769125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1740965078535007693.post-67308420972278681722013-01-08T01:22:00.000-07:002013-01-08T01:22:12.421-07:00I've Gone Out for a Bit....I've gone out for a bit.<br />
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Until further notice, I'll be blogging over on my business page. You can find it <a href="http://designsbylaurajo.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">here</a>. Thanks for clicking through!Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01944989665273286235noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1740965078535007693.post-11464183934467890702012-03-09T13:07:00.001-07:002012-03-10T03:19:15.117-07:00Ruthie's Romper, and other things<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTsGTifvIP0RPpixD-4SEJ5v79B6R_O-0cwBzIUdLr9vnLD7DPIYwld5D8T00gLdI4D_Yu2cGvSOlkyPoRk29RVvgAgKAGfSqjIeK6U2NvucUAYeeKcIs9GT30L9-_is3mLCLYapKQNFfx/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTsGTifvIP0RPpixD-4SEJ5v79B6R_O-0cwBzIUdLr9vnLD7DPIYwld5D8T00gLdI4D_Yu2cGvSOlkyPoRk29RVvgAgKAGfSqjIeK6U2NvucUAYeeKcIs9GT30L9-_is3mLCLYapKQNFfx/s320/photo.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>I'm so excited to have a baby girl! Not only are all the clothes at the store cute, but I can make pretty things for her to wear as well!<br />
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I went through my stash of patterns, mostly from <a href="http://www.izzyandivydesigns.com/">Izzy & Ivy Designs</a>, and I only had 1 pattern that was sized for 3 months. Everything else starts around 12, 18, or 24 months. Oh well, she will be <i style="font-weight: bold;">darling</i> when she turns 1! :)<br />
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The pattern I had was <i><a href="http://www.izzyandivydesigns.com/?p=85">Ruthie's Romper</a></i>. Oh my gosh, it is so cute!! It took me a few days to make. See, I'm a quilter, not a garment/bag maker, so taking a 2 dimensional image and turning it into a 3 dimensional object doesn't click as easily in my brain. Aside from that little hiccup, the pattern was really well illustrated and written.<br />
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Have you been to their blog? It's so cute and they have some awesome tutorials. The Ruthie's Romper pattern has you do some shirring at the top of the romper, and I had never done that before. Their blog had some great tips, links, and info about shirring. I am now totally addicted. I'm going to make a couple more things just so I can do it! (dresses, skirts, more rompers....I'll do it if it has shirring!)<br />
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Anyway, the romper turned out really great and she looks so dang adorable in it! Sorry the picture is kind of crappy, but the lighting in her bedroom isn't the best in the morning. I'm sad you can't really see them, but her <a href="http://www.trumpette.com/lucys.html">socks</a> match the contrasting ruffle of the romper <i>perfectly!</i><br />
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Making this little romper lit the fire under me and I went out and bought 4 different baby clothes patterns. I love that you can buy separate pieces of baby clothing at the store (Walmart's Garanimals are my favorites). B has tons of onesies, pants, a few shirts and skirts, etc. But what she <i>really</i> needs are jackets. I haven't been able to find any cute baby jackets in my price range (sorry, but I am NOT going to pay $50 for a jacket she'll be able to wear for a month or two), and the jackets that I could find that I kind of liked only came in a set with a onesie and pants to match. She has <i>tons </i>of pants and onesies. Literally. We had to expand her half of the dresser into the drawers in the hall so that all of her clothes had a place to be put away. (I am not kidding).<br />
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So anyway, I went to Joann's and bought some patterns: a couple New Look, a Simplicity, and I think a Butterick (or was it McCall's?). <br />
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<strong>Correction: I purchased 3 Simplicity patterns and 1 New Look pattern.</strong><br />
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At any rate, I bought some dang cute ones. I've purchased my fabric, cut out my patterns, and am currently working on making a darling little dress and a pair of pants. I'll post pictures when they're done. I'm pretty excited. :)<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><i>What are some of your favorite patterns for kids? I'd love to build up my pattern stash.</i></span></b>Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01944989665273286235noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1740965078535007693.post-40349704149674763522012-02-28T18:55:00.000-07:002012-02-28T18:55:14.042-07:00"I Never Get New Stuff"The other day I wasn't feeling up to cooking, so we opted to go to Taco Bell for dinner. Mike and I each had a $5 box (which, strangely, actually costs $5.49. Explain that to me). If you've seen the commercials or eaten at a Taco Bell recently, you'll recall that the new deal is that with every $5 box you get a code to submit to win a new PSP Vita.<br />
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Mike submitted his code and didn't win. They claim there's a winner every 15 minutes, or something ridiculous like that, so we decided to save my code until a random, obscure time. I submitted it last night at 3:05 AM. Yeah, didn't win. I threw the box away and didn't think anything of it.<br />
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Mike got a new Nook Tablet yesterday. Tonight at dinner we were watching Phineas and Ferb on Netflix on the Nook Tablet. When it was over, Marshall started asking questions about the tablet.<br />
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Marshall: <i>Do you have an iPad like Jana?</i><br />
Mike: <i>No, this is a Nook Tablet. It's kind of like Jana's iPad, but different.</i><br />
Marshall: <i>Oh. So where's my new PSP?</i><br />
Mike: <i>You mean your old PSP? It's broken, remember? I haven't had a chance to fix it yet.</i><br />
Marshall: <i>No, my new PSP.</i><br />
Mike: <i>What are you talking about?</i><br />
Marshall: <i>I saw the box. Where's my new PSP?</i><br />
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At this point in the conversation both Mike and I realize he is talking about the Taco Bell $5 box that had a picture of the new PSP Vita on the lid. Naturally, we start laughing.<br />
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Mike: <i>That wasn't a new PSP. That was mom's dinner from the other day when we had Taco Bell. She ate all the food out of it.</i><br />
Marshall: <i>But there was a PSP on it!</i><br />
Mike: <i>That was just a picture.</i><br />
Marshall: <i>So I don't get a new PSP?</i><br />
Mike: <i>No.</i><br />
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Marshall pauses for a moment and looks sad.<br />
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Marshall: <i>I never get new stuff!</i><br />
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Mike and I couldn't help it. We lost it. It was the funniest thing he'd said all day (and there had been some funny things, believe me! He's at that age where everything out of his mouth is slightly silly).<br />
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He's still pretty upset that we haven't gotten him a new PSP. I'm pretty upset I haven't got an iPad, or a baby swing, but it's something I've learned to live with. Guess he will too. Poor kid, the lessons they have to learn at age 5.<br />
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:)Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01944989665273286235noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1740965078535007693.post-78559619388643541412012-02-15T11:33:00.000-07:002012-02-15T11:33:39.850-07:00Works in Progress<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0yHWgOmkoxXLf9huvEC8kJDn_hcwEfeVxBsaVLWTCblszZmP8ExOwuiUsj5hbH7DkYn6jEzDjmqUFSUrf285jNYhAdDO3laSbgT9rxClYKwqFawyVjhHSOGOc6ysVGDMLoJPrvSBR6uhp/s1600/brookie.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0yHWgOmkoxXLf9huvEC8kJDn_hcwEfeVxBsaVLWTCblszZmP8ExOwuiUsj5hbH7DkYn6jEzDjmqUFSUrf285jNYhAdDO3laSbgT9rxClYKwqFawyVjhHSOGOc6ysVGDMLoJPrvSBR6uhp/s320/brookie.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Wookie</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I've been pretty busy lately. Adjusting to having this darling new little one is a lot harder than I thought it would be! I guess I thought it'd be easier, since my 5 year old Munchkin can pretty much fend for himself. Boy was I wrong!! I haven't had <i>nearly</i> as much sewing time as I'd like to have. But, what can you do? <br />
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I have managed to find time to start several projects. This year I decided I was going to continue my fabric purchasing moratorium. Yeah, I know it's going to be hard. It kills me that I can't buy all the darling fabric out there that is being released. But, when I complain about it, my husband says "You can save that $10.50 per yard and put it towards our Disneyland trip in November. Besides, you have 24 drawers FULL of fabric. Why do you need more?"<br />
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It's true. 24 drawers. He's totally right. So the fabric purchasing moratorium continues. The only thing I'm allowed to buy is fabric (mostly solids) to finish off projects that I have most of the fabric for already. Speaking of solids....<a href="http://www.fatquartershop.com/">Fat Quarter Shop</a> has the best selection of Kona cotton solids, and at an awesome price. I'm totally in love.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU752nlVMUZ1I9UlXoxPm-2L7X3R2KA7ay-BUwm76rRtoM1h6N_YsH6fVGrAEOQAtv0VMHfwmp-dLZq4tpJfvs9rCDUzBGykxCPd9cXGjfSzjTepVgFSg8t1ZRSaBuUo5LOp4rRzrPK04J/s1600/photo1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU752nlVMUZ1I9UlXoxPm-2L7X3R2KA7ay-BUwm76rRtoM1h6N_YsH6fVGrAEOQAtv0VMHfwmp-dLZq4tpJfvs9rCDUzBGykxCPd9cXGjfSzjTepVgFSg8t1ZRSaBuUo5LOp4rRzrPK04J/s320/photo1.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SSS Quilt 2</td></tr>
</tbody></table>So one of the projects I started was the <a href="http://www.bunnyhilldesigns.com/dynamic/?page=Free%20Patterns">Scrappy Plate Club</a>. I've never done a Dresden plate, but it's been on my "someday I'll make one" list for a while. When I saw this free BOM, I jumped at the chance to actually do one! I had a fat quarter stack that was soo cute (Simply Sweet by Barbara Jones of Quilt Soup for Henry Glass Fabrics). The Dresden plates only used 4 inch strips, 1 of each fabric, so I had all this leftover fabric and no plan.<br />
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Until I thought of what I could do with that extra 16 inches of fabric, and I realized I could do 2 (yes, 2!) Surprisingly Super Simple quilts out of the leftovers. I separated the colors into "really girly" and "could work for a boy" and got sewing.<br />
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Of course, it wasn't until after I got the "could work for a boy" quilt top done that I realized it was definitely too girly to give to a boy. Turns out though that I have a friend having a baby girl later this year, so now it has a purpose, other than just sitting around waiting to be quilted. :)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM88d0NifiIkkfo9Ree6HelSFOEIUwgPmvXuCR124el-BQfeHxDHfPSDNpWZCJ7VSA_aq8-GaSaXElNm3xoc0jsL0N9hE4RIo9bx7NQ3KV5Tjbh1NixUuATje0ASI2UroSuhQMTZpjkUfs/s1600/photo2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM88d0NifiIkkfo9Ree6HelSFOEIUwgPmvXuCR124el-BQfeHxDHfPSDNpWZCJ7VSA_aq8-GaSaXElNm3xoc0jsL0N9hE4RIo9bx7NQ3KV5Tjbh1NixUuATje0ASI2UroSuhQMTZpjkUfs/s320/photo2.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SSS Quilt 1</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Another project I've been working on for what seems like FOREVER is my husband's t-shirt quilt. About 2 years ago I went through his closet and pulled out all of the funny t-shirts he had that either didn't fit, he hadn't worn since high school (yes, he still had some of those), or were totally destroyed along the seam lines and completely unwearable anymore. I stuck them all in a giant white trash bag and shoved it on the shelf in our closet.<br />
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Fast forward to last September, when I was cleaning out the closet and found the giant garbage bag full of shirts. I decided that it would take up less space if I got them interfaced and trimmed into 15 inch squares than if I left them in the garbage bag. Then, I got this wild hair that I could get it done by Christmas, and I hurried and pieced his quilt top together in November. Naturally, by the time Christmas rolled around I was too tired and too pregnant to even think about quilting and binding, so it sat in a bag at the shop waiting for its turn.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUghtqBJnvqMpvvm9BBpIVtv-1J0l5Vmn_ux1QtYhyBL4ETQJlfqWto3nPEOqv8KeAWkPz4Z8Yk3iLRcNPu6Aa3Hmnywkj0UMi1rvu4vxNq1Fcp1Lk-Guyq6kNTdJlFk3OMLX04w9VD9eT/s1600/photo3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUghtqBJnvqMpvvm9BBpIVtv-1J0l5Vmn_ux1QtYhyBL4ETQJlfqWto3nPEOqv8KeAWkPz4Z8Yk3iLRcNPu6Aa3Hmnywkj0UMi1rvu4vxNq1Fcp1Lk-Guyq6kNTdJlFk3OMLX04w9VD9eT/s320/photo3.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">T-shirt quilt</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I <i>finally</i> got it quilted my first week back to work after my maternity leave. Now I'm working on the binding, and eventually it will get done.<br />
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I quilted it with a tight meander, outline quilted the majority of the t-shirt designs, and quilted in a few special things. Like, on his t-shirt from work (Verizon Wireless) I quilted "Can you hear me now?" It's my favorite shirt block out of all of them.<br />
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You can't really tell from the picture, but I backed the quilt in some grey minkee that I had laying around (I had bought 11 yards 3 years ago for $2/yd...killer deal, right?). I'm binding it in a black/grey swirl print that was leftover from the back of a quilt I did for the <a href="http://coltons-angels.blogspot.com/2011/11/breaking-dawn-part-1-re-cap.html">Breaking Dawn movie</a>. I was so proud of myself, because I didn't have to buy anything but the lightweight polyester batting to make this quilt. Cheapest present ever, whenever it gets done!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBCTHeatj-K4nUfzgzj6FC4nMf7aBeMOLUoUCoXIQWNTxZGxEW7Dt7lJ5ZZfzsZ90TKBILBcwbiC5x0UuEbEnmmVVkSd5Qps8ktxN45_-TcyoZuayGo9zT5H92aLEM9oV9F9fF70YNgig_/s1600/photo4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBCTHeatj-K4nUfzgzj6FC4nMf7aBeMOLUoUCoXIQWNTxZGxEW7Dt7lJ5ZZfzsZ90TKBILBcwbiC5x0UuEbEnmmVVkSd5Qps8ktxN45_-TcyoZuayGo9zT5H92aLEM9oV9F9fF70YNgig_/s320/photo4.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Made in Cherry Quilt Along</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The last project I started lately was a quilt for our bed. Have you heard about the "Made in Cherry Quilt Along"? There's a link in my sidebar, and you should totally join us if you want to! I used 2 different fat quarter sets that I had laying around. One had 6 prints and One had 7 prints. They're Art Gallery "Alhambra" and "French Riviera". They aren't from the same line, but I thought they coordinated well together. I bought solids for the background, the backing, and the binding. It's going to look great when it's quilted. I'm thinking about doing a cross hatch in the star center and then echoing the star out into the background. It's going to look cool, I think. <br />
