tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74410211391577020892024-03-14T02:41:19.606-06:00happierthanabirdquiltsLindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11435146474553148330noreply@blogger.comBlogger253125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7441021139157702089.post-62829342397965008792014-05-15T12:56:00.000-06:002015-11-15T14:20:03.732-07:00Spring '14 Blogger Quilt Festival!!<div align="center">
<a href="http://amyscreativeside.com/bloggers-quilt-festival/" title="AmysCreativeSide.com"><img alt="AmysCreativeSide.com" src="http://amyscreativeside.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/spring-2014-BQF-Button-300x290.jpg" style="border: none;" /></a><br />
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I am so happy that it is Blogger Quilt Festival time again! I love seeing all of the inspiring quilts.</div>
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If you follow my blog you'll know I just posted about this, I apologize for the repeat, but it's the favorite quilt I've made in the last few months, and I knew I wanted to enter it as soon as I finished it.<br />
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So the basics! I made this quilt for my friend <a href="http://smalltownthread.wordpress.com/">Sandra at Small Town Thread</a>, who has an amazing entry in the Festival by the way! I used Flea Market Fancy by Denyse Schmidt and Kona White fabrics. I used 100% Cream Rose Batting which is light and buttery and crinkles so good, and pieced and FMQ quilted it using Aurifil 50 wt Mako Cotton Thread. The final measurement is 52" x 61" </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/happierthanabirdquilts/14084888514" title="Flea Market Sprouts by Lindsey @HappierThanABirdQuilts, on Flickr"><img alt="Flea Market Sprouts" height="640" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2931/14084888514_ee5337b88f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/happierthanabirdquilts/14084387145" title="Flea Market Sprouts by Lindsey @HappierThanABirdQuilts, on Flickr"><img alt="Flea Market Sprouts" height="640" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7448/14084387145_915031b5a4_z.jpg" width="480" /></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/happierthanabirdquilts/14081199121" title="Flea Market Sprouts by Lindsey @HappierThanABirdQuilts, on Flickr"><img alt="Flea Market Sprouts" height="640" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5338/14081199121_1f9c21689a_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11435146474553148330noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7441021139157702089.post-62935712162861946852014-02-25T14:59:00.002-07:002014-03-12T16:22:10.813-06:00Double Irish Chain<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/happierthanabirdquilts/12778390773/" title="Untitled by HappierThanABirdQuilts, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5544/12778390773_666d7c5f9f_z.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
Last year I started thinking about new possibilities for a quilt for my bed. In 2012 I made a <a href="http://www.happierthanabirdquilts.com/2012/04/swoooooooon.html">Swoon</a> quilt, which I absolutely love, but even though I added an additional border, it was always just a little too small to cover our sheets. So I started plotting. I actually started and made a lot of progress on a Double Wedding ring quilt, but I decided it really was not our style, no matter how awesome it would turn out (I'll explain more once I actually finish it later this year.), so I opted for something more simple and traditional. A red and white Double Irish Chain.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/happierthanabirdquilts/12778446993/" title="Untitled by HappierThanABirdQuilts, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5476/12778446993_09048d0fb2_z.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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I ended up writing up my own pattern because I couldn't find one that was exactly what I needed. Maybe one day I'll get around to typing it up into a tutorial or pattern. But I ended up with the exact perfect size for our bed.</div>
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The fabrics are Watermelon and Soft White Michael Miller Cotton Couture. Cotton Couture is delicious! So soft and silky. I HIGHLY recommend it! And even more awesome is that the red did not bleed AT ALL! I was so scared putting it in the wash, I put 4 color catches in and there wasn't even a slight tint to them when I pulled them out of the wash. </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/happierthanabirdquilts/12778289375/" title="Untitled by HappierThanABirdQuilts, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3765/12778289375_0b9f05fd06_z.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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I took the quilt Eagle Mountain Quilting for computerized long arm free motion quilting, the design is called Cotton Candy. I love the curvy texture against the very geometric design of the Irish chain. </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/happierthanabirdquilts/12778275975/" title="Untitled by HappierThanABirdQuilts, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3677/12778275975_9eca16a21a_z.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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The backing is Riley Blake bleached denim, a gorgeous light aqua shade! It makes me so happy!!</div>
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The quilt finished at 93" square (it was 96" pre-washing), and was made with Hobbs Heirloom 80/20 Batting.<br />
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And despite all that is so amazing about the quilt....it's still not quite what I want for the room. =( So it's been listed in my Etsy shop, you can find it <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/182444330/red-and-white-double-irish-chain-queen">HERE</a>. (And there may be a coupon code for a 20% discount.... <span style="color: #f9cb9c;">blogger</span> )</div>
Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11435146474553148330noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7441021139157702089.post-18669658462239100582014-02-25T14:01:00.002-07:002014-02-25T14:13:20.392-07:00The Simple Life QuiltThe last two months have been full of family time. I've spent plenty of time quilting and stitching, but times I'd usually hop on to blog were spent with my hubby instead. And it has been great! But today I REALLY want to blog, so I'm going to get caught up on the finishes I've had so far this year. Each with have it's own post, so check them all out. =)<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/happierthanabirdquilts/11965330804/" title="The Simple Life Quilt by HappierThanABirdQuilts, on Flickr"><img alt="The Simple Life Quilt" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7313/11965330804_64c0165820_z.jpg" height="587" width="640" /></a>
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I made this sweet quilt using Tasha Noel's adorable Simple Life fabric. I started working on this quilt sometime last year (August maybe?), making the economy blocks. This past January Instagram was taken over by the #economyblockalong which was the push I needed to pull this out and finish it up. I decided to go with a combination of economy blocks, sixteen patches and square in square blocks. I really like the variety, but that I was able to show off the super cute fabric with the fussy cut block centers.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/happierthanabirdquilts/11964927855/" title="Untitled by HappierThanABirdQuilts, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="640" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7324/11964927855_1bc74fa575_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
The quilt finished at 46" square. I used 100% Cotton Cream Rose batting, which I had been skeptical about, but it is so cozy and lovely! I free motion quilted in a dense meandering loop.<br />
For the backing I pieced some remnants along with my favorite floral print from the fabric line.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/happierthanabirdquilts/11965240913/" title="Untitled by HappierThanABirdQuilts, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7326/11965240913_2363cf97fd_z.jpg" height="640" width="630" /></a>
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This quilt will be sold in the <a href="http://instagram.com/craftersforcourage">@craftersforcourage</a> auction on Instagram in March. Go check them out and support a really important cause!Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11435146474553148330noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7441021139157702089.post-77524317384733336232014-01-05T18:23:00.002-07:002014-01-05T18:23:51.476-07:00My Wedding QuiltToday is my 9th wedding anniversary. To celebrate I thought I'd share our wedding quilt with you.<br />
This quilt was made by my mother-in-law between 2002 and 2004. It is a beautiful compilation of various traditional blocks (like the flying geese, log cabins, and snail trails) and other elements, but overall the design is an original. The applique is all needled turned by hand, and it is beautifully hand quilted with the teeniest stitches. Enjoy!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/happierthanabirdquilts/11713496466/" title="My wedding quilt by HappierThanABirdQuilts, on Flickr"><img alt="My wedding quilt" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5537/11713496466_3d2eea14ea_z.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/happierthanabirdquilts/11712742635/" title="My wedding quilt by HappierThanABirdQuilts, on Flickr"><img alt="My wedding quilt" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5531/11712742635_40c0ec944a_z.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/happierthanabirdquilts/11713009003/" title="My wedding quilt by HappierThanABirdQuilts, on Flickr"><img alt="My wedding quilt" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3737/11713009003_2e7505ab44_z.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/happierthanabirdquilts/11713169824/" title="My wedding quilt by HappierThanABirdQuilts, on Flickr"><img alt="My wedding quilt" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3754/11713169824_7627078f10_z.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/happierthanabirdquilts/11713577796/" title="My wedding quilt by HappierThanABirdQuilts, on Flickr"><img alt="My wedding quilt" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5532/11713577796_08ea48ac97_z.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/happierthanabirdquilts/11712707465/" title="My wedding quilt by HappierThanABirdQuilts, on Flickr"><img alt="My wedding quilt" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3812/11712707465_eb33420528_z.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11435146474553148330noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7441021139157702089.post-58622544407541463662013-12-29T16:36:00.003-07:002013-12-29T16:42:10.908-07:00A Place to Rest Your HeadI love pillows. For a long time I avoided them, I was a little frightened of them, expecting them to be really difficult. How wrong I was! I'm addicted now. There are only so many things you can do with a mini quilt, and I already have a <a href="http://www.happierthanabirdquilts.com/2013/04/many-minis.html">lovely collection</a> of them. But pillows - they can go on beds, couches, chairs, and even floors for a whole other dimension of quilty goodness.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/happierthanabirdquilts/11634352033/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="My pretty bed by HappierThanABirdQuilts, on Flickr"><img alt="My pretty bed" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2851/11634352033_1249bc90ec_z.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">{Queen size <a href="http://www.happierthanabirdquilts.com/2012/04/swoooooooon.html">Swoon</a> quilt and throw size <a href="http://www.happierthanabirdquilts.com/2013/02/scrappytripalong.html">#scrappytripalong</a>.}</td></tr>
