tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78464705667460884872024-03-19T03:48:01.116-05:00ocd: obsessive crafting disorderKristiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12883718447957850898noreply@blogger.comBlogger524125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7846470566746088487.post-20175589438464378842015-07-03T07:00:00.000-05:002015-07-03T07:00:04.490-05:00to market, to marketSo this spring I got myself a sewing room (more on that later!!). But in the process of moving my stash, I realized how much I had hidden in the bowels of every closet of my home! Time to streamline a bit. So I took all my very favorite must-keep fabrics and put them on the shelves, which left me with multiple containers full of "second string" fabrics that I needed to do something with. While I plan to destash some eventually, I decided the best way to get rid of it was to sew it up! So, along with a local friend in a similar fabric hoarding predicament, it was decided to sew stuff to sell at the Farmer's Market held Saturday mornings near our cottage. I have always shied away from making things to sell- I am far from perfect and not patient enough to make things so. I figure if it is given for free, they can't complain, but when buying, a more professional standard is expected. Plus I have a job already, and don't feel the need to turn a hobby I love into a business. So Megan and I went into this with a mutual understanding that we would only continue to do this if it was FUN. <br />
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We had our first go at market last weekend, and FUN was definitely had. The market is like a big social occasion- locals and cottagers all come out and mingle, get their produce, local farmed beef, baking, and there are tons of handmade goodies to peruse. I think I got way more hugs than sales but that was awesome!! So great to see friends, new and old. Despite crazy weather (3 apocalyptic style thundershowers in as many hours), there was a decent turn out and we sold a good portion of our supply- enough that I have had to be busy this week generating more! The other vendors were very welcoming and we were well received by the shoppers. A great day! <br />
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Megan and I each had things we made for sale. My contributions were:<br />
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coin purses<br />
wristlets<br />
cameral strap covers<br />
patchwork pouches<br />
mesh laundry bags<br />
fold up market totes<br />
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Of course if we were going to do this, we had to do so in style- we named ourselves "Dockside Handmade" and had a sign made, as well as some cute business cards that doubled as price tags. And I had to find all sorts of fun containers for display-----go cute or go home!<br />
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And I had to make us each an apron from the <a href="http://spottedstone.blogspot.ca/2015/04/make-it-take-it-blog-tour.html" target="_blank">pattern by Spotted Stones Krista from the Make It, Take It book by Poppyprint Krista</a>! was perfect for keeping change, pen, phone, etc handy.<br />
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So if you find yourself in Lac du Bonnet, Manitoba on a summer Saturday between 10 and 1, be sure to drop in to say hi!Kristiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12883718447957850898noreply@blogger.com110tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7846470566746088487.post-71385163255058353992015-07-02T12:28:00.003-05:002015-07-02T12:28:43.899-05:00the latest knitsI've been doing more sewing than knitting lately, but managed to eek out a few since April ;) The first is my most favourite and memorable sweater ever- 90% of it knit with two broken arms! It became part of my physiotherapy, the first stitches slow and painful, improving until I was flying along. So proud of this one. <br />
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The pattern is called Square and Stripe by Veera Valimaki, and can be found on Ravelry. My project details are<a href="http://ravel.me/ocd/sas" target="_blank"> here</a>. I loved the seam detail on the front, back and sides, and added one pink cuff for fun- I think it is my favorite part. I used Plucky Sweater yarn for the first time and it is wonderful. <br />
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Next up is another <a href="http://ravel.me/ocd/lcbc2" target="_blank">striped sweater</a>! This was made for the little boy of a good friend. The pattern is free on Ravelry- the Little Coffee Bean Cartigan. A sweet knit. I used some vintage wood buttons I had been hoarding, with orange thread for a pop of color.<br />
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My latest finish is this flashy and funky <a href="http://www.woolandthegang.com/product/ring-my-bell-cape-women/knit-your-own" target="_blank">Ring My Bell Cape kit from Wool and the Gang.</a> Just a fun old fuchsia pink something-something to throw on over a t-shirt and jeans on a chilly day. It knit up fast with the chunky alpaca. Excuse the late night bathroom photo on my phone, I never got around to taking a "real" shot of this one!<br />
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There seems to be a baby boom going on so I have a bunch of baby sweaters that need knitting! What are your favorite baby go-to patterns?</div>
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Kristiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12883718447957850898noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7846470566746088487.post-68345272789579156882015-07-01T11:23:00.000-05:002015-07-01T11:23:47.684-05:00Canada Day IG giveaway and SCHOOL'S OUT! Hello friends! Happy Canada Day! I am feeling really lucky today. The sun is shining, I live in a great country, have health and family....life is good! I am giving thanks with a small giveaway on Instagram of this perfectly Canadian mug, along with some red and white scraps. Be sure to hop over there to enter, it's one day only! I am "kristieocd" over there :)<br />
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The kids are really pumped about the start summer vacation. Big G finished his first year at private school, and has "graduated" on to middle school. It was a challenging year of change, but I am proud of how he persevered. He made so many great new friends and learned a lot about himself.<br />
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The girls will be joining him at private school next year, too. So we had to say goodbye to our elementary school yesterday! So many wonderful memories and teachers we have had there. To say goodbye, I brought in containers of homemade cookies and mason jars, that the girls painted with chalk paint (my new favourite thing) and filled with flowers.<br />
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For their teachers, I made these fun gift card holders with cards inside as gifts, along with some other treats.<br />
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(We also made a dance version for the dance teachers!)<br />
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For LBNL's teacher, who collects antique quilts that she has hung around her classroom, we made a mini quilt for her classroom wall. LBNL chose the book pattern and all the fabrics, and I pieced and hand quilted it. On the back there is a special message from LBNL. Her teacher was thrilled and said it would be special to her forever. As she will be to us!<br />
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Lots more to share with you and hoping to do some catching up. Be back soon (I promise!).<br />
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<br />Kristiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12883718447957850898noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7846470566746088487.post-4486586829753181442015-04-16T13:52:00.004-05:002015-04-16T13:52:45.708-05:00a winner and a sale- go Jets!The winner of the Make It, Take It digital book is....Jo! I'll be emailing you.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFnVcACzYiajYUWhg87F-BjNnNhyphenhyphenJKFOlqgltohWJkaS_JefwJsVA1hNGUCGlkY4coYH9Me9_elOjQX9Ihyphenhyphenu3jB-wGPzihymcrx665fg0iVLVPl6yGZw_3qKBFRUMqNAmJ06VWH4BXZiyI/s1600/winner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFnVcACzYiajYUWhg87F-BjNnNhyphenhyphenJKFOlqgltohWJkaS_JefwJsVA1hNGUCGlkY4coYH9Me9_elOjQX9Ihyphenhyphenu3jB-wGPzihymcrx665fg0iVLVPl6yGZw_3qKBFRUMqNAmJ06VWH4BXZiyI/s1600/winner.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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Also, very exciting times in Winnipeg- the Jets are in the Stanley Cup playoffs for the first time since they have returned to Winnipeg. To celebrate, I am putting <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/126258669/pattern-the-good-old-hockey-game-quilt?ref=shop_home_active_1" target="_blank">The Good Old Hockey Game quilt pattern </a>on sale! <br />
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The sale will continue for as long as the Jets are alive in the playoffs. Here's how it will work:<br />
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Effective immediately, enter JETSROUND1 for 25% off.<br />
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If they make it to round 2, it will be 50% off; round 3 will be 75% off and if they make it to the finals, the pattern will be FREE! <br />
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So take your chances- do you believe?? :) Go Jets!!<br />
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<br />Kristiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12883718447957850898noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7846470566746088487.post-4368927274482326162015-04-12T08:00:00.000-05:002015-04-16T13:53:46.877-05:00Make It, Take It blog tour!<span style="font-size: large;">GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED!</span><br />
