tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9840959554290822722024-03-16T11:53:13.922-07:00Mommy For RealsDanny Heyenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524510316569641921noreply@blogger.comBlogger294125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-984095955429082272.post-43208917089881368952015-10-09T13:17:00.000-07:002015-10-09T13:17:35.476-07:00Kenya - Mindset<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxOnD8bQ6db-3IJMFw4GW0uEuKxH_gZdEWMrhG4RjbovKnrWoDAYEpBgYUpDymo-SQ6PTgZWlJPYoZbdNajk8iUxEDFt_La-zNFRpVsHu3n-SeVPo97R5DfPttMH2ZCDphOby1uLEQObgQ/s1600/IMG_3296.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxOnD8bQ6db-3IJMFw4GW0uEuKxH_gZdEWMrhG4RjbovKnrWoDAYEpBgYUpDymo-SQ6PTgZWlJPYoZbdNajk8iUxEDFt_La-zNFRpVsHu3n-SeVPo97R5DfPttMH2ZCDphOby1uLEQObgQ/s320/IMG_3296.JPG" /></a><br />
</center>Going to Kenya didn’t come easily for me.<br />
<br />
I was terrified. <br />
<br />
I didn’t want to leave my husband. I didn’t want to leave my girls. I was sure they would die in a fiery car crash or get eaten by a pack of wild coyotes and I would have to return to no one. Or that my plane would crash over one of the too many bodies of water and I would get eaten alive by blood thirsty sharks, leaving my kids without a mom to make them eat their vegetables. My brain was relentless. Nightmares plagued me over the months leading up to the trip, and I just kept praying the same thing:<br />
<br />
God, shut the door.<br />
<br />
I didn’t say, “God, if it’s your will, please shut the door so I don’t have to go,” or “Whatever is your will is what I want.” No. I demanded, pleaded. “God, SHUT THE DOOR.” <br />
<br />
But He never did.<br />
<br />
Actually, He kept propping that stupid door open. I got all the donations I needed to make the pads. I had a huge team of talented volunteers help make all the pads. We got more than double the necessary number of underwear and soaps donated. I already had a passport that I don’t even remember getting. Immunizations went well. Lily and Maze took off like a rocket supplying me with funds I needed for up-front supplies. I got more than enough donations from friends and family to pay for my trip.<br />
<br />
Door. Open.<br />
<br />
Brent and I had a plan. (I know, I know. God laughs at our plans. Let me tell you, He certainly had a good ol’ side-holding giggle-fest over this one.) Many of you who know me well know I have a heart for the down trodden. I cringe when I hear bullying stories and my heart just breaks when I hear stories of people not being treated with the love and grace God entrusts us to give out. Our plan was always to be involved in missions and helping people around the world TOGETHER, we just wanted to wait until our kids were grown. Makes perfect, logical sense to me. But God’s timing was not dependent on my comfort zone and He made it abundantly clear that I was to go to Kenya on this last vision trip. Me being gone was disruptive to my family, for sure. Brent had to take two weeks off work to watch the girls. I missed Lily putting together sentences for the first time. I missed Clara’s sweet dances. (Although, I did get a “I have a whole new respect for you” from my husband after only a couple days being gone, so that was nice!) <br />
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I’m writing this to you so you can understand where I was mentally and spiritually leading up to this trip. It wasn’t easy. It brought me out of my comfort zone. But at no point did I feel I wasn’t supposed to be doing this. I knew (but wished I didn’t) that God was calling me to go, to speak into the lives of the women of Lodwar, to encourage them and give them value. <br />
<br />
So I went.<br />
With Tums.<br />
Lots of Tums.<br />
<br />
<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT11mK4YZ6aw5EWre7hyQ5SP7nC7cAOM9S0PBg4FxKBHHdzH6sX5U33YIB2N3WH1CIznsG-g29kVQRtymVb8xOEhNJdu9AoirzRzFbAi0KhAyDQwuAY5Z6fXVPvv8WptxbL3zvqNJMayMa/s1600/IMG_3434.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT11mK4YZ6aw5EWre7hyQ5SP7nC7cAOM9S0PBg4FxKBHHdzH6sX5U33YIB2N3WH1CIznsG-g29kVQRtymVb8xOEhNJdu9AoirzRzFbAi0KhAyDQwuAY5Z6fXVPvv8WptxbL3zvqNJMayMa/s320/IMG_3434.JPG" /></a></center><br />
Over the next little bit of time I will be sharing about my experiences. Writing is my way to decompress, my catharsis. <br />
<br />
Now that I’m home, I have littles to attend to and a house to run and a business to open back up. I have children’s activities and outings. I have Lego castles to build and emergency stuffed puppy dog surgery to oversee. Life didn’t stop while I was gone; it just kept being lived. And now I’m playing catch up.<br />
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<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBD27xZqluyIV1vGKA40PeVBZTxv8hyphenhyphenhuy8sHnGXFmMntdvScWQoI3BbuEazhM0Z6o3scO4vaFCPuRpc1GjMXeJqFyFy8hZVXCWlYWfogQ1MHzz4cagDYKXfCsh_OgHawsRJayYLu-r7oi/s1600/IMG_3251.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBD27xZqluyIV1vGKA40PeVBZTxv8hyphenhyphenhuy8sHnGXFmMntdvScWQoI3BbuEazhM0Z6o3scO4vaFCPuRpc1GjMXeJqFyFy8hZVXCWlYWfogQ1MHzz4cagDYKXfCsh_OgHawsRJayYLu-r7oi/s320/IMG_3251.JPG" /></a></center><br />
So, dear friends, please be patient with me as I gather my thoughts (and pictures, which may end up being the more difficult part of this process). I will write soon and share every small bit of me I can. <br />
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Thank you all for your prayers. Talk to you soon.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7028/6484306765_b516c5f02c_m.jpg" width="150" height="80" alt="Danny">Danny Heyenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524510316569641921noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-984095955429082272.post-81164863440174351182015-09-12T20:39:00.001-07:002015-09-12T20:39:33.548-07:00Kenya Pad Initiative and Trip Update<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS4douy30P5oLDwuPWNjQI3eoCq42Gra0mOlr62kNZoeQYUNQZRvdHSzypobV71DXStj5p1KF43_-EuyWpFU2vbOb4tzXGImsmfaSSjy_w1aWtfu1vS68sxYaEvjldGLn5b2A1JZklf3fz/s1600/IMG_2370.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS4douy30P5oLDwuPWNjQI3eoCq42Gra0mOlr62kNZoeQYUNQZRvdHSzypobV71DXStj5p1KF43_-EuyWpFU2vbOb4tzXGImsmfaSSjy_w1aWtfu1vS68sxYaEvjldGLn5b2A1JZklf3fz/s320/IMG_2370.JPG" /></a></center><br />
The past few months have been extremely busy for me. I started a business (more on that later), I lead groups and sewed pads, I collected and organized underwear and soap, I spent incredibly valuable time with my family. I began attending church on Wednesday nights with my family. I joined MOPS. I spent time with friends and family, experiencing life-on-life relationships. <br />
<br />
I did not blog. <br />
<br />
I have been wanting to write this letter to you all, my wonderful supporters, and I am so glad to have the time now to share with you the progress of this project (for those of you not following me on Instagram, where I have been posting LOTS of pictures of the progress). When I last wrote, we were planning to make the trip to Kenya in May 2015. Due to some unforeseen circumstances, we moved the trip to September 2015, a time that worked well for our hosts in Lodwar. Our trip is September 21st - October 1st 2015, just a couple short days away! <br />
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<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQZIIDC2bhc0w4rWE0c4EStVzFuiTU4b616Pw1nXfaA8nSMfWEyes_5ihXlGdaOdcnYs89SGcCha485OleQQ-C8L11S9ZZJbicnOhR9XcLfQvzQRtnJY6ANSkYLbmjWdxp-RPZIZ6DBnYf/s1600/IMG_0526.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQZIIDC2bhc0w4rWE0c4EStVzFuiTU4b616Pw1nXfaA8nSMfWEyes_5ihXlGdaOdcnYs89SGcCha485OleQQ-C8L11S9ZZJbicnOhR9XcLfQvzQRtnJY6ANSkYLbmjWdxp-RPZIZ6DBnYf/s320/IMG_0526.JPG" /></a></center><br />
I hosted three sewing days for pad construction: one at The Grove church in Gilbert, AZ and two at CrossRoads Nazarene Church in Chandler, AZ. We had many people attend and help complete our goal of 600 pads! We ended up with 602 pads total, giving us enough to make kits for 200 women in Lodwar. Many of you donated underwear and soap for our kits, as well. We ended up with SO much soap (more than enough to fulfil our needs) and more than double the pairs of underwear we needed for our kits. You are all amazing and generous and we could NOT have accomplished any of this without your help!<br />
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Here's what I have been up to since March:<br />
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<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2unetChcfuyAP81DVoRY-qTglhFK2ElCGGBWhk1-deXIqsmqcZsNtg7Icmi4LnuMWeNtWWDPv2lrgJ22aTWUrKCQSK-GGCFhfFYN5y5zGwo_eGr_HOh4ktTXNt50QId33MQkQe6OsqFK0/s1600/Tracing.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2unetChcfuyAP81DVoRY-qTglhFK2ElCGGBWhk1-deXIqsmqcZsNtg7Icmi4LnuMWeNtWWDPv2lrgJ22aTWUrKCQSK-GGCFhfFYN5y5zGwo_eGr_HOh4ktTXNt50QId33MQkQe6OsqFK0/s320/Tracing.JPG" /></a></center><br />
Shortly after posting the tutorial for the pad design, I began getting together with groups of volunteers to cut, sort, and sew the components for making the pads. Over the following months, we were able to continue our work at home, cutting at kitchen tables and turning points while sitting on the couch watching our favorite shows. We built a great little community, all working together toward a common goal. I was especially grateful to have my mom's help. She was (and is!) the last stop in our pad making production line. She carefully and meticulously inspected each and every pad that we finished, pulling out the ones that needed some more work and adding snaps to the top quality pads. Even though we ended up with 602 pads, there are still some that need a little more attention. They are sitting patiently, waiting for me to finish writing so I can fix them up for her to snap. I just handed her three more tonight!! (And she thought she was finished snapping... :) )<br />
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<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyD0Zn9N9PC_IqLsbe-WixUxh7bWWnpES47miuY-nf5xVJqMmvvUWvRluF5SxMqCACiTZ9e-GU2CXxQzD9J0P-ygNqKTGOSjK23GU-s5ruVzgA7_Vh_YMEOK2ckj9TSW1zz6MURxCb6yG1/s1600/Mom_at_sewing_day.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyD0Zn9N9PC_IqLsbe-WixUxh7bWWnpES47miuY-nf5xVJqMmvvUWvRluF5SxMqCACiTZ9e-GU2CXxQzD9J0P-ygNqKTGOSjK23GU-s5ruVzgA7_Vh_YMEOK2ckj9TSW1zz6MURxCb6yG1/s320/Mom_at_sewing_day.JPG" /></a><br />
Mom at Sewing Day </center><br />
<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieTM0CEmwhkO-bshFsROVXIRKbAdjtE0qY6ZWnbCeAhoRz3asBsK0eChqDhzV-M2Reak8tSHFeuAn98YnO8cYb-FhdZ1BgbKzcwRREp3zFcr8htaunC3tvEoX6Lt05c_nhWU6dGSHC00RZ/s1600/IMG_1841.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieTM0CEmwhkO-bshFsROVXIRKbAdjtE0qY6ZWnbCeAhoRz3asBsK0eChqDhzV-M2Reak8tSHFeuAn98YnO8cYb-FhdZ1BgbKzcwRREp3zFcr8htaunC3tvEoX6Lt05c_nhWU6dGSHC00RZ/s320/IMG_1841.JPG" /></a><br />
A little road trip unpicking. Family vacation to Oceanside, CA this summer.<br />
</center><br />
Some of the pads I got back needed a little TLC, so a few of us spent some time unpicking pads and remaking them so they could be taken with us to Lodwar. I learned a lot in this process and have been planning to redesign the pads to make them easier to sew and more efficient for the recipients. I'm hoping to utilize the Days for Girls pattern, but I need to speak with our public health specialist to find out if the change will be helpful or not. Their pattern uses a trifold insert that, when hanging on a line, resembles a washcloth. Much more discreet and may use less water to clean, which is helpful, especially in the desert. I also have a couple of extremely intelligent and talented friends who have offered to help me with the redesign, so I'm hoping to get together with them when I return to hear their ideas.<br />
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<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmmhE9jeEeD_4Q9mEj9MhVAsCRIpSsJfQsN-SQ4E2WgPm5MV1ldPW8AgzgU0tTzgdnjWePByePVSRkZBewfN1dh-2FchZDXnWPSQiYuuP2o3PrKSrUAOCXOPCiO-nqs3DLV0AlDhVA2sHY/s1600/IMG_9402.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmmhE9jeEeD_4Q9mEj9MhVAsCRIpSsJfQsN-SQ4E2WgPm5MV1ldPW8AgzgU0tTzgdnjWePByePVSRkZBewfN1dh-2FchZDXnWPSQiYuuP2o3PrKSrUAOCXOPCiO-nqs3DLV0AlDhVA2sHY/s320/IMG_9402.JPG" /></a></center><br />
Start-to-finish, it took about 20 minutes to make one pad. Of course, when I made them I used an assembly line method, cutting down the time per pad, but if you were to create one from scratch, it would take about 20 full minutes. Maybe a little more. The volunteers worked tirelessly to make all these pads! I had such a fabulous group of helpers and donors! Creating 600 pads is no small task! <br />
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<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhETVqePZnOS0Yt_2sDX8unzWrAHJd6Z4sulx4CarQx3NYSuPMm0pEMqlfzNEhRZrncbGLQu0PFQMaKKj4yCLerSclThGagAKsxhQkcpKtWiY7VvKzl4jHzly_gG7ZBodVrHMp0eLAxayi/s1600/dog_beds.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhETVqePZnOS0Yt_2sDX8unzWrAHJd6Z4sulx4CarQx3NYSuPMm0pEMqlfzNEhRZrncbGLQu0PFQMaKKj4yCLerSclThGagAKsxhQkcpKtWiY7VvKzl4jHzly_gG7ZBodVrHMp0eLAxayi/s320/dog_beds.JPG" /></a></center><br />
As you can imagine, cutting the material for over 600 pads resulted in a ridiculous amount of scraps and thread trash. Rather than throw all those bits away, I made dog beds out of larger pieces of donated materials that could not be used for the pads (knit, terry cloth) and had my daughters stuff the dog bed shells with the scraps we created. It was a great way to use what would have been headed to the trash bin, and it gave my girls a hands-on job in the process. I try to include them in as many ways as I can. I want them to grow up to have a heart for helping people. I want them to understand how blessed we are and how wonderful it is to bless others. In total, we stuffed 15 dog beds to donate. <br />
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<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizvN_IpjZj8zZAAn3UwnhNnH13iNopzAg_d6Yd4pGDvMI0Ee34tWSasZqZ_BvyW2C3WUY8r_xzL_wjUANgSDuDDf6v6plmP3sFCO-KD9kX2GigtNWv0sr1HiZRyq1eyECZKbbiQORDWy9B/s1600/IMG_2713.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizvN_IpjZj8zZAAn3UwnhNnH13iNopzAg_d6Yd4pGDvMI0Ee34tWSasZqZ_BvyW2C3WUY8r_xzL_wjUANgSDuDDf6v6plmP3sFCO-KD9kX2GigtNWv0sr1HiZRyq1eyECZKbbiQORDWy9B/s320/IMG_2713.JPG" /></a></center><br />
<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnnaDWNwwWjP1RHmFe7wY9xKWzgnMeTc6iC9ETu2fjHULgi9dzrlXPs6Uz0AYb4_cOuKOZp3wVyuYNdxfCXwwv1lJyUPsfvmbdds8mWD0yob0yyemBBIBY0ifPVrlVJfKJQ3_X1weXv-6t/s1600/IMG_1150.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnnaDWNwwWjP1RHmFe7wY9xKWzgnMeTc6iC9ETu2fjHULgi9dzrlXPs6Uz0AYb4_cOuKOZp3wVyuYNdxfCXwwv1lJyUPsfvmbdds8mWD0yob0yyemBBIBY0ifPVrlVJfKJQ3_X1weXv-6t/s320/IMG_1150.JPG" /></a></center><br />
I also had the girls help with other tasks, like folding the pads to stuff the kits!<br />
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<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaVd4cVLqqYTamjKtyxZRqN3ODwk5XrT7D2C5QUX1ULi4uSuyl5RiTwv-rzOH8HvbqKzEcgjN6GbDOPnEvAKy72yfLqo0I_NgtR_jq4Gcb6pxCYPxRXZ1VtNzS70ft1JH5zYLFzFUw_LbL/s1600/IMG_3057.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaVd4cVLqqYTamjKtyxZRqN3ODwk5XrT7D2C5QUX1ULi4uSuyl5RiTwv-rzOH8HvbqKzEcgjN6GbDOPnEvAKy72yfLqo0I_NgtR_jq4Gcb6pxCYPxRXZ1VtNzS70ft1JH5zYLFzFUw_LbL/s320/IMG_3057.JPG" /></a></center><br />
At some point over these past months, I reached out to my friends on Instagram and Facebook, asking for donations of women's cotton underwear and travel sized soaps. The response was overwhelming! We couldn't even get into my craft room for a while there because of all the packages and donations. Thankfully, my mom bailed me out and offered to let us use the closet beneath her staircase to store all the Kenya Pad Initiative related materials. After taking it over to her house, we worked together to organize and count so we could keep track of what we had, as well as what we needed. <br />
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<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw68nbwOfqtZFLtr2fBW3wYmExtlQ1ySlOk3xsz0m9r1666Qpstd61ekJLbXTyJnkIqA_lDfv_4OtjqpBafctJPiAYXcVxLkLE9Tanqa_MPVXJrx5dJn3uzeuNRP_wuabVZVFuqPRmV_ku/s1600/IMG_1224.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw68nbwOfqtZFLtr2fBW3wYmExtlQ1ySlOk3xsz0m9r1666Qpstd61ekJLbXTyJnkIqA_lDfv_4OtjqpBafctJPiAYXcVxLkLE9Tanqa_MPVXJrx5dJn3uzeuNRP_wuabVZVFuqPRmV_ku/s320/IMG_1224.JPG" /></a></center><br />
<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ0gmTgnuQuMci-uLsCzkLzBX8uAYn0oXLCEcqoL19z9_JEAJywRoWl3U94dkHzC_brhM3vIg1TiABAXqiT4iho8yr2minTXJzRIWNQJcA9tZwlZ6EAJw0nNAfle8CHvaKlwzmBxRQIQNv/s1600/IMG_2368.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ0gmTgnuQuMci-uLsCzkLzBX8uAYn0oXLCEcqoL19z9_JEAJywRoWl3U94dkHzC_brhM3vIg1TiABAXqiT4iho8yr2minTXJzRIWNQJcA9tZwlZ6EAJw0nNAfle8CHvaKlwzmBxRQIQNv/s320/IMG_2368.JPG" /></a></center><br />
Just this last week, I loaded my car down with all the things she was storing and took them up to CrossRoads Nazarene Church where a group of women and young ladies from the youth group helped us get the pad kits together. Each kit includes three pairs of underwear, three pads, and one travel size soap, all held together in a muslin drawstring bag. The bags are all labeled with the size underwear and packed away, ready for us to take on our trip next week. <br />
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<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8wAajhUzOSLOXx9xFOErLYehyrJNu3RXh1pBoxA367ZrGNz2MTkcmPgZFdH4wrMT6G1BBIDY6jaThH5Edz5x4pmwsO4dxO-iR8sTV1HHOoZ7Af_30umg166WC4aqy3uv2t9-udeCfQ36b/s1600/IMG_3058.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8wAajhUzOSLOXx9xFOErLYehyrJNu3RXh1pBoxA367ZrGNz2MTkcmPgZFdH4wrMT6G1BBIDY6jaThH5Edz5x4pmwsO4dxO-iR8sTV1HHOoZ7Af_30umg166WC4aqy3uv2t9-udeCfQ36b/s320/IMG_3058.JPG" /></a><br />
Packing pad kits in my craft room. I don't have the pictures of the volunteer group helping stuff the other kits yet. </center><br />
Meanwhile, I have been preparing myself for the trip. I had all my shots and immunizations. I applied for my eVisa, which is a thing now if you plan to travel to Nairobi, and was approved. I went to Passport Health. I have attended meetings and talked with many people who have travelled to or lived in the region we will be visiting. I helped pick out crafts to bring to the children. I bought a floppy hat to keep the sun off my face. <br />
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And I bought bug repellent. <br />
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Lots of bug repellent. <br />
<br />
With DEET.<br />
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I think I am just about ready to go. I have a small backpack that will carry all my necessities for the trip. While in Nairobi, I can wear jeans, but in Lodwar, I have to wear a floor length skirt and shirt that covers my shoulders. I have my unscented shampoo and conditioner and soap and I have duct tape to fix any holes in mosquito nets. I still have to wash my clothes in the special mosquito repelling soap, but I have my converse packed! Apparently there are very large, sharp thorns in Lodwar that will puncture the soles of shoes. I'm wearing my converse because they have the hardest soles of the shoes I have. Maybe if I ever go back to Kenya I'll invest in a pair of hiking shoes! I'm trying to pack as lightly as possible so we can save the weight for more water filters or medical supplies. I AM bringing my Kindle though. 36 hours in a plane (one direction) is a long time. I'm hoping to get in some reading! <br />
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<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghD4Is8yAuAbPfTLf_-LBiiuBUEdnaGsT5uKUfTKWTUKRnFkLpFGnfUvNOz_9u-mlRyz5loRauevLdBl54MOx2VYw-em9haJFBzeYFhb97TzZm76eYw9xFrndSzK55R9fZkz7veUYsT-0L/s1600/IMG_2791.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghD4Is8yAuAbPfTLf_-LBiiuBUEdnaGsT5uKUfTKWTUKRnFkLpFGnfUvNOz_9u-mlRyz5loRauevLdBl54MOx2VYw-em9haJFBzeYFhb97TzZm76eYw9xFrndSzK55R9fZkz7veUYsT-0L/s320/IMG_2791.JPG" /></a><br />
Fueled by coffee. </center><br />
To fund the trip, I did two things: I wrote a letter to friends and family asking for donations and I opened a business. I am so grateful to everyone who donated! At this point, I have $50 MORE than what the trip costs. This is before I put in the money I have raised from my editing contracts and my new business, which is awesome, because now that money I've raised can go toward the trips of the other people on the team! If I had any doubt that God wanted me to go on this trip, those doubts were silenced when God provided everything I needed! I have a fully funded trip. I have all 200 kits. My husband was able to take the time off work to stay home with the girls. I am healthy and strong! God is good!<br />
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<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi2HvYHOkpC7zIN2SG3zdku6Js3uS23dhDHQkGp8RiVgYwMGmkonUFSUWSZKljdDQR2AoaBRIVJOcRbJITIm4dcYettCrA6WF2ohjw_w1n8-dFELIkVeOfDBrqHV_iX3SygpMrs1zoweK5/s1600/IMG_2835.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi2HvYHOkpC7zIN2SG3zdku6Js3uS23dhDHQkGp8RiVgYwMGmkonUFSUWSZKljdDQR2AoaBRIVJOcRbJITIm4dcYettCrA6WF2ohjw_w1n8-dFELIkVeOfDBrqHV_iX3SygpMrs1zoweK5/s320/IMG_2835.JPG" /></a></center><br />
The business I started is called Lily and Maze and you can find it on <a href="http://lilyandmaze.com">Etsy</a> or at <a href="http://lilyandmaze.com">lilyandmaze.com</a>. This all started because of Kenya:<br />
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<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT2uhUSiOr89agoowJFnh27htqJftl7oMF2-RBI_k9AiCHQV1ce91Yp6hXvN3Ru2LyjaA0f9LseV2mK5IoQJw7psrUPwUNZwdo0drl5nh4galkqm7sn-BQo0ch950mxFB1r3OYv2SyZpiy/s1600/IMG_1170.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT2uhUSiOr89agoowJFnh27htqJftl7oMF2-RBI_k9AiCHQV1ce91Yp6hXvN3Ru2LyjaA0f9LseV2mK5IoQJw7psrUPwUNZwdo0drl5nh4galkqm7sn-BQo0ch950mxFB1r3OYv2SyZpiy/s320/IMG_1170.JPG" /></a><br />
My booth at the Bloom Boutique. I also made that quilt on the wall to be raffled off to raise money for the youth group! </center><br />