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Sorry my picture is so crappy. I took it at night, and the light in our room is really bad. I'll take a better picture when it gets finished. Hopefully it will be day, too, so the light will be a bit better :)<br />
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Now that these projects are all done, I'm working on a few others. Can't wait to share what I'm doing!<br />
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And hopefully it won't be too long before my next post! :)<br />
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</div>Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01944989665273286235noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1740965078535007693.post-21403918772171258592012-01-16T20:40:00.001-07:002012-01-16T20:41:41.568-07:00OTOW Challenge, January<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj11JYp6ZgHlgmoNPNHQ7ApsLE61dgsU7cvPOgn1s5RZgVGTnGmlQ21Et8pDyFh2G84zPrPCH4M7mLxIykJ3A4HlNoyHKq-5DPz-U6DYg57RSybLUQ4N0CGV2cuNqlbK7Y1Hagw0SLaSTKb/s1600/4809245522_f1da78e297_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj11JYp6ZgHlgmoNPNHQ7ApsLE61dgsU7cvPOgn1s5RZgVGTnGmlQ21Et8pDyFh2G84zPrPCH4M7mLxIykJ3A4HlNoyHKq-5DPz-U6DYg57RSybLUQ4N0CGV2cuNqlbK7Y1Hagw0SLaSTKb/s1600/4809245522_f1da78e297_o.jpg" /></a></div><br />
So last week I joined in on the <a href="http://amyscreativeside.com/2012/01/16/one-thing-one-week-challenge-link-up-9/">One Thing One Week Challenge</a>. I decided to finish 1 wall hanging that I've been working on for years. And guess what?! I did it!! I finished it! Just like I wanted to! I'm so proud of myself. Usually I set goals and never get anything done, but I end up starting 5 other projects. This year, I want to finish something every week. And it doesn't even have to be a big something. It could just be a block for a QAL or something small like that. As long as I'm finishing 1 thing a week, I think I'll be okay.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCUf2ptybkqgO5bSxhRyG602nMZ9CeNIYhKjI1Zb65Fv2nmnQq5_Hwg1-eQlhovw8AaKOOUVvZVc3URHUaldH9qvx9bn5X6_jjHv5ray0tiB2tdytm8kTOdMYM2Q5e6WRKsajywi8GnoKP/s1600/january+photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCUf2ptybkqgO5bSxhRyG602nMZ9CeNIYhKjI1Zb65Fv2nmnQq5_Hwg1-eQlhovw8AaKOOUVvZVc3URHUaldH9qvx9bn5X6_jjHv5ray0tiB2tdytm8kTOdMYM2Q5e6WRKsajywi8GnoKP/s320/january+photo.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><br />
So here it is, my January wall hanging for my calendar at work. Finally finished. And hanging up. (Yes, the fact that it is hanging up is <i>that</i> big of a deal). :)Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01944989665273286235noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1740965078535007693.post-68055869558480876202011-11-29T12:29:00.000-07:002011-11-29T12:29:04.650-07:00November OPAM Finishes<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMg9Ed6XvbLrGdRGfWSQ-xXCZvq3i0O5GxqDBMrjHU0FzZ89KR3_Ku9JquHbK8aGJeaNFpFHCclgimB27N3PIQzH2iQnAK3IEepSmc9fJIvA0x5L8AUQu_sfzG2C32QUZw-nb7kSAc_tuH/s1600/DSC_0122112911.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMg9Ed6XvbLrGdRGfWSQ-xXCZvq3i0O5GxqDBMrjHU0FzZ89KR3_Ku9JquHbK8aGJeaNFpFHCclgimB27N3PIQzH2iQnAK3IEepSmc9fJIvA0x5L8AUQu_sfzG2C32QUZw-nb7kSAc_tuH/s200/DSC_0122112911.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJiz_2KfGPNPMMNm5EpG_sexSs5rBOGhEoWp-TtwmP4OzFFlf5_fbmx4pvPcz-qBMP_HmQA5Rtd6Mh8ibww6EprPq9qyyIzkkXmL2YFrjNHvRNlY4Iqw9x3rJgzYdAEN-moK_lRHxG2aKA/s1600/gma.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJiz_2KfGPNPMMNm5EpG_sexSs5rBOGhEoWp-TtwmP4OzFFlf5_fbmx4pvPcz-qBMP_HmQA5Rtd6Mh8ibww6EprPq9qyyIzkkXmL2YFrjNHvRNlY4Iqw9x3rJgzYdAEN-moK_lRHxG2aKA/s200/gma.JPG" width="149" /></a>I have been super busy this month, which I guess is a good thing! haha I feel like I've managed to accomplish a lot. Maybe that's because I had firm deadlines that I had to hit with several quilts I had made tops for. I managed to finish 6 quilts this month! I know, totally crazy!!<br />
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The first quilt I finished was this one I made for Mother's Day for my grandma. It had half the binding done, and was sitting on a box in my closet. Yep, I was that close to finishing it. I finally bit the bullet, took it downstairs, and didn't move my butt off the couch until that dang thing was finished!! I'm going to give it to her for Christmas, even though the label says Mother's Day 2011 on it, because Christmas is <i>also</i> her birthday (and I already bought her a Christmas present).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp_WUP8RTEX9lY4fC2wnV5FAcWsGC5iadAmXSEFitKvEqZiMCITgx0xqht8gAgLT2diywYgMfmu5VmNIuLKHFCtRaDdiVeJh8Jhg473NFYyH2lZkOt5eTtFXiD50tlh5mhKnqEeeG_GZUj/s1600/DSC_0124112911.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp_WUP8RTEX9lY4fC2wnV5FAcWsGC5iadAmXSEFitKvEqZiMCITgx0xqht8gAgLT2diywYgMfmu5VmNIuLKHFCtRaDdiVeJh8Jhg473NFYyH2lZkOt5eTtFXiD50tlh5mhKnqEeeG_GZUj/s200/DSC_0124112911.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Surprisingly Super Simple quilt</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV_eBU0nbQOnlYZslWRCRjVKd7aC4IHk0vlgKj-gT33rvyq9GJGd_zmPYslcoE8ieXpFGr3ZalkL5HdANsMW-6x_ngNAQmRuj4tcj4KMJXGvBPYoBN63x-4q3V7DWBhh9FcW-IEP6lQ_kq/s1600/DSC_0123112911.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV_eBU0nbQOnlYZslWRCRjVKd7aC4IHk0vlgKj-gT33rvyq9GJGd_zmPYslcoE8ieXpFGr3ZalkL5HdANsMW-6x_ngNAQmRuj4tcj4KMJXGvBPYoBN63x-4q3V7DWBhh9FcW-IEP6lQ_kq/s200/DSC_0123112911.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close up of Strip quilt</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The second quilt I finished was a little strip quilt I made for the Breaking Dawn: Part 1 charity showing of the movie I helped with. Colton's Angels did an awesome job, as usual, making it fun and enjoyable. The door prizes were great, thanks to tons of donors. You can see a full list of the door prizes <a href="http://coltons-angels.blogspot.com/2011/11/breaking-dawn-part-1-re-cap.html">here</a>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEURDaFU3rSpzcNSEROTuLwH650iFVrLhRC7q9dsAMbk6w1XmGhLNZgJ7ZguM0TgvR6rJeFhlLWn3fL5IrGB_8tW40_lyOkq7XZMsiZTInOZvrO5aElxzWILsJXWnc7W4Qne9ru6bmO8R0/s1600/DSC_0126112911.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEURDaFU3rSpzcNSEROTuLwH650iFVrLhRC7q9dsAMbk6w1XmGhLNZgJ7ZguM0TgvR6rJeFhlLWn3fL5IrGB_8tW40_lyOkq7XZMsiZTInOZvrO5aElxzWILsJXWnc7W4Qne9ru6bmO8R0/s200/DSC_0126112911.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</tbody></table>I also finished this Surprisingly Super Simple quilt for the movie. I thought I was so ahead of the game when I purchased my fabric back in October and pieced the quilt tops. But then they sat at work waiting to be quilted for weeks and weeks. Before I knew it, it was November 14th and the movie was on November 18th, and neither of the quilts were quilted! Yikes! Luckily I was able to pull it out and get them done just in time.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3_nAkeYaCTotzEP4C1HF1tS1PAjjgnGP3E5a6fAWBl9bnHfG8CCZaqi4_i64wBoixda7m6B9Kt48E4DwQ26wfzLaAYDyzndg5ZP3OZMODC_uMSTP3A3vTFWHl07WEQJHVBy_VBJDJ3ein/s1600/DSC_0125112911.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3_nAkeYaCTotzEP4C1HF1tS1PAjjgnGP3E5a6fAWBl9bnHfG8CCZaqi4_i64wBoixda7m6B9Kt48E4DwQ26wfzLaAYDyzndg5ZP3OZMODC_uMSTP3A3vTFWHl07WEQJHVBy_VBJDJ3ein/s200/DSC_0125112911.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">close up of the SSS quilt</td></tr>
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I also finished this mail center I designed a few months ago. I had the binding all attached, but just needed to stitch it down on back. It seriously probably only took 10 minutes to finish, but it's been sitting in my drawer for weeks waiting to be finished!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCEMl06RitxhuzpKOI73htjZLPVxOq7Blm76TyOiapzu9tN2XIURQqaGTNLfc0_MzCbEc3lWnwyFAlJxmFUV7D4aXbsY0plYijppUKn1fp2pM3KoNPWOhBuB4vJA__6gpZffiwDWXw7ooB/s1600/mail+holder.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCEMl06RitxhuzpKOI73htjZLPVxOq7Blm76TyOiapzu9tN2XIURQqaGTNLfc0_MzCbEc3lWnwyFAlJxmFUV7D4aXbsY0plYijppUKn1fp2pM3KoNPWOhBuB4vJA__6gpZffiwDWXw7ooB/s200/mail+holder.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mail Center</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I also finished a darling pirate quilt for my son for Christmas. I was a little stressed that I wouldn't ever get it finished in time. Usually when I have quilts for Christmas I put off the quilting until Christmas Eve, and then I'm up until 5 or 6 Christmas morning working on the binding. I was determined not to do that this year, so I quilted the pirate quilt Thanksgiving weekend and attached the binding to the front. Then it sat in a bag at home on my sewing table. Last night I was so stressed that Munchkin would see it and ruin the surprise that I pulled it out and got it finished (plus Mike and Marshy cleaned the house and I wanted to put it away in the closet). It took half of Iron Man 2 and about 45 minutes of Star Trek to get it bound, which isn't bad considering I was also working on laundry at the same time!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim_FIKVLgBl6A2A1aVNxtWatd3qBS_EUWZPn0-m-BxMqrhW9m51J3FVdk714qWjmXVuewbBabRx1USVg89-R-6jDDSi9C8KQRzAXCUWyG95pd3ltRol5mrprhyphenhyphen_Ne9iQqMchgncV1VYSlU/s1600/munchkin.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim_FIKVLgBl6A2A1aVNxtWatd3qBS_EUWZPn0-m-BxMqrhW9m51J3FVdk714qWjmXVuewbBabRx1USVg89-R-6jDDSi9C8KQRzAXCUWyG95pd3ltRol5mrprhyphenhyphen_Ne9iQqMchgncV1VYSlU/s200/munchkin.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pirate Quilt</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
In addition to the 2 quilts I made for the Twilight movie, I was also in charge of making the quilt and the tree skirt for the donated tree for <a href="http://coltons-angels.blogspot.com/">Colton's Angels</a>. Every year we donate a tree and display to <a href="http://festivaloftreesutah.com/">Festival of Trees</a>. Proceeds from the sales of the tree displays go straight to <a href="http://intermountainhealthcare.org/hospitals/primarychildrens/Pages/home.aspx">Primary Children's Medical Center</a>. Our theme this year was "L'il Boys Are Made Of". We used this darling fabric from <a href="http://sarahjanestudios.com/blog/2011/05/iron-ons-fabric-and-etsy-stuff/">Sarah Jane</a>. It was so perfect for our theme! I made this quick and easy strip quilt.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXlHw3nTONMM-h4xyDx9Csjc7K1rNNtFH3QQ7i1HPns7x-chrGk6WjGIEu2C820KRv3k-rnT56j5OhvoxBX4PQ_TUuRPkQxksC1a_H0kJBTCiHri5jiCKfE7cAd2ua3QfoEjzt_GFa-qOU/s1600/strip+festival.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXlHw3nTONMM-h4xyDx9Csjc7K1rNNtFH3QQ7i1HPns7x-chrGk6WjGIEu2C820KRv3k-rnT56j5OhvoxBX4PQ_TUuRPkQxksC1a_H0kJBTCiHri5jiCKfE7cAd2ua3QfoEjzt_GFa-qOU/s200/strip+festival.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Festival of Trees Quilt</td></tr>
</tbody></table> I also made the tree skirt....or in this case, tree pants! I saw a great tutorial/sew along on <a href="http://sewmamasew.com/blog2/2011/10/christmas-tree-pants-holiday-sew-along-because-not-all-trees-like-to-wear-skirts/">Sew-Mama-Sew</a>, hosted by Monica Solario-Snow (of<a href="http://thehappyzombie.com/"> Happy Zombie</a> fame). The pattern is for tree pants, because not every tree wants to wear a skirt. I just love that! And it's true! I'm kind of sick of round tree skirts, and this pattern was PERFECT for our tree. I finished it a few weeks ago, luckily, and we took all of our tree stuff up to the <a href="http://southtowneexpo.com/">South Towne Expo Center</a> in Salt Lake City yesterday and put up our tree. If you get a chance to go to Festival of Trees, it's well worth the $5 entrance fee. The Festival runs from Wednesday, November 30 thru Saturday December 3. It's definitely a fun outing for families, groups, or just by yourself. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8rK4ehwE1BIsX60vaNJwSQfWokJMQpTHuI8wwBZQZqHRBtomuJiL8RvXy1JHNmOFXD1rGyveoXa-Nk2tYxV8rcYxqJOtCpH0zTWaWpQZ1g2pAezhquse-kaorS6P_HjbxXPb25x3ijnfw/s1600/tree+pants.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8rK4ehwE1BIsX60vaNJwSQfWokJMQpTHuI8wwBZQZqHRBtomuJiL8RvXy1JHNmOFXD1rGyveoXa-Nk2tYxV8rcYxqJOtCpH0zTWaWpQZ1g2pAezhquse-kaorS6P_HjbxXPb25x3ijnfw/s200/tree+pants.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">tree pants</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
So, if you've made it this far (haha! sorry it's so long!) you'll realize that I finished 7 things this month! HOLY COW!! SEVEN!!! I don't think I've finished that many in one month for a long time! Of course, December is going to be totally different. I'll be lucky if I get 1 thing done. But hey, 1 thing is better than nothing, right? :)<br />
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<span id="goog_968208100"></span><span id="goog_968208101"></span>Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01944989665273286235noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1740965078535007693.post-47422950027187943872011-11-01T11:24:00.001-06:002011-11-01T11:25:11.287-06:00We have a WINNER!!!We have a winner!! Thanks to random.org for providing a free number generator. The winner was Comment Number 12! Comment number 12 from Angel said "facebooked about it".<br />
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Congratulations Angel! I'll email you the code for your free software.<br />
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And thanks to everyone who entered! If you wanted to win, but didn't, you can find a $10 off coupon code in my side bar for the software. Just click on the graphic and it will take you to the <a href="http://mymemories.com/">My Memories</a> website where you can add the software and any other additional products to your cart. Enter the discount code at checkout and you will receive $10 off! :)Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01944989665273286235noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1740965078535007693.post-45181236412920330392011-10-31T10:49:00.000-06:002011-10-31T10:49:45.436-06:00More Sewing, and a Reminder<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTajPqfcJ8FqT59bHF3To6fEgiynuk9t-z348sMlJ6NbELuvIHuoeQPdJtYDtgLQ7Q6AupFeSIPtgd_LePXVwCRjow4xED7bBL0FHiDp1J8UxB2CG5QZ91D_2-k7s9V_jmcomAjhB1OAH_/s1600/photo1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTajPqfcJ8FqT59bHF3To6fEgiynuk9t-z348sMlJ6NbELuvIHuoeQPdJtYDtgLQ7Q6AupFeSIPtgd_LePXVwCRjow4xED7bBL0FHiDp1J8UxB2CG5QZ91D_2-k7s9V_jmcomAjhB1OAH_/s320/photo1.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">tree pants</td></tr>
