tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2287681495642329882024-02-19T01:20:36.348-06:00The Quilt RamblerKaren E. Overtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13013943691661466053noreply@blogger.comBlogger329125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-228768149564232988.post-71020950191294111812017-05-24T12:46:00.002-05:002017-05-24T12:46:18.660-05:00Have you found our New Home Yet?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I know it's a tad confusing - after 13 years as Quilts 'N Kaboodle I've rebranded to The Quilt Rambler in Jan 2017...and even though this blogspot is called The Quilt Rambler, in fact it is the old blog of Quilts 'N Kaboodle....sigh....It's still me - Karen E Overton, longarm quilter, t-shirt quilt maker, teacher, ....and now Island Batik Ambassador...and new pattern designer....<br />
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I've rebranded my website to <a href="http://thequiltrambler.com/">TheQuiltRambler.com</a> to include all the longarm details, t-shirt and memory quilt information and that's where you will find all my <a href="http://thequiltrambler.com/blog/" target="_blank">chatty blog posts too</a>!<br />
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Please make the switch to join me....sign up for the blog and keep up with the quilting adventures.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Things you have missed:</span><br />
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<a href="http://thequiltrambler.com/2017/05/illuminated-journey-arizona/" target="_blank">My adventures in Arizona teaching a workshop</a><br />
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My FREE PDF tutorial on <a href="http://thequiltrambler.com/2017/04/how-to-make-a-quilted-composition-notebook-cover/" target="_blank">Covering Composition Notebooks</a> complete with a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DuGq4OYZYPM" target="_blank">YouTube </a>version to quilt along<br />
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And my latest blog post about my very first<a href="http://thequiltrambler.com/2017/05/modern-quilt-challenge-part1/" target="_blank"> Modern Quilt</a>! <br />
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Won't you make the move to join me at The Quilt Rambler? Lots of projects, customer stories, tutorials and future YouTube tutorials. I've missed you!!<br />
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Karen Overton<br />
<a href="http://thequiltrambler.com/" target="_blank">THE Quilt Rambler</a>Karen E. Overtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13013943691661466053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-228768149564232988.post-24274569705622476512017-02-04T21:13:00.002-06:002017-02-04T21:13:15.902-06:00Casey's T-shirt Quilt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Part of my new focus with <a href="http://thequiltrambler.com/" target="_blank">The Quilt Rambler </a>is to take time to share my customer's stories about their quilts.<br />
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I recently asked Irma Cortez to reminisce with me concerning the making of her son's T-shirt Quilt from his high school shirt shirts. She's my <a href="http://thequiltrambler.com/2017/02/caseys-t-shirt-quilt-made-high-school-spirit-shirts/" target="_blank">guest blogger</a> at the new blog on my new website.<br />
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Hop on over and read her story.<br />
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Karen Overton, The Quilt Rambler, Telling Your Story One Quilt At A TimeKaren E. Overtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13013943691661466053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-228768149564232988.post-67617265465480986152017-01-03T19:51:00.001-06:002017-01-03T19:57:29.497-06:00TheBig Reveal - Quilts 'N Kaboodle is now officially The Quilt Rambler<br />
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Things they be a'changing!</div>
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Quilts 'N Kaboodle has had a name change and a location change</div>
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Find me around the web and social media as The Quilt Rambler</div>
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<span style="color: #0000ee; text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://thequiltrambler.com/" target="_blank">The Quilt Rambler</a></span></div>
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Please like and follow my new <a href="https://www.facebook.com/The-Quilt-Rambler-1813079128967479/" target="_blank">facebook page </a> and then go to my website to watch the intro video and read the new blog. Please sign up for notifications and make this move with me in 2017<br />
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<span style="color: #0000ee; text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://thequiltrambler.com/2017/01/keep-calm-new-year-new-name/" target="_blank">The Quilt Rambler</a></span><br />
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Thank you for all the years of reading and following Quilts 'N Kaboodle</div>
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<i>Karen Overton The Quilt Rambler!</i></div>
Karen E. Overtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13013943691661466053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-228768149564232988.post-8499886293379604342016-12-23T18:59:00.000-06:002016-12-23T18:59:56.611-06:00Christmas Eve's Eve<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSmEw44fgJV3MIWjJ45FkN3iSCWwig0HOAZliboUSW8NnIlcEj_lPx2IMXJw72RZknN6waa5YdWI4pZcOUXc3aFgiXpCGiTyi9M9_ujsaCIDA7G8rnk6zmty3Ij-qNgoqKI3aaXyzYcKlL/s1600/foot+fracture.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSmEw44fgJV3MIWjJ45FkN3iSCWwig0HOAZliboUSW8NnIlcEj_lPx2IMXJw72RZknN6waa5YdWI4pZcOUXc3aFgiXpCGiTyi9M9_ujsaCIDA7G8rnk6zmty3Ij-qNgoqKI3aaXyzYcKlL/s400/foot+fracture.JPEG" width="300" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> I have a few quiet minutes to spare and thought I'd take a moment to catch up on the happenings in the studio since my last post....</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My finger healed nicely thanks to a fantastic surgeon and my essential oils! Not to be out done I found myself in a walking boot due to an accident the day before Thanksgiving ...I didn't have it seen until two weeks later (Dec 6) and had two stress fractures across the middle of my foot - dropped a table while trying to set up for Thanksgiving...I have really been a calamity Jane this last quarter of 2016. Sigh</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">But I'm getting ahead of myself....</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I had thought that I would have wanted to blog and tell the whole tale....but its been public on</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100013442169719" style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Facebook</a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">and</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/karen_overton723/" style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Instagram</a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">so much that my emotions have been strung out there too long but....</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I do need to share that our sweet Pixxie passed peacefully in my arms at home at 0525 on 12/5/2016 My heart still aches when I think of her - which is quite literally several times a day, sometimes several times an hour! Having a forever puppy for 16.5 years was a blessing. If you have followed my blog you have seen her sweet face on so many photos. In fact, part of my grieving was to retrieve photos of her that had been on this blog for the past 8 years. I created a</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/koverton723/pixxie-the-professional-quilt-model/" style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Pinterest board</a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">just for her. If you have time to look at it I bet it will make you smile. Never before, in my life, has a dog been more loved - and not just by me. My brother in law said it best "she always greeted you like you were a lifetime friend."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We buried her in the backyard in the red valentines quilt she always slept with all her life - right after I came back from the podiatrist (photo above). Needless to say December has been an emotional month.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">But, I have to say "He gives and takes away, blessed be the name of the Lord" I truly have so many things to be thankful for and really haven't the time to devote to share all of them with you tonight ....but I will...in the future....</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Speaking of future! I have some VERY VERY VERY exciting things to reveal the first of the year...currently I am just digging out from a wonderful Christmas season of quilting - and yes, I've actually had the past two to three days off as the quilts were finished early this year! Most of the month has been bleak and dreary with the exception of the day we buried Pixxie and one day this past week when I escaped and went for a joy ride with the sun roof open to the island for a much needed time to relax and laugh....</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Ah but I digress...let me show you a few of the customer quilts from this month and then tempt your interest into upcoming things for 2017...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">First of all, it may seem like this wasn't a lot of quilting for a month - but bear in mind these were custom quilts that a required a lot of time and attention....and they were a joy to work on.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">First of all is Dancing With The Stars pieced by Marcia....this was a kit from back around 2010 and she did such a good job in completing it. I was so pleased that she decided to do custom quilting instead of an all over design.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC74C4SROddsvYCYVKuMXVkyWSxGXJ240A4CBkhu3YofLdNZkPAiNNc0Va59msW_uHyrlyuEdpCftG2jLgLP6ZLU9f1co_HtvceONtbUHzZjgzcKDQn6fZgCgmehSokxVSGYM56vwnuTcl/s1600/Close+up+Custom+Quilting+Dancing+with+the+Stars+by+Quilts+N+Kaboodle.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC74C4SROddsvYCYVKuMXVkyWSxGXJ240A4CBkhu3YofLdNZkPAiNNc0Va59msW_uHyrlyuEdpCftG2jLgLP6ZLU9f1co_HtvceONtbUHzZjgzcKDQn6fZgCgmehSokxVSGYM56vwnuTcl/s400/Close+up+Custom+Quilting+Dancing+with+the+Stars+by+Quilts+N+Kaboodle.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Close up of hand guided custom quilted feathers</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEidkKjGpdIyvjLC9p7ng9g9RB1CX3jD54cckSfsCpsl4yJgWmB4vvBujKAlBHgs6rlMerKBQTvbEWJ03suDMANg4jbSNpwqGBxlPZUYCbSMmAkCK2Po8BJgZUEVAvKvqCb4r4QcYFHWLi/s1600/Back+showing+quilting+on+Dancing+With+the+Stars+Custom+Quilting+by+Quilts+N+Kaboodle.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEidkKjGpdIyvjLC9p7ng9g9RB1CX3jD54cckSfsCpsl4yJgWmB4vvBujKAlBHgs6rlMerKBQTvbEWJ03suDMANg4jbSNpwqGBxlPZUYCbSMmAkCK2Po8BJgZUEVAvKvqCb4r4QcYFHWLi/s400/Back+showing+quilting+on+Dancing+With+the+Stars+Custom+Quilting+by+Quilts+N+Kaboodle.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Border details as viewed from the back</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Its always a thrill to see my customers reactions when they enter the studio to pick up their quilt and see it hanging in the studio. Marcia was pleased with her quilt....As was Emma when she came to pick up her commissioned Memory T-shirt quilt made from her deceased son's collection for his daughter for her first Christmas without her daddy, she's still in either elementary school or middle school. I know when Emma walked in and saw the results she was emotionally taken back...seeing all the shirts she remembered her son wearing....</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4GPoOkmiZob7PfY1xxR62p89MrnutuQhFiEvCKjMIQhAizOlHCGJPyi357UixW96Uw4eqDe6wRuBLVlMk1f_ccv7ASA3H4kTJadgBX2r_vYSmrnOVRF0m9mlobODEsPtfx42oUHq88nmy/s1600/Memory+Tshirt+Quilt+Quilts+N+Kaboodle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4GPoOkmiZob7PfY1xxR62p89MrnutuQhFiEvCKjMIQhAizOlHCGJPyi357UixW96Uw4eqDe6wRuBLVlMk1f_ccv7ASA3H4kTJadgBX2r_vYSmrnOVRF0m9mlobODEsPtfx42oUHq88nmy/s400/Memory+Tshirt+Quilt+Quilts+N+Kaboodle.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">T-shirts are a speciality in our studio</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzpJMI2u0UYJUAVutsbxwFLOIkJWYAaD-GjxNXcLC211IW4t69lf51Exdg5V9eKpLTp8OFiVUnjcdIpWp1GnMFJxDaBrFRMeCicNjYC5_ol64eMHGeR1x8vxLCJdt7oaLxeVURWUzDzBrf/s1600/Memory+Tshirt+Quilt++close+up+Quilts+N+Kaboodle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzpJMI2u0UYJUAVutsbxwFLOIkJWYAaD-GjxNXcLC211IW4t69lf51Exdg5V9eKpLTp8OFiVUnjcdIpWp1GnMFJxDaBrFRMeCicNjYC5_ol64eMHGeR1x8vxLCJdt7oaLxeVURWUzDzBrf/s400/Memory+Tshirt+Quilt++close+up+Quilts+N+Kaboodle.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Details of the beauty of the memory</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I had a quilting angel helping me in the background while I worked on these quilts. My friend Dianne came over several days this month to help me prep 90 men's ties for the next commissioned quilt. Jan approached me earlier in the fall and asked if I would take her deceased husband's ties and make two quilts for her daughters, one of whom is expecting her first baby any day now! It was a big undertaking having never made this before and only looking at a photo found on Pinterest as inspiration. By the grace of God and my friend Dianne I was able to make both quilts which she picked up on Tuesday...needless to say the emotions were overwhelming and I could tell that she loved them and I know her daughters will cherish the memory quilt forever...</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMTaB1eVTADukuORJ6G9DbIUWbp7tTHAluHiPBo5SMFKYU1hnDoisH2zCkyQmEdmGJnVMOUjgIO0-VbEPItE_b078Y-re1NGZfXrXvZmXgSkdztcV47_oBJzWpVNG05u1v4BQVfVzEimD5/s1600/Quilting+Angel+Dianne+in+Quilts+N+Kaboodle+Studio+Daddys+Ties+Memory+Quilt.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMTaB1eVTADukuORJ6G9DbIUWbp7tTHAluHiPBo5SMFKYU1hnDoisH2zCkyQmEdmGJnVMOUjgIO0-VbEPItE_b078Y-re1NGZfXrXvZmXgSkdztcV47_oBJzWpVNG05u1v4BQVfVzEimD5/s400/Quilting+Angel+Dianne+in+Quilts+N+Kaboodle+Studio+Daddys+Ties+Memory+Quilt.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Forget Santa's Elves, I'd rather have a quilting angel any day!</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxx39kHL4runxy-awq0aKP8SHCBjNYFQe9tSsNbqe4pUf25aTl8loz8GbWaZ6V1jLuLnYZ-relXX-urTaiW44gSXis9ixPIV-UFy6NDeMH_ThQY4aMigsH_S4sGp8s7IdBEHtpyxJiiEDJ/s1600/Feathered+Heaert+from+Daddy%2527s+Tie+Memory+Quilt+by+Quilts+N+Kaboodle.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxx39kHL4runxy-awq0aKP8SHCBjNYFQe9tSsNbqe4pUf25aTl8loz8GbWaZ6V1jLuLnYZ-relXX-urTaiW44gSXis9ixPIV-UFy6NDeMH_ThQY4aMigsH_S4sGp8s7IdBEHtpyxJiiEDJ/s400/Feathered+Heaert+from+Daddy%2527s+Tie+Memory+Quilt+by+Quilts+N+Kaboodle.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Each quilt had feathered hearts in the corners - one quilt<br />facing inward, the other outward - representing Daddy's love</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmTDnx-ww9TV8b7RoWwFUgHAqdOymm_lXVO4ONVLMpPomesiwg6kMIC_4c6PIQFnlLxSR5HaKlfpIFk97n58FZXk8tSysTQUaZc6v8kF2HLC8UOjU7Emp6RMw0ltfn6OC7blp2wheEunVP/s1600/Quilts+N+Kaboodle+studio+Daddys+Ties+Memory+Quilt.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmTDnx-ww9TV8b7RoWwFUgHAqdOymm_lXVO4ONVLMpPomesiwg6kMIC_4c6PIQFnlLxSR5HaKlfpIFk97n58FZXk8tSysTQUaZc6v8kF2HLC8UOjU7Emp6RMw0ltfn6OC7blp2wheEunVP/s400/Quilts+N+Kaboodle+studio+Daddys+Ties+Memory+Quilt.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br />One completed and the second on the frame!</span><br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhtkvvE2SER1wCX9_EMuHD4BmNdECP_LUEU07HhcsJeRmRG83M3JeYO0TwAQFbpaI8WR-tpKRkJX0oPnkQHSXRB-vVYvFUlPaW7lhib9AI4oCkH_OUK55cpqfuVSQG6Voi5OJ4WXmpDaWx/s1600/Daddy%2527s+Ties+Memory+Quilt+Quilts+N+Kaboodle.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhtkvvE2SER1wCX9_EMuHD4BmNdECP_LUEU07HhcsJeRmRG83M3JeYO0TwAQFbpaI8WR-tpKRkJX0oPnkQHSXRB-vVYvFUlPaW7lhib9AI4oCkH_OUK55cpqfuVSQG6Voi5OJ4WXmpDaWx/s400/Daddy%2527s+Ties+Memory+Quilt+Quilts+N+Kaboodle.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Jan's Husband's Ties - Christmas gift for her daughters.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Yes, it's sorta been an emotional month - but I can truly say that it's all wrapped up in love. As people we love others, we love pets, and we are sometimes left without those we love to carry on. The greatest love of course is the love expressed in this season - the love of God to come to earth in the form of a tiny baby named Jesus, to live the perfect life and in His love take our sins upon Himself to reconcile us back to Himself through His victory over sin and the grave! Christmas is more than special gifts, being with family or hoping for snow (or in the case of us southerners hoping for sunshine instead of rain!). Christmas is like wrapping up in a warm quilt made with love, for that's what God did, He wrapped us up in His arms when He sent His son Jesus as a babe in arms.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I have totally loved all the people I have met through having the privilege of quilting for them! So many stories! Thank you for the past 13 years, it has truly been a joy to share my passion for quilting.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">And there's a new chapter coming in 2017!!!! I am soooo over the moon excited to share the news with you....but it's a New Year's surprise....so you are going to have to wait for it!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">For now - Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and Happy Holidays to all my quilty friends!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">love you,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">karen O in TX</span></div>
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Karen E. Overtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13013943691661466053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-228768149564232988.post-79040945400631793552016-09-19T12:31:00.003-05:002016-09-19T15:30:27.924-05:00Proceed With Caution<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEod-dLRgpeARmutKBM5AK3VBDCzpEODkM2CzJyN3g7_16jdIGmiPg9KnorEniMfjZ8doyNCFsd92JuadVqo0cHVJSX1N8rX9M2mCUVXp2iiIgI7NFBVsStK6iTwLZq_8yrTs_SKd15SYt/s1600/9.14.16.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEod-dLRgpeARmutKBM5AK3VBDCzpEODkM2CzJyN3g7_16jdIGmiPg9KnorEniMfjZ8doyNCFsd92JuadVqo0cHVJSX1N8rX9M2mCUVXp2iiIgI7NFBVsStK6iTwLZq_8yrTs_SKd15SYt/s320/9.14.16.JPG" width="320" /></a>It started off with a sunrise bike ride on Wednesday morning, Sept 14th. And from there I honesty can't remember what I did until 1:30 PM - but after that moment in time I have a very vivid memory....<br />
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Proceed with caution - this is a safety reminder .... Sewing machines are power tools with thread and should be treated with respect..<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDpq7qr8eBLq4mZGMWfW4WshxnfYfvNX7yTOtB2n36di72zB6Wgc6jq9i7wTyig2bjQXfm0dE1LW1eqPJ2HHTDqXOOv3ProHpPeiLiuqHjBZyyt6fwFB0JEJxqd3IvLWWRyLG_3CBXi-bx/s1600/Power+tool+with+thread.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDpq7qr8eBLq4mZGMWfW4WshxnfYfvNX7yTOtB2n36di72zB6Wgc6jq9i7wTyig2bjQXfm0dE1LW1eqPJ2HHTDqXOOv3ProHpPeiLiuqHjBZyyt6fwFB0JEJxqd3IvLWWRyLG_3CBXi-bx/s320/Power+tool+with+thread.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Janome is red but looks just like this</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjKgHKxDzup5OElG8eVq8FYpCaBKS_vbEU6nDYTcxWd4RS0NNZFmZG0JBAQYLx43h_FRU0mDLmo50X5wq0swDSNL3dtApGNVzDinE9Dy761pCBcBVM8HEZR9akeB4o1d4Y8jBolyX9nyFk/s1600/Progress+9.13.16.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjKgHKxDzup5OElG8eVq8FYpCaBKS_vbEU6nDYTcxWd4RS0NNZFmZG0JBAQYLx43h_FRU0mDLmo50X5wq0swDSNL3dtApGNVzDinE9Dy761pCBcBVM8HEZR9akeB4o1d4Y8jBolyX9nyFk/s320/Progress+9.13.16.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pixxie, my Professional Quilt Model, approves </td></tr>
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I was piecing a customer t-shirt quilt, a king-size with 42 blocks! I like to assemble my quilt by sewing columns instead of rows, doing two columns at a time. I had made progress the night before having pieced the first double column and posting my accomplishment on social media. On Weds I was back at the machine having had just completed the next set of columns and starting to join the blocks on the final two when things got a little out of whack....<br />
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As a back story I have had problems with my foot pedal sliding around on the vinyl tile flooring....so recently I bought a foot pedal anti-slide do-hickey at a local Quilt Show...well, the thing-a-ma-jaggy was staying put in one place on the floor but my foot pedal was still sliding on top of it....<br />
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I was talking to my youngest son (28) while piecing....that in and of it's self was not a distraction - I'm not know to be silent very often and I do go on a lot of retreats and sew while talking....if fact, I'm rather a smokin' needle as I sew really fast and accomplish a lot when sewing with friends AND TALKING....No, the problem came when I reached down to adjust that run away foot pedal!<br />
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Its like texting when driving, or reaching over to retrieve something that has fallen out of the passenger seat...you take your eyes off the road for a split second and I can guarantee you will swerve.....apparently when I reached down to adjust the foot pedal I must have "accelerated" and I ran over my finger! Honestly I don't remember any pain, maybe just a tad like knocking your shin against a cabinet - you know you hit something but you don't know what or how.<br />
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I look over at my finger and said "@%*! I think I just sewed my finger!" As I looked at it there was a broken part of the needle sticking out of the top of my finger. I reached to pull it out and found that it was actually broken at the top of where it entered...<br />
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We interrupt this tale for a very important announcement. There was no blood on the quilt - I'm a professional ya'know!<br />
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Actually, there was no blood at all - it was a puncture wound going straight through my nail and into my finger. Not near as nauseating as it sounds, trust me. And not even painful at that time. I turned my finger over and saw a little "hill-rise" where the end of the needle was trying to come out the other end. My first thoughts was to squeeze my skin and hope it would pop out like a splinter perhaps needing to use a pair of pliers to pull it out....then I came to my senses, figuring I'd probably die from an infection or something tragic like that, so I asked my son to drive me to an ER...<br />
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This is the photo taken during that ride - you can see where I didn't bleed at all. Amazing isn't it?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIH0LT0noUOI6_68WtJU_xkNsSQNTrFl_Y2hh4ujWHvEy7BCZFvUhn_fHDITwiOhaSMElOwanc4pSnywFzPgjkAhULSAn7iF7ZN9Sb12X5OiTHWpL4I1SHWV9foLJCBdNXgtWM3MP24UXi/s1600/puncture+.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIH0LT0noUOI6_68WtJU_xkNsSQNTrFl_Y2hh4ujWHvEy7BCZFvUhn_fHDITwiOhaSMElOwanc4pSnywFzPgjkAhULSAn7iF7ZN9Sb12X5OiTHWpL4I1SHWV9foLJCBdNXgtWM3MP24UXi/s400/puncture+.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the way to the ER<br />
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So we head towards one of those urgent care ER places....had been there back in 2013 when I had a run in with a mandolin and lost part of my right hand pinkie<br />
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Side story - this is why they call me the Quilt Rambler because I do tend to ramble on with back stories...and yes, I'm hard on my hands - my family doesn't trust me with sharp objects - previously in 2004 I had a serious accident with a rotary blade - if you look closely in the photo you will see where part of my index finger on the right is missing - but hey, I'm only at 30% of damaging my fingers ....<br />
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Back to my story ....we pulled up to the strip center where the ER USED TO BE!!!! Where was it?!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2odYOl3voh8cE7MTUib7wWE560syCzkYesqFOljRlsGp5Yrn2cCuP1Tflz-eGyjVRtJiqS54tiwRXECIvuyoKp39KvAkpmZhCCqnIBgFQRGyxgqhxdyJ_0KVaPx8i2t3x25IW3emCBfZ0/s1600/Superior+Thread+needle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2odYOl3voh8cE7MTUib7wWE560syCzkYesqFOljRlsGp5Yrn2cCuP1Tflz-eGyjVRtJiqS54tiwRXECIvuyoKp39KvAkpmZhCCqnIBgFQRGyxgqhxdyJ_0KVaPx8i2t3x25IW3emCBfZ0/s320/Superior+Thread+needle.jpg" width="219" /></a><br />
I think that was my first panic...smart phone to the rescue - they had moved about a mile away! Onward!<br />
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Do you know how embarrassing it is to admit that you are a "professional" sewer/quilter with a sewing machine needle lodged in your finger? I had to actually explain the anatomy of a needle and draw out what part was stuck...as well as explain that it was a titanium coated needle with two parts left at home and the sharp pointed part inside my finger. I was surprised they didn't take x-rays. I told them of my idea of just pulling it out from the other side and that seemed to make sense to them so my finger was numb and they started digging...with permission to make a cut in my flesh...this was the first I had bleed...and they couldn't seem to dislodge the needle...apparently it was in the bone...so the decision was made to send me to a hand surgeon...my info was faxed to an office near by but those doctors were in surgery and the ER then tried to find another doctor that would see me...by then hours had gone by...<br />
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I have to interject that during this entire time I had people praying for me and God was answering those prayers, as I was calm, clear headed, and without pain.<br />
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God was also "going before me" and preparing the way, and blessing me along the way.<br />
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The ER informed me that they weren't going to charge me since they could do nothing to help me. What a blessing!<br />
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I neglected to mention that my son and husband had traded places with each other at the ER so my husband was able to drive me to see the hand surgeon. I was so grateful that he worked me in near the close of business. He examined my finger and sent me for x-rays...after viewing them he said that he could probably clean it up in the office but would rather do surgery to make sure everything was done properly so I wouldn't end up with a bone infection...I figured he was the professional so I would let him decide how he wanted to do his job. I was sent home with antibiotics and pain medicine with an early appointment the next morning at the hospital.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxt5JYsHzVqeHhZ4WzXGPqyhYtqLUrEbnljJle__qS86qTFxboUAraewr-bqrGp5t_BqADgyKL1BeD1nhy0XUl6m1739XFdZMoXH9ObQ6jtsvEkXrDVMCac8WeTOa5C022l9fNfXhCfHxt/s1600/missing+part.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxt5JYsHzVqeHhZ4WzXGPqyhYtqLUrEbnljJle__qS86qTFxboUAraewr-bqrGp5t_BqADgyKL1BeD1nhy0XUl6m1739XFdZMoXH9ObQ6jtsvEkXrDVMCac8WeTOa5C022l9fNfXhCfHxt/s320/missing+part.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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When I got home I wanted to see the leftover parts of the needle.<br />
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I don't know if Superior Threads would consider this a positive endorsement or not - but this is a testimony on how strong their needles are. Had this not be titanium coated it's very likely that it would have shattered or splintered into small parts potentially causing more damage....as I didn't get to see the x-ray I didn't know if the tip was intact but I knew it was lodged in my bone.<br />