I began making these bangle bracelets for friends. I never intended to create a business out of it. But one day, my friend Stacey asked me to sign-up for a booth at the Bloom Boutique in Chandler, AZ. At first I told her "no", knowing I had my hands full prepping all the pads for the Kenya Pad Initiative. Then, a few days later, I found out I was actually GOING to Kenya, something I didn't think was possible. I called her back and accepted her offer to sell at the boutique and I made my bangles. I didn't sell extremely well at the boutique, but I had so much fun doing it, I decided to keep making and selling them, putting the profits away to pay for my Kenya trip. Then I had more people start asking me about my bangles and wanting to know when I was going to open shop on Etsy. So, after discussing with my husband at length, I decided to do it. I applied for a business license, got an EIN, and opened an Etsy. It has been so fun owning a business. I love making these bangles and necklaces for people, and I get to make ones I like: nerdy, crafty, book geek and Disney inspired! Right now, all proceeds are going to the Kenya Project, and after this trip, I am going to continue giving a portion of the profits to the Kenya Project. It's the only reason I started the business. It only seems right. You can see my shop story <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/LilyandMaze/about?ref=shopinfo_about_leftnav">here</a>. This link has lots more information regarding the creation and running of my business. I will be closing my shop in a few days as I prepare for my trip and will remain closed until I get home.<br />
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We will be flying to Washington, D.C. > Brussels, Belgium > Nairobi, Kenya. Lodwar is another plane ride from Nairobi, but it is a small plane with weight restrictions. We will have a stopover in another town to refuel before we can make it to Lodwar. We will be going from Lodwar to Kakuma Refugee Camp. This leg of the trip will be made in a vehicle over rough terrain and will take us about 3-4 hours to reach Kakuma. Going to Kakuma was not originally on our itinerary, but we know they have needs we might be able to help with, so we are going. I hear the movie "The Good Lie" is about Kakuma. It stars Reese Witherspoon, although I haven't had the time to rent and watch it yet. I'd like to when I get back. Kakuma is home to many Sudanese refugees, about 186,000 people. 18,000 of those people are orphaned children, sent on the 100 mile trip across the border into Kenya by their parents who felt their chances of life were better than if they were to stay in Sudan. From Kakuma, we will return to Lodwar, the stopover, then Nairobi. Then we will fly from Nairobi, Kenya > Brussels, Belgium > Chicago, IL > HOME! We leave early on September 21st and return home October 1st. We will be leaving Nairobi the evening of September 30th. I give you all this information in hopes you will pray for us, for safe flights and emotional strength. <br />
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I think that is what I am most concerned about: emotional strength. Before I had kids, I never cried about anything. My grandma, my favorite person in the whole wide world, died, and I didn't shed a tear. Now I cry at car commercials and radio announcements and my daughter's picture books! I like to be compassionate, and I want the people we are visiting to know I care about their circumstances and their lives, but I don't want to cry all the time. I've already teared up a few times writing this! I'm emotionally attached to these people I've never met, but I don't want them to think I pity them. I don't want them to think there is something wrong with them. So one of my biggest prayer requests is that God would give me peace and strength throughout the day and allow me to deal with my emotions back at the sleeping quarters or in our personal debrief. <br />
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So that's it. My very informative but slightly ineloquent blog post. I'm hoping to write more when I return (I won't have internet while I'm there) and, as always, follow me on Instagram at @dheyen or on Facebook with the user name Danny Hambrick Heyen. You can follow my shop at @lilyandmaze on Instagram as well. I post a lot of different pictures there regarding the Kenya Pad Initiative since it is such a central part of my business. You can also check out any of the following hashtags: #lilyandmaze #kenyapadinitiave #lodwarlove #crnazpads #crnaz <br />
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Please pray for us, the entire team: Heidi (our leader), Lorenze (our videographer), Dr. Andy, Molly, and me. <br />
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I appreciate you all so much. Thank you for the kind thoughts, positivity, encouragement, donations, and friendship throughout this whole process. I love you all!<br />
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<img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7028/6484306765_b516c5f02c_m.jpg" width="150" height="80" alt="Danny">Danny Heyenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524510316569641921noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-984095955429082272.post-73936303422279167202015-03-01T20:33:00.000-07:002015-03-01T20:33:41.483-07:00Kenya Pad Initiative - The StoryIf you are looking for the menstrual pad tutorial, <a href="http://mommyforreals.blogspot.com/2015/03/kenya-pad-initiative-menstrual-pad.html">click here</a>.<br />
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For those of you who do not already know, here is the story of how I got involved in making washable, reusable pads for the women and girls in Lodwar, Kenya.<br />
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A few years ago, my church, <a href="http://www.crossroadsnazarene.org">Crossroads Nazarene</a> in Chandler, AZ, began a new partnership with Lodwar, Turkana County, Kenya. Together with a few other groups, including UNICEF, our goal is to help eradicate Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in this patriarchal society. <br />
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I have always been mission-minded. <br />
I'm a helper. <br />
One of my top love languages is Acts of Service. I show love by doing things for people. By being there. By being present. Available in times of need.<br />
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I wanted to get involved with the mission, but being a new mom, GOING to Kenya was out of the question. I couldn't BE there. I couldn't help in the traditional ways I always envisioned for myself. I began to pray and ask God how I could get involved, knowing that I was more-or-less stuck state-side. I have few tangible skills and I didn't really see how quilting was going to specifically help this group of women.<br />
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Then, about a year, year-and-a-half ago, Heidi (one of the leaders at our church who works with our Mercy department {outreach}) began asking for disposable pads to take to the women and girls on their upcoming trip to Lodwar. I thought, "Hey! I can do that!" and bought up some bags of pads as my budget allowed, but it got me thinking: how are the disposable pads going to help in the long-run? Once they're used, they will be burned and the women and girls will be right back where they started. Why don't we MAKE some that can be washed and reused? <br />
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I approached our Mercy team with the idea and they loved it! After discussing with the leadership planted in Kenya, we got the approval to move forward with the project. For the past year or so, I have been researching, interviewing, YouTubing, and testing different products and designs to find which would be the best for the women in Lodwar. We settled on the design we're using and now, we are trying to get the pad kits together before the next trip in May. Our plan is to give kits to 200 women, each kit consisting of three pair of underwear, three washable, reusable pads, and one bar of soap. The women and girls who receive a kit will have to go to the Wings of Hope counseling center, which is connected to the hospital there in Lodwar, to learn about how to care for their pads and how to use them. This means we need 600 pads made, 600 pairs of underwear donated, and 200 bars of soap donated. <br />
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We have two goals with this project:<br />
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1. To keep the young girls in school. The week of their period is considered their "week of shame", and without the proper protection, they are forced to stay home from school, and after a few months, they struggle to catch up and many end up dropping out. (More on that in Heidi's letter below.)<br />
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2. To build up educated, confident women who will open a small business making these pads in their own region, creating jobs and opportunity in an area where women are not often afforded those possibilities. Heidi told me about this clay working company there in Kenya: A few women came together to open a small business making clay beaded jewelry to sell. They now sell mugs along with their jewelry and employ 200 women, who have their jobs for life. I'd love to see something like that come of this project.<br />
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This is not toxic charity. We are not throwing money at a problem, but actively trying to help the women and girls succeed in school so that one day they can contribute to their society. <br />
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There are countless stories of what's going on there, but here is an email Heidi wrote to our group of volunteers as we were beginning this handmade journey:<br />
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<center>-------------------------</center><br />
There is some discussion going on about the possibility of making reusable/washable menstrual pads for the women & girls of Lodwar, Kenya. Many of the girls there do not finish school, and their menstrual cycle is one of the main reasons. The region is a very poor one, so many (I would venture to say MOST) girls do not have the resources to procure feminine hygiene products. I want to share with you the context behind the discussion.<br />
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One of the meetings we sat in on my first visit there (Sept ’13), the teachers and school headmasters shared that once a girl started her cycle she would begin to miss one week of school a month. Month after month the amount she misses compounds until she is far behind, has missed foundational concepts and can no longer keep up with the class. And so she drops out of school.<br />
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For those who stay in school, many are using pieces of their mattresses for absorbency. The mattresses used there are more like a tempurpedic type of mattress, made with a foamy or spongey material. They are usually 2-4" thick (depending on the quality/ how much is paid) and the width of a twin mattress here. Girls will tear off pieces of their mattresses to use as feminine hygiene products, while their mattress shrinks in size each month, until there is no mattress. And then she finds herself in the same position as the first girl.<br />
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This last trip (March ’14) we took over a bunch of disposable pads (collected whatever people were willing to give), and I purchased a few reusable/washable types to take over as kits. We gave them to the Field Coordinator and the Public Health Rep there and asked them to get back with us on whether they thought the washable ones were something they could use, that would be helpful in that region. Lodwar is located on top of two large aquifers, so water is available. Though most cannot afford to have it piped to their homes, a pump or well or river is within walking distance. (Their walking distance is a lot farther than ours. They walk everywhere. We walk to the parking lot.) So the reusable/washable pads are usable there. Both Sam and Whitney {Danny note: Sam and Whitney are our liaisons to the area and part of that leadership I talked about earlier. Sam is a local pastor.} agreed that they would like to do kind of a pilot program, train how to use them, distribute some, and then evaluate before moving forward. This is where you come in. :0)<br />
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<center>-------------------------</center><br />
Another story Heidi shared with me really hurt my heart: The government in Kenya, at one point, gave school-aged girls each a pair of underwear and a few disposable pads to help keep them in school. The men and boys were so outraged the girls were given preferential treatment that they retaliated. The government then gave the men and boys bags with seven pairs of underwear and pants and other things just to make them happy, and no more packages went to those girls who NEED the feminine hygiene products. Women are treated as second-class citizens, if not property. They are often raped (and when asked about it during the very first trip, the women didn't even consider rape as something they feared, just as a part of life). The mothers try to mutate their daughter's bodies to make them less desirable. It's a terrible world they live in, one we are trying to make better with this small project.<br />
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As the letter said, this is a pilot program. We want to roll out these kits to 200 women then evaluate how they help. Whitney may come back and tell us the pads aren't helping. She may come back and say they are wonderful and to send more. We may need to make them longer or shorter or more absorbent, but for now, we are sending these in hopes they will make a radical change in the lives of these women.<br />
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And, who knows? Maybe it will be great and we can expand to help women in regions other than Lodwar. Maybe we can help women in other countries. I'm not sure where we will end up, but I'm confident we are beginning on the right foot.<br />
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There are lots of other organizations out there doing the same thing but we wanted to help the community we're working in, so we chose to do our own grassroots program. If you have any questions about what we are doing or how to get involved, please do not hesitate to contact me. If you are a no-reply blogger, please leave your email address in the comments if you want me to get back to you.<br />
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I am looking for help in making these pads. I am also looking for donations of flannel, fleece, PUL (waterproofing layer found in the cloth diapering section of craft stores), snaps (size 16), and thread (cotton or polyester). If you are interested in donating in any way, please contact me so I can get you the information you need. <br />
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danny{dot}heyen{at}gmail<br />
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And if you don't have donations and you can't make the pads, I would love your prayers, good thoughts, and positive vibes. We are changing lives with this little project and I am so grateful for your support!<br />
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<a href="http://mommyforreals.blogspot.com/2015/03/kenya-pad-initiative-menstrual-pad.html">Menstrual Pad Tutorial Here</a><br />
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<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSqiHsHziHTnyvtUrvjKdaQXo6vJKgJzy8AsEseyVH1IO0-PFhsJ5hcjNb-i1h7Jj2sUEiUp9OxUzgmMBMx-L0k79dKpl2guA82z_Sw_-jFw791jYGUYIEgxPXMsAWbFumzUfgbzUh02o0/s1600/IMG_5098.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSqiHsHziHTnyvtUrvjKdaQXo6vJKgJzy8AsEseyVH1IO0-PFhsJ5hcjNb-i1h7Jj2sUEiUp9OxUzgmMBMx-L0k79dKpl2guA82z_Sw_-jFw791jYGUYIEgxPXMsAWbFumzUfgbzUh02o0/s540/IMG_5098.JPG" /></a></center><br />
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<img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7028/6484306765_b516c5f02c_m.jpg" width="150" height="80" alt="Danny">Danny Heyenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524510316569641921noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-984095955429082272.post-85038466600928715882015-03-01T18:53:00.001-07:002015-03-03T21:07:17.515-07:00Kenya Pad Initiative - Menstrual Pad TutorialIf you are looking for the story of how I got involved, <a href="http://mommyforreals.blogspot.com/2015/03/kenya-pad-initiative-story.html">click here</a>.<br />
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The Kenya Pad Initiative has begun and I couldn't be more excited. This weekend I had a group of people come together at Crossroads Nazarene Church in Chandler, AZ to help make menstrual pads for the women in Lodwar, Kenya. I wanted to wait to post this tutorial until I had a chance to have people test it. Changes have been made and now I think it is ready for all of you to see!<br />
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We need 600 menstrual pads for our first distribution to the Lodwar women. We are hoping to have three washable, reusable pads, three pair of underwear, and a bar of soap in each kit to give out to 200 women. They will be required to get their kits from the local counseling center (Wings of Hope) where they will learn to take care of their pad kits, how to use them and how to clean them. Our hope is to equip 200 women, including school-aged girls, with these kits and get their feedback for how we can adapt the pattern to better suit their needs. Once we have feedback from these women, we will be making many more to hopefully reach all the girls and women in need in this area of the world. <br />
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If you are interested in making pads for this cause, please contact me to let me! I can let you know where to send them when you are finished. If you can't make pads but have some extra flannel or fleece or thread lying around that you would like to donate, please let me know! We are taking donations! If you don't want to make these for others, but want to make them for yourself, feel free to use this pattern.<br />
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<b>DOWNLOADS ON MY <a href="https://ac8a26c3df8b189d546114310f836e69d51e408f.googledrive.com/host/0B9SVqcSx_jwFaWpVSk9mMjJyZmc/" target="_blank">GOOGLE DRIVE</a>:</b><br />
<li><a href="https://ac8a26c3df8b189d546114310f836e69d51e408f.googledrive.com/host/0B9SVqcSx_jwFaWpVSk9mMjJyZmc/Menstrual%20Pad%20Tutorial.docx" target="_blank">Menstrual Pad Tutorial [this blog post in Word .DOCX file format]</a></li><br />
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<li><a href="https://ac8a26c3df8b189d546114310f836e69d51e408f.googledrive.com/host/0B9SVqcSx_jwFaWpVSk9mMjJyZmc/inside-pad-template.pdf" target="_blank">Inside Pad Template [pdf]</a></li><br />
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<li><a href="https://ac8a26c3df8b189d546114310f836e69d51e408f.googledrive.com/host/0B9SVqcSx_jwFaWpVSk9mMjJyZmc/outside-pad-template.pdf" target="_blank">Outside Pad Template [pdf]</a></li><br />
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<center><b>Menstrual Pad Tutorial</b></center><br />
<b>Materials</b>:<br />
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(1) Fleece outer piece for the bottom<br />
(1) Flannel outer piece for the top<br />
(1) PUL liner<br />
(2) Flannel liners<br />
Thread<br />
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<b>Tools</b>:<br />
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Sewing machine<br />
Pins<br />
Marking pen<br />
Scissors<br />
Rotary cutter/Cutting mat (optional)<br />
Chopstick<br />
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<b>1. Prepare your templates</b><br />
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<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgtZyv61nPuvFqFlizmVNNWnbhZY2KcMgwOylApNplQ4rmJQoSvA_0P2Q2ZJh_bwVIyZ3j625T_sjbtnd5r6w8MtZ6-BhcibkHT9nmKxuRB2-7gzluqAhfkU65icYVgYSstCSDxo3tVhI2/s1600/IMG_5064.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgtZyv61nPuvFqFlizmVNNWnbhZY2KcMgwOylApNplQ4rmJQoSvA_0P2Q2ZJh_bwVIyZ3j625T_sjbtnd5r6w8MtZ6-BhcibkHT9nmKxuRB2-7gzluqAhfkU65icYVgYSstCSDxo3tVhI2/s540/IMG_5064.JPG" /></a></center><br />
Print and assemble your templates. The outer pad template spans four printed pages. Cut out each piece and tape them together to create one outer pad template. Cut out your templates and trace onto cardboard, then cut out the cardboard templates. This is especially helpful if you will be using the rotary cutter to cut the fabrics.<br />
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<b>2. Cut the fabric</b><br />
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<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6TwgO5ZiCaFV_h0aVzRMNPrXdiFqAQ-Mq3BHtj_J5TXo2ZKaHiU0oOY3ohwoplsOe7M1lZZzLZqn_dvjYLz9HY6LtBKo_ib6AjH3YdziWpQDhRTnEJlUJX1EyfbjLRLRI6KBTQA85HXL2/s1600/IMG_5067.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6TwgO5ZiCaFV_h0aVzRMNPrXdiFqAQ-Mq3BHtj_J5TXo2ZKaHiU0oOY3ohwoplsOe7M1lZZzLZqn_dvjYLz9HY6LtBKo_ib6AjH3YdziWpQDhRTnEJlUJX1EyfbjLRLRI6KBTQA85HXL2/s540/IMG_5067.JPG" /></a></center><br />
MAKE SURE YOU PREWASH ALL FABRICS BEING USED FOR THIS PROJECT.<br />
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Using your cardboard template, trace the pad shape onto the appropriate fabric and cut it out using scissors. <br />
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<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhITBUjWms9RNAhvZOVZqbgAZSXkV3nmIHNhGKyEvzuQ_wu_ttPPuYddO3rLwTl0c_KHYJgKKsXbilk0ROMQxqhEh0T6WuZrGtbTqYyC7WXw4O8InrMTsmeKrH71gwPvZDJXpEoVXqbCrK/s1600/IMG_5068.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhITBUjWms9RNAhvZOVZqbgAZSXkV3nmIHNhGKyEvzuQ_wu_ttPPuYddO3rLwTl0c_KHYJgKKsXbilk0ROMQxqhEh0T6WuZrGtbTqYyC7WXw4O8InrMTsmeKrH71gwPvZDJXpEoVXqbCrK/s540/IMG_5068.JPG" /></a></center><br />
If you own a rotary cutter and cutting mat, you can rotary cut through multiple layers of fabric at a time, using the cardboard cutout as your straight edge. Be sure to use a sharp rotary blade so you can cleanly cut through the multiple layers. <br />
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<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCRGvqnnFk42gjLqCUlPEoNcG-7lNj-Og2iBwjXbgugjp-orauHr0-uHOED_7nw7IqAB0K4RhUAItB9PadEOnN-SU78o2wGRcwMDOg0NpUlqprVl8l5aUrWvGJqo9uActIircOThkQmdmn/s1600/IMG_5069.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCRGvqnnFk42gjLqCUlPEoNcG-7lNj-Og2iBwjXbgugjp-orauHr0-uHOED_7nw7IqAB0K4RhUAItB9PadEOnN-SU78o2wGRcwMDOg0NpUlqprVl8l5aUrWvGJqo9uActIircOThkQmdmn/s540/IMG_5069.JPG" /></a></center><br />
<b>3. Assemble the liner</b><br />
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<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRT4bidKWbwMx2cylEp6mTTIG044e-m4BhBrSlhYQFi5r_ayUusfTflROfdthotxHAEwolsGqUTu6Ts-FxvmfBrp9UvcSxylUEMocqViJMp7cXOCvzJ80_mV308pbPmDIRuXP3otPf0HkA/s1600/IMG_5070.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRT4bidKWbwMx2cylEp6mTTIG044e-m4BhBrSlhYQFi5r_ayUusfTflROfdthotxHAEwolsGqUTu6Ts-FxvmfBrp9UvcSxylUEMocqViJMp7cXOCvzJ80_mV308pbPmDIRuXP3otPf0HkA/s540/IMG_5070.JPG" /></a></center><br />