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Welcome, friends of Make It, Take It by <a href="http://poppyprintcreates.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">Krista Hennebury</a>, the fabulous crafty book about retreat-worthy projects! This is one of the last stops on the blog tour train, and so happy to be part of it and this book. As with the other contributors, I will be giving away a digital copy of the book today, so for your chance to win, please leave a comment below about your favourite retreat experience. Winner will be drawn on Thursday April 16!<br />
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My contribution to this book was the Knitwit Needle Clutch, hanging out on page 40. This project is the perfect combination of both of my stitchy loves, sewing and knitting.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR0eqgm-s91ph5KxkWw-C-5nMAhkR9et_7OKhXMsQvq6k_G7e5jrTZwYVJrC86EGn6ZbCoepErgS6qvy3DfSKcnhGggmfk8VGorhArUvKs76yCMicvNLilJFRMjDIr0E067KvSts-lDXgV/s1600/book+project.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR0eqgm-s91ph5KxkWw-C-5nMAhkR9et_7OKhXMsQvq6k_G7e5jrTZwYVJrC86EGn6ZbCoepErgS6qvy3DfSKcnhGggmfk8VGorhArUvKs76yCMicvNLilJFRMjDIr0E067KvSts-lDXgV/s1600/book+project.jpg" height="640" width="500" /></a></div>
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<i>*<span style="font-size: x-small;">image from Make It, Take It by Krista Hennebury, Martingale, 2015; used by permission. </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo by Brent Kane. All Rights Reserved.</span></i></div>
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This clutch stays in my current knitting project bag and I have taken it with me pretty much everywhere over the past 2 years since I first designed it. It really is handy! Here is my own personal Knitwit Needle Clutch in Echino :) And my current sweater project that I hope to finish soon to enjoy for spring!<br />
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The inspiration for this design came from need. (ha ha! "Need" in the loosest sense....) I have one of those fabulous sets of interchangeable needles, and wanted to organize them in something a bit more stylish than the package they came with. Thus, the Knitwit Needle Clutch was born! Using some fun knit-themed linen I had been hoarding for who knows how long, I made a fun organizational pouch with clear vinyl pockets to allow you to place labels to customize to your personal needle and cable collection.<br />
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There is a flap to keep all of the needles from slipping out the side of then clutch when closed:<br />
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It all folds up into a fashionable, compact and functional carrying case, with room for needed notions and such as well in a zippered compartment on the back.<br />
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If you are of the "bi-craftual" orientation and happen to make a Knitwit Needle Clutch, be sure to email me with a photo or tag me on instagram, I would love to see it!<br />
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So many wonderful projects in this book. I hope you do enjoy it. Good luck in the giveaway!<br />
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<br />Kristiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12883718447957850898noreply@blogger.com55tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7846470566746088487.post-45669616009333260972015-04-08T07:30:00.000-05:002015-04-08T07:30:01.692-05:00a baby quilt for KoyukiKoyuki is a baby girl, born to a longtime Japanese friend. A few years ago, my friend and her family visited us in the summer, and I gifted her a quilt. She received it with more joy, wonder and gratitude than I have ever received- it filled my heart. So of course when she had another baby girl in December, I knew a quilt would be the perfect gift.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2gIxrvkT8UEWx6sO-vM1chPD_gyDSGwJX3a1D8VF6k1sZT2EBM6Su5L2hSfCPaPLjYettGqd0f7bmU3IGsAdbLTh3mVQfRB1IYi9MwYSgM-vAtU2JiN06IzeTvAqrTqVClr8-3WPPxSDu/s1600/koyuki1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2gIxrvkT8UEWx6sO-vM1chPD_gyDSGwJX3a1D8VF6k1sZT2EBM6Su5L2hSfCPaPLjYettGqd0f7bmU3IGsAdbLTh3mVQfRB1IYi9MwYSgM-vAtU2JiN06IzeTvAqrTqVClr8-3WPPxSDu/s1600/koyuki1.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Nkn_2R8qJK6gzYLr_qwiMC2vQimYIyjd8dyUTBHGtvSEE7dwT843rHlqb2m-IY0e0zERrxLDcxUGPGkbZuuhsa-s0WTKjYzBVywPO-oz16g2SMgBJOCurVswF3heWwRwT47UMr49NYew/s1600/koyuki4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Nkn_2R8qJK6gzYLr_qwiMC2vQimYIyjd8dyUTBHGtvSEE7dwT843rHlqb2m-IY0e0zERrxLDcxUGPGkbZuuhsa-s0WTKjYzBVywPO-oz16g2SMgBJOCurVswF3heWwRwT47UMr49NYew/s1600/koyuki4.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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I really went to town with the pink. I love it- so soft and soothing. I did a bit of an I-spy combined with a scrappy wonky star, using the centers as a showcase for fun novelty fabrics (including munki sushi!). <br />
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On the back I used one of my favourite prints ever, by Megumi Sakakibara. Going through a bit of hoarder's separation anxiety about this but it is just too perfect a compliment to the top to doubt. <br />
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As my arms are still not very strong and pulling even a small quilt sandwich around to machine quilt was uncomfortable, I hand quilted it with Perle cotton. I love how it adds to the softness. Just one pass around each star and centre square, and one line dividing each block. I did a triple row around the outer sashing. Pretty. The binding is a print by Anna Griffith, hand bound.<br />
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This will be winging its way to Japan shortly along with this ruffled (and wrinkled!) onsie that I just adore. Oh, babies!<br />
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<br />Kristiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12883718447957850898noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7846470566746088487.post-4401732911877476462015-04-06T11:18:00.000-05:002015-04-06T11:18:08.057-05:00it's me again....Just dropping in for my bimonthly update?? Is this what is has come to?<br />
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Well, to be fair, these past couple months have been more "interesting" than most. <br />
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It started with receiving results from a recent food intolerance test for <i>Last But Not Least</i>. She has always had a sensitive stomach, but recently this has escalated, with frequent stomach aches and diarrhea, and it was time to investigate. We expected a food allergy but were a bit gobsmacked by this:<br />
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Intolerant. To. Everything. Let me tell you, trying to cook for a kid who can't have dairy, egg, gluten, rice, potato, sunflower, most nuts and more is a bit of a game changer. No more fast food or processed foods, almost everything from scratch. It has required a lot of research and time spent scouting out unusual ingredients like yucca root, arrowroot four, coconut butter and more. But we have made it work. It looks like she is getting some relief from her symptoms, and we are having her tested for Celiac's disease as a precaution. It is pretty time consuming but we are starting to find some alternatives that work for her. Good times.</div>
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Next, it was off to a much needed holiday- Dominican Republic! Yay! We enjoyed some of this...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9jaYQcnfOqfvdyQEgP2dKTUBXQz2xtdJxW8eYtsp-oqP1t8Imhpl7csIG5zjbNuGeaF2hX_L1df4quHwRP6tjSaU_U1BDBfRVlbIlPS8YDLgD6HLTBftdPzWk9HeFucnc4bG1kYvDPwjp/s1600/Dominican1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9jaYQcnfOqfvdyQEgP2dKTUBXQz2xtdJxW8eYtsp-oqP1t8Imhpl7csIG5zjbNuGeaF2hX_L1df4quHwRP6tjSaU_U1BDBfRVlbIlPS8YDLgD6HLTBftdPzWk9HeFucnc4bG1kYvDPwjp/s1600/Dominican1.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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...and a bunch of this...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7R9CSXftanfy6go5gp-X9FalO24vy4ktj8nGgsTpQaEQ3lzWgPqcXUk345d0sXI84pEpqiO_TVnmiJtNZboZaGuvluEH-8l-Q49F8R6odxhsU5exh-OVP1KG70pKQCQS04gD5zFfhXNCB/s1600/Dominican2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7R9CSXftanfy6go5gp-X9FalO24vy4ktj8nGgsTpQaEQ3lzWgPqcXUk345d0sXI84pEpqiO_TVnmiJtNZboZaGuvluEH-8l-Q49F8R6odxhsU5exh-OVP1KG70pKQCQS04gD5zFfhXNCB/s1600/Dominican2.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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...for about 2 days. And then came this:</div>
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I am not kidding. I took a tumble over the tiniest ever step, fell hard on a marble floor, knocking myself out in the process even. But wait, the story does not end there. We came home, had it all re-examined, and it was actually this:</div>
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Which made me want to spend all my time drowning my sorrows like this....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWDjoc67LeLlWTjZRi931lNeqR_PBxOMCDLL_ELQc_AMuArcEmG8Q-W3GuiScSqqnCWEefoecxbbBnkl5GjFZ-dBm6vQI2T7xJQwgvwSU27KJD4y5M9bfAE20Si8RmhWi3pHzJA0Tt_OX7/s1600/arms2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWDjoc67LeLlWTjZRi931lNeqR_PBxOMCDLL_ELQc_AMuArcEmG8Q-W3GuiScSqqnCWEefoecxbbBnkl5GjFZ-dBm6vQI2T7xJQwgvwSU27KJD4y5M9bfAE20Si8RmhWi3pHzJA0Tt_OX7/s1600/arms2.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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...with the help of my kids, because who knew but it is really freaking hard to open a bottle of beer with 2 broken arms. Among many, many other other things. Please trust me on this and do not research for yourself.</div>