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Again, I have to give God the glory as I was not experiencing any pain! However, I didn't sleep well awaiting surgery the next morning. It had been about 35 years since I'd had my one and only surgery of having my wisdom teeth removed. I honestly didn't know what to expect.<br />
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God minsters to me a lot through music and of course reminders of verses I've committed to memory. Thursday morning we had to be there at 0600 knowing that surgery would be after 1000 as the doctor was squeezing me in after two previously schedule major hand surgeries. It would be a long wait, but again I was grateful that he had agreed to take me on as a patient. After lots of paperwork I found myself getting a little nervous in the waiting room. I had brought my iPod and this song ministered to me.<br />
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "verdana" , "arial"; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700; text-align: center;">"Strong Enough" by Matthew West</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1_jqr2Q0XHkmfHrtiRnp6ctKnnQhhnwThgdBInHBfc1VI0lY4OlqqtajHQ9dezGAVetEkYcKgEbZ45Mnv9BBdyZqr8zDCx-D8Nq9geUN_udAJWdKUrzH_w0Pg2NNr8KIoWim5a-AzNVCk/s1600/waiting.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1_jqr2Q0XHkmfHrtiRnp6ctKnnQhhnwThgdBInHBfc1VI0lY4OlqqtajHQ9dezGAVetEkYcKgEbZ45Mnv9BBdyZqr8zDCx-D8Nq9geUN_udAJWdKUrzH_w0Pg2NNr8KIoWim5a-AzNVCk/s640/waiting.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "abadi mt condensed light";">You
must</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "abadi mt condensed light";">You
must think I'm strong</span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "abadi mt condensed light";">To
give me what I'm going through<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "abadi mt condensed light";">Well,
forgive me<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "abadi mt condensed light";">Forgive
me if I'm wrong<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "abadi mt condensed light";">But
this looks like more than I can do<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "abadi mt condensed light";">On
my own<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "abadi mt condensed light";">I
know I'm not strong enough to be<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "abadi mt condensed light";">everything
that I'm supposed to be<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "abadi mt condensed light";">I
give up<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "abadi mt condensed light";">I'm
not strong enough<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "abadi mt condensed light";">Hands
of mercy won't you cover me<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "abadi mt condensed light";">Lord
right now I'm asking you to be<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "abadi mt condensed light";">Strong
enough<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "abadi mt condensed light";">Strong
enough<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "abadi mt condensed light";">For
the both of us<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "abadi mt condensed light";">Well,
maybe<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "abadi mt condensed light";">Maybe
that's the point<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "abadi mt condensed light";">To
reach the point of giving up<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "abadi mt condensed light";">Cause
when I'm finally<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "abadi mt condensed light";">Finally
at rock bottom<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "abadi mt condensed light";">Well,
that's when I start looking up<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "abadi mt condensed light";">And
reaching out<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "abadi mt condensed light";">I
know I'm not strong enough to be<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "abadi mt condensed light";">Everything
that I'm supposed to be<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "abadi mt condensed light";">I
give up<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "abadi mt condensed light";">I'm
not strong enough<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "abadi mt condensed light";">Hands
of mercy won't you cover me<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "abadi mt condensed light";">Lord
right now I'm asking you to be<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "abadi mt condensed light";">Strong
enough<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "abadi mt condensed light";">Strong
enough<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "abadi mt condensed light";">Cause
I'm broken<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "abadi mt condensed light";">Down
to nothing<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "abadi mt condensed light";">But
I'm still holding on to the one thing<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "abadi mt condensed light";">You
are God<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "abadi mt condensed light";">and
you are strong<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "abadi mt condensed light";">When
I am weak<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "abadi mt condensed light";">I
can do all things<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "abadi mt condensed light";">Through
Christ who gives me strength<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "abadi mt condensed light";">And
I don't have to be<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "abadi mt condensed light";">Strong
enough<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "abadi mt condensed light";">Strong
enough<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "abadi mt condensed light";">I
can do all things<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "abadi mt condensed light";">Through
Christ who gives me strength<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "abadi mt condensed light";">And
I don't have to be<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "abadi mt condensed light";">Strong
enough<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--EndFragment--></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">While listening to this song the nervous twitch in my leg calmed as did my soul. I was in God's hands, He had provided a hand surgeon to take care of my hand! I could breath again.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Moments later I was transferred to pre-op, so much better to wait there stretched out in a bed in those oh-so-fashionable hospital gowns than in a crowded waiting room! I was visited often by nurses and the anthologists telling me what would be happening. It was then that I learned my bone was fractured...and I learned that instead of general anaesthesia they were going to use a Bier Block (pronounced beer) which would shorten my recovery time and allow me to go home sooner! You should google this - I found it very interesting!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The worst part about this whole ordeal was the IV's. I have very small veins and it is a minimum of two pricks to find the vein. Thankfully they numb the area before attempting...needless to say 4 days post surgery</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> these are the only areas of discomfort. Did make it hard to grip the steering wheel driving myself to church on Sunday...Sigh...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNebFkaamAUhiou8RbbNZSbA_m-EKAACGVfBKh0Q1GTgRTNXQlFyaORUVaNE-kxj3QXUpKAMbevZDGEP7n5bRMu37-GoU15bZuVeooOEDjDKlQodjJy-ikNF_-tty_xqfVV-vtQbXPGzTu/s1600/finger+Anatomy.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNebFkaamAUhiou8RbbNZSbA_m-EKAACGVfBKh0Q1GTgRTNXQlFyaORUVaNE-kxj3QXUpKAMbevZDGEP7n5bRMu37-GoU15bZuVeooOEDjDKlQodjJy-ikNF_-tty_xqfVV-vtQbXPGzTu/s320/finger+Anatomy.tiff" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">So I'm told the surgery was only </span>about<span style="font-family: inherit;"> 10 minutes long...he did remove a bone fragment....I'm still waiting to see the actual x-rays and hope to be able to view it on my follow-up visit next week. In the meantime I've got a splint and a honkin' bandage that I'm tempted to draw a smily face on or at least a quilting feather design (grin). I have continued to be pain free and am praising God for that! So many have said they were praying for me and believe me, I like the way that makes me feel!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihLpRawE1TNi3FGHbeA5cHQlPrTEXHdhM2PG9OYl9eg3O2K1ACU2Y3-J2B0K4OVKFHJ9wovKYd9cBxS27gDcvTpN99zhYzENqc5wbxuHizw2ifriXOQ71fxQ4Ss4yBB6C-x2XHEbbGWGEV/s1600/finger+close+up.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihLpRawE1TNi3FGHbeA5cHQlPrTEXHdhM2PG9OYl9eg3O2K1ACU2Y3-J2B0K4OVKFHJ9wovKYd9cBxS27gDcvTpN99zhYzENqc5wbxuHizw2ifriXOQ71fxQ4Ss4yBB6C-x2XHEbbGWGEV/s320/finger+close+up.tiff" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">I've also done a little research on others who have sewn through their fingers - most are on the fleshy side and it passes straight through or they are able to remove with pliers...and from their descriptions it must have been excruciating. I don't know why mine hasn't hurt - maybe because it hit bone? I don't know. But I looked up the anatomy of a finger and found it fascinating. I am so hopeful that I will get to see my x-rays of "what used to be there".</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Some would assume that this is a common occurrence among sewing machine operators, but I beg to differ! It was an accident, if it had been done on purpose it would be sad indeed, but accidents do happen no matter what your profession.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">OH! I almost forgot...when I was joking around prior to surgery with my nurses and doctors I told them to watch for the thread and tell me if it was still in the eye of the needle (grin). After surgery they presented me with the needle point in a little jar as a souvenir and confirmed there was thread!</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEDNPU235g0WbxvRr5RHP3uIHLMpfrslDDYGsl1I8Q0S0PluLOrR14iO7iQASU7wO1c1fsOyDM8sjkE9VBAw7lwIZMNSwH3St6bmc-V_bNL4vsjgblTGtOdtunFFN2ACVgy0a1IesFe0jy/s1600/needle+out.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEDNPU235g0WbxvRr5RHP3uIHLMpfrslDDYGsl1I8Q0S0PluLOrR14iO7iQASU7wO1c1fsOyDM8sjkE9VBAw7lwIZMNSwH3St6bmc-V_bNL4vsjgblTGtOdtunFFN2ACVgy0a1IesFe0jy/s400/needle+out.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All parts of the needle are accounted for</td></tr>
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I came home and decided it was TV and bon bons for me...actually TV and dark chocolate (grin). I don't remember much of Friday...did manage to get a little quilting in on Saturday by finishing the piecing of the t-shirt quilt and now have it on the longarm frame to quilt...after quilting a little baby quilt too..I think I was an over achiever and found myself napping on the couch after worship on Sunday and finishing off the evening with more TV - not my usual that's for sure - I really don't like just laying around...</div>
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So the moral of this story dear friends is don't forget that your sewing machine is a power tool not a toy! We get so comfortable with things that seem routine and forget to respect the seriousness of what we are doing - whether it be driving, sewing, or even preparing meals. One friend at church liken my story to sin - that we get numb to the sin around us and forget to be cautious, don't always flee temptation and then end up hurt! But isn't it a wondrous thing that God is always there to rescue and restore us!</div>
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I'm thinking I need to get back to the basics!<br />
...this is a sewing machine...it uses very very sharp needles....<br />
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Thanks for listening! karen<br />
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Karen E. Overtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13013943691661466053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-228768149564232988.post-79413298302887234452016-06-05T19:45:00.000-05:002016-06-05T19:45:37.900-05:00Sunday Sewing - Move over Vera!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Time to update</td></tr>
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I have a passion for organizer bags - some would say an obsession. Years ago I broke down and purchased several bags from Vera Bradley. I have always loved and admired her design and quality construction, but there really wasn't a print that called my name...until Sierra Sunset...I don't even remember what year that was, but man oh man did I have an obsession! I had Sierra Sunset purses (yes plural) Sierra Sunset tote bags, Sierra Sunset insulated lunch bag, Sierra Sunset travel bag, Sierra Sunset duffle bag, Sierra Sunset Hanging Cosmetic bag, Sierra Sunset wallet, Sierra Sunset little bags to go inside bags....Need I go on... I loved/love the Sierra Sunset pattern. I even purchased the napkins and make a pillow out of them, and I have the apron, and the plastic cups....when I say obsession I do mean <b><i>obsession. </i></b><br />
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I also have this deep down desire to make my own bags....I have been "collecting" bag patterns for several years...have attempted a few purses and such, some were definitely "homemade" vs "handmade" but I am getting better. I'm not making them to sell (don't worry your pretty little head Miss Vera I will never be a competitor) I just make them for my own pleasure. A few I might give a way...a few get donated to the thrift shop (I figure a sweet young girl would be thrilled with them and not be hypercritical with the construction or the fabric choice). But mainly I just like the challenge of making them and using them.<br />
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Recently one of my favorite designers, <a href="http://byannie.com/" target="_blank">ByAnnie.com </a> released a brand new design called <i style="font-weight: bold;">Zip It Up! </i>and I was chomping a the bit to get my hands on this pattern. It arrived in my mailbox yesterday!!!<br />
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I didn't take "in process" photos because Annie does a great job of having clear and precise directions, not to mention tutorials and fabulous Craftsy classes...Instead I'm going to share with you my photos and give you a little behind the scenes commentary of "what was she thinking?"....<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPGq-mDnTaJoAP7-yx6zXwIFvAXFH01DI1lLQdkkgPfIX-6YWjduy4KJOBQYbcc4zgCmzBQfaYejCqQjj2G7WPd_Y8CD9SG6MWV2ItWe8NULdZlVj_X3PxYgQeGzyGkrDFsG-ISRv9vFve/s1600/IMG_2524.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPGq-mDnTaJoAP7-yx6zXwIFvAXFH01DI1lLQdkkgPfIX-6YWjduy4KJOBQYbcc4zgCmzBQfaYejCqQjj2G7WPd_Y8CD9SG6MWV2ItWe8NULdZlVj_X3PxYgQeGzyGkrDFsG-ISRv9vFve/s400/IMG_2524.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Small Zip It Up Case to fit iPad Mini<br /><br /></td></tr>
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I love my Mini - I loved it so much during my obsession year with Vera and Sierra Sunset I was thrilled to purchase a sleeve to house my iPad when I traveled. I have a nice "store-bought" cover that folds over to cover the screen when not in use. Annie's pattern has two sizes, a small and a large, the small is for the iPad Mini and the larger one is designed to fit the regular size iPad. Well, I like to cram a lot into my bags and I had this one spiral notebook with a cute little owl on it that I wanted to go into the interior pockets but alas, it's measurements were the same as the product description's finished measurements...Design change - or I think as they call it these days, a design hack...so I took it upon myself to increase the overall cutting instructions by one inch to hopefully accommodate my needs.<div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgdHvuRPP3wHNTBzg16lqcZqa45wX79SvPrvlBKVRsXcBreKCK3zwNLpTjEM6exOLsBp_PBW4MNynMwauUI8VuCPWI1TUb5j8vkXIIdlrENZC1VjOuMz-kBwQ1qdcGeg-0BJgj4w2ziRpU/s1600/IMG_2525.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgdHvuRPP3wHNTBzg16lqcZqa45wX79SvPrvlBKVRsXcBreKCK3zwNLpTjEM6exOLsBp_PBW4MNynMwauUI8VuCPWI1TUb5j8vkXIIdlrENZC1VjOuMz-kBwQ1qdcGeg-0BJgj4w2ziRpU/s400/IMG_2525.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Interior of Small Zip It Up Case</td></tr>
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I neglected to mention that the fabric was previously quilted on Soft and Stable for another project I did a few weeks ago....a hanging thread holder that I changed up just a bit from ByAnnie's <b><i>Bling It On! </i></b>pattern. Today's bag was made from the leftovers...and I still have some quilted Soft and Stable leftovers with these fabrics for a future bag...or two...<div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiycASZtPza9Az_erGYsothcc_W65SfmXuQb_vEojaSRh6VgRRw-nlXv1KpO59yq6hPrbDXrYYQYvr_b8h2q8pWciBMsXJzqHplQHV6FvRKrUt0fRfZeKw2RPCH7VdOJih692YTDvWZ0sog/s1600/IMG_2297+3.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiycASZtPza9Az_erGYsothcc_W65SfmXuQb_vEojaSRh6VgRRw-nlXv1KpO59yq6hPrbDXrYYQYvr_b8h2q8pWciBMsXJzqHplQHV6FvRKrUt0fRfZeKw2RPCH7VdOJih692YTDvWZ0sog/s400/IMG_2297+3.JPEG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Double Sided Thread Holder</td></tr>
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Okay...enough distraction - back to today's project. As you can see the interior is bright and colorful and I love it that ByAnnie.com now offers a bright yellow mesh to complement this project. I have a collection of all her mesh as well as a collection of her wonderful handbag zippers. You can never have enough supplies on hand - never know when the urge to create will hit ya!<div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaYB0hYVoFVz_xa700sf0c3wqa4lYfPBg4Z0C6WcWAcjPAd-TMtiSJmXE7cLOV2VTG8cQlOFkTwVmB05NsNq-mQTeu4SHlKk5l40V12ZVqftbtRXKtUbDhqGJNL-Ri_MIYwPhrx49-YD6G/s1600/IMG_2526.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaYB0hYVoFVz_xa700sf0c3wqa4lYfPBg4Z0C6WcWAcjPAd-TMtiSJmXE7cLOV2VTG8cQlOFkTwVmB05NsNq-mQTeu4SHlKk5l40V12ZVqftbtRXKtUbDhqGJNL-Ri_MIYwPhrx49-YD6G/s400/IMG_2526.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Interior filled with fun</td></tr>
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As you can see, my increase in dimensions worked in my favor - my cute little spiral notebook fit into my mesh pocket. In my vinyl pocket I have my graph paper tablet, pens, and ruler for my next inspiration for the next quilt. And of course my lip stuff - a girl has to have priorities after all.<div>
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I must say that the construction (minus the quilting done previously) took less than 3 hours. The pattern instructions, as I said earlier, are simply wonderful. I still struggle a bit with making a pretty machine binding but I am getting much better at it, especially since I started using the ByAnnie Pressing Tool and Wonder Clips.</div>
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By the way, did ya notice the zipper pulls are a different color than the zipper? I think that just adds to the fun! </div>
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Everything came together, the case zipped up just fantastic - my iPad Mini with it's cover case fit into the front pocket and I thought I was good to go, calling it a day...and then I remembered...In my Vera iPad sleeve I kept my charger and ear buds...oh my...that's an important ingredient!</div>
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Leftovers are a wonderful thing - and not just for dinner...yep, there were quilted leftovers and of course I have extra vinyl and smaller zippers on stand by.... it's not the best workmanship but it serves its purpose...</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPrNVltKc5-COM63aEH4bDF7AzK5vku9sqR8IW5FTHnZOkb-RSxNzRIbk8QfeG7Fbiztsn7kxidpubSWM1_KVcdjEvPevYI4MLnyF3Ox8tLchGugcmEVHVsmI40KZNSKMqiRsEUAb8mLIQ/s1600/IMG_2528.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPrNVltKc5-COM63aEH4bDF7AzK5vku9sqR8IW5FTHnZOkb-RSxNzRIbk8QfeG7Fbiztsn7kxidpubSWM1_KVcdjEvPevYI4MLnyF3Ox8tLchGugcmEVHVsmI40KZNSKMqiRsEUAb8mLIQ/s400/IMG_2528.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Small Vinyl Zippered Pocket<br />Holds iPod Charger and Ear Buds</td></tr>
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The zipper looks wavy because I actually created some fullness in the zipper facing (think darts) to accommodate for that huge square thing that plugs in the wall (grin). The ear bud base is made from two layers of my quilted Soft and Stable leftover cuttings stitched together. The ear buds were then wrapped around and held in place by a small pony-tail thingie. (See I told you Vera had nothing to worry about - her creations are much more professional but mine accomplish the same goal.)<div>
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Now to fit it all in....</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_R9hRASwF0yj9lLeURniR3f6ACMwlpevbRCxiorn7cFGjgE4pHOP5N99aVv6a-z660RrdsNB6p1kVviOF6Qt9c_sWfzfE0nIZQBUXIBGpeoapJCOTdIevhPHCwWM7A5irh41oYlugGcV5/s1600/IMG_2530.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_R9hRASwF0yj9lLeURniR3f6ACMwlpevbRCxiorn7cFGjgE4pHOP5N99aVv6a-z660RrdsNB6p1kVviOF6Qt9c_sWfzfE0nIZQBUXIBGpeoapJCOTdIevhPHCwWM7A5irh41oYlugGcV5/s400/IMG_2530.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Techie things added to the case</td></tr>
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There's still room in the mesh bag...so I added a flash drive and then decided I could fit in a small note pad to make up for the spiral notebook I removed earlier...<div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf3ODM0Diz0A5aTJKv9_sEemy4f5PeMl686_QsSl2I4bzL9Ce0kO3UuIpS99u6Jx-U03vnbXZi90CBg6LZcwaIbdLR2l2tPFtWq03dWSmq3Ii9oaU-YaS02R6AbRo_OGvH1YCNqx22VhB8/s1600/IMG_2531.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf3ODM0Diz0A5aTJKv9_sEemy4f5PeMl686_QsSl2I4bzL9Ce0kO3UuIpS99u6Jx-U03vnbXZi90CBg6LZcwaIbdLR2l2tPFtWq03dWSmq3Ii9oaU-YaS02R6AbRo_OGvH1YCNqx22VhB8/s400/IMG_2531.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mesh stretches - you can get a lot in mesh pockets!</td></tr>
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Next it was time to see if by adding my covered iPad Mini to the outside front pocket if I could get the entire case to close.<div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYn4Ht_6fReZN1FeFN_2XeomUChBzGJIqqfySraAThHIhzm0uUkuIaWWYnaSgG6XC3CP0bUmvWLeCGOi8QFCZzuvQ3jaKfpaPRPz0BH9Cl9LZKWTxivvVNAR7f9MAEnbuqc3GwgvCOVmdq/s1600/IMG_2532.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYn4Ht_6fReZN1FeFN_2XeomUChBzGJIqqfySraAThHIhzm0uUkuIaWWYnaSgG6XC3CP0bUmvWLeCGOi8QFCZzuvQ3jaKfpaPRPz0BH9Cl9LZKWTxivvVNAR7f9MAEnbuqc3GwgvCOVmdq/s400/IMG_2532.JPG" width="366" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It all fits!</td></tr>
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But wait, there's more! I kinda wondered just how much I could stuff this cute little case so I added my spiral notebook "loose" just laying on top of the pockets instead of in one....<div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTvIDACxODsQ3GI12L4ntTZ2JUcb9e_I6L5DRxAmoPQIxjgQ8V6oK4_fnVkbnds55RxNTrR64DmGgzzUUj7zjQ6aWgc7UftD3EoKTu-pcBI4fsmVk2IpRbeH1tDTmJLfNn7uPSzI7PoZAg/s1600/IMG_2533.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTvIDACxODsQ3GI12L4ntTZ2JUcb9e_I6L5DRxAmoPQIxjgQ8V6oK4_fnVkbnds55RxNTrR64DmGgzzUUj7zjQ6aWgc7UftD3EoKTu-pcBI4fsmVk2IpRbeH1tDTmJLfNn7uPSzI7PoZAg/s400/IMG_2533.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This case is stuffable!</td></tr>
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And here's the side view with my Zip It Up! small case totally FULL! I'm sure the contents will change as the needs change but I am soooo thrilled to have made this today!<div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEintDnfG5GLf8FZ-5Iu-2YefB7Rl5AmOdVKQvX1YfULJAsgevrt7Z8RJnEJtBVoZqv2CYaY_BNOKGQaIil04qHaQOEUyZdWQfkWqScu_VQl0TB9RBxqqnZugvF9ao2QSm99by1k08bojQUe/s1600/IMG_2534.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEintDnfG5GLf8FZ-5Iu-2YefB7Rl5AmOdVKQvX1YfULJAsgevrt7Z8RJnEJtBVoZqv2CYaY_BNOKGQaIil04qHaQOEUyZdWQfkWqScu_VQl0TB9RBxqqnZugvF9ao2QSm99by1k08bojQUe/s400/IMG_2534.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zip It Up!</td></tr>
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I've had another wonderful Sunday Sew In. I can't begin to count how many projects I have dancing as colorful visions in my busy brain. A month of Sundays wouldn't be the tip of the iceberg. I am so thankful that I have a passion that is inexhaustible - a never ending supply of beautiful fabrics, patterns, (zippers), inspiration! A big thank you to the designers of all things crafty! You guys rock my quilting world!<div>
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Until next show and tell - may your days be pieceful and may your true peace be found in the Lord Jesus, my Creator and true inspiration for all things, not just quilts and crafts!</div>
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<i>Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.</i></div>
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Karen E. Overtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13013943691661466053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-228768149564232988.post-10615776360149692852016-05-29T17:42:00.001-05:002016-05-29T17:42:17.231-05:00Sunday Sewing - Pinterest Inspired<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Sometimes I just get lost on Pinterest, don't you?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjoF6q5IHEahDSLdBo4lSsq4l8Ph1kXOeb6wMTJvLYANF1BnxRRd9ziyZ9QFoxZg_hqDsvOl418NK2Eh_vvFtPMbxJtZvmTQlqPkEy6yx5FUClsO5HHcXXuHxP87SCAYd9x0PDZDRYKwgR/s1600/Pinterest.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjoF6q5IHEahDSLdBo4lSsq4l8Ph1kXOeb6wMTJvLYANF1BnxRRd9ziyZ9QFoxZg_hqDsvOl418NK2Eh_vvFtPMbxJtZvmTQlqPkEy6yx5FUClsO5HHcXXuHxP87SCAYd9x0PDZDRYKwgR/s320/Pinterest.JPEG" width="224" /></a></div>
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I love looking at purse/bag patterns. I love making bags and I have my favorite designers (as evidenced by my current home page). While I do own almost every pattern by my favorite bag lady and several others by my other favorite bag ladies I sometimes like to venture out and try to make something on my own or with a tutorial found online. Sometimes it works out, sometimes its a fail but it's always entertaining!</div>
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Prior to my quilting cruise I created a board for travel organizers. I found several really cool places that sold travel accessories that I really found inspiring...but I didn't purchase any as I do have an abundance of all sorts of bags, organizers, containers, etc. And I don't travel as much as I used to...But ya' never know - that's the beauty of "pinning" - later on I might remember "I saw that somewhere now where was it?" and low and behold it's on Pinterest.</div>
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Fast forward to today...it's been a very busy month since coming back from the cruise - been busy with graduation t-shirt quilts and customer quilts....and today I just wanted to chill out. I have several things cut out and ready to work on, but I didn't have the time to devote to a full fledged project today so I decided to clean out my zipper box...</div>
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One thing lead to another...In making a list for replacement colors I found a "short" orange zipper leftover from another project...well....the rest as they say is history...my Sunday Sewing Distraction.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What to do with leftovers...<br /><div style="text-align: left;">
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My first thought was to find some fabric scraps to go with the orange zipper. I found this fun butterfly print that had been cut into squares. I don't remember purchasing this, I think I inherited scraps from someone else - but they are "so me" - my colors and I love butterflies. <div>
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I remembered seeing some simple vinyl bags on Pinterest and pulled out my vinyl scraps and attached the zipper to the fabric facing and then to the vinyl...and then I changed my mind. I didn't really want a small clear bag, at least not today. So I dug around in my Soft and Stable scraps and found a piece <i>almost </i>the size of my squares. Good enough.</div>