The liner of the basic menstrual pad is made with two (2) flannel liner pieces and one (1) PUL liner piece. You will need to lay the PUL on top of the two flannel pieces, waterproofing side down toward the flannel. (The waterproofing side is the shiny, smooth side.)<br />
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<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHaNDceVEwB89DDL-FC9tz6aVgJqUpdRlPAX8QM9KTL5jkXz8TyGpgWRqhKQs2ZM1OLDCxoccme0r6Q2NBJoyjKRFZvZ05XIO72NM7LekKsWZ54CeVo5TGkGjDVwndYf7Gdg0dl7yi0v8n/s1600/IMG_5072.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHaNDceVEwB89DDL-FC9tz6aVgJqUpdRlPAX8QM9KTL5jkXz8TyGpgWRqhKQs2ZM1OLDCxoccme0r6Q2NBJoyjKRFZvZ05XIO72NM7LekKsWZ54CeVo5TGkGjDVwndYf7Gdg0dl7yi0v8n/s540/IMG_5072.JPG" /></a></center><br />
Pin the stacked liners to the wrong side of the flannel or quilting cotton outer piece. To reiterate, place the outer flannel pieces right side down, place the two flannel liners on top (right side or wrong side is fine), and place the PUL liner piece with the smooth, shiny, waterproofing side down. I like to use four pins to hold my layers in place. The PUL is super slippery and will move around if you don’t secure it in some way.<br />
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<b>4. Stitch the liner to the outer piece</b><br />
<br />
<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDAJtiMyNc1ucD_qtkhlQLGQNkF931-rGJ_2rxS3jTkTv7eXluD_pl4We9ecyaHZII-Xfm2hPYhbfu6EnhAkA38Gb5UcPTnr8jd_q0idmPEk1MgH96C1daMoJ9KOX294yc7rE8XN2NZ2e1/s1600/IMG_5076.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDAJtiMyNc1ucD_qtkhlQLGQNkF931-rGJ_2rxS3jTkTv7eXluD_pl4We9ecyaHZII-Xfm2hPYhbfu6EnhAkA38Gb5UcPTnr8jd_q0idmPEk1MgH96C1daMoJ9KOX294yc7rE8XN2NZ2e1/s540/IMG_5076.JPG" /></a></center><br />
Using about a 2.5 stitch length, topstitch around the liner (about 1/8” from the edge). Backstitch at the beginning and end of your stitch path. <br />
<br />
<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIC81c33jPWudLv9j4NCg41k7wN6URpx59QgrOad_FVlhBiKhIcc33AWTvUV2UCL74lcI6DonrtFWvE4bOEDdKeb_4szrC-fx20Iizx1CaZJUBT9DC3RqtBBjBTrBHngJfVZpGt5vkoKaB/s1600/IMG_5077.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIC81c33jPWudLv9j4NCg41k7wN6URpx59QgrOad_FVlhBiKhIcc33AWTvUV2UCL74lcI6DonrtFWvE4bOEDdKeb_4szrC-fx20Iizx1CaZJUBT9DC3RqtBBjBTrBHngJfVZpGt5vkoKaB/s540/IMG_5077.JPG" /></a></center><br />
Clip the thread tails.<br />
<br />
<b>5. Assemble the menstrual pad</b><br />
<br />
<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUHuN5rPlpWxGmj2f6ziV0ZEEvD0QVrm78cb8yV7vr5a_T36CPOSPF2vxKJB7bKwcSuka00rzQXLrMiIJUPnnU1bCxDAPjHlQN9b9YFFtx0OJ3k3BQrUKX2rPyATvANEqi4SqgGR1R_BJX/s1600/IMG_5079.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUHuN5rPlpWxGmj2f6ziV0ZEEvD0QVrm78cb8yV7vr5a_T36CPOSPF2vxKJB7bKwcSuka00rzQXLrMiIJUPnnU1bCxDAPjHlQN9b9YFFtx0OJ3k3BQrUKX2rPyATvANEqi4SqgGR1R_BJX/s540/IMG_5079.JPG" /></a></center><br />
Place the fleece outer piece pilled (or rough) side up. If your fleece is anti-pill, you will not need to worry about the direction of the fabric. It may be nice to place the side with the clearer image (right side) up so the design will show on the final product. Place the quilted, top outer piece on top of the fleece bottom outer piece, right sides together.<br />
<br />
<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7knQIhjFB4Jnz5Au2Tq-gD4t8zIKMJHaJdAlqNy5uGupysld6BdaT94xl4RU0KrR-_X-GoPiaD0hB701wG7uKCqohdbAAeiZ7oF7fdDQ3tm285A4NZzIOWwqrtHluRwsOovkIY_YmH1iV/s1600/IMG_5084.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7knQIhjFB4Jnz5Au2Tq-gD4t8zIKMJHaJdAlqNy5uGupysld6BdaT94xl4RU0KrR-_X-GoPiaD0hB701wG7uKCqohdbAAeiZ7oF7fdDQ3tm285A4NZzIOWwqrtHluRwsOovkIY_YmH1iV/s540/IMG_5084.JPG" /></a></center><br />
Pin around the edges of the pad. On one end (shown on the right side in the photograph above), place two pins about 3/4” from each of the corners. This will mark your starting point and ending point when stitching around the perimeter of the pad. Between the two pins will be left open (unsewn) so the pad can be turned right side out. It is important that you stitch around the corners here. It makes the opening easier to close after you have turned the pad right side out.<br />
<br />
<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpxwN7bGgiFEcUgDZAu-N__QK39Hzj3Nw1HmPJe8wqNqk3KGKOAJZ55qVbcSbdNGo3piZ-vyBGLmLabwhSr7uV6sG147WdkkkTSX34IUYun8hZqkqkqsj80QBcYqj5SJCo6yf57uBT7Drn/s1600/IMG_5082.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpxwN7bGgiFEcUgDZAu-N__QK39Hzj3Nw1HmPJe8wqNqk3KGKOAJZ55qVbcSbdNGo3piZ-vyBGLmLabwhSr7uV6sG147WdkkkTSX34IUYun8hZqkqkqsj80QBcYqj5SJCo6yf57uBT7Drn/s540/IMG_5082.JPG" /></a></center><br />
Remember to backstitch at the beginning and end of your stitch path to lock the threads in place. Stitch around the perimeter of the pad, turning at the corners. Use between ¼” and 5/8” seam allowance. <br />
<br />
<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5AVzXhkQSSx5eyLtRnjQ6NUt3vYTmfH_Mvyb225Z_0B0rH6CyoUHTfJBJNH4LS37LHd8TQbaNKue7j1jt93cy3B2S7lt6h_gTW3POBWYtqcFdnaYRDXaH_Mpe9agE8kPEwW6u6KDac94p/s1600/IMG_5083.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5AVzXhkQSSx5eyLtRnjQ6NUt3vYTmfH_Mvyb225Z_0B0rH6CyoUHTfJBJNH4LS37LHd8TQbaNKue7j1jt93cy3B2S7lt6h_gTW3POBWYtqcFdnaYRDXaH_Mpe9agE8kPEwW6u6KDac94p/s540/IMG_5083.JPG" /></a></center><br />
Clip the thread tails.<br />
<br />
<b>6. Turning the pad</b><br />
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<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7knQIhjFB4Jnz5Au2Tq-gD4t8zIKMJHaJdAlqNy5uGupysld6BdaT94xl4RU0KrR-_X-GoPiaD0hB701wG7uKCqohdbAAeiZ7oF7fdDQ3tm285A4NZzIOWwqrtHluRwsOovkIY_YmH1iV/s1600/IMG_5084.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7knQIhjFB4Jnz5Au2Tq-gD4t8zIKMJHaJdAlqNy5uGupysld6BdaT94xl4RU0KrR-_X-GoPiaD0hB701wG7uKCqohdbAAeiZ7oF7fdDQ3tm285A4NZzIOWwqrtHluRwsOovkIY_YmH1iV/s540/IMG_5084.JPG" /></a></center><br />
You will need to clip notches at the corners of the pad, both inward and outward. This will help give the pad crisp points when completed. In the photograph above, the lower portion of the pad has been clipped while the top portion has not. The top portion has been marked where notches should be cut. You will need to clip close to the stitches. Be careful not to clip through any stitches. <br />
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<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyDtgIkg08C5jtGe19J3b03SE3n8vUxRy96-nIF3VUMTe87YRkWiPtQifZTwC42aTPTEpnjfk49W6z0RHDsY_gMlBheoaRNoO7DexXx97BU9sD80y8kesFTdcaalsIDLnAErDeb9BYz6ti/s1600/IMG_5085.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyDtgIkg08C5jtGe19J3b03SE3n8vUxRy96-nIF3VUMTe87YRkWiPtQifZTwC42aTPTEpnjfk49W6z0RHDsY_gMlBheoaRNoO7DexXx97BU9sD80y8kesFTdcaalsIDLnAErDeb9BYz6ti/s540/IMG_5085.JPG" /></a></center><br />
<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNckwV4Nz9A-Ro0UP5WODUVd83Fp3NvAJSEnfdyFWn2fmAcusXAto388p9cGlkMi02F7Nf0lf-SjqA_EcfzppgWKr6dlhmeEns-g6phn8FWIZyRq1ookqws8e86xblv5z3UzMw9TxzVhnD/s1600/IMG_5086.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNckwV4Nz9A-Ro0UP5WODUVd83Fp3NvAJSEnfdyFWn2fmAcusXAto388p9cGlkMi02F7Nf0lf-SjqA_EcfzppgWKr6dlhmeEns-g6phn8FWIZyRq1ookqws8e86xblv5z3UzMw9TxzVhnD/s540/IMG_5086.JPG" /></a></center><br />
Turn the pad right side out through the opening you left on the end.<br />
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<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiul2kjaGv_Uxbv35jK1FFFaG7CIm-sNTY1FLSh25krs6IOHPMfmiQduOVn8ycEr5iJjKLFmiGXNo8rdNwANu_GaPaPKnQAjtAZ-yEJUV7ZrjJHqsF_4buwi1RxN6rMbgzZqqNJzXyprE7e/s1600/IMG_5087.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiul2kjaGv_Uxbv35jK1FFFaG7CIm-sNTY1FLSh25krs6IOHPMfmiQduOVn8ycEr5iJjKLFmiGXNo8rdNwANu_GaPaPKnQAjtAZ-yEJUV7ZrjJHqsF_4buwi1RxN6rMbgzZqqNJzXyprE7e/s540/IMG_5087.JPG" /></a></center><br />
Use a chopstick to press corners outward. Press carefully so you do no rip through the stitches in the corners. <br />
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<b>7. Closing holes: intentional and not</b><br />
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<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKP6BH6Ww44k54UYy_NLutdcZJCckN4peI2TrTmS-EKTIl5T1nDufgPp2yYahnPx4KPE4eSD6b4hPe7JR0Oa4k8zGX3nRRHF5dJCqzmEIoEE5mx7eEqYgT2tGGPeQEjhF-pZp1Yu1vbT_W/s1600/IMG_5088.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKP6BH6Ww44k54UYy_NLutdcZJCckN4peI2TrTmS-EKTIl5T1nDufgPp2yYahnPx4KPE4eSD6b4hPe7JR0Oa4k8zGX3nRRHF5dJCqzmEIoEE5mx7eEqYgT2tGGPeQEjhF-pZp1Yu1vbT_W/s540/IMG_5088.JPG" /></a></center><br />
To close the opening you used for turning, fold the seam allowance for each fabric into the hole and pin shut.<br />
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Sometimes you will end up with a hole in the seam after turning the pad right side out. To remedy this, fold the seam allowance for each fabric into the hole and pin shut.<br />
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<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-4amX_eJPkCTgtAhq3wYR0hjnNVPflx1lLw1hnQpPCN913kCKJGddvtKwsX6OjxRLADnYlsWh9NIvkNDIz4dTgpo9JSScgyx2hvEOyhcJ1S8ZCQvLDSZmeoXWqx9fsiPbmtbdz0GiIWNX/s1600/IMG_5089.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-4amX_eJPkCTgtAhq3wYR0hjnNVPflx1lLw1hnQpPCN913kCKJGddvtKwsX6OjxRLADnYlsWh9NIvkNDIz4dTgpo9JSScgyx2hvEOyhcJ1S8ZCQvLDSZmeoXWqx9fsiPbmtbdz0GiIWNX/s540/IMG_5089.JPG" /></a></center><br />
Once all the holes are pinned closed, topstitch around the edges of the pad, closing the holes and giving the pad shape. Remember to backstitch at the beginning and end of your stitch trail.<br />
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<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3LagHhTvAlLSrHDFbGZEbMrcjf7B4S3QnGj_91XpcjaB6KgnYFhw5JHwu1gy3gm5rT_UgWMHN1-C3NgImoyJXch1OxTiqEvMXYzuxo-g66o29VKyFjov_oeAxfiKvXzqS4tpbqm0ZJD5G/s1600/IMG_5093.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3LagHhTvAlLSrHDFbGZEbMrcjf7B4S3QnGj_91XpcjaB6KgnYFhw5JHwu1gy3gm5rT_UgWMHN1-C3NgImoyJXch1OxTiqEvMXYzuxo-g66o29VKyFjov_oeAxfiKvXzqS4tpbqm0ZJD5G/s540/IMG_5093.JPG" /></a></center><br />
<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWwRMfFAuVNXmjda7LkcqoBjkPA-Dp9NYfHcMUDVCLo1jyJiA9hDyGk_6dI_4ipP7jjhlRuSaBs5IcH1W3PYW8ONq8N6RgwYxbMFoF60m1Bd4qJwTkZtI-A3zL75pRtzXmYXYgKW3Zif43/s1600/IMG_5094.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWwRMfFAuVNXmjda7LkcqoBjkPA-Dp9NYfHcMUDVCLo1jyJiA9hDyGk_6dI_4ipP7jjhlRuSaBs5IcH1W3PYW8ONq8N6RgwYxbMFoF60m1Bd4qJwTkZtI-A3zL75pRtzXmYXYgKW3Zif43/s540/IMG_5094.JPG" /></a></center><br />
Clip the thread tails.<br />
<br />
<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGN6XLfekU8m5qTvUAIs4O5Gi21XjL5P4BSR89_jHpRVa_up5XhZFx-yzy0JmcfMQuv_zLBDMI1YmJOi4XVsGjOsTGE7D4B1fNW-E09YaFBvZjKLf1m-IjLIkG73Tm_ZDyQ4zGs5vK73kF/s1600/IMG_5095.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGN6XLfekU8m5qTvUAIs4O5Gi21XjL5P4BSR89_jHpRVa_up5XhZFx-yzy0JmcfMQuv_zLBDMI1YmJOi4XVsGjOsTGE7D4B1fNW-E09YaFBvZjKLf1m-IjLIkG73Tm_ZDyQ4zGs5vK73kF/s540/IMG_5095.JPG" /></a></center><br />
Here, you can see the hole from the aforementioned photograph is closed.<br />
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<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWIAQbOBu7DqpEe_zSYNyBRcGqrUIpGsSaIMgHTFPq0QrpGCHGBxxsCxMJmRmMn7i4agKW83QDpm6AbVZ9INP_n13MeJHAeXpIInhHAZCgxMBMsvBPkZSjSW3uWwng4ymfqw9Yv9csj92P/s1600/IMG_5096.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWIAQbOBu7DqpEe_zSYNyBRcGqrUIpGsSaIMgHTFPq0QrpGCHGBxxsCxMJmRmMn7i4agKW83QDpm6AbVZ9INP_n13MeJHAeXpIInhHAZCgxMBMsvBPkZSjSW3uWwng4ymfqw9Yv9csj92P/s540/IMG_5096.JPG" /></a></center><br />
A note about accuracy: You do not have to worry about unstitching if you overstitch your mark. Due to the nature of these menstrual pads, there will be slight discrepancies in the construction and that is okay. They are utilitarian and will not be rendered unusable by slight variations in stitching. <br />
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<b>Completed product:</b><br />
<br />
<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2fYD0F4K4hvgSCGLT-gP8NoqwtVPP668udwVMixOJkAdiXIg_0o7NF7lD-PwPcNLnxqrcgROQl-sx-QMP9pbnJ9vI5_E2iqxSx0hsL24fOT0LO9jgzum-uHVHTtKOkh2xnKkA77IPt2dc/s1600/IMG_5098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2fYD0F4K4hvgSCGLT-gP8NoqwtVPP668udwVMixOJkAdiXIg_0o7NF7lD-PwPcNLnxqrcgROQl-sx-QMP9pbnJ9vI5_E2iqxSx0hsL24fOT0LO9jgzum-uHVHTtKOkh2xnKkA77IPt2dc/s540/IMG_5098.JPG" /></a></center><br />
The above picture shows the completed sewing project. If you would like to stop here, please feel free to do so. The last step is applying a snap closure to the wings, which can be completed by people who already own the tools and supplies at the collection site.<br />
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If you would like to add snaps, here are some images to show how to install. Directions for installing snaps can be found on the package for snap installation pliers. We are using size16 (11 mm/.43 inch) snaps. These can be found in the cloth diapering section of Jo-Ann.<br />
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<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWgGApcZEocH1t9HCLGLDzjT3vvU46LGYTKJsJcNF8kA8TkSb4ZqccUd5-SdgRq2dho7CJ_1Be_mdVawV_I1xD-qMyFKZ8oWJWtUVrjScRbezzwiicVEf4rwXNkF3ZLR0TrOYbCW8ZgyND/s1600/IMG_5099.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWgGApcZEocH1t9HCLGLDzjT3vvU46LGYTKJsJcNF8kA8TkSb4ZqccUd5-SdgRq2dho7CJ_1Be_mdVawV_I1xD-qMyFKZ8oWJWtUVrjScRbezzwiicVEf4rwXNkF3ZLR0TrOYbCW8ZgyND/s540/IMG_5099.JPG" /></a></center><br />
<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7fOEJ1WEa_6IxzgtMg1Eb4SmSIAW4lhH3iHxeV_lo9N162dFKNF9zPlx5YQuSIOUSX8TdR1PJdnoB72IM7QkA5l7rcR1YzA-opTL47OG-cYbHJkChKWK9Il-X6vG5lsvXlQk9mXuPn_g3/s1600/IMG_5101.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7fOEJ1WEa_6IxzgtMg1Eb4SmSIAW4lhH3iHxeV_lo9N162dFKNF9zPlx5YQuSIOUSX8TdR1PJdnoB72IM7QkA5l7rcR1YzA-opTL47OG-cYbHJkChKWK9Il-X6vG5lsvXlQk9mXuPn_g3/s540/IMG_5101.JPG" /></a></center><br />
<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8tLjuhStvzon3o1oADfSkJVVjDKXzvVp_-EtgCw7TG5ZEeeU9b1yH6MJu-XSd_dYcwfFTvN1AQiX2B4AnBX2-WwlMLenLBiDDoCoOGHAGxlzrT3GOrzw0ovcK-9h4ih-7MUTF7HAyloQl/s1600/IMG_5102.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8tLjuhStvzon3o1oADfSkJVVjDKXzvVp_-EtgCw7TG5ZEeeU9b1yH6MJu-XSd_dYcwfFTvN1AQiX2B4AnBX2-WwlMLenLBiDDoCoOGHAGxlzrT3GOrzw0ovcK-9h4ih-7MUTF7HAyloQl/s540/IMG_5102.JPG" /></a></center><br />
<b>How can you help?</b><br />
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Even if you are unable to help cut or sew, you can help by donating the supplies or tools we need to make more menstrual pads. <br />
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<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYTjY7W-uLnED6QzZaK_f_8KyONs884Zn0A9pAmffE7BhwNf_5uSqbnj9FyOJ1J3A9ZyMkHtOlyQsy1gdyi-jnkYC8GwsSCUm4lpu-KV3CUjnxa6XV9Qs-vlNtZmX1mBpRzOuE3PjQljeO/s1600/IMG_5104.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYTjY7W-uLnED6QzZaK_f_8KyONs884Zn0A9pAmffE7BhwNf_5uSqbnj9FyOJ1J3A9ZyMkHtOlyQsy1gdyi-jnkYC8GwsSCUm4lpu-KV3CUjnxa6XV9Qs-vlNtZmX1mBpRzOuE3PjQljeO/s540/IMG_5104.JPG" /></a></center><br />
We need fleece, flannel (including receiving blankets), and PUL, which can be found in the cloth diapering section of Jo-Ann. We are looking for these specific materials, so please do not donate items like curtains or tablecloths. We will need yardage of the above fabrics for these pads. If you are purchasing to donate, try to get a flannel that does not have a painted design on it, as these designs affect the absorbency of the fabric. <br />
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<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy7gSIjU41BY8tlXYaRYB9d_Gp68IO_UR-SdJbYkdfCJner8zN6iPztmK-8qcf9AVkjHsypyFbKNIiHPW6z57EXEfq_WR_GiBK5QtT3GLdKqjUxRN2M4cAzYQUhdYMJO5Q0mfzw8WWkoug/s1600/IMG_5106.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy7gSIjU41BY8tlXYaRYB9d_Gp68IO_UR-SdJbYkdfCJner8zN6iPztmK-8qcf9AVkjHsypyFbKNIiHPW6z57EXEfq_WR_GiBK5QtT3GLdKqjUxRN2M4cAzYQUhdYMJO5Q0mfzw8WWkoug/s540/IMG_5106.JPG" /></a></center><br />
If you would rather donate notions or tools, we can use any cotton or polyester thread (this is a great thread stash buster project!), snap pliers, and coordinating snaps. Snaps and pliers are found in the cloth diapering section of Jo-Ann. <br />
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Please feel free to share about this on your blog or other social media. I would love to get as many people involved as possible!<br />
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<img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7028/6484306765_b516c5f02c_m.jpg" width="150" height="80" alt="Danny">Danny Heyenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524510316569641921noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-984095955429082272.post-87765933378625162122014-10-06T18:50:00.000-07:002014-10-06T18:50:08.054-07:00Liberty Lawn Fabric TestsI was asked by a couple friends to run some tests on Liberty of London Tana Lawn fabric to see how it reacts to washing and sewing. Watch this video to see how it went!<br />
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<center><iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/NR3o8Vlhjuk" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></center><br />
<img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7028/6484306765_b516c5f02c_m.jpg" width="150" height="80" alt="Danny">Danny Heyenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524510316569641921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-984095955429082272.post-28720371622923047232014-04-11T10:35:00.000-07:002014-04-21T19:34:57.116-07:00Angela Walters Classes: A ReviewThis past weekend, I had the rare opportunity to attend three classes on long arm quilting lead by the absolutely fantastic Angela Walters. Now I know you're thinking, “But Danny, you aren't a long arm quilter” and you would be correct. I don't have a long arm nor have I spent much time playing on long arm machines, but it is a skill I have been dying to learn and I wasn't going to pass up an opportunity like this one. (I'll leave my first experience with long arm quilting for another post.)<br />
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Also, these pictures were all taken on my IPhone. I wasn't about to lug a big camera with me to the classes! They were taken just to be a reference for me so I didn't worry about lighting or composition. This blog post wasn't planned until after the classes. If you dislike dark images, just pretend they aren't there! And I don't know which of the long arm samples are mine or Angela's. If you think it's absolutely amazing, it was probably hers!<br />
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<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc0tKxETITVjvOX0ios0Cemgiadldtn8rPPfelohaqdt8u7_ixBGp7lo-f3TcifzeE9dKthdqWGAfVyldCKxvh2R7YXZb-OS0AgYyClaBmWkLdLMkMmsPCbPbD5hBvUkvlmGaGSF6YlldH/s1600/13782148544_7693002e53_h.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc0tKxETITVjvOX0ios0Cemgiadldtn8rPPfelohaqdt8u7_ixBGp7lo-f3TcifzeE9dKthdqWGAfVyldCKxvh2R7YXZb-OS0AgYyClaBmWkLdLMkMmsPCbPbD5hBvUkvlmGaGSF6YlldH/s1600/13782148544_7693002e53_h.jpg" width="50%" height="50%" /></a></center><br />
I'll admit I was nervous for the first class. I had almost no experience with long arm quilting but somehow mustered the courage to throw myself into a room full of women who make quilting their career. I was pretty certain everyone was going to hate me since I would have a bunch of lame questions they surely already knew the answers to (“How do you quilt a feather?” Yup. I went there.) Obviously, as revealed by my presence, I was “ready” for the onslaught of hatred and murderous sideways glares because this was a class I was NOT going to miss. It's ANGELA-FREAKING-WALTERS! I knew I was going to waste precious class time because of my naivety. I knew I was throwing live bait into a shark tank. But I was strong! I was confident! (And I drug Alyssa {<a href="http://pileofabric.com/">Pile O' Fabric</a>} along with me <strike>as a shield</strike>, I mean, for moral support!)<br />
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<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwqwDX3s2TmjpnLrhZwZ5Sdfj2SI6xmMxJeNlTGsX8j2mzVU3CNz5-zXkc0eiPUGAPILWQhfpHoLBz0nUEcfhWnuNiEdDkBz2gYkYxcVsIH_eqBCuPtvS-tOWaqJ9vUZkCf-faAoTK1zBz/s1600/13782161354_81fe3507a3_h.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwqwDX3s2TmjpnLrhZwZ5Sdfj2SI6xmMxJeNlTGsX8j2mzVU3CNz5-zXkc0eiPUGAPILWQhfpHoLBz0nUEcfhWnuNiEdDkBz2gYkYxcVsIH_eqBCuPtvS-tOWaqJ9vUZkCf-faAoTK1zBz/s1600/13782161354_81fe3507a3_h.jpg" width="50%" height="50%" /></a><br />
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Much to my chagrin, the class participants were kind, welcoming. They were excited to have someone as green as I am join their ranks, and shared an overwhelming amount of advice and information on the ins-and-outs of long arm quilting with me. I think the largest class of the three days contained 12 students so I had an ample opportunity to stroll around and chat with each and every one of them. (Go ahead. Pretend you're shocked that I spoke to EVERYONE.) I won't go into too much detail regarding who I met or what we discussed. The point I'm trying to make is everyone was super friendly, more so than I ever could have hoped for. The positive energy and creativity flowing from the group was permeating and I left each day 100% exhausted, yet riddled with the uncontrollable urge to speed home so I could quilt! <br />
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<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji7oBUpsWY82JqEOeE6lAmIowjmU5MPrmTOeyxYMfBTtL_Fg5kUEqdCS-OiNUrTL9zV_VvyHSqxdZsULQltMM9Vu8PyC7GimbRhNXo5cZ1SMx5cydM7MNcseu78WAAiMfjj4lNoZNippDi/s1600/13782154524_16785e9867_h.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji7oBUpsWY82JqEOeE6lAmIowjmU5MPrmTOeyxYMfBTtL_Fg5kUEqdCS-OiNUrTL9zV_VvyHSqxdZsULQltMM9Vu8PyC7GimbRhNXo5cZ1SMx5cydM7MNcseu78WAAiMfjj4lNoZNippDi/s1600/13782154524_16785e9867_h.jpg" width="50%" height="50%"/></a><br />
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Angela was <b>awesome</b>, and I say that in the sense that she was truly awe-worthy and not in the way a teenager haphazardly throws around this adjective, diminishing its power. It was obvious quilting is her passion and her energy (albeit fueled by a couple Redbulls and a Starbucks latte) was invigorating, helping to keep us all on point even after our post-lunch sugar crash! She told jokes often and altered the pace of the class to be sure none of us had missed a thing. She was very cognizant of our needs as students, and made sure to check our understanding of a topic before moving on to the next. She even took time to discuss how certain motifs and designs would be quilted using a domestic sewing machine (DSM) because SOMEONE in the class didn't own a long arm. :) The class structure was conducive to learning, running in a series of segments including <b>lecture and visual</b>, when she would draw the design and its variants on the white board, <b>application</b>, when Angela would stitch the design on the long arm, and <b>practice</b>, which gave us the opportunity to attempt the design she taught. Even though there was only one machine set up in the classroom (it had two heads), we all got the chance to stitch and ask questions. I was unsure leading up to this class how it would be managed, but I was excited to see how flawlessly it ran. <br />