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I have a goal of quilted pillows in all sizes covering my bed with color and joy, with 3 made by me I am well on my way. I've already shared the Hexie Bee pillow, you can view a close up of that <a href="http://www.happierthanabirdquilts.com/2013/09/hexie-pillow-palooza.html">HERE</a>.<br />
This Rainbow Pillow measures 16" and was made using a variety of 2.5" squares. I quilted it with a simple meander design using Aurifil 50 wt in 2021. I opted to leave binding off of this pillow because I didn't want anything to detract from the rainbow.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/happierthanabirdquilts/11632509224/" title="Untitled by HappierThanABirdQuilts, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7376/11632509224_0d3b9a8c22_z.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/happierthanabirdquilts/11632127475/" title="Untitled by HappierThanABirdQuilts, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7410/11632127475_1c8b760f08_z.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a> </div>
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This 18" scrappy low volume white/cream and black plus pillow cover is one of 4 I started a few months ago. I had the intention of selling all of them, but put them aside as I tried to figure out which path I wanted to take with my quilting. I am very happy to have one for myself. </div>
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I quilted this one using a loopy design, also with Aurifil 50 wt in 2021. I really like this quilting design, and it is a top contender for when I finally complete my Double Irish Chain. </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/happierthanabirdquilts/11632400603/" title="Untitled by HappierThanABirdQuilts, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3682/11632400603_3e33391a10_z.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/happierthanabirdquilts/11632928076/" title="Untitled by HappierThanABirdQuilts, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7292/11632928076_0445736b04_z.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a> </div>
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And my last sweet little pillow finish is this super scrappy 12" pillow made with orphan blocks from making Miss B's <a href="http://www.happierthanabirdquilts.com/2013/12/christmas-sewing.html">Cat Quilt</a>. She's loved the strawberry print fabric since I purchased it, so I decided to give her a little. It's random and a bit different, but she is so very happy to have her own little throw pillow. Now I need to figure out how to make one with dogs or horses on it for Miss K. </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/happierthanabirdquilts/11632501074/" title="Untitled by HappierThanABirdQuilts, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2871/11632501074_713dd31f0b_z.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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I don't anticipate having any more finishes in 2013, and with these 3 pillows that puts me at a total of 62 finishes for the year (though I didn't count any of my service flags, and there may have been a couple other little projects I didn't remember to include). You can view all of my <a href="http://www.happierthanabirdquilts.com/p/2013.html">2013 finishes here</a>. Last year I finished about 49, I cannot believe how much I made this year!! It seems a bit excessive. =) Next year I plan to focus on my <a href="http://www.happierthanabirdquilts.com/2013/12/2014-and-beyond-quilt-bucket-list.html">Quilt Bucket List</a>, starting with a finish of my Double Irish Chain, and I've got some other very exciting things to share with you all. Happy New Year!!</div>
Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11435146474553148330noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7441021139157702089.post-48393411354412725722013-12-24T20:14:00.001-07:002013-12-24T20:14:46.768-07:00Happy Christmas!<object height="360" width="640"><param name="movie" value="//www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/_cLhaZIBSpo?hl=en_US&version=3&rel=0"></param>
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<embed src="//www.youtube-nocookie.com/v/_cLhaZIBSpo?hl=en_US&version=3&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="640" height="360" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11435146474553148330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7441021139157702089.post-27724076375917208972013-12-23T16:06:00.001-07:002013-12-23T16:06:30.205-07:00Christmas SewingI didn't have very much Christmas sewing this year, which I am thankful for, it was a very calm month. (And we succeeded at finishing our Christmas Shopping BEFORE Thanksgiving for the 2nd year in a row!) But I did make a few small items.<br />
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First up is a lovely little mug rug I made for Miss K's kindergarten teacher. I've never done a teacher gift before, but I imagine a teacher gets a lot of similar items each year - and she probably got multiples of what we bought at the store for her, so I wanted to make something more personal.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/happierthanabirdquilts/11397246586/" title="Mrs Heaton Mug Rug by HappierThanABirdQuilts, on Flickr"><img alt="Mrs Heaton Mug Rug" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5540/11397246586_9224e131ec_z.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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I adapted the Vintage Pencil Case pattern that is in the Winter 2014 issue of Modern Patchwork Magazine. The pattern only had 5 pencils, but I wanted to complete the rainbow so I added a 6th and widened the borders allowing for the stitching. The rainbow quilting inspiration came from <a href="http://www.meandmysisterdesigns.com/blog/ticklish-has-shipped/">Me and My Sisters Designs</a>. </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/happierthanabirdquilts/11397320863/" title="IMG_3329 by HappierThanABirdQuilts, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_3329" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5479/11397320863_856ac0ea67_z.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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My girls have asked Santa for American Girl dolls (Miss B for a sweet Bitty Baby with yellow hair and green eyes. Miss K for an American Girl doll that is just like her with glasses and earrings, who loves horses just like she does.) I've got an in with the big guy, so I went ahead and made some little quilts to keep the dolls warm. </div>
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Miss B LOVES cat's (if she's not asking for a baby sister she is asking for a "kit-lin"), when Elizabeth @ Oh, Fannson! announced her <a href="http://www.ohfransson.com/oh_fransson/catvent-quilt-along/">Catvent-Quilt-Along</a> I knew I needed to make one for B. Of course I gave up after a few blocks, then added in some more solid faces, and made a lovely little mini. I used B's favorite colors, and she is super excited about it. I FMQ it with echoing flowers. Final measurements are 18" x 24.5" big enough she could wrap her bitty baby up. </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/happierthanabirdquilts/11437175456/" title="Untitled by HappierThanABirdQuilts, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3755/11437175456_8d97b75af4_z.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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I also had a lot of fun with Miss K's quilt. She LOVES horses (For her birthday this year she asked for a roller skating horse. Thankfully Build-a-Bear was able to come through with that one!) and guitars. She already has a <a href="http://www.happierthanabirdquilts.com/2013/06/totes.html">library tote</a> featuring Heather Ross' Far Far Away II cute little girl playing with horses, and I was able to get my hands on a bundle of all of the horse prints and coordinating guitars. Seriously if there was ever a fabric created just for one little girl it was this line!<br />While I was waiting for my Heather Ross fabric to arrive I came across <a href="http://www.sewmuchlikemom.com/2013/08/piec-lique-circles-drunkards-path.html">THIS</a> awesome piec-lique tutorial by Cristy @ Sew Much Like Mom. Seriously go check it out! Life changing! I couldn't wait to try out circles, so I decided to go for it with Miss K's quilt. My circles started out at about 3" diameter, but between the linen in the Heather Ross fabric and the Essex linen I used for the background, the quilt experienced a TON of shrinkage! I got daring and FMQ pebbles in the background! The texture of this quilt is just glorious. And she LOVES it! Thankfully I have a lot more fabric left to make one her size. This quilt finished at 15" x 17.5" a bit smaller than I'd hoped, but hopefully her doll will still stay warm. </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/happierthanabirdquilts/11437261556/" title="Untitled by HappierThanABirdQuilts, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5522/11437261556_57380605d6_z.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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Besides these projects I've been working on my red and white Double Irish Chain, in hopes of getting it done before my husband deploys (eek! that is coming too soon!) and I've taken up cross stitch, but it'll be a really long time before I have any finishes to show you in that department. </div>
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Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11435146474553148330noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7441021139157702089.post-79763271711021622492013-12-15T22:09:00.000-07:002013-12-15T22:09:12.073-07:00Summer Sky<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/happierthanabirdquilts/11386818645/" title="Summer Sky by HappierThanABirdQuilts, on Flickr"><img alt="Summer Sky" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2824/11386818645_30987b1b27_z.jpg" height="597" width="640" /></a></div>
I blogged about this quilt <a href="http://www.happierthanabirdquilts.com/2013/11/wip-wednesday.html">HERE</a>, but to recap. Summer Sky is a quilt I began about 3 years ago. It was intended to be for my bed, but I changed my mind. It sat unfinished all of that time, but I've been majorly cleaning out and purging old projects, old fabric, etc. and I realized I need to just get this done.<br />