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That's when I remembered a pin on my travel board....it was for a cellphone wristlet that you carry when traveling - a design that allowed you to use the phone while inside the bag and wrapped securely around your wrist to prevent a <i>snatch and grab.</i> Even though I don't travel that much (especially airports) I thought <i>WHY NOT! </i>Besides, what else was I going to work on this afternoon!</div>
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So I dove right in. Okay, so I didn't really have the right size zipper, foam, or fabric - <b><i>but I'm a quilter and I know how to make do!</i></b></div>
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In reviewing the "store bought" photo online I discovered that the ad boasted of a "hidden pocket" - didn't I have an extra yellow zipper scrap in the clean up pile? Yep, sure did - it was a cut off without it's zipper pull, but have no fear!<i><b> I'm a quilter and I know how to make do! </b></i>Actually I have learned from some of my favorite designers how to change out zipper pulls to make things more colorful and fun...good thing I keep a stash of extra zipper pulls for both my regular size zippers and my handbag size zippers....</div>
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Long story short, about an hour or so later I had my own little cellphone wristlet and low and behold I could actually operate my phone through the vinyl! <i>who knew! </i>The only negative was trying to take the photos with my phone inside the bag. Grin. The iPad photos aren't nearly as crisp as the new iPhone's camera but I documented it!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Cell Phone Wristlet<br />Notice the yellow zipper pull on the orange zipper<br />And the orange zipper pull on the yellow interior pocket zipper<br /><br /><br /></td></tr>
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If I were to make this again I would make it a tad bigger, and if I really wanted to make it more functional I would add a zippered pocket on the back to hold my car keys. They could fit in the interior hidden pocket but this is a flat design and I think an exterior pocket would have more give. IDEA - maybe a mesh pocket??!! Always room for a design change. But then again - there are soooo many other bags I want to make.....<div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgBhyVDVlv6W02I8qzZeO28mJY-EZXlio3MJ0h8Xx7YjTzgkz9vecsjYGfXhxTD8cgnVkfYFhEfgAkQErsPPnovVKR4JLeBa646rJX3I20EqSTkDsNcbavHHgTr4XoOT1nmZR8vRTYxL0l/s1600/IMG_2383.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgBhyVDVlv6W02I8qzZeO28mJY-EZXlio3MJ0h8Xx7YjTzgkz9vecsjYGfXhxTD8cgnVkfYFhEfgAkQErsPPnovVKR4JLeBa646rJX3I20EqSTkDsNcbavHHgTr4XoOT1nmZR8vRTYxL0l/s400/IMG_2383.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cell Phone Wristlet Closed<br />The interior pocket is indeed hidden!<br /><br /><br /></td></tr>
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Ya'never know where floating around on the internet will land ya' - especially in Pinterest - but today I think I landed on something fun. Not sure I really needed this item but making it for myself accomplished two things - I saved money from buying the original and I had fun using up my scraps!<div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunday Sewing - Pinterest Inspired</td></tr>
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I think this will make a fun little runaround bag - especially when walking on the seawall in Galveston or along the shore - no sand blowing on my phone! I can't wait to try this out on my next walk on the beach! Which I hope will be soon!<div>
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Karen E. Overtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13013943691661466053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-228768149564232988.post-56056363544740651502016-04-17T16:59:00.000-05:002016-04-17T16:59:44.282-05:00Deadlines, designs and of course distractions<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Details of Quilting Design</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">It's the little details of life that either stress you out or make you smile. These past few weeks have been a combination of both. C'est la vie</span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: inherit;"><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white;">such is life...and such were my thoughts before departure on the 2016 Quilting Cruise April 10-17 hosted by Cactus Quilts of Texas City</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white;">My original intent was to blog about the craziness of trying to get out of town and to share a bit about the quilts I have been working on (more on that coming up)...but there just wasn't time...too many deadlines. </span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Life aboard the Carnival Magic</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br style="color: #222222;" /></span><span style="background-color: white;">Those distractions and stresses seem so far away today (</span><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_342551433" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204 , 204 , 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Saturday</span></span><span style="background-color: white;">) as I sit on my balcony enjoying the remainder of this week's beautiful journey .....</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white;">Rewriting the title of this blog it would now read</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: inherit;"><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">I believe in prayer. Sometimes I forget that prayer is my direct link to ask for God for His strength - I don't have to carry the weight of all the stresses - in prayer I can leave those burdens at His feet. And prayer is the key to finding rest for my weary soul. Jesus gives me peace amidst my circumstances.</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white;">I know someone has been praying for me this week - I truly think it has been several someones as the depth of my very soul has been renewed and refreshed on so many levels.</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white;">God blessed us with this week's cruise. Not just because it was an opportunity to get away but the story is deeper. We love to cruise but cruising wasn't anywhere in the budget this year. God provided the way - it was a "working cruise." When my husband shared with a co-worker that I would be working on this cruise he was met with a strange look and the question "<i>you mean your wife will be cleaning rooms or something!</i>" Grin.</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white;">Nope, Quilting. My passion of quilting was the ticket to this week's blessings. Last year I was privileged to be one of three quilting teachers on Cactus Quilts 2nd Annual Quilting Cruise and I was thrilled to be asked back to teach on this the 3rd Annual Quilting Cruise! So began this journey!</span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Orignial Pattern Layout Designed for 2016 Quilting Cruise (pattern available)</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">The deadlines and stress of designing a pattern to teach and making the class samples have been replaced with the enthusiastic response of my students! My pattern is based off of Deb Tucker's Hunter Star ruler and piecing technique. My design twist was using precut fabrics - namely 2.5" strips and 10" squares. I discovered by adding background fabric with these precut packages that two quilt tops could be made - hence "Double Occupancy" was conceived. How cool would it be for roommates to share the precut fabric packages and each make their own lap size quilt - and <i>what if</i>...<i><u>what IF </u></i>there were different layouts so everyone's quilt would look unique and different...<b>what if indeed</b>! My busy little overachieving brain came up with 13 layouts (I had to stop there!) so I set out to produce them for class samples.</span><br style="color: #222222;" /><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white;">Sometimes things don't go as planned. I cut out 13 kits for my various layouts and began working on them at retreats and sew-ins this past year. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Alas, only 8 out of the 13 were pieced by the time of departure and of those, only two were totally complete all the way to their label. What I thought was failure in not meeting my goal of at least having all of the pieced tops quilted turned into a blessing as I discovered that unquilted tops are easier to pack and they can be hang from the classroom walls with painters tape! </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: blue;">More on my students accomplishments later as I do want to journal in chronological order...my class was </span><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_342551434" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204 , 204 , 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: blue; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Friday</span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: blue;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">...</span> </span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Classroom aboard the Carnival Magic 4.15.16</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: inherit;"><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">As mentioned, things were rather stressful prior to departure (like not getting the suitcases packed until 30 minutes before leaving).But once the baggage handler takes your overweight bags onto his cart and wheels them away towards the loading dock the stresses seem to begin to slowly fade - we are going on a cruise! Well, at least at this point my luggage and all my quits are!!! </span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Enjoying the peacefulness</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: inherit;"><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_342551435" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204 , 204 , 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Sunday</span></span><span style="background-color: white;"> and </span><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_342551436" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204 , 204 , 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Monday</span></span><span style="background-color: white;"> we aquatinted ourselves with our new floating home - we learned that even though this was our first time on the Carnival Magic that this was the ship's last cruise to call Galveston their home port as they will be relocating to Florida next week. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">This is a beautiful ship with so much to offer for so many different tastes and needs. We have enjoyed our cruise mates this week - especially watching the brave ones not minding being silly when called upon for the entertainment of fellow guests - from the over eager kid assisting in a shore excursion talk by being the one to draw out names for door prizes, to the older preacher who won the hairy chest contest, to the crowd laughing and working together in the hoola hoop pass. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">Everyone is happy here. Everyone is friendly. A black man struck up a conversation with my husband one evening towards the end of the cruise and commented that he had noticed that there was no "racism" here aboard the ship and wonder why - to which my husband replied "lack of media". Their combined conclusion was that we are all people and the color of our skin isn't what makes the difference but the way people choose to act or react. There are people you like and people you don't, doesn't matter skin color, we are all just people. The gentleman said that this was the way he was raising his daughters - to not care about color of skin to which my hubby replied that too was the way we raised our sons. Indeed we are all created by the same Creator God and in His creativity He made different cultures, nationalities and skin color. In reflecting upon this together later I came to the conclusion that the friendliness aboard our ship this week stems from the underlying sense of community. We are all on the boat together for better or worse and we have chosen to be respectful and kind to each other no matter our backgrounds or skin color. Oh that this would be the way of the world. I believe that is what heaven will be like - only on a grander scale - no sin! We will love because of His love.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: inherit;">Daily Necessities </span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: inherit;">Devotions, Water, Sign & Sail Card and of course Towel Critters </span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: inherit;"><br style="color: #222222;" /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_342551437" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204 , 204 , 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Tuesday</span></span><span style="background-color: white;"> was our 36th anniversary and we celebrated in Key West. As mentioned previously this was our "cheap date" cruise so we did not have any planned excursions, we were just going to enjoy the ship and being together. We did however take a trolley tour around Key West and learned a bit of the history of the island. In passing through all the sights and sounds we saw a lighthouse and decided that was to be our destination for further exploration later in the day. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">After our guided tour we indeed found the lighthouse and to my joy discovered that we could climb up into it for a small fee! There was a docent in the museum area and we were able to question him to learn more about the history of this particular light house. He asked if I were a teacher (grin) I guess my curious mind was the give away. While I didn't formerly teach in a school system I did homeschool our boys and of course I'm a quilting teacher ... </span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkr0Xtjbkm97vQSrtLpIFBqL-z0JiYCNYFecPJ_-i3HrHH9K28956qL-u3xu3BbaWmtbiJ-JxhTGtJLSg8zhxkVxBQXqDtUwDgN7w4u2clnOzqS8qugGbmjZzr0Z-cpASmeuxS_tVGc1ZT/s1600/IMG_1581.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkr0Xtjbkm97vQSrtLpIFBqL-z0JiYCNYFecPJ_-i3HrHH9K28956qL-u3xu3BbaWmtbiJ-JxhTGtJLSg8zhxkVxBQXqDtUwDgN7w4u2clnOzqS8qugGbmjZzr0Z-cpASmeuxS_tVGc1ZT/s320/IMG_1581.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: inherit;">Key West Lighthouse</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br style="color: #222222;" /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">Anyway, the climb up the light house was 88 steps. Piece of cake for my husband as he climbs 98 steps at work to get into the cab of the crane he opperates ... For me, well....about the time I wanted to give up because of fatigue in climbing God blessed me with a small landing to catch my breath. Just enough strength to push forward. <i>Think about that for a moment - isn't that just like God to give you just enough light for the step you are on - the encouragement to press on!</i> And the reward was breathtaking! </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">We were able to climb to the service room where the keeper would clean the lamp chimneys and prepare the lantern for the coming night. We learned earlier that whale oil was the original fuel source. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">From the cat walk surrounding the service room we were able to have a birds eye view of the island. </span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: blue;">As our gaze went towards the southern most point my thoughts went to Cuba a mere 90 miles away. Only the day before, Monday 4/11/16, a team from our church Calvary Chapel Houston arrived in Cuba for an evangelist campaign. We have been praying for their mission trip and eagerly await their return next week (4/21/16) along with the accompanying praise report.</span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPQhf7TvrXEua62lqLsmpn9p0nPguZVEO2udXW2UYIh8cufvqu0KJomaYwD5F4dwOMjo5inD2qxAzbLBJgUiq2Sbbn_n6rOfPzfDnzqe5oK-M2EDkykQAfmYVAsQumPPz_SJivaQkzXxmT/s1600/IMG_1584.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPQhf7TvrXEua62lqLsmpn9p0nPguZVEO2udXW2UYIh8cufvqu0KJomaYwD5F4dwOMjo5inD2qxAzbLBJgUiq2Sbbn_n6rOfPzfDnzqe5oK-M2EDkykQAfmYVAsQumPPz_SJivaQkzXxmT/s320/IMG_1584.JPG" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: inherit;">Looking out towards the Southernmost Point<br />and Cuba</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"> Access to the lantern room, which contained the actual lens, was chained off from the public. After several "tourists" began their decent the docent quietly asked if we would like to go up - <b>a resounding yes please!!</b> Upon descending I hugged him in gratitude and then shared that I really have a fear of ladders and am clostaphopic - to which I was met with a shocked look as in a silent questioning of "<i>why on earth did you attempt to go up!"</i>... I shared that with prayer I was an overcomer - God indeed carried me to the top and safely back down again.That brought a smile and a hardy acknowledgement!</span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: inherit;">Lighthouse lens</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">Our afternoon "shopping experience" walking down Duval Street back to the ship was a grand total of $1 for a sticker of the Southernmost Point. Traditionally on previous trips we have had our photo made there but this year didn't want to wait in line - but we were there!!</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Hx-STTj9fcaQus_EyfGHvVRI6KVVE_anSP66UsgWgH_YF5dmRGrDrVhcYyNYh6QTxW1nmXK9chxB8Gd-1voQow5vVDi2l8Em9v8OepDiD7wFMUX88zgPzKgtzIMLw0_pVDdNt1h5oUtl/s1600/IMG_1780.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Hx-STTj9fcaQus_EyfGHvVRI6KVVE_anSP66UsgWgH_YF5dmRGrDrVhcYyNYh6QTxW1nmXK9chxB8Gd-1voQow5vVDi2l8Em9v8OepDiD7wFMUX88zgPzKgtzIMLw0_pVDdNt1h5oUtl/s320/IMG_1780.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: blue;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">The above narration was written 4/16/16 aboard the ship and edited 4/17/16 upon arrival home... As this is getting rather </span><span style="color: #222222;">lengthy I will continue Part Two in the next blog - stay tuned for Blessings in the Bahamas and more Miracles aboard the Magic....</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: inherit;"><i>Karen</i></span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Nothing like an anniversary cruise to rekindle the romance<br />April 12, 2016<br />36 years together</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;"><br /></span></span>Karen E. Overtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13013943691661466053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-228768149564232988.post-37801857786449082532016-03-27T19:43:00.002-05:002016-03-27T19:43:25.739-05:00Spring is in the air<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUoY6BCnHCvEV3RNeHa3840xvs5ds9Ep3NJK_q6qi5-hVLSuG0BmL8CJp7gTynqVFqZygGC4eHtiEtKM2TjIVEHI8dhlbaBy5FpUDvSRmZYJy2t2BhzT3W2DBsuDZi1nyD1tf16_UztNN6/s1600/IMG_1015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUoY6BCnHCvEV3RNeHa3840xvs5ds9Ep3NJK_q6qi5-hVLSuG0BmL8CJp7gTynqVFqZygGC4eHtiEtKM2TjIVEHI8dhlbaBy5FpUDvSRmZYJy2t2BhzT3W2DBsuDZi1nyD1tf16_UztNN6/s200/IMG_1015.jpg" width="200" /></a>Have to admit I've had a little spring fever lately...kinda hard to stay focused on that <b>to do list</b> if ya'know what I mean....Can't say I've felt like spring cleaning...although I certainly need to! Nope, just been distracted by lots of fun stuff - from day dreaming to quilt deadlines to taking time for just me...and yes, one day I actually broke down and got donut holes and a kalache. Don't know if I deserved it or not, but it certainly made me smile!<br />
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I wish I had time to truly "document" things...it's fun to look back later and recall special memories or special events. Photos never forget, but neither does the mind if a memory is truly something special. Sometimes all it takes is a special song or someone to remind you of a particular time and place and the mind rushes ahead and says "I remember that!" Life is certainly special and I hope to never take for granted the things I have experienced and the people I have shared the journey with.<br />
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I'm hoping that my mind remembers what I learned last Monday when I had the opportunity to take a thread painting class with Nancy Prince. I have wanted to learn how to "thread paint" for years! There just never seemed to be the right time or opportunity to take a class.<br />
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I wish I could say that the beautiful barn and tree was the result of my class - instead my duplication of her project is a WIP - work in progress, and with spring time deadlines it's going to have to be on the back burner for a while. <br />
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Nancy is a fantastic teacher, explained things well, helped when she was needed and just a boat load of inspiration. I will say this - I totally enjoyed my class with her and felt like this time I really learned something! I have so many ideas of incorporating this into future quilts!<br />
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In between day dreams, donuts and learning something new I worked on a stunning customer quilt. The photo doesn't really do this king-size beauty justice. The colors were so striking- so perfect for spring time and dreaming of my upcoming cruise. The blue and teals made me long for the ocean. One thing that is always rewarding to me is seeing the texture that the quilting creates, especially on the back. I love the movement created with the flowing of the design elements. This was certainly a fun quilt to work on all week. The customer is an excellent piecer, and that added to the joy. And I think she was pleased.</div>
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Speaking of the ocean and of my upcoming CRUISE!! It's only two weeks away! I'm so excited to be invited back as one of the teachers on this quilting cruise. Last year I taught an original layout using Deb Tucker's Rapid Fire (tm) LeMoyne Star Ruler and this year I will be teaching an original layout using her Rapid Fire (tm) Hunter's Star Ruler.</div>
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It was so much fun picking out the fabrics at Fall Quilt Market - naturally I gravitated over to the Island Batik booth and found the perfect collection, Caribbean Splash. </div>
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The quilt sample is made with precuts and I have had a blast making little extras with the scraps...I shared with you earlier my cellphone wristlet...and the other night I stayed up until the wee hours being inspired to a matching ID holder from the scraps of the cellphone wristlet for my "ship and sail" card along with a matching lanyard to keep everything hands free as I enjoy ship life. There's even room inside for my iPod and a pocket for my earbuds! And by the way, I "documented" the process so perhaps when things settle back down I can sketch out a tutorial in case anyone is interested in making one (leave a comment if you would like to see these tutorials in the near future).</div>
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My my my...There's always deadlines and dilemmas...</div>
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While the precut strips and squares were readily available soon after market the coordinating fabric on the bolt didn't ship until last week! Oh my! So tonight after scrambling to get the borders on I've loaded the quilt sample on the longarm with hopes of some serious quilting to do tonight before it's time to "clock back in" on Monday morning....tis the season of graduation t-shirt quilts and I'm trying to get several done before we sail.</div>
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Actually I have several more samples to piece before the cruise -- but that's a tale and show and tell for another time... </div>
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In the meantime, I am just loving the large open spaces for custom quilting - and I am soo thankful that the pretty bolt of backing fabric arrived "just in time"</div>
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This is short and sweet - gotta get back to my feathered wreaths!</div>
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<br />Karen E. Overtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13013943691661466053noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-228768149564232988.post-41634518757109273032016-03-14T09:45:00.000-05:002016-03-14T09:59:57.865-05:00Quilting is Awesome!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another awesome t-shirt quilt by Quilts 'N Kaboodle</td></tr>
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Yes, I should be quilting instead of blogging this fine Monday morning....but I really wanted to take a moment to do my "week in review". They say it's good to know where you've been so you know where you are going... Those "they sayers" must be the smartest people in the world, don't you think?<br />
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Awesome - that word gets used so much but it's really a cool expression. I couldn't help but smile when this t-shirt was "up next" during the quilting process of yet another graduation t-shirt quilt. Tis the season <grin> I love making t-shirt quilts - it's so neat to have a small glimpse into someone's life representative by their collection of t-shirts.</grin></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What will we do today? In my own little corner in my own little room!</td></tr>
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Meanwhile, in my own little corner in my own little room I was deciding what to work on this week as a personal project. When I get creative I get really messy ~ I call it creative clutter. I am blessed to have accumulated a vast collection of patterns, fabrics, notions over the past thirteen years of being in business as Quilts 'N Kaboodle. Prior to moving to our current home with a fabulous studio for creativity I quilted in an RV ~ will never forget storing my machine and little shoe boxes full of fabrics and notions under the dining room built in table and under the built in couch, AND under the lift up bed. RV's have the best storage hiding places! Yep, those they sayers again remind us to never forget our roots!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Did someone say Sew In?!!</td></tr>
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One thing I learned back in the day was how to be portable! That comes in handy when it's time for the Island Quilters Guild monthly (or almost monthly) Sew Ins. Yep! I can pack up in a hurry when I hear the words SEW IN!! Several of us gals have gotten really snazzy by investing in the "little red wagon" ~ a really cool fold up transportation mode. It's so much easier to pull all the gear than to make so many trips to and from the car. And yes, I bring my own chair. I've learned through the years that the fold up tables and folding chairs don't offer (a) comfort or (b) proper height for ergonomics. A bungee cord keeps it all together and many times I can make it all in one trip! Well, maybe two <grin><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I can chain piece for miles and miles</td></tr>
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The thing I enjoy about sew-ins is that I can focus on sewing...no distractions of letting the dog out, or remembering that you need to do something in the house, or trying to multi-task the day with quilting, laundry, etc. Just sew sew sew.<br /><br /><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Galveston Island Quilters Guild Sew In</td></tr>
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We have a fun place to gather - well lit, tables provided, a nice kitchen and facilities. We are a small guild and sometimes have just a handful of ladies sewing and other times we have to double up and share the tables. It's all good. Lots of chatting, show and tell and sometimes little mini schoolhouses - where a member "teaches" us something new. Always a good time with these ladies!<br /><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Double Occupancy - Square Surrounded Layout</td></tr>