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When I walked in to the Creative Space (where the event took place), Angela was standing around talking to some of the other ladies in the class. I recognized her from her Handi Quilter ads and other little quilting-themed haunts online, but had never met her in person. And even though we had never met, Angela greeted me with a huge smile and a hug. It completely set me at ease and tore away some of the barrier I had imagined between us, her being a quilting superstar and me being a lowly peon who doesn't even own a long arm quilting machine. During the class, she kept reiterating that no quilting is perfect and discouraged us from trying to attain that impossible standard. I really wish I had recorded some of her Angela-isms so I could perfectly recall the words. I remember something like, “Deciding to become a perfect quilter is like deciding you don't want to breathe any more. All the practice in the world isn't going to make you stop breathing, and all the practice in the world quilting isn't going to make you perfect.” It was something like that, though probably much more eloquent and lined with humor. Regardless, she made quilting attainable. She made it personal. She made it fun. If you ever have the opportunity to take a class from her, I highly recommend you do so. She has three (going to be four in the next couple weeks) classes available on Craftsy, which I think you should all take full advantage of if you were unable to attend her classes.<br />
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So, I suppose you want to know about the classes themselves?<br />
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<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWkKEiYcPz_TexGfHtsVuzq63NQ38ENGPvHM4RE5zudDiljbpDOjTsvQSBGbB-YS_PoQuTlvS9-wG-kc3G3zcFwXS-azk89tdtdpOtokHuvx3-r67tesaNt4gBOsCA_Hy_roKiq_IfUy_W/s1600/13782126354_9a35381535_h.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWkKEiYcPz_TexGfHtsVuzq63NQ38ENGPvHM4RE5zudDiljbpDOjTsvQSBGbB-YS_PoQuTlvS9-wG-kc3G3zcFwXS-azk89tdtdpOtokHuvx3-r67tesaNt4gBOsCA_Hy_roKiq_IfUy_W/s1600/13782126354_9a35381535_h.jpg" width="50%" height="50%" /></a></center><br />
The first day of classes was dedicated to Dot-to-Dot Quilting. We learned about how to find points on the quilt to use as guidelines while quilting. These designs were predominantly angular, great for use in borders, squares, rectangles, and triangles; basically any defined, modular space. I hear all the time about quilters who struggle with quilt top designs and fabric selections specifically for men, but because I've never made a quilt specifically for a man, I've not run into the struggles associated with creating less flowery, more manly designs. These quilting designs, made using a variety of straight lines, would be PERFECT to add a masculine touch to a quilt. Brent is always talking about how he wants me to make him a quilt, but that I need to leave my “swirly whirly junk” out of it. Now I know how! <br />
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<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd3jvX-N1iIjnY6k_zILWswDowvXMZFT1G1UTgRKCA-tAhELEn5eoYpw3h2HFtzu_IODgOffucdvSjpge7Xm6UeB5ntEgX0xGPdR9EFselbwwz4VSo0q21bk4b70su4m2RiUiHuoAd9kVV/s1600/13782119404_a0fec8272f_h.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd3jvX-N1iIjnY6k_zILWswDowvXMZFT1G1UTgRKCA-tAhELEn5eoYpw3h2HFtzu_IODgOffucdvSjpge7Xm6UeB5ntEgX0xGPdR9EFselbwwz4VSo0q21bk4b70su4m2RiUiHuoAd9kVV/s1600/13782119404_a0fec8272f_h.jpg" width="50%" height="50%" /></a><br />
Swirly whirly junk</center><br />
<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEEoOgr7-bsEHeisyvpkwrB8zgbPmTqICe_wUKeP_l9IW2fXOJH6hbMXqCYTeLti5Dn0xJydkCegXwbYBcmZr4x_zJUJgfXB9qp_-RFdhxZSS6ACG0UJ3B-z5rlGcZ6PPM94COhbJvGPZP/s1600/13781830805_e708b73a82_h.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEEoOgr7-bsEHeisyvpkwrB8zgbPmTqICe_wUKeP_l9IW2fXOJH6hbMXqCYTeLti5Dn0xJydkCegXwbYBcmZr4x_zJUJgfXB9qp_-RFdhxZSS6ACG0UJ3B-z5rlGcZ6PPM94COhbJvGPZP/s1600/13781830805_e708b73a82_h.jpg" width="50%" height="50%" /></a></center><br />
<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn__OftT-AC4skIsMPh8zraXG_q62IJ_MLiuU5bqiJfuM4ntBDKkdAYJ4JKV8smpXcqQPEIRnIJsQ0WKmvCWwEoybDOLXBepB2zNWcKywGWsOtFSBrlNDC3u7qhYM8C4du4BMhm1CT4JF9/s1600/13782145154_b87d1f7d03_h.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn__OftT-AC4skIsMPh8zraXG_q62IJ_MLiuU5bqiJfuM4ntBDKkdAYJ4JKV8smpXcqQPEIRnIJsQ0WKmvCWwEoybDOLXBepB2zNWcKywGWsOtFSBrlNDC3u7qhYM8C4du4BMhm1CT4JF9/s1600/13782145154_b87d1f7d03_h.jpg" width="50%" height="50%" /></a></center><br />
For this class in particular, Angela mentioned that we should consider using rulers to keep our lines nice and straight. I was struggling to make straight, diagonal lines using the Gammill Vision. I'm not going to lie: I felt a little more proud of my lines after seeing a dozen other women struggle with the diagonal lines too! I'm not usually one to compare myself to others, comparison is the thief of joy and all that, but when I'm learning a new technique, I want to make sure I am doing it correctly. <br />
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<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWc_aPi9ShczFgOXs9nLKjx5DYK1-SUdr-UPlxcQYnh4MBDqB_iMF8Slb2wtBwFNg45jUKXIkMQg8X3JnPdBtIFc4pez-p4oiBTBWW3AnVh2uMs2ZlHK4aiOoMmWmRVVbHT28zBLVU3aiy/s1600/13782157704_1e9f671aac_h.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWc_aPi9ShczFgOXs9nLKjx5DYK1-SUdr-UPlxcQYnh4MBDqB_iMF8Slb2wtBwFNg45jUKXIkMQg8X3JnPdBtIFc4pez-p4oiBTBWW3AnVh2uMs2ZlHK4aiOoMmWmRVVbHT28zBLVU3aiy/s1600/13782157704_1e9f671aac_h.jpg" width="50%" height="50%" /></a></center><br />
The second day of classes was dedicated to Negative Space, the class I was most amped about after registration. The designs were meant to add texture and depth and interest to a quilt, filling in the negative space. Something I love about Angela's quilting designs is how they vary in every quilt. She doesn't typically do an all-over design. She does a little bit of this over here, then a little bit of that over there, and she'll add in a little twist of another in between, just for good measure. Her quilts are dynamic. They have great movement and it is the negative space quilting that gives that aesthetic, or so I think. <br />
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<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsSqIJStzFA2Tdp6LTqZIMMKS0-A1yTWwu6wZXuMY7_gBN2ToPTd99RKOj141O_oyABNFXGdPGoHRVfNosBrVnUfROXeC1E8fXmp590uUm_VmPmLuAdAs8t5rZA5OgL8lzZX980db13tAD/s1600/13782151924_40a3c45c8b_h.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsSqIJStzFA2Tdp6LTqZIMMKS0-A1yTWwu6wZXuMY7_gBN2ToPTd99RKOj141O_oyABNFXGdPGoHRVfNosBrVnUfROXeC1E8fXmp590uUm_VmPmLuAdAs8t5rZA5OgL8lzZX980db13tAD/s1600/13782151924_40a3c45c8b_h.jpg" width="50%" height="50%" /></a></center><br />
We started with basics, learning the value of the back and forth line (which she will sometimes use a ruler for) and moved into a diverse mix of modular and curvy designs. We learned to create offset squares and merged lines, then how to create ogee and pea pod/pebble patterns across the quilt. She brought small samples of each for us to see and feel. <b>Tangent: I have a new found love for Art Gallery Fabrics. She brought a few completed quilts made entirely of Art Gallery Fabrics, which is the manufacturer she designs fabric for (I know. Jack-of-all-trades!) I am a tactile person. I love touching things, especially when I'm not supposed to! I'm the girl the white-gloved ladies watch out of the corner of their eye while at a quilt show. Many times I hold my hands behind my back just so I don't accidentally jump out and rip the quilt off the wall, snuggle into it, and rub my cheeks across it. Yeah. I'm that girl. Angela's quilts were so smooth and cool. They had a nice loft, which I know is batting, but the surface itself was just magnificent. I really want to go buy some yardage of Art Gallery just to play with because it feels so amazing! End Tangent.</b> If you want to see some of the designs we learned in this class, Google her Quilt Market wall quilt for Legacy. It was full of the designs we learned in this class, in particular. <br />
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<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKXHi22jiftUtp7F20sJri5dcKFq5JKWUWoWF3hz1NyfVbR0ynSZvi1smyFD7JzQVwUnTvNfTnBAaMDw8Oye2sacbN65eYcCsAwheC0hGdIRgOBttn_F1jQaPOrxqann5_XjR2Hfk_njRQ/s1600/13782129334_1f99cf0443_h.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKXHi22jiftUtp7F20sJri5dcKFq5JKWUWoWF3hz1NyfVbR0ynSZvi1smyFD7JzQVwUnTvNfTnBAaMDw8Oye2sacbN65eYcCsAwheC0hGdIRgOBttn_F1jQaPOrxqann5_XjR2Hfk_njRQ/s1600/13782129334_1f99cf0443_h.jpg" width="50%" height="50%" /></a></center><br />
The last day of classes was dedicated to moving beyond feathers, although we spent the first half of class talking about feathers in general! In this class, I learned about scrolls, swirls, and a ridiculously confusing rope design that I couldn't master to save my life! In every class, Angela talked about turning corners with the designs since we all quilt borders at one time or another. Again, could not do the rope border or motif for the life of me, but I was able to manage the others.<br />
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<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWPqDqEQYMg8FQ45j-QS14xDoEMGByb4oOnjJkp3OQnJKszpmd5xncLtkODpX_Q6dlVKLWHgfdFejcKnhipgfRgFyR5n23qcL9s9FfDvH2B8snVHFbTs26vpXvZc-qiuUmfKnaIQLojzB5/s1600/13782142374_b3625ac9ef_h.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWPqDqEQYMg8FQ45j-QS14xDoEMGByb4oOnjJkp3OQnJKszpmd5xncLtkODpX_Q6dlVKLWHgfdFejcKnhipgfRgFyR5n23qcL9s9FfDvH2B8snVHFbTs26vpXvZc-qiuUmfKnaIQLojzB5/s1600/13782142374_b3625ac9ef_h.jpg" width="50%" height="50%" /></a></center><br />
<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU4-p3Jr3Qteokl5V1EMb98tXH-OwYTEMeviCLBoAte2Pc58EQhO9vlq8ivMxHwxsjUGs9Ysm_7nRZH0DFn-0R062-UEvhaMZmkALOPntWEkeb25vshXOTl1vkuJaNJarTO4Ir1LIMYIcS/s1600/13781802005_0b69ee88cd_h.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU4-p3Jr3Qteokl5V1EMb98tXH-OwYTEMeviCLBoAte2Pc58EQhO9vlq8ivMxHwxsjUGs9Ysm_7nRZH0DFn-0R062-UEvhaMZmkALOPntWEkeb25vshXOTl1vkuJaNJarTO4Ir1LIMYIcS/s1600/13781802005_0b69ee88cd_h.jpg" width="50%" height="50%" /></a></center><br />
Over the whole series of classes, Angela showed not just the designs, but also their variations, demonstrating how each design is versatile and how they can be used in different areas of the quilt. Her expansive knowledge of long-arm quilting was mind blowing. She knows how to quilt anything! (Well, except for hearts. It's nice to know she struggles with SOMETHING in the quilting realm! She's so super amazing!)<br />
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<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZedoQAAEI96saCvc12aknzPrRdOCa8UBQ13YmpCLf7AYBXR3CVhVUyXA0MQO1fgKw0B6Al8Aw2u_eKbpvkSeFS7krXge0TkYDBovuL_-SCnjXGl4us9lfgfToYqw4x4-bX_ropJHzWiC6/s1600/13781798945_e6c1732ef3_h.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZedoQAAEI96saCvc12aknzPrRdOCa8UBQ13YmpCLf7AYBXR3CVhVUyXA0MQO1fgKw0B6Al8Aw2u_eKbpvkSeFS7krXge0TkYDBovuL_-SCnjXGl4us9lfgfToYqw4x4-bX_ropJHzWiC6/s1600/13781798945_e6c1732ef3_h.jpg" width="50%" height="50%" /></a></center><br />
Here are some general tips Angela shared during the classes regarding quilting:<br />
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- Practice, practice, practice!<br />
- Work in different directions. You can't reposition a quilt on a long-arm for directional quilting. Practice your designs in every direction so you can be confident when quilting them.<br />
- Use a thread color that matches the quilt top. That way, your quilting gives texture but doesn't detract from quilt, especially if you make a mistake.<br />
- If you make a mistake, do it a few more times on the quilt so it doesn't look out of place!<br />
- Echo your quilting. Echoing can set quilting apart so it doesn't all blend together and it can help you get to where you want to go on your top. End in the wrong place? Echo back to where you need to be to start your next design.<br />
- Quilt where you are. Don't leave a section of your quilt until it is all quilted.<br />
- When you are practicing your designs with pen and paper, always draw a square first and doodle inside. This will help you learn what to do when you get to edges and corners.<br />
- Use elements of the quilt, like quilt blocks, to help keep you on track. No need to mark on your quilt.<br />
- Search Google and Pinterest for straight line drawing and rod iron work for quilting inspiration.<br />
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I know it is going to be years before I can afford a long arm but I feel the skills I learned from this class are invaluable. I'm going to practice constantly on my DSM and hopefully, when that illustrious day comes and I am the proud, new owner of a long arm machine, I won't have to take a year to learn how to use it. It was a pleasure to meet Angela. I love her personality and teaching style! There was a rumor swimming about that she may be back later this year to teach more, and if she comes, I will SO be there!<br />
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You can find Angela Walters online at:<br />
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Website<br />
http://www.quiltingismytherapy.com/<br />
Blog<br />
http://www.quiltingismytherapy.com/homepage-test/my-blog/<br />
Business of Machine Quilting Blog<br />
http://thebusinessofmachinequilting.com/<br />
Craftsy<br />
http://www.craftsy.com/instructors/angela-walters<br />
Amazon (She has a new book coming out soon!)<br />
http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=angela+walters+quilting&tag=googhydr-20&index=aps&hvadid=33844294915&hvpos=1t1&hvexid=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=1659619331072161092&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=b&hvdev=c&ref=pd_sl_3l2i5bgf3i_b<br />
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<img alt="Danny" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7028/6484306765_b516c5f02c_m.jpg" height="80" width="150" />Danny Heyenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524510316569641921noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-984095955429082272.post-46623079699092840542014-02-14T22:43:00.000-07:002014-04-21T19:42:29.008-07:00Happy Valentine's Day!I realize I haven't updated you on the status of my family. On 9 January, we welcomed our new little girl into the world! Meet Lily Noelle.<br />
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<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP-ptdNH8QXCB0TU_WQU8mspsTbEcwerujCfn5eHHbOGum8aYgM96t0dDfFxQHgR3O6RjR_Wquax6CjYhjsOVloyOpHWCjwY_VpbWN-mf1M-N66xYiK5Lr65AC_o6Kw6cSfF2J1lHd5o50/s1600/12533891604_46d5753cc5_h.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP-ptdNH8QXCB0TU_WQU8mspsTbEcwerujCfn5eHHbOGum8aYgM96t0dDfFxQHgR3O6RjR_Wquax6CjYhjsOVloyOpHWCjwY_VpbWN-mf1M-N66xYiK5Lr65AC_o6Kw6cSfF2J1lHd5o50/s1600/12533891604_46d5753cc5_h.jpg" width="50%" height="50%" /></a></center><br />
This is our little Valentine picture for you!<br />
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She is now a month old and I can't believe how fast the time has gone!<br />
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<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuWNQupV197EMSvtOX4A6b-ns9OkrmjHsuwPshFWXGhSi6ArHaQK1vtnrCWLX3acNqHjljzsEX4vn_LDvD4QjcjXBLKpyLHc10kI0d5K7Wp3PmF8tsNj_F42vzyAJvYezmjk1X7vyxaxx3/s1600/12533888974_9e72725eb4_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuWNQupV197EMSvtOX4A6b-ns9OkrmjHsuwPshFWXGhSi6ArHaQK1vtnrCWLX3acNqHjljzsEX4vn_LDvD4QjcjXBLKpyLHc10kI0d5K7Wp3PmF8tsNj_F42vzyAJvYezmjk1X7vyxaxx3/s1600/12533888974_9e72725eb4_z.jpg" width="50%" height="50%" /></a></center><br />
My labor and delivery was horrendous. I won't get into too many details, but for my safety (and the baby's) we won't be having any more children, making Lily even more special to us (as if she wasn't already the most precious gift ever imagined!)<br />
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<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYBfXIjf_R38iAdykbZwYfkKJK0ZPunEPWnpW-iBOB_j_ClBpauGLGZmzGID9RiFzPx9WeBPYvUEqiWBopx4hangduPl4FU-QgMARxSYYcvJnfVYtkKEWNXy8rydHHAzM8uwkL8I6K1zgs/s1600/12533514453_d9f7867ba9_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYBfXIjf_R38iAdykbZwYfkKJK0ZPunEPWnpW-iBOB_j_ClBpauGLGZmzGID9RiFzPx9WeBPYvUEqiWBopx4hangduPl4FU-QgMARxSYYcvJnfVYtkKEWNXy8rydHHAzM8uwkL8I6K1zgs/s1600/12533514453_d9f7867ba9_z.jpg" width="50%" height="50%" /></a></center><br />
There is a lot of good news though. I have a healthy little lady. I healed very quickly. SHE SLEEPS 6-8 HOURS EVERY NIGHT!!! <br />
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Yes. You read that correctly. We use a method called Baby Wise and it is phenomenal. I highly recommend everyone who will be having a child to look up the book and read it.<br />
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<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheq3xBfutsfsu7c1tTr6aWNEGyePyqqcKr2BNXxAUikB4sXcEWWvNfmYl4ukwxRHxV6mPwPjD1PNmFTZPEKryT_lI38pkHVUlPFI6oXrj-TpjRDXpKYcobhsmoadd-qwhHzNNXhMzOocMe/s1600/12533895514_ff40dda5f0_h.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheq3xBfutsfsu7c1tTr6aWNEGyePyqqcKr2BNXxAUikB4sXcEWWvNfmYl4ukwxRHxV6mPwPjD1PNmFTZPEKryT_lI38pkHVUlPFI6oXrj-TpjRDXpKYcobhsmoadd-qwhHzNNXhMzOocMe/s1600/12533895514_ff40dda5f0_h.jpg" width="50%" height="50%" /></a></center><br />
For now, we are just making it through our days. Learning how to live with each other. We are finding a schedule that works for us all, which is so helpful, especially when there is another little child in the mix.<br />
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<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiimxPUW72PldrFkMQlcZIhp4rnonoNtiAweZ7PoW2alvGzsJZp35UWcKGXokwAHJT3V1gP6xrfnT8KInc5xQJfqE6EZACh-AmmIVgHj_wqnpJUSUZT_2Kh92INcAwqTEnof0_uaLq8L_i6/s1600/12533393295_782df03236_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiimxPUW72PldrFkMQlcZIhp4rnonoNtiAweZ7PoW2alvGzsJZp35UWcKGXokwAHJT3V1gP6xrfnT8KInc5xQJfqE6EZACh-AmmIVgHj_wqnpJUSUZT_2Kh92INcAwqTEnof0_uaLq8L_i6/s1600/12533393295_782df03236_z.jpg" width="50%" height="50%" /></a></center><br />
Maze has been amazing during our transition time. She loves Lily tremendously and I couldn't be happier! She gives her kisses and "soft hugs" and likes to rub her head. We have to watch Maze because she doesn't quite know her own strength, but thankfully all her feelings toward HER Lily have been affectionate. <br />
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<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcq4-4_K1JG56epZi4sXMJ65xHlKAkhbPf3Xq1bkySA0h3bHciftseofpE-HnMnuj-X8UP6q073maD2bb6E-oeSlTswGcHnAJ-2ElF_nsoHoqw-UeApubWcN7bhycpDQvewEdyvfV-jBxG/s1600/12533391025_50a9aa0883_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcq4-4_K1JG56epZi4sXMJ65xHlKAkhbPf3Xq1bkySA0h3bHciftseofpE-HnMnuj-X8UP6q073maD2bb6E-oeSlTswGcHnAJ-2ElF_nsoHoqw-UeApubWcN7bhycpDQvewEdyvfV-jBxG/s1600/12533391025_50a9aa0883_z.jpg" width="50%" height="50%" /></a></center><br />
So, I'll still be around. I'll still be sewing and doing fun things with my kiddos, and I'll still be sharing with you all here.<br />
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Thank you all for your well wishes and positive thoughts. I appreciate you all more than you know!<br />
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<img alt="Danny" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7028/6484306765_b516c5f02c_m.jpg" height="80" width="150" />Danny Heyenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524510316569641921noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-984095955429082272.post-5368401261519705812014-01-08T14:07:00.001-07:002014-07-11T14:33:45.677-07:00Just an updateBlogging has become so daunting for me over the past few months, but I wish it hadn't. I really do love to write, and I love to share with all of you. This will be just a short post as I have actually found a few minutes between errands that aren't dedicated to playing dress-up or getting toddler snacks prepared.<br />
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I've just been missing you all, and I want you to know I'm alive.<br />
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<center><a href="http://stashbee.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwC4ExkkPEHpe0JvoURmBZ5XhrGOCTxfhJN89-HWwfqYzr0yQEJ6W6KfR4pDBdk-TDosH-qgjMzdy9dWT7p2oIO_vBRHwDd9UpgRlZO1O_Vy0LM87gMDGjt4B3wOfnfNCTY1O7CB2lx0bb/s1600/StashBee.png" width="150" height="150" /></a></center><br />
Most of my blogging efforts have been going into Stash Bee. Sign-ups ran through November and we have officially begun our 2014 year as of 1 January. We have 12 hives of 11 bees this year and I cannot wait to see what everyone has in store! I have chosen this block for my hive mates to make:<br />
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<center><iframe src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/dheyen/11481047845/player/4a238d332a" height="640" width="640" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen oallowfullscreen msallowfullscreen></iframe></center><br />
I've done some moderate purging of my fabric stash and reorganized my craft room to make more space for Mazer and soon-to-be-here Baby Lily. I love fabric, you all know that. But there is something so therapeutic about purging that which no longer suits me. I donated most of it to a local charity that makes quilts for people with cancer.<br />
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<center><iframe src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/dheyen/11519350263/player/6d317644c1" height="427" width="640" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen oallowfullscreen msallowfullscreen></iframe><br />
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<iframe src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/dheyen/11519261654/player/a150577041" height="427" width="640" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen oallowfullscreen msallowfullscreen></iframe><br />