</tbody></table> I have been sewing up a storm lately! I feel so great about getting so much accomplished. Now if I can just get everything quilted and bound before the end of the year. haha :-)<br />
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We (<a href="http://coltons-angels.blogspot.com/">Colton's Angels</a>) are participating in <a href="http://festivaloftreesutah.com/">Festival of Trees</a> again. This year our theme is "Lil' Boys Are Made Of". I made the quilt for our display last week. You can see it<a href="http://bustylaruesglitzandglam.blogspot.com/2011/10/sew-filled-weekend.html"> here</a>. This weekend (mostly Sunday) I made the tree pants, because not every tree wants to wear a skirt *snicker*. If you'd like to see what we did in 2009 (don't ask me where the 2010 pictures went. I have <i>no</i> idea!!), then you can see our posts <a href="http://coltons-angels.blogspot.com/2009/12/more-festival-photos.html">here </a>and <a href="http://coltons-angels.blogspot.com/2009/12/festival-of-trees-2009.html">here</a>.<br />
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I used <a href="http://thehappyzombie.com/blog/">Monica of Happy Zombie</a>'s pattern that she did for the <a href="http://sewmamasew.com/blog2/2011/09/no-excuses-holiday-sew-alongs-the-details/">Sew Mama Sew!</a> holiday sew-along. You can find the pattern and instructions<a href="http://sewmamasew.com/blog2/2011/10/christmas-tree-pants-holiday-sew-along-because-not-all-trees-like-to-wear-skirts/"> here</a>, <a href="http://sewmamasew.com/blog2/2011/10/christmas-tree-pants-holiday-sew-along-part-2/">here</a>, and <a href="http://sewmamasew.com/blog2/2011/10/christmas-tree-pants-holiday-sew-along-part-3/">here</a>. <br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimHVMFNCmm7f4Ls4na-LOTgrwQHoZL6VtA1GMaBWhyovVneGUT0vDgLL8TlcUS5zZm0yoaAnCKTEIMn2OjfEgGoiLB-g_jI4nebW3SaH5WX6LmDnXgX_f5b1fBoiXNWWKaOoQtKmgHXEya/s1600/photo2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimHVMFNCmm7f4Ls4na-LOTgrwQHoZL6VtA1GMaBWhyovVneGUT0vDgLL8TlcUS5zZm0yoaAnCKTEIMn2OjfEgGoiLB-g_jI4nebW3SaH5WX6LmDnXgX_f5b1fBoiXNWWKaOoQtKmgHXEya/s320/photo2.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">donation quilt</td></tr>
</tbody></table>You can see all of the darling tree pants that everyone has done on the <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/1750959@N24">flickr group</a>. Can I just tell you all how much I love flickr? Yeah, it's pretty awesome. Like, the bees knees awesome.<br />
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I also pieced this darling red, black and white quilt top. We are doing a charity showing of <i>Breaking Dawn</i> this year (we did <i><a href="http://coltons-angels.blogspot.com/2010/07/twilight-saga-eclipse-report.html">Eclipse </a></i>and<i> New Moon</i> previous years). We are selling tickets for $25 which includes your movie ticket, your donation, and an entry into our door prize drawing. It is going to be a lot of fun.<br />
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This quilt, once finished, is going to be part of the door prizes! I'm making another quilt for it, too, which should be done later this week. Hopefully they'll be quilted by next week, maybe sooner. :)<br />
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I'm feeling pretty good about how much sewing I've done. I have a few projects that need to be finished in time for the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=268201723224197">Sweetbriar Cove Open House</a> on Thursday, but once they are done I will be able to start sewing on my own stuff for Christmas!! I'm really excited about all the things I have planned for this year. Now the trick is just finding the time to get it all done. If you have any tips for getting everything done, I'd love to hear them in the comments! :)<br />
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Also, a quick reminder that TODAY is your <i>last day</i> to enter my<a href="http://bustylaruesglitzandglam.blogspot.com/2011/10/its-giveaway-time.html"> giveaway</a>. The giveaway ends tonight at Midnight, mountain time, so make sure you enter! :)Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01944989665273286235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1740965078535007693.post-26758071908991394252011-10-28T11:14:00.000-06:002011-10-28T11:14:04.136-06:00OPAM Catch-Up<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>I've been slacking off on the reporting of my OPAM finishes. It's not that I haven't done anything since May, just that I've mostly been on Twitter instead of blogging so I tweet my finishes and never get around to actually posting about them on here. So today I'm going to make up for that and catch ya'all up on what I've done this summer!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1ZnbrhjTNJPFVSLpa7WnqJene5ijSYafr8UKBw6nzfWXX2rUGQcdKr3fLEQ8MSWMxVCsFHDSD7yymtXuc_aNRWpquIEkW5htoxTmIb-dsC3EyPI-6NPstkmmo6w9ZV29qtzuxbc8leLkT/s1600/photo1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1ZnbrhjTNJPFVSLpa7WnqJene5ijSYafr8UKBw6nzfWXX2rUGQcdKr3fLEQ8MSWMxVCsFHDSD7yymtXuc_aNRWpquIEkW5htoxTmIb-dsC3EyPI-6NPstkmmo6w9ZV29qtzuxbc8leLkT/s200/photo1.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eeyore cross stitch, June</td></tr>
</tbody></table>In June I finished this fun cross stitch. It was more straight stitching that actual cross stitching, but it was still really fun. Marshall was really excited when I told him I was making it for his room. He has the <i><a href="http://www.bonanza.com/listings/Leisure-Arts-Cross-Stitch-KIT-Pooh-E-is-for-Eeyore-/13794509">"E is for Eeyore"</a></i> one hanging on his wall currently. He loves Winnie the Pooh, and I fell in love with this simple design when I saw it at the store. Now all I need to do is find a frame that will fit it (it's kind of a weird size) and actually hang it on the wall. But at least the hard part is done!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaWt1CdTQd1BUSumfLtEhObDAXGxctDKqy1nuHoqEWla8OaHIw8tZDn6e6EOBTDOoMqAuPbpyYQ3FtfWdhCA9USfHYPXoUp8Ty347eW14qJ4ctr72BVFF4E3NYmBsjnCdpDYvBNHkX4gG-/s1600/photo2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaWt1CdTQd1BUSumfLtEhObDAXGxctDKqy1nuHoqEWla8OaHIw8tZDn6e6EOBTDOoMqAuPbpyYQ3FtfWdhCA9USfHYPXoUp8Ty347eW14qJ4ctr72BVFF4E3NYmBsjnCdpDYvBNHkX4gG-/s200/photo2.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Birds Nest necklace, August</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I kind of took July off. I figured I could take 1 month off out of the year, since I know I'm going to be getting things done all the way up until December, what with Christmas and all. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQkJjnsqcAQZ8agaWmWfZFBsYPsTLNmzbLXq1d1hMZo1G3kbxxE7GA-xEvrDzO943E06DIzJpqzVa0Fju3fcP20k8jmBsy0NavvAFKCgsqpE1ED2J7Mqp20pfdqKkJNdVnR3uBc4LJBEwk/s1600/photo3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQkJjnsqcAQZ8agaWmWfZFBsYPsTLNmzbLXq1d1hMZo1G3kbxxE7GA-xEvrDzO943E06DIzJpqzVa0Fju3fcP20k8jmBsy0NavvAFKCgsqpE1ED2J7Mqp20pfdqKkJNdVnR3uBc4LJBEwk/s200/photo3.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Strawberry pin cushion, August</td></tr>
</tbody></table>In August we hosted a day retreat for Salem Days and did all sorts of fun crafts, projects, and sewing things. We learned how to do the hexi flowers for a <a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.craftster.org/member_projects/jungrrl/Blog/ManicMonday/090706FlowerGardenQuilt_lg.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.craftster.org/blog/manic-monday-grandmothers-flower-garden-quilt/&h=250&w=250&sz=47&tbnid=y6UsJwySto1cnM:&tbnh=91&tbnw=91&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dgrandmothers%2Bflower%2Bgarden%2Bquilt%26tbm%3Disch%26tbo%3Du&zoom=1&q=grandmothers+flower+garden+quilt&docid=Hb9PSMinATmaaM&hl=en&sa=X&ei=W9yqTqOSFsmaiQKv4MylCw&sqi=2&ved=0CD0Q9QEwCA&dur=225">Grandmother's Flower Garden quilt</a>, we made pincushions, pin holders, burned edge flower pins, birds nest necklaces, and even learned how to make awesome (and easy!) cinnamon rolls. It was a lot of fun. Lunch was included, too, and we had lots of trunk shows. I promise some day I'll actually post about it. I took a <i>ton</i> of pictures, just haven't gotten around to actually posting yet.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE24LBrQGlzrM1qzN_XBeQAnMClmTlMOvoRmdSYZ7EGDTw-q-wKsTxoATKxhM1Xe8LTHn038iZ92HdrwpozRmOoO9yNcpo9BD9IqR7zpNtIrsqqJccxWLhbLTKTIzO7hus7NbzQooHak-P/s1600/photo4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE24LBrQGlzrM1qzN_XBeQAnMClmTlMOvoRmdSYZ7EGDTw-q-wKsTxoATKxhM1Xe8LTHn038iZ92HdrwpozRmOoO9yNcpo9BD9IqR7zpNtIrsqqJccxWLhbLTKTIzO7hus7NbzQooHak-P/s200/photo4.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Magnetic Pin Ring, August</td></tr>
</tbody></table> In September, Mike said that I had too much fabric and couldn't buy any more until I depleted my stash a little. I'm sure it has <i style="font-weight: bold;">nothing</i> to do with the 85+ yards of fabric I came home with one day after a $2/yd sale at our local quilt shop. So, I reorganized my fabric, crafts, WISPs, patterns, and sewing area into something cleaner and more manageable (I now have 24 plastic Sterilite drawers <i>full</i> of fabric, WISPs, and notions). <br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzuFeidnqL4dsb4D-oIhgH8_FC7Z4GcB6fGy6YpVjGBXlZDonu54aCFc9NaK5ub5kAlK-F1FhxFpifPjksLsEUVUJ_LsB-kzBsOHqnsS0WXsyHDIIIo254hoz-5JWK3Oxc3qVm9zhlWMsH/s1600/photo5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzuFeidnqL4dsb4D-oIhgH8_FC7Z4GcB6fGy6YpVjGBXlZDonu54aCFc9NaK5ub5kAlK-F1FhxFpifPjksLsEUVUJ_LsB-kzBsOHqnsS0WXsyHDIIIo254hoz-5JWK3Oxc3qVm9zhlWMsH/s200/photo5.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bambi soft book, September</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I decided that since I had purchased fabric to do a whole bunch of different projects, I'd better finish those up first. I made 6 quilt tops (but since they aren't quilted and bound they don't count yet) for Marshall and baby. I finished a quilt top that I thought I had thrown away years ago! I finished the quilt top I had made for a Mother's Day present (now to get it quilted for Christmas). I had a random Honey Bun of fabric and sewed it into a quilt top for baby. I also finished the quilt top <i style="font-weight: bold;">and</i> the bag for the Above All Fabric quilt along this past spring. I found a panel of fabric I had bought to make one of those softy books and whipped it up in about 30 minutes (Bambie, see photo below). I actually felt pretty productive in September, even though I didn't get a <i>ton</i> finished completely.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqCj6yOBPONNrSdkAP_6RjkbrPkKH_htPxUvngKh07H_FDPY_eSmh5XyuUNuGLK31bIkB2EoATeU-erM0LqMEzHtuW48GEBf7LLGj-pO_zg9_vXC9Dv2ANfLZnMUsYMkBxEII1QCR9L-bQ/s1600/photo6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqCj6yOBPONNrSdkAP_6RjkbrPkKH_htPxUvngKh07H_FDPY_eSmh5XyuUNuGLK31bIkB2EoATeU-erM0LqMEzHtuW48GEBf7LLGj-pO_zg9_vXC9Dv2ANfLZnMUsYMkBxEII1QCR9L-bQ/s200/photo6.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Above All Fabric bag, September</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I also whipped up a table cloth for our kitchen table, with matching napkins, from a random layer cake that I had lying around. It's super cute, and I love the bright colors. I happened to even have some yardage from the fabric line, so it worked out perfectly for me! I designed and made a mail holder to hang on the wall, too, but it's not quite done yet, so I can't count it. Maybe next month!<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNwx56tyLZ07WRfn3Bg3kg_p6DnpFSfCRc_tNfgZRtCBvQubdmouLR3A7rD7WpdMfl1R9kgf8Q2_CyNgEU0QYMZvF7blBSPU1ohyphenhyphen1a8OQ0nWr5_OioRRW1ejtsz0IHXNtcx8Upiv1glIvN/s1600/photo7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNwx56tyLZ07WRfn3Bg3kg_p6DnpFSfCRc_tNfgZRtCBvQubdmouLR3A7rD7WpdMfl1R9kgf8Q2_CyNgEU0QYMZvF7blBSPU1ohyphenhyphen1a8OQ0nWr5_OioRRW1ejtsz0IHXNtcx8Upiv1glIvN/s200/photo7.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Napkins, September</td></tr>
</tbody></table>This month, I've felt added pressure to get things done. With the holiday season quickly approaching, I know that my personal schedule isn't going to be as open as I'd like. I'm also worried that when the baby comes I won't have anything ready for her. What if she comes early? That's my big concern. If she comes early, she won't have any quilts, my glider won't be finished, I won't have curtains hanging in the room.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXlqCItv99fCv1-cyIYxRNrsIVS-2vIgiBorCgXBJwfYCpNYe2_ZvlC8Kk-GsShH3R55Z4mRcHaCTtSocdDQIYJp8FDZ91yGxVvZfvZbnebH2sNNtAWQOL9Yahsn65UTLFBi822BSRabbj/s1600/photo8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXlqCItv99fCv1-cyIYxRNrsIVS-2vIgiBorCgXBJwfYCpNYe2_ZvlC8Kk-GsShH3R55Z4mRcHaCTtSocdDQIYJp8FDZ91yGxVvZfvZbnebH2sNNtAWQOL9Yahsn65UTLFBi822BSRabbj/s200/photo8.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Table Cloth, September</td></tr>
</tbody></table>So, as a result, I finished recovering the cushions for the glider we bought back in June at a yard sale. I bought it from my sister-in-law, <a href="http://www.izzyandivydesigns.com/">Jana</a>. We had big plans for it. We were going to totally redo it, but time management got the better of us and all we really accomplished was repainting it black. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkqFrLm9NSLrvpIJBaFefpxCjky8dedtUSNf8DERmsmVwkjyx8_SqRVd8H8yXOF06cwtqzIdB_46QmarfdNVdsqoRpDmk9Zz11B6y0zio9FnEvjFqsOSJHpXH4BiIzS9-RPc-KbJpMKV5S/s1600/photo12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkqFrLm9NSLrvpIJBaFefpxCjky8dedtUSNf8DERmsmVwkjyx8_SqRVd8H8yXOF06cwtqzIdB_46QmarfdNVdsqoRpDmk9Zz11B6y0zio9FnEvjFqsOSJHpXH4BiIzS9-RPc-KbJpMKV5S/s200/photo12.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">finished glider & cushions, October</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The cushions have been sitting in the middle of my living room floor for several months. This week I finally decided to tackle the dang things! I ripped them apart, made a paper pattern, and quickly pieced together new cushions. I used Joel Dewberry fabric (that I've had since June!!), reinforced with medium weight interfacing. On the back cushion I just re-inserted the original cushion with several layers of batting for added padding. On the bottom cushion I bought a piece of 2 inch foam and squished it in there. The bottom cushion didn't turn out perfect, but it sure is comfortable! <br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXp9WF3jpDJmTd_BU2oRXdFVj0AAm1QG0_CjJHKlryPBMvi-eJ-sHB5tMtg4yjmUuoT0-E3le3T10RCV5PO8gjEr38A40__FkM04IVuylK3KpZQq7lxVeRPcPxLEPoFnrPcPlygO6HDZXL/s1600/photo11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXp9WF3jpDJmTd_BU2oRXdFVj0AAm1QG0_CjJHKlryPBMvi-eJ-sHB5tMtg4yjmUuoT0-E3le3T10RCV5PO8gjEr38A40__FkM04IVuylK3KpZQq7lxVeRPcPxLEPoFnrPcPlygO6HDZXL/s200/photo11.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Floor Pillow, October</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I put the whole glider back together last night and it didn't fall apart when I sat in it, so that is definitely a good thing!! While I was testing it out, I decided that I needed an ottoman or something to put my feet on. Glider ottomans are Ex-Pen-Sive! So, what I decided to do was to make a floor pillow instead! I used this awesome tutorial from<a href="http://www.livingwithpunks.com/2010/05/tutorial-land-of-nod-inspired-floor.html"> Living with Punks </a>(eliminating the handle, since I won't be needing to move it around much). <br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhygmKtRrtD7a9YpwxSL5Q5-kO6yw6K9GtcPjS8qVvPOcr7l2ZeW8DCnMN272aAdK4dSFsmuF2_9KhTWXil3jwi6ZgiMwWZ7Ww-gx56fADLQmzDXp2S79vtbHn7EAakArEHBMf2xho-eDMJ/s1600/photo10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhygmKtRrtD7a9YpwxSL5Q5-kO6yw6K9GtcPjS8qVvPOcr7l2ZeW8DCnMN272aAdK4dSFsmuF2_9KhTWXil3jwi6ZgiMwWZ7Ww-gx56fADLQmzDXp2S79vtbHn7EAakArEHBMf2xho-eDMJ/s200/photo10.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yoshi Slug, giving up his guts<br />