I love it, I think it is a very beautiful design, but I think I was right that it wasn't the right quilt for our bed.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/happierthanabirdquilts/11386967453/" title="Untitled by HappierThanABirdQuilts, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2812/11386967453_179c4865d1_z.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
I free-motion quilted it using a basic larger scale meander pattern. Some spots are less than perfect, but overall I think it turned out really well. I know I won't improve unless I practice. =)<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/happierthanabirdquilts/11386395544/" title="Untitled by HappierThanABirdQuilts, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3738/11386395544_27a4f9e6b7_z.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
I have gifted this quilt to my Aunt and Uncle for Christmas. It fits perfectly in their home, and was probably intended for them all along, I just didn't realize it. =)<br />
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The quilt finished at approx 74" square. I used Hobbs Heirloom 80/20 Batting. The fabric is from Bar Harbor by Minnick & Simpson for Moda.Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11435146474553148330noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7441021139157702089.post-12518507198788361912013-12-11T07:00:00.000-07:002013-12-31T10:19:29.279-07:002014 (And Beyond) Quilt Bucket ListMy friend Andrea is hosting a lovely link up today - <a href="http://thechamplife.com/2013/12/11/2013-inspiration-palooza-plus-giveaway/">2013 Inspiration Palooza!</a> - Go check it out, participate - there is a giveaway involved!<br />
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Before she announced her link up, I had already started a Bucket List of quilts I'd like to make at some point, I'm hoping to get a good number of them done in 2014, but we shall see.<br />
<ol>
<li>Liberty Log Cabin Pin Cushion {From <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Liberty-Love-Projects-Featuring-Fabrics-ebook/dp/B00BSS8WMG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1385956942&sr=8-1&keywords=liberty+love">Liberty Love</a> book p 86}</li>
<li>Tone it Down (American Patchwork & Quilting Feb 2014, p 55)</li>
<li>True Colors Rainbow Quilt {Pattern to be determined, possibly <a href="http://traceyjayquilts.bigcartel.com/product/pre-order-roundhouse-pdf-pattern">Roundhouse by traceyjay quilts</a> or <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/225743000046306172/">Anna Maria Horner quilt</a>, or something like <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/225743000046306063/">this</a> or Aneela Hoey's <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/154885939/magic-stars-pdf-quilt-pattern?ref=shop_home_feat">Magic Stars</a>}</li>
<li>Cosmic Throw Pillow {<a href="http://traceyjayquilts.bigcartel.com/product/cosmic-pdf-quilt-pattern">pattern by traceyjay quilts</a>}</li>
<li>Spools Quilt {Either from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Liberty-Love-Projects-Featuring-Fabrics-ebook/dp/B00BSS8WMG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1385956942&sr=8-1&keywords=liberty+love">Liberty Love</a> p 69 or Katy Jones' pattern in Love Patchwork & Quilting Issue 1 2013 p 77}</li>
<li>Sunnyside Up {by Anna Graham in Quilty Nov/Dec 2013 p 50}</li>
<li>Mini Raincheck {<a href="http://camilleroskelley.typepad.com/simplify/2013/10/a-little-bit-more-on-those-little-quilts.html">Thimble Blossom</a>}</li>
<li>Triangle City {Katy Jones Love Quilting & Patchwork Fall 2013, p 72}</li>
<li>Maple Leaf Rag {Sarah Fielke <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Material-Obsession-Modern-Quilts-Traditional/dp/1584798807/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1385957094&sr=8-1&keywords=material+obsession+2">Material Obession 2</a> p 124}</li>
<li>Lizzy House <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/225743000046157761/">Meadow Quilt</a> {If she ever makes a pattern}</li>
<li><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/225743000046193376/">Feathered Star</a></li>
<li>No Regrets Wall Hanging inspired by <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/225743000045615180/">THIS</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.dsquilts.com/fabric_and_patterns.asp?PageID=83">Single Girl</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/166510185/quilty-fun-lessons-in-scrappy-patchwork?ref=shop_home_feat">Quilty Fun</a> Row A Long by Lori Holt</li>
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And for the secondary part of the link up, and a very good way to end 2013 - my favorite quilt I made this year: my <a href="http://www.happierthanabirdquilts.com/2013/02/scrappytripalong.html">Scrappy Trip Along</a>!</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/happierthanabirdquilts/8481309060/" title="#scrappytripalong by HappierThanABirdQuilts, on Flickr"><img alt="#scrappytripalong" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8245/8481309060_4242f61fed_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I think I love it because it is very ME. I pulled fabrics from my stash, selecting some of my very favorite prints colors. I love the weight of it, it is a very cuddly quilt, and it is just so pretty to look at. </div>
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I can't wait to see your lists, so please go link up with Andrea at <a href="http://thechamplife.com/2013/12/11/2013-inspiration-palooza-plus-giveaway/">The Champ Life!</a></div>
Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11435146474553148330noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7441021139157702089.post-22512033521236361282013-12-08T21:16:00.000-07:002013-12-13T19:00:26.799-07:00Giveaway Day!! {December 2013}Giveaway is now closed - the winner is:<br />
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<cite class="user" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/11938636091745583832" rel="nofollow" style="color: #e66565; text-decoration: none;">Wild Irish</a></cite><span class="icon user" style="font-weight: bold;"></span><span class="datetime secondary-text" style="margin-left: 6px;"><a href="http://www.happierthanabirdquilts.com/2013/12/giveaway-day.html?showComment=1386684088796#c8221867753236080337" rel="nofollow" style="color: #e66565; text-decoration: none;">12/10/2013 7:01 AM</a></span></div>
<div class="comment-content" id="bc_0_114MC" style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 16.363636016845703px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 8px; text-align: center;">
Paul McCartney and the Frog song</div>
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I'm sure if you are visiting today, it's because you know about <a href="http://www.sewmamasew.com/">Giveaway Day</a> - so welcome!! Thanks for stopping by. I know you are busy and have tons of blogs to check out today, but I hope you'll take a look around. I have a couple of <a href="http://www.happierthanabirdquilts.com/p/tutorials.html">tutorials</a> that would make great, quick Christmas gifts if you are needing ideas.<br />
Now onto the most important thing today. The giveaway:<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/happierthanabirdquilts/11283054725/" title="My Giveaway Day Giveaway by HappierThanABirdQuilts, on Flickr"><img alt="My Giveaway Day Giveaway" height="640" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2837/11283054725_a2e73fb8f9_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
I am giving away the Sep/Oct 2013 issue of Quilty Magazine - my absolute favorite quilt magazine! - and a Gracie Girl 3.5" Mini Stacker by Lori Holt.<br />
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To enter, simply leave me a comment telling me your favorite song (and artist who performs it) at the moment. {If you are wondering, my current favorite is <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_cLhaZIBSpo">Light of the World by Lauren Daigle</a>.}<br />
Giveaway ends Friday, December 13 and 5pm PST. I will comment and notify the winner that evening.<br />
Please include your email address in the comment so I can easily contact you! =) Happy Giveaway Day and good luck!<br />
Go check out other <a href="http://www.sewmamasew.com/2013/12/giveaway-day-supply-giveaways-fabric-patterns-etc/">Supply</a> and <a href="http://www.sewmamasew.com/2013/12/giveaway-day-handmade-items/">Handmade</a> Giveaways at <a href="http://www.sewmamasew.com/">SewMamaSew</a>!<br />
<script src="//d12vno17mo87cx.cloudfront.net/embed/rafl/cptr.js"></script>Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11435146474553148330noreply@blogger.com265tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7441021139157702089.post-34796775634890787882013-12-04T08:08:00.002-07:002013-12-04T08:08:17.954-07:00Flashback! Felt Advent Wreath Tutorial!<div style="text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbr7v89grVgqabBpTyfASqjaPVUojWYoTSpdoH65BbbgIsLfBd6gQ83iDuUInOboG1rRuNzlrI5PobEf6-rQcA3qbL3_E4dHHOuqoDfFp_tNTki_cYtJwptPU2pH3g25Xw0IOWuSKY1GZE/s1600/advent+wreath+button.JPG" /></div>
Did you know I have a Felt Advent Wreath Tutorial on my blog? The final product is super kid friendly and durable! We are on our 3rd holiday season with it out, and it is still looking great, although my girls think it's a birthday cake...I guess we haven't gotten Advent observation down to an art.<br />
Anyway, go check it out, it's pretty easy, and very affordable to make! You can find it <a href="http://www.happierthanabirdquilts.com/2011/11/tutorial-felt-advent-wreath.html">HERE</a>!Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11435146474553148330noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7441021139157702089.post-50510700838786329002013-11-25T07:00:00.000-07:002013-11-25T07:00:05.687-07:00Faded Memories Picnic Quilt<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/happierthanabirdquilts/11020656935" title="Faded Memories Picnic Quilt by Lindsey @HappierThanABirdQuilts, on Flickr"><img alt="Faded Memories Picnic Quilt" height="800" src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7423/11020656935_9fb13b5e61_c.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
I am so happy to say this quilt is FINALLY done. And that is a BIG finally! This is my very oldest WIP. I made the quilt top way back in late 2005/early 2006. I can't even remember. I know it was one of my first quilts though. And I went kind of crazy!! I bought the FQ of the Faded Memories by 3 Sisters super soft and sweet pastel woven fabrics. And I chopped the WHOLE thing up! (I shake my head at my novice quilter self) and I pieced this which was originally an oversized queen quilt top with borders. I also pieced a baby quilt using the same pattern. But really a super pastel queen quilt? I had a mahogany sleigh bed at the time...they so did not match! But it got packed away and forgotten til a couple of months ago when I did a major clean out. I couldn't part with it, it was too sweet and soft. So I chopped off the borders and decided to make a picnic quilt.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/happierthanabirdquilts/11020665385" title="Faded Memories Picnic Quilt by Lindsey @HappierThanABirdQuilts, on Flickr"><img alt="Faded Memories Picnic Quilt" height="800" src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7444/11020665385_0c1df961c0_c.jpg" width="600" /></a>