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<iframe src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/dheyen/11519347713/player/16161293e4" height="427" width="640" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen oallowfullscreen msallowfullscreen></iframe></center><br />
Christmas was good to us this year, as it always is. I cannot tell you how blessed I am to have such a wonderful and supportive husband. He spoiled me with some quilting necessities and we bought Maze a train table, which has been <strike>beaten</strike> loved immensely already!<br />
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<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh2ffTl6mSKcWlyNZowbHtqVfd6qpKCMssQ5vftK6A0_FA7Ah4QXp0irp_3ooS3ghP40BR35-HZXCqe-vN2UqswOkUcigOKP7oRAe_vLHHWV3AbqGb5k07CCPqqkt2ewkyWO-OtP5BtZ8L/s1600/11550793055_3be11a9ab7_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh2ffTl6mSKcWlyNZowbHtqVfd6qpKCMssQ5vftK6A0_FA7Ah4QXp0irp_3ooS3ghP40BR35-HZXCqe-vN2UqswOkUcigOKP7oRAe_vLHHWV3AbqGb5k07CCPqqkt2ewkyWO-OtP5BtZ8L/s1600/11550793055_3be11a9ab7_z.jpg" width="50%" height="50%" /></a></center><br />
I made Maze some letters for her wall…<br />
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<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSJun2_4lUji4qqAvy3JsEDVqiS8sPLHY68NPj1QA6zcxcWKHNHxpetHEeh8DHt7Nl-qRnXuA9xLR6tx1r7cUpmXs0Fg8YqzNvMODdjlezDQzseMxtSgMbThGyPx4SqDrJjbKLC2G0mQyO/s1600/11638193016_609c205040_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSJun2_4lUji4qqAvy3JsEDVqiS8sPLHY68NPj1QA6zcxcWKHNHxpetHEeh8DHt7Nl-qRnXuA9xLR6tx1r7cUpmXs0Fg8YqzNvMODdjlezDQzseMxtSgMbThGyPx4SqDrJjbKLC2G0mQyO/s1600/11638193016_609c205040_z.jpg" width="50%" height="50%" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhilHPisLRDJwKEMThci02VSYMbGS8lt4smdCrqiP1sJ2kYC11zVUd8cJTUc-oqkLc4wn3YwtOltF1hWRd6hQ3y6oBV6_A3K4nspoU0GiL1w770ojrtBJof57jJ8gs6_24dr0j5KfAnEh5d/s1600/11592559756_d38d5ef974_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhilHPisLRDJwKEMThci02VSYMbGS8lt4smdCrqiP1sJ2kYC11zVUd8cJTUc-oqkLc4wn3YwtOltF1hWRd6hQ3y6oBV6_A3K4nspoU0GiL1w770ojrtBJof57jJ8gs6_24dr0j5KfAnEh5d/s1600/11592559756_d38d5ef974_z.jpg" width="50%" height="50%" /></a></center><br />
And I've decided that this is the year to make her a quilt of her very own.<br />
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<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqtgVFxo4l696BCV_xgPR39uu_g3u4hGAoEyuDN8nNa-cP7c3f_oPwHgFDCrO8EEJjQ_US8RGruJs7BlLsB2AU-GntZHdnaIX_GqUX2PCavxK0toS1-qCWLTJH-skH8ci1W1MNYgX69uKR/s1600/11617508145_440bb91f61_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqtgVFxo4l696BCV_xgPR39uu_g3u4hGAoEyuDN8nNa-cP7c3f_oPwHgFDCrO8EEJjQ_US8RGruJs7BlLsB2AU-GntZHdnaIX_GqUX2PCavxK0toS1-qCWLTJH-skH8ci1W1MNYgX69uKR/s1600/11617508145_440bb91f61_z.jpg" width="50%" height="50%" /></a></center><br />
This one is a gift for Baby Lily from a friend of ours. Miss Maze saw it and immediately claimed it as her own! I know she won't give it up easily, so I am going to make her a very special quilt she can call her own. I have been hoarding some FFA1, 2, and 3 prints from Heather Ross, as well as some other fairy tale prints that I am going to incorporate into a big girl, twin sized quilt for her. We have framed all the Heather Ross Prints book prints on her wall, so I thought it would be only fitting to carry on the motif to her bed.<br />
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And yes. I'm STILL pregnant.<br />
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<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmSgpoYv2oWs9bOzK1bE6AhqM2prJPcAYokh_eXGVY1snauJNp21cQkwy0MNSm84hVVV1VDT77iaLnaaF3Bm2WorROCpB75V0LK3JVH1YikMw_fVNP7GLAGixJyDc7OVIaEWwmpgYfaGQU/s1600/11842715993_808586f4d6_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmSgpoYv2oWs9bOzK1bE6AhqM2prJPcAYokh_eXGVY1snauJNp21cQkwy0MNSm84hVVV1VDT77iaLnaaF3Bm2WorROCpB75V0LK3JVH1YikMw_fVNP7GLAGixJyDc7OVIaEWwmpgYfaGQU/s1600/11842715993_808586f4d6_z.jpg" width="50%" height="50%" /></a></center><br />
The {short} story there: My first ultrasound showed my due date as 11 January. My second and third ultrasounds (and two different doctors) showed my due date as 4 January. Based on my period, my due date should have been 4 January. And then there was the AWFUL NURSE who told me my due date should be 16 January! I'm lost. My normal doctor has been out of town. I have no idea when this baby is coming. I'm just assuming that within the next couple weeks, I will have a new little baby in the house. I have been having Braxton Hicks, lasting days (and nights). I'm well within the whole 5-1-1 (Every five minutes, one contraction, for one hour) but I know they aren't strong enough to induce active labor. So I've been waiting. Uncomfortably. In happier news, since the baby isn't here yet, I get to keep my hair appointment today, so that's something great! I NEED a haircut. I'm rocking a full blown mullet at the moment.<br />
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And finally, a few finished quilt tops I don't think I ever shared, probably because I'm waiting to actually quilt these beauties. But, just to prove I still sew occasionally:<br />
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<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp9eTb-IaJMxlfxrjBfCrjms2jTkXdjMU1HfBdSBJC4dOMN76n6vye905ivjM6q9amzb2sSHB8-d9ObAgEaqSMxitYuo5kgPT-skAu02-5MqG1HtKrsl58_XOKxP-x-pFiQBfgGEAL68XO/s1600/10769808024_532c9d9390_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp9eTb-IaJMxlfxrjBfCrjms2jTkXdjMU1HfBdSBJC4dOMN76n6vye905ivjM6q9amzb2sSHB8-d9ObAgEaqSMxitYuo5kgPT-skAu02-5MqG1HtKrsl58_XOKxP-x-pFiQBfgGEAL68XO/s1600/10769808024_532c9d9390_z.jpg" width="50%" height="50%" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJhB_kpiTs69qd-mKnVxqy72aTgOXxsfgdhhC9ugOFl29wY0eXZHYm4bmcb9il8EXfNt59_PLIAzR5sCgJIlhBIt97MvdlNzG9AWRl17SjiM8xVdmpu4mEqrCqQL05BF20meiWvZ6k62KZ/s1600/10749250115_fbcdbe48fb_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJhB_kpiTs69qd-mKnVxqy72aTgOXxsfgdhhC9ugOFl29wY0eXZHYm4bmcb9il8EXfNt59_PLIAzR5sCgJIlhBIt97MvdlNzG9AWRl17SjiM8xVdmpu4mEqrCqQL05BF20meiWvZ6k62KZ/s1600/10749250115_fbcdbe48fb_z.jpg" width="50%" height="50%" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio5D9OquaLtgX9oi5C6C4zRt0Z_txYMFZJsGpZQuOwkyM_0Gzp0OdZAucCLHgTezCyky6TBSDVCIaYaAqwVQ6DfkdsTclsIVj1NCX6xDWfDzDrwK7OYMW8n_hpn9TVL93kTUpVzTpc6dAp/s1600/10749540303_4d0c2b46f4_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio5D9OquaLtgX9oi5C6C4zRt0Z_txYMFZJsGpZQuOwkyM_0Gzp0OdZAucCLHgTezCyky6TBSDVCIaYaAqwVQ6DfkdsTclsIVj1NCX6xDWfDzDrwK7OYMW8n_hpn9TVL93kTUpVzTpc6dAp/s1600/10749540303_4d0c2b46f4_z.jpg" width="50%" height="50%" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOszlm9dQzOVayJptgkyDjuNE4BZJH0f7jzhmmgWAsz-JCMlY785_2NFzIL3kmRop999JWq1Gm4ynpMgdTPNvAYhCj5ZV8ubNs9u09rwAQ9-CyPTq5aL3Ns_Mgn6A7UZjOv8GpbNAHi8hF/s1600/10749297926_6eb2462c56_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOszlm9dQzOVayJptgkyDjuNE4BZJH0f7jzhmmgWAsz-JCMlY785_2NFzIL3kmRop999JWq1Gm4ynpMgdTPNvAYhCj5ZV8ubNs9u09rwAQ9-CyPTq5aL3Ns_Mgn6A7UZjOv8GpbNAHi8hF/s1600/10749297926_6eb2462c56_z.jpg" width="50%" height="50%" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvUY9NpBETtprQk4xXIalToRSH3VOYJHjiqO_MmrExHMx4j4oUYgFT8FvNKamrn1Um1fQeMfMNnAytJcai44fPfZyjHeYYWcPbR4jTfyEGOBZJf8bj0gZDKHCM64uA8g5uSq98_Lcom4wb/s1600/10749286086_95aab64dc7_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvUY9NpBETtprQk4xXIalToRSH3VOYJHjiqO_MmrExHMx4j4oUYgFT8FvNKamrn1Um1fQeMfMNnAytJcai44fPfZyjHeYYWcPbR4jTfyEGOBZJf8bj0gZDKHCM64uA8g5uSq98_Lcom4wb/s1600/10749286086_95aab64dc7_z.jpg" width="50%" height="50%" /></a></center><br />
Not too shabby, right?<br />
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I hope your head isn't spinning from my whiplash update. <br />
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So what does 2014 look like for Danny?<br />
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I'm going to learn cross stitch. I've joined the <a href="http://thefrostedpumpkinstitchery.bigcartel.com/product/2014-sampler">Frosted Pumpkin Stitchery Once Upon a Time Sampler</a>.<br />
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I'm going to become long-arm certified. Brent is paying for me to take classes and become certified as my birthday/wedding anniversary gift this year! (Hence all the unfinished quilt tops. I'm saving up.)<br />
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I've joined the <a href="http://sewingroom.pileofabric.com/collections/courses/products/skill-builder-bom-2014">Pile O Fabric Skill Builder BOM</a>.<br />
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I'm running Stash Bee and the PHXMQG Vitamin D Bee again this year.<br />
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I joined the Economy Block Along on IG and <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/2512738@N22/">Flickr</a>. <br />
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<center><iframe src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/dheyen/11746156173/player/a158f18e22" height="640" width="640" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen oallowfullscreen msallowfullscreen></iframe></center><br />
I am trading some squares with a friend so I can have lots of different prints. This is going to be my easy-going, as-I-have-time project for the year. I always like having those.<br />
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Oh yes, and I plan to finish a few WIPs I've been avoiding!<br />
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Thank you all for your continued love and support. I try to read up on all of you when I can! IG is the easiest platform for me lately, so if you are on there, add me! My username is dheyen.<br />
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Can't wait to see what you all have in store for 2014!<br />
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<img alt="Danny" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7028/6484306765_b516c5f02c_m.jpg" height="80" width="150" />Danny Heyenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524510316569641921noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-984095955429082272.post-60402328441274999642013-12-06T16:36:00.000-07:002013-12-06T16:36:40.295-07:00Juki HZL-F600 and Juki TL-2010Q Sewing Machine ReviewsI get countless emails asking me about whatever happened to Vera (my awful Husqvarna Viking Sapphire 835 sewing machine). Today I would like to address what has happened since I posted about Vera and which machines I ended up with. This will be a long, but hopefully informative, post.<br />
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To read the initial letter sent to Husqvarna Viking regarding the machine, click <a href="http://mommyforreals.blogspot.com/2012/07/an-open-letter-to-husqvarna-viking.html">here</a>.<br />
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To read the response to the letter sent to Husqvarna Viking, click <a href="http://mommyforreals.blogspot.com/2013/02/an-open-letter-to-husqvarna-viking.html">here</a>.<br />
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In the response post, you will read that I purchased a Juki TL-2010Q. Originally, I wasn't going to post a full review of this machine since so many other bloggers have already done the same. But, now that I have answered questions from dozens of other sewists out there looking for a decent sewing machine, I decided to go ahead and post about it here. <br />
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<center><b>Monster - Juki TL-2010Q</b></center><br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dheyen/11243573034/" title="Juki TL-2010Q by dheyen, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7334/11243573034_11dc45d92c_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Juki TL-2010Q"></a></center><br />
I purchased my Juki TL-2010Q (who has not been officially named yet, but has been lovingly referred to as "Monster" in my house) the first week of January 2013. Initially I had a few problems with the tension, not because there was anything wrong with the machine, but because setting the tension on the Monster is much different than setting the tension had been with Vera. As always, I keep my manual close at hand when sewing and referred to it often in those early days. My friends Cristy (<a href="https://www.purpledaisiesllc.com/">Purple Daisies LLC</a> and <a href="http://www.sewmuchlikemom.com/">Sew Much Like Mom</a>) and Alyssa (<a href="http://pileofabric.com/">Pile O' Fabric</a>) both have this machine and helped me understand how it works. If I ever had an issue, I called one of them. Isn't it nice to have such knowledgeable friends?! Honestly, I didn't have many issues then and still haven't encountered many almost a year later. This machine is just great.<br />
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The 2010Q is a true workhorse. The solid metal frame and casing means this machine has top notch parts not susceptible to heat or friction related warping. The straight stitch only design keeps the needle stationary, avoiding any needle placement/timing related issues. I really love that it is built to hold cones of thread rather than just tiny spools that feed sideways through the machine. And if you need to use a thread that may be more slippery than a traditional poly or cotton, the 2010Q manual draws out how to feed the thread through the thread intake to decrease the chances of the machine coming unthreaded. <br />
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There aren't as many bells and whistles on this machine as there are on some others, but the features that come with this machine are the best. There is an easy-to-use speed control lever ranging from tortoise to hare located on the front of the machine, making it convenient to change the speed of stitching mid-project. There is a large reverse lever for quick back-stitches as well as a knee-lift for quick turns. The machine has a needle threader which threads from the side, not unlike a long arm machine (did I mention this can be a mid-arm when placed on a frame?) taking the stress and anxiety off of having to re-thread a minuscule needle eye. The automatic cutter can be used by either pressing a button on the front of the machine, or kicking the heel of the foot pedal. Also, the thread cutter draws both threads to the back of your work, super handy when you don't want threads on the front. If you're lazy and don't like to pull the bobbin thread up before starting to stitch again, you can begin stitching immediately after using the cut function. Just know sometimes the needle will come unthreaded when you sew this way. The table this machine comes with is large and accommodating for piecing and quilting. And even though the bobbin is placed underneath the machine, the table offers a trap door making changing the bobbin with the table on the machine a breeze.<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dheyen/11243530565/" title="Juki TL-2010Q by dheyen, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3833/11243530565_94976a48e7_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Juki TL-2010Q"></a></center><br />
This machine came with a walking foot. The first time I used the walking foot, I loosely quilted a queen size flannel quilt. The foot clicked and clacked and really just made it clear that it wasn't going to do a great job on the quilting. I managed to press through, quilting the entire quilt with the same foot. The quilt turned out fine; no tucks, tension issues or skipped stitches, but still the foot had been SO LOUD. I contacted the store I bought the machine from. <br />
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The store employees had not heard of the problems I was (or perceived) having with this particular walking foot, but ever the customer service based company, they replaced the walking foot, free of charge. A few months later, I used the new walking foot to quilt another straight line quilt, this one for someone's wedding day. I wanted it to come out perfectly, and it did, but not without more clicking, more clacking, and more paranoia from me. I called the store back to discuss the foot, only to find that the particular foot I had was very expensive, more than $100 on average. They, as well as I, were flabbergasted. Surely I was doing something wrong. If I'm being completely honest, I don't straight line quilt on this machine very often, or at all. I really like FMQing so I typically do that when finishing a quilt. Cristy lent me a couple other walking feet to try on the machine, but since I don't make many things that require a walking foot, I haven't had the chance to use them yet. I called another local Juki dealer to ask about the foot, and they were as puzzled as I was. They said I should make sure my foot pressure is high while using my walking foot. I don't remember what I had the pressure set to when I quilted these quilts. SO, this is my way of saying the walking foot that comes with the machine is supposed to be good (and costly) but I haven't had great luck with it. I need to tweak my technique before I can give an accurate review of this particular foot. But, since you don't need a walking foot for quilting, I'm not sure how detrimental this will be. Maybe if I were a bag maker, a shoddy walking foot would be a bigger problem.<br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dheyen/11243645523/" title="Juki TL-2010Q by dheyen, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3767/11243645523_b22cdb6971_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Juki TL-2010Q"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dheyen/11243534785/" title="Juki TL-2010Q by dheyen, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5482/11243534785_73f5ac32da_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Juki TL-2010Q"></a></center><br />
The machine is sturdy, never scooting around my tabletop even when I have the pedal-to-the-metal on full "hare" speed. It's a great machine. Amazing. Fantastic. I would recommend this machine to anybody. AND I HAVE!<br />
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So then I was left with an amazing straight-stitch machine and Vera. Freaking awful Vera. I thought it would be okay to keep the Viking around for those times I needed specialty stitches, like zig zag or button hole, but she couldn't even handle those. At best, Vera had become a giant dust collector in my craft room. <br />
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<center><b>Big Butt Hazel - Juki HZL-F600</b></center><br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dheyen/11243529135/" title="Juki HZL-F600 by dheyen, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5478/11243529135_2b02afe2db_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Juki HZL-F600"></a></center><br />
Fast forward to May 2013. I still had not been able to create a consistent stitch with Vera. I had, however, still been able to churn out some impressive amounts of commission projects and quilts, buffering my craft budget enough that I could buy a new machine. I hemmed and hawed for a while, claiming I was completely satisfied only owning a giant, Vera-shaped doorstop and an amazing Juki TL-2010Q. But my husband heard me from my craft room. He heard the screaming, the frustration, the hate-filled words that spewed from my mouth and onto Vera's<b> stupid, plastic face</b>. He couldn't stand it any longer and so, set up a babysitter so we could go machine shopping. <br />
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I did some research online before venturing out into the claws of sewing machine salesmen. I knew the features I was looking for. The price I was willing to pay. I came prepared with a giant bag full of projects and no time limit. (I am a salesman's worst nightmare, I assure you.) I tried out many machines from many manufacturers. I stitched and quilted for HOURS, taking the time to work on some projects and giving each machine a real workout to determine how well it would hold up under pressure. Eventually, I found myself coming back to a Janome my friend had recommended to me. It fit my price point and had a stellar recommendation, but it still didn't quite feel right. I made up my mind to leave the shop and sleep on it for a few days.<br />
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Then, realizing they may lose a sale and grasping at straws, the saleswoman asked me how I felt about Juki. <br />
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Juki? I LOVE my Juki.<br />
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After all shock had worn off that I had even heard of Juki and a 10 minute vacation to the back room, she emerged with the Juki HZL-F600. Having never heard of this machine, I was hesitant, but wanted to give it a fair try, especially considering the company had earned my respect by making such an amazing 2010Q. As I pulled out another project, my husband began frantically bashing his fingers into his iPhone screen, searching for any and all reviews he could find on the machine. Turns out, there weren't very many out there, giving him pause over whether we should even consider this machine. After all, we couldn't find reviews for Vera either and look how that turned out.<br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dheyen/11243569686/" title="Juki HZL-F600 by dheyen, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3695/11243569686_1823cdd4bc_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Juki HZL-F600"></a></center><br />
Sitting there in that tiny machine shop, sitting on the too small chair and stitching in a too small area, I fell in love. Fell in love with the fact that the same great features I adored in my 2010Q had been transferred to this computerized machine; the knee-lift, the table, the cutter, the speed control. I fell in love with the sound it made as it whirred through button-holes and zigzag stitches, the sound it made when it performed the basic functions it was meant to perform. I fell in love with the storage it offered, both on the machine and on the case. It was sturdy and it never faltered once during my hour or two sewing session. I knew this was the machine I wanted. <br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dheyen/11243639703/" title="Juki HZL-F600 by dheyen, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7352/11243639703_e0aef06fd4_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Juki HZL-F600"></a></center><br />