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</tbody></table>When it came time to stuff the thing, I realized that rather than rip into my new bag of stuffing, I could just rip apart <a href="http://bustylaruesglitzandglam.blogspot.com/2011/10/costume-fail.html">Yoshi Slug</a> and use all the stuffing that was in him. It worked out perfectly! I even had a little left over, which I shoved into my newer stuffing bag. Now Yoshi Slug is tucked away neatly in a drawer, not taking up very much space, and the floor pillow is finished.<br />
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Marshall was pretty excited when he woke up this morning. He came running into our room shouting "What's this round thing that matches my chair? Is it for <i style="font-weight: bold;">me</i> to sit on?!" He then spent the next ten minutes bouncing around his room on the floor pillow. Glad it's getting some use already!<br />
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I have big plans for November, as it quickly approaches. I'm hoping to actually get several quilts for baby, and other family members, finished, quilted, and bound well before Christmas. I know, it probably won't get done, but at least it's in my plans!Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01944989665273286235noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1740965078535007693.post-45494072170175305832011-10-24T11:28:00.000-06:002011-10-24T11:28:05.731-06:00Sew filled weekendThis weekend I was lucky enough to actually get to sew some more! Yippee! Okay, so in reality I was really sick and couldn't go anywhere, and rather than spend my days lounging on the couch watching infomercials, I opted to sit at my machine and sew.<br />
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I'm <strike>unfortunate</strike> <i>lucky</i> enough to get to sew in my kitchen, close to all of the household action. Okay, okay, so it's not ideal, but it is the only available space in our tiny apartment. I clear off our folding table/kitchen table and put my cutting mat on it. I set the ironing board up in front of my desk, and pull my sewing machine out of the cabinet against the wall under the window (across from the table). I have a rolling desk chair (it's a really nice one I bought at Office Depot last month) and I roll from place to place on my linoleum kitchen floor. I know it doesn't sound great, but it actually works out perfectly. I never have to get out of my chair! :)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUdtDrnU_Jm65inIcKE_eb-woDCTA8ZU2-vx8x_cOEV8mSHguTFZkagXH37sOQjjk2zFECYq4jRn6kcIZpD76CVHpzRucvui-lEYIGVWQGXSK3IlAhi0Ez_N7Ei3mfxIoNAgMjJnPpvuZB/s1600/coltons+quilt.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUdtDrnU_Jm65inIcKE_eb-woDCTA8ZU2-vx8x_cOEV8mSHguTFZkagXH37sOQjjk2zFECYq4jRn6kcIZpD76CVHpzRucvui-lEYIGVWQGXSK3IlAhi0Ez_N7Ei3mfxIoNAgMjJnPpvuZB/s320/coltons+quilt.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>So, what did I make this weekend? I made the quilt to go with our <a href="http://festivaloftreesutah.com/">Festival of Trees</a> donation tree next month. Our theme is "Lil' Boys Are Made Of" and we are using <a href="http://www.sarahjanestudios.com/blog/">Sarah Jane</a>'s fabric <a href="http://www.fatquartershop.com/store/stores_app/Browse_Item_Details.asp?sid=379210241320253792&Store_id=499&page_id=23&Item_ID=57730&Parent_Ids=">Children at Play</a>. I finished piecing the quilt on Sunday afternoon, and it turned out so cute!<br />
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On Saturday I went to Joann's (I know, insane the week before Halloween) and bought fabric to make 2 donation quilts for the Colton's Angels<a href="http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=144383005657388"> charity showing of Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1</a>. I am making 2 different black, white, and red colored quilts for the door prize drawings. I'm really excited about them. Also, I'm really excited that they'll actually be done before the day before the movie (unlike previous years. Procrastinate much? haha)<br />
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I don't have them quite finished yet, so no pictures....sorry. But, I am hoping to have them finished some time this week and will post pictures later. :)Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01944989665273286235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1740965078535007693.post-33531235530549030992011-10-22T12:01:00.000-06:002011-10-22T12:01:59.873-06:00Going Semi-Whole FoodsMy gallbladder is having no more of this diet of fast food and butter-rich homemade tastiness. I'm kind of bummed, but really my only choice is to go semi-whole foods. I have a few gallstones, and my doctor won't do anything about it unless I'm experiencing symptoms (which I am, moderately). And by "do anything" she really means put me on a diet and restrict my fat/grease/processed foods intake. Yeah, might as well do that myself before she mandates it. I figure if I do it myself, by the time I have my next appointment (in a few weeks), if I have made the change but still have symptoms, then maybe she'll try something else. <br />
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So, dear readers, I need your help! I need ideas of things that I can make!! I don't want to have to cook separate meals at dinnertime. There are only 3 of us, so making 2 dinners seems kind of silly. So, what are some things I can make that are semi-whole foods (I'm still going to eat meat: poultry, pork, etc, only in smaller portions) that my whole family will like too??<br />
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Is there a website I should be looking at? A blog I should follow? Recipe I should try? Let me know in the comments section! I'd really appreciate it! :)<br />
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Also, don't forget to leave your comments on my <a href="http://bustylaruesglitzandglam.blogspot.com/2011/10/its-giveaway-time.html">giveaway</a>! You have until the 31st to enter!Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01944989665273286235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1740965078535007693.post-15855277415514509182011-10-21T10:19:00.000-06:002011-10-21T10:19:31.697-06:00It's GIVEAWAY Time!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDNikAJToUOxC5DMfP9637YqlCLP0wpI9jU4Qk9IOVYUn0gx_umSxhi2ocnnH-S-t7p91xJolPEZ1doJxaxIwA6yJbuqJ8p53NqQ2H1GtwKve4AhDQ_nl3FZ8B_sVOIKM90fl4qG7DAqr8/s1600/mmsg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="105" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDNikAJToUOxC5DMfP9637YqlCLP0wpI9jU4Qk9IOVYUn0gx_umSxhi2ocnnH-S-t7p91xJolPEZ1doJxaxIwA6yJbuqJ8p53NqQ2H1GtwKve4AhDQ_nl3FZ8B_sVOIKM90fl4qG7DAqr8/s400/mmsg.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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The fabulous people at <a href="http://www.mymemories.com/">My Memories</a> have asked me to do a review and giveaway of their digital <a href="http://www.mymemories.com/">scrapbooking software</a>. I am so excited about this!<br />
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First off, let's talk about the good and the bad. Honestly, there is a lot more good than bad. Being someone who has <i>never</i> used software like this, and the kind of person who rarely (if ever) scrapbooks, I was a little hesitant to get started. <br />
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What if I can't figure out the software? What if I have to sit and read the "how-to" guide every time I want to use it? <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0I3lFusUQvqcEYXUPTfvpyMsu8IMO4BLGeExMLKyW0xQLMlgExD-c8BVXS-Jub42Houyh6kIv-tc2GjdruqC4pdw4JQxLJxUG-pwpXHBei9QciIr2qHjuVSMxf2oMlsd_bP0oha9kJ8Ol/s1600/presschool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0I3lFusUQvqcEYXUPTfvpyMsu8IMO4BLGeExMLKyW0xQLMlgExD-c8BVXS-Jub42Houyh6kIv-tc2GjdruqC4pdw4JQxLJxUG-pwpXHBei9QciIr2qHjuVSMxf2oMlsd_bP0oha9kJ8Ol/s320/presschool.jpg" width="247" /></a></div>Well, I didn't have any of those problems! The software is really easy to use. In fact, I put this page together in under 10 minutes! (I also did a whole scrapbook of Sewing Summit, but didn't post pictures of them because I just did my recap last week and it was kind of repetitive.) The <a href="http://www.mymemories.com/">My Memories Suite software</a> comes with a bunch of papers, embellishments, etc.<br />
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I did wish that more variety came with the software, but it integrates really easily with their website. They have a lot of free paper packs, embellishments, word art, etc on the <a href="http://www.mymemories.com/">website</a>, and some really cute designer album packs for low-cost.<br />
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Downloading the additional content is super easy, too! Once you've completed the checkout process, just go to the Downloads section of your account and download it right onto your computer. It downloads pretty fast (and I'm on a <i>slooooow</i> internet connection at work) and automatically goes right into the software, so it's totally hassle free there.<br />
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Now, down to the nitty-gritty (and the best part, in my opinion).<br />
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To enter, all you have to do is leave a comment here on the blog. Easy peasey, right? <br />
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For an extra entry, you can do one, any, or all of the following:<br />
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1) Go to the<a href="http://www.mymemories.com/"> My Memories website</a>, look at all their paper packs, and then come back and leave a comment with which one is your favorite.<br />
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2) Follow the <a href="http://www.mymemoriesblog.com/">My Memories blog</a> and leave a comment here to let me know.<br />
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3) Like <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/MyMemories/140359372717593">My Memories on Facebook</a> and leave a comment here to let me know.<br />
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4) Follow <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/mymemoriessuite">My Memories on Twitter</a> and leave a comment here to let me know.<br />
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5) Blog about my giveaway and leave a comment here (with the link so I can come visit your blog) to let me know.<br />
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6) Tweet about my giveaway and leave a comment here to let me know.<br />
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7) Facebook about my giveaway and leave a comment here to let me know.<br />
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If you do all of the extras, that's 8 chances you have to win!! Make sure you leave a separate comment for each one you do so they all get counted! :-)<br />
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I'll be drawing a winner on Halloween (happy Halloween!!!) so make sure that you check back to see if you won!!Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01944989665273286235noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1740965078535007693.post-55409061646853770202011-10-20T21:22:00.000-06:002011-10-20T21:22:03.492-06:00Good News . . . at last!We have a couple of great news items to share today!<br />
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I got an awesome phone call today. Remember how I had a second ultrasound last week at my doctor's appointment to check my <a href="http://bustylaruesglitzandglam.blogspot.com/2011/10/i-hate-waiting.html">liver</a>? Well, today I got a call from my doctor's office, and it turns out that I just have fatty pockets in my liver. Woohoo! That's fine with me! Totally normal from what my doctor tells me. She did want me to stop by and have more blood drawn (it hurt really bad!!) to test my LFTs, and I should have those results back by next week. I'm not too concerned, though, because I just had them run in August and everything was normal. It was a really good day!!<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRiZu0X7gj-pa4N_bU3xJtf6qOL9H7tBeIJxvZzapU-CdpH70nn" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRiZu0X7gj-pa4N_bU3xJtf6qOL9H7tBeIJxvZzapU-CdpH70nn" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not our crib, but it looked like this until I painted it.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>In other news, I totally accidentally threw away <i style="font-weight: bold;">all</i> of the screws for our crib a few months ago when I cleaned out the storage closet. I think I must have thrown away a box without checking to see if there was anything in it first. OOPS! my bad!<br />
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Anyway, I called the company to order replacements and found out that our crib has been recalled. At first I was really pissed. <i>SERIOUSLY? Now what? </i>Is what I thought. When I called the recall department, they told me that once they receive the mattress support screw panels, they'll ship me out a new crib.<br />
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I couldn't be happier. A <i>new</i> crib. Brand, spanking new. It isn't black, it's walnut, but at this point I don't care! It's a brand new crib!! At this point, the only thing I'm really upset about is that I didn't find out until <i>after</i> I spent the time sanding and painting the crib front. haha<br />
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So, that's my good news for today. All in all, I had a really good day. Oh! And, tomorrow I'm having a giveaway, so check back to see how you can enter!! I'm really excited about it, since it's my first giveaway ever!Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01944989665273286235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1740965078535007693.post-69246248653673596802011-10-19T00:43:00.000-06:002011-10-19T00:43:43.607-06:00What Was I Thinking?!Today I decided to go to town and clean Marshall's room. I mean like <i>really</i> clean it. Like, rip everything out of the room, clean the carpets, wash the walls, clean the blinds, hang a curtain rod, make new curtains, etc.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlHXuoaMMufs3klac9hpLa01nM5qW4J0IVyCkKW-Ss-Odm8SiKwGY5Jx6Qp0aWS93S8ae3QyyrCr5n1T5j53jGxFTrwB_CTPeJ7vR0UDbbhI-Y2fRtNOtJFFcL5DxNadlN80CcY_qfLbWQ/s1600/before.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlHXuoaMMufs3klac9hpLa01nM5qW4J0IVyCkKW-Ss-Odm8SiKwGY5Jx6Qp0aWS93S8ae3QyyrCr5n1T5j53jGxFTrwB_CTPeJ7vR0UDbbhI-Y2fRtNOtJFFcL5DxNadlN80CcY_qfLbWQ/s320/before.JPG" width="239" /></a><br />