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This is the second quilt ever I've free motion quilted. I started out with a little 3 petalish flower thing with some loops, but it quickly transformed into real flowers, and a lot of echoing of those flowers. So much fun! And quilting went so much better having a design I was focusing on. And I went REALLY dense.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/happierthanabirdquilts/11020672515" title="Faded Memories Picnic Quilt by Lindsey @HappierThanABirdQuilts, on Flickr"><img alt="Faded Memories Picnic Quilt" height="800" src="//farm6.staticflickr.com/5479/11020672515_8303364b0e_c.jpg" width="600" /></a>
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I backed the quilt with the large text print fabric from IKEA (and a rectangle of the pretty pink text from Aneela Hoey's Posy text print). I'm impressed with the fabric so far, it is soft and washed up really well with the quilt. I'll definitely be buying more of it.<br />
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Check out the crazy amount of texture!!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/happierthanabirdquilts/11020804384" title="Faded Memories Picnic Quilt by Lindsey @HappierThanABirdQuilts, on Flickr"><img alt="Faded Memories Picnic Quilt" height="800" src="//farm4.staticflickr.com/3738/11020804384_13a1ca6851_c.jpg" width="600" /></a>
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And while one day I dream of quilting a whole quilt with song lyrics or a poem, I did a little bit of practice with FMQ text with 2013 and my initials. Way easier than a label!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/happierthanabirdquilts/11020837134" title="Faded Memories Picnic Quilt by Lindsey @HappierThanABirdQuilts, on Flickr"><img alt="Faded Memories Picnic Quilt" height="500" src="//farm3.staticflickr.com/2876/11020837134_6814965f71.jpg" width="375" /></a>
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Quilt Stats:<br />
Size: 67" Square (pre wash was 73", I washed in warm water.)<br />Fabric: Faded Memories Wovens by 3 Sisters for Moda<br />
Batting: Hobbs Heirloom 80/20Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11435146474553148330noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7441021139157702089.post-1601926616938421302013-11-24T20:53:00.000-07:002013-11-24T20:54:46.888-07:00Palatina PillowA month ago I shared my <a href="http://www.happierthanabirdquilts.com/2013/10/palatina-mini-quilt-blogger-quilt.html">Palatina Mini Quilt</a> during the <a href="http://amyscreativeside.com/bloggers-quilt-festival/">Blogger's Quilt Festival</a>. As I was making it my wonderful friend <a href="http://traceyjayquilts.blogspot.com/">Tracey</a> was gushing over it, and I knew right away I just needed to make her one. She has a thing for chubby stars. I picked out a pretty color palette, sorted out my low volume background, and got to work. (There is a lovely tutorial for this pillow that can be found <a href="http://www.theresathread.com/introducing-palatina-pillow/">here on There's a Thread</a>.)<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/happierthanabirdquilts/11042310733" title="Palatina Pillow by Lindsey @HappierThanABirdQuilts, on Flickr"><img alt="Palatina Pillow" height="640" src="//farm3.staticflickr.com/2891/11042310733_9737bd0eac_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/happierthanabirdquilts/11020909523" title="Palatina Pillow by Lindsey @HappierThanABirdQuilts, on Flickr"><img alt="Palatina Pillow" height="640" src="//farm4.staticflickr.com/3806/11020909523_1ab3cd7937_z.jpg" width="480" /></a>
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The crosses were hand appliqued in place, and I hand quilted inside the chubby stars, but left the edges un quilted. I machine quilted just inside the edge of the crosses to give them some more reinforcement (though doing so I realized I could have just machine stitched them on in the first place. Oh well.).<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/happierthanabirdquilts/11020828476" title="Palatina Pillow by Lindsey @HappierThanABirdQuilts, on Flickr"><img alt="Palatina Pillow" height="500" src="//farm6.staticflickr.com/5495/11020828476_d7dc074a66.jpg" width="375" /></a></div>
I used matching thread for all of the machine stitching which made for a really pretty background!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/happierthanabirdquilts/11020833196" title="Palatina Pillow by Lindsey @HappierThanABirdQuilts, on Flickr"><img alt="Palatina Pillow" height="500" src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7442/11020833196_7a6e0eaa3f.jpg" width="375" /></a></div>
The pillow cover fits a 24" pillow form, which is a lovely size for a kiddie floor cushion. Miss B made sure to test it out. =)<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/happierthanabirdquilts/11020936863" title="Palatina Pillow by Lindsey @HappierThanABirdQuilts, on Flickr"><img alt="Palatina Pillow" height="500" src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7342/11020936863_74349c4e37.jpg" width="375" /></a>
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I have plans of making one for myself very soon. Though I don't think it will involve any hand work this time around.Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11435146474553148330noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7441021139157702089.post-74745078166254897632013-11-13T22:22:00.002-07:002013-11-13T22:22:40.417-07:00WIP Wednesday!! Wow it's been awhile since I've participated in WIP Wednesday, but I'm so excited about my current project.<br />
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It's an old WIP, I start it about 3 years ago. This quilt was intended to be for my bed, but I was lazy in making it and then discovered <a href="http://www.happierthanabirdquilts.com/2012/04/swoooooooon.html">Swoon</a>. But now that I have it out again I'm wondering why I put it aside.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/happierthanabirdquilts/10848838614/" title="image by HappierThanABirdQuilts, on Flickr"><img alt="image" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7349/10848838614_8b7664e1c7_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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I had most of the piecing of the blocks finished, so it was basically like assembling 9-patches and went quickly. </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/happierthanabirdquilts/10848765006/" title="image by HappierThanABirdQuilts, on Flickr"><img alt="image" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7423/10848765006_e04953f946_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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While the blocks themselves are very striking, the setting really sets the blocks off in a beautiful way (I feel like I can gush about it, it's not my design, lol). I am not typically a fan of sashings with cornerstones, I usually piece the blocks and vertical sashing in rows and the cornerstones and horizontal sashing in rows then join them together. Ugh. But I got a great tip on instagram this time around - if you sew the sashing to one side and top (or bottom), then join the blocks into rows, it's just like piecing blocks together, and if you need to fussy cut the sashing at all (which I really needed to do), then it makes it much easier. Seriously, life changing! </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/happierthanabirdquilts/10848704925/" title="image by HappierThanABirdQuilts, on Flickr"><img alt="image" height="398" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5485/10848704925_99ebac3c51_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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They came together so beautifully.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/happierthanabirdquilts/10848720875/" title="image by HappierThanABirdQuilts, on Flickr"><img alt="image" height="640" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2887/10848720875_847cf1524a_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>Today I got started on sewing on borders. There are 3, and they are tedious, but again it's so striking it is worth it. </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/happierthanabirdquilts/10848712455/" title="image by HappierThanABirdQuilts, on Flickr"><img alt="image" height="640" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2864/10848712455_eed58580de_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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And once this is all done I'll be doing it again. The original queen size quilt had 25 blocks, but I split it into 2 quilts. This one will be a Christmas gift, the other I will keep for myself. =)</div>
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Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11435146474553148330noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7441021139157702089.post-55449891135642417292013-11-04T11:00:00.003-07:002013-11-04T11:03:43.872-07:00Charming StarsOnce upon a time - maybe as early as Feb or March 2012 I started this quilt. And for some really odd reason it took me FOREVER to piece it. And then it sat for a year waiting to be quilted. This summer I basted it and started quilting it, then unpicked it, then started again and unpicked it. Both times using straight line quilting, trying to focus on echoing the stars, but the sashing kept throwing me off.<br />
Last week I had 2 friends busily free motion quilting their quilts, both of them were having issues with skipping stitches or threads breaking, and they were asking me for advice. I had some ideas, but not real answers because I had never free motion quilted a real quilt on my domestic machine! And of course I needed to do so IMMEDIATELY! So I unpicked some more straight line quilting and went to town.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/happierthanabirdquilts/10674041375/" title="Charming Stars by HappierThanABirdQuilts, on Flickr"><img alt="Charming Stars" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7413/10674041375_35d23a1fac_z.jpg" width="610" /></a></div>
And guess what, I had threads breaking and stitches skipping - and for me it was learning the weight of the quilt and the speed of my movement and then things went very smoothly, until I forgot again.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/happierthanabirdquilts/10674337843/" title="Charming Stars block by HappierThanABirdQuilts, on Flickr"><img alt="Charming Stars block" height="640" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5537/10674337843_7791d9195f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I have quilted a few quilts on a borrowed long-arm machine, but I could never keep a consistent density of quilting or stick with a meander rather than adding in loops. It's a whole new set of skills I really want to learn, and obviously it will take some practice. If I can have a happily perfected meander that I am able to scale up and down as desired I will call it a success - if I never free motion quilt feathers or pebbles that will be ok. =)<br />