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I've been working on a series of Hunter Star quilts this past year. In just 4 short weeks I will be teaching Deb Tucker's Technique using her Rapid Fire Hunter's Star Ruler on Cactus Quilt's 3rd Annual Quilting Cruise leaving out of Galveston. I can hardly believe it (I'm pinching myself) for the second year I<i><b><u> have</u></b></i> to go on a 7 day cruise to teach...ain't that a shame <grin></grin></div>
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I've come up with a pattern I have called Double Occupancy - since cruise goers have to share a room I thought wouldn't it be kinda cool if they shared their fabric ..... the pattern uses half of a jelly roll precut pack (2.5" strips) and half of a layer cake precut package (10" squares) plus background. Then I got to thinking that since the roomies were sharing fabric and taking the same class wouldn't it be neat if their quilts had the opportunity to look totally different...of course fabric placement in a scrappy quilt would be different but I mean REALLY DIFFERENT...</div>
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So the over achiever that I am I came up with 13 layouts using the same blocks and I am working my way through making the class samples...The one above is number 7 and this is made from the "kit fabric" for the cruise.</div>
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Why thirteen? A baker's dozen perhaps? Nah.... Thirteen has a special place in my family history....here's a few examples...2016 marks 13 years of Quilts 'N Kaboodle being "a business". 13 is our youngest son's favorite number. He's an artist and hides the number in many if not all of his paintings....but the root of 13 goes back to my grandfather, my mom's dad. He was born in 1913 on Friday the 13th. Not only that he was the 11th (and final) child of the family making his family 13 members. On top of that a his full name had 13 letters... okay, so maybe we are a little silly, but 13 is a fun number so I'm making 13 Hunter Star quilts for my cruise....oh my, did I mention that it's 4 weeks away!!</div>
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By the way, it's really an easy easy block to make. I've gotten pretty fast at it - I made the one at the sew-in in only two days! Could have made it faster if I wasn't talking <grin> I think my average without borders is 6 hours. Not too shabby if I do say so myself.<br /><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmlOJ1FZgklC4jlULNcQFQOiiDuIqgW7wPt2VbdbGAd_HVNB9I8FnEAiNZIu6ddgc7kBhvNdtYzxYmQUfS3tCI1LL9f2dyXNoYaII_zwDrhEoZ9BvoSBfiV2x8qpfEogvyFEQVNOS5xvwz/s1600/Double+Occupancy+Blue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmlOJ1FZgklC4jlULNcQFQOiiDuIqgW7wPt2VbdbGAd_HVNB9I8FnEAiNZIu6ddgc7kBhvNdtYzxYmQUfS3tCI1LL9f2dyXNoYaII_zwDrhEoZ9BvoSBfiV2x8qpfEogvyFEQVNOS5xvwz/s400/Double+Occupancy+Blue.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trimming down the Hunter's Star block</td></tr>
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I can't remember when I pieced these blocks but they were just waiting to be trimmed so Sunday after church I came home to my own little "Sunday Sewing", trimmed up the blocks and pieced the top.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi64bgCE50U7ZYHHuZ8a3x2bMTnhcBuetDgCt5yLCG3wMvYwpgKkxMFS8k06ism80wbz2nQNci-ykg5usPLAItyqx1UJRVc5TMhyphenhyphenV9TI3PNhD93vhcMkrURr4pYEUCL-ofFo51bCc5FdOCn/s1600/ocean+waves.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi64bgCE50U7ZYHHuZ8a3x2bMTnhcBuetDgCt5yLCG3wMvYwpgKkxMFS8k06ism80wbz2nQNci-ykg5usPLAItyqx1UJRVc5TMhyphenhyphenV9TI3PNhD93vhcMkrURr4pYEUCL-ofFo51bCc5FdOCn/s640/ocean+waves.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Double Occupancy - Ocean Waves layout</td></tr>
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It's almost hard to see from the photo because it kinda blends in with my orange walls in the background. and the other quilt hanging next to it...I've ordered the border fabric and hope it comes in before the cruise. I call this layout "Ocean Waves" and yes, it's a Hunter's Star! I think it reminds me of confetti on the water <grin> yep, kinda festive don't you think? I'm so looking forward to my upcoming cruise. Can't wait for sunny skies, deep blue waters and sharing the patterns with my students.</grin><br />
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In the meantime, I think I hear a quilt calling my name...I have a beautiful customer quilt to be custom quilted this week...<br />
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Until next time....<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiArHlnUKwOqOgBQfASV-66woK0_H2r0Yf08zuOqUyDkKjl1VatYnV9ABrsZFmehWUg91OEV-iD0kwazjpwf7HrMnGruTMVZCOFLZbvH-yEgJ1-Ug9FIeHBaXAkVeki-nc9oiN7YICDj4NN/s1600/new+mercies.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiArHlnUKwOqOgBQfASV-66woK0_H2r0Yf08zuOqUyDkKjl1VatYnV9ABrsZFmehWUg91OEV-iD0kwazjpwf7HrMnGruTMVZCOFLZbvH-yEgJ1-Ug9FIeHBaXAkVeki-nc9oiN7YICDj4NN/s640/new+mercies.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">His Mercy is new EVERY morning!</td></tr>
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PS Happy birthday to our oldest son...those "they sayers" will tell you that time passes quickly, and yes, they are more than right when it comes to children. How did that tiny 6 pound baby turn into such a wonderful 6+ foot adult! Happy birthday Eric.<br />
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</grin><br />
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Karen E. Overtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13013943691661466053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-228768149564232988.post-24701772969912283332016-03-06T17:08:00.002-06:002016-03-06T18:50:31.537-06:00Friends, Family, Fun and of course FABRIC<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvstbLQ3GrsWv6Xa4VhT0BCdqtR7A7zr72YE1M73HVhMA2onedV8hMchgE29XbDqYXIg7XG6Yowx1h-CtV8fGKQAKYeMCoqcHm7hQ7iefmcQOARTpDvVVDYIVSDv4q-6crqomBmYc9Df8C/s1600/01+on+the+frame.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvstbLQ3GrsWv6Xa4VhT0BCdqtR7A7zr72YE1M73HVhMA2onedV8hMchgE29XbDqYXIg7XG6Yowx1h-CtV8fGKQAKYeMCoqcHm7hQ7iefmcQOARTpDvVVDYIVSDv4q-6crqomBmYc9Df8C/s320/01+on+the+frame.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love seeing the piecing when the back is<br />
rolled up on the A1 quilting frame</td></tr>
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It's been a busy week! Perhaps I should retitle this as "Karen's Week in Pictures"or "Nine Days of Nothing But Endless Fun"<br />
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<grin>So grab that second cup of coffee, put your feet up, settle in, make yourself at home and get ready for a fast paced ramble, quilt style!</grin></div>
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The quilt on the frame is called <a href="http://quiltville.blogspot.com/2005/06/scrappy-bargello.html">Scrappy Bargello </a>adapted from Bonnie Hunter's pattern (I changed the border). I pieced it last summer and decided it had waited long enough in the endless personal "quilts in waiting" drawer - I wanted something fast and fun to quilt last Saturday afternoon after a busy week in the Quilts 'N Kaboolde studio.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwLXqm_LN20pk3ZOkbiLvyFFkcpl2NDCFXJc-Khh9iEEeGYHeg11Lya5AcmXJnoQh6JEr27nig0xxJl781A_lgcx6kkW3MB9DBP6IivdQHTuUV2W1QnJX52q_ISLj7sbCOvMpX3Qk9pCqI/s1600/2+butterfly+logo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwLXqm_LN20pk3ZOkbiLvyFFkcpl2NDCFXJc-Khh9iEEeGYHeg11Lya5AcmXJnoQh6JEr27nig0xxJl781A_lgcx6kkW3MB9DBP6IivdQHTuUV2W1QnJX52q_ISLj7sbCOvMpX3Qk9pCqI/s320/2+butterfly+logo.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quilts 'N Kaboodle "logo" - my butterfly</td></tr>
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I decided on an all over design (pantograph) but also wanted to add a personal touch, my handquided butterfly. Before you knew it the quilt was finished and it was lights out in the studio. Another "finished is good" personal project quilted!</div>
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I enjoy taking Sunday afternoons "off" to either sew for myself or take a much needed nap. Last Sunday I was energetic and when I came into the studio after church to unload the scrappy bargello off the frame I noticed that I had really a lot of fabric on the sides of the quilt due to piecing the back much bigger than needed. Hum... Never never let a backing already loaded go to waste! I quickly found a project that a would utilize that space! </div>
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Yep, the pattern <a href="https://www.byannie.com/shop/product/just-in-case/">Just in Case </a>had a small version that would just fit in the "leftover" backing.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcv1OVbIqryB7oMc2wz2cr-99_fhtQVmyOP2WTtBVIncbwG1QM2Qf7nSOMxdCQbp6EVKo2-WtW9WSLD-i1XnOCXRCsOyoXib3lcml9lpfxBVB3OZ7bjzkkdLnQjXKz6ynewUy948mUGSQQ/s1600/3+something+is+missing.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcv1OVbIqryB7oMc2wz2cr-99_fhtQVmyOP2WTtBVIncbwG1QM2Qf7nSOMxdCQbp6EVKo2-WtW9WSLD-i1XnOCXRCsOyoXib3lcml9lpfxBVB3OZ7bjzkkdLnQjXKz6ynewUy948mUGSQQ/s320/3+something+is+missing.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Did someone take a bite out of my backing?</td></tr>
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So I quickly cut the <a href="https://www.byannie.com/shop/category/byannies-soft-and-stable/">soft and stable </a>to the correct size, found a piece of fabric scrap that I liked and did a few freestyle swirls to make my bag (details below). Later after I finished the bag I decided that I really should take advantage of the other side of the backing before I took the quilt off the frame...(I stopped at a two, I could have quilted up and down that backing but enough is enough - or is it?<br />
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Again I found my soft and stable - this time a black placemat size that I trimmed to fit the spot and layered it with a fun flip flop print. I decided that this time I would quilt a squiggly wiggly crosshatch. I have absolutely no plan for this quilted future bag - but I'm thinking that it may be the correct size for a small Open Wide Pouch... time will tell..but I can tell you, it didn't happen during the days I'm rambling about now <grin> </grin></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbEJ39WikT7XXHa8ZNH2NYU1kFv3fkf9aFGEpqDIkx5XjKy7NsNBRUiZZ3xUuQnZ-XxzQ8cdsGUfvetjx2oNaRPIrfTczZim44XkhdoPbV9DbjKWFvBSf9OEkb34MEHse48kEDpivDvsXs/s1600/4+layering+flip+flops.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbEJ39WikT7XXHa8ZNH2NYU1kFv3fkf9aFGEpqDIkx5XjKy7NsNBRUiZZ3xUuQnZ-XxzQ8cdsGUfvetjx2oNaRPIrfTczZim44XkhdoPbV9DbjKWFvBSf9OEkb34MEHse48kEDpivDvsXs/s400/4+layering+flip+flops.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Layering Soft and Stable with fabric on quilt backing</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrTzQObW8hGlW5P6uyCtXq5yNffSdwCP_X-wODj3Q05UDaUlQQnCt3t-r2TS4IWZEs9y9X024ttRZWjyqJKbAr4tuXWe-SRw2t5WAVUrHEi0V77QCtPXjVmL_AjjzZqvt3iGY6YnAVdKQt/s1600/5+marking+flip+flops.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrTzQObW8hGlW5P6uyCtXq5yNffSdwCP_X-wODj3Q05UDaUlQQnCt3t-r2TS4IWZEs9y9X024ttRZWjyqJKbAr4tuXWe-SRw2t5WAVUrHEi0V77QCtPXjVmL_AjjzZqvt3iGY6YnAVdKQt/s400/5+marking+flip+flops.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pouncing grid markings</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP3sFsX1uO4YQho2FI-Ql65X38Kz1ZcmOiwsdQ36Q1Pqk__EOP5LZ-tH313Y8BfjplkyC9J5RMGm1JjDhqel5NYe43EUz24rmW6UX-HT4B9itIbAZTWQW-BOnyrreumtoer3_iqkhU5fEw/s1600/6+flip+flop+A1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP3sFsX1uO4YQho2FI-Ql65X38Kz1ZcmOiwsdQ36Q1Pqk__EOP5LZ-tH313Y8BfjplkyC9J5RMGm1JjDhqel5NYe43EUz24rmW6UX-HT4B9itIbAZTWQW-BOnyrreumtoer3_iqkhU5fEw/s400/6+flip+flop+A1.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wiggle Crosshatching on my A1 Quilting Machine </td></tr>
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<div>
By the way, it has been several years since I truly rambled on Blogger and I'm finding that the photos don't want to go where I tell them too...guess things updated while I was playing Quilt Rambler Rip Van Winkle... so please bare with me - it drives me crazy that photos aren't in line where I want them - goes back to those high school and college days of journalism I guess - but back then we did the mock up by hand and with a typewriter! Oh my...I'm seriously a dinosaur, but who wants to talk about aging when we can talk about quilts!!</div>
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Ta-da- Here's the quilt off the frame and bound. I think I will call it Scrappy Memories Bargello as when I look at the fabrics in the quilt the majority of them have a story...some from other quilts that I remember fondly (and still have) others from quilts that have been gifted. A few fabrics I remember were a part of my fat quarter collection...I can honestly say some of the fabrics date back to 2001! So maybe I should call this 15 years of scrappy memories <grin> Regardless, it's done. A fun little quilt meant for picnics or watching TV or walking down memory lane...or whatever!</grin></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz032A9z9oorRUGr2vZ9l1VzMztf-LBpdcpp13dltaF_WONqimsh4VMorOtqea11G_g1ygd3TyC6cLSZfoV21iP1o2bcCqZsWOsEua83BIr8GA6TIO_gZZfjC8jeZqOq3l8kt7sRFE1aOF/s1600/7+Scrappy+Memories.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz032A9z9oorRUGr2vZ9l1VzMztf-LBpdcpp13dltaF_WONqimsh4VMorOtqea11G_g1ygd3TyC6cLSZfoV21iP1o2bcCqZsWOsEua83BIr8GA6TIO_gZZfjC8jeZqOq3l8kt7sRFE1aOF/s640/7+Scrappy+Memories.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scrappy Bargello - fabric memories</td></tr>
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So are you eager to see the bag I made last Sunday? The black and white hibiscus was the backing from the bargello quilt... This is the interior of the Just in Case bag - it has a vinyl pocket with a zipper, a mesh pocket on the spine and then a zippered mesh pocket. It went together really quickly - Patterns By Annie are so much fun. I want to collect and make them all!<br /><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwIv9VJPop_Q2QPyeAPweR00dUOrpWPAV7eGVjuYv-iQ5A3NOg8vaPYBPtH4HljgFlOFXePcjr066JeryPQg15eVUF8HuyTBuqKB_yxEbb107V0w0W11wEK2RNOkAdIfvI0IEMnqTFM7ZN/s1600/8+Just+in+Case+inside.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwIv9VJPop_Q2QPyeAPweR00dUOrpWPAV7eGVjuYv-iQ5A3NOg8vaPYBPtH4HljgFlOFXePcjr066JeryPQg15eVUF8HuyTBuqKB_yxEbb107V0w0W11wEK2RNOkAdIfvI0IEMnqTFM7ZN/s640/8+Just+in+Case+inside.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just In Case (small) interior</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ptx0BJQiaqf-Ea-A9xXkgANTo-niAwcW2q_oV7rZBh3gOhAc6QeNF1VZ0C6z9c1lZi0OWIqSG127Y5TDF_LBILgCoVSnouZ7aSXEgWsInnR4n2luivRs3LU1RivoeoaZ5i3nlyApPMLe/s1600/9+Made+with+Love.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ptx0BJQiaqf-Ea-A9xXkgANTo-niAwcW2q_oV7rZBh3gOhAc6QeNF1VZ0C6z9c1lZi0OWIqSG127Y5TDF_LBILgCoVSnouZ7aSXEgWsInnR4n2luivRs3LU1RivoeoaZ5i3nlyApPMLe/s640/9+Made+with+Love.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Made with Love Zipper Charm</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSebIFUPMKDYnygpebLsjqpnOMH6FEsb5p1RWetc6tAJi3PCgY1lGB5uQWrGX00rHVHd8i1w5gu7bdh7-v5oDa_6Q9QcFs_kj0Bz70nzhBR1RyAlaHPJIXn4j4ghhgYWbDVO7X6R-dGbNr/s1600/10+Just+in+Case+side+view.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSebIFUPMKDYnygpebLsjqpnOMH6FEsb5p1RWetc6tAJi3PCgY1lGB5uQWrGX00rHVHd8i1w5gu7bdh7-v5oDa_6Q9QcFs_kj0Bz70nzhBR1RyAlaHPJIXn4j4ghhgYWbDVO7X6R-dGbNr/s640/10+Just+in+Case+side+view.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Side view of small Just in Case</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEDrgD0dOYjKGW2mrvZyNCnQJEf3-F32hyKC7VO9zGVYF5T_32UWkYSbrUOILkWEL5HxoQ3WwBXKFdfwIeNH2DSeEzKUxUSszeWbgFz7S2OCYcJSkpWeZgDJAU8hWutkKqJlwvky5xe9oL/s1600/11+Just+in+Case+front.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEDrgD0dOYjKGW2mrvZyNCnQJEf3-F32hyKC7VO9zGVYF5T_32UWkYSbrUOILkWEL5HxoQ3WwBXKFdfwIeNH2DSeEzKUxUSszeWbgFz7S2OCYcJSkpWeZgDJAU8hWutkKqJlwvky5xe9oL/s640/11+Just+in+Case+front.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front View of Just in Case<br />
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How did you like the little zipper charm I found at JoAnn's - "<i>made with love</i>" I think the package had about 80 charms so you will be seeing them on all my future bags (and my past bags - grin - once I take time to put them on).<br />
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So in case you didn't know, or you forgot cuz it's been a long week for you too, Monday was Leap Day 2016. Yep, a free day! An extra day this year to either do whatever you want or if you have to punch the clock it was an extra day of pay! (well, we can pretend can't we?!?) I believe in celebrating the small stuff, why not? Life is short, make it as special as you can right?<br />
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Well, my day was rather special, thank you for asking. I enjoyed a day with my friend Anne from Tennessee. Reader's Digest version - we lived in the Tri-City area of Upper East Tennessee from 1980 to 1998, wandered around the country living and working in our RV (with pre-teens and a puppy) until setting back in the Houston/Galveston area in 2001 (Texas is the family homestead)....Anne and I met when our oldest were babies, both boys were born in 1985 so we've known each other a good long time. Hadn't seen each other in a little over a year and a half so it was good to have a full day together to catch up, share family stories/photos and of course I just had to show her around the studio (and all the little bags I've made recently). By the way, Anne is the one who introduced me to a rotary cutter, ruler and mat...and the rest they say IS HISTORY!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh691WqE50WppiORXtSHWS0CQ0D7qJJei4vUPzJcJcPsKK6-PygSpoYx1YNiq7tM_Q9xFTd1uAACCns1_CT-ZRp-Cx-tX1441I_HQg-GgwwgPTlD94vkgi6aPMAg3fHlbwgTHXkuE7nHhao/s1600/12+Anne.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh691WqE50WppiORXtSHWS0CQ0D7qJJei4vUPzJcJcPsKK6-PygSpoYx1YNiq7tM_Q9xFTd1uAACCns1_CT-ZRp-Cx-tX1441I_HQg-GgwwgPTlD94vkgi6aPMAg3fHlbwgTHXkuE7nHhao/s400/12+Anne.JPEG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy Leap Day With Anne</td></tr>
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It was a beautiful day to sit outside under the tiki hut for morning tea and then again after lunch. The day past too quickly as time always does with friends. I sure did enjoy my "free day" though! And hope we don't have to wait until another leap year to have a day together again.</div>
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Tuesday it was back to work...thought I'd show you one of my customer quilts that graced the frame this week...She makes a lot of these from Texan "game towels". Kinda like a t-shirt quilt in the construction of the top...only she backs it with licensed Texan fleece and skips the batting...hum...guess I'm quilting a throw instead of a quilt (for those quilt police out there - of course <u>everyone</u> knows a quilt is three layers!) This is going to auction for Sunshine Kids...she donates a quilt/throw every year.<br /><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxqdvIpVp4gniDSpn3rAnuxlKRneT7PeTyzUcjgr7-YaFuK5jMHiPQvj9vcrRQuR-2rTZFHG8rlbtYc7_A5b37EUyjUCv1K0M3PiYMZgzwiOL2bR06VIlLUQKKfC6tY_hywsnKSo-WmfnP/s1600/13+Texans+on+the+frame.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxqdvIpVp4gniDSpn3rAnuxlKRneT7PeTyzUcjgr7-YaFuK5jMHiPQvj9vcrRQuR-2rTZFHG8rlbtYc7_A5b37EUyjUCv1K0M3PiYMZgzwiOL2bR06VIlLUQKKfC6tY_hywsnKSo-WmfnP/s400/13+Texans+on+the+frame.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Customer Quilt on the Frame</td></tr>
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Also took some time this week to get back to juicing...I think I've only missed one or two days this week of making some sort of fresh juice. I always feel better when I juice. This was a carrot apple ginger - delicious! I make "green" juices also that are equally good....don't worry, I'm not going to post every drink I make (been there done that, they didn't give me a shirt so I stopped).<br /><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXnALLSqDV2vAlLqsZtxnZFyb9BCqk6aU_Ki1w7r9AwSNcKTDhQqloaXrlE255lvVMwWlGZnBqDkRDmSvTJweshN85OsGeBkpzPhab0gYqsSeTf6VGagE6XUelZfh0G423MFVbTPMKVpJd/s1600/14+Juicing.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXnALLSqDV2vAlLqsZtxnZFyb9BCqk6aU_Ki1w7r9AwSNcKTDhQqloaXrlE255lvVMwWlGZnBqDkRDmSvTJweshN85OsGeBkpzPhab0gYqsSeTf6VGagE6XUelZfh0G423MFVbTPMKVpJd/s320/14+Juicing.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Time to juice - carrot apple ginger</td></tr>
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In case you are wondering, while I've been MIA on blogger I also totally gave up Facebook but picked up Instagram. I really like that social media -- fun and fast scrolling through photos. I'm one of those people who enjoys others show and tell or vacation photos. I've learned my way around the "hashtag" thing....gee...when I was growing up it was the "pound sign" or represented "number"....anyway....its still a self-gratifying medium cuz you want people to "like" your photos or comment....Its kinda fun to follow the popular folks - for me that's not movie stars but quilt stars! Pattern designers, fabric designers, big shops, manufacturers, other longarm quilters, or just folks I come across when searching a hashtag. (I also like to look at juice photos, nutritional stuff, Christian sayings, even vape shops - but that's a story for another time)....anyway...it was really a treat to see that one of my posts was "reposted"....</div>
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Last summer I made a quilt from Missouri Star Quilt Company's tutorial called the Binding Tool Quilt and had a sew in with friends and they made one too. One of the gals asked me to quilt hers on the longarm and then just recently brought me pillow sham tops she had pieced to match .... and I posted...and ... well...it's okay to brag a little among friends, isn't it? however please note that I am doing so humbly of course. My husband reminds me that I'm really proud of my humility....(grin)<br /><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW8Owrwkua2GHkGuJ0wmXGLV5Ocl8FOe0i86XUNf8zhO-ljQYwttElmFPfkPo7cJvFFZzZUxtwwkPbslFzuQN1_DYOxFwQTIkiViMGkKK93e9s0vT2r58IWiIQpeK7_wo_SyK0LhICqr5s/s1600/15+MissouriStar+Quilt+Co.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW8Owrwkua2GHkGuJ0wmXGLV5Ocl8FOe0i86XUNf8zhO-ljQYwttElmFPfkPo7cJvFFZzZUxtwwkPbslFzuQN1_DYOxFwQTIkiViMGkKK93e9s0vT2r58IWiIQpeK7_wo_SyK0LhICqr5s/s640/15+MissouriStar+Quilt+Co.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Instagram Repost - Customer Quilt</td></tr>
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Have you had to go back for thirds? or stop for other nourishment? I told you this would be a long ramble...it was a long busy week and my iPhone camera was busy!<br />
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I know most folks really look forward to Friday and this week I was extra looking forward to Friday! I had plans to go to Winter Jam - a night of Christian bands and fabulous worship. One of my friends from church joined me along with her 10 yr old twins (boy/girl). We went early for the "Street Party" and yep - I brought my new quilt! You can see it peaking out under us as we were gazing up at the wondrously blue spring sky. It was a great afternoon waiting for the doors to open. When they did we were blessed to be some of the first in line and was able to get a great seat looking straight at the stage where we were joined by another young couple from my church.<br />
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There were 10 bands and the place was rocking from 6 to almost midnight. I can't express how much I enjoyed the evening. So many of the songs I know from Christian Radio and they truly seem to be the right words/song for the right time. So uplifting, edifying, convicting, and a good reminder that I am loved by The Creator God...This is the second year my girlfriend and I have gone...I think we are going to make it a tradition!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIXSbMg6WqnddeZGnbiF2HkjDpokkYN64Q9cgYTYKivPtBqDFpeBwimS7_aZbGa3Z3Z9NYenqusVEmAtzlZBVfx_m3DjhGo_NfwoFAxM9Sg0YO1STfO9XunongIjAHVUnT3tLgHPmrIngt/s1600/16+Winter+Jam.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIXSbMg6WqnddeZGnbiF2HkjDpokkYN64Q9cgYTYKivPtBqDFpeBwimS7_aZbGa3Z3Z9NYenqusVEmAtzlZBVfx_m3DjhGo_NfwoFAxM9Sg0YO1STfO9XunongIjAHVUnT3tLgHPmrIngt/s640/16+Winter+Jam.JPEG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Winter Jam 2016</td></tr>
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Okay, we've rambled about friends, fun, fabric...now for a quick family report...The photos were dark because of the angle of the sun on yet another beautiful spring day....we were celebrating my oldest son's birthdday with extended family at the new Top Golf driving range thingie/place. I'm not a golfer - couldn't really do putt putt in my day, but I gave it a go...the best part was just taking time to enjoy the day with my son. Funny how you never never forget giving birth...You do really have your children for such a short time. Raise them to be independent and then are kinda sad when they are...but that's how its suppose to be!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Y6vrnOXqTAGj5KN0uRfo0uJSb6ZefDcKC9zTYinQzUtpvRvv3EYnHcJwCps7YlJ_y5R5eYGCGh0kpQZ_c2CGYKbA0yf7HtERYYEBwHdxAH8fRS8K2NgB6wJa8Fp3mdOMvsP9AupaCdDz/s1600/17+golf+anyone.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Y6vrnOXqTAGj5KN0uRfo0uJSb6ZefDcKC9zTYinQzUtpvRvv3EYnHcJwCps7YlJ_y5R5eYGCGh0kpQZ_c2CGYKbA0yf7HtERYYEBwHdxAH8fRS8K2NgB6wJa8Fp3mdOMvsP9AupaCdDz/s400/17+golf+anyone.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Family Celebrations at Top Golf<br />
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Wow, told you it was a busy week! And here we are back to a Sunday Sewing day after church. I had previously planned on working on my Hunter's Star quilts....but another copy-cat bag was calling my name....<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEganiO8SdDb8D_7XpKmFsbITZNrJL-OEfX-kdxqqbErIlXYHy_tchoQ0_wA2nM6SZlVgJ1kK1NhU87IFNQ-JNngxmVdU9A5OXWUDTlbaA2pEWQtidxHjBvkiythbHiUSrWzlIrdT8rgC8Aj/s1600/18+Sunday+Sewing+.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEganiO8SdDb8D_7XpKmFsbITZNrJL-OEfX-kdxqqbErIlXYHy_tchoQ0_wA2nM6SZlVgJ1kK1NhU87IFNQ-JNngxmVdU9A5OXWUDTlbaA2pEWQtidxHjBvkiythbHiUSrWzlIrdT8rgC8Aj/s320/18+Sunday+Sewing+.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunday Sewing Inspiration</td></tr>
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Remember me telling you I have a vast collection of Vera Bradly bags? Well, I had this perfect bag that held my cellphone, I clipped it to my bike handle when riding so my MapMyRide app could work to keep up with my miles and such....well....a month ago I traded in my phone for a "plus size" - no I'm ignoring the thoughts of weight gain, I'm talking about a bigger phone so I can see the numbers better (oh goodness, that aging things just creeps in so unexpectantly and so unwelcome) ANYWAY...a bigger phone calls for a bigger bag....and of course I just happen to have a few hours on a Sunday afternoon.....</div>
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In keeping with #sewmystash2016 I was a good girl and used strips of Island Batik's Caribbean Splash collection - actually leftovers from my Hunter's Star quilt I should have been working on today for the April Cruise .... remind me to tell you more about that another time - or hop over to my <a href="http://quiltsnkaboodle.com/2016-quilting-cruise-sponsored-cactus-quilts/">website </a>for a link with details ... So I used the strips with ByAnnie's Soft and Stable and did a quick "quilt as you go" construction. Then I broke out the Zippers by the Yard that I purchased at Festival last fall and cut off "just what I needed" to go around the future little pouch.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieKBMxxh-m5J7bAsVpdzOFhZLPHXDpqhJs20UABJKncSR2GHy5xHP3mZx_ymndepdz1tHjL3GI_Jk5lIspDJJtX0n9fuD4-LwlaXUh-daJLvcYUlyiwGFWVX765cqMbjycU8hZGHGdf3k2/s1600/19+measuring+zipper.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieKBMxxh-m5J7bAsVpdzOFhZLPHXDpqhJs20UABJKncSR2GHy5xHP3mZx_ymndepdz1tHjL3GI_Jk5lIspDJJtX0n9fuD4-LwlaXUh-daJLvcYUlyiwGFWVX765cqMbjycU8hZGHGdf3k2/s640/19+measuring+zipper.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Measuring Zipper Length</td></tr>