I don't know what I was thinking!! I must have had a crazy, hormonal-induced, nesting lapse of judgment moment. I'm sure it was mostly induced by what the room initially looked like. I mean, look at it! It's a crazy hot mess! He must think that every time I say "clean your room," I really mean "go ahead and trash your room some more."<br />
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I threw a ton of crap away. He got so mad at me when he saw I was throwing some old coloring books and Burger King toys away.<br />
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After a few hours of de-junking and reorganizing, I finally managed to drag everything out of the room except for the dresser. Yes, I even pulled the bed out into the hall. I even dropped a shelf on my foot! It hurt like crazy, and for a second I thought I'd broken it, but realized that I could walk around after a few moments, so I kept on pushing through it and got the room cleared out.<br />
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<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/AVvXsEiem_E_XoX740kVC_kGybqJ_kEoPngW-vgNlrVC42uuzpEcRk3Oxy74PeXQX-oZrhTik5ndziYMS6Psyk-6fRcwAVUiq82Qk0hj-ADkUl1_w1whlg4z6gZOmJ78bWfnEEZiBrk6kzgFKQsw/s1600/after2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiem_E_XoX740kVC_kGybqJ_kEoPngW-vgNlrVC42uuzpEcRk3Oxy74PeXQX-oZrhTik5ndziYMS6Psyk-6fRcwAVUiq82Qk0hj-ADkUl1_w1whlg4z6gZOmJ78bWfnEEZiBrk6kzgFKQsw/s320/after2.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>Mike came home with the Rug Doctor (we own one, but it's been "living" at the shop for the past few weeks) and helped me clean the carpet. Now the room smells nice, the carpet looks a million times better, and it doesn't look so much like a little boy inhabits it.<br />
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Sorry about the poor quality of the "after" picture. Marshall fell asleep before I could take one with the lights on. I'm still trying to figure out the placement for a few things, like the baby's crib and my glider and possibly my $7 lamp from IKEA, but other than that the room is organized! Hoorah!!<br />
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I'm hoping to get a curtain rod hung and new curtains made before the baby comes. Right now we're using a queen sized sheet folded in quarters stuffed in the top of the blinds to keep the light out of the room at night. It's been working okay for a while, except that it's starting to fall down, and it doesn't look fabulous, and the anal personality in me wants the room to look fabulously perfect.<br />
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Hopefully I'll be able to get the crib set up soon, and the glider put back together (we painted it a few weeks ago) with new cushions (which I plan on making this weekend, hopefully). Then I can focus on cleaning blinds and hanging new curtains.Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01944989665273286235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1740965078535007693.post-24964469407901164512011-10-17T23:46:00.000-06:002011-10-17T23:46:14.520-06:00Scare-o-WeenSo I don't really like October. Other than the candy my son gets trunk-or-treating (that I sneak - SHH! don't tell!), October really only has cold weather and scary movies.<br />
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I don't like either of those things.<br />
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Tonight Mike made me watch <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Paranormal-Activity-2-Tod-Williams/dp/B003Q6D25K/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1318916497&sr=8-1">Paranormal Activity 2</a>. Have you seen it? Not cool. Not my favorite. Scary movie involving possessed persons and a baby = not my favorite combination. No sir, not at all.<br />
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I do have to admit that some scary movies I do like. Take the first 3 <i>Scream</i> movies (I haven't seen the newest one yet), or the 2 <i>I Know What You Did Last Summer</i> movies. Those were good. They were scary but kind of corny at the same time. Plus, with both <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Scream-Collectors-Neve-Campbell/dp/B004SIP9MY/ref=sr_1_4?s=movies-tv&ie=UTF8&qid=1318916512&sr=1-4"><i>Scream</i> </a>and <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Know-What-You-Last-Summer/dp/6305017115/ref=sr_1_1?s=movies-tv&ie=UTF8&qid=1318916534&sr=1-1">I Know What You Did</a></i>, I had a friend tell me the entire plot before I ever saw them, so that helped a lot with the scare-factor.<br />
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So what is your favorite, or least favorite, part of October? Are you into scary movies? What's your favorite? Or are you like me and can do without the scary movies?<br />
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Let me know in the comments! Meanwhile, I'm going to go watch what I call "happy TV" which essentially is anything that is not scary. Right now, it would be Hawaii Five-Oh. Gotta love me some of that Alex O'Loughlin. Yep. Gonna go devote my whole attention to him and his show now. :)<br />
<br />Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01944989665273286235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1740965078535007693.post-77663390033189377622011-10-16T12:50:00.000-06:002011-10-16T12:50:03.093-06:00Sewing Summit, Part 4Sunday morning after breakfast we had two more classes. I took a class about photographing your creations, hoping it might help me take pictures of the quilts and quilting I do. I'm still not sure how I'm going to photograph the quilts with all the detail showing up (we quilters have it HARD I tell ya!), but I did learn a lot of new tricks and tips to try out on my Nikon D60.<br />
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Then I had a class on blogging. Oh my gosh it was so helpful! I learned a lot about blogging, giveaways, and stuff I didn't know was even important or available for bloggers. I'm still trying to figure out some of the things I want to add to my blog, like "share" buttons at the bottom of my posts, and "follow" buttons on my sidebar for twitter, facebook, RSS feeds, etc., but I'm getting there. The class even motivated me to blog more (can you tell? hehe)<br />
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After my second class it was time to say goodbye to all of my fun new friends. I was so sad that Sewing Summit was over!! Mike and Marshall had already loaded the car up with all of our stuff, so we checked out and booked it home (where my boys promptly fell asleep for several hours). I honestly had the best time ever, and I cannot wait for next year! I've already started saving my dimes and nickels so I can be among the first to register to ensure I can attend!!<br />
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If you'd like to follow Sewing Summit, they have a Twitter (@SewingSummit), a <a href="http://www.facebook.com/sewingsummit">Facebook page</a>, and you can follow their<a href="http://sewingsummit.com/"> blog</a> to stay in the loop and in the know. :)<br />
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Sorry this post lacks pictures. I was too scattered the last day to take any!<br />
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To read Part 1 of my re-cap, go <a href="http://bustylaruesglitzandglam.blogspot.com/2011/10/sewing-summit-part-1.html">here</a>.<br />
To read Part 2 of my re-cap, go <a href="http://bustylaruesglitzandglam.blogspot.com/2011/10/sewing-summit-part-2.html">here</a>.<br />
To read Part 3 of my re-cap, go <a href="http://bustylaruesglitzandglam.blogspot.com/2011/10/sewing-summit-part-3.html">here</a>.Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01944989665273286235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1740965078535007693.post-47997938416056904312011-10-14T10:37:00.000-06:002011-10-14T10:37:57.732-06:00Sewing Summit, Part 3Saturday afternoon we had the best lunch EVER! I totally should've taken pictures of all the food we ate because it was sooooo good. I love food. I love kitchen gadgets (you'll find out why later). I love anything to do with food....except for actually cooking it. I can't cook. So when I get an awesome meal, I totally appreciate it.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirbD5BmJFNPsYE-9WMfeq1RQhkasRnC-HdF7_nWYIjL0Qv_B5I2LhlWKVRch8o5EhxSpdulN1xfZZmqNc1QVQHYimWAYoOfbmc3AHHNv7HS5tsijAK2JrB5DhIBmBfYdwWC1O1xjnAxr2i/s1600/IMG_0424.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirbD5BmJFNPsYE-9WMfeq1RQhkasRnC-HdF7_nWYIjL0Qv_B5I2LhlWKVRch8o5EhxSpdulN1xfZZmqNc1QVQHYimWAYoOfbmc3AHHNv7HS5tsijAK2JrB5DhIBmBfYdwWC1O1xjnAxr2i/s320/IMG_0424.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In Amanda's class</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Lunch was no exception. Lunch was awesome! There was yummy salad, the most delicious veggie sandwich I have ever had in my entire life, and OMG the brownies!! <br />
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In addition to the yummy food, we had some awesome company! I met so many talented and amazing people. We even played this fun game, Prom & On (tell your life story from Sr. Prom until now in less than 2 minutes). It was so fun to hear what everyone has done and how they got started in the sewing/creating world. <br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXtUocf6f7UEhWmmabFz2GEbNHgUoonz9oUICexQhHROYaKTb3APbEOVMtgipa1S7aJFJrmrtjUnTUGjnBe6t2sDcmGLqk_1NN-zGzM3WjnQzJMYv3xxS6FQNVVHt8Qj5vd-wsErrJYPGh/s1600/IMG_0425.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXtUocf6f7UEhWmmabFz2GEbNHgUoonz9oUICexQhHROYaKTb3APbEOVMtgipa1S7aJFJrmrtjUnTUGjnBe6t2sDcmGLqk_1NN-zGzM3WjnQzJMYv3xxS6FQNVVHt8Qj5vd-wsErrJYPGh/s320/IMG_0425.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I got to meet her! She is awesome!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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After lunch we had some time before our classes started again. A group of us sat on the couches and chairs in the hotel lobby in front of the fireplace and worked on our handwork. Some people drew, some people knitted/corcheted, some people embroidered. I worked on my hexies. Mike and Marshall stopped by and everyone just loved Marshy. He was so funny. Then I went to Quilts 101 (with Amy Smart) and Mini Quilts (with<a href="http://msmcporkchopquilts.com/"> Amanda</a>, AKA @heyporkchop on Twitter). <br />
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I've never made a mini quilt before, I was always too scared to do it, and didn't really understand what made a mini quilt. After taking Amanda's class, I totally want to make one! She was so encouraging and motivating about not feeling guilty about buying fabric you like and only making 1 block (for a mini quilt), and about just having fun and really doing what you love. <br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg45Ier_7Q6y5oogXh_numVmSY7BM8VLgt9aWjXRxvENtyWRJljjlWTngzrG62GV9_kCtWqQrVAOsqHjA7Ai15stwkAbQDd2ZCXKC6Z0E9_1rSMUIocIGw8C0zI7bZHScBIvDlcoXMpDE_q/s1600/IMG_0426.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg45Ier_7Q6y5oogXh_numVmSY7BM8VLgt9aWjXRxvENtyWRJljjlWTngzrG62GV9_kCtWqQrVAOsqHjA7Ai15stwkAbQDd2ZCXKC6Z0E9_1rSMUIocIGw8C0zI7bZHScBIvDlcoXMpDE_q/s320/IMG_0426.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and Chris (@Frecklemama on Twitter)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I have to admit that I am one of those people who has spent the huge $$ on fabric to make a quilt, made 1 block and said "I hate this," as I put the project away forever. Now I can find uses for those single, loner blocks and maybe even for the oodles of fabric I've never used! :)<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5RCWFNseUw1V87CdFdTacFqHGLmjIX7nuzSmL9Wc-iNeztLqkj1UsNXEL73ty6EJ5Hf1GiUsuAzNtOpTAtKUYsUK8h7MUOBZqncPr56UYnriUNQU51wMa9_wWjmqxDPFLHL2UeYINVPoM/s1600/IMG_0428.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5RCWFNseUw1V87CdFdTacFqHGLmjIX7nuzSmL9Wc-iNeztLqkj1UsNXEL73ty6EJ5Hf1GiUsuAzNtOpTAtKUYsUK8h7MUOBZqncPr56UYnriUNQU51wMa9_wWjmqxDPFLHL2UeYINVPoM/s320/IMG_0428.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bento Kid's Meal</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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After classes were over I met up with my boys and we rode the TRAX down to the Gateway Mall. We had dinner at the Thaifoon Asian restaurant. Marshy's dinner came in a bento box!! (P.S. - isn't that the funniest forced smile you've ever seen on a kid? Had me laughing pretty hard when I took the picture!)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOeSJeYHpvLfjiay2yoh3cC2KDy16agl0GWjul1rdFzqGxD6DOSQOlg68vIXbKDHyVj8M6jHdBBytivTWjK7b0y3vf7sTdVCEWlREWCBdsbFAwY1avH11zOCXG2YQo5ccYvv3cF-odtj2M/s1600/IMG_0427.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOeSJeYHpvLfjiay2yoh3cC2KDy16agl0GWjul1rdFzqGxD6DOSQOlg68vIXbKDHyVj8M6jHdBBytivTWjK7b0y3vf7sTdVCEWlREWCBdsbFAwY1avH11zOCXG2YQo5ccYvv3cF-odtj2M/s320/IMG_0427.JPG" width="239" /></a><br />
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While we were waiting for our food to arrive, I had this brilliant idea for a Halloween-themed mini quilt. Some of the advice Amanda had given us was to always carry a notebook in case inspiration struck. Well, I left my notebook in my hotel room (doh!) so I needed something to draw on. The only thing I could find was Marshall's menu and a purple crayon! Yes, that is exactly what I used.<br />
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See, I had this great idea based off of a cookie cutter that Mike had bought me from Sur la Table earlier that afternoon. And of course, being the kitchen gadget <strike>addict</strike> enthusiast that I am, I had to go there before we ate dinner. Mike had already bought me a clear spatula (well, he thought it was clear but it was really glittered!) and a<a href="http://www.surlatable.com/product/PRO-184174/Zombie-Copper-Cookie-Cutter"> Zombie-shaped cookie cutter</a>. <br />