And surprisingly, it was easier to control how things went on this quilt that when I've used the long arm. I added loops on purpose, but was able to maintain meanders when I wanted. I need to work on more fluidity of movements, and figure out how to make my meander look less like amoebas.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/happierthanabirdquilts/10674100855/" title="image by HappierThanABirdQuilts, on Flickr"><img alt="image" height="640" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3752/10674100855_2eaf67d6b1_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
I love how the quilt crinkled, esp the texture from a distance. It's one of my favorite features in any quilt.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/happierthanabirdquilts/10674141536/" title="image by HappierThanABirdQuilts, on Flickr"><img alt="image" height="640" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5475/10674141536_c052cfa285_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
I used 2 <a href="http://www.purpledaisiesllc.com/The_Quilt_Halo_p/223.htm" target="_blank">Quilt Halos</a> while doing my free motion quilting. I LOVE them! I might want a 3rd for a little more weight and control, but 2 worked really well on this project. If you haven't heard of them, <a href="http://www.purpledaisiesllc.com/The_Quilt_Halo_p/223.htm" target="_blank">go check them out</a>! I usually use machingers when quilting, and for straight line, that are great, but the Quilt Halos felt like I had an actually steering wheel to use, and I felt very in control of my quilt. My hands never got tired, even when I spent an entire afternoon working on the quilt.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/happierthanabirdquilts/10576161486/" title="image by HappierThanABirdQuilts, on Flickr"><img alt="image" height="640" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2858/10576161486_636e14c26a_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<u>Quilt Stats</u><br />
Measures: 62.5" square.<br />
Fabric: Just Wing It! by Momo for Moda and Bella Solids White<br />
Batting: Warm & White<br />
Thread: Aurifil 50 wt 100% Mako Cotton Thread<br />
Quilt Pattern: <a href="http://www.modabakeshop.com/2010/10/charming-stars-quilt.html" target="_blank">Charming Stars tutorial on Moda Bake Shop</a>Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11435146474553148330noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7441021139157702089.post-31752085656184799002013-10-24T13:56:00.000-06:002013-10-25T07:18:42.212-06:00Starry Samhain Night {Blogger Quilt Festival}I finished this quilt earlier this year for my wonderful friend Becky. You can read more about it <a href="http://www.happierthanabirdquilts.com/2013/07/starry-samhain-night-finished.html" target="_blank">here</a>, but I wanted to share it again as my entry for the throw category in the <a href="http://amyscreativeside.com/?p=9013" target="_blank">Blogger's Quilt Festival</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/happierthanabirdquilts/9191274771/" title="Starry Samhain Night by HappierThanABirdQuilts, on Flickr"><img alt="Starry Samhain Night" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7310/9191274771_16f6e0d160_z.jpg" width="526" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/happierthanabirdquilts/9194076890/" title="Starry Samhain Night Back by HappierThanABirdQuilts, on Flickr"><img alt="Starry Samhain Night Back" height="640" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3799/9194076890_8a061ce36e_z.jpg" width="553" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/happierthanabirdquilts/9194082870/" title="Starry Samhain Night TARDIS by HappierThanABirdQuilts, on Flickr"><img alt="Starry Samhain Night TARDIS" height="640" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3749/9194082870_ae3e3efd00_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The quilt measures 53.5" x 72". I used Hobbs 80/20 Batting and quilting with concentric circles - the combination gave the quilt an amazing texture. The quilt was inspired by <a href="http://novamade.typepad.com/novamade/2011/01/so-about-last-year.html" target="_blank">this one from Nova Made</a>. The TARDIS block pattern can be found <a href="http://www.craftsy.com/pattern/quilting/home-decor/tardis-doctor-who-along-qal-block-1/53955" target="_blank">here</a>. </div>
Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11435146474553148330noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7441021139157702089.post-41692044855317371942013-10-24T12:35:00.001-06:002013-10-24T12:35:49.419-06:00Palatina Mini Quilt {Blogger Quilt Festival}I am so excited the <a href="http://amyscreativeside.com/bloggers-quilt-festival/" target="_blank">Blogger Quilt Festival</a> is here again! It is my favorite!!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/happierthanabirdquilts/10461316993/" title="Untitled by HappierThanABirdQuilts, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="640" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3754/10461316993_313227de1b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Last week I finished up this Palatina mini for my partner in the <a href="http://amyscreativeside.com/bloggers-quilt-festival/" target="_blank">Schnitzel & Boo</a> Mini Swap. You can find a tutorial for this project at <a href="http://www.theresathread.com/introducing-palatina-pillow/" target="_blank">There's a Thread</a>. I changed things up just a bit. I did hand applique rather than machine, and trimmed the edges closer to the the pluses, leaving a 1/2" border around the edge.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/happierthanabirdquilts/10461320003/" title="Untitled by HappierThanABirdQuilts, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="640" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5518/10461320003_1bbb7aa107_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
This project was so much fun! I selected all black and white/cream prints for the background and a rainbow spectrum for the pluses.<br />I used the <a href="http://janeweston.blogspot.com/2008/01/starch-basting-tutorial.html" target="_blank">starch basting method</a> for the pluses, and then hand appliqued them in place. Prepping the pieces took some time, but it is worth it. The pieces held their shape perfectly, and appliqueing them into place was so simple.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/happierthanabirdquilts/10461132784/" title="Untitled by HappierThanABirdQuilts, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="640" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3710/10461132784_65a5d135ef_z.jpg" width="480" /></a> </div>
I decided to continue with hand work, and hand quilted the mini quilt. I wanted it to have A LOT of texture, and I think I succeeded. =) I did a running stitch following the design of most of the background fabrics. I think this is called seed stitching (google was only half helpful).<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/happierthanabirdquilts/10461132536/" title="Untitled by HappierThanABirdQuilts, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="640" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2806/10461132536_7002a21445_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I left the pluses unquilted and love how they pop.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/happierthanabirdquilts/10461138604/" title="Untitled by HappierThanABirdQuilts, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7446/10461138604_85e43d9f22_z.jpg" width="480" /></a>
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The mini quilt finished at 17" square. I used Hobbs 80/20 Batting. It's already at it's new home, and I am currently working on a second which will be turned into a pillow for another friend.Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11435146474553148330noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7441021139157702089.post-13447833937721403392013-10-11T10:51:00.001-06:002013-10-11T10:53:44.900-06:00The problem with Instagram - a very late Roundhouse Reveal I LOVE Instagram. Probably too much. And it is 100% the reason my blogging has slowed down. The quick and easy sharing, and the instant gratification of all those<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #990000;"> <span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 14px; text-align: justify;">♡</span></span></span>, it's just so easy to move onto the next project without taking a moment to get proper pictures, edit them, and then blog them. I'm trying to remedy that, I really am. But in the midst of my insta-craze I never blogged about this. The most awesome thing ever!!!!!<br />
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My very sweet and incredibly talented friend Tracey of <a href="http://traceyjayquilts.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">traceyjay quilts</a> asked me way way earlier this year to make an alternate color version of a quilt she designed. She was able to get me some of the beautiful Happy Go Lucky line by Bonnie & Camille before it was released, and in March I finished it up, snapped some pics and emailed them off. And way back in March this is all I shared. <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/happierthanabirdquilts/8610627685/" title="happygolucky by HappierThanABirdQuilts, on Flickr"><img alt="happygolucky" height="612" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8263/8610627685_b50df8aee8_z.jpg" width="612" /></a><br />
And way back in August I should have blogged to finally show you the whole thing, so here it is, better late than never, right? Introducing: Roundhouse by traceyjay quilts<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/happierthanabirdquilts/10210128266/" title="Roundhouse Happy Go Lucky by HappierThanABirdQuilts, on Flickr"><img alt="Roundhouse Happy Go Lucky" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7424/10210128266_49b51aa604_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/happierthanabirdquilts/10210219446/" title="IMG_7246 by HappierThanABirdQuilts, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_7246" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7425/10210219446_d4870353ea_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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And do you know why I couldn't share it before August? Because Tracey's pattern and my lovely little bad winter lighting photo showed up the Sept 2013 edition of American Quilter!!! *squeals of delight!!!!* That's my quilt, my name in print!!<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/happierthanabirdquilts/10210490953/" title="IMG_0605 by HappierThanABirdQuilts, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0605" height="640" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3803/10210490953_aa6c03951e_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
It's a fantastic pattern, and hopefully you can still get your hands on a copy of the magazine, I got mine at Barnes & Noble back in August, but I know Joanns carries it, and they seam to keep theirs around longer than typical newsstands.<br />
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And you really need to go take a <a href="http://traceyjayquilts.blogspot.com/2013/07/roundhouse-finished-and-published.html" target="_blank">closer look at Tracey's</a> because it is to die for. I wish it were mine. (And even more embarrassing for my poor blogging, since Tracey shared hers in July!!)<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/8384538@N03/9311644908/" title="Roundhouse by traceyjay, on Flickr"><img alt="Roundhouse" height="334" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7413/9311644908_cf217dc318.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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And with that I promise not to wait 3 months to share big news again. <br />