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By the way, did you notice the little swivel hook on the back - the original Vera had one and I really liked it...so copy cat...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdGM79fiGflmaHS_wOguggPu9JjZy7YcXgZM-pFbk8rqefAWE1rCS4eDNL-scXytH4XT_syVmeti7g_E4mCuDdlmhsEa6EmMJw1OBMH2C_yT3WZz0WFWz-Eqv_cp0TDY5Ry7BBm5gdwUkL/s1600/20+back+swivel+hook.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdGM79fiGflmaHS_wOguggPu9JjZy7YcXgZM-pFbk8rqefAWE1rCS4eDNL-scXytH4XT_syVmeti7g_E4mCuDdlmhsEa6EmMJw1OBMH2C_yT3WZz0WFWz-Eqv_cp0TDY5Ry7BBm5gdwUkL/s320/20+back+swivel+hook.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swivel Lobster Hook on back</td></tr>
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After a couple of "do overs" concerning the placement of the inside mesh pockets I finally had my "Karen Original" (You do realize that the wisest man in the world, King Solomon, said there was nothing new under the sun). I used the One-Zip Technique that I learned from Lazy Girl Designs with her online tutorials and patterns - I like the way it opens wide. I also used her <a href="http://www.lazygirldesigns.com/category/key-fob-hardware">Fobio pattern</a> to turn the pouch into a wristlet. I can't get enough of these key fobs - who says you can't have them in every color imaginable!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ug0vqgufTpbRn_tSQRh9wOsdGa2u0gRFtHqDkgG6tGtGOoR0O0XZzi8-vgMszbyDfKKNd4UK90bTcAsv4NXgXDFPMq8L68eig3d9M5dwPlByC22l0Vx_6WurI6qKIs6-fTwfQwNbgEiS/s1600/21+cell+phone+wristlet.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ug0vqgufTpbRn_tSQRh9wOsdGa2u0gRFtHqDkgG6tGtGOoR0O0XZzi8-vgMszbyDfKKNd4UK90bTcAsv4NXgXDFPMq8L68eig3d9M5dwPlByC22l0Vx_6WurI6qKIs6-fTwfQwNbgEiS/s640/21+cell+phone+wristlet.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cellphone Wristlet and Fobio Key Fob</td></tr>
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The inside pocket is perfect for my cell phone (although that one isn't mine and I couldn't take a photo with my phone if my phone was in the bag silly!) with another little pocket to keep my lip stuff...I'm thinking I can also fit a small coin purse/ID in the middle...that's going to be a project for another day.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwZK_ubQZDwneCzQMzXGb9r6MJT5TjD7Hxzu4sNtAdcmhFxuIQ7WCdKx7i2WISxHWO-YeGgCjdV5nY8Pf2MRd2P_zua9M9wF0qUnygeLlZxF9BJLPAbmYvQ2gfHuVN7mHiTH1zx5Tg2biT/s1600/22+inside+cellphone+wristlet.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwZK_ubQZDwneCzQMzXGb9r6MJT5TjD7Hxzu4sNtAdcmhFxuIQ7WCdKx7i2WISxHWO-YeGgCjdV5nY8Pf2MRd2P_zua9M9wF0qUnygeLlZxF9BJLPAbmYvQ2gfHuVN7mHiTH1zx5Tg2biT/s640/22+inside+cellphone+wristlet.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside Cellphone Wristlet </td></tr>
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So all in all it's been a fun week plus. What else do you expect when you combine friends, family, fabric with time for faith....</div>
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I will leave you with my reminder from Instagram....and a video from one of the bands Friday night...it is one of the songs that helps me keep going... hope it blesses you too.</div>
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Until next time,</div>
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karen</div>
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Karen E. Overtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13013943691661466053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-228768149564232988.post-2902348577061038912016-02-29T20:14:00.001-06:002016-02-29T20:48:54.321-06:00I'm just a bag lady at heart<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmpsNgRx9cz_SW-7_DXePlkB0TTvgRfnrR60pMJNQbYyR_drheT-x7cmhY3H_xEHIMO2YNuLPtWrKLK-FFzBp1EpIdXvU8AJC_y9c73eXFDX2vWOAgOUSTYZe7UNQkkTzIRcAttGCEoszw/s1600/Front+Porch.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A small confession of bag obsession</td></tr>
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I don't know when it began, this obsession with bags...I remember years ago making<a href="http://quiltsnkaboodle.blogspot.com/2010/04/current-confessions-of-bag-lady-plus.html" target="_blank"> little 5 minute zipper bags</a> to go inside my bags telling everyone that my bags had bags! I mean, it's just so much fun to have things organized in bags - no more digging around in the bottom of your purse or suitcase to find something - you know you put it in a bag so all you have a to do is find that right bag!<br />
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Several years ago I had this obsession with Vera Bradly. I have always admired her bags, they were and are so well made, so well thought out, but there never was a fabric that I fell in love with...until THAT year...and boy oh boy did I have a field day buying all sorts of bags in"my" color...it was like a Treasure Hunt, especially once I figured out the sales and discounts...I acquired almost everything in the collection from purses, to cosmetic bags, to carry on bag, duffle bags, a bag for my curling iron, even a backpack years later when I found one at an outlet...loved and still love my Vera Bradly...ah but there's one flaw with my collection...<br />
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While it looks really good on a rolling cart going into a hotel to have two huge travel bags, a duffle bag and a market tote all "matchy matchy" by the time you get down to the bags within the bags they all look alike! I mean, <i>which </i>bag did I put what in!!!<br />
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So over the years I have been collecting bag patterns....every year at Houston Market and Festival I purchase more from my favorite designers....thinking that <i>one day</i> I would start making bags....well I think my ship has come in!<br />
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Actually it's a ship that motivated this obsession with sewing bags this year - let me explain...<br />
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In April I will be teaching again on a quilting cruise sponsored by my local quilt shop and I thought it would just be so grand if I would have some new bags for travel!<br />
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So I started with a <u><b>Project Bag</b></u> (Patterns by Annie) made from an orphan block from last year's cruise...I made this at a guild sew in last November.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Project Bag made at Island Quilters Guild Sew-In</td></tr>
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The back is the "orphan block," a blazing star, and the front is actually vinyl in the lime green area so you can see your project inside. I really really really need to make more of these as I do have lots of ongoing projects. It's so wonderful to just grab the bag already packed when I go to the monthly sew-ins.<br />
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I really appreciate "By Annie" patterns as they are so well written. Zippers and vinyl are easy with her instructions... So quick and easy that in the same weekend I made her <u style="font-weight: bold;">Appliqué to Go </u>bag with a slight variation of adding a center pocket. I use this as my Binding kit - Superior Threads in a rainbow of colors so there is always the right one when I want to sit down and do some hand-sewn binding...the center bag holds my scissors, needles, etc.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Applique to Go bag made at Island Quilters Guild Sew-In</td></tr>
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And then I discovered Craftsy! Oh my! I highly recommend the<u><b> Zip It Up Class</b></u> by Joan Hawley of Lazy Girl Designs. I enjoyed making her <b><u>Run Around Bag, Nikita Bag</u></b> and <u><b>Bendy Bag</b></u>...which lead to my addiction to <u><b>Sweetpea Pods</b></u> and <u><b>Fobio Key Fob</b></u> - a real hit for Christmas!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zip It Up Class Project</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGICSyuCaCHzXGdHe2cobm8J8UHvYv7_AiOsQkzYglcMGpi9ji-pEPya5ydKTBV69m-13PT10cQuGamRmdgXc7v4DR7KEcFVCauogJi4qGgVHEuRyk6mpgObZRZRColsOZE_SJxMej3BwZ/s1600/Nickita+Bag.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGICSyuCaCHzXGdHe2cobm8J8UHvYv7_AiOsQkzYglcMGpi9ji-pEPya5ydKTBV69m-13PT10cQuGamRmdgXc7v4DR7KEcFVCauogJi4qGgVHEuRyk6mpgObZRZRColsOZE_SJxMej3BwZ/s200/Nickita+Bag.PNG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zip It Up Class Project</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqYzeYNGl_uyIgXIz635IUtVxMrfbTXkGqHKpv0iVNI91IlSIFzwA8Xn8J0mSarHrEo2_dSHtaw8duY0NIwBpcRxdCuT5UfksSshWQKys914-FVVZT0Isa_CYRubWTmRdZAj9nbHVtgsdb/s1600/Bendy+Bag.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqYzeYNGl_uyIgXIz635IUtVxMrfbTXkGqHKpv0iVNI91IlSIFzwA8Xn8J0mSarHrEo2_dSHtaw8duY0NIwBpcRxdCuT5UfksSshWQKys914-FVVZT0Isa_CYRubWTmRdZAj9nbHVtgsdb/s200/Bendy+Bag.PNG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zip It Up Class Project</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguaHBxZoyYpmQYc2A8RiQiC70OpzTIzsm8uqQO8QV8GRY1Fef-md0Jr29hm4rZ2ZptmECxA98eNK1ryMirjALQ9twgWjG9qlwbANWT8SArHIhL7taVn-7De4Sy2ykk_uoV2kS5jchNHb02/s1600/Run+Around+Bag+11.7.15.JPG" imageanchor="1"></a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3XWbbg3PJYdQzAOMggKAPprsSWXK8o7LjoNKrCQ3zyzPbgGOlP-cxX4tUFjbQ33qu2uBOCC7ic_3DDiVvKhvJsf9R_ik9iaJ80aQ8cEHDekjaOr0LiuyUfcfX_q2X3jNVyw8-cjSN_obK/s1600/SweetPea+Pods.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3XWbbg3PJYdQzAOMggKAPprsSWXK8o7LjoNKrCQ3zyzPbgGOlP-cxX4tUFjbQ33qu2uBOCC7ic_3DDiVvKhvJsf9R_ik9iaJ80aQ8cEHDekjaOr0LiuyUfcfX_q2X3jNVyw8-cjSN_obK/s200/SweetPea+Pods.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sweetpea Pods are great for holding Wonder Clips </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7U-Dd_7OVPapMb4sPQFEipTdg0TkdvxmKZJfNAP2qLTxON9hKt1Db4PjUHUE3oTyglUKrFU8I0VmYY238gntYe1yNoblbdIeNhcMQu1Eib1e6IxbznWOP-ARmmFBiPwp98bCS90TqzzSf/s200/sweet+pea+pods+for+Christmas.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sweetpea Pods for Christmas Gifts</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCPVslr6Ih6GA6rfHG6lFJwOWsCigkiG0qvD0YSCH92Xik5cq6S_vqgNrqy76tYJIqrmf8zLmYZUpfUcs_xeJ4nRU7THcjUuRAOVSf_wJCffeCg0uXF5jhwtJPwruJQ7P4mrleLN54O8y_/s1600/sweet+pea+pod+and+fobio+key+fob.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCPVslr6Ih6GA6rfHG6lFJwOWsCigkiG0qvD0YSCH92Xik5cq6S_vqgNrqy76tYJIqrmf8zLmYZUpfUcs_xeJ4nRU7THcjUuRAOVSf_wJCffeCg0uXF5jhwtJPwruJQ7P4mrleLN54O8y_/s200/sweet+pea+pod+and+fobio+key+fob.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sweetpea Pod and Fobio Key Fob<br />
Lazy Girl Designs<br />
"Matchy matchy is fun"</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3XWbbg3PJYdQzAOMggKAPprsSWXK8o7LjoNKrCQ3zyzPbgGOlP-cxX4tUFjbQ33qu2uBOCC7ic_3DDiVvKhvJsf9R_ik9iaJ80aQ8cEHDekjaOr0LiuyUfcfX_q2X3jNVyw8-cjSN_obK/s1600/SweetPea+Pods.JPG" imageanchor="1"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7U-Dd_7OVPapMb4sPQFEipTdg0TkdvxmKZJfNAP2qLTxON9hKt1Db4PjUHUE3oTyglUKrFU8I0VmYY238gntYe1yNoblbdIeNhcMQu1Eib1e6IxbznWOP-ARmmFBiPwp98bCS90TqzzSf/s1600/sweet+pea+pods+for+Christmas.JPG" imageanchor="1"></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3XWbbg3PJYdQzAOMggKAPprsSWXK8o7LjoNKrCQ3zyzPbgGOlP-cxX4tUFjbQ33qu2uBOCC7ic_3DDiVvKhvJsf9R_ik9iaJ80aQ8cEHDekjaOr0LiuyUfcfX_q2X3jNVyw8-cjSN_obK/s1600/SweetPea+Pods.JPG" imageanchor="1"><br /></a>
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Yep, I've kinda gone off the deep in with making bags this year...seriously, when I shared with a friend that I had covered one of my grocery bags with fabric to make it prettier the reply was "I always ask them to double bag my groceries to make up for the lady in front of me who brought recyclable bags - someone has to look out for the plastic manufacturers!" I have since tried my hand at making my own...didn't get a chance to check it out because I gave it to my mom...but I really like the <b><u>Stow-Away</u></b> bag pattern I found on Craftsy and plan on making several more.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhTLrKyF2gLdmulInikQoa1YvYATDf7MK54ykNEP7sa46-qcFXJAMhNlmNQWgGRWwGIrxwtT8ZYCAyFDa_tkAdlOm7nIMQ5gZFeUFiuuiAEqpNVvxelZsSQ7p-JojZzteamPv4qsOIZYJg/s1600/reuse.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhTLrKyF2gLdmulInikQoa1YvYATDf7MK54ykNEP7sa46-qcFXJAMhNlmNQWgGRWwGIrxwtT8ZYCAyFDa_tkAdlOm7nIMQ5gZFeUFiuuiAEqpNVvxelZsSQ7p-JojZzteamPv4qsOIZYJg/s320/reuse.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is what you do when you change grocery stores <br />
and still want to use the competitors bags</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFcb1vu1aAFEVx8RsUlwPZ8KkiVlsxyDBVr11LS-FBX-kX8Taf2XFrle7XYBABtN1epEgFjgLewYihh799VEgVWSwcAv64EpTopEN-nBqhB-XxWaGi8DMEVcKVlGk3lDqkFtjfSm0DqHcq/s1600/folding+bag.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFcb1vu1aAFEVx8RsUlwPZ8KkiVlsxyDBVr11LS-FBX-kX8Taf2XFrle7XYBABtN1epEgFjgLewYihh799VEgVWSwcAv64EpTopEN-nBqhB-XxWaGi8DMEVcKVlGk3lDqkFtjfSm0DqHcq/s320/folding+bag.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stow-away bag by liz-moments.blogspot.de</td></tr>
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But I think the craziest thing I did was make a bag out of a candy wrapper...it was such a <i>sacrifice</i> to have to take care of all the candy inside so I could put vinyl over the wrapper and add a zipper....tough job but I was up to the task!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhddr9efyIJeSjgW_IvXEVvOfXDRJieHQv-yy6qe0KleKeh4yw5iZMl-QDW_kUKZ_Ow__p9LMmBnCCq5Ewc3ajCtbsdis1iKB7aewaKyrXRePLZzTkO0pYFxkJfmwpIDvf11o05OxEzvFpI/s1600/sweetheart+bag.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhddr9efyIJeSjgW_IvXEVvOfXDRJieHQv-yy6qe0KleKeh4yw5iZMl-QDW_kUKZ_Ow__p9LMmBnCCq5Ewc3ajCtbsdis1iKB7aewaKyrXRePLZzTkO0pYFxkJfmwpIDvf11o05OxEzvFpI/s400/sweetheart+bag.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pretty cool that this was the 150 Anniversary for my favorite Valentine candy<br />
The bag will "live on" as a memento!</td></tr>
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Have to admit it was fun even if it was a little crazy! And I totally enjoyed giving out individually wrapped candies from my bag on Valentine's Day at church <grin></grin></div>
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As if that wasn't enough I went on a quilt retreat...I had all good intentions of piecing a quilt - and I actually did - but the bags took over! Here's what I came home with....</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizeoL0LVmGzFHX7i5bz_lppUwYq3_SX2Zgbnx_vj6iO4z8F28PTuIX7S4l6laEpWNfWdvZCuIyRwQRV5dZIFAx3A58lndFkMlT7DPrYhRPwD8cAkBIhp610lkpoDeYiz9Iya-TM9UHX0_j/s1600/Duffle+Bag+Finished.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizeoL0LVmGzFHX7i5bz_lppUwYq3_SX2Zgbnx_vj6iO4z8F28PTuIX7S4l6laEpWNfWdvZCuIyRwQRV5dZIFAx3A58lndFkMlT7DPrYhRPwD8cAkBIhp610lkpoDeYiz9Iya-TM9UHX0_j/s320/Duffle+Bag+Finished.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Duffle Bag Pattern by Cindy Taylor Oats </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN66Jj3EYz5Yxv3QtauYTPvMZ91mx1_w7Rd96IUSzxT3JL9QUS90B3oFekU99PIO1zoSMBls1SOPHghs5s2FgC3NZR0k7tOm8M7DxxYE_YtJjEhvDJS6ZS_AyjgVlf6KjjWjlR5QyjYfQn/s1600/Project+Bag.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN66Jj3EYz5Yxv3QtauYTPvMZ91mx1_w7Rd96IUSzxT3JL9QUS90B3oFekU99PIO1zoSMBls1SOPHghs5s2FgC3NZR0k7tOm8M7DxxYE_YtJjEhvDJS6ZS_AyjgVlf6KjjWjlR5QyjYfQn/s320/Project+Bag.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Project Bag (small) made from leftover quilted fabric<br />
Patterns by Annie</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3XWbbg3PJYdQzAOMggKAPprsSWXK8o7LjoNKrCQ3zyzPbgGOlP-cxX4tUFjbQ33qu2uBOCC7ic_3DDiVvKhvJsf9R_ik9iaJ80aQ8cEHDekjaOr0LiuyUfcfX_q2X3jNVyw8-cjSN_obK/s1600/SweetPea+Pods.JPG" imageanchor="1"></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3XWbbg3PJYdQzAOMggKAPprsSWXK8o7LjoNKrCQ3zyzPbgGOlP-cxX4tUFjbQ33qu2uBOCC7ic_3DDiVvKhvJsf9R_ik9iaJ80aQ8cEHDekjaOr0LiuyUfcfX_q2X3jNVyw8-cjSN_obK/s1600/SweetPea+Pods.JPG" imageanchor="1"></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3XWbbg3PJYdQzAOMggKAPprsSWXK8o7LjoNKrCQ3zyzPbgGOlP-cxX4tUFjbQ33qu2uBOCC7ic_3DDiVvKhvJsf9R_ik9iaJ80aQ8cEHDekjaOr0LiuyUfcfX_q2X3jNVyw8-cjSN_obK/s1600/SweetPea+Pods.JPG" imageanchor="1"></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3XWbbg3PJYdQzAOMggKAPprsSWXK8o7LjoNKrCQ3zyzPbgGOlP-cxX4tUFjbQ33qu2uBOCC7ic_3DDiVvKhvJsf9R_ik9iaJ80aQ8cEHDekjaOr0LiuyUfcfX_q2X3jNVyw8-cjSN_obK/s1600/SweetPea+Pods.JPG" imageanchor="1"></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3XWbbg3PJYdQzAOMggKAPprsSWXK8o7LjoNKrCQ3zyzPbgGOlP-cxX4tUFjbQ33qu2uBOCC7ic_3DDiVvKhvJsf9R_ik9iaJ80aQ8cEHDekjaOr0LiuyUfcfX_q2X3jNVyw8-cjSN_obK/s1600/SweetPea+Pods.JPG" imageanchor="1"></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3XWbbg3PJYdQzAOMggKAPprsSWXK8o7LjoNKrCQ3zyzPbgGOlP-cxX4tUFjbQ33qu2uBOCC7ic_3DDiVvKhvJsf9R_ik9iaJ80aQ8cEHDekjaOr0LiuyUfcfX_q2X3jNVyw8-cjSN_obK/s1600/SweetPea+Pods.JPG" imageanchor="1"></a>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKl6vuHFgHKc05ytLExUFLrzaV611SCK9RniPfKBInPWGTKpzXFmQAPXVuwzy7Oo41LrzC0DCg74jjHN5m0nwt6h97Jy-XBOycRiVL78V_ads8T-StOaAy7iO1vsfHMELCAtwYYlvxWsAD/s1600/Just+swinging.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKl6vuHFgHKc05ytLExUFLrzaV611SCK9RniPfKBInPWGTKpzXFmQAPXVuwzy7Oo41LrzC0DCg74jjHN5m0nwt6h97Jy-XBOycRiVL78V_ads8T-StOaAy7iO1vsfHMELCAtwYYlvxWsAD/s320/Just+swinging.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I added a pillow case to match a previous made quilt<br />
"Matchy Matchy" is still fun!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg56wdAqGjJf8XElWxI0e_e25bRl4FLhSEtPv3MiTvA-j9TkZSLVlHl76FLKZ9bSZWfacfoVK2ONpuPmnZd67L4T-sSaEBX6LrRNmVdr-M8YXfFdPVhKaGhXvL-QTkWWQz8z_gxLO0MtlrK/s1600/Quilting+Duffle+Bag.jpeg" imageanchor="1"></a></div>
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I also finished up a fun "Patterns by Annie" pattern called <b style="text-decoration: underline;">Open Wide </b>The pattern has three sizes, this was the medium one. I think I will make the other two in the near future - it was just so rewarding and there are so many things you can do with this bag.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_4AhvsdOskp4zxYlpd41hdmNOMWLpw6DQWTiZifA6p7_1btRp9HZefSIhsOGHpXxQOjp_BAZBPcXHuevu_inSou81YAtFaFoO_JAkiuCF_Vtr7Xl-8OMKLyOfkw-NYRQdvP3LAvfJ-ZeH/s1600/Open+Wide.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_4AhvsdOskp4zxYlpd41hdmNOMWLpw6DQWTiZifA6p7_1btRp9HZefSIhsOGHpXxQOjp_BAZBPcXHuevu_inSou81YAtFaFoO_JAkiuCF_Vtr7Xl-8OMKLyOfkw-NYRQdvP3LAvfJ-ZeH/s320/Open+Wide.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Open Wide! Patterns by Annie</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Prior to going on retreat I quilted fabric to make a purse pattern but decided I still needed a little more practice on my techniques (stay tuned for that one!) so instead I just used the scraps to make the <u><b>Stash & Dash</b></u>, also a Patterns by Annie pattern<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXcwK7MikJmfgcxVZgCsu_q0iBqB1ODK78_lztrdqPKXnQ2PD9EbUgVXGW8ZwwXBGCrj9TWu0eEdhxJkWLQW-FhzNhuGB4MKjYJUEgxL9bvgrI06O9qag7E05hOnDA7KJZmcyhWDl8_bcd/s1600/Quilting+Duffle+Bag.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXcwK7MikJmfgcxVZgCsu_q0iBqB1ODK78_lztrdqPKXnQ2PD9EbUgVXGW8ZwwXBGCrj9TWu0eEdhxJkWLQW-FhzNhuGB4MKjYJUEgxL9bvgrI06O9qag7E05hOnDA7KJZmcyhWDl8_bcd/s320/Quilting+Duffle+Bag.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See, I still use my longarm even though it has been hijacked<br />
by quilting fabric with Soft and Stable for future bags as of late</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiORvGYkQST7brnVlQqg7we5A-l1VSWfpbhorleJrjKlUE6XPQDflnvjIQhdnyx5tdGH4e6g8ZH7MbeQtOLJvHcnmYptBHuolqAbhatv3cQ1F-y6lAOXx21_hfY7YNZRXexqaGepxVsnJIK/s320/Stash+and+Dash+Final.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stash and Dash with an added zipper wristlet<br />
influenced by my Fobio Key Fobs (Lazy Girl Designs)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIWsKZ_YeklWRTuLH87Rjh-H9ySw-7SiYQQa-Yn7lYTgLz695hBgSsZOojnKxmJdLn70CGUT5YDecXsc0UELOFttiIz_jcmk9q_651p2SDWGaHA9HafBbdFUm41jKxPeecoNo9xevuRrzo/s320/Stash+and+Dash+Back+Side.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back side of Stash and Dash with a vinyl pocket that I have<br />
no idea what to use it for...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYmqquipDYA2G36dBB0RNUpwIpl2c_C3FRp5IUXgcqG8xyKIfQLObfHFaBFLRij8L_82f6SlSUkxmgCs0wkivWS_5iI02B6JpKfSVJu7aMFXNgaJmNTKQ37JWwdRhQGqX7r3BJdw7Uj5Wk/s1600/Stash+and+Dash+Interior.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYmqquipDYA2G36dBB0RNUpwIpl2c_C3FRp5IUXgcqG8xyKIfQLObfHFaBFLRij8L_82f6SlSUkxmgCs0wkivWS_5iI02B6JpKfSVJu7aMFXNgaJmNTKQ37JWwdRhQGqX7r3BJdw7Uj5Wk/s320/Stash+and+Dash+Interior.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside of Stash and Dash<br />
with Sew Fine #50 Superior Threads<br />
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</tbody></table>
In addition the last day of the retreat one of my fellow quilting friends showed me a bag she had from a department store with the challenge "I bet you could figure out how to make this"....yep, I gave it the good ole "I'll try" besides, what else was I going to do with the leftover quilted fabric?!!!!?<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizJWnf8qyq0bB9iZjiJiExV546VrRdBiiScR-lmFtAPiKyD5RBnJYG4I9iqto84GAbNDHDRHUC1AusdJTzKHk7OjzsYt3_ZCuj4i9iYyvBzgXpuExUyvJpKp32yj_BKqYy93EZE6ePfcM-/s320/original+store-bought+bag.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Original "Store Bought" Bag</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyXniV3p-DaByTFhJo7iK6dJ2KkYsUo7TN3TXn5R-ZBRGwCRRAwno8P7yaUYGNqXUZE2WM50fCg5j81lzXZV0tO28tF8HJ6K87ehUTzIzu81edNso6IZda5HbaQQIJhjT1SDPfxXSLWNhs/s1600/Copy+Cat+Bag.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyXniV3p-DaByTFhJo7iK6dJ2KkYsUo7TN3TXn5R-ZBRGwCRRAwno8P7yaUYGNqXUZE2WM50fCg5j81lzXZV0tO28tF8HJ6K87ehUTzIzu81edNso6IZda5HbaQQIJhjT1SDPfxXSLWNhs/s320/Copy+Cat+Bag.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Copy Cat Bag with added Fobio wristlet</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
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And just to prove to you that I <i>did </i>piece a quilt top.....it's called <b><u>Stereo</u></b> by Jaybird Designs<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3w88dq6qUaQ1mTxuC5pGsolpAf0LPc5sJu1-LNWw327YxRc5FJNzhoJlF49sBBDQmseSV032IywqY6U7oBlVSJkslzubOQnVlg4sT3zPjljbZVzbjry_wTZY8JGavZ4uPDmKLiiH66L2g/s1600/Stereo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3w88dq6qUaQ1mTxuC5pGsolpAf0LPc5sJu1-LNWw327YxRc5FJNzhoJlF49sBBDQmseSV032IywqY6U7oBlVSJkslzubOQnVlg4sT3zPjljbZVzbjry_wTZY8JGavZ4uPDmKLiiH66L2g/s320/Stereo.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stereo by Jaybird Designs</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZS3skxndnvOAVUngHb4cPFE-GGcv5jgWY4-YDyTk4UI5o0U2iQH0SNTVSOsUR8jfgnLVuDwdNUGIKMQ_GUnNCovs7G7lATrbT3TWz-pYOGuluMwpCye_Z3mbxz53Y6atlphVCB9C8XItC/s1600/Stereo+border.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZS3skxndnvOAVUngHb4cPFE-GGcv5jgWY4-YDyTk4UI5o0U2iQH0SNTVSOsUR8jfgnLVuDwdNUGIKMQ_GUnNCovs7G7lATrbT3TWz-pYOGuluMwpCye_Z3mbxz53Y6atlphVCB9C8XItC/s200/Stereo+border.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Auditioning border fabric</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
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If I do say so myself, I think it was a very successful bag making experience for the week...<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRxyHSOVNrnDsdYCNBruxOtsDkWMO9ffSz448FMJcaU_NWJcY0PXpeEow1aaIUw4ErciALT0KnNZQfFKFYp2Kdo95R7R7p0UBMkrG5G8kHCf0Sw1nfAffqZ_13Wv9RW2is0tSY5DQHWnON/s1600/Bag+Booty.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRxyHSOVNrnDsdYCNBruxOtsDkWMO9ffSz448FMJcaU_NWJcY0PXpeEow1aaIUw4ErciALT0KnNZQfFKFYp2Kdo95R7R7p0UBMkrG5G8kHCf0Sw1nfAffqZ_13Wv9RW2is0tSY5DQHWnON/s400/Bag+Booty.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bag Lady Booty</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
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But wait! There's more! That's what I said when I took my bags for "show and tell" at the Island Quilter's Guild meeting in February. I had all my bags inside the duffle bag and warned everyone that I had a Mary Poppins bag - it was bottomless!!<br />
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<div>
I do have a couple of other bags I have made in the past few days that I will save to share another day... I just thought this being "Leap Day" Feb 29, 2016 that it would be a good day to LEAP back into blogging! I hope there is still an audience, if not that's okay too as blogging is sorta a public diary and I enjoy taking a walk down memory lane every now and then...</div>
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until next time, take time to do something you enjoy - life is too short not to have fun and share love.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0A9RoHLp3827My7oTfYkVISVevlY396LYHrLPf8U0tOHpHWSqBWDew85ahKP1lIzPj4qeMJqxGZQbg_BA2DOOPMzoNT2dCppBCvS0xbDBfOxloF6hiPoGebqOuyVutj33mAlW-v-r8zSM/s1600/Love+you.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0A9RoHLp3827My7oTfYkVISVevlY396LYHrLPf8U0tOHpHWSqBWDew85ahKP1lIzPj4qeMJqxGZQbg_BA2DOOPMzoNT2dCppBCvS0xbDBfOxloF6hiPoGebqOuyVutj33mAlW-v-r8zSM/s320/Love+you.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnESiU9EeqNGJ1JzPmxRCsOs_lKKb3Rpr4SiyMiMsa9fscVMTW3vqeeYQWu_bPfZK6z-E8o7KoPAxFgBnKbiWbm7lpnMwcVahsY4k2qDh2vFHzPk4GQT_a0Tizjct30UEN7ORaA3yfxv_J/s1600/miss+you.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnESiU9EeqNGJ1JzPmxRCsOs_lKKb3Rpr4SiyMiMsa9fscVMTW3vqeeYQWu_bPfZK6z-E8o7KoPAxFgBnKbiWbm7lpnMwcVahsY4k2qDh2vFHzPk4GQT_a0Tizjct30UEN7ORaA3yfxv_J/s320/miss+you.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1 John 4:19 We love because He first loved us</td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.jaybirdquilts.com/2015/02/sweetheart-table-topper-tutorial.html" target="_blank">Sweetheart Table Topper Tutorial by Jaybird Quilts </a><br />
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<b><i>karen O in TX</i></b></div>
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<b><i>THE Quilt Rambler</i></b><br />
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=228768149564232988" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=228768149564232988" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>Karen E. Overtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13013943691661466053noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-228768149564232988.post-32757476602503592732015-06-25T18:22:00.001-05:002015-06-25T18:22:32.798-05:00A Writer Writes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">6/22/15<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And so I wait…in a cold, sterile, rigid feeling room – one in
which silence, formality and respect rule. All eyes either forward or focused
on private musings. No chit chat, no hushed laughter, just focused waiting. I
am among the early birds, dare I suggest - the obedient, the compliant, the
serious folk who somewhere in their DNA have been trained to arrive at least 15
minutes ahead of schedule. No doubt the room will continue to fill – hopefully
the added body heat will take the chill out of the room, but the stone cold
silence will undoubtedly remain. There will be others joining us, the
stragglers, those who were uncertain of their appointed destination, those
easily confused in following directions and those who are by nature habitually
late. As one enters the room they must make a decision as to where to sit. Many
hover near the entrance as if they hope for a speedy exit. The back row is
filled first, reminiscent of a southern Baptist church. The more adventuresome
traverse to the far side of the room, the more confident fill the first three
rows. Many are dressed very conservatory in colors that tend to make one
anonymous in a crowd – perhaps that is their goal – or perhaps it’s just more
respectful and business like considering the surroundings. A few,
like myself, can’t help but display bright happy summer colors. Perhaps we are
the peacocks of the world – those who aren’t necessarily trying to stand out
but who just feel the need to add a little color to a dreary world – shining a
light in the darkness - whether intentionally or subconsciously. The flow of
participants continues, the vacant seats becoming fewer. Those arriving near
the appointed time have a bigger decision to make than those who arrived early.
