tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85126711189877111232024-03-13T23:15:55.448-04:00Hanging By A ThreadAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00957216692977711303noreply@blogger.comBlogger123125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8512671118987711123.post-47724971743265333032018-06-29T12:27:00.000-04:002018-06-29T12:27:59.961-04:00Summertime has arrivedIt's been a very long time since I added to my blog. I'm happy that summer is finally here, brining with it longer days filled with sunshine and hot weather. I spend some time recently doing a little yard work, planting some flowers and deep cleaning my house. I added a little solar powered accent lighting to the walkway and gutters and the flowers have really taken off.<br />
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I am enjoying a couple of months off from school crossing duties which enables me to sleep in a little later, stay up sewing a little longer and quilt to my heart's content. I have also added a very new and exciting line of work to my quilting repertoire, teaching "Learn to Long Arm" classes.<br />
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You know how they say, when one door closes, another one opens? This is exactly how this came to be recently. My beloved local quilt store, The Quilt Spot, in Midland Park, decided to close. Turns out that three LQS stores in a few weeks in New Jersey that have gone out of business. I won't speculate why here, but only say that it was heartbreaking to see this sweet little shop close.<br />
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However, there is a newer store in East Hanover, NJ that has been doing very well selling a wide variety of sewing machines, and I was invited to visit them to discuss teaching long arm classes to help them grow their long arm rental program. We scheduled 3 long arm sessions and within a week they were all filled. We added more sessions over the summer, on different days of the week and weekends. These are also filling up so quickly.<br />
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While some may think that teaching long arm quilting might be counter intuitive to being a successful arm quilter, I would say, it's thrilling to see so many quiltermakers wanting to try their hand at long arming and quilt their own quilts. I understand the desire to complete something on your own from start to finish. I also believe that my quilting business will not suffer because some customers may wish to quilt their own quilts. There is plenty of work out there for the talented long arm quilters in our area and I actually think this will continue even with an LQS offering rental time on their three long arm machines.<br />
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While I own two Gammill professional long arm machines, I am only able to quilt so many quilts each week and never seem to have enough time to get my backlog down. So I believe this new endeavor will help take the pressure off to quilt more hours each week, while also sharing my love of long arm and free motion uilting with other quilters. I don't think renting quilting time will be for everyone and that there will still be plenty of custom and quilting work out there.<br />
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In addition to teaching long arm classes, Sew Jersey is allowing me to offer coiled clothesline basket making, orange peel, hashtag and finishing quilt classes over the summer. There will also be a tuffet class offered in the fall.<br />
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So while I may be on summer vacation, I am staying plenty busy with teaching and quilting and visiting with friends and family. I hope to be able to sneak a beach day or two in this summer as well.<br />
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Hope to see you soon. <br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00957216692977711303noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8512671118987711123.post-40489391792175467452018-05-21T10:29:00.002-04:002018-05-21T10:29:40.821-04:00http://extremequilting.net/Recently I suffered a shoulder injury and my ability to sew and quilt or even wrap baskets was diminished while it healed. I am happy to report it’s much better this week and I have started slowly back to quilting.<br />
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During my down time, I started working on launching my website, something I had been meaning to do for at least 3 years but had never sat down and drawn up the content.<br />
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I’m please to announce that my website is up and running and I actually enjoyed the creative process to create it!<br />
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http://extremequilting.net/<br />
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Godaddy made it very easy to make the website and get it published. Once I had the framework built, it was a matter of uploading pictures for the two galleries and the links to my other sites including Pinterest, Instagram and of course, Facebook. <br />
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While there is a lot more I can do with it, it is up and running and already getting traffic and feedback <br />