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So, that has occupied much of my time of late, to say the least. Two broken arms is not exactly compatible with my work as a dentist, so I have been off for the past 7 weeks as I have been recovering and, more recently, starting physiotherapy to regain mobility and strength in my arms. Back to work later this week though! Both happy to get back to "normal" and a bit nervous at the same time.</div>
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And in the midst of all of this "fun", life continues of course. Luckily, I have the best friends and family ever who have been incredibly helpful with practical issues like driving my kids to and fro, making meals, or even helping me get dressed or comb my hair! I am hoping I did not scar my 11 year old son for life by having the first bra he removed on a woman to be his mother's. </div>
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Ah well. Save that for the therapist. And of course there was the emotional support, the laughs through the frustrations, sweet gifts from friends. I am truly thankful for all of it.</div>
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While all this was going on, we have also been in the midst of a full blown renovation at the cottage. Back in September, a leaky fridge hose resulted in all of the flooring needing to be replaced, along with some drywall, lighting and the kitchen counters. So why stop there? We decided to to a full on gutting. I came up with the brilliant idea to repaint all of our sturdy but dated oak kitchen and built ins with chalk paint.....which then became the job of the Hubs when I was rendered armless! Ha! The show must go on! We went out for a few days over Spring Break to put it all together and this is what is happening so far:</div>
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Still a ways to go but it is coming together nicely!! I will be sure to do a full before and after post once things are finished :)</div>
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Anyways, that pretty much brings you up to speed. Crafting was more or less shut down until recently, when I started some short bouts of knitting and hand sewing as a part of my physiotherapy- I actually had them write it on my instructions as proof to the Hubs that this was "work" for me. It has been a wonderful thing. I have a small finished quilt to show you in another post. </div>
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In the meantime, I want let you know that a blog hop is underway for <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Make-Take-Clever-Projects-Friends/dp/1604684879/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1428336251&sr=8-1&keywords=make+it+take+it" target="_blank">Make It, Take It</a>! Each of the contributors is having a turn discussing their projects, and are giving away digital copies of the book. I will be back with my turn and giveaway on Sunday! If you wold like to follow along, here is the schedule:</div>
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<u>Blog Tour Schedule </u><br />
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Friday, April 3 Blog hop kick-off at <a href="http://poppyprintcreates.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">Poppyprint</a>!<br />
Monday, April 6: Berene at <a href="https://happysewlucky.wordpress.com/">Happy Sew Lucky </a>and Amy at <a href="http://www.duringquiettime.com/">During Quiet Time</a><br />
Tuesday, April 7: Leanne at <a href="http://www.shecanquilt.ca/">She Can Quilt </a>and Felicity at <a href="http://www.felicityquilts.com/">Felicity Quilts</a><br />
Wednesday, April 8: Martingale Inc. at <a href="http://blog.shopmartingale.com/">Stitch this!</a> (check out their Rainbow Round the Cabin staff party!)<br />
Thursday, April 9: Krista at <a href="http://spottedstone.blogspot.ca/">Spotted Stones</a> and Krista at <a href="http://kristawithersquilting.blogspot.ca/">Krista Withers Quilting</a><br />
Friday, April 10: Lynne at <a href="http://lilysquilts.blogspot.ca/">Lilys Quilts</a> and Cindy at <a href="http://www.liveacolorfullife.net/">Live a Colorful Life</a><br />
Saturday, April 11: Ayumi at <a href="http://ayumills.blogspot.pt/">Pink Penguin</a> and Krista at <a href="http://www.poppyprintcreates.blogspot.com/">Poppyprint</a><br />
Sunday, April 12: Kristie at <a href="http://ocd-obsessivecraftingdisorder.blogspot.ca/">OCD: Obsessive Crafting Disorder </a>and Christina at <a href="http://sometimescrafter.com/blog/">Sometimes Crafter</a><br />
<br />Kristiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12883718447957850898noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7846470566746088487.post-1465475341843393742015-02-10T07:00:00.000-06:002015-02-10T07:00:08.689-06:00Make It, Take It!I am really proud to say I am a contributor the book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Make-Take-Clever-Projects-Friends/dp/1604684879/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1423522124&sr=8-1&keywords=make+it+take+it" target="_blank">Make It, Take It</a> by Krista Hennebury of <a href="http://poppyprintcreates.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">Poppyprint</a>! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvCdO_Iz1aW5pdhPrcsUNK1GBkUh7U4oInLjuvP7zYPZ_heT2VADMqh35xKpgIagt-BqhfNYs70zH26hrnxtGvc2Wae8dP9N1-_qBSaK46GdXLVSb1CLB2gGIrdZEtdJ7hfJlQfSIoTJN7/s1600/book+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvCdO_Iz1aW5pdhPrcsUNK1GBkUh7U4oInLjuvP7zYPZ_heT2VADMqh35xKpgIagt-BqhfNYs70zH26hrnxtGvc2Wae8dP9N1-_qBSaK46GdXLVSb1CLB2gGIrdZEtdJ7hfJlQfSIoTJN7/s1600/book+cover.jpg" height="640" width="494" /></a></div>
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The premise of the book is that all the projects are crafts centred around retreats. The projects are either things that you can make while there, or prior to the retreat for storing and toting your supplies. There are some really fabulous and creative projects in there! I have received an advance pdf copy and all of the projects are truly top notch.<br />
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My contribution? An amalgamation of my two loves, sewing and knitting! It's called the Knitwit Needle Clutch, the perfect place to store all of your knitting needles and notions while on the go. Here is a sneak peek- more details to follow (along with a giveaway!) in a future post.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpic8zzsdmam45Bg7qdaYpHxHaCnstt5V_9aTZywGlzM3HWplIkqo4ZBSm_b76JcXHIpa0a_uGdURu0JK1Y8rjwEFxAJcHrg4HxwHT1m86xYMMpGfNfxfcatptFDxg-Y8c6zSy9dkiJ7I6/s1600/book+project.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpic8zzsdmam45Bg7qdaYpHxHaCnstt5V_9aTZywGlzM3HWplIkqo4ZBSm_b76JcXHIpa0a_uGdURu0JK1Y8rjwEFxAJcHrg4HxwHT1m86xYMMpGfNfxfcatptFDxg-Y8c6zSy9dkiJ7I6/s1600/book+project.jpg" height="640" width="500" /></a></div>
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The book is available for pre-order at Amazon and Chapters, but is being released today at <a href="http://shopmartingale.com/">shopmartingale.com</a> if you can't wait. Also, Krista will have some advance copies for sale at QuiltCon, and will be there to sign it for you! I hope you enjoy the book- it was great fun to be a part of this collaboration.<br />
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<i>*images from Make It, Take It by Krista Hennebury, Martingale, 2015; used by permission. Photos by Brent Kane. All Rights Reserved.</i>Kristiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12883718447957850898noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7846470566746088487.post-57064557032556433592015-01-26T13:54:00.001-06:002015-01-26T13:54:28.856-06:003 month catch upHello friends! Anyone still out there? Has it really been 3 months since I was here?!?!<br />
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To state the obvious- life is busy. Blame it on the kids. When I started blogging they used to take naps and go to bed at 7:30. Fast forward 4 or 5 years and they are up late doing homework after a full evening of hockey, ringette, dance, playdates and so on. Not a lot of time for Mom! But it's all good. They are fun and quirky little humans and I am just going with the flow and trying to enjoy and keep my head above water.<br />
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But today I have a day off- it's my birthday :) Woohoo! So far that has meant crossfit, getting cranky and tired kids to school, several loads of laundry and painting cabinets. Do I know how to party or what? But while the paint dries, I am taking a break, having a cup of tea and some chocolate almonds and am going to chat a bit about my projects over the past 3 months...and you are going to have to cope with mostly crappy iPhone pictures, usually taken late at night in my bathroom. Nice!<br />
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So, there has been knitting. Knitting is my go-to these days as it is portable and can travel with me on the chauffeur circuit. Made t<a href="http://ravel.me/ocd/4pd5i" target="_blank">his cozy fall sweater:</a><br />