The local shop I purchased from is fantastic. They are interested in pleasing their customers and worked with me on the price. My husband had found the machine online for a much lower price than they were asking, but I like to support my local economy and so asked the owner of the shop if he would match the price. I would pay cash. Satisfied with that deal, he asked for $50 more than the online price, which I wasn't going to argue. I also discussed with him my dilemma with Vera:<br />
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I had the machine and all the parts but it was a terrible machine. I didn't feel right selling it to someone on Craigslist or eBay. I couldn't, in good conscience, sell that awful machine to someone who thought they were getting a smoking deal. I just couldn't. I wouldn't. But trading into a machine shop toward a new machine would both give me a small return for my troubles through the years and still keep me away from any moral dilemma. If they chose to fix and resell the machine, at least they could offer customer support. Or they could scrap her for parts. I didn't care.<br />
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The owner offered me a more than fair amount for trade-in on Vera, saving me from that monstrosity once and for all. I cannot even tell you the relief I felt when I handed her over to the saleswoman! I was finally free! After a quick ride to the bank, I came back to find a brand new (not even the one they opened for me to play with) Juki HZL-F600 sitting, waiting for me. Again, I love this shop.<br />
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I have had the machine about seven months now with no problems. She sews brilliantly. Her name, Big Butt Hazel, comes from the fact that she has a very wide base, mostly due to her computer. I mostly just call her Hazel though. No need to cause a complexion! <br />
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I bounce back and forth between these two machines, sewing about 20 hours <b>each</b> week on <b>each</b> of them. They perform different tasks for me and both are staples in my craft room. Hazel usually accompanies me to guild meetings and sewing play dates since she's lighter than the 2010Q, while the 2010Q is my sole quilting machine. Hazel actually has some great quilting capabilities too, but I choose not to use them. Hazel is used for all alterations. She has a tiny free-arm. The 2010Q is used for most of my piecing. <br />
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Hazel is a self-lubricating machine (as are most computerized machines). I make sure to run her at least once per week to keep all her joints moving smoothly. The Monster 2010Q gets oiled about once per month (as needed). The manual includes detailed directions on how to oil the machine (made even easier by holes in the casing specially designed for oil) and also includes your first bottle of machine oil. Right now, I keep the hard case on Hazel when she's not in use, but I don't use the soft case that came with the 2010Q. I keep meaning to make a sewing machine cover for him, but it just hasn't happened yet. It's on my to-do list, I guess.<br />
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So there you have it: my reviews of my sewing machines. If you have any questions regarding these machines, please do not hesitate to ask. I would love to share my knowledge so everyone can make a more educated decision when purchasing their sewing machines.<br />
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The last bit of advice I will leave you: a sewing machine is an investment. Save up until you can afford the machine you really want. Don't settle for the machine that might work for now.<br />
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<img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7028/6484306765_b516c5f02c_m.jpg" width="150" height="80" alt="Danny">Danny Heyenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524510316569641921noreply@blogger.com62tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-984095955429082272.post-27569112726317660112013-11-28T20:39:00.000-07:002013-11-28T20:39:07.025-07:00Happy ThanksgivingHappy Thanksgiving from my family to yours!<br />
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<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkoosHc7M7sE2rrdU7PEZ73XOUE_cx9W0eSVrX3a9Ibdjn9B2wY2h5N8g0n-RIstfCJ0e1lPi0qkAQESXieVWriD-ZVAwsN5MLN37X0n-GN8Pk6MZV1urnc6vQ2NOWoXwjhxbTf0Qsypue/s1600/IMG_4699.JPG" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" width=85% height=85% src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkoosHc7M7sE2rrdU7PEZ73XOUE_cx9W0eSVrX3a9Ibdjn9B2wY2h5N8g0n-RIstfCJ0e1lPi0qkAQESXieVWriD-ZVAwsN5MLN37X0n-GN8Pk6MZV1urnc6vQ2NOWoXwjhxbTf0Qsypue/s1600/IMG_4699.JPG" /></a></center><br />
<img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7028/6484306765_b516c5f02c_m.jpg" width="150" height="80" alt="Danny">Danny Heyenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524510316569641921noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-984095955429082272.post-41037566738613799752013-11-27T17:06:00.000-07:002013-11-27T17:06:49.367-07:00New Skill Builder BOM from Alyssa at Pile O' FabricI have some very exciting news: <a href="https://pileofabric.refersion.com/c/7bae">Pile O' Fabric's new Skill Builder BOM</a> is live!<br />
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Most BOMs and skill builders leave you with some new technique/skill, but also with a stack of blocks that don't match and just scream "SAMPLER" when pieced together into a quilt top. <a href="https://pileofabric.refersion.com/c/7bae">Alyssa's Skill Builder BOM</a> is different, offering not only great techniques you may never have heard of before, but also a cohesive design any sewist can be proud of creating; not like some other sampler quilts which end up lining dog beds or being used for outdoor-only activities. Oh wait, is that just me?? Right... moving on then.<br />
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This <a href="https://pileofabric.refersion.com/c/7bae">Skill Builder BOM</a> is also quilt as you go (QAYG). Alyssa will teach FMQ each month along with the block construction taking much of the stress out of FMQing. I personally LOVE FMQ and am looking forward to honing my skills and learning new designs. Plus, it's so much easier to FMQ on small blocks than it is to tackle large quilts on your domestic machine. <br />
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<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjirhiVvZEXwhibculi-MUGytPdmZJ6WPgta4szkmoMR3sNaZzqSFDmuV8K4O_lcRkJ4oiD2SuPghwmSQrM4BFfHiTyxh7ENEtxv9EEs-ZTSV6kTi6C20pamDYVyMq6na5q2fkU9wwyQNE9/s1600/stacked_cover_front.png" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" width=80% height=80% src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjirhiVvZEXwhibculi-MUGytPdmZJ6WPgta4szkmoMR3sNaZzqSFDmuV8K4O_lcRkJ4oiD2SuPghwmSQrM4BFfHiTyxh7ENEtxv9EEs-ZTSV6kTi6C20pamDYVyMq6na5q2fkU9wwyQNE9/s1600/stacked_cover_front.png" /></a></center><br />
I'm a realist. I know my time is precious and between <a href="http://stashbee.blogspot.com">Stash Bee</a> and <a href="http://phoenixmodernquiltguild.com">PHXMQG Vitamin D Bee</a> and actually wanting to do some sewing myself and being a mother and wife, it's difficult to take on anything new. This, however, is one program I am going to make time for. I love to learn, especially when it comes to my craft. I spend so much time quilting, it's only natural for me to want to master existing skills and learn to stretch myself, creatively. I hope you will join me. I chose not to participate last year and feel I missed out on something great, not just the skills, but the community that comes with sewing alongside other creators. <br />
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I have already joined and tried out the new <a href="https://pileofabric.refersion.com/c/7bae">Pile O' Fabric Sewing Room</a> interface. The <a href="https://pileofabric.refersion.com/c/7bae">Sewing Room</a> is a class section of the Pile O' Fabric site that offers a gathering place for all the lectures, discussion, and students of the Pile O' Fabric classes. So far, it's been user-friendly and I was even able to link it with my Facebook account, making it even easier to share my profile picture and sign-in. <br />
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Now for the hard part: choosing my colors for this year's quilt!<br />
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<img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7028/6484306765_b516c5f02c_m.jpg" width="150" height="80" alt="Danny">Danny Heyenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524510316569641921noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-984095955429082272.post-23874253051114193442013-11-03T21:35:00.000-07:002013-11-03T21:35:04.904-07:00Sign-Ups are now open for Stash Bee 2014!!!I've been a little quiet around here lately and now it's time to share why:<br />
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<center><a href="http://stashbee.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DY2A6lbL3ZQ/T-uGEuzCSPI/AAAAAAAAAdI/1UQVDHmlIZw/s1600/StashBee.png" width="150" height="150" /></a></center><br />
Sign-ups for Stash Bee 2014 have officially begun! <br />
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I am super excited to see who will join our bee and which blocks everyone will choose. Please head over to the <a href="http://stashbee.blogspot.com/">Stash Bee Blog</a> to poke around, and if you are interested in joining us for 2014, you may sign-up by filling out the form <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1cBwugSggDj_DmQ3uurDXW87dyEF68xr8zZXfrn9Cc8o/viewform">here</a>. <br />
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Stash Bee 2014 is going to be a blast! Won't you join us??<br />
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<img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7028/6484306765_b516c5f02c_m.jpg" width="150" height="80" alt="Danny">Danny Heyenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524510316569641921noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-984095955429082272.post-81689240537009505242013-10-21T09:44:00.001-07:002013-10-21T10:37:50.169-07:00Integrity and an update on my flannel quiltI belong to an online group for modern quilters and this morning, one of the topics caught my attention. There was an issue of one quilter being untruthful about where her inspiration (and perfect copy) came from for a particular quilt she created. Bad form, not illegal. Distasteful for sure, but I don't surround myself with people who would lie about something like that. Regardless, it got me thinking... I'm not entirely sure where I stand with this concept and I wanted to reach out to you all to see what your thoughts are. <br />
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Sometimes I see something somewhere in some place that just moves me to create a quilt. Those are quilts of my own design and imagination and I love them. Sometimes I see an art print that just needs to be interpreted into textile art and I create a quilt from that (or a tote, or a pouch, you get the idea). Sometimes I just see a quilt I HAVE to have and I blatantly copy the very foundation of it, maybe making a few changes here and there, but basically copying the exact design. And I love those quilts too.<br />
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When does it become wrong?<br />
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I recently witnessed a very public online debacle regarding one quilter who created a quilt for <b>herself</b> based off a quilt she had seen created by someone else. The quilt was for her own home and she gave credit to her inspiration but still she suffered the wrath of the online quilting community (certainly not everyone, but a smattering). Because she posted the images of her quilt to her blog, she was seen as having stolen the design, stolen the color palette. Even though she was honest and forthcoming with her design inspiration, people still drug her through the mud and basically ruined the excitement of finishing a new quilt. <br />
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I steal ideas all the time. I see something a friend is making and think, "Man! I totally love that. I'm going to make me one." I see hand towels and pillows at Pier 1 and think, "How freaking cute is that?! I'm going to make one!" I see remodeled kitchens and handwriting samples and crafts and recipes and I steal all those ideas too, bringing their beauty into my home. And I see nothing wrong with it.<br />
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I understand the frustration an artist gets when someone else comes out with a design similar to their own. It happened to a friend of mine just a couple months back. Sometimes one person is just immoral (the copier), stealing designs and trying to get more exposure before the original designer does, making the masses think the copier is the original designer. Sometimes, two people out of the 6 billion living on the planet have the same idea at the same time, making both the original designer. <br />
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Sometimes a designer picks a design that has been out forever (or is super simple to recreate) and claims it as their own imagining. Sometimes they even get their patterns published. Kudos to them for seeing a need and meeting it. I know there are hundreds and thousands of people out there who NEED patterns to create; who can't make without being told dimensions. I'm glad there are options out there for those people. But that's not going to stop me from making a Carpenter's Star block and calling it a "Swoon", or using my Drunkard's Path templates to create a Retro Flower quilt, or from calling the off brand tissue a "Kleenex". <br />
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Modern quilting is supposed to be fun and our online community was created to give us all a place to share and encourage each other. When I finish a quilt, I'm excited! I want to share the quilt's story. I want to share my heartache, my frustrations, my process, my elation when it's complete. I want to share about the people I made it for; who they are and how every stitch was placed with the future owners in my mind. I want to hear the same from of all of you. I want to see the pictures of your daughters and granddaughters snuggling their quilts. I want to see the charity quilts you create and the stories of the people in need who made you work tirelessly to complete such a perfect and thoughtful gift. I want to see the quilts you make for yourselves. And I don't care if you didn't make up the pattern. Or the inspiration piece.<br />
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I guess what I'm saying is the community is getting less inviting and more exclusive and I don't like that. We were all beginners once. We have all been inspired by something other than our own thoughts and dreams. We all have skills and visions to bring to the table and I would hate to see anyone stifled just because they made a quilt someone else may have already made.<br />
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And please note, I'm not talking about when people take patterns created by designers and rewrite them to sell, or even people who try to sell pieces made with a pattern when they didn't get the express consent from the designer. I don't want to get into the legal-ese of all that here. I'm talking about when people make something as gifts, for themselves or people close to them.<br />
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So here is a confession: I stole the idea for the flannel plus quilt I made for my best friend's wedding. I saw Jeni of <a href="http://www.incolororder.com/">In Color Order</a> creating a plus quilt out of Anna Maria Horner flannel (AMH is my FAVE!!) and I thought, "I just have to have that." So I bought up flannel to make one. Then my best friend saw my stockpiled flannel and asked me to make one for her too. So I did. And it turned out lovely. And I didn't use a pattern.<br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dheyen/9792702315/" title="AMH Flannel Quilt by dheyen, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7291/9792702315_d422c7d05b_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="AMH Flannel Quilt"></a></center><br />
Now, Jeni has a pattern for that quilt which you can purchase <a href="http://www.incolororder.com/p/patterns.html">here</a>. I, personally, did not need a pattern for this quilt. I cut a bunch of squares, arranged them, then sewed them together. It made sense to me. <br />
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I didn't mention this in my original post about the quilt, mostly because I forgot. It's a plus quilt. Everyone is making plus quilts. But in light of recent grumblings, I thought I should mention it here and update my original post, as to not be labelled a thief or other terrible, untrue title. <br />
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My intention here is not to start a war. I just want to hear opinions from others in the community. Am I wrong?<br />
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<img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7028/6484306765_b516c5f02c_m.jpg" width="150" height="80" alt="Danny">Danny Heyenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524510316569641921noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-984095955429082272.post-79382469175497730742013-09-26T23:03:00.000-07:002013-09-26T23:03:27.123-07:00Cool new pattern - Owen's Olivia's Wonky Triangles<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">My friend Nancy of <a href="http://owensolivia.blogspot.com/">Owen's Olivia</a> has a great eye for design. Her blog always inspires me (and mostly leaves me in awe). If you haven't seen her blog, I highly recommend checking it out. She mixes her love for sewing with her love for design and home decor, some of my very favorite things! </span><br />
<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br />
</span> <span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">About a week ago, Nancy sent me a text message with an image of this gorgeous quilt:</span><center><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br />
</span> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVPwKHGka3J8UuoknRmFJmn34y3Mq7fbj1IKNUkXEqf2oPIuuk9Snu-CY5o2x9pKLj7VmfKZo1zncLk3B5T2KAmQ2uniEQqN6R1erMUy1Bbg-qIi_LbLehyphenhyphenRoe0FwuoJcTXhxGJrh2Qm4/s1600/croppedtrianglequiltblog.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVPwKHGka3J8UuoknRmFJmn34y3Mq7fbj1IKNUkXEqf2oPIuuk9Snu-CY5o2x9pKLj7VmfKZo1zncLk3B5T2KAmQ2uniEQqN6R1erMUy1Bbg-qIi_LbLehyphenhyphenRoe0FwuoJcTXhxGJrh2Qm4/s1600/croppedtrianglequiltblog.png" /></a></center><br />
I just loved the colors she chose! They compliment the Tule print back marvelously. But what I loved best about this quilt was the striking, modern design. I wasn't surprised by the design. Nancy always comes up with the coolest, modern layouts. What I was surprised to find out is that she created a paper piecing pattern to sell!<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaVVeivqV6N2SXXZ0WiV0cJpmaD7aeQZWhIW9L0Or5EOFqI76fbDQcDJh3qMvB8cXxYMPzm5Rg-gavDE7tvYvkIOATCpu6oULj7yTjZoYrz3jGGCYifIfABT1NzSBtb3LCZR1hR-uk6gM/s1600/bundled1-brightenedblog.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaVVeivqV6N2SXXZ0WiV0cJpmaD7aeQZWhIW9L0Or5EOFqI76fbDQcDJh3qMvB8cXxYMPzm5Rg-gavDE7tvYvkIOATCpu6oULj7yTjZoYrz3jGGCYifIfABT1NzSBtb3LCZR1hR-uk6gM/s1600/bundled1-brightenedblog.png" /></a></center><br />
Awesome, right?! The pattern is for sell at these fine, online retailers:<br />
<center><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b><a href="http://www.craftsy.com/pattern/quilting/other/wonky-triangles--a-paper-piecing-pattern/69955">Craftsy</a> and <a href="https://www.etsy.com/au/shop/owensolivia">Etsy</a></b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"></span></span></center>And here are some features of the pattern I snagged from her blog:<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">wonky triangles paper piecing pattern</span></b></div></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Great for all types of levels and comes in a 29 page PDF file.</li>
<li>Features three different sizes - small (1.75"), medium (3.5"), and large (6.5")</li>
<li>Directions on how to complete a panel as well as helpful tips, which will aid in successful completion of this project</li>
<li>22 different templates included for versatility.</li>
<li>There are a lot of design possibilities because of the ability to customize each template, including the ability to create any size you want for your panel or block! </li>
<li>Perfect for making zip pouches, bags, pillows, table runners, quilts, sashing, or anything else your heart desires</li>
<li>Perfectly priced at $1.99.</li>
</ul><div><br />
</div><center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6_CLOk5MD4W5s45pPVMx1dkkks5mZ7H0NNFjvjKVzpYwm_TvMpkhIrOE-V4HvfpEeUM0ByEF8YAwtxzkoz70kdQPEgxlGXaEgHHwx5Lk6vcAH10iplglMvzxeEhuD-Dlvm5moDLb7K1E/s1600/artist+crayon+roll+owen%27s+olivia+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6_CLOk5MD4W5s45pPVMx1dkkks5mZ7H0NNFjvjKVzpYwm_TvMpkhIrOE-V4HvfpEeUM0ByEF8YAwtxzkoz70kdQPEgxlGXaEgHHwx5Lk6vcAH10iplglMvzxeEhuD-Dlvm5moDLb7K1E/s1600/artist+crayon+roll+owen's+olivia+8.jpg" style="cursor: move;" /></a></center><br />
Such a diverse pattern! Such a great price! I just couldn't pass up sharing this with all of you, my bloggy friends. I am dreaming up projects as I write to use this pattern!<br />
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<img alt="Danny" height="80" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7028/6484306765_b516c5f02c_m.jpg" width="150" />Danny Heyenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524510316569641921noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-984095955429082272.post-84297013189293404952013-09-23T00:00:00.000-07:002013-09-23T00:00:14.183-07:00Simple Baby Quilt for JackMy friend recently had her third little boy. Such an occasion calls for a special, quilty gift, don't you agree?<br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dheyen/9792784533/" title="Jack Baby Quilt by dheyen, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5501/9792784533_648677657d_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Jack Baby Quilt"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dheyen/9792753706/" title="Jack Baby Quilt by dheyen, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5485/9792753706_1920f8a551_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Jack Baby Quilt"></a></center><br />