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I hope you will check it out and let me know what you think. I have to decide whether to keep my blog here or move it permanently to the new site. I haven’t been blogging much because I just don’t have a lot of spare time to sit and write.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00957216692977711303noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8512671118987711123.post-24602491037284178092018-04-12T10:32:00.000-04:002018-04-12T10:32:01.713-04:00EXtreme Quilting launched on EtsyYep, I finally set up my Etsy shop and posted a few listings to see if I could sell some of my beloved quilts and handmade baskets. My house is overflowing with quilts and baskets and it's time to downsize, make some room and sell some of these things.<br />
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I'm happy to report that I made my first sale two weeks ago, a large, turquoise wavy basket. It was very exciting to actually have an inquiry, receive payment, pack ship and watch the basket travel to Montana. <br />
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My etsy shop is called Extreme Quilting and currently I have over 70 tems listed and will be positing more items for sale in the coming weeks. During the evening news, after I am done working on quilts, I have been wrapping clothesline to make bundles which will be used to create my coiled baskets. I find this wrapping very relaxing and portable. Yesterday I had to go to the DMV to renew my driver's license and registration. Sure I could have done it via mail, but I wanted a fresh picture because I really hated the old picture. Having lost a considerable amount of weight since Mike Passed away, I felt a fresh current picture was in order. So I killed two birds with one stone and I did the trip to the DMV with clothesline, fabric strips and glue sticks in a tote bag.<br />
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As it was mid week and mid month, the wait times weren't too bad. I was in and out in just over an hour. I'm sure the other patrons were wondering what the heck I was doing, but I'm used to the stRes and the occasional cell phone picture taking when I am sitting there wrapping my clothesline. then I headed off to meet with some friends nearby and spend a couple of hours catching up, wrapping clothesline, talking about life and quilting. It was a nice afternoon.<br />
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Stay cool. I'll be back with pictures of the baskets once I make the time to sit and sculpt them into finished product.<br />
If you get the chance, be sure to check out my Etsy store and some of the items I have for sale.<br />
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https://www.etsy.com/shop/ExtremeQuilting<br />
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https://www.etsy.com/shop/ExtremeQuilting?ref=search_shop_redirect<br />
Thanks for stopping by.<br />
<br />
Diane Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00957216692977711303noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8512671118987711123.post-61115148799684404732017-05-14T21:20:00.000-04:002017-05-14T21:20:00.345-04:00Easy Skillet TamalesRecently I purchased some frozen tamales from Trader Joe's. I really liked them for lunch, they are quick and easy to prepare for a quick meal. However, I thought I would like to try making tamales myself. So I set out to find how tamales are made and what ingredients might be needed. Normally, tamales are steamed inside a corn husk to cook them, but the husks are thrown out because they are inedible. Plus it's a lot of work to shape and wrap the tamales to prepare them.<br />
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So I opted to try a one pot tamale dish instead. Essentially everything is prepared in a big Covered skillet or Dutch oven.<br />
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Here are the ingredients you'll need to make this dish<br />
2 lbs lean ground beef<br />
1 medium sweet onion, skinned and chopped finely<br />
1 package of taco seasoning<br />
1 TSP ground cumin<br />
1 small can of chopped green chilies, undrained<br />
1 28 OZ large can of tomato sauce or puréed tomatoes<br />
1 large can dark red kidney beans, undrained<br />
Freshly ground black pepper<br />
1/2 tsp smoked paprika<br />
Sliced green onions (optional)<br />
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1-2 packages cornbread mix (plus eggs and milk as called for in the mix instructions). I used 2 boxes Jiffy brand cornbread mix plus two eggs and 2/3 cup of milk.)<br />
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Sauté the ground meat and onion on medium high until the meat is browned and no pink remains. Drain off all the fat from the meat. Return to the pan and add in the tomatoes, beans, taco seasoning, pepper, paprika, and chilies. Stir until well combined. Cover and simmer for 5 minutes on medium low heat.<br />
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<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, mix the cornbread, eggs and milk and stir until large lumps disappear. Remove the lid from the meat mixture and add the cornbread to the top of the meat using a large spoon. Re-cover, adjust the heat to low and simmer for 18-20 minutes. Once the cornbread is done, add the grated Mexican cheese shreds. Re-cover and allow the cheese to melt (about 5 minutes more on low). Add sliced green onions if desired as you serve. <br />