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And <a href="http://ravel.me/ocd/tf0s7" target="_blank">this one</a>:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjTrkHAgDj7d06ecZBo_fHK5TaHPL1G7H4CW4UtGLBnCWtUqLjaLIM47mjhG6vFZ_sjV2b3FWwyPD-iuHiKrXQ8031qrwOKxMANohBb0UhyphenhyphenF3zFDuZ98LvztZv2aSiJxRQePZ3d_GVHQ1I/s1600/IMG_5912.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjTrkHAgDj7d06ecZBo_fHK5TaHPL1G7H4CW4UtGLBnCWtUqLjaLIM47mjhG6vFZ_sjV2b3FWwyPD-iuHiKrXQ8031qrwOKxMANohBb0UhyphenhyphenF3zFDuZ98LvztZv2aSiJxRQePZ3d_GVHQ1I/s1600/IMG_5912.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcWFOcNY6vFSFQlra-k20GBwiGwWGzvON0zeoiu-qA3qrXCKT9tZaHYuabnInZwPRpltgn2OIydDK5qBQ9_CQAgpEO208fEPK3ijpZYI0oab0gD7yTLlMJZKWu4DWRvHCzXoxmlhbJaqvL/s1600/IMG_6022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcWFOcNY6vFSFQlra-k20GBwiGwWGzvON0zeoiu-qA3qrXCKT9tZaHYuabnInZwPRpltgn2OIydDK5qBQ9_CQAgpEO208fEPK3ijpZYI0oab0gD7yTLlMJZKWu4DWRvHCzXoxmlhbJaqvL/s1600/IMG_6022.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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Started <a href="http://ravel.me/ocd/pukt3" target="_blank">this one</a>:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVsywpMaCjKbn1eY7p-77j6g6DBSmJmD20TnT5EBN1uN4VprYjH52ig5LeUXx8UWtL0W4HBOFZNW2v4vetXeW5HASyrpTmkh6TAngClc5YRQ33xv_jItc5S_-mp3ToQcmxlpinMRA2Eso-/s1600/IMG_5705.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVsywpMaCjKbn1eY7p-77j6g6DBSmJmD20TnT5EBN1uN4VprYjH52ig5LeUXx8UWtL0W4HBOFZNW2v4vetXeW5HASyrpTmkh6TAngClc5YRQ33xv_jItc5S_-mp3ToQcmxlpinMRA2Eso-/s1600/IMG_5705.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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And just finished <a href="http://ravel.me/ocd/xmjnb" target="_blank">this one, </a>which I am wearing today for the first time, yay!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPI3S3Xgx7J681v3TqZ_eGpffYnWhN1SlLedkd8jp_hCvVJusAtB-HOwLyuVuB6e8yfabohEozqRpYTBpe31jH5pouZvDo7WRwKEPvC5VXRT_vjBJqJsrSG5_NQWhLwrKMDhvpIgKm6FoJ/s1600/IMG_6689.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPI3S3Xgx7J681v3TqZ_eGpffYnWhN1SlLedkd8jp_hCvVJusAtB-HOwLyuVuB6e8yfabohEozqRpYTBpe31jH5pouZvDo7WRwKEPvC5VXRT_vjBJqJsrSG5_NQWhLwrKMDhvpIgKm6FoJ/s1600/IMG_6689.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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Also knit myself <a href="http://ravel.me/ocd/3uo8y" target="_blank">this hat:</a><br />
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And made a good friend at work <a href="http://ravel.me/ocd/wqu" target="_blank">this shawl </a>for her retirement. I think I need one, too!<br />
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I haven't done as much sewing as I'd like. I had a 2 month no-sew hiatus but managed to get these in before and after that time.<br />
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The HOPE quilt. This is a special one to me, made for a little girl in our community, Mackenzie, who was diagnosed a few years ago with Batten's disease, a terrible hereditary illness where a once completely normal child begins to suffer increasing seizures, motor loss, mental impairment and loss of sight until they are eventually lost to the disease. There is no cure. Mackenzie's family has been working hard to raise awareness for Batten's at their blog <a href="http://mackenzieshope.com/" target="_blank">Mackenzie's Hope</a>. They are such an amazing and positive family. I wanted to give them a little "hope" back! So I put together this happy rainbow quilt for her, quilted with hearts. It was a pleasure to make and to give.<br />
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After my unintended quilting break, I felt the need for a quick instant gratification project. I had received this gorgeous pack of Liberty hexies from my bestie Sam so I had my first go at putting those together. I arranged them into a larger hexie shape, appliquéd it to some Kona Snow and did some grid quilting to add some texture. I now have a lovely mini quilt to go on my soon-to-be sewing room wall!<br />
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We have also been busy with crafts of a different variety: renovations. We are fixing a few final things in our home, including converting the front living room to a sewing/craft space for me! Yippee! I think I will sew so much more if I don't have to make a production of hauling everything out and cleaning up each time. Hoping to get that done in the next couple months. The bigger renovations are happening at our cottage, which had water damage due to a hose that broke in our fridge and ruined most of the flooring and then some. We have decided since the place is getting ripped apart that we might as well also do some other updates we had wanted. So we have been busy scouting out lighting, painting cabinets, making curtains, choosing new counters and vanities and faucets and all sorts of fun stuff. Really excited to see the finished product!<br />
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More to share, but that's enough catch up for now. Hope you all are well!<br />
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Kristie<br />
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<br />Kristiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12883718447957850898noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7846470566746088487.post-75743233532683105532014-10-30T07:30:00.000-05:002014-10-30T07:30:02.300-05:00I might be on the naughty list........but naughty is more fun.<br />
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My latest obsession: swearing cross stitches. I crack myself up! The frillier the funnier.<br />
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Fucking awesome patterns by Subversive Cross Stitch.Kristiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12883718447957850898noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7846470566746088487.post-87821202943714086582014-10-29T07:30:00.000-05:002014-10-29T07:30:03.359-05:00perfect fall sweaterI made this. In just 10 days!! Fastest sweater I ever knit. I felt propelled by the oncoming chill of autumn.<br />
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And, it's awesome. Wear it every day.<br />
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Best fall ever.<br />
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All the details on my Ravelry page, <a href="http://ravel.me/ocd/4pd5i" target="_blank">here</a>. <br />
(And one day I will start taking decent pictures with something other than my iPhone again, I promise!)<br />
<br />Kristiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12883718447957850898noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7846470566746088487.post-76326230166338285852014-10-28T13:54:00.000-05:002014-10-28T13:54:49.324-05:00craft south recapI am embarrassed that it took me a MONTH to gather a few sentences about my amazing, incredible, indescribable weekend in Nashville attending Craft South, with none other than Anna Maria Horner and Heather Ross (insert squeals here).<br />
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I attended with my bestie Samantha from Toronto. We used our 40th birthdays as an excuse to the husbands to do this. Yes, I have milked this birthday for all it is worth and then some. I have no shame. We then got my good friends Kelly (Kelby Sews), Angela (Cut to Pieces) and Michelle (I like Orange, too) to join in the fun. Kelly lives in Franklin, TN, so we all came a day early and had a girlie pow wow at her house the night before! So much fun. Including the incredible quilt swap I talked about in my last post.<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">( I want everything in Kelly's sewing room. All the things!!)</span></i></div>
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Friday night, the weekend began with cocktails and appetizers at a local restaurant. I sat next to Heather (that's what I call her now. Heather. My buddy.). You know, no biggie.<br />
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And then here is Anna Maria checking out (and COMPIMENTING!) my handmade clutch. Gah! </div>
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Then it was off to the temporary studio to settle in for the weekend.<br />
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Okay, I am at a loss for words (weird, eh?). I have stopped and started a commentary about 10 times. How to describe this weekend? Essentially, this weekend was 25 amazing ladies, hanging out in a studio full of hand stitched inspiration, in close quarters with my two Quilting Rockstars. I told my husband that it was like if Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora had invited him to their place for the weekend to jam in the garage and hang out. Yah. That cool.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(God, I hate this picture of me. WHY DIDN'T I TAKE A DECENT PICTURE?!?!) </i></span></div>
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We went for dinner at Anna's HOUSE. I mean, she said to us as we entered, "go ahead and throw your stuff on our bed!" Talk about down to earth and folksy! We hung out with her family, who were amazingly welcoming and who actually performed a concert for us- songs written by her eldest son and his friend, along with other favourites, performed by the "boys", Anna's husband and daughter. Talented and creative just like their mother.<br />
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Then Anna Maria and Heather took the time to draw us each a picture of whatever we requested, to embroider later. How amazing is that???</div>
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Speaking of original art, back in January (my, ahem, ACTUAL birthday), my husband had ordered me a Heather Ross custom family portrait for my gift. I had been in contact with her about it and it was so incredibly great to be able to have her give it to me in person. I love it so much, and how it captures my family and our life right now, scampering around in the minivan. I have it framed and on my wall at home.</div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(I know it looks like Heather is trying to cop a feel in this picture, but I assure you, </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">she is far too classy to attempt such a thing)</span></i></div>
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So we stitched. We learned. We were inspired. We laughed. And time passed FAR too fast. I gained a love of needleworks that I didn't know I had. I look forward to incorporating more of it into my crafting in the future.<br />
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So, in short, if you ever have the opportunity to attend Craft South at some point, I have one word for you- GO!!!!!<br />