<img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7028/6484306765_b516c5f02c_m.jpg" width="150" height="80" alt="Danny">Danny Heyenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524510316569641921noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-984095955429082272.post-84730772931600129562013-09-17T17:49:00.000-07:002013-10-21T10:39:09.978-07:00AMH Flannel Plus QuiltThis quilt finish has been a long time coming. I originally purchased this flannel fabric to make a quilt for myself but when my best friend saw it, she fell in love. I bought a bundle for her and a year and a half AFTER her wedding, I've finally finished her quilt.<br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dheyen/9792751756/" title="AMH Flannel Quilt by dheyen, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7386/9792751756_e27d6fb595_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="AMH Flannel Quilt"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dheyen/9792702315/" title="AMH Flannel Quilt by dheyen, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7291/9792702315_d422c7d05b_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="AMH Flannel Quilt"></a></center><br />
Mine is a top sitting in a pile of WIPs waiting to be quilted.<br />
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Quilt specifics:<br />
Fabric: TOP-AMH Folksy Flannel BACK-AMH Pastry Line Voile BINDING-AMH Pastry Line Voile<br />
Quilting: Straight line, echoing three separate plus signs<br />
Thread: Aurifil 50wt (piecing) 40wt (quilting)<br />
Batting: Warm and Natural<br />
Size: Queen<br />
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Inspired by Jeni from <a href="http://www.incolororder.com/">In Color Order</a>'s AMH flannel plus quilt top.<br />
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<img alt="Danny" height="80" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7028/6484306765_b516c5f02c_m.jpg" width="150" />Danny Heyenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524510316569641921noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-984095955429082272.post-27559015682701892022013-08-18T22:09:00.000-07:002013-08-18T22:09:36.953-07:00The Ebb and Flow of LifeWe all have those seasons; the ones where life riles up and forbids you from doing what you would normally do. I am in the midst of one such season but have had a heavy heart about not sharing with all of you, my lovely bloggy friends. <br />
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First off, I would like to publicly thank each any every one of you who donated to TRAC this year. I haven't received pictures or a full report, but it sounds like the girls and boys were deeply blessed by their handmade gifts provided by all of you. You have made their lives richer with just a few small items and for that I THANK YOU on behalf of them. If I get some pictures in the future, I will be sure to pass them along.<br />
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Secondly, I have been remiss in holding back on my new blog design! I kept meaning to write a whole post dedicated soley to the wonderful work of <a href="http://www.cloverandviolet.com">Miss Jennie over at Clover and Violet</a> who worked with me for far too long to make some much needed changes to my design. She is absolutely amazing and deserves all the credit for my blog's look and feel. Please let her know if you are in need of a blog "facelift". She will do a fantastic job for you.<br />
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Now on to sharing just a tidbit of how time has been elapsing for me over these past few months: I am pregnant. I am having another little girl who we have named Lily and we are planning for her to arrive sometime in early January (although, if she wants to sneak in to 2013, I won't be complaining!!! Tax deduction!) My sister is also pregnant. And my best friend. And a few other friends. ((There's something in the water out here. I suggest you all keep your distance.)) But all that being said, what I really want you to know is that I am alive and <b>living</b>. I go out with friends. I have a group of girls I sew with on a regular basis. I have guild meetings. We have playdates. I spend lots of time with my family and can honestly say that playing pirate princess dress-up is the highlight of my day. Clara Mae just turned two years old and is just overflowing with imagination. She has recently discovered Peter Pan and truly believes she can fly! So we fly a lot. And twirl. And when we are exhausted from our travels around the kitchen island, we sit ourselves down to color or paint or mash Little People and Legos into Play-doh. I have an amazing life, but clearly, that life hasn't included blogging much lately.<br />
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It makes me sad that I don't find the time to blog. I miss you all dearly. We have really become such great friends. I could make an effort to be present in the online community through the blog, but I don't have a computer at home, just my phone. When I do have access to a computer, it's because my husband is home from work and has brought his laptop home for me to use, should I choose to, but I rarely do. The truth is I love spending time with him and spending time as a family. We talk about our days and make dinner together. We play with Maze. We walk our dogs. Sometimes we go out for ice cream. And when Clara is down for the night and we have a few moments of privacy, he reads to me while I hand sew or embroider on the couch. Yes. Our love is THAT ridiculous and perfect.<br />
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I want you all to know, though, that I have not disappeared altogether. Instagram has made it easy for me to "microblog" throughout the day, sharing projects and activities and maybe a few meals along the way. Please PLEASE consider following me there! My username is <b>dheyen</b>. And I have not given up blogging. I've just decided to post less often for now. I'm still waiting to see where this season leads me.<br />
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Thank you all for your continued support and friendship. It really has meant the world to me.<br />
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<img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7028/6484306765_b516c5f02c_m.jpg" width="150" height="80" alt="Danny">Danny Heyenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524510316569641921noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-984095955429082272.post-90242145930226520352013-07-02T00:00:00.000-07:002013-07-02T00:00:08.911-07:00Guest Post: Travel HandmadeHello lovlies!<br />
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Today you can find me over at <a href="http://www.cloverandviolet.com">Clover and Violet</a> sharing about my travel embroider case. Go check it out!<br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dheyen/9181796504/" title="Travel Handmade by dheyen, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2835/9181796504_a8918d4116_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Travel Handmade"></a></center><br />
<img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7028/6484306765_b516c5f02c_m.jpg" width="150" height="80" alt="Danny">Danny Heyenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524510316569641921noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-984095955429082272.post-69526517211374008682013-05-29T17:12:00.000-07:002013-07-08T11:15:29.929-07:00I need your helpLast summer I asked for your help in making some small, handmade items for our launch of Teen Reach Adventure Camp. Camp was a huge success and the thing the girls talked about most?? The amazing, personal, handmade pillowcases and zippered pouches they each received. These tiny items meant so much more to these kids in foster care than we ever though possible, so this year, we are going to try to share that special love with the 2013 TRAC campers.<br />
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<center><a href="http://www.orgsites.com/az/trac/TRAClogonew.gif" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://www.orgsites.com/az/trac/TRAClogonew.gif" /></a></center><br />
For more information, please visit my previous posts:<br />
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<a href="http://mommyforreals.blogspot.com/2012/05/i-need-your-help.html">Background information and tutorials for drawstring bags and zipper pouches</a><br />
<a href="http://mommyforreals.blogspot.com/2012/06/i-need-your-help-again.html">Pillow case request and tutorials</a><br />
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This year we need 20 pillowcases, 11 zipper pouches, and 10 drawstring bags for the boys camp. If you could help make one or more of these items, I would be so very grateful. I need all the items shipped to me by June 30th at the very latest to give me time to make any items that do not get donated. <br />
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Please comment on this post letting me know what you are able to make and send (I am in AZ, USA) and I will update this post to let everyone know which items still need to be claimed. If you are a no-reply blogger, please also leave your email address so I can contact you.<br />
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Thank you all so much! <br />
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<b>Pillowcases:</b> (for girls)<br />
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1. <strike>Edy B</strike><br />
2. <strike>Edy B</strike><br />
3. <a href="http://www.willcookforshoes.ca/">Will Cook For Shoes</a><br />
4. <strike>Limbania</strike><br />
5. <a href="http://www.randomthoughtsdoordi.com/"><strike>Di</strike></a><br />
6. <a href="http://stephjacobson.blogspot.com/"><strike>Steph</strike></a><br />
7. <a href="https://plus.google.com/102877169088821435710/posts"><strike>Gabrielle Robles</strike></a><br />
8. Ruth D<br />
9. Ruth D<br />
10. Ruth D<br />
11. Ruth D<br />
12. <strike>Ann Bixler</strike><br />
13. <strike>Ann Bixler</strike><br />
14. <a href="http://pnksweethrt.blogspot.com/">Tiffany</a><br />
15. <a href="http://pnksweethrt.blogspot.com/">Tiffany</a><br />
16. <a href="http://www.knotted-thread.com/"><strike>Jennifer</strike></a><br />
17. <a href="http://www.knotted-thread.com/"><strike>Jennifer</strike></a><br />
18.<br />
19.<br />
20.<br />
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<b>Zipper pouches:</b> (for girls)<br />
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1. <a href="http://flyingblindonarocketcycle.blogspot.com/"><strike>Hadley</strike></a><br />
2. <a href="http://www.joliemaxtin.com/"><strike>Julie</strike></a><br />
3. <a href="http://www.joliemaxtin.com/"><strike>Julie</strike></a><br />
4. <a href="http://fabrications2b.blogspot.com/"><strike>Bonnie</strike></a><br />
5. <a href="http://fabrications2b.blogspot.com/"><strike>Bonnie</strike></a><br />
6. <a href="http://callingallstitchers.blogspot.com/"><strike>Linh</strike></a><br />
7. <a href="http://callingallstitchers.blogspot.com/"><strike>Linh</strike></a><br />
8. <a href="https://plus.google.com/102877169088821435710/posts"><strike>Gabrielle Robles</strike></a><br />
9. BAAMbi7<br />
10. BAAMbi7<br />
11. Sue<br />
12. Sue<br />
13. <a href="http://www.blogger.com/angieholder@hotmail.com">Angie Sue</a><br />
14. <a href="http://www.blogger.com/angieholder@hotmail.com">Angie Sue</a><br />
15. <a href="http://sewasecondchance.blogspot.com/">Tanya</a><br />
16. <a href="http://pnksweethrt.blogspot.com/">Tiffany</a><br />
17. <a href="http://pnksweethrt.blogspot.com/">Tiffany</a><br />
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<b>Drawstring bags:</b> (for boys)<br />
<br />
1. <strike>Limbania</strike><br />
2. <a href="http://www.knotted-thread.com/"><strike>Jennifer</strike></a><br />
3. <strike>Ann Bixler</strike><br />
4. <strike>Ann Bixler</strike><br />
5. <strike>Ann Bixler</strike><br />
6. <a href="http://addapinch.blogspot.com/">Beth</a><br />
7. <a href="http://www.knotted-thread.com/"><strike>Jennifer</strike></a><br />
8. <a href="http://www.knotted-thread.com/"><strike>Jennifer</strike></a><br />
9. <a href="http://www.knotted-thread.com/"><strike>Jennifer</strike></a><br />
10.<br />
<br />
<img alt="Danny" height="80" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7028/6484306765_b516c5f02c_m.jpg" width="150" />Danny Heyenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524510316569641921noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-984095955429082272.post-83571715646724534192013-05-16T10:16:00.001-07:002013-05-16T10:16:29.230-07:00Bijoux by Bari J. Giveaway WinnerAnd the winner of 10 fat quarters is...<br />
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#73: Jenelle who said "Yeah I'd make a quilt too. ;) Man this is a beautiful and lush collection! I really like the mix of warm colors and different scaled prints. Your dress is just gorgeous Danny. It looks like it came straight out of one of those high-end children's boutique collections."<br />
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Congrats Jenelle! I will be sending you an email shortly! <br />
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<img alt="Danny" height="80" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7028/6484306765_b516c5f02c_m.jpg" width="150" />Danny Heyenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524510316569641921noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-984095955429082272.post-21184230497794948782013-05-15T00:00:00.000-07:002013-05-16T10:07:59.102-07:00Bijoux by Bari J. Launch Party and {GIVEAWAY}<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Giveaway closed.</span><br />
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Yay! Today is my stop on the <a href="http://www.liveartgalleryfabrics.com/bijoux.html">Bijoux</a> by <a href="http://www.barij.typepad.com/">Bari J.</a> Launch Party!<br />
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I met <a href="http://www.barij.typepad.com/">Bari</a> at the <a href="http://www.phoenixmodernquiltguild.com/">Phoenix Modern Quilt Guild</a>. She had cute hair and brought embroidery. No wonder we were quick friends! I saw a sneak peek of <a href="http://www.liveartgalleryfabrics.com/bijoux.html">Bijoux</a> on <a href="http://www.hawthornethreads.com/fabric/designer/bari_j_ackerman/bijoux">Hawthorne Threads' site</a> a long while back and just KNEW I had to get my hands on some of it when it came out. I had no idea she would give me some to play with for my very own! So generous.<br />
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<a href="http://www.liveartgalleryfabrics.com/bijoux.html">Bijoux</a> was inspired by the desert; by gypsy caravans and lanterns, turquoise bracelets and long, flowing skirts. To read more about <a href="http://www.barij.typepad.com/">Bari's</a> inspiration for this new, gorgeous line, check out <a href="http://barij.typepad.com/my_weblog/2013/03/so-very-bijoux.html">this link</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://www.barij.typepad.com/">Bari</a> gave me some yardage of one of the butterfly prints I picked out AND a pattern to make a sweet little girl dress. My friend had been hinting for a while about wanting a handmade dress for her daughter, and this line felt just perfect for her!<br />
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<center>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dheyen/8739106489/" title="Zophia Playtime Dress by dheyen, on Flickr"><img alt="Zophia Playtime Dress" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7290/8739106489_3e84039f75_z.jpg" width="427" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dheyen/8740224530/" title="Zophia Playtime Dress by dheyen, on Flickr"><img alt="Zophia Playtime Dress" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7283/8740224530_e78d645134_z.jpg" width="427" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dheyen/8740224730/" title="Zophia Playtime Dress by dheyen, on Flickr"><img alt="Zophia Playtime Dress" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7289/8740224730_bf62279bf1_z.jpg" width="427" /></a></center>
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I made this dress using <a href="http://www.barij.typepad.com/">Bari's</a> <a href="http://www.barijonline.com/sewingpatterns.html">Zophia Playtime Dress pattern</a>. It is made to be quilter friendly with 1/4" seams and binding to finish raw edges.<br />
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<center>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dheyen/8740225128/" title="Zophia Playtime Dress by dheyen, on Flickr"><img alt="Zophia Playtime Dress" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7293/8740225128_5124662728_z.jpg" width="427" /></a></center>
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The back of the dress has an elastic casing. No buttons or zippers!<br />
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<center>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dheyen/8739105851/" title="Zophia Playtime Dress by dheyen, on Flickr"><img alt="Zophia Playtime Dress" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7290/8739105851_266dfc3aae_z.jpg" width="427" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dheyen/8740223862/" title="Zophia Playtime Dress by dheyen, on Flickr"><img alt="Zophia Playtime Dress" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7292/8740223862_c269304b22_z.jpg" width="427" /></a></center>
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This fabric is vibrant and rich. Exactly the colors and hues I love! Plus, <a href="http://www.artgalleryquilts.com/">Art Gallery Fabrics</a> are silky soft making them ideal for garments. <br />
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I also made a grocery bag holder for my mom out of one of my favorite prints in the collection:<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dheyen/8684644480/" title="Mine is the ugly one and my mommy gets the cute #bijouxbybarij one. I think I should make another. @barij by dheyen, on Flickr"><img alt="Mine is the ugly one and my mommy gets the cute #bijouxbybarij one. I think I should make another. @barij" height="612" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8528/8684644480_1702f86956_z.jpg" width="612" /></a></center>
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You get my fancy cell phone picture because she snatched it up before I could properly photograph it, but you get the idea. I've been thinking about buying more of this print to decoupage onto wood, making a spool holder for my craft room wall. I've been needing one and this print has just the right amount of bright, bold and freaking amazing that I've been looking for.<br />
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I've also been planning a quilt.<br />
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<center>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dheyen/8656921272/" title="Adding color to #bijoux. @barij by dheyen, on Flickr"><img alt="Adding color to #bijoux. @barij" height="612" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8122/8656921272_94d4792f48_z.jpg" width="612" /></a></center>
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I knew immediately I had to make a medallion quilt with this line. I free motion embroidered an image of my interpretation of Bijoux and added some hand embroidered touches to make her come to life. She is going to be the center of my <a href="http://www.liveartgalleryfabrics.com/bijoux.html">Bijoux</a> medallion quilt, which I will share once I complete it. <br />
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<center>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dheyen/8658611324/" title="Quilt planning and tea drinking. by dheyen, on Flickr"><img alt="Quilt planning and tea drinking." height="612" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8115/8658611324_2dd37086e2_z.jpg" width="612" /></a></center>
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So now that you've seen all the beautiful things I've made, you should take a look at what some of the other Launch Party-ers have made/are going to make:<br />
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<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #565656; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">May 8: </span><a href="http://www.melaniedramatic.com/" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #8b0c0c; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Melanie Dramatic</a><br />
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #565656; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">May 9: </span><a href="http://www.sewmuchlikemom.com/" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #8b0c0c; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Sew Much Like Mom</a><br />
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #565656; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">May 10: </span><a href="http://100billionstars.com/blog/" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #8b0c0c; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">100 Billion Stars</a><br />
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #565656; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">May 11: </span><a href="http://renorx.blogspot.com/" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #8b0c0c; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">I'm Doing Stuff</a><br />
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #565656; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">(mother's day, no stop on the 12th)</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #565656; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">May 13:</span><a href="http://imaginegnats.blogspot.com/" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #8b0c0c; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"> Imagine Gnats</a><br />
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #565656; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">May 14: </span><a href="http://jonag.typepad.com/stop_staring_and_start_se/" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #8b0c0c; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Jona G.</a><br />
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #565656; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">May 15: </span><a href="http://mommyforreals.blogspot.com/" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #8b0c0c; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Mommy for Reals</a><br />
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #565656; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">May 16: </span><a href="http://www.oliveandollie.com/" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #8b0c0c; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Olive and Ollie</a><br />