No longer is it a matter of front, center, or back of room. Instead it’s more
of looking for several open seats together to avoid sitting by a stranger. We
have become a society fueled by the motto “stranger danger”, having been taught
“no eye contact” as if this makes us invisible in a
crowd. Yesteryear a similar gathering would have been more
“community,” more jovial, similar to small town chatter as we
awaited the events that are moments away of commencing. Precisely at
1115 “All rise!” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Welcome to the Galveston County Jury Selection….<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The above was scribbled in the journal I brought to take notes if needed. So what does a rambler do while she waits? She writes! I was released today after being "on call" all week. I was not chosen for a panel.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Karen E. Overtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13013943691661466053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-228768149564232988.post-57395389977941028412015-06-22T23:46:00.001-05:002015-06-22T23:50:19.746-05:00To blog or not to blog - that is the question6/22/15. It's been a long long time since I've blogged. In the busyness of trying to juggle too many things blog time was severed. A good or bad thing I know not. Instead of justifying or regretting the lack of this form of communication or trying to "catch up" I think the real issue is whether to take up the task again. Or not.<div><br></div><div>I have to ask myself the why or why not, the what or the what not, the how and when and most important the who cares factor must be considered.</div><div><br></div><div>Why would I blog again? It's time consuming to write, edit, polish thoughts not to mention pictures. What would be the purpose? What would I write about? Quilting? adventure? or lack of? How and when would I find the time and seriously "who cares!?!??"</div><div><br></div><div>Bottom line. I write for me. Pure and selfish. I write because there are so many words in me that need to be said, and perhaps because at times there is no one to listen but pen and ink - or keyboard and screen. An audience is actually a side benefit. The words just need to flow. The danger comes in seeking an audience and their approval If I blog again it must truly be for self expression and I must continually remind myself does it matter "who cares?!"</div><div><br></div><div>If it's my self expression and someone else finds it entertaining or can " relate" then there's another side benefit too - but not the goal.</div><div><br></div><div>It's like making a quilt. Generally I don't have a purpose in mind other than expressing creativity or needing a challenge of working through a pattern - sometimes designing my own -or perhaps just the comfort of feeling the fabric and listening to the sound of the machine. Therapy. Joy. Passion. A sense of accomplishment. Not approval seeking or self promoting.</div><div><br></div><div>Perhaps blogging again will offer me another sense of accomplishment - journaling thoughts, documenting & chronicling my journey - providing a place for my words to rest - read or unread - </div><div>Therapy. Joy. Passion. Regardless of who cares.</div><div><br></div><div>It's worth considering.</div><div><br></div><div>By the way - here's something worth sharing! My precious pup is still my professional quilt model! Life is good</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYOqumIHoev4gGen9WtGXmNgE7RIlW6zC3hWDhNefjPDl5mixdZ_dq7Ha_aYwfy6mP2qIWHqCyNX_5VuJh8PExeClK2vreM97isjg5xlVB4BQqeNaRqprF6Ul_d0yxW7F7r57bfz24Lhfw/s640/blogger-image--1730970883.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYOqumIHoev4gGen9WtGXmNgE7RIlW6zC3hWDhNefjPDl5mixdZ_dq7Ha_aYwfy6mP2qIWHqCyNX_5VuJh8PExeClK2vreM97isjg5xlVB4BQqeNaRqprF6Ul_d0yxW7F7r57bfz24Lhfw/s640/blogger-image--1730970883.jpg"></a></div>Karen E. Overtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13013943691661466053noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-228768149564232988.post-35630196335399913282013-10-10T10:39:00.003-05:002013-10-10T10:49:22.275-05:00Seasons of Life<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Ever notice how things seem to be in cycles. Take dishes for example - the need to do them seems to roll around quite often (grin). Sometimes they pile up, neglected. Other times they seem to be such a bother, <i>gotta do the dishes, AGAIN</i>. Yet, when I stop to think about it, dishes are a blessing. In my case, just the beautiful colors make me smile. But beyond that, dishes mean I've had something to eat! Perhaps something to share with others. Maybe even a celebration! Or more than not, just routine of daily life...still! Dishes mean life is continuing, normal or not, there is something to be thankful for.<br />
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Days, like dishes, sometimes pass by unnoticed. Soon the days turn into weeks and the weeks into months. Before you know it, seasons have changed. To my regret I don't always pause long enough to enjoy the blessings of the day! Time passes by quickly and before ya'know it, summer has turned into fall and fast approaching is the holiday season.<br />
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One day last month my daughter in law, Katie asked if I'd help her get started on a special Christmas project....seems there's a fabulous tradition in her family that everyone has a special made stocking from a certain craft manufacturer's kits using felt, embroidery, and other embellishments. Wanting to make a new tradition of her own, Katie ordered a Christmas tree skirt from this same company. Eager to get started she was a tad overwhelmed by the 400 step instruction sheet! She brought it over to the studio and we deciphered the instructions (actually Katie had them 99% figured out) and I taught her a few embroidery stitches and she was on her way! <br />
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In keeping with the mood of the day I put on Christmas music and began working on a Christmas project of my own - tropical santa....details on him later as he's not complete yet. Katie worked hard that afternoon and after what seemed a thousand small steps she had a beautiful peppermint candy as the first deposit of multiple embellishments on what I know will be a treasured family heirloom.<br />
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Yes, the cycle of the holiday season is fast approaching! Not too long after my craft day with Katie I went to visit my mom and sister. I brought along my bag of fall tricks and soon had each of them working diligently on making fabric pumpkins.<br />
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In case you missed the <a href="http://quiltsnkaboodle.blogspot.com/2012/09/fall-friends-food-fun-pumpkin-tutorial.html" target="_blank">tutorial</a> last year you can revisit and have fun making your own pumpkins.<br />
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Seasons come, and seasons go. Sometimes I wish my life were as simple as my sweet Pixxie's. She eats, she sleeps, she does dishes! (well, if you consider licking the plate 'doing dishes'), she chases squirrels, she poses with quilts - still my Professional Quilt Model, how be it, with age she seems to be caught on camera sleeping with my old quilts instead of the "ta da" poses with new quilts. And she loves. Unconditionally. This pup loves me. She's always eager to greet me when I come home, she's sad when I leave. She cuddles up to me when I need a hug...this is one season I hope never changes.<br />
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That said, there have been some significant changes in the past 24 hours....a new season in not only my life but the lives of our entire family....<br />
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Tuesday morning was bitter sweet as Eric and Katie closed the door (literately on the U-haul) to their lives here in the Houston/Galveston area to begin a great adventure in the Dallas area. 303 miles seems so far, and yet that's where God has called them.<br />
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A new season - for them as well as the extended family they leave behind. The cycle of seasons continue. You raise your children to be independent and to love God...and they do just that, move off to serve Him.<br />
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<i>If they obey and serve Him, </i></div>
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<i>they shall spend their days in prosperity, </i></div>
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<i>and their years in pleasures. </i></div>
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<i>Job 36:11</i> </div>
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Seasons come, seasons go. Dishes pile up. Sometimes there's been a celebration, sometimes just a simple meal. Reminders that we should never take a single day for granted. He's placed us here, <b>today</b>, to love, be loved, and to do His will. This is the day the Lord has made! We will rejoice and be glad it in!<br />
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<br />Karen E. Overtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13013943691661466053noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-228768149564232988.post-8799009459846894172013-09-17T19:27:00.001-05:002013-09-21T09:42:18.121-05:00Seeing Stars<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiANPaYaGoiPCndnjR1SLSMw3vW_zqmP-yz7IzlyUC0Cc1xls8dZy21mz8ctXlHSzifp_4x5tzVItFwvnfR-KemVz_cHWeHBaEXq4tNK2ce96k801POvbZXYm2JBsM8ZslWPeSyqJyA17Ti/s640/blogger-image-1344802835.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="397" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiANPaYaGoiPCndnjR1SLSMw3vW_zqmP-yz7IzlyUC0Cc1xls8dZy21mz8ctXlHSzifp_4x5tzVItFwvnfR-KemVz_cHWeHBaEXq4tNK2ce96k801POvbZXYm2JBsM8ZslWPeSyqJyA17Ti/s400/blogger-image-1344802835.jpg" width="400" /></a> I love stars, and star quilts! Perhaps it's because I inherited this beautiful block hand pieced by my great grandmother, Roxie Reynolds Brown 1885-1924. This is a pattern sometimes known as Snow Crystals.</div>
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Early on when the quilting bug bit I decided that I wanted to make these 8 pointed stars, referred to as Leymone Stars. I remember in 2001 collecting almost 200 fat quarters of purple fabrics with the plan of making a huge quilt just of Leymone Stars. I went to the Houston Festival and purchased Marti Michell's templates and started cutting out hundreds (or was it thousands) of little purple diamonds to make 6 inch stars. And then there was....realization...not only did I have to cut out the diamonds but also the setting squares and triangles...enter in procrastination... sigh. Truth was, I was a beginner way over my head!</div>
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Fast forward to this year, 2013 (yes, I can do the math too - 12 years later!) I decide that I truly need to be working on some UFOs and I had such history with those purple prints....surely it was time for them to come out to see the light of day.</div>
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What changed you ask? Simply that I found a method to strip piece and eliminate the y seam...how be it, I was having to adjust the method a tad since my diamonds were now considered "fussy cut" and the real beauty of fully strip piecing wasn't a walk in the park as it should had been had I started out with this method. Oh well, nothing ventured nothing gained. I'm proud to say with the use of a fantastic ruler by Deb Tucker, The Rapid Fire (TM) Leymone Star ruler, and her pattern Pop Stars I have pieced a project that was long over due. Now it enters the line of "quilts in waiting" (as in waiting to be quilted) hopefully it won't be as long as the piecing!</div>
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Eager to try her method "the right way" I quickly pieced her pattern Crown Jewels and actually quilted it all in the same weekend (It was Labor Day and I was working for myself GRIN)</div>
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Thought you might like to see the close up on the quilting.</div>
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I've always been one to want to share my new discoveries so I arranged to have a few friends and their friends for piecing classes this past week. Here's how a longarm studio gets turned into a classroom.</div>
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Thursday's class had 4 lovely ladies. I was so pleased that after a long day in the saddle they each were able to complete the center block of Crown Jewels (the snow crystal block)...And of course, my ever famous professional quilt model, Pixxie had to share "her block" when it came time for bragging rights. </div>
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A day to catch my breath and then it was time for Saturday's class of 6. Table "A" had some "smokin' needles" and they were the first to complete their center block (one of them had to leave early for a previous engagement so she really was a speedy on the machine!)</div>
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By the end of class everyone had a center square. With detailed instructions in their pattern and ruler to be able to finish at home.</div>
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Sunday afternoon came and I found myself with lots of hands on demo parts and pieces...I'm a "see one do one" type of teacher... hum... this looks nice...</div>
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But I wanted something a tad different...but still with no Y seams...I remembered a class I took in 2004 with Nancy Johnson-Srebro and went to find my autographed book "Stars by Magic" Her method uses squares and rectangles....</div>
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yep. A design change...that's what I'm talking about...add a little twist of shocking pink and by the time its quilted and bound in hot pink I think it will find a place in my kitchen!</div>
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Time for my final class, Tuesday's class had 3 ladies with my friend Annette returning from Saturday. Unfortunately Trish had to leave early so she's not included in today's photo....Pixxie missed her.</div>
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I just sent out "class photos" to all the ladies and I'm getting reports in that several from the earlier class have already finished their piecing! Way to go girls! I told you once you got the hang of it you'd be addicted! I know I am....</div>
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Now what to do with my parts and pieces from teaching.....guess what! I do have a plan, but it's going to take more - can't wait until another Sunday afternoon to do a little quilt therapy with the hum of the sewing machine!<br />
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Congrats to all my "students" for choosing such gorgeous fabrics for your quilts, and for your hard work with this slave driver of a teacher! You were all so much fun to work with, love the fellowship of quilters! But I think we wore Pixxie out (grin)</div>
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Me? I'm still seeing stars!</div>
Karen E. Overtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13013943691661466053noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-228768149564232988.post-6659841913597166292013-09-01T18:25:00.001-05:002013-09-21T09:43:17.566-05:00All on a Sunday Afternoon<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtL8B54NgvzcwqQTEgCHtSSkMyhxMKTNafDmyFV276hA0j5bJfN1G_byAo2lGNwotAOTBf8A8WA88BFXI3HR4YjdQ8gVE-ESOBW4PGgo27dv1HBpJv4_ySah8K_qQ52p6UODcIugBuHXpn/s640/blogger-image-64064340.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtL8B54NgvzcwqQTEgCHtSSkMyhxMKTNafDmyFV276hA0j5bJfN1G_byAo2lGNwotAOTBf8A8WA88BFXI3HR4YjdQ8gVE-ESOBW4PGgo27dv1HBpJv4_ySah8K_qQ52p6UODcIugBuHXpn/s640/blogger-image-64064340.jpg" /></a> I love Sundays. Not only was today the first day of a new week, but the first of a new month. I smiled as the DJ on the local Christian radio station said "where has the year gone!" My sentiments exactly, I found my thoughts agreeing as I drove to worship this morning. Yes, I love Sundays. A day of worship and rest. Rest, or cease from labor. Oh not in the strict sense of the word, but cease from "have to's"...you know. nothing that has to be done, just a afternoon to relax and piddle, an afternoon with no restrictions or to do list.</div>
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Sometimes that means ignoring the customer quilts, the dishes, the laundry, and just doing something I enjoy. Like playing around with fabric (grin) - now that's relaxing! A little quilt therapy to the rescue!</div>
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Why not make something little? A "quilt in a day" so to speak. Why not indeed. I had stumbled across a pattern on the internet this past week (Moda Bakeshop) and decided that would do well to occupy my thoughts today. The example was 15 inches, mine turned out to be 18...their's was scrappy, surprisingly mine wasn't. No restrictions!</div>
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Piecing was a breeze and I quickly found myself at the longarm, quilting away with the most delightful yellow thread creating texture on the background. I had fully planned on "matching thread" in the hot pink but hate to admit was a tad lazy and didn't want to get up to change thread...once committed....sigh...I can't help but wonder if it would have looked better with hot pink thread on the stars. At least the back had the texture I desired.</div>
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The afternoon has past by most pleasantly as I pieced, quilted, and then prepared the bias binding. Oh what was I thinking? One more personal project that needs the binding hand sewn on the back! At least it's small, and doable...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSu1wuY4_iVU_HYTOEN4TUZQE0c-vzEWBghp6o_hOf7KULj63xemSkFmuzjowmuwA-X1xizuyCr4FXfmd0f69OALIoWOUyi3wVlIql3zv7YCINRIKPR_mH9jpDUupV_zBscQPdC4YfcKhb/s640/blogger-image--1103547855.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSu1wuY4_iVU_HYTOEN4TUZQE0c-vzEWBghp6o_hOf7KULj63xemSkFmuzjowmuwA-X1xizuyCr4FXfmd0f69OALIoWOUyi3wVlIql3zv7YCINRIKPR_mH9jpDUupV_zBscQPdC4YfcKhb/s640/blogger-image--1103547855.jpg" /></a> I think this little quilt matches my bright mood of the day! A day of singing and rejoicing. I love Sundays. Times of corporate worship with fellow believers and times of quiet worship as I delight in the work my hands find to do.</div>
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"The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing. Zephaniah 3:17</div>
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<br />Karen E. Overtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13013943691661466053noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-228768149564232988.post-59387634258644634282013-08-27T10:50:00.001-05:002013-08-27T10:51:13.287-05:00Design Wall TuesdayThought I'd share what I'm currently working on...I have both a design wall and a design "floor" - for those of you who may not have wall space here's my little $2 tip - go to Wally World or somewhere economical and look for the flannel backed table cloths - they should be on sale as it is end of summer. Here I have two laid out on the floor to be my "design floor" for a customer t-shirt I am working on today, These are also great if you go to retreats or sew ins - when you are ready to pack it up, just roll it up!<div><br></div><div> For grins I thought I'd share a personal project that may be hanging for months on my design "wall" - I recently finished piecing these blocks at my guild's sew in (started over a year ago). The "white space" of my design wall is where I will put a narrow inner border. Eventually. Like I said, it will probably hang for a while, but it adds a colorful touch to the studio and makes me feel like I'm accomplishing something. <br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJsQwYkgJUQ9vuSpewK62dUVUIl3eUlfZM06SeCmWQgfeHhk2g9-XvgXMj_rBI8e3ou80BdkICaiC0jvUXWsR4upLRC04Nx9KAA_I7K17cTdck0vaiJ-Txts1CXCAU9z2wT8-ucD0-J7lR/s640/blogger-image-1055517793.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJsQwYkgJUQ9vuSpewK62dUVUIl3eUlfZM06SeCmWQgfeHhk2g9-XvgXMj_rBI8e3ou80BdkICaiC0jvUXWsR4upLRC04Nx9KAA_I7K17cTdck0vaiJ-Txts1CXCAU9z2wT8-ucD0-J7lR/s640/blogger-image-1055517793.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigpmVksFpvYx4GCtOVYCfLQIwZORk8lAfRed9VBsnwX_4qnAxooLViPh3rNN4rySNEo7cji4YMuiP99PKbnXkyd5FTWZSZtRhwaA67RgYJN2Y1i4hv0K3Rc5LmrBJ9U_puXMb0ZlvOeTFX/s640/blogger-image-503739644.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigpmVksFpvYx4GCtOVYCfLQIwZORk8lAfRed9VBsnwX_4qnAxooLViPh3rNN4rySNEo7cji4YMuiP99PKbnXkyd5FTWZSZtRhwaA67RgYJN2Y1i4hv0K3Rc5LmrBJ9U_puXMb0ZlvOeTFX/s640/blogger-image-503739644.jpg"></a></div></div>Karen E. Overtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13013943691661466053noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-228768149564232988.post-56690041372468236472013-08-25T22:56:00.001-05:002013-08-25T22:56:31.518-05:00Something in common<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBcVNmIMNuyTvuIxWHPVN2iYq5mIamf4zt_ammXbWpC7KviJZLu9ZvsDfd9ql-Lcpfn1-VOJBTsZLo7_IjWhrOE1DXBg7fZ1SfnKLKxBgcSge1gNoDuvY-DEOH80dXwyVdX3yu2zVBfpzz/s640/blogger-image-82187120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBcVNmIMNuyTvuIxWHPVN2iYq5mIamf4zt_ammXbWpC7KviJZLu9ZvsDfd9ql-Lcpfn1-VOJBTsZLo7_IjWhrOE1DXBg7fZ1SfnKLKxBgcSge1gNoDuvY-DEOH80dXwyVdX3yu2zVBfpzz/s640/blogger-image-82187120.jpg"></a></div>Know what these quilts have in common besides me making them? They all need binding! And actually, there's one more I forgot to include in the photo..sigh.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The top two on the quilt ladder actually have quarter inch steam 2 seam on them sticking them together in place of hand stitching thanks to my friend Trish - tradition dictates that she does this for me annually in the hotel prior to the Dallas show so they can hang in the A1 booth. What can I say, there's never enough time to get ready for a show! The S2S really works in a pinch - you should try it - Trish uses this all the time...but I do want to eventually hand stitch them down anyway. The blue one was a couple of years ago, the black one this past year. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The 3rd ad 4th quilts on the ladder technically aren't quilts even though they are quilted... You see, I didn't use batting, only a fabulous fleece backing.."Technically" a quilt is three layers..ah, but they certainly cuddle like a quilt! So in my studio I call them quilts, and they too have the binding machine sewn on one side awaiting the hand sewing on the other. The top one of the two actually has about half of it's binding sewn down thanks to a recent road trip - nothing better to wile away the miles when a passenger on a long road trip...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The purple and green next to the last on the ladder just got the binding cut out tonight - the pieces aren't even sewn together yet - but its going to be a beauty! Striped bias! The quilt was pieced in 2009 and finally quilted last month as part of my summer goal of taking time to catch up on personal quilts.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The bottom one on the ladder was made around Memorial Day of this year, and actually quilted the same week it was made! I took a holiday (grin) and quilted just for me. The binding was put on during that same time too, and it's actually half hand sewn down. A rarity for a quilt to be pieced, quilted and bound in the same year, well, almost bound. It has potential!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The midnight stars on the stool to the left was another 2013 creation - pieced and quilted this past week with the binding on one side to be hand sewn hopefully this week. It's a class sample. Yep, I'm teaching piecing classes in September - if you are local shoot me an email and I'll give you the details. "real" Leymone Stars without y-seams - the trick is in the ruler - and if you are like me, you can never have enough rulers!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; "><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; ">The parrot has been waiting for years for me to finish coloring it (inspired by a real parrot found on my studio window sill after hurricane Ike in '08 - you can read about him in the archives if interested). Anyway he isn't even close to getting a binding yet - but he's been brought out of hiding because I have a place in my living room I'd like to hang him so perhaps by being "in plain sight" he will be completed soon. I have such lofty goals!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; "><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; ">Actually that's the hope of all of these. Goal is to have them completely bound before the end of the year. Labels? That's a whole 'nuther story, that and all the "quilts in waiting" that have been personally pieced but waiting to be quilted... and we won't even mention how many project boxes with partially started piecing....</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; "><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; ">Is this something we have in common? Personal quilts needing to be finished? Either pieced, quilted, or bound. Leave a comment and let me know if you are as bad about unfinished projects as I am....and do tell if you are faithful to label your labors of love, inquiring minds want to know - actually, I just want to feel 'normal' (grin).</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; "><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">karen</span></div>Karen E. Overtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13013943691661466053noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-228768149564232988.post-60886392486375437652013-05-19T17:06:00.001-05:002013-05-19T17:47:26.376-05:00The Boarding Pass<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Prologue: </h2>