<br />Kristiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12883718447957850898noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7846470566746088487.post-2874395193041567012014-10-09T07:30:00.000-05:002014-10-09T07:30:02.651-05:00finished quilt and the best gift everSo Michelle (ilikeorangetoo) and I decided ages ago to do a swap, and planned to do it in person while together at Sew South. It was meant to be something small- a pouch, oven mitts, whatever, but a bunch of stuff happened this year for both of us personally, so it looks like, unbeknownst to the other, we both upped the ante!<br />
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I decided to make her a quilt, using my scraps from her favourite fabric line ever, Good Folks by Anna Maria Horner. I didn't have much, so improvised a design based on my <a href="http://ocd-obsessivecraftingdisorder.blogspot.ca/2014/05/liberty-fun.html" target="_blank">Liberty iPad mini cover</a> I made, and both inspired by t<a href="http://www.sarahnishiura.com/quilt%20pages/sm%20quilt17%20page.html" target="_blank">his mini quilt</a> I saw on Pinterest. <br />
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I used a variety of low volume fabrics for the background, quilted it in swirly loops reminiscent of flight. I named it "Migration", and even made a groovy label ;) The back is a silky soft AMH voile, of course!<br />
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In return, I too received a quilt. But not just ANY quilt. A freaking epic all voile masterpiece that was entirely HAND QUILTED. Are you kidding me???<br />
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I died. I certainly cried. I was so overwhelmed by her work and her generosity. This is the first quilt I have ever had made for me, and it is so, so precious.<br />
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It was even touched and admired by The Great One herself!<br />
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And it has been getting plenty of use at my home. Thank you again, Michelle, for this incredible gift. You must really like me. ;) xoxox<br />
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<br />Kristiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12883718447957850898noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7846470566746088487.post-23600477303638430822014-10-08T08:30:00.000-05:002014-10-08T08:30:00.403-05:00peace and love and Liberty (of London)I bought a bunch of Liberty cuts while at Purl Soho in NYC, and got right down to using them. As opposed to hoarding them. Which, on occasion, I have been known to do ;)<br />
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First I made a couple really cool wraps, based on the <a href="http://shop.lululemon.com/products/clothes-accessories/women-headbands-and-hats/Vinyasa-Scarf-II?cc=11502&skuId=3565957&catId=women-headbands-and-hats" target="_blank">Lululemon Vinyasa scarf</a>. Basically it is like a big rectangle with snaps than can be used to make it a wrap, scarf, cowl, shawl...there is a video of the 10 ways to use it! I decided to make a couple with Liberty and chambray. It has been a great fall accessory! Don't mind the post full of crappy iPhone pictures...it seems I am too lazy to pull out my fancy camera anymore!<br />
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I also decided to make a liberty pouch. I actually planned to make enough for all my friends I was meeting at Craft South, but only got one done, so Kelly (kelbysews) was the recipient. The outer is patchwork of Liberty and chambray, the inner is a robin's egg blue shot cotton. I made it large and square to accommodate and embroidery hoop and also put a piece of felt inside, suitable for storing needles. I plan to make another for me (eventually).<br />
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I STILL have a Liberty quilt planned, which one day I will get to actually piecing- it is cut up and ready to go. It is such a lovely fabric to work with, so soft...but pretty pricey. Used sparingly!Kristiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12883718447957850898noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7846470566746088487.post-83064825512897800902014-10-07T10:40:00.000-05:002014-10-07T10:40:44.689-05:00holy cowls!I must have an instinct, much like the geese, to tell me that winter is on its way, because I have been knitting up a storm lately. Mostly big, chunky, squishy cowls...so cozy! <div>
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This one for me:</div>
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This one (and matching hat) will be a Christmas gift- made with the wool from Purl Soho.</div>
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This one was made for my fabulous friend Michelle (IG: ilikeorangetoo), which I gifted to her while in Nashville.</div>
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Originally the cream cowl was a gift for Angela (<a href="http://cuttopieces.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">Cut to Pieces</a>), but little did I know that she is allergic to wool, and it instantly made her itchy! So I kept it (big hardship) and knit her up a new one quickly during our Sew South weekend out of a super soft alpaca yarn that she had bought herself. Doesn't she look adorable in it?</div>
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All of the above cowls were made with the same simple pattern, bulky yarns held single and worsted yarns held double, doing a simple k3 p3, in a multiple of 6 stitches plus or minus one stitch to allow the pattern to spiral. For most of these I cast on about 79 stitches to wrap double around the neck comfortably, and they each took 2 skeins.</div>
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I also made another very cool cowl/sling type thing, finished also while at Sew South for my bestie Samantha (IG: samsews). It was a pattern (Panem cowl on Ravelry) based off this super cool knit worn by "Katniss" in the latest Hunger Games movie.</div>
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I love how this turned out, and it is totally the funky style that suits Sam, don't you think?? I have more yarn to make one for me, someday.</div>
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More finishes on the way!</div>
Kristiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12883718447957850898noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7846470566746088487.post-53093695291526948422014-10-06T14:14:00.000-05:002014-10-06T14:14:27.992-05:00around the world blog hop<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">One of my very favourite blogging/quilting/IG friends, <a href="http://greenleafgoods.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">greenleaf goods</a>, tagged me in the Around the World Blog Hop, to share a bit about my crafting process. So come on in, take a peek inside my brain (if you dare)!!!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; line-height: 19px;"><i>1. What quilting/sewing thing am I working on?</i></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 19px;">I have total ADHD when it comes to crafty projects. I usually have ten things going at a time. But I have to say, at the moment I am being pretty tame! In quilting, I just finished this "hope" rainbow quilt top. I was having a craptastic week last week, and normally when I am stressed and needing to spend time on other things, that is when inspiration hits. I was driving and the picture of this one just popped in my head. I went home and sketched it, and made it up over the past week. It will be a gift- it felt really good, in the midst of MY stress, to be doing something positive for someone else to boost THEM up. There is always someone going through something worse than you are, so this was very therapeutic for me as I was sorting my own issues out.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 19px;">In addition, I have a Liberty quilt top and a Briar Rose one all cut and waiting to be pieced. Also an assortment of Liberty scraps half assembled, intended to be made into pouches (when I got distracted).</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 19px;">As for knitting, I am inches away from finishing an awesome bulky sweater that will be PERFECT for fall! Just bought the buttons :) I also have another cardigan that I abandoned to switch to this one, which I will pick up again soon. </span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19px;">I love the fact that knitting is so portable, as our family is always on the go. I try to keep a project stashed in my purse at all times!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; line-height: 19px;"><i>2. How does my work differ from others of its genre?</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 19px;">I draw so much inspiration from the IG and blogging community. So often, I will see something someone else has made and that will be the starting point for my own project, which then evolves into something else. I think that I am different in that I rarely start out with a plan, and often not even a finished quilt in </span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 19px;">mind. I just start cutting and piecing and let the work evolve. A prime example would be my Ghastlies quilt. I just began to frame some fussy cuts and when I felt like I had done enough, I pieced them together, and added a scrappy border, too. Then I got the idea to quilt it with a big spider web. I love how it came together, it remains one of my favourites</span></span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19px;">.