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When I went in the store, I would've bought the whole place out if I could afford it! I love that store!! I bought a pasta drying rack for when we make homemade fettuccine, an apple corer so I would actually eat apples (I hate having to cut out the core), a pair of onion goggles, and a pink polka-dot knife (because if I spent $5 more I got a free year of Martha Stewart Living or something awesome like that, and I'm a sucker for freebies!). What I really wanted though were sets of<a href="http://www.surlatable.com/product/PRO-163753/Le-Creuset-Cassis-Dinnerware-Collection"> these</a> in all the different colors, but Mike said no. (See, I told you I loved kitchen items! Wanna know how many times I've used <i>any</i> of the things we bought yet? Yeah, none. They're still in the bag! I swear, when I'm old and crazy I'll end up on <i>Hoarders</i> for either my fabric stash or my kitchen gadgets.)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Qx7v1Bo3sQKXZuhegGR7NrxJtyqPmJoiTkhgGIBXBErbC2ECOnqzLRCsUtWy6YDY10bXRpTmvq5gvf3A-g4isnAA-i_AFb6DBLXsXqiE-Q1mYpg6lu3jl_70Jj-Ec1652HLSwVLBlA2g/s1600/IMG_0429.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Qx7v1Bo3sQKXZuhegGR7NrxJtyqPmJoiTkhgGIBXBErbC2ECOnqzLRCsUtWy6YDY10bXRpTmvq5gvf3A-g4isnAA-i_AFb6DBLXsXqiE-Q1mYpg6lu3jl_70Jj-Ec1652HLSwVLBlA2g/s320/IMG_0429.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>After dinner we rode TRAX back to the hotel, I changed into my comfy clothes, and went downstairs to free sew. It was so much fun, and I admit that I didn't actually get a ton done, but I had a blast. By the time I rolled myself into bed somewhere between 11 and 12, I was beat! Also, my feet looked like this. Yeah, just a little swollen. I had perma-sock line and no ankles well into Sunday night, but it was <i>totally</i> worth it!<br />
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Stay tuned to hear what we did on Sunday at the Sewing Summit!!<br />
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To read Part 1 of my recap, go <a href="http://bustylaruesglitzandglam.blogspot.com/2011/10/sewing-summit-part-1.html">here</a>.<br />
To read Part 2 of my recap, go <a href="http://bustylaruesglitzandglam.blogspot.com/2011/10/sewing-summit-part-2.html">here</a>.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01944989665273286235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1740965078535007693.post-28885832187510237122011-10-11T18:18:00.000-06:002011-10-11T18:18:09.704-06:00I hate waiting......I hate waiting. I have 13 weeks left in this pregnancy, and I hate waiting to hold my sweet little baby girl in my arms and kiss her whole face. I hate waiting to see if Marshall will really be able to get any sleep sharing a room with the baby. I hate waiting to see if the clothes I've bought will fit her longer than 10 minutes.<br />
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Most of all, I hate waiting for my next doctor's appointment.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs9fz3dcKBtCtSfXEVFeaYcEChDNXguYEIYIXITffRpoZBNCa18emZOnq2r4kpq6zvuQwfvN2UR-NnGfWDvMuUfzQK5jfdVQK_rGXEFel6g5VnLh1oH6HNZaH3bmvsjut6XVuWGrBU_J90/s1600/baby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs9fz3dcKBtCtSfXEVFeaYcEChDNXguYEIYIXITffRpoZBNCa18emZOnq2r4kpq6zvuQwfvN2UR-NnGfWDvMuUfzQK5jfdVQK_rGXEFel6g5VnLh1oH6HNZaH3bmvsjut6XVuWGrBU_J90/s320/baby.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baby Girl - we think she looks like a kitty!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I had my ultrasound in August. Everything was fine, until the tech got to the part where she checks out my liver, kidneys, and gallbladder. Kidneys were fine, luckily, but apparently I had "a good sized stone that you may or may not pass in the foreseeable future" and some "sludge". Okay, I can deal with that. Will it be painful? Sure. But the pain will pass. No big. The main problem was with my liver. I believe the reaction she had was somewhere between <i>"Holy crap your liver should have it's own zip code!" </i>and <i>"Huh, wonder why it's a little enlarged?"</i> <br />
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My favorite part of the ultrasound visit was that I then had to wait 40 minutes to see the PA-C before I could leave. Okay, so again with the waiting, and you all know how much I <i style="font-weight: bold;">love</i> doing that, right? *wink* And of course, the PA-C's first words to me when she FINALLY comes in are "Now don't panic." Um, yeah, I've been in this tiny little room for 40 minutes by myself freaking out because the ultrasound tech was freaking out over my liver and gallbladder and you tell me not to panic?! It's a little too late for that, honey!<br />
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We run LFTs (liver function tests) and a few days later I call for the results. They come back normal, so I don't worry. In fact, I almost completely forget about the stress I had. Until I get a phone call from the doctor's office. <br />
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"Hi, yes, we'd like to remind you that you need to discuss the results of your ultrasound with Dr. S because there were some abnormalities. . . " <i>no kidding?!</i> " . . . and you can do that at your appointment on _____."<br />
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Gee, thanks. So now I'm freaking out again. I go to my appointment where my doctor tells me that she isn't worried. My liver functions are normal, according to my blood work. She says it's perfectly normal for a liver in a woman to not be the same consistency (such a weird term, I know, but like on the ultrasound it wasn't all the same color of grey) because sometimes fatty penetration happens, and that's fine. Really, she tells me, it's the radiologist that's concerned because he can't tell for certain. He wants me to do an MRI. Yeah, so not comfy doing one of those right now. That's fine, I can do a series of ultrasounds.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2JIc7w3j5l-jITJ_vlVOWxL8KeiqmUqnJ-1WA7JweWKcQVY0NBC-Z5jSMECOn9VDk6bB7Kdww3dX2cB1qEvJoyy5AxoPGS-b15RpKLeskckfl72GITwwVBG7xudp49DbmDhDPfacyrz1h/s1600/baby.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2JIc7w3j5l-jITJ_vlVOWxL8KeiqmUqnJ-1WA7JweWKcQVY0NBC-Z5jSMECOn9VDk6bB7Kdww3dX2cB1qEvJoyy5AxoPGS-b15RpKLeskckfl72GITwwVBG7xudp49DbmDhDPfacyrz1h/s320/baby.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From ultrasound #2 - kind of freaky cuz you can see her spine!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>So today I went in for my second ultrasound. It was inconclusive, which means that I now have to wait for who-knows-how-many-weeks for the radiologist to read it. The good news? I didn't have to schedule another one. That makes me feel a little better, like maybe my doctor isn't too worried about it. The bad news? I have another stone in my gallbladder. It's small, so I must've passed the first one (not sure when that happened), AND the sludge has diminished. YAY! Small victories, right?<br />
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But seriously, I won't be completely satisfied until the stupid man reads the ultrasound and tells me what I want to hear. I would totally love to hear <i>"Oh, I'm sorry, it's totally normally. Didn't mean to completely freak you out for months on end. My apologies. Here's some money to make up for it."</i> Okay, the money part will NEVER (probably) happen. But I'm keeping my fingers crossed for the rest of it!Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01944989665273286235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1740965078535007693.post-84299348181198723642011-10-10T18:22:00.000-06:002011-10-10T18:22:33.118-06:00Sewing Summit, Part 2Saturday morning came really early. Classes started at 9 AM. Now, many of you who know me know that I am <i>sooo</i> NOT a morning person. I "wake up" around 7, get Marshy breakfast, then go back to bed until about 8:30 at which point I proceed to get ready for the day and show up at the shop around 9....or 10.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjB89U4KoWodKcPzzWy7oSKpnBMButxKWbizuiCFcy5d8SB7WxHpxYEaxaNxVO36eUVC0j9QlNVARuZOrttSUuwqVOZKWOPP0Y1aZvuPHJ4F11-aG_IaP2pG_BG78yY9YdaCKeZ0Wzvu__/s1600/planetarium1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjB89U4KoWodKcPzzWy7oSKpnBMButxKWbizuiCFcy5d8SB7WxHpxYEaxaNxVO36eUVC0j9QlNVARuZOrttSUuwqVOZKWOPP0Y1aZvuPHJ4F11-aG_IaP2pG_BG78yY9YdaCKeZ0Wzvu__/s200/planetarium1.jpg" width="150" /></a>Getting up for breakfast before 9 was hard, but I did it. I went to breakfast at the Coffee Shop in the hotel with Mike and Marsh. I had pancakes, eggs, bacon, orange juice, and water. I seriously stuffed myself past full! Then I hurried off to class, leaving my boys to fend for themselves for the day.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHuBrAMXE68tj_t1ZQuC54dv0NFMgzrJmfU53tJygtQ7BBShx0YPGgTdS3NQdW98JXzCyx5Teb4WzBQkGWO5_T3OHbx30KhZ-tzfF5wKGct671FgurIZ9-qzCuz12GLAenXMBXn7ZB7RGW/s1600/planetarium2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHuBrAMXE68tj_t1ZQuC54dv0NFMgzrJmfU53tJygtQ7BBShx0YPGgTdS3NQdW98JXzCyx5Teb4WzBQkGWO5_T3OHbx30KhZ-tzfF5wKGct671FgurIZ9-qzCuz12GLAenXMBXn7ZB7RGW/s200/planetarium2.jpg" width="150" /></a>I found out later that the boys rode <a href="http://www.rideuta.com/mc/?page=UTA-Home-TRAX-AboutUTATRAX">TRAX</a> down to the <a href="http://www.clarkplanetarium.org/">Clark Planetarium</a> at the <a href="http://www.shopthegateway.com/">Gateway Mall</a>. Apparently Marshy was terrified of the train at first, but after a while he loved it. Mike showed him which station they got on and which one they needed to get off on the Free Fare Zone map they had. At the planetarium Marshy had a grand old time, and even pretended he was walking on the moon and on Mars.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Bl78BmXqV32MGpORcv3u98PN505oaoZnnNnM2MHzr0qfm6SlDI9bLhgyKZpyI3HD_7a_ZPi1-Toxn1EMIGIlz1mBfOdKqYG3_ebVZiqKC2AoghO5vGe18LTeNqi22KCK7egb5_2nNWeB/s1600/IMG_0418.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Bl78BmXqV32MGpORcv3u98PN505oaoZnnNnM2MHzr0qfm6SlDI9bLhgyKZpyI3HD_7a_ZPi1-Toxn1EMIGIlz1mBfOdKqYG3_ebVZiqKC2AoghO5vGe18LTeNqi22KCK7egb5_2nNWeB/s200/IMG_0418.JPG" width="149" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Sk-6952WhsCfCMAenCGxUexS8_jrgDvyNl3V_Zs8PQkzR3f_lfaj2IvXQuRbPQzZcXpismwYeoFgkLLiD6YxRIV_ctxFpyn52mZ0XpR3zBpdkg7-XsEqCSHqtFao56Du1GiBh951C-Gm/s1600/IMG_0417.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Sk-6952WhsCfCMAenCGxUexS8_jrgDvyNl3V_Zs8PQkzR3f_lfaj2IvXQuRbPQzZcXpismwYeoFgkLLiD6YxRIV_ctxFpyn52mZ0XpR3zBpdkg7-XsEqCSHqtFao56Du1GiBh951C-Gm/s200/IMG_0417.JPG" width="149" /></a>While the boys were off playing, I was having tons of fun in Bari Ackerman's class (AKA @BariJ on Twitter). She taught Bags 101, and did a FABULOUS job! I learned so much! I bought the kit to make the bag she discussed in class (which she brought with her, so I have it now and can't wait to make it!!). She told us several tips and tricks and helpful hints for making the bag. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvMjSKPk1R3Kfzwuo5ktpuM0btOt3jHX9KJ5d7eTZYE7Izy0727CUn4sk6f4eAE_DdW2jWeTf3rx3OVCbzbKsoCVlJFZTynGYsOhBRuMSOIHrLmt_Xw8S5hmPXtQN8RwTURIOjPfhkrKo0/s1600/IMG_0419.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvMjSKPk1R3Kfzwuo5ktpuM0btOt3jHX9KJ5d7eTZYE7Izy0727CUn4sk6f4eAE_DdW2jWeTf3rx3OVCbzbKsoCVlJFZTynGYsOhBRuMSOIHrLmt_Xw8S5hmPXtQN8RwTURIOjPfhkrKo0/s200/IMG_0419.JPG" width="149" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; clear: left; color: black; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">After Bari's class it was Jana's class. You might know her as Lola Again, or @IzzynIvyJana on Twitter. She taught Garments 101. Oh my heck! Her handout was HI-larious!! I took a picture of the first page because it totally made me laugh!</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9UL2ZpYgkQgXppzOjOXWZBdefkVsIThMec4r79U7JEvBfPheVmpK5sSapX8mQTueQPPG2YWvOWJqvkgQmqG0MEN6dthbOsa3KRPoXcBpy_unhUyXpzhrwpNtDCd3PDh7Nea29sSac13mG/s1600/IMG_0420.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9UL2ZpYgkQgXppzOjOXWZBdefkVsIThMec4r79U7JEvBfPheVmpK5sSapX8mQTueQPPG2YWvOWJqvkgQmqG0MEN6dthbOsa3KRPoXcBpy_unhUyXpzhrwpNtDCd3PDh7Nea29sSac13mG/s200/IMG_0420.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me with Rachel (@IamSweetTeaMom)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; clear: left; color: black; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">She also gave everyone a pattern. I got the <a href="http://www.izzyandivydesigns.com/?p=43">Princess Bella pattern</a>. I was so excited! With baby girl coming, I totally need it, and I can't wait to see my darling little girl dressed in this beautiful outfit!</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrgocHIp24pIkLIojjbCraMK3vfQSfqR3B2w49U1Lwbh-nNh2TOh9H6yW2MtPfllJXi7fIvMHDtcpJhNfvsw27hLn23R_dikSwwkSA_AN_ueGcVoGnt-r6htuyGOdWBM5bIAfYK7N2uc6d/s1600/IMG_0423.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrgocHIp24pIkLIojjbCraMK3vfQSfqR3B2w49U1Lwbh-nNh2TOh9H6yW2MtPfllJXi7fIvMHDtcpJhNfvsw27hLn23R_dikSwwkSA_AN_ueGcVoGnt-r6htuyGOdWBM5bIAfYK7N2uc6d/s200/IMG_0423.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me with Bari (@BariJ)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEJnRjSU6rm7P-0r8IriDTjpgZ0EeeSHo_FceVtsKCLqg1-mLgyWaSXISx3VL7AIsAgDastUQMux1UGFlnYmQqT7uPjmxvvzs0z3FxhT5Fk8dsnJ1oL4ApEkXwpsW86HDNnk7pUNy8Zd2I/s1600/IMG_0421.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEJnRjSU6rm7P-0r8IriDTjpgZ0EeeSHo_FceVtsKCLqg1-mLgyWaSXISx3VL7AIsAgDastUQMux1UGFlnYmQqT7uPjmxvvzs0z3FxhT5Fk8dsnJ1oL4ApEkXwpsW86HDNnk7pUNy8Zd2I/s200/IMG_0421.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me with Sharon (@aprairiesunrise)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPLUID4uVcGzoU-IzUnkjJIp_-nS-8HxNuMZpavJ54Nf3tk30YQn6jNpOPctOgpSJcm9hscm_CF7jhvU60-gSXTik9BTnQGJ5nTPB9SM0IxzEsHxILTbMVIObZnCVRRd19xxW7V9WB1fkQ/s1600/IMG_0422.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPLUID4uVcGzoU-IzUnkjJIp_-nS-8HxNuMZpavJ54Nf3tk30YQn6jNpOPctOgpSJcm9hscm_CF7jhvU60-gSXTik9BTnQGJ5nTPB9SM0IxzEsHxILTbMVIObZnCVRRd19xxW7V9WB1fkQ/s200/IMG_0422.JPG" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jana (@IzzynIvyJana) with Rachel (@IamSweetTeaMom)</td></tr>
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After class it was time for photos with all of our twitter buddies. We all had to prove to our spouses that we really knew each other in real life. We aren't all just imaginary friends! haha<br />
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After Jana's class we went downstairs to the ballroom and had lunch, but I'll write more about that in the next post! ;)<br />
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Be sure to stay tuned for Part 3 of my Sewing Summit recap! <br />
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To find Part 1 go <a href="http://bustylaruesglitzandglam.blogspot.com/2011/10/sewing-summit-part-1.html">here</a>!<br />
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</span></span>Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01944989665273286235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1740965078535007693.post-18415716879157995032011-10-09T22:52:00.000-06:002011-10-09T22:52:27.562-06:00Costume Fail<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.videogamesblogger.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/yoshi-riding-new-super-mario-bros-wii-artwork.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://www.videogamesblogger.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/yoshi-riding-new-super-mario-bros-wii-artwork.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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<b>THE IDEA:</b> Mario Riding Yoshi. I have my husband to thank for this one!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUTsYps3dYE2UHJvUqD5RklEYBjNxINqUyBRfIvOW6XRs8r8oRl6dwbIWAJtCflHQ3FDqJ7iiLZ9P9-XWUzj3ok7-ODgn5GyhJ-tU7N9PoOdwugPJRjQXBMqgpoMhooyLPrxZfkCt_ODvs/s1600/sketch.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUTsYps3dYE2UHJvUqD5RklEYBjNxINqUyBRfIvOW6XRs8r8oRl6dwbIWAJtCflHQ3FDqJ7iiLZ9P9-XWUzj3ok7-ODgn5GyhJ-tU7N9PoOdwugPJRjQXBMqgpoMhooyLPrxZfkCt_ODvs/s320/sketch.JPG" width="238" /></a><br />