So I guess I should tell you now my hubby is deploying again sometime after the new year. It'll be our second deployment, and should be shorter than the first. It will be hard, but there are some important benefits it'll give my hubby's career and our family so we are all sucking it up. No sympathy needed, just some of your awesome support. I'm an Army wife, I've got this. =)</div>
Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11435146474553148330noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7441021139157702089.post-19802931602238380772013-10-07T07:38:00.000-06:002013-10-07T07:38:14.619-06:00Hand Drawn Autumn<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/happierthanabirdquilts/10136912244/" title="Untitled by HappierThanABirdQuilts, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="640" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5492/10136912244_b4f91bbe82_z.jpg" width="489" /></a> </div>
Sometimes I order a bundle of fabric thinking "Well it's really pretty, but not really me, I'll make something and sell it." That's what happened when I ordered Hand Drawn by Anna Maria Horner (and it's accompanying solids bundle) from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/westwoodacres" target="_blank">Westwood Acres</a>. It's gorgeous fabric, but it's not me. And I thought that, the entire time I was making the quilt.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/happierthanabirdquilts/10137008945/" title="Hand Drawn Autumn by HappierThanABirdQuilts, on Flickr"><img alt="Hand Drawn Autumn" height="613" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7385/10137008945_98182121b2_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
I decided to do simple patchwork - which I've been doing a lot of lately - because I was determined to try something new - orange peel quilting. Of course I'm still trying to get brave enough to FMQ on an actual quilt, so I followed <a href="http://pippinsequim.blogspot.co.nz/2012/09/orange-peel-quilting-with-walking-foot.html" target="_blank">this lovely tutorial</a> for orange peel quilting with a walking foot.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/happierthanabirdquilts/10137094116/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Orange Peel quilting by HappierThanABirdQuilts, on Flickr"><img alt="Orange Peel quilting" height="640" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5326/10137094116_11952c312f_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
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My friend Cassi gave me the very helpful hint of using a circle for marking out the quilting design. It needs to fit inside 4 of the squares. My squares finished at 4.5" so my circle is 9" in diameter. And Sandra at <a href="http://smalltownthread.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Small Town Thread</a> finally convinced me that Crayola Washable markers are a safe and truly washable way to mark quilts. (And they really are! I washed the quilt twice before drying because I was paranoid, but after the second wash I realized that what I feared was marker left in the quilt was actually just the way my grey thread was reading on the light cream fabric. It washed out completely!)<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/happierthanabirdquilts/10137161995/" title="image by HappierThanABirdQuilts, on Flickr"><img alt="image" height="640" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3703/10137161995_ba0769e395_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
I was a little wobbly with some of my quilting, but overall it went really really well. I love how it turned out! And when I hung it up on my wall I realized I love it too much to part with it (and hubby really likes it too and asked that we keep it!)
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Quilt Stats:</div>
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Fabric: Hand Drawn by Anna Maria Horner (and coordinating solids - not sure who made them)</div>
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Size: 51" x 60"</div>
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I used Hobbs 80/20 Batting and Aurifil grey thread, 50 wt.</div>
Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11435146474553148330noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7441021139157702089.post-19870815877178084712013-09-30T09:00:00.000-06:002013-09-30T09:00:02.734-06:00Hexie Pillow PaloozaBack in August I was browsing Lori Holt's Instagram Feed, and I came across <a href="http://instagram.com/p/cw0hTbsM37/" target="_blank">this gorgeous quilt</a>, that appears in her upcoming book! It's so cute!! As I sat there wiping drool off my phone I remembered that Badskirt has a tutorial for a <a href="http://badskirt.blogspot.com/2013/05/free-bee-freebie.html" target="_blank">free bee paper piecing pattern</a>, and my mind started plotting. I love the colorful look of Lori's quilt, even though it isn't hexies, but the Badskirt bee's are probably the cutest thing I've ever seen in a paper piecing pattern. And then this was born:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/happierthanabirdquilts/9990968184/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Sweet As Honey Pillow by HappierThanABirdQuilts, on Flickr"><img alt="Sweet As Honey Pillow" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7395/9990968184_4dcb63d27e_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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I based my colors on that adorable bee print (from Field Day by Josephine Kimberling), and cut my hexies to the same size that the badskirt hexie bees finished. It is machine pieced, quilted and bound. The pillow backing is just a simple envelope closure, and it fits a 12" pillow form.</div>
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My sweet little B keeps trying to steal it. It will randomly disappear, usually under her tush while she's watching TV, or I'll find a stuffed friend tucked in for a nap using it. She knows she's my honey bee, so I can't blame her. </div>
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Sometime last year I started piecing rainbow hexie flowers. I had no real plan for them, just started piecing them. And last month I finally figured out a use for them!</div>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/happierthanabirdquilts/9991123283/" title="Hexie Pillow by HappierThanABirdQuilts, on Flickr"><img alt="Hexie Pillow" height="640" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5475/9991123283_8380b4a70c_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
I machine appliqued the hexie flowers onto pillow covers. Quick and easy....except for that hand piecing the hexies part. And I didn't stop at just one.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/happierthanabirdquilts/9991000644/" title="Hexie Pillow Group by HappierThanABirdQuilts, on Flickr"><img alt="Hexie Pillow Group" height="249" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3797/9991000644_b09fb64951_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
I made 5, and donated them as door prizes for the Utah Deaf Blind Parents Conference. I plan on making more as I get more hexies pieced, and hopefully will have some listed in <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/HappierThanABird" target="_blank">my shop</a> at some point this year. These also fit 12" pillow forms.<br />
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I'm excited I already have a lovely Mini Dresden Mug Rug to share with you. My friend Cheryl at <a href="http://ladybugln.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Ladybug Lane</a> whipped up this adorable Halloween version Sunday (see, quick and easy project!). Season mug rugs! I like it! Be sure to go check it out!<br />
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<a href="http://ladybugln.blogspot.com/2013/09/halloween-dresden-mug-rug.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOF9qx0CoTqBBg8Q-sK-X63lm91fTUuAfJQgd8FIkRZFC7sNm45gAw9W2kiutgBOyetEi-XKRbbzc8w8kazTzpkUQBYNT6xbS1U6gM3JVOVCkciKvfPbl7cnOT1L7XKt3RJKEjgF8Jnbfi/s320/Chery's+dresden.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11435146474553148330noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7441021139157702089.post-24292015062809138582013-09-28T20:08:00.001-06:002013-09-28T21:04:48.605-06:00Isla's Garden{The first of a few posts this week, finally get back on track!}<br />
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One of my best friends, Marcy, is expected a baby girl this winter. Marcy decided on a purple and bright green color scheme for Isla's nursery, and we quickly decided the lilac color way of Joel Dewberry's Aviary 2 was the perfect fabric.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/happierthanabirdquilts/9990975874/" title="Isla's Garden by HappierThanABirdQuilts, on Flickr"><img alt="Isla's Garden" height="640" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3693/9990975874_0a201ba510_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/happierthanabirdquilts/9990992044/" title="Isla's Garden Close Up by HappierThanABirdQuilts, on Flickr"><img alt="Isla's Garden Close Up" height="640" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3722/9990992044_fe83ba8fd6_z.jpg" width="480" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/happierthanabirdquilts/9991037046/" title="Isla's Garden Back by HappierThanABirdQuilts, on Flickr"><img alt="Isla's Garden Back" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7414/9991037046_711c7b8d71_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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For this quilt I modified the <a href="http://www.heyquilty.com/articles/All_Tied_Up_modern_arrow_quilt_block_quilt" target="_blank">All Tied Up pattern by Jeni Baker</a> that appeared in Quilty July/August 2013 edition. Because the quilt was so much smaller than Jeni's I decided to add more bows at regular intervals. I love how the large honeycomb pieces show off the fabric, but it made for a challenge when quilting. I started out the quilting by stitching 1/4" away from the seams, but because of the honeycombs I ended up sewing diagonal lines through the quilt as well to secure the entire quilt. I like how it worked out. </div>
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The quilt finished at roughly 39". I used Hobbs Heirloom 80/20 Batting (my new favorite when it's finished, though I really do prefer how clingy and easy to quilt Warm & White is, the drape is just so much pretty with the 80/20.) and white Aurifil 50wt thread. I finished it on August 15, 2013.</div>
Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11435146474553148330noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7441021139157702089.post-6000518076210918842013-09-14T17:45:00.000-06:002013-09-14T17:57:12.135-06:00A not so quick catch up!{I apologize for the post full of stuff. I meant to do better blogging....hopefully I can get back in the swing of things!}<br />