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 19px;">Another example is this mini quilt I recently completed for my best friend. She wanted me to make something based on her favourite quote. I used the words as my inspiration, emphasizing different ones by using different materials and colours, and even added some embroidery. Then I added lots of texture with free motion quilting. Again, I started this project with no idea of how it would look finished, just making decisions as I went. It's amazing what ideas might be rattling around in your brain if you pause to listen ;)</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 19px;">I really never work from a pattern in quilting or sewing. To me, these are my opportunities to be creative. I am going to attempt some clothes, though, so we will see if I can follow a pattern there! In knitting, however, I normally do follow a pattern. Knitting is my therapeutic activity- mindless and receptive, the combination is great for meditation and relaxation. </span></span></span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">3. How does my writing/creating process work and why do I write/create what I do?</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">As I said, it is normally very impromptu. I find a fabric or a project that inspires me, then I take and element from it and build on it to make it my own. I love the journey of making a quilt, all the steps that lead up to the finished product. Well, except basting. Who likes basting??</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I also feel that quilting, writing and knitting is all about connecting with others. I am making something that I want them to love, so I want it to suit them. I spend the time I am working on it thinking of the recipient. I really try to make the gift FOR the recipient, THEIR tastes and style, not mine, which sometimes challenges me out of my comfort zone. Even if our styles are very different, I can usually find a way to amalgamate them somewhat so the piece can be very THEM but also be ME. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I love the writing aspect of blogging, something that is lost somewhat with the short snippets of IG. I love spinning a long tale, telling a joke, and I always strive to be honest and real. I am not perfect, I have many flaws, but despite that, I have a life filled with love and fun and laughter, along with the inevitable frustrations and hardships. I think because I speak like that to people through what I write, I have made some true connections and some wonderful friends. And that human connection is what it's all about!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 19px;">So now I get to choose a couple friends to do the blog hop! I am going to tag </span></span><a href="http://poppyprintcreates.blogspot.ca/" style="color: #333333; line-height: 19px;" target="_blank">Krista of Poppyprint,</a><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"> who, speaking of around the world, just got home from Italy, and who comes up with wonderful creative techniques like </span><a href="http://poppyprintcreates.blogspot.ca/2014/09/chess-on-steps.html" style="line-height: 19px;" target="_blank">Improv Under the Influence </a><span style="line-height: 19px;">that I would love to hear more about! I am also going to tag my Australian friend <a href="http://fairybreadmusings.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">Shay of Quilting in my Pyjamas, </a>who I daresay has a schizophrenic approach to quilting, or at least her to-make lists! ;)</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 19px;">Thanks for reading through! I have lots of finishes to share with you soon, I promise!</span></span></span></div>
Kristiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12883718447957850898noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7846470566746088487.post-8229870035529376542014-09-30T08:00:00.000-05:002014-09-30T08:00:11.525-05:00NYC, baby!So, I made the decision years ago that my 40th birthDAY would, in fact, be celebrated for a YEAR. Why? Because I am actually really excited to be 40. I mean, why not? I have my family and friends, a great home, a career and hobbies I love, so much to be happy about at this point in life. My 30s were so much about building my family and career, that I feel like my 40s will be the time to reap the rewards of that hard work. I became a mom about a week before my 30th birthday, which was celebrated by a quick dinner at a restaurant, where I basically couldn't sit comfortably and I milked through my shirt and dashed home in embarrassment, so...yah, I thought I was owed some fun for the Big 4-0 ;)<br />
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I am also extremely lucky to still be close with many of the girlfriends of my youth. Five of us, who have been friends since Kindergarten, decided to take a trip to NYC to celebrate our birthdays in style, and to toast our lifelong friendships. <br />
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I had TECHNICALLY been to NYC before. What does that mean, you ask? Well, 8 years ago, I went with another friend to celebrate her 40th. She had recently moved to North Carolina, so I flew there to see her and her family, and she arranged a bus tour to NYC for us. Did you know that North Carolina is really FAR from NYC? Well, as Canadians, we really are not all that sharp about US geography so, um, we did not. So our trip started with a REALLY LONG bus ride, made even longer when the bus broke down on the side of the road for 6 hours. This was especially painful as I happened to be 8 weeks pregnant with LBNL, so was nauseous and had a bladder the size of a pea. In addition, the bus tour was through a church group of extremely exuberant African American Southern senior citizens, who were the sweetest people ever, but who piped their homemade cheesy soap operas through the tvs and tended to shout "Hallelulia" and "Amen" approximately 47 times per hour. It was quite the experience!<br />
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And the fun didn't end there- we arrived in NYC to catch the tail end of Hurricane Ernesto, which caused rain to pummel us sideways, preventing any kind of walking outdoors (which is how you DO NYC!), nor could we see through the windows of our city tour bus so....yah. Not fun.<br />
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I digress. But you can see how my life is a bit of a sitcom?<br />
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Anyways, this time? I WENT to NYC! And we sure did it right.<br />
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We shared some laughs with Rob Schneider at his standup show:<br />
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We saw amazing musicals:<br />
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<br /> We had many cocktails:<br />
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We shopped:<br />
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We danced until the wee hours of the night, and then we did karaoke (check out my pit stains, dudes):<br />
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We even went here.....</div>
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...and did this:</div>
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So many awesome things happened. And one of my favourites? Visiting Purl Soho!!</div>
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So many pretty things....</div>
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And I brought some home with me :)</div>
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The stuff in my Purl Soho bag was WAY more expensive than what I had in that little blue box above, lol! But I just LOVED being in there, surrounded by succulent yarns, soft and gorgeous Liberty of London fabric, the friendly staff, and all the inspiration! Heaven :)</div>
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So all in all, I would say this trip was FABULOUS and we are already busy planning our Big 5-0 return!!</div>
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Kristiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12883718447957850898noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7846470566746088487.post-67898673760153992962014-09-29T14:58:00.003-05:002014-09-29T14:58:46.436-05:00Hi, I'm Kristie, I used to blog here???It's been a while, peeps! How are you all doing? Time flies when....you are busy as a bee, I guess ;) Just thought I would pop in and say hello, and reassure you all that, yes, I am still living and breathing and even crafting!! I am about to make the rounds on some of your blogs, too, and catch up a wee bit!<br />
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Summer went by in a flash of awesome and before I knew it, it was back to school. The kids are at those perfect ages where they are quite independent and capable of doing so many fun activities, but yet still enjoy hanging out with old mom and dad. We definitely tried to make the most of that and have fun. Look how big they're getting! <br />
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We did do a couple fun crafty projects at the lake while we were there. One was a fireplace makeover by The Hubs. Painted over the icky brass accents with a matt black fire-safe paint and voila! Instant pretty fireplace! The built in cabinets on either side of it are getting a makeover next :)<br />
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Our other project, and my favourite, was taking some paddles and painting them. We added hooks and transformed them into a fun place to store life jackets and soggy towels in the screen room. Wish I had better "final" pictures, because I seriously kicked some ass at this, I ain't gonna lie. They are all cute and distressed and such. But anyways, you'll get the idea:<br />
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Yah, it was a great summer :)<br />
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So much more to tell you about, including an awesome 40th birthday trip to NYC with girlfriends where I went to The Promised Land (aka Purl Soho), lots of finished projects, and then the EPIC trip to Nashville to attend Craft South with none other than Anna Maria Horner AND Heather Ross (I am still reeling). I promise to be back to tell you about it soon, I do!!<br />