<b>THE PROGRESS:</b><br />
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<ol>
<li>Make up your own pattern. First I sketched out what I wanted it to look like, then I drew all of the pattern pieces out on white bulletin board paper that I bought at Office Depot for like $7. I have <i>plenty</i> left over for more projects in the future.</li>
<li>Practice with muslin. Muslin's pretty cheap, especially if you buy it at Joann's with a coupon, so I practiced with some extra muslin I had rather than cutting into my expensive fabric. (Okay, I got the quilting solids for $7/yd, but still....didn't want to have to go buy <i>more</i> after screwing it up.)</li>
<li>Once you realize that the muslin pieces work, do it all again with the real fabric. Repetitive, boring, but well worth it. </li>
<li>Figure out how to piece the individual components all together. This was tricky and required some improvisation on my part. Being a quilter, I am SO not good at 3 dimensional items, so this was a HUGE challenge for me.</li>
<li>Stuff the sucker. This project took a TON of stuffing! Almost 2 giant bags full.</li>
<li>If you do it right, then everything will turn out nicely. If not, repeat steps 3-5 until you get it right.</li>
</ol>
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Seems like cake, right? Hahahahaha! Here are some shots (taken with my iPhone 4) of my progress. I didn't take any pictures of Step 1 or 2, but 3 through 6 are pretty comical ;)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX_31OY9d9AUulD3HqeIu82cO_YR4YFOIlI54tUQbqaloZzW5yKhq08AhRpFQJkJaS7fhd4kNZnpvlUy6wmDut4SVJPq4EFzWBpTHUnly-lKDLh792_qIwE7T3MIj1mvTeTc_VHa0DjqIy/s1600/IMG_0387.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX_31OY9d9AUulD3HqeIu82cO_YR4YFOIlI54tUQbqaloZzW5yKhq08AhRpFQJkJaS7fhd4kNZnpvlUy6wmDut4SVJPq4EFzWBpTHUnly-lKDLh792_qIwE7T3MIj1mvTeTc_VHa0DjqIy/s200/IMG_0387.JPG" width="149" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj378GEhd4wkL-5kOCNxNsmEFZtFPTTD6C9WF6G7Q3McemJe3kPjF8tFKcj7UiQO3Oh8IjgBh5F5dM7PiPjZsq0-UzYMZrds_bkA6jtzmLm66X-kdppnzZu6otW08UkDqweo87212Ouwtb3/s1600/IMG_0390.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj378GEhd4wkL-5kOCNxNsmEFZtFPTTD6C9WF6G7Q3McemJe3kPjF8tFKcj7UiQO3Oh8IjgBh5F5dM7PiPjZsq0-UzYMZrds_bkA6jtzmLm66X-kdppnzZu6otW08UkDqweo87212Ouwtb3/s200/IMG_0390.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="149" /></a>So, first I made the tail. It turned out pretty good, I thought. Then I pieced the body together and somehow managed to attache it to the head. That was really hard. I don't want to ever do that again! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDnJTAabq7c8Ghdi3QJuTBGvqvJiAUuW83sKNJhXwFZ7LvBwVjxMbDb3Gvzh_2_t8bw8vnzLmAhFvOETcVpM-cMPGEr8nRfnxGmT3cvY2No_a2lIN7FvQGGhowV8H4x3TwMa5BodXdHgGO/s1600/IMG_0389.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDnJTAabq7c8Ghdi3QJuTBGvqvJiAUuW83sKNJhXwFZ7LvBwVjxMbDb3Gvzh_2_t8bw8vnzLmAhFvOETcVpM-cMPGEr8nRfnxGmT3cvY2No_a2lIN7FvQGGhowV8H4x3TwMa5BodXdHgGO/s200/IMG_0389.JPG" width="149" /></a>Then I realized that Yoshi needs arms. Duh! Brain fart on my part. I drew up a quick template, played around with some muslin (steps 1 and 2) and then went to town with my green quilting cotton. I think the arms turned out pretty good. Again, attaching the hand to the arm was pretty tricky, and I did it twice! I was pretty impressed with myself. ;)<br />
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I wanted to make sure that Yoshi's head looked okay stuffed, so even though I wasn't finished with the entire body, I went ahead and stuffed the head. Mike didn't think I got it quite right, but I think it looks okay. I put extra stuffing in the cheek areas to give the illusion of the puffy cheeks (see the picture above of what he really should look like).<br />
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It was about at this point that Mike and Marshall both pointed out to me that:<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihmxvRpV6Rl7L1LFZeY5gGLZQWdTdWB5g2tb563DBUpjdw-LbEkj2f0DW5YS37Gr-af5fpAtgfBu1FAVCs9BkM1fD3W2SgcVQc5bRpvILgEpdHQ-PwUZY9YenhPqA-492S8YZK0Tt_A9eb/s1600/IMG_0391.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihmxvRpV6Rl7L1LFZeY5gGLZQWdTdWB5g2tb563DBUpjdw-LbEkj2f0DW5YS37Gr-af5fpAtgfBu1FAVCs9BkM1fD3W2SgcVQc5bRpvILgEpdHQ-PwUZY9YenhPqA-492S8YZK0Tt_A9eb/s200/IMG_0391.JPG" width="149" /></a>a) I had forgotten to sew Yoshi's spikes into the seam when I pieced the back to the head AND<br />
b) there was a weird bump thingy on the front of Yoshi's head, near where the eyes would go. I wasn't too worried though, because I knew that I was hand-stitching the eyes on to the head, and that they would cover up the weird bumpy thing.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqASToQJntT0NtfXnyDw7X_H0ZcPF2_vpHnTlXAhkyL4osZNLjd-Sd2vPdUTQx6-IYnvtISlI34UbRm0CXSTZDPvX-qfeCa8v85VLqUGtbRZ_mb_ynTUotXwbCnaITx0UKkus0L9p1eQyQ/s1600/IMG_0404.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqASToQJntT0NtfXnyDw7X_H0ZcPF2_vpHnTlXAhkyL4osZNLjd-Sd2vPdUTQx6-IYnvtISlI34UbRm0CXSTZDPvX-qfeCa8v85VLqUGtbRZ_mb_ynTUotXwbCnaITx0UKkus0L9p1eQyQ/s200/IMG_0404.JPG" width="149" /></a>These are the eyes. Didn't they turn out so great?! I was really happy with them. I was originally going to applique on a piece of black for the pupils, but decided that the buttons looked so much cuter.<br />
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During the Sunday session of <a href="http://lds.org/general-conference/sessions/2011/10?lang=eng">LDS General Conference</a> I decided to work on the pants while I listened to the talks. They were all really good talks, and I think that my attention was not completely on what I was doing, because I totally screwed up on the pants multiple times!! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ihVhQS1nMlFG-goUsT2BtVr95XjMQ8ZZYxe62OhPvmBTIAhEPcHx3onI8OwcWO5dGvpjLdqH5RI0lEraoK3rIKjHAvn_NPS1vkeioP2uJP41pvIso-K4bdMoDbaAcoN6rHzZznfC9CuU/s1600/IMG_0403.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ihVhQS1nMlFG-goUsT2BtVr95XjMQ8ZZYxe62OhPvmBTIAhEPcHx3onI8OwcWO5dGvpjLdqH5RI0lEraoK3rIKjHAvn_NPS1vkeioP2uJP41pvIso-K4bdMoDbaAcoN6rHzZznfC9CuU/s200/IMG_0403.JPG" width="149" /></a>First, I sewed the front closed. Like, seriously, how do you sew pants wrong? I know how pants work. You have to be able to walk in pants, so clearly you don't sew the center side seams together, right? hehe If only I could have remembered that! I had to re-sew the stupid pants like 4 times because I kept sewing the wrong seams!<br />
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Do you like my photo of my screwed up pants? Yeah, I had a great laugh when it happened the first time!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwhdHFwooZgT_EA4no6hGssvr7ugnum84mCES67btxIyOu92RkdPodCpFQKGE_OtB8q0wpzm7V4TYIRq_wwMIghFJaCNbooNIBlAlZ7VywlDsbkE1R67Q7Qsuf7g-P9GQ4BjD_cQppR8mg/s1600/yoshi+slug.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwhdHFwooZgT_EA4no6hGssvr7ugnum84mCES67btxIyOu92RkdPodCpFQKGE_OtB8q0wpzm7V4TYIRq_wwMIghFJaCNbooNIBlAlZ7VywlDsbkE1R67Q7Qsuf7g-P9GQ4BjD_cQppR8mg/s320/yoshi+slug.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
After I got the pants right, <i>finally</i>, I let the project sit for a week. I picked it up today and made an executive decision to just sew the tail to the body and stuff the sucker up. So I did. This is the end result.<br />
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I call him Yoshi Slug. Yeah, he looks kind of sad, doesn't he? I'm hoping that I can just unpick the tail from the body, pull the stuffing out, and try something else.<br />
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Until then, I am calling this my first (hopefully not annual) Halloween costume FAIL. Marshall will be going as Harry Potter instead, which is actually a good thing because it is <i>way</i> less stressful than Mario riding Yoshi!<br />
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Do you have a Halloween costume fail? I'd love to hear about it! Leave a comment telling me about yours, or a link to your blog post if you have one!</div>
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Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01944989665273286235noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1740965078535007693.post-78336138951931487922011-10-09T16:07:00.001-06:002011-10-09T23:54:50.267-06:00Sewing Summit, Part 1Oh. My. Gosh! Sewing Summit was so incredibly fun!! I can't wait for next year!<br />
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<div align="center"><a href="http://sewingsummit.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank" title="The Sewing Summit"><img alt="The Sewing Summit" height="125" src="http://sewingsummit.com/images/125going.jpg" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial;" width="125" /></a></div><br />
I made my family (husband and son) come with me, figuring that they could play around in Salt Lake while I was in classes all day. We got to the hotel (Little America, so beautiful!) just after 2 PM on Friday, but the desk guy wouldn't let us check in because our room wasn't ready. He told us to come back in 45 minutes.<br />
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So, since it was late in the afternoon and none of us had eaten anything since the tiny donut we'd had at 9 AM, we decided to go get some lunch. We walked up the street to this great place, Boston Deli, and ordered our lunch to go. By the time we got back to the hotel it was after 3. We waited in line to check in.<br />
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When we finally got to the counter, the guy said "Oh, I see you booked a 2 Queen room in the Tower? Oh I'm sorry, but we don't have any rooms left in the Tower."<br />
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WHAT?! Seriously? I booked this room before Quilt Market, which was in MAY. I got a confirmation email with my confirmation number for the 2 Queen room in the <i>Tower</i> on Monday. I was a little upset. I let the man know. <br />
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"Well, I'm sorry, but your choices are you can either go across the street to the Grand America or take one of our garden rooms."<br />
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a) he never said my special rate would transfer to either place<br />
b) I didn't want to have to walk outside the building to get to my room<br />
c) I booked my room 6 months ago so I would have a room in the Tower with everyone else<br />
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I was not pleased. I let the man know.<br />
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Luckily, the person working at the station next to him heard what was happening. He finished with his guest then came to assist. He told me the same thing. They didn't have any rooms. They were sorry. I could go across the street to the Grand America or take a garden room. Or, they could give me two single King rooms with an adjoining door in the Tower. <br />
<a href="http://saltlake.littleamerica.com/public/files/tower%20king.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="188" src="http://saltlake.littleamerica.com/public/files/tower%20king.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
I took the 2 rooms. They looked something similar to the photo (right), with a massive bed, sitting area, and ginormous bathroom. It was rather grand.<br />
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Munchkin was ecstatic to have his own room, with a giant bed, and a phone on the wall in the bathroom where he could "talk while he went potty." He was immediately forbidden from touching the telephones.<br />
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At 4:30 I went downstairs to the meet & greet. I was a little overwhelmed. There were so many people, and I knew I <i>should</i> know at least 10 of them, but I didn't recognize anyone. And then I bumped into someone I knew, who had people I didn't know with them, and the meeting and greeting actually commenced.<br />
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<a href="http://saltlake.littleamerica.com/public/files/coffeeshop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="187" src="http://saltlake.littleamerica.com/public/files/coffeeshop.jpg" width="320" /></a>We stood at a small table talking with various people until about 7:30. It was amazing. It was fun. It was loud. And the food was awesome. Tired, but definitely looking forward to the classes the next morning, my boys and I ate dinner at the Coffee Shop. The food was pretty dang good. I had grilled salmon. It was delish! <br />
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Instead of going downstairs for open sewing, I spent the evening with some friends in their room, working on my hexi blocks. Around midnight I dragged my exhausted self into bed, and fell blissfully asleep until my alarm went of promptly at 6:30 the next morning.<br />
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But Saturday is going to have to wait, because I actually took a TON of pictures and they need to be gone through before they can be posted. Check back tomorrow for that recap! :)<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Photos from Little America's <a href="http://saltlake.littleamerica.com/">website</a>, because I forgot to take my own pictures!</span></div>Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01944989665273286235noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1740965078535007693.post-67699096431668255122011-09-03T17:20:00.000-06:002011-09-03T17:20:24.123-06:00Being Domestic - sortaOne of the pitfalls of renting a <i>tiny</i> split level home (in a 4-plex) is that there is hardly any room for storage. We'd have food storage, if we had somewhere to put it. Our kitchen is small. Our bedrooms are small. Every available closet shelf is used for storing things we don't need right now but might/probably need in the future. <br />
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In fact, Marshall doesn't even have access to his closet. It is chock-full of crib parts and baby toys, boxes of clothes he doesn't fit in anymore, and other miscellaneous kid/baby-related items. <br />
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The sad thing is, I have gone through every closet in our house (except the linen closet in the hall - it's on my To-Do list) and thrown/given away TONS of things in the 2 1/2 years we've lived here. I am constantly amazed at how much <i style="font-weight: bold;">crap</i> I find to through away each time I do it. But, now we're at the bottom of the barrel. I've gotten rid of everything I can think to get rid of. I honestly about killed myself the last time I went through our storage cupboard under the stairs. It's the hardest to go through. You have to drag everything out, go through all the different boxes, then rearrange it and hope you end up with a little more space than you had before. <br />