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<i><span style="color: blue;">It has been way too long since I've blogged. First of all, thank you to those who either emailed or saw me in person and inquired if all was well. Your concern has touched my heart. Sometimes it seems that we lose touch with not only ourselves but those around us. Doesn't mean anything in particular is wrong, at least for me, but rather just a time to come away and reflect, regroup, and recharge.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: blue;">If you have followed me on facebook I want you to know that I didn't "unfriend" you. I deleted my account. Woke up one Sunday morning and this was what I was inspired to do...</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: blue;">I believe that this is what I needed and am now ready to start blogging again...</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Boarding Pass:</span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I wasn't planning on going to MQS this year - The Machine Quilting Showcase held annually in May. Usually I attend as part of the A1 Quilting Machine team.....but this year I'd decided I was just too busy to go, just the thoughts of one more thing on my to do list had me way over stressed. Funny how we think we are "in control" of our lives. As the time drew nearer some of my fears of over commitment began to diminish, some of the obligations no longer became an issue...so when Stewart Plank (owner of A1) text me about 3 weeks prior to see if I could attend I text back "YES!" After all, how could I miss the opportunity to see a show that specializes in machine quilting and miss the opportunity of introducing the public to our new A1 Elite Platinum (new touch screen and stitch regulated machine), much less miss seeing some of my quilting friends whom I only see at national shows!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So the tickets were purchased and I worked diligently through my "<i>to do list</i>" and worked on my "<i>what do I need to pack list</i>" and before I could blink it was the night before I was to leave for Witcha, Kansas. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Have I ever mentioned that I'm a procrastinator? How's this - the airlines asks that you check in online 24 hours prior to flight....8 hours isn't too bad,<i> is it?</i> And oops, my procrastination of going to the office supply store resulted in <b>no ink</b> to print out that boarding pass on my way to the airport that morning. Oh well, they say you can print it at the ticket counter, <i>right?</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I just thought I got up in plenty of time....wrong again. Without a boarding pass I had to go through the full service line to check in my baggage AND get a boarding pass. <i>Oh my! </i>The line was incredibly long for 4:30 in the morning! I began to get really nervous. Why wasn't there a line just for people who arrived less than the suggested one hour before departure?!?!?! All I could do was pray.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Seriously, why do we say "<i>all I can do is pray</i>" when that should be the first thing we do in a crisis! And not just in a crisis, but daily communing with our Father?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Praying led me to be more calm and removed the stress I felt climbing. I knew I just needed a good dose of patience. They opened another line and asked all those who already had their boarding pass to go to a new line (oh how I wished that were me!) But it did reduce the line in front of me. Hope, yes there was hope.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then they called on the loud speaker for boarding of my flight. <i>Oh my! </i> Again I prayed and was given the boldness to ask to cut in line. <i>How embarrassing! </i>I caught the attention of a lady across the rope line from me and said "my flight is boarding, do you mind if I cut in front" (while ignoring all those wrapped around the line between she and I). She said "I don't mind" and I crawled humbly under the rope, not without some difficulty I might add, I don't pack light.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There were still 4 groups of people between me and the clerk at the check in counter. Swallowing my pride I asked them if they minded....rolling their eyes they gave me consent to go ahead of them. Or was it I took their no comment as consent? I turned around to all the people who were paying attention that I'd cut in line and humbly apologized for my tardiness to the airport and my rudeness in asking to go in front of them. I didn't wait for a response of approval or disapproval, I just quickly made my way to the nice gentlemen who took my bag (thank you Lord I wasn't overweight which would have meant either repacking or money). He told me I'd best have on my running shoes because the plane wouldn't wait on me. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One hurdle down, the next was the TSA line.....<i>Oh my, <b>oh my!!!</b> </i> This time I didn't hesitate, I went right to the roped end of the zig zagged line nearest the front of the line and said "my plane leaves in 15 minutes, may I go ahead of you?" I was trying to give my best smile and my most pleasant pleading look....you know, that southern woman in distress look that generally calls out to gallant men (but doesn't work with other women). I didn't make it to the top of the line, but it was the first zig of a 4 to 5 zag (oh so many rows!). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Take off the shoes...put the purse, boarding pass, carry on luggage on the conveyor belt.....silently wish they could go faster....breath...pray...put on the shoes, grab the carry on, run, <i>run, </i><b><i>run!</i></b> Thank goodness I can maneuver well on those walking sidewalks!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was then I noticed I didn't have my boarding pass! I'd left it in the container from the TSA conveyor belt. About the same time I hear "<b>KAREN OVERTON!</b>" and turn to wave at the TSA officer acknowledging I was she - <i>oh my! </i>Thank you Lord no one else was on the walking sidewalk or I'd of gotten a ticket for going the wrong way in a one way lane! Or worse, had a head on collision! Breath...pray...grab the boarding pass and run, <i>run, <b>run!</b></i> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Once I was safely in my seat I realized that I'd been humbled but the Lord answered my prayer and I was on my way to MQS! </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I laughed at myself when I realized that this looked like something I'd seen in some Sandra Bullock movie....don't you just wonder what I really looked like and how many people got a good laugh out of my crazy appearance. Hum, scratch that thought...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Interlude: </span></h2>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>For sake of time I will blog in the future about my experience at MQS....but believe it or not, there's MORE to the Boarding Pass story....</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Return Trip Boarding Pass:</span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All to quickly my time at MQS was drawing to a close. Due to flight schedules I was returning to Houston on Saturday, prior to the show closing that afternoon. There was only ONE flight on Saturday, the next available would be the following day...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So Friday morning I decided that I <i>really should</i> check in as near to the 24 hour suggested time frame as possible. No free internet connection at my hotel so I use my iPad with my iPhone as a hotspot (thank you to my eldest son who is Apple certified/Verizon wireless genius who can help me out in any phone or internet situation) and confirm my flight - saving my online boarding pass as PDF and then emailing it to myself to be able to print from the hotel's business center later that evening...long story short, somewhere between printing it off Friday night and my 5 AM shuttle to the airport I misplaced my boarding pass. <i>This is so unlike me</i>....so once again to the full service ticket counter I go.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had to smile when I saw the red carpet....in case it's not obvious, I have an A1 Elite and the A+ Elite logo was just the encouragement I needed at the moment. They might as well have been personally welcoming me as a VIP for that's how I felt. Yep. It was going to be a good day!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Check in was pretty routine, I was a pound overweight - my luggage, not me (we won't discuss me!) - and had to readjust an item from the suitcase to the carry on. Boarding passes printed (two planes to Houston) and I was on my way to the TSA line, this time reminding myself to check everything in the container before I head towards the gate....</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There was a problem with my carry on luggage...<i>oh my!</i> I was detained and they asked permission to search my bag (ever wonder what would happen to you if you said no?). The nice TSA lady shuffles around in my belongings saying there was a container of liquid....<i>oh my! Had I forgotten to take out that water bottle I was going to drink on the shuttle?</i> But she can't seem to locate it. After the second search she pulls everything out of my bag - my pillow, my flannel sheet (I always bring my own when I travel), my makeup mirror....no water bottle...The lady TSA officer takes my bag back to the scanner...and the TSA officer monitoring the screen shows the search officer that indeed <u>there is</u> something liquid in my case and to re-search again....it's then I speak up and say to check the outside pocket (somewhat camouflaged ) and there is the offending contraband. It's removed and I'm released to head to my gate. <i>How embarrassing!</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That's when I heard over the loud speaker "<b>Will passenger Karen Overton please return to the Air Tram ticketing counter for your boarding pass</b>" <i>What? I have it in my hand!?!?!?! </i>It's then I realize that I should have <i>two</i> boarding passes. The one for my second flight is missing. <i>oh my!</i> Can this really be happening to me? If I go back to the ticket counter I have to go back through TSA and the line is long and of course they are within minutes of boarding my flight....After consulting with a TSA officer concerning my dilemma it was decided that the next airport <i>possibly</i> could print out a boarding pass for me at the gate, <b>IF</b> I wanted to take the chance...if not, he'd make sure I went to the head of the line to go through security again.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I decided to take a chance....</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I was assured by a fellow vendor friend from MQS (who rode the same shuttle to the airport and heard my name called over the loud speaker after we had parted at the security check in) "<i>If they can't print out your boarding pass at the next destination then you weren't suppose to be on that plane."</i></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i> </i>Truth, so plainly spoken. Time to trust God again with my situation.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So on to my gate I went, arriving right on time for my "zone" to board. Once safely seated with my seat belt on I shared my story with the gentlemen sitting next to me. He asked, "That was you? I heard your name called over the loud speaker." "Did you laugh?" I said. "Of course." he replied with a chuckle. Humbled again..sigh....no matter, I breathed a sigh of</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> relief that I was on the plane home - the </span><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: bold;">only</i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> plane that day going home.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Home. I was reminded of one of my favorite songs (its actually my ring tone on my iPhone) <i>"All I know is I'm not home yet, this is not where I belong. Take this world and give me Jesus, this is not where I belong". </i>And then I remembered something from a book I read in the early 70's called <u>The Hiding Place</u> by Corrie ten Boom....after experiencing death for the first time in her young life Corrie was disturbed and cried to her father before being tucked into bed....</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">" '<i>I need you!' I sobbed. 'You can't die! You can't!' ....Father sat down on the edge of the narrow bed. 'Corrie,' he began gently, ' when you and I go to Amsterdam - when do I give you your ticket?' I sniffed a few times, considering this. 'Why, just before we get on the train.' 'Exactly. And our wise Father in heaven knows when we're going to need things, too. Don't run out ahead of Him Corrie. When the times comes that some of us will have to die, you will look into your heart and find the strength you need - just in time.' "</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">God provides our needs, just in time. His protection and love go before us, guiding along the way. God is sovereign and He knows what is best for me and will always provide His best for every situation. He will always give me my ticket, whether for death or in life - <i><b>just in time.</b></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Including my boarding pass!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Epilogue: </span></h2>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>I arrived home safely - and later learned that God protected me from harsh weather conditions by leaving the show a day early. Truly truly, He knows what's best for me.</i></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>As I've been AWOL for several months I have lots of Quilt Rambler tales to tell. I will catch up! In the meantime here's just a taste of what I've been up to lately on this journey of life...</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">Bike riding in Galveston and around the neighborhood.</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">I've started juicing - and not just fabulous fruit juices</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">I'm learning to "drink my greens"</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">I love the rainbow in my kitchen on grocery shopping days!</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">I've started teaching piecing classes again in the Quilts 'N Kaboodle studio. </span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>So hang around, there's more to come. Karen, The Quilt Rambler</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><i>Special thanks to Elaine, Darsie, and others (you know who you are) for encouraging me this week. I cherish the hugs and the out pouring of love. So glad we are forever friends through Jesus!</i></span></div>
<br />Karen E. Overtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13013943691661466053noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-228768149564232988.post-9455992900827955652013-02-19T20:11:00.000-06:002013-02-19T20:11:38.054-06:00A Week Off<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaJwmyfqx1RQ2GgUQIAGpIB6MiShGd_StV7kENqbtmvtBlKjzQxdeODv_3fGdwhLynsdvRVX1QLfbOrTnAHCl69or3BEQ-8infwI4F-twV7ySSchRMgxyPyjqUfeNzXWqMOP6JJaaEQcck/s1600/01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaJwmyfqx1RQ2GgUQIAGpIB6MiShGd_StV7kENqbtmvtBlKjzQxdeODv_3fGdwhLynsdvRVX1QLfbOrTnAHCl69or3BEQ-8infwI4F-twV7ySSchRMgxyPyjqUfeNzXWqMOP6JJaaEQcck/s320/01.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222;">We returned last
Sunday from a cruise with our church – no, we </span><span style="color: #222222;">weren't</span><span style="color: #222222;"> on the one that was
stranded…here’s some thoughts I wrote the last days at sea….</span></span></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Friday on the cruise:</span> <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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</span></b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Sitting on the pool deck enjoying the late
afternoon sun. Shortly it will be time to get ready for our formal dinner. As
much as I enjoy the dining with our friends from church I truly dislike having
to cut the afternoon relaxation short to have time to prepare for early dining at
5:45 – this time of year, that’s the sunset hour…However this has been the only
regrets on this most relaxing of all the cruises I've been blessed to sail</span><span style="color: #222222;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white;">We left Galveston <b>Sunday</b> in a rush. True to my habit I was still packing just hours
before we were to leave. Fortunately the only item I forgot was sunscreen -
actually I didn't forget it - we just ran out of time to make that last minute
shopping trip on the way south . No worries, sunscreen is readily available in
all the cruise shops for a simple swipe your "sea pass" to purchase
ANYTHING on board! (Day of reckoning comes later!) </span><br />
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<span style="background: white;">Sunday was the discovery day - discover your
cabin, discover the location of the main dining, and most importantly the where’bouts
of the free frozen yogurt machine as well as the free pizza. Yes,
some things in life are truly free (or at least included with the price of
admission!)</span></span></span><div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b>Monday</b></span><span style="background-color: white;"> morning we joined our fellow Calvary Chapel couples for a time of worship and morning devotions. Then it was on to continue exploring the ship and spending a little time on the deck poolside enjoying the Reggie band. Again, the afternoon was cut short as we donned our best clothes for the formal fine dining followed by evening entertainment. With the exception of dinner and show times we were on "island time."</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Tuesday</span></b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> we
docked in Cozumel. We always enjoy returning here as its sorta our roots. April
1980 we honeymooned in Cozumel and each cruise year we like to scan the horizon
to search for "our" hotel. (It’s the small one in the center with the tiki huts – maybe that’s
what began my love for a tiki hut) </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">A lot has changed in 33 years - hurricanes as well as tourist industry growth. Yet the
downtown shops still have the same allure.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> I love the colors of Mexico. In
years past I've come home with a collection of bags/purses or items to decorate
our tiki hut. This year I had no theme, no quest, no agenda for my shopping. I
reminded myself that I'd just bought a bike therefore forfeited my shopping
budget for something more lasting than bags or trinkets. I was doing pretty
good too until I saw it....the colors spoke to me, the price was right, But
just to be sure I passed it up not once but twice. If it was still there at the
end of the day it was "meant to be." </span><span style="color: #222222;"><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yes. I'm going home with a sink! Not a kitchen sink, but one that I plan to have in my bathroom. <i>Someday. </i>The challenge is transporting it home! Pottery is fragile - and heavy!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Wednesday</span></b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> our port of call was Georgetown Grand Cayman.
Again, no agenda - just enjoy the island. </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAmGFIPgpgTKA9bmtpfpKWZuVYdFX4m54XMMj7khpd2qkbKSZ38acYumMOVvTEVqT1FXZZrnLWXGJ62QuUr5q7Bjkgj9yN_nRTuz2QhhY3acHI4ltbHoeZMXBfgXAJ9IPJMT_qkRegOIbC/s1600/07.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAmGFIPgpgTKA9bmtpfpKWZuVYdFX4m54XMMj7khpd2qkbKSZ38acYumMOVvTEVqT1FXZZrnLWXGJ62QuUr5q7Bjkgj9yN_nRTuz2QhhY3acHI4ltbHoeZMXBfgXAJ9IPJMT_qkRegOIbC/s320/07.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While walking down the city streets I spied a sign that said "artist here today - second story". We were at Guy Harvey's studio! I've always admired his work, but have not been privileged to own any, not even a T-shirt with his art. And there he was in his studio surrounded by his legacy of fabulous nature paintings graciously signing autographs. I quickly found a small 5x7 print for him to sign. My plans are to frame this to hang in the bathroom.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">As exciting as this was I believe the highlight
of the day was finding a small cove where we could actually see the water and
stand on the shoreline. To say that the water is breathtaking would be an
understatement. We observed with wonder a local fisherman skillfully preparing
his catch – then throwing the discarded parts in the ocean where a school of
sharks were feasting. I'm not an expert on sharks but they reminded me of the
small nurse shark variety. Obviously they were more interested in being feed
fish parts than to be concerned with the snorkelers who happened upon them. I
was content to be on dry land!</span> </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The evenings on board are a blur of fine dining, fabulous shows and evenings visiting the various nooks and crannies with wonderful live bands, sometimes joined by new friends . Oh the joys of not setting an alarm in the mornings!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Thursday's
</span></b><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"><span style="color: #222222;">destination
was Jamaica. I have to admit I didn't have a lot of expectations for Jamaica.
In fact we were a little late in leaving the ship (as previously </span><span style="color: #222222;"> mentioned, <i>no
alarm</i>s). However, Jamaica stole my heart.</span></span><span style="color: #222222;"><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">Upon deporting at each of the destinations we are
herded through what I call the "tourist trap" – the cruise line
sponsored shops. This is a good thing as it allows those going on excursions to
still shop some of the local fair. This was the plan for the day, just shop the
tourist trap and perhaps go back to the ship and hang around the uncrowded pool
deck. Well, through the years I've learned the word "flexible" ...
Upon impulse we decided to take a trolley ride to tour the city.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This was the real Jamaica . We drove through
streets that would definitely be considered third world as well very colorful
homes with wrap around verandas, windows open with flowing curtains dancing in
the wind. Our tour guide enlightened us about local sayings such as explaining
<i>"here in Jamaica we have <b>no problems</b> - only situations</i>". She also
shared history of the island's plantations growing sugar cane for export and
the import of slaves to work the plantations. One such plantation owner was known
for treating his slaves with dignity and respect so much so that after the
emancipation his slaves chose to remain with him and to continue to work the
plantation. In my thoughts I concurred that this man must have been a Christian
and followed the teachings of Christ in treating your slaves well and even more
so if they were a brother in Christ. True of this man or not it was interesting
to learn that Jamaica has more churches per square mile than anywhere else in
the world. Of course the term “church”, I think, was used rather loosely
because she also mentioned that there were all faiths represented on the island
... And not all Christian<span style="background-color: transparent;">.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;">
<br style="text-align: start;" />
<span style="background: white;"><span style="text-align: start;">Part of the tour included a stop at one of the
historical churches where we were allowed to disembark to go inside as we did
our best to shuffle past the street vendors. It's difficult sometimes to be in
a strange country and discern if you are being taken for a con, especially when
you see poverty around you.</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We went inside and
learned several interesting facts about the church - viewing different
relics such as a hand carved lectern from beautiful mahogany . Our guide also
pointed out a painting on the side wall - from a distance it appeared to be a
painting of Christ but upon closer examination the picture was made up of
multicultural faces representing, perhaps, that no matter our nationality or
our status in life we are one in Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222;">I have to admit
viewing this was an emotional moment for me and I felt led to put a small
contribution in the offering box. A middle aged woman was standing at the
collection box and smiled as she nodded her thanks and "<i>God bless</i>" to
which I whispered "I will see you again in heaven" and she said
"<i>Yes!</i>"</span><span style="color: #222222;"><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">Again I was a tad emotional and wanted to wipe my
tears before joining my fellow tourists on the trolley. Prior to entering the
church I has noticed a graveyard on the right side so I ducked that way to
regain my composure. On my path to the
graveyard I saw an old woman begging. As
I quickly walked past her she pleaded "<i>look at me, look at me</i>” in a voice
that reflected don’t ignore that you are walking past a person who needs help. I rushed past her. I wasn't being rude I just couldn't speak at
the moment…</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">I went around the side of the church and took a picture of the goats on
the grave markers as I discreetly opened my wallet for my return trip past the
old woman.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background: white;">She saw me coming back and pleaded once again
holding out her hands. I took her hands in mine and that's when she felt the
bill that I was passing into hers. Her pleads quickly turned to praise as
she said "<i>God bless you</i>" and I replied "He already has". She
continued to speak blessings over me and thanking Jesus. I began speaking to
her and then offering prayers up to Jesus to bless her as the tears were steaming, now freely,
down my cheeks . <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then I said "I
will see you in heaven one day." <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Her reply, "<i>I
am working to be there, I go to church all the time.</i>" <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"No, it's not
working that get you there, it is a gift from God. Do you understand that? It's
a gift, you just need to reach out your hand and take Jesus." <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“<i>Yes, Jesus is
free</i>". <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222;">My concern was did
she really understand? Was she misinformed that her salvation was
determined by what she did in this life (works) or had she really accepted the free gift of
salvation that only comes through Jesus. I will never know for sure this side of
eternity - but I am hopeful that I will see her again and somehow I feel that
we indeed were sisters in Christ. Just like that painting - different nationalities,
different situations in life, but one in Jesus</span>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At that point we
were both crying and hugging and I knew I had to go before the trolley left me.
I looked into her sweet face with those missing teeth and thought she was the
most beautiful woman. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white;">Somehow I managed to regain my composure once again (sunglasses are wonderful things) and find my way to the trolley. As we drove<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span><span class="il"><span style="background: #FFFFCC;">off</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white;"> </span><span style="background: white;">I searched for her near the building where I had left
her, behind the street vendors. I saw her and saw that she was trying to move
to a position to search the trolley for me too. Simultaneously we saw each
other and waved the biggest farewell wave that continued until we were no
longer in each other’s sight. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white;"> It was
then that I was reminded of my sweet Ma-Ma, who has been with Jesus since 2009.