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xoxo KristieKristiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12883718447957850898noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7846470566746088487.post-9474293277715604222014-07-28T07:30:00.000-05:002014-07-28T07:30:00.584-05:00a pile of finished quilts for the cottageOf course getting a new cottage last summer meant that I "needed" new quilts for every bed (and any other possible surface). And it just so happens my girls have a pair of bunk beds in the "girls' room". Four twin quilts were in order!<div>
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I decided to do coordinating but not matching quilts. They will all be in one room so I wanted a bit of a colour theme but not looking too....orderly ;) Keeping it carefree! So, I planned two quilts using Briar Rose for The Middle Child's bunks, and then two quilts in a variety of yellows, oranges, pinks and greys for the bunk beds for Last But Not Least. I got 3 of the 4 pieced by <a href="http://ocd-obsessivecraftingdisorder.blogspot.ca/2013/11/loon-lake-retreat-2013.html" target="_blank">last November's Loon Lake retreat.</a>...but then they sat...and sat...</div>
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Well, while enjoying a lot of this over the past few weeks...</div>
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....I have managed to baste, quilt and finish these three!</div>
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Only one of the Briar Rose ones done, but here it is:</div>
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Did a bit of a lattice, and quilted it with an all over daisy and loop pattern. Bound it in some Flea Market Fancy green seed print and made a simple but cute cottage label, just using a Sharpie.</div>
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Then it was on to LBNL's quilts. I kind of favour these, I admit. First, a granny square quilt with some stippled quilting:</div>
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Loved how the orange binding on this quilt matched the front and AMH back so perfectly. Again with a label.</div>
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And finally, a fun equilateral triangle quilt! Straight line quilting along either side of the seams for this one.</div>
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A happy yellow Kate & Birdie binding and one of my favourite backings...love those big pink flowers! And another label! Go, Me! ;)</div>
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And here are the two coordinating ones together. Love how they compliment each other.</div>
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Phew! Now it's time to sit back and drink some wine and have a rest, wouldn't you say?? Back to the lake I go!</div>
Kristiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12883718447957850898noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7846470566746088487.post-77676417689143578902014-07-02T07:00:00.000-05:002014-07-02T07:00:01.317-05:00finished knit: dragonflies sweaterI was so excited to put the last stitches into this sweater and finally be able to wear it. Wasn't it considerate of Mother Nature to provide a cool and rainy July weekend for me to do so? Well, at least this was a plus side!<br />
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The pattern is the<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/dragonflies-jumper" target="_blank"> Dragonflies Jumper by Joji,</a> from Ravelry. You can see all my notes on my Ravelry page<a href="http://ravel.me/ocd/2s9wd" target="_blank"> here. </a> It is the first time knitting one of her patterns and I have already purchased another because I was so happy with the style and fit. The design is so intricate and I just love it paired with this Plucky Primo wool (in bohemian blue). The cashmere is this wool makes it so soft to the touch- such a treat to wear!<br />
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The pattern required more thinking than average, so this wasn't the best "social"or "tv" knit, but it wasn't difficult. I did a few mods- the pattern called for a 2 stitch side band in garter, but I decided if it was there, I would make it more district by extending it to 6. Also, I opted for 3/4 length sleeves so I can pair it with some cute bracelets :)<br />
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Love the look of this with a tank and jeans. I think it is a pretty flattering fit and will be a real go-to piece for me!<br />
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Already have cast on the next knit!<br />
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<br />Kristiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12883718447957850898noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7846470566746088487.post-19037570986532033942014-07-01T21:30:00.001-05:002014-07-01T21:52:15.912-05:00Happy Canada Day!The weather didn't exactly cooperate this weekend, but we didn't let that stop us from heading to the lake and enjoying Canada Day festivities. The fireworks were cancelled due to rain and wind but we still managed to take in the parade, fair, and even a quilt show! And lots of visiting with family and friends.<br />
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Hope all of my fellow Canadian friends enjoyed some fantastic celebrations as well. We are pretty lucky, eh?<br />
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<br />Kristiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12883718447957850898noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7846470566746088487.post-811354108741647522014-06-27T06:30:00.000-05:002014-06-27T06:30:00.694-05:00teacher giftsIt's the last day of school today, so along with the <a href="http://ocd-obsessivecraftingdisorder.blogspot.ca/2014/06/sheep-happens-bag-tutorial.html" target="_blank">sheep happens bag </a>and yarn I gifted to one of my kids' teachers, I made a couple summer totes with some Anna Maria Horner "stacked" fabric in home dec weight. This book-inspired fabric is the perfect choice for a teacher, wouldn't you say?<div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKpHpbTo_4JEU94sMry2a2HdP2_Hqvvfq9i-KzeOLBaLI2GUV0bJ7GVWIvGArncQLzUtsg9a8XvF1VpV37oZYtN_Y-RxSP5uabDeBUb36cZmOBhXUE6Lmf8bEBmTO9uEe3aA9Vyt92V1NU/s1600/teacher+gifts1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKpHpbTo_4JEU94sMry2a2HdP2_Hqvvfq9i-KzeOLBaLI2GUV0bJ7GVWIvGArncQLzUtsg9a8XvF1VpV37oZYtN_Y-RxSP5uabDeBUb36cZmOBhXUE6Lmf8bEBmTO9uEe3aA9Vyt92V1NU/s1600/teacher+gifts1.jpg" height="640" width="424" /></a></div>
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I accented the handles and lined them with a couple other of her coordinating prints. Then filled them with summer goodies- a water infuser, some chips and Smarties (for helping make my kids so smart!) and a gift card for them to choose some summer reading.</div>
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I made the totes without a pattern, just sewed some rectangles together, made a gusset bottom, lined and added a slip pocket. Sometimes simple is best!</div>
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Blogging will be sporadic for July and August as I will have 3 energetic little people wanting my attention on my days off! Plus heading out to the lake for some family R&R :) But, I do hope to sneak in some regular sewing while I am there. I have a stack of quilt tops meant for the cottage bunk beds that need quilting and binding! Plus a couple secret swap projects that I plan to finish up. So, hopefully some good things to show you once routine is restored. </div>
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Wishing you all a fabulous summer (or winter, in the other hemisphere!).</div>
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xoxo Kristie</div>
Kristiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12883718447957850898noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7846470566746088487.post-75467892240485123882014-06-20T06:30:00.000-05:002014-06-20T06:30:00.627-05:00"sheep happens" bag: a tutorialAwhile back, I picked up a set of some cute Japanese polka dot fabric, with some sheep in the polka dots. Right away, I was thinking these prints would be perfect for a knitting project bag (or any type of project for that matter).<br />
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With the end of the school year drawing near, I have decided to make some gifts for my kids' teachers, one of which is a knitter! I decided to use this fabric to make a drawstring bag, and give a skein of pretty sock yarn along with it. I named the bag the "sheep happens" bag, and it turned out so nicely that I thought I would make a tutorial to share with you here!<br />
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The bag is made of linen and cotton on the outside, and is lined with cotton. It is round bottomed, therefore can sit nicely on its own without toppling over, and the drawstring closure doubles as a handle. It came together quickly, and is the perfect size for small projects.<br />
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And here is how you can make your own!<br />
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Materials:</span><br />
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fat quarter of linen or home dec fabric for outer<br />
fat quarter of cotton for inner<br />
30" of pretty ribbon, 3/4" wide<br />
Thread, etc<br />
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Cut:</span><br />
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6" x 21" of sheep fabric<br />
6" x 21" of linen, sub cut into a 4" x 21" piece and a 2" x 21" piece<br />
11" x 21" of lining<br />
two circles of 6.5" diameter, one of each outer and lining fabrics (I used a bowl as a template)<br />
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Assembly: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">NOTE: I used 1/4 seams, not the traditional 1/2" for bags. Because I am a quilter, after all ;)</span><br />
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1. Sew outer pieces, right sides together, along long sides such that the 4" strip is on the top, and the sheep piece is in the centre. Press seams.<br />