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This process explains why every time food storage items go on sale (or Macey's has a case lot sale) Mike says "No, we don't have anywhere to keep it." It makes sense, but I forget every year. <br />
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So, when we saw that corn was on sale for $14 for 48 ears at our local food co-op, I was surprised when Mike said "Let's do it. We can freeze it for food storage."<br />
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What?!<br />
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Who are you and what have you done with my husband?<br />
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So that is how we spent this afternoon. We blanched the ears of corn, took all the kernels off the cob, and bagged them into freezer bags. I made 21 bags with 1 1/2 cups in it, and 1 bag with 2 cups. 33 1/2 cups of corn, and a newly cleaned out freezer, later, I now have plenty of corn to last me through the winter. No more spending $1.50 on the cheap generic brand of corn that doesn't have a resealable bag and gets freezer burn 5 seconds after you open the thing. <br />
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I can't tell you how proud I am that I've finally done something "domestic" in preparation for winter. If we had the stuff (and space) to can, I'd probably be doing that like crazy too. Someday, someday. When I have a house of my own with its own giant food storage area in the basement, then we'll see how much canning I can get done. Until then, I'm going to have to be content with putting up corn in the freezer. :)Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01944989665273286235noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1740965078535007693.post-54974397309261421452011-08-30T20:40:00.000-06:002011-08-30T20:40:51.196-06:00To Vaccinate or Not to Vaccinate? That is the QuestionDISCLAIMER: This post is long and doesn't have any pictures (Sorry!) but it does have some good info about vaccines, requirements by law, and informative websites/links to visit. If that doesn't exactly float your boat, then feel free to skip over it. If it sounds interesting it all though, please read on! I'd love to hear your thoughts on this topic in the comments. :)<br />
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So, with the birth of our 2nd child approaching faster than anticipated (or slower....depending on the day and how hot it is outside), Mike and I have been doing a lot of thinking about vaccinations.<br />
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With Marshall we didn't know "better." The doctor told us that he needed 5 shots when he was 6 weeks old, so we said "Okay, go ahead." With the exception of his 4-year-old Well Child visit, he has gotten at least 4 shots (actual shots, not just immunizations. Each shot held immunizations for 1 or more diseases) per visit. I blame this for the reason that he <i>hates</i> to go to the doctor. He loathes it. He starts screaming and crying as soon as we pull into the parking lot. <br />
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About a year and a half ago, Mike heard a guest on a satellite radio program he listened to talking about immunizations and the <i>possible</i> link to autism. <br />
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Now, I want to clarify: The guest was not against vaccinations. He was against the<a href="http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/spec-grps/infants/downloads/parent-ver-sch-0-6yrs.pdf"> intense vaccination schedule</a> that the CDC recommends. <br />
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Instead, he advocates a program called<a href="http://www.twoandtalking.com/"> Two and Talking</a>. The purpose of this program is to vaccinate for only the <i style="font-weight: bold;">important </i>diseases. There are a lot of vaccinations/immunizations that the CDC recommends that you don't necessarily have to have. Instead, they suggest waiting to vaccinate your child until he/she is two and talking. That way, if there <i>is</i> in fact a link between any ingredient in a vaccine, or the vaccine itself, you know what is to blame.<br />
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Before some of you get defensive and start yelling "But it's been proven there's no link between vaccinations and autism!" at your monitors, read <a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-31727_162-20049118-10391695.html">this</a> article and <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/david-kirby/autism-vaccine-_b_817879.html">this</a> article (it's long but well worth the read). We particularly liked the second article because it pointed out that yes, there is no clear link between thimerosal/mercury in the vaccines and autism AND that there is no clear link between the MMR vaccine and autism. What it also points out is that there are dozens of other ingredients, and plenty more vaccines that have not been tested/studied for links between their administration and autism. <br />
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Every article we have read has suggested that we as parents do what we feel comfortable with. Two and Talking advocates using a less rigorous vaccination schedule and vaccinating only for school requirements. You can see their schedule <a href="http://twoandtalking.com/vaccineSchedule.html">here</a>. Please Note: They are based out of Florida, so if you live somewhere else and would like to follow their schedule, you may have to adapt.<br />
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We plan on following their schedule but adapting to the requirements<a href="http://www.immunize-utah.org/pdf/Kindergarten%20Entry%20Requirements%202011_English.pdf"> here in Utah</a> with a few exceptions. <br />
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The first exception is Hep B. According to some of our<a href="http://www.nvic.org/vaccines-and-diseases/Hepatitis-B/diseasevaccine.aspx"> research,</a> 90-95% of cases clear up after 3-4 wks of symptoms. In the late 90s (yes, I know that it was a while ago, but still....) there were only 279 cases reported in children under 14. Most sources we have found have said the main way to contract Hep B is to a) get it from your mother at birth (no worries here), b) get it from promiscuous sexual activity (which, hopefully, children under 14 are not engaging in), or c) sharing IV needles (again, no worries here). <br />
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The second exception is Varicella. Varicella is the <a href="http://www.nvic.org/Vaccines-and-Diseases/Chickenpox.aspx">chickenpox vaccine</a>. Now, I understand that they are trying to prevent this disease, BUT, Mike and I both had it as children and we are fine. My parents had it. Their parents had it. My cousins, aunts, uncles, they all had it. We're all fine.<br />
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So, what do you do if you don't agree with your state's vaccination requirements? According to the <a href="http://www.nvic.org/">NVIC</a>, there are a <a href="http://www.nvic.org/vaccine-laws.aspx">few things</a> you can do about it. If you live in a state that allows you to claim vaccination exemption, you don't have to vaccinate your children. Some states allow you to pick and choose while others are all-or-nothing states. In an all-or-nothing state, you either vaccinate or you don't. Luckily, Utah is a pick and choose state. . . . for now. State Legislatures are being pressured to remove the personal/philosophical exemption clauses from their vaccine laws, so you'll have to keep checking if your state is one of the ones that allows this type of exemption. Other exemptions are medical (verified by your pediatrician) or religious (but usually they have to have documented doctrine opposing the vaccines. Check with your state laws though, because some states may not). <br />
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We found Utah's immunization guidebook <a href="http://www.immunize-utah.org/provider/school/Utah%20Immunization%20Guidebook%202011-2012.pdf">here</a>. On<a href="http://www.vaclib.org/exempt/utah.htm"> this page</a>, a little ways down the page, they tell you which page to find sample exemption forms, in case you don't want to read the entire guidebook.<br />
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Now, I'm not saying that based on what my husband and I have learned that you are doing it wrong. Everyone is comfortable with vaccines on a different level from their friends, family, and neighbors. Some people oppose it completely (some of my relatives), while others vaccinate whenever they feel like it (other relatives). We vaccinated Marshall according to our pediatrician's, and the CDC's, recommendations. <br />
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The only reason I'm posting this is because maybe you don't know. Maybe you have reservations but you don't know where to look, and google's not helping. Maybe you just want to know what other people are doing.<br />
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This is our plan for baby girl:<br />
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We are going to <b>adamantly refuse</b> the hep B shot given at birth. There is just something wrong with jabbing your 12 hr old baby in the arm/leg/wherever with a shot full of aluminum, mercury (possibly), formaldehyde, human DNA, and other weird chemicals/ingredients. (For a full list of ingredients and the possible side effects from vaccines, please go<a href="http://www.nvic.org/Downloads/49-Doses-PosterB.aspx"> here</a>.)<br />
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To start Kindergarten in Utah you have to have 5 DTaP, 3-4 Polio, 2 MMR, 3 Hep B, 2 Hep A, and 1 Varicella. That is still 16-17 doses before your child is 5. That seems like a lot. We are going to claim personal exemption for the 3 Hep B and the 1 Varicella. This bring's baby girl's total down to 12-13 doses (depending on when she gets her 3rd Polio shot). <br />
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We plan on the following schedule:<br />
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28 months: Polio<br />
31 months: DTaP<br />
34 months: DTaP<br />
37 months: DTaP<br />
40 months: Hep A<br />
43 months: MMR<br />
47 months: Polio<br />
51 months: Hep A<br />
54 months: DTaP<br />
57 months: Polio<br />
60 months: MMR<br />
63+ months: DTaP (they'll still let you start school if you are working on finishing the series, from my understanding)<br />
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By spreading them out every 3 months, we make visiting the doctor less traumatic (no more 6 needles per visit!), and if there is an adverse reaction to the vaccine, we'll know EXACTLY which vaccine it was that caused it. (heaven forbid!)<br />
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I really hope this post helps someone out there who can't decide what to do regarding vaccines. My husband and I really feel a lot more comfortable with vaccinating our kids (present and future) now that we know more about the vaccines, reactions, and requirements.<br />
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Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01944989665273286235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1740965078535007693.post-8457822075600706022011-07-09T18:16:00.001-06:002011-07-09T18:16:10.258-06:00Salem Days Retreat: AN UPDATE!!!Have you met the fabulous ladies from<a href="http://www.izzyandivydesigns.com/"> Izzy n Ivy Designs</a>? They are so much fun, and so fun to be around! Plus, they're all uber-creative and make the cutest things!! Their newest notion is called Sprinkles, and they are the sweetest little tags to finish off your handmade item. They are so darling!!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.izzyandivydesigns.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Sprinkles-in-a-pile-BLOG-SIZED-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://www.izzyandivydesigns.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Sprinkles-in-a-pile-BLOG-SIZED-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">(photo from<a href="http://www.izzyandivydesigns.com/?p=503"> Izzy n Ivy Designs</a>)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: left;">Well, we are happy to announce that these fabulous ladies have agreed to come to our retreat to do a little Show n Tell. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">And by Show n Tell, I mean a <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">FASHION SHOW! </span> We can't wait to see all of the cute things they've done, and hear any tips or tricks that they've discovered to help you make their fun creations.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01944989665273286235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1740965078535007693.post-59629560883405796172011-07-06T12:50:00.002-06:002011-07-06T12:50:52.296-06:002011 Salem Days RetreatI am so excited to be able to announce the First (hopefully annual!) Salem Days Quilt Show Kick-Off Day Retreat!!!!<br />
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It is going to be so much fun! I can't wait to be able to spill <i>all</i> of the juicy details!<br />
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But, here's a sneak peek of what's in the works:<br />
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Awesome <b>trunk shows</b> (we are working on lining up some really GREAT guests to show off their stuff!)<br />
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Quick and Easy <b>Make and Takes</b> - Learn some new tips, tricks, and techniques. Kits will be provided<br />
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<b>LUNCH!!!</b> We have a yummy lunch planned for everyone!<br />
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<b>PRIZES!!!!!</b> We will be holding drawings periodically throughout the day for special prizes. Plus, everyone gets some sweet swag to take home with them! You won't be going home empty handed, that's for sure!!<br />
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The retreat info is as follows:<br />
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Saturday, August 6, 2011<br />
10 AM - 4 PM<br />
Registration is $20, and includes ALL of your kits, handouts, and lunch! (such a good deal!! seriously!!)<br />
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Join in the discussion on our <a href="http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=137954262951051">Facebook event page</a> (it's a public event, so anyone can join in the fun!!)<br />
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Print off your <a href="http://freepdfhosting.com/b0b76b2b1e.pdf">registration form</a> and mail it in (or bring it in in person, if you're in the area). Don't forget your registration fee though!<br />
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This is seriously going to be so much fun, and we are so excited about it!!! Keep checking in here or on the Facebook event page for updates! We'll be announcing our awesome guests as soon as we get everything locked in! It's going to be a blast!!Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01944989665273286235noreply@blogger.com0