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #565656; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">May 17: </span><a href="http://www.pileofabric.com/" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #8b0c0c; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Pile O' Fabric</a><br />
<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #565656; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">May 18: </span><a href="http://sallysangelworks.typepad.com/" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #8b0c0c; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Sally's Angel Works</a><br />
<a href="http://sallysangelworks.typepad.com/" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #8b0c0c; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-decoration: none;"></a><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #565656; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">May 19:</span><a href="http://www.jmmaxman.com/" style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #8b0c0c; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"> JM Maxman</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.liveartgalleryfabrics.com/bijoux.html">Bijoux</a> has now shipped to stores, but if you would like to join, I have a 10 fat quarter bundle to give away to one lucky commenter!<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZDCHtmTtdH55Gei__0AvqeBzfy0M_0yBj0nAqd36hzDVHzk2b7kQW_LhLw3aSznZ0QfuK-zyKzEs_vHePBTVcC9PzYhxubQaiZebHeo7aUA9U_95XR08I59srMYvCViQyIAotpzMpkwc1/s1600/bijouxbundle.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZDCHtmTtdH55Gei__0AvqeBzfy0M_0yBj0nAqd36hzDVHzk2b7kQW_LhLw3aSznZ0QfuK-zyKzEs_vHePBTVcC9PzYhxubQaiZebHeo7aUA9U_95XR08I59srMYvCViQyIAotpzMpkwc1/s320/bijouxbundle.jpg" /></a></center>
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<b>How To Enter</b><br />
<br />
This giveaway is open to everyone. If you are a no-reply commenter, please include your email address in your comment. The winner will be chosen randomly and I will need to be able to notify the winner via email.<br />
<br />
Leave a comment letting me know what you would like to make with <a href="http://www.liveartgalleryfabrics.com/bijoux.html">Bijoux</a>. That's it! This is a quicky giveaway that will close 12am Arizona time TONIGHT (15 May 2013)!!! Tell your friends and have them enter here too. You don't want to miss out on this awesome collection!!<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: large;">Giveaway closed.</span><br />
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Also, don't forget to check out the <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/2166910@N25/">Flickr group</a> to see what other people are making with <a href="http://www.liveartgalleryfabrics.com/bijoux.html">Bijoux</a>.<br />
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<img alt="Danny" height="80" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7028/6484306765_b516c5f02c_m.jpg" width="150" />Danny Heyenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524510316569641921noreply@blogger.com80tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-984095955429082272.post-29018124617817189362013-04-30T09:41:00.001-07:002013-04-30T09:41:40.717-07:00Thoughts on Tastebook?I have a huge collection of recipes I love that I have been collecting and archiving in a binder I keep in the pantry of my kitchen. This works well for me because it gets my computers away from the kitchen (I get lots of recipes from Pinterest!) and because I store them in clear, plastic report covers, it keeps the recipes clean of cooking spatter.<br />
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<center><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtJZhRmTGJnwLZBQVCPA0VaRZ2hyphenhyphenZnfSG0XyCLKUJTAjS_tzmsa2f9GhUZxSmzTfFkU-bNeGX63HNdDNdJOYMrB8pjY6wQwL7OFyhS0rlDNglV_L6zKVFE6z-oN8bIseOWKDVGOU6Q26Eo/s320/tastebook_image_v2.jpg" /></center><br />
My family has a collective <a href="http://www.tastebook.com/">Tastebook.com</a> account. Basically, it's an online database that allows you to store, sort and share your recipes online. I absolutely love having all the family recipes in one place and it has made it easy to just pop into the account to copy/paste a recipe into an email for a friend. <br />
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I use far more recipes than can be housed on this little blog. Every so often I try to share one with you all, but the truth is, I could have this blog just be a food blog and probably have a new recipe every couple of days without duplicates. I really love to cook (and eat!) but I can't just bombard you all with food posts everyday for the next year just so I can get them all on my blog, so here's my thought: I could create a personal Tastebook.com account and post my library of recipes there. <br />
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The only problem with <a href="http://www.tastebook.com/">Tastebook.com</a> is you must also have a <a href="http://www.tastebook.com/">Tastebook.com<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtJZhRmTGJnwLZBQVCPA0VaRZ2hyphenhyphenZnfSG0XyCLKUJTAjS_tzmsa2f9GhUZxSmzTfFkU-bNeGX63HNdDNdJOYMrB8pjY6wQwL7OFyhS0rlDNglV_L6zKVFE6z-oN8bIseOWKDVGOU6Q26Eo/s1600/tastebook_image_v2.jpg" imageanchor="1" ></a></a> account in order to see my recipes. We become friends, a la Facebook, and then we can share our recipes with each other. So my question is this:<br />
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Would you do that?<br />
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<img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7028/6484306765_b516c5f02c_m.jpg" width="150" height="80" alt="Danny">Danny Heyenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524510316569641921noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-984095955429082272.post-42621410288116378782013-04-23T00:00:00.000-07:002013-04-23T00:00:08.942-07:00Oatmeal Molasses BreadIt's been a lifetime since I've posted any recipes on the blog! The truth is, I have terrible lighting in my kitchen and I don't know how to take nice pictures without natural light. Winter means it's dark by the time dinner is ready to be photographed, therefore, no recipes in the winter. Now that the sun is staying out a bit later, I can finally start sharing with you some of the yummy things I whip up for my family.<br />
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Today, I am starting with one of my favorite breads, Oatmeal Molasses. I make my breads by hand, so I will share with you the hand kneading directions.<br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dheyen/8618854668/" title="Oatmeal Molasses Bread by dheyen, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8116/8618854668_4f12358c14_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Oatmeal Molasses Bread"></a></center><br />
<b>Ingredients</b>:<br />
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2 1/3 cups (19 fl oz/580 ml) water<br />
1 cup (3 oz/90 g) old-fashioned rolled oats, plus some extra for topping the loaves<br />
1/2 cup (4 oz/125 g) unsalted butter<br />
1/3 cup (3 1/2 oz/105 g) unsulfured molasses<br />
2 packages (5 teaspoons) active dry yeast (You can also use Bread Machine Yeast)<br />
5-6 cups (25-30 oz/780-940 g) all-purpose (plain) flour, plus extra for kneading<br />
2 teaspoons sea salt<br />
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<b>Recipe</b>:<br />
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In a small saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Put the oats into a heatproof bowl, and pour the water over the oats. Add the butter and molasses, and let the mixture cool to warm (105-115F/40-46C).<br />
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In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm oat mixture and let stand for 5 minutes. Using a wooden spoon, stir in 3 cups (15 oz/470 g) of the flour and the salt, mixing well. Add the remaining 2-3 cups (10-15 oz/315-470 g) flour as needed to make a soft dough. Using a plastic pastry scraper, scrape the dough out of the bowl onto a floured work surface. Knead until it is smooth and elastic, dusting flour to keep the dough from sticking, 5-7 minutes. <br />
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Form the dough into a ball and transfer it to a lightly oiled bowl. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free spot until it doubles in bulk, about 1 hour. (I place mine on top of my fridge.)<br />
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Butter two 9-by-5-inch (23-by-13-cm) loaf pans. Punch down the dough and, using the pastry scraper, scrape it out onto a clean work surface. Cut it in half with a sharp knife or a bench scraper. <br />
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For each half, evenly flatten the dough with the heel of your hand. Roll the top third down onto itself and seal it by pushing it gently with the heel of your hand. Continue rolling and sealing the dough until you have an oval log. Place the loaf, seam side down, in the prepared loaf pans. Press on them to flatten them evenly into the pans. Cover loosely with a kitchen towel and let them rise in a warm, draft-free spot until they double in size, 45-60 minutes. <br />
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Position a rack in the middle of the oven, and preheat to 375F (190C). Mist the tops of the loaves with water. Sprinkle the tops with a generous handful of oats. (I have gotten to the point where I skip this step because it's just messy and doesn't add to the flavor of the bread.) Bake until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on top, 40-45 minutes. Carefully remove the loaves from the pans and let cool completely on wire racks before slicing.<br />
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I got this recipe from a book I borrowed from a friend. It is absolutely amazing and I want to buy it for myself. Not only are the recipes tasty, the pictures are delicious in themselves!<br />
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<i>Essentials of Baking: Recipes and Techniques for Successful Home Baking</i>. Williams Sonoma. <br />
ISBN: 0-8487-2779-7<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Williams-Sonoma-Essentials-Baking-Cathy-Burgett/dp/0848727797/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1366087081&sr=8-1&keywords=0848727797">Here is a link to purchase the book on Amazon.</a><br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dheyen/8618856514/" title="Oatmeal Molasses Bread by dheyen, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8260/8618856514_02678fbecb_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Oatmeal Molasses Bread"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dheyen/8617746957/" title="Oatmeal Molasses Bread by dheyen, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8107/8617746957_b7be85505e_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Oatmeal Molasses Bread"></a></center><br />
Making bread is relaxing for me. I relish in the fact that I cannot do anything else with my time while I'm kneading a new dough. I am a busy person, constantly multitasking and filling every moment with as much as I possibly can. Making bread for my family gives me time to slow down and just... be, if only for a few minutes. Knowing our bread is made with healthy ingredients is just an added bonus. This recipe makes two loaves, which we go through in about two to three weeks. Sometimes I find myself giving away loaves just so I can make more! It's healthy to have stress relievers, and this is mine. <br />
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If you have a yummy bread recipe you would like to share, I would love to try it! I have been trying to branch out a bit but I'm having a rough time finding recipes that a) can be made without a bread machine or standing mixer, or b) actually have a review to let me know whether they are good or not!<br />
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<img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7028/6484306765_b516c5f02c_m.jpg" width="150" height="80" alt="Danny">Danny Heyenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524510316569641921noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-984095955429082272.post-44753128359721539652013-04-18T00:00:00.000-07:002013-04-18T00:00:06.408-07:00Bubble PartyI like to do fun things with Clara and I've decided to invite other kids over to play along with us. It started with a Valentine's Day Party where we made Valentine's for daddies. I was busy playing hostess and forgot to take pictures at that one, but this time I was ready!<br />
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To celebrate the first day of Spring (and our amazing weather lately) I threw a Bubble Party. It was scheduled over Spring Break. I thought that meant more people could attend, but as it turns out, it means more people are out of town! Who knew? Anyway, it was a small gathering, but lots of fun for the kiddos, and the mamas, who got to have some real, adult conversations.<br />
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One of the lovely mamas who attended is a photographer who, lucky for me, wanted decent pictures of the party! Here are some of her shots:<br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dheyen/8617730239/" title="Bubble Party by dheyen, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8380/8617730239_c02aafd8a7_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Bubble Party"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dheyen/8618838562/" title="Bubble Party by dheyen, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8121/8618838562_379e55a285_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Bubble Party"></a><br />
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Isn't Val BEAUTIFUL?!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dheyen/8617729899/" title="Bubble Party by dheyen, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8108/8617729899_8363b67e33_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Bubble Party"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dheyen/8618838182/" title="Bubble Party by dheyen, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8247/8618838182_d80df6f725_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Bubble Party"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dheyen/8617729601/" title="Bubble Party by dheyen, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8126/8617729601_7699a6bd1b_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Bubble Party"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dheyen/8618837914/" title="Bubble Party by dheyen, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8120/8618837914_9f588a4a15_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Bubble Party"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dheyen/8617729261/" title="Bubble Party by dheyen, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8246/8617729261_5bf72ff7aa_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Bubble Party"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dheyen/8617728693/" title="Bubble Party by dheyen, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8114/8617728693_cb4a6bd5c8_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Bubble Party"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dheyen/8618836596/" title="Bubble Party by dheyen, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8522/8618836596_73340702fe_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Bubble Party"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dheyen/8617727531/" title="Bubble Party by dheyen, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8542/8617727531_874fb2e984_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Bubble Party"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dheyen/8617727239/" title="Bubble Party by dheyen, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8264/8617727239_c2d8a63bfa_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Bubble Party"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dheyen/8617727007/" title="Bubble Party by dheyen, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8385/8617727007_9822f58ea8_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Bubble Party"></a></center><br />
I will be planning more play dates, especially as summer hits and we can no longer be outside with the kids. I'll be sure to share what we do. I know I am inspired by other blogs and what those mamas do with their children!<br />
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<img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7028/6484306765_b516c5f02c_m.jpg" width="150" height="80" alt="Danny">Danny Heyenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524510316569641921noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-984095955429082272.post-17337295508923078142013-04-16T00:00:00.000-07:002013-04-16T00:00:13.029-07:00My Contributions - Stitch Tease BeeI don't have great pictures of these blocks, mostly because I was down to the wire while making them and had to snap a pic quickly before getting them ready to mail out!! But here they are, none-the-less:<br />
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<a href="http://www.randomthoughtsdoordi.com">Di</a> asked for words. I chose "read" because we like to talk about books we've read whenever we get together. The text is meant to look like typewriter font. <br />
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<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dheyen/8653344981/" title="Stitch Tease - Di by dheyen, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8265/8653344981_78b932fbde_z.jpg" width="640" height="133" alt="Stitch Tease - Di"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dheyen/8653344955/" title="Stitch Tease - Di by dheyen, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8242/8653344955_7328edb441_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Stitch Tease - Di"></a><br />
</center><a href="http://kechquilts.blogspot.com">Annabella</a> wanted something with curves. I'm awful with curves, so I appliquéd circles onto the block. They look a little like bubbles. I like it!<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dheyen/8653344853/" title="Stitch Tease - Annabella by dheyen, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8110/8653344853_54057b0be3_z.jpg" width="640" height="629" alt="Stitch Tease - Annabella"></a><br />
</center><a href="http://quiltova.blogspot.com">Dianne</a> asked for pinwheels in pink and green. This block admittedly gave me some trouble. I don't like planning things out. I'd rather just go for it and that just wasn't working out with this block!! It turned out great, though, and her quilt top is beautiful!<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dheyen/8654446242/" title="Stitch Tease - Dianne by dheyen, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8111/8654446242_030c93f8be_z.jpg" width="640" height="386" alt="Stitch Tease - Dianne"></a><br />
</center><a href="http://flyingblindonarocketcycle.blogspot.com">Hadley</a> had a laundry list of dos and don'ts, but basically she wanted squares and rectangles in bright colors and random white pieces interspersed. I loved this strip. It was easy for me to put these colors together and the finished product was great!<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dheyen/8653344307/" title="Stitch Tease - Hadley by dheyen, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8260/8653344307_2bf36a858d_z.jpg" width="640" height="232" alt="Stitch Tease - Hadley"></a><br />
</center><a href="http://thelittlestthistlecraftshop.blogspot.com">Katy</a> gave us a fabric to base our appliquéd blocks on. I chose to do a little robot standing on a planet. I totally forgot to use my signature fabric on this block so I had to quickly add some buttons to the robot with my fabric!!<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dheyen/8653344265/" title="Stitch Tease - Katy by dheyen, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8115/8653344265_91d54925f8_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Stitch Tease - Katy"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dheyen/8654445604/" title="Stitch Tease - Katy by dheyen, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8243/8654445604_f39e8cfc0f_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Stitch Tease - Katy"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dheyen/8654445306/" title="Stitch Tease - Katy by dheyen, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8102/8654445306_bfffaacd78_z.jpg" width="640" height="633" alt="Stitch Tease - Katy"></a><br />
</center><a href="http://canadianabroad-susan.blogspot.com">Susan</a> asked for scrappy background with white stars. I didn't take a picture of my block alone since I put together her quilt top. I was lucky to have a playdate the day after I finished it so I had someone to hold it up for me!!<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dheyen/8650378247/" title="Finished Quilt for Susan by dheyen, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8115/8650378247_6c43f73994_z.jpg" width="427" height="640" alt="Finished Quilt for Susan"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dheyen/8651476570/" title="Finished Quilt for Susan by dheyen, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8541/8651476570_17c97a58fd_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Finished Quilt for Susan"></a><br />
</center><a href="http://www.runquiltknitwrite.com">Helen</a> asked for bright, wonky stars on a Kona Ash background. I LOVED this one too! I lost the pictures I took of this block, but here is the teaser picture I sent Helen. You can see the whole quilt top on her blog. It's pretty dreamy.<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dheyen/7168331741/" title="Creating by dheyen, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7241/7168331741_dbdb362192_z.jpg" width="612" height="612" alt="Creating"></a><br />
</center>And that's it. I had so much fun getting to know these ladies over the past year. I'm sad I won't be able to continue with them onto round two, but I can't wait to see what they make!<br />
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It's kind of refreshing to show you all this! It's proof that all that time I was quite, I really was sewing!! I just couldn't show you.<br />
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<img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7028/6484306765_b516c5f02c_m.jpg" width="150" height="80" alt="Danny">Danny Heyenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14524510316569641921noreply@blogger.com8