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2. Fold outer and lining, right sides together so that short raw edges are aligned. <br />
<b>For lining,</b> sew along short side to make tube. <br />
<b>For outer piece,</b> do the same, but stop sewing 3" from top. Backstitch. Leave 1" gap, and sew remainder of side to top. Flip to right side, finger press seams at gap away from hole, and sew short lines on either side of the hole to secure. This will be where the drawstring ribbon exits.<br />
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3. Press outer and lining tubes in half, and then in half again. Press along bottom edge to mark quarters. Do the same with the circle pieces (see photo). <br />
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4. Align circles with bottom of tubes, right sides together, matching and pinning the four creases around the circle.<br />
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5. Sew circles to tubes, working fabric from tube along circle's curve and ensuring that all 4 pinned corners line up. <br />
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6. Insert outer, right side out, into lining, wrong side out (i.e. right sides will be facing each other). Ensure side seams for the outer and lining are aligned. Pin, if desired.<br />
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7. Sew along top, leaving 2" hole for inverting.<br />
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8. Turn bag right side out and press top seam. Top stitch along top, close to the edge, to close the hole. Also topstitch on either side of ribbon hole to make channel for the ribbon as shown.<br />
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9. Turn edges of ends of ribbon over and stitch to prevent fraying. Secure large safety pin to one end and insert into hole. <br />
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10. Using your fingers, pull safety pin along the channel until the ribbon emerges out the other side. Tie ribbon ends into a knot.<br />
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Ta da! You have yourself a Sheep Happens project bag. Now go make something else to stick in it!!<br />
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Giveaway: </span><br />
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Wanna win a sheep happens bag? I am giving one away on Instagram today, Friday June 20. Come check out my feed for details (kristieocd). If you aren't on IG, leave a comment here before 3 PM (Central time) and I will enter you. Have a great Friday!<br />
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<br />Kristiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12883718447957850898noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7846470566746088487.post-68832464437146658272014-06-17T07:30:00.000-05:002014-06-17T07:30:00.320-05:00my favourite mini quiltYesterday was my best friend Michele's 40th birthday! I am sure she loves me sharing that with the world ;) But hers is extra important to me- she <a href="http://ocd-obsessivecraftingdisorder.blogspot.ca/2011/09/in-heartbeat.html" target="_blank">survived</a> a rare <a href="http://www.scadresearch.org/about/" target="_blank">SCAD heart attack</a> a few years ago, so after having had to face the possibility of losing her, I am all the more grateful to have such an amazing friend in my life.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMAPVM8N3TmQjANa-YwngSel3VUxyNyoOzlIpjiWRd5gjkW4EJfk8-3Ya4V-rWdiThDiGo0yoG53Lt94Yx865HYUb2NYt5il0p4MLmhme0hPHsLJK-ybPoe7EoLnsQFx84KrqS6ZmZ_Qcd/s1600/michele+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMAPVM8N3TmQjANa-YwngSel3VUxyNyoOzlIpjiWRd5gjkW4EJfk8-3Ya4V-rWdiThDiGo0yoG53Lt94Yx865HYUb2NYt5il0p4MLmhme0hPHsLJK-ybPoe7EoLnsQFx84KrqS6ZmZ_Qcd/s1600/michele+1.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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For the big 4-0, she put in a request over 6 months ago- admiring the <a href="http://ocd-obsessivecraftingdisorder.blogspot.ca/2013/04/ode-to-sea.html" target="_blank">mini quilt I have at the cottage </a>with and Emerson quote, she asked if I could make her something similar with a quote that has been a mantra of sorts for her since her heart attack:<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">"Do not let yesterday take up too much of today." </span></div>
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For months I waited for my inspiration to strike. How to make the quote and the fabric come together into something inspiring and beautiful. It stumped me. Then I got to thinking about life, and how we are all made up of these random experiences, some good and some bad, but how they all meld together to form us as a person. How often it starts out one way and then takes on another path, a diversion.....about all the colours and textures that make up a life. Kind of magical.<br />
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I set out without any end plan. I just started piecing bits of neutrals together. Got out some fabric paint and stamps. Pieced some wonky letters in colours where I wanted impact. Tried my hand at some embroidery. And slowly brought it all together. The more randomness I added, the more cohesive the piece started to look and the more I liked where it was going. And here is the end result!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCAD5DciuxS78XKnkuAM9wCa4B1NSTpZkwTV6Kt2_Qe8NWYAmWEGeH_X4SLQ1hEN8V3c2n4kU4IIyWmAtXBRgFMopkUVYrexExYK6oLmT8zNR3licco-u9AuNRX1wYtueCixiU9HQY5aQU/s1600/michele+mini1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCAD5DciuxS78XKnkuAM9wCa4B1NSTpZkwTV6Kt2_Qe8NWYAmWEGeH_X4SLQ1hEN8V3c2n4kU4IIyWmAtXBRgFMopkUVYrexExYK6oLmT8zNR3licco-u9AuNRX1wYtueCixiU9HQY5aQU/s1600/michele+mini1.jpg" height="640" width="632" /></a></div>
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The quilting included some new frontiers for me, and I went with the same carefree attitude I had with the piecing. I channelled my inner <a href="http://kristawithersquilting.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">Krista Withers</a> and started filling negative space with swirls, pebbles, lines. The quilting is dense and the resulting texture is amazing.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgotnsoO3CrJr4K-G0GFjjHQ7kPLbTXjGQNSL-JMtIOKzBWp_wx9aR10DHZxlohYzirUPjBPIclq-lUTQEyu5A4BLSXDoGCqtYmoxgRfP-MyiYoaoCylXhFXYLwg1Fb8XrivlGH4qw2HyYR/s1600/michele+mini5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgotnsoO3CrJr4K-G0GFjjHQ7kPLbTXjGQNSL-JMtIOKzBWp_wx9aR10DHZxlohYzirUPjBPIclq-lUTQEyu5A4BLSXDoGCqtYmoxgRfP-MyiYoaoCylXhFXYLwg1Fb8XrivlGH4qw2HyYR/s1600/michele+mini5.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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Added sections of clamshells and waves and used touches of hand stitching to accent the stamped letters and to outline the pieced ones.<br />
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On the back, the London subway map fabric (to represent time she spent living in England). And some hanging sleeves with a birthday message :) For the binding, I continued with the scrappy theme.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXYt3loIIJ9i1kewKHj5RHFBks2Pr4Fg9vlebDg4hXhWZh76-KK1fWac5JrD3Ex2VPqCjIwlaF6iALjhCBLe7F8j1ON_IztZPr4XSEjMWgz_mTvU8YxJYuuR55883EokYQK4kKxVQyQKRQ/s1600/michele+mini6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXYt3loIIJ9i1kewKHj5RHFBks2Pr4Fg9vlebDg4hXhWZh76-KK1fWac5JrD3Ex2VPqCjIwlaF6iALjhCBLe7F8j1ON_IztZPr4XSEjMWgz_mTvU8YxJYuuR55883EokYQK4kKxVQyQKRQ/s1600/michele+mini6.jpg" height="598" width="640" /></a></div>
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It was gifted yesterday, and Michele declared it was her favourite gift she received (which pretty much brought tears to my eyes). Then we had a lovely afternoon at the spa....now I am HOPING this is indicative of life in our 40s?!?!<br />
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Happiest of birthdays, Michele xoxox<br />
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<br />Kristiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12883718447957850898noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7846470566746088487.post-28168592929492882012014-06-16T09:59:00.002-05:002014-06-16T09:59:44.376-05:00Week 4: less stress project meets hormonesThis week, HORMONES were introduced to the LSP. <br />
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It wasn't even a fair fight. Hormones clearly won.<br />
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I am grateful I survived this week without becoming a news headline. I had fantasies of running away from home or dropping my children off on a street corner somewhere far, far away. I also considered divorcing my husband several times. No, I did not eat well, sleep well, exercise or accomplish any of my LSP objectives. I was in survival mode, people!<br />
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It's truly amazing how a normally rational (??) human being can be completely blind sided by little molecules coursing through the blood stream. The tiny fraction of my brain that survived the onslaught kept saying, "You have been taken over by aliens, hang tight and do NOT make any major life decisions for 5 days! You can do this!" I clung to that voice and muscled through. It seems my monthly craziness has just compounded with age, a smaller part of the rational surviving each time. Is that true for anyone else? Or am I totally losing my marbles?<br />
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Anyways. This morning, I could tell the war was over. I popped into my youngest daughter's room to wake her up this morning and saw this sight:<br />
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Little sleepy toes popping out from quilts made by mama. I was awash with love, and all was right with the world again.Kristiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12883718447957850898noreply@blogger.com7