Whenever we left her and my grandfather’s house after a visit we would wave out
the car window until we were out of sight while she would stand at the carport
and wave just as big and as long. It always brought tears to my eyes, as it
does now. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222;">Then
it registered, this beautiful lady was perhaps someone's grandmother, and she
certainly reminded me of mine!</span> Yes, Jamaica stole my heart. Such joy,
such color, such a need for the Savior.<span style="color: #222222;"><br />
</span> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">I think I could have just been satisfied with my
morning encounter with my Jamaican Ma-Ma, but The Lord continued to bless our
day. A crafts market, island music and dancers, and THE BEST souvenir ever -
parrots for my own tropical paradise back home.</span> I found the small one
first and am pictured with the artist who carved it. My larger one was found
later as I wandered the rows of the crafts market</span><br />
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<i><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Friday
was a day at sea, and as mentioned, formal night:</span></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">It is now <b>Saturday</b> afternoon as I have attempted
to continue my thoughts - it's not easy typing on the iPhone as I'm listening
to the poolside Jamaican band. The past two days at sea are a blur - a time to
recoup from the three days of ports of call as well as a time to reflect and be
relaxed and refreshed. Throughout the<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="il"><span style="background-color: #ffffcc; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222;"><span style="text-align: start;">week</span></span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222;"><span style="text-align: start;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222;">we've shared times of worship, prayer, teaching, and
wonderful fellowship with our fellow <a href="http://www.calvaryh.org/" target="_blank">Calvary Chapel</a> couples and we've had some much
needed time to ourselves. The weather has been beautiful - but the further
north we are going to more I realize it’s still winter on the mainland.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="text-align: start;">I am thankful for the time away, and I am looking forward to coming back to "real life" hopefully a better person for having had this Caribbean adventure</span>. I’ll leave you with the song now playing poolside …<i><u>Don’t worry, be happy</u></i></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For those wondering
how I got my parrot home (grin)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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Karen E. Overtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13013943691661466053noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-228768149564232988.post-32093205243836246102013-01-31T23:56:00.002-06:002013-02-01T00:17:48.382-06:00It's Good to Be Alive!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPHQsogMRBZS9ZDuB79GqGeX1KQIFM-E5Rijy0iK0hh0jzziUcUAkB-i7REZ3HfEL_fsQx9nPxFdBlVmv_2SWK8FJ18MhT12rgxfsc3peNFWAs5OUik_YmhBEim3KOSMU7IA4q3ZDYIFxj/s1600/01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPHQsogMRBZS9ZDuB79GqGeX1KQIFM-E5Rijy0iK0hh0jzziUcUAkB-i7REZ3HfEL_fsQx9nPxFdBlVmv_2SWK8FJ18MhT12rgxfsc3peNFWAs5OUik_YmhBEim3KOSMU7IA4q3ZDYIFxj/s320/01.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Sometimes it feels like I'm watching from the outside, sometimes it feels like I'm breathing, but am I alive? </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I love this song by Building 429</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>So when the walls come falling down on me and when I'm lost in the current of a raging sea I have this blessed assurance holding me.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>All I know is I'm not home yet, this is not where I belong...take this world and give me Jesus...this is not where I belong...</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But it's where I reside for now, and even when I'm not sure of my purpose or where I'm going, I know that I'm suppose to "work 'til Jesus comes" and live each day to the fullest.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The past few weeks have been glorious! There's been a break in "winter" - if you can call it that, after all I do live on the Texas Gulf Coast...seriously, it's been an answer to prayer to have beautiful sunshine after some dark days. Makes me feel more alive.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I did it! Got the dream machine! January 18th I took my maiden voyage on my new bike for almost four miles up and down the Galveston seawall. It's an old cliche but oh so accurate <i>I'm like a kid with a new bike!</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Seriously, who knew that riding a bike would make me feel young again, alive!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So my first day out I'm trying really hard to NOT fall off the seawall - its a huge drop off to the beach below and trust me, not something you'd wish on your worst enemy. Being winter and a weekday it wasn't too crowded, yet it still made me nervous every time I came upon someone and had to pass them - especially if they were walking in front of me and had their backs to me...<i>Bike to the right sir ....</i> <i>lady driver.... </i>Or <i>Bike to your left - it's my first day out... </i>Yeah, it was a good thing that it wasn't very crowded on the seawall. After my return to the bike shop (where the car was parked) I decided that I needed to accessorize the bike with a bell so I could be a little more sure that folks could hear me coming and jump out of my way!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Oh how I hated to pack up and head to the mainland...I think I could just live on the island and ride my bike every day! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />But alas, a little quilting needed to be done...and this time on a personal quilt...one that I pieced the blocks almost a year ago and left hanging on my design wall... it was time...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I took a little longer to quilt than anticipated...only because I decided to <i>overquilt</i> the feather border....it was like quilting it three times (see top photo for close up - one side is the original design, the other side shows how it looks after adding the "overquilting" design element). This is one of my dizzy quilts, yet unnamed (open to suggestions). I love the purple zebra type print that pulls all the scraps together as well as the purple checked print on the border adding to it's dizzy effect...my youngest son said the checkerboard reminded him of a tablecloth - perhaps this will be my biking picnic blanket...all I know is I almost like the back better - you can see the quilting design more!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have to admit, it's been very hard to stay focused these past two weeks. All I want to do is "<i>ride, Karen, ride</i>" Since it is still January, even in Texas, there's been a few days that the weather wasn't just picture perfect but I'd get out there and put in my miles as best I could - even on a few foggy days or the days where I needed to wear my rain slicker. What can I say, I'm addicted! I can't explain how alive I feel when I'm riding my bike!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've found a couple of different routes around the neighborhood. Some that are just 2 or 3 miles for those days with limited time because I really need to be quilting and some as long as 7 to 8 miles. I realize that's not breaking any records, going an average of 7 miles per hour - but it's just what I need...The view is pleasant and I've been blessed to be accompanied by various family members at various times. Bike riding is contagious!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Speaking of family...I just had to take a picture of my youngest son making a baby quilt for a friend. He pieced it and I quilted it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Working with him on this project and having multiple bikes rides with my husband, my youngest son, and my daughter-in-law as well as many many solo rides (total 85 miles in 12 days) has made me really stop and reflect on the importance of being with my family - something that I've put on the back burner for way too long. How easy it is to get caught up in the busyness of life - deadlines, to do lists, obligations, <i>what's for dinner</i>? Stuff like that. Or distractions that keep you from focusing on the important things of the day...that of just rejoicing that I'm alive!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So here's to more bike rides, more quilts, more time with family, and more time to just stop and reflect that ITS' GOOD TO BE ALIVE!</span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/4omFQJEAAVc" width="560"></iframe>Karen E. Overtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13013943691661466053noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-228768149564232988.post-80489212368798779312013-01-10T17:53:00.001-06:002013-01-10T17:53:33.485-06:00Island Time<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I've been known to take photos of my feet and post to Facebook or email friends with the caption: <b>Current World View</b>. Most times it's my bare feet resting in my hammock...but today, it was my feet hanging over the seawall ! Yep, I didn't plan too well in the shoe department...but I'm getting ahead of my story...</div>
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We've had more than several days of nasty weather here on the Texas gulf coast...yesterday my yard had standing water and we were under a flash flood watch...during the night we had more rain and I heard on the radio this morning that there were several houses struck by lightening up into Houston..yep, like I said, it hasn't been too fun around here. And this gal who needs sunshine to function was starting out pretty low this morning.</div>
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I tried to exercise, got my dancing shoes on and jumped around to the zumba "Good Morning" song - like I said, I've got two left feet when it comes to dancing, but I was laughing and doing my best to wake up. It was short lived. I decided that sweeping and mopping could be considered exercise so I turned off the videos and went to work in the house...had it really been since preparing for guests at Thanksgiving since I'd mopped? Sigh. I'm too transparent for my own good...yes, it's been that long.</div>
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About then the sun broke through and I had this crazy idea to head to the island. Galveston Island that is. Where no matter the weather I'm guaranteed a pick me up! Just the thoughts of the Island and the special secrets it holds makes wish that were my reality each and every day. I could really get used to that!</div>
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I parked on the seawall and started walking, petting a few pups as they and their owners passed me by. Not too crowded this time of year, that's the way I like it - sorta private. I really like to walk on the sand, but I wasn't thinking and had on my heeled boots. It was a tad too cool to take them off and walk barefoot - I do that a lot...</div>
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I found a spot where I could walk down to the water without getting in the sand...I was on the island, full of wonderful thoughts and so glad I'd decided to play hookie...I'm smiling even now...</div>
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After a little reflecting I decided to stop in the Island Bike shop across the street...I've been doing a little online research and contemplating the idea of owning a bike. I haven't owned a bike since high school - remember when 10 speeds first came out? Yep, I've just dated myself. The only bike riding I've done in 30+ years was a stationary one at the gym and I found that terribly frustrating. I like to see things...to go places. I'm not one to be stationary! </div>
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So I find myself walking into a bike shop that not only rents bikes and surreys but sells and services them. I had lots of questions....and then he asked if I wanted to take a test drive around the block. He didn't have a girl's bike in the style he suggested for me, but I was welcomed to try out the boy's bike...I said no, because I had on heeled boots. I left with catalogs and brochures to walk the few blocks back to my car parked down the seawall - and changed my mind. Fickle female, I decided that I <i>indeed</i> wanted to take a spin - so I drove over there and did just that!</div>
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The owner rolled the bike out the front door for me, and told me to take my time, go around the block at least and experience the incline coming back to see if I really wanted a single gear bike instead of a 3 or 7 speed. (I don't like hand brakes, they scare me - and I don't like to "lean over" like I did on that old 10 speed). I couldn't believe that he was letting me just ride off like that - but then again, he was holding my car keys with my purse locked inside (grin).</div>
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I'm really a shy person in some regards. I'm not real confident in a lot of things, so I do best when no one is watching me. How thankful I was that no one else was in the parking lot and he went back indoors. I would have hated if he'd hovered, that would have made me feel old and incapable - something I didn't want to be apparent! I have to admit it was a stretch to get my leg over that "boy bar" - obviously all my 4 days of exercise hasn't limbered me up quite that much. Okay. I'm on. The seat was the right height, it took just a moment to find the pedals and get my balance. What's the old saying about riding a bike? that it comes back to you? Well, it wasn't instant I can tell you, but I wasn't afraid - strange, but for once I really wasn't overly concerned if I'd mess up and make a fool of myself. Maybe it was the fact that no one was watching. I'd peddled about two turns when I figured I'd best test out the brake to make sure I knew how to use it!</div>
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I was a tad wobbly as I rounded the parking lot heading to the sidewalk on my right. By the end of the corner I had my balance and turned right towards town. It was then that I realized I was going to have to get off the sidewalk and enter the street because the sidewalk was quickly ending. Oh good! There's two driveways coming up, all I have to do is do a slight turn left and I'm on the road! Have to admit that thought scared me a bit and it was the second driveway before I got the nerve up to slow down and maneuver like that. Thoughts of finding out just how hard that concrete would be if I fell flashed momentarily as I hit a broken area in the road and tested out the shocks on that seat. But I made it and suddenly, at the time I least expected it - I felt alive! I was actually riding a bike - and no training wheels!</div>
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The first block came up suddenly. I wasn't ready for this to be over yet. He said "<i>take your time"</i> didn't he? Surely I could go another block before turning around....</div>
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I was sitting tall, I felt the wind in my hair, I felt confident. I felt freedom - dare I say, I felt young! This was exhilarating - especially combined with my earlier experiences of enjoying island time. </div>
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I was going to turn on the third block, really I was, but it was a one way street going the wrong way...so I went four blocks away from the seawall bike shop. Oh! and one of them had a four way stop and I managed that without any hick-ups. I was really liking this experience!</div>
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Turn right, go several more blocks before the cross street that lead back to the seawall...hum..didn't realize living in this "flatland" that we actually have some inclines. Yep, had to put the old legs to work...but then again, I'm wanting this for exercise right? By the time I got back to the parking lot my busy little brain is trying to figure out how I can budget for this...Entering the parking lot I notice someone else with their bike - looks like they were airing up a tire or something, they didn't even glance my way...much to my relief!!!</div>
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Stopping wasn't pretty. Well, it wasn't so much the stopping as it was the dis-mounting. I'd forgotten I was on a boy's bike and my leg got hung up trying to swing off. Next thing I knew my knees were to the ground with the bike on top of me! Much to my relief NO ONE saw me or came to my rescue! Saved from public humiliation! Of course I laughed and picked myself up, rolled the bike inside and confessed to the owner that the conclusion of my test drive was less than graceful!</div>
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I thanked him and said that I hoped to be back on the weekend if the weather was nice to rent a bike and ride for an hour or so on the seawall...I do hope the weather holds!</div>
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I'm in love. I know it's silly. But today made me feel alive. The sunshine, the laughter, the wind in my hair....as uninhibited as I could be at the time...I truly enjoyed my island time today. More memory building! I'd like to play hookie more often!</div>
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Now if I can just figure out how to make that bike mine - don't imagine me in a 70's halter top and hot pants, but I bet I can have just as much fun! Dreams....somewhere in time. Island time.</div>
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<br />Karen E. Overtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13013943691661466053noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-228768149564232988.post-77329031145846022422013-01-09T21:57:00.000-06:002013-01-09T21:57:15.969-06:00She Makes Quilts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i> Proverbs 31:22 <span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16.363636016845703px;">She makes coverings for her bed</span></i></h2>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16.363636016845703px;">The Proverbs 31 woman is very energetic - she gets up early to take care of her household, she deals in fine linens and scarlet cloth...and she makes sure her family is warm in the winter by making bed coverings. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: small;">There are a lot more </span>virtues<span style="font-size: small;"> to this woman, but as I read this passage today I kinda focused in on the quilting part (grin).</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: small;">One thing that I did today, like the Proverbs 31 woman, was get up early! About an hour earlier than yesterday thinking I'd do better about fitting in my exercising. I'm sooo glad no one can see my pitiful attempts! Today I thought I'd try zumba. What a hoot!</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Charis SIL, charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/H7OnZCtISkI" width="480"></iframe></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">I do love this song and I like these ladies (they have several YouTubes so I hope to learn to do more) - I attempted three different "dances" but have to admit I just managed to jump around a bit - but that's okay - I was moving right! And I was <b>laughing at myself</b> - so it proved to be a great way to start my day.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7gU8Gx5UMmudnnVg0CFbxHqvzigHEdhPDxq6MhXMLzvDx4aAy_ZBNw0R6Z6ZyOMerSBHHxMXGJCwBLUWfqychBqPX57dXSbMo76QGHM8QYhIyxpcIqqowtbsg8u_F9aS1ZOsd000X0VLd/s1600/1.9.13+c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7gU8Gx5UMmudnnVg0CFbxHqvzigHEdhPDxq6MhXMLzvDx4aAy_ZBNw0R6Z6ZyOMerSBHHxMXGJCwBLUWfqychBqPX57dXSbMo76QGHM8QYhIyxpcIqqowtbsg8u_F9aS1ZOsd000X0VLd/s320/1.9.13+c.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Here's a close up of the customer quilt I finished this afternoon. I was most eager to get it finished so I could work on something special....</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh03224N3gMYitdxGD7gEzmxK_jd23JQtKKeMXDpzGEMxV08IQVsPvJs4UVKhaqL1dI3Jox2GnaaYLfZtW7PHrSsnHGLXuPHdWrV3hzKjevqt0yYMtz-DXbJXFUBWZINRPQKd7dM6CUQdkf/s1600/1.9.13+a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh03224N3gMYitdxGD7gEzmxK_jd23JQtKKeMXDpzGEMxV08IQVsPvJs4UVKhaqL1dI3Jox2GnaaYLfZtW7PHrSsnHGLXuPHdWrV3hzKjevqt0yYMtz-DXbJXFUBWZINRPQKd7dM6CUQdkf/s320/1.9.13+a.jpg" width="320" /></span></a><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">How do you like my color choices? This is the beginnings of a class sample.... back in 2005 I designed a very simple quilt to teach basic beginning techniques....rotary cutting, quarter inch seam, chain piecing, strip piecing, basic four patch, basic block construction, assembling the blocks into the quilt top...and then how to "quilt it" by stitch in the ditch free motion quilting on the domestic sewing machine and finishing it up by hand sewn binding.... the original class was taught to high school girls in the young mothers class in Galveston. The finished quilt was for their newborns or expected babies. It was most rewarding to teach these young ladies a viable skill . I'm sad to report that I lost touch with them, but it is my hope and desire that at least a few of them continued and caught the "quilting bug".</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Now it's time to teach beginners again. I've been wanting to do this for over a year now and the time is soon approaching. This afternoon, in a matter of a few hours, I cut out all the strips needed for the project and began the piecing...</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Hopefully in the next few days I will be able to complete the class sample and set dates for new students to embark on this journey of quilting...then it too can be said of them..."<i>she makes quilts"</i></span></span>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A wife of noble character</span><sup class="crossreference" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-17295K" title="See cross-reference K">K</a>)"></sup><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">who can find?</span></span></i></div>
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Prov-31-10" style="position: relative;">She is worth far more than rubies.</span></div>
</span><span class="text Prov-31-11" id="en-NIV-17296" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; position: relative;"><sup class="versenum" style="display: block; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; position: absolute; text-align: center; vertical-align: top;">11 </sup><div style="text-align: center;">
Her husband<sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-17296M" title="See cross-reference M">M</a>)"></sup> has full confidence in her</div>
</span><span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Prov-31-11" style="position: relative;">and lacks nothing of value.</span></div>
</span><span class="text Prov-31-12" id="en-NIV-17297" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; position: relative;"><sup class="versenum" style="display: block; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; position: absolute; text-align: center; vertical-align: top;">12 </sup><div style="text-align: center;">
She brings him good, not harm,</div>
</span><span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Prov-31-12" style="position: relative;">all the days of her life.</span></div>
</span><span class="text Prov-31-13" id="en-NIV-17298" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; position: relative;"><sup class="versenum" style="display: block; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; position: absolute; text-align: center; vertical-align: top;">13 </sup><div style="text-align: center;">
She selects wool and flax</div>
</span><span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Prov-31-13" style="position: relative;">and works with eager hands.</span></div>
</span><span class="text Prov-31-14" id="en-NIV-17299" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; position: relative;"><sup class="versenum" style="display: block; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; position: absolute; text-align: center; vertical-align: top;">14 </sup><div style="text-align: center;">
She is like the merchant ships,</div>
</span><span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Prov-31-14" style="position: relative;">bringing her food from afar.</span></div>
</span><span class="text Prov-31-15" id="en-NIV-17300" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; position: relative;"><sup class="versenum" style="display: block; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; position: absolute; text-align: center; vertical-align: top;">15 </sup><div style="text-align: center;">
She gets up while it is still night;</div>
</span><span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Prov-31-15" style="position: relative;">she provides food for her family</span></div>
</span><span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Prov-31-15" style="position: relative;">and portions for her female servants.</span></div>
</span><span class="text Prov-31-16" id="en-NIV-17301" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; position: relative;"><sup class="versenum" style="display: block; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; position: absolute; text-align: center; vertical-align: top;">16 </sup><div style="text-align: center;">
She considers a field and buys it;</div>
</span><span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Prov-31-16" style="position: relative;">out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.</span></div>
</span><span class="text Prov-31-17" id="en-NIV-17302" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; position: relative;"><sup class="versenum" style="display: block; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; position: absolute; text-align: center; vertical-align: top;">17 </sup><div style="text-align: center;">
She sets about her work vigorously;</div>
</span><span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Prov-31-17" style="position: relative;">her arms are strong for her tasks.</span></div>
</span><span class="text Prov-31-18" id="en-NIV-17303" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; position: relative;"><sup class="versenum" style="display: block; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; position: absolute; text-align: center; vertical-align: top;">18 </sup><div style="text-align: center;">
She sees that her trading is profitable,</div>
</span><span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Prov-31-18" style="position: relative;">and her lamp does not go out at night.</span></div>
</span><span class="text Prov-31-19" id="en-NIV-17304" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; position: relative;"><sup class="versenum" style="display: block; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; position: absolute; text-align: center; vertical-align: top;">19 </sup><div style="text-align: center;">
In her hand she holds the distaff</div>
</span><span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Prov-31-19" style="position: relative;">and grasps the spindle with her fingers.</span></div>
</span><span class="text Prov-31-20" id="en-NIV-17305" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; position: relative;"><sup class="versenum" style="display: block; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; position: absolute; text-align: center; vertical-align: top;">20 </sup><div style="text-align: center;">
She opens her arms to the poor</div>
</span><span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Prov-31-20" style="position: relative;">and extends her hands to the needy.</span></div>
</span><span class="text Prov-31-21" id="en-NIV-17306" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; position: relative;"><sup class="versenum" style="display: block; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; position: absolute; text-align: center; vertical-align: top;">21 </sup><div style="text-align: center;">
When it snows, she has no fear for her household;</div>
</span><span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Prov-31-21" style="position: relative;">for all of them are clothed in scarlet.</span></div>
</span><span class="text Prov-31-22" id="en-NIV-17307" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; position: relative;"><sup class="versenum" style="display: block; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; position: absolute; text-align: center; vertical-align: top;">22 </sup><div style="text-align: center;">
She makes coverings for her bed;</div>
</span><span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Prov-31-22" style="position: relative;">she is clothed in fine linen and purple.</span></div>
</span><span class="text Prov-31-23" id="en-NIV-17308" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; position: relative;"><sup class="versenum" style="display: block; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; position: absolute; text-align: center; vertical-align: top;">23 </sup><div style="text-align: center;">
Her husband is respected at the city gate,</div>
</span><span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Prov-31-23" style="position: relative;">where he takes his seat among the elders<sup class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-17308Q" title="See cross-reference Q">Q</a>)"></sup> of the land.</span></div>
</span><span class="text Prov-31-24" id="en-NIV-17309" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; position: relative;"><sup class="versenum" style="display: block; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; position: absolute; text-align: center; vertical-align: top;">24 </sup><div style="text-align: center;">
She makes linen garments and sells them,</div>
</span><span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Prov-31-24" style="position: relative;">and supplies the merchants with sashes.</span></div>
</span><span class="text Prov-31-25" id="en-NIV-17310" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; position: relative;"><sup class="versenum" style="display: block; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; position: absolute; text-align: center; vertical-align: top;">25 </sup><div style="text-align: center;">
She is clothed with strength and dignity;</div>
</span><span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Prov-31-25" style="position: relative;">she can laugh at the days to come.</span></div>
</span><span class="text Prov-31-26" id="en-NIV-17311" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; position: relative;"><sup class="versenum" style="display: block; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; position: absolute; text-align: center; vertical-align: top;">26 </sup><div style="text-align: center;">
She speaks with wisdom,</div>
</span><span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Prov-31-26" style="position: relative;">and faithful instruction is on her tongue.</span></div>
</span><span class="text Prov-31-27" id="en-NIV-17312" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; position: relative;"><sup class="versenum" style="display: block; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; position: absolute; text-align: center; vertical-align: top;">27 </sup><div style="text-align: center;">
She watches over the affairs of her household</div>
</span><span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Prov-31-27" style="position: relative;">and does not eat the bread of idleness.</span></div>
</span><span class="text Prov-31-28" id="en-NIV-17313" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; position: relative;"><sup class="versenum" style="display: block; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; position: absolute; text-align: center; vertical-align: top;">28 </sup><div style="text-align: center;">
Her children arise and call her blessed;</div>
</span><span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Prov-31-28" style="position: relative;">her husband also, and he praises her:</span></div>
</span><span class="text Prov-31-29" id="en-NIV-17314" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; position: relative;"><sup class="versenum" style="display: block; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; position: absolute; text-align: center; vertical-align: top;">29 </sup><div style="text-align: center;">
“Many women do noble things,</div>
</span><span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Prov-31-29" style="position: relative;">but you surpass them all.”</span></div>
</span><span class="text Prov-31-30" id="en-NIV-17315" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; position: relative;"><sup class="versenum" style="display: block; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; position: absolute; text-align: center; vertical-align: top;">30 </sup><div style="text-align: center;">
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;</div>
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<span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Prov-31-30" style="position: relative;">but a woman who fears the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> is to be praised.</span></div>
</span><span class="text Prov-31-31" id="en-NIV-17316" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; position: relative;"><sup class="versenum" style="display: block; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; position: absolute; text-align: center; vertical-align: top;">31 </sup><div style="text-align: center;">
Honor her for all that her hands have done,</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="background-color: white; font-family: monospace; line-height: 0;"><i> </i></span><span class="text Prov-31-31" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; position: relative;"><i>and let her works bring her prai</i></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">se</span><sup class="crossreference" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-17316S" title="See cross-reference S">S</a>)"></sup><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> <i>at the city gate.</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Proverbs 31:10-31</span></i></span></div>
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<br />Karen E. Overtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13013943691661466053noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-228768149564232988.post-81787782777304256652013-01-08T17:06:00.002-06:002013-01-08T17:08:09.115-06:00Proceed with Caution<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. <b>Each day has enough trouble on its own</b>. Matthew 6:34</i><br />
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What a day! It started out pretty good - the alarm went off and I jumped out of bed eager to begin the new day. Well, that's an exaggeration, didn't really leap out of bed, but I did have a plan!<br />
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Yep, I was going for "day two" of exercise! Several months back I purchased my "magic bullet" - an exerciser to end all exercisers, one that I knew would give me that slim trim look in only 30 days! Well, the problem with it was you have to use it more than three times for it to work. Sigh.<br />
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Today was the day! I pulled out my trusty little exercise DVD, set up the Core Body Reformer, had my exercise gear on and away I went....I was huffing and puffing and really thought I was going to die, and then she said "that was round one, now that you know the routine we are going to do it three more times"...and that's when I put in the stretching DVD from yesterday - that was hard enough! But I did it, I stretched and patted myself on the back for at least moving and not falling over. It's a start!<br />
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So far so good right? Well, just when you think it's safe to go back into the water something goes wrong...very wrong. Seems our bathroom sink has been stopping up lately. Liquid Plumber was working over time but needed a little help....and then it happened. The pipe broke and flooded the cabinet underneath...Time to call a professional plumber...sigh...<br />
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It would be afternoon before I could be worked into the schedule. That's okay, at least I knew help was coming. We only have one bathroom and trying to remember NOT to use the sink was most difficult. Good thing I am a resourceful woman - I mean, who else do you know that keeps caution tape just laying around the studio!<br />
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On to bigger things. This lovely batik quilt was up next on the frame. You'd think that it's beauty would keep me glued to the machine, but alas, I was battling with my mind today. Worry was creeping it's way back in. The clouds had rolled back around, figuratively and literally. Oh how I miss sunshine. I turned the praise and worship music up really loud.... God inhabits the praise of His people right? And music calms the soul...as does a conversation with a good friend reassuring me that I'm not alone in this sometimes upsetting world.<br />
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I had hoped to have a photo of the completed quilt, but found myself taking time off while the plumber was here - sorta hard to run the machine with someone working in your house...besides, it was someone "live" to talk to for a bit (grin). Seriously, I didn't hover, I respect a working man too much to do that. A few hours later I have new pipes and an unexpected repair bill!<br />
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And a day that has gotten away from me, <i>again</i>. Goodness. I don't have an answer for that one. Some days are diamonds, some days are stone...but in retrospect I can say that I did accomplish a few goals: (1) I exercised - what doesn't kill you makes you stronger right? (2) I managed to eat healthy all day (3) I have now "gone back to work" after the holidays and illness - a little slower going, but I do need to apply the grace factor here, maybe it was just a half a day, but it was pleasant and I did enjoy the process and (4) I have a new set of pipes that won't leak and because of the process I have a clean bathroom and clean cabinets! and (5) I learned that God gives you people to come a long side you to encourage you when you are down - reminding me that I don't walk this journey alone.</div>
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One of the songs today was most meaningful..."He gives and takes away, blessed be the name of the Lord". Whatever lesson it is that I'm suppose to be learning I hope I passed the test. It wasn't in my budget to have repairs but I'm trusting that God already knows that and He has a plan to redeem what was lost. I'm thankful that He always provides, even when I slip up and worry <grin></grin></div>
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<i>When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place <b>what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? </b>You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor. Psalm 8:3-5</i></div>
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Karen E. Overtonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13013943691661466053noreply@blogger.com4