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First - and most important! This adorable girl started Kindergarten at the public school a couple of weeks ago, and she LOVES it!!! It has been so good for all of us, and I feel zero guilt. We do her little homework packet together in the afternoons, and somehow it is so much easier than homeschool lessons ever were. And suddenly she just knows how to write letters. Zero frustration!! And B gets quiet time alone which she absolutely loves or can talk to mommy without having to talk over Katy, and I get things done (like her hair, which never happened when we were home all day). =)<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/happierthanabirdquilts/9743943978/" title="Untitled by HappierThanABirdQuilts, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7443/9743943978_8900aa8ff6_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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The majority of my work the past two weeks has been putting finishing touches on our basement project. It has been a long time coming, and we've learned we aren't really big DIY people when it comes to finishing/remodeling things around the house. (Though both hubby and I can rock out some crafty DIY!) 2 years ago hubby framed the walls, did electrical, plumbing,put up sheet rock, etc. But those darn seams between the sheetrock....they just would not go away! It became the room to avoid! But I've got some awesome neighbors who came to the rescue and got it done for us and they did an awesome job! And then I finally got to jump in with my part - painting!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/happierthanabirdquilts/9741830557/" title="Untitled by HappierThanABirdQuilts, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7284/9741830557_73285a4ef9_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
Pictures will never do the color justice. It's Valspar Sea Wave and it is FANTASTIC!! There are just a few things we need to do to call the project 100% done - a door for the water shut off valve and some shelves above the washer, but I've already put up decorations!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/happierthanabirdquilts/9741825743/" title="Untitled by HappierThanABirdQuilts, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7357/9741825743_49b30d66ea_z.jpg" width="480" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/happierthanabirdquilts/9741824269/" title="Untitled by HappierThanABirdQuilts, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7379/9741824269_1d0919d6ec_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
I am so in love!<br />
Finishing up painting meant I could finally get all the crap that has been sitting in our school area back where it belongs on the storage shelves. (thankfully this hasn't been sitting around for the past 2 years - the storage shelves were installed last year, I just took it all out so it wouldn't get covered with drywall dust.)<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/happierthanabirdquilts/9741874665/" title="organize by HappierThanABirdQuilts, on Flickr"><img alt="organize" height="612" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7383/9741874665_00cf26bb2b_z.jpg" width="612" /></a></div>
And somehow all of that organization lead to a need to rearrange my sewing area - yay I can now see my mini quilt wall, the window AND my design wall! (And the birdcage got moved over by the chalkboard easel.)<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/happierthanabirdquilts/9743936808/" title="Untitled by HappierThanABirdQuilts, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7305/9743936808_c04aed8b35_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
And somehow, in the middle of all of the business I managed to FINALLY finish the Giant Star quilt! I started basting in back in July! I finished basting it last week, quilted it in a day, and now it is waiting for somebody to buy it (<a href="https://www.facebook.com/HappierThanABirdQuilts" target="_blank">check FB for an awesome deal</a>, otherwise it's going on Etsy on Monday!)<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/happierthanabirdquilts/9741828903/" title="Untitled by HappierThanABirdQuilts, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7389/9741828903_f2551f6d1f_z.jpg" width="480" /></a>
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It finished at 70" square. I used fat quarters from Bari J's line Lilly Belle and a whole lot of Kona White.<br />
And finally - this month I was approved to join do. Good Stitches!!! I'm part of the Inspire group, and have already completed my first bee blocks. (And I'm not going to lie, these took longer to make than it did to quilt the giant star!!)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/happierthanabirdquilts/9741782703/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="September Inspire at do. Good Stitches bee blocks by HappierThanABirdQuilts, on Flickr"><img alt="September Inspire at do. Good Stitches bee blocks" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7293/9741782703_534510ca8b_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Improv Herringbone. Tutorial can be found <a href="http://www.13spools.com/2013/05/improv-herringbone-tutorial.html" target="_blank">HERE</a></td></tr>
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One of my online quilting friends, Jenn Michaels, just finished up this fantastic version of Drunk Zebra. After seeing it only in black and white I really want to make my own color version now (add that to the long list of quilts that need to be finished!). The quilt was made for her brother, who is big Packers fan, so she chose green and yellow. The Drunk Zebra pattern can be purchased on <a href="http://www.craftsy.com/pattern/quilting/home-decor/drunk-zebra-quilt-pattern/32853" target="_blank">Craftsy</a> or on <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/104036187/drunk-zebra-pdf-quilt-pattern?ref=shop_home_active" target="_blank">Etsy</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/happierthanabirdquilts/9743716276/" title="Jenn Michael's Drunk Zebra by HappierThanABirdQuilts, on Flickr"><img alt="Jenn Michael's Drunk Zebra" height="427" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7357/9743716276_7840b59780_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I am just so happy with how it turned out that I had to share it with you all! If you've made any quilts from my patterns I'd love to see them (and share them if you'd let me)!!Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11435146474553148330noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7441021139157702089.post-13739660649258566482013-08-25T21:50:00.000-06:002013-08-25T21:50:24.293-06:00Scallops, scallops and more scallops!! {Farmer's Wife}<div>
Part of me hasn't wanted to share this post - I wanted to wait until I could do a big reveal. But I love reading about the process, and I assume others do as well.<br />
And this process has been a VERY long time coming. I started my Farmer's Wife quilt in January of 2012, and with my plans to hand quilt it, it won't be done anytime this year.<br />
Back in March of this year I <a href="http://www.happierthanabirdquilts.com/2013/03/farmers-wife-progress.html" target="_blank">called it good</a> with making my Farmer's Wife blocks. I stopped at 42 blocks and pieced it into this pretty, pretty top. </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/happierthanabirdquilts/8595558553/" title="Untitled by HappierThanABirdQuilts, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8509/8595558553_a5c19e7795_z.jpg" width="559" /></a>
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And then I started scheming a border. I had A LOT of fabric left over. And then it came to me. Scallops!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/happierthanabirdquilts/8619506316/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="scallops by HappierThanABirdQuilts, on Flickr"><img alt="scallops" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8385/8619506316_e9aef8823c.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scallops started coming together in April 2013</td></tr>
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I wish I could remember how I figured it out, and how I made my scallops, but I honestly have no clue. I made 2 sizes with the plan to alternate them. And back in April I spent a lot of time working on hand basting them. (My method: iron freezer paper template on back of fabric, take a running stitch around the curve of the template in the seam allowance, then pull so the fabric hugs the template. Give it a good press, remove freezer paper. Ta-da! Pretty scallop ready for applique.) But then it my husband went away for a training and I didn't spend my evenings sitting on the couch watching TV with him, so they got set aside. And I realized I didn't want to wait til he is back home and we are back sitting on our couch to finish them, so I pulled them out last week, and finished up basting. It's really boring.<br /><div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/happierthanabirdquilts/9597198588/" title="Basted Scallops by HappierThanABirdQuilts, on Flickr"><img alt="Basted Scallops" height="500" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3826/9597198588_03eb14099a.jpg" width="375" /></a> </div>
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And then I started appliqueing. Thankfully everything worked according to my plan size wise. I swear the hand appliqueing of the scallops is going faster than basting them did. </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/happierthanabirdquilts/9597199944/" title="Appliqueing in progress by HappierThanABirdQuilts, on Flickr"><img alt="Appliqueing in progress" height="500" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3767/9597199944_5e2f0c3a45.jpg" width="375" /></a> </div>
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I just finished up one strip (with 17 of the 64 scallops!) Right now it's a bit wobbly because my scallops strip ended up a bit too long, I maybe should have smooshed them together a bit more. I really don't want to redo it though...I guess we'll see. But I LOVE it! </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/happierthanabirdquilts/9597194450/" title="One strip done 17/64 by HappierThanABirdQuilts, on Flickr"><img alt="One strip done 17/64" height="500" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3775/9597194450_f7966535a1.jpg" width="375" /></a> </div>
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Here is a close up view, I pressed towards the scallops which just added to the wobble. </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/happierthanabirdquilts/9597195900/" title="Close up by HappierThanABirdQuilts, on Flickr"><img alt="Close up" height="500" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5473/9597195900_e0298672eb.jpg" width="375" /></a></div>
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{I apologize for the poorly lit phone pictures. Fabrics used on my Farmer's Wife quilt are mainly Ruby by Bonnie and Camille, with a few pieces from Bliss and Vintage Modern, and coordinating solids.}</div>
Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11435146474553148330noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7441021139157702089.post-31152223303823439032013-08-17T20:20:00.002-06:002013-08-17T20:20:48.136-06:00Where I SewI've done a few posts like this in the past, but I don't think I have done one for my current configuration. And since it's not changing in the foreseeable future, I may as well immortalize it in a blog post right? (Ok so really I just want to link up at <a href="http://ellisonlane.blogspot.com/2013/08/studiospotlightlinky.html" target="_blank">Ellison Lane with the Studio Spotlight</a>, but shhhhh). So here it is, and I didn't even clean it up to take pictures, I'm just tidy like that. Sort of.<br />
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I live in a tri-level home. Half of our downstairs/basement level is a long skinny room that used to be our all purpose living area: TV, couch, treadmill, computer desk, playroom, etc. It's gone through many, many phases. But as we had a "formal" front room on the main level unused (it once homed the computer desk and some bookcases), and trying to entertain with no sitting area near the kitchen besides a ridiculously small dining area. So our TV and couch moved upstairs, the treadmill was sold at a yard sale, we got rid of our desktop computer and the toys have been put in my girls rooms (one day I'll introduce you to the toy closet. Best organization decision I ever made. Seriously). And of course we homeschool - so we needed a space for that. And the aforementioned dining space was not going to cut it!<br />
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So when you walk into my long skinny room and look left this is what you see.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/happierthanabirdquilts/9535194652/" title="Untitled by HappierThanABirdQuilts, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="480" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5526/9535194652_2ba0ac6966_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
I love pretty much everything about it. Well I need a new chair mat, larger and one that isn't capable of folding in half, because I never fold it in half, and it just cracked instead. So sometimes I get stuck. But I can very lazily roll from my machine over to my ironing bookcase!<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/happierthanabirdquilts/9532410811/" title="Untitled by HappierThanABirdQuilts, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="480" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3700/9532410811_3b1b4a4523_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
Thanks so some forgotten source on Pinterest for the idea. My hubby made a lovely removable surface that sits on top of my IKEA bookcase. If I remember right I have a layer of insulbright (?) and a layer of batting in there. The random storage containers contain projects and different stages of completion (except the brown box on the bottom left. That has ribbon.) The left whicker basket is my collection of solid fabrics. The plastic drawers hold even more randomness. I pretend they don't exist except for a few drawers on the taller one, it has my extra machine feet and thread and what not in it.<br />
Above the ironing bookcase is my wall of mini quilts.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/happierthanabirdquilts/9532410147/" title="Untitled by HappierThanABirdQuilts, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="480" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5445/9532410147_54e2770042_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
Because someone will ask - the giant scissors are from Hobby Lobby, they are resin, they don't move. My 5 yo likes to try and bribe me so she can pretend to play with them. And I still haven't managed to plug in my TARDIS lights. I got them for Mother's Day.<br />
(More random - see that iron box in the bottom right of the picture. That is a Black and Decker Classic Iron. It looks vintage, super cute. Super crappy! It has BIG steam holes with rough edges that like to grab at seams or the edge of fabric and rather than pressing a nice flat seam that crinkle the crap out of your patchwork. GRRR! So I bought a super modern Black and Decker with a super slick shinny bottom that just glides over fabric. The Classic didn't glide, you could hear the not super slick shinny bottoms trying to cling to your fabric. Super lame.)<br />
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Moving on.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/happierthanabirdquilts/9535196922/" title="Untitled by HappierThanABirdQuilts, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="480" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3760/9535196922_1043c44ed0_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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My sewing table. Again thanks to some long forgotten source I found on Pinterest my ugly folding table is made pretty with the aide of some cheap pink Walmart fabric and a vinyl lace table cloth + staples and duct tape. I love the large surface for a good cutting/work area right by my machine (Viking Sapphire 835! With my super awesome Aurifil 50wt cone, and the Sew Steady table which allows me to accumulate junk all around my sewing).<br />
There is more storage, but I don't get into those that often. I know the red box contains my Blue Star Banner supplies, and one of the totes on the bottom has embroidery stuff, but beyond that no clue. =)<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/happierthanabirdquilts/9532413489/" title="Untitled by HappierThanABirdQuilts, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="480" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5540/9532413489_60b15f49be_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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Backing up a bit you can see my HUGE design wall. Best thing ever.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/happierthanabirdquilts/9532412353/" title="Untitled by HappierThanABirdQuilts, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="640" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5323/9532412353_f59c8eea74_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><br />
The view from my machine. AKA a constant reminder of what I really should be working on...except that half of that was just playing...because who doesn't like a good diversion project?<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/happierthanabirdquilts/9532414041/" title="Untitled by HappierThanABirdQuilts, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="640" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3770/9532414041_64252b8ef2_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><br />
The majority of my stash is contained here. A basket full of batting scraps for smaller projects.<br />
A shelf with fabric that has a project assigned to it, plus my jar of zippers.<br />
The almost over flowing shelf of pretty pretty fabric. There are 4 stacks, sorted mostly by color stashed in there<br />
And then the drawers. All 4 drawers are quite full of fat quarters. Except the 3rd one needs more greens. And as you can see I am all set in the pink and red department, but I have very few purple. Why is there no good purple fabric?<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/happierthanabirdquilts/9532414719/" title="Untitled by HappierThanABirdQuilts, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="480" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3697/9532414719_b743a10c19_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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And rounding off the tour when you get back to the doorway. Our birds. I mostly dislike them. Except the green one snores in this cute squeaky way, it makes up for the LOUD chirping they do anytime a large vehicle drives down the street. Nothing makes up for the poop. They poop a lot. And when we are trying to do school down here, they think it's play time and squawk for attention. But they are scared of us. I do my workouts right in front of their cage. You'd think they'd recognize by now what I am doing. But nope, each jumping jack just scares more poop out of them. And then flap around like idiots.<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/happierthanabirdquilts/9532415369/" title="Untitled by HappierThanABirdQuilts, on Flickr"><img alt="Untitled" height="640" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2863/9532415369_85ee2bfa92_z.jpg" width="480" /></a><br />
And there we are. If you follow me on <a href="http://instagram.com/happierthanabird" target="_blank">instagram</a> you know what the current state of the other side of the room is right now, and why it's not included in this tour. Thanks for stopping by!Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11435146474553148330noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7441021139157702089.post-76947128201112141792013-08-01T17:05:00.002-06:002013-08-06T21:09:24.324-06:00TARDIS Pillow{EDIT - Pretend this tells you about all sorts of narcissistic busyness. =) Like how to do we live without iPhones but why do they cost so much money?! And hey look I got a new car I get to drive for the next 20 years! It's a Honda Civic my 3 year old named Dora. I want to live in it. I probably don't get Christmas presents for 20 years either. =) }<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/happierthanabirdquilts/9419419104/" title="My Civic by HappierThanABirdQuilts, on Flickr"><img alt="My Civic" height="640" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5322/9419419104_98085d969f_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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{Edit. Because of all of my narcissistic busyness...} I've only managed to sew one 16" pillow in the last week. Seriously I started it last Friday and here we are Thursday afternoon, and it is finally done. But it is awesome! </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/happierthanabirdquilts/9419301648/" title="TARDIS pillow by HappierThanABirdQuilts, on Flickr"><img alt="TARDIS pillow" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7363/9419301648_dca3e12453_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
I used the same TARDIS block pattern I used on the back of Starry Samhain Night (pattern free <a href="http://www.craftsy.com/pattern/quilting/home-decor/tardis-doctor-who-along-qal-block-1/53955?_ct=fhevybu-fqjjuhdbyrhqho-jyjbu&_ctp=53955" target="_blank">HERE</a> on Craftsy by Trillium Designs), which finishes at 12.5" I added some borders to make it 16" so the TARDIS wouldn't end up curving around the pillow too much. For the TARDIS I used <br />
Bella Solids Nautical Blue (9900 236) and <a href="http://www.hawthornethreads.com/fabric/designer/timeless_treasures_house_designer/crosshatch_sketch/crosshatch_sketch_in_navy" target="_blank">Navy Sketch</a> fabric, I think the texture turned out perfect.<br />
The pillow is going to my cousin Annie of Spiffing Jewelry (and if you are a Doctor Who fan you <b><i><u>need</u></i></b> to go check out her <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/SpiffingJewelry/search?search_query=doctor+who&order=date_desc&view_type=gallery&ref=shop_search" target="_blank">awesome collection of Doctor Who inspired jewelry</a> (plus so much other awesome stuff)!! Let her know I sent you!)Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11435146474553148330noreply@blogger.com11