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OMG! Look at that Cheese! <br />
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Makes 8-10 hearty servings. <br />
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#skillettamales #look@thatcheese! #tamales #cornbread #easyskilletdinnerAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00957216692977711303noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8512671118987711123.post-91834125958281928582017-05-07T20:34:00.000-04:002017-05-07T20:34:04.183-04:00Sweet n Spicy Chicken MeatballsSo last week I was searching around PINTEREST for some recipes for chicken curry dishes. I came across several which I pinned to my allrecipes board, the place where I keep recipes that look interesting and want to try. I made chicken curry using thighs and it was delicious and easy. However, one of the recipes I pinned was a chicken with curry and coconut using ground chicken.<br />
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I was at Trader Joe's and they had beautiful ground chicken. I bought a package so that I could try the other recipe I had pinned. Unfortunately, the links to ththe recipe were broken and I was able to see the actual recipe itself. So I searched and found another chicken meatball recipe. I did not have any Frank's hot sauce on hand as the recipes required, so I morph the recipe into sweet and spicy chicken meatballs use a mango pineapple salsa instead. the red pepper flakes gives it a little kick, you can adjust the heat according to your preference by adding more or less red pepper flakes. If you like really spicy food, feel free to add some hot sauce to turn up the heat.<br />
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Here is what you will need<br />
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For the meatballs:<br />
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1 lb ground chicken<br />
1 cup panto breadcrumbs<br />
2 eggs<br />
1/2 tsp salt<br />
1/2 tsp black or white freshly ground pepper<br />
1/2 tsp crushed garlic (I used elephant garlic crushed through my garlic press.<br />
1 tsp parsley flakes<br />
1 tsp onion powder or onion flakes ( I used the latter)<br />
1 tsp smoked papkrika<br />
1/8 tsp red pepper flakes<br />
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Place all these ingredients into a bowl and toss gently to blend well, but do not over handle. <br />
Roll into either 20 quarter sized or 12 medium sized meatballs.<br />
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Place on a greased baking sheet and bake 12-14 minutes in a pre heated 400 degree oven. Halfway through, gently turn the meatballs to ensure even baking and browning. They should be a golden brown when done.<br />
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While the meatballs are baking, put the following ingredients in a small saucepan over low heat and allow it to heat and simmer for 8-10 minutes. Once done, turn off heat and cover.<br />
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To make Sauce:<br />
1 cup mango pineapple salsa<br />
1/4 cup brown sugar<br />
2-3 TBSP apple cider vinegar<br />
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes<br />
1/8 tsp salt<br />
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I made a cup of brown rice medley which cooked in 2 1/2 cups of water and 1 TBSP of butter for 35 minutes. I served the meatballs covered with sauce over the rice sprinkled with parsley flakes for color and garnish, It was a tasty and very filling dinner.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a9MWjqw7mm0/WQ5SkLeTyVI/AAAAAAAABjE/AMM1YFAIe-IDwT_1htIFns8hjbzYO4dEgCLcB/s1600/IMG_2524.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a9MWjqw7mm0/WQ5SkLeTyVI/AAAAAAAABjE/AMM1YFAIe-IDwT_1htIFns8hjbzYO4dEgCLcB/s320/IMG_2524.JPG" width="240" height="320" /></a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00957216692977711303noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8512671118987711123.post-39620681015762874872017-05-06T18:43:00.001-04:002017-05-06T18:43:28.086-04:00Chicken, Sweet Potato and Quinoa Hot PotToday was a low energy, overcast day for me. My BFF told me she was making soup. I thought that sounded like a good idea, so I set out to make something from ingredients I already had in house. I just didn't feel like heading to the grocery store.<br />
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Here is what I used to pull together this delicious warm soup. The chicken thighs along with the carrots, sweet potatoes and spices plus the quinoa make for a very hearty soup. <br />
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Place the following ingredients into the bottom of your crockpot.<br />
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6 boneless skinless chicken thighs<br />
1 large sweet onion, chopped into bite size pieces<br />
2 large peeled sweet potatoes, chopped into 3/4" cubes<br />
1 1/2 cups chopped carrots<br />
1 cup dry quinoa<br />
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed<br />
1 medium sized can of diced tomatoes with liquid<br />
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Mix together the following and then pour into the pot.<br />
1 package dry herb and garlic soup mix<br />
1/2 tsp salt<br />
1/4 tsp fresh ground pepper<br />
1 tap parsley flakes<br />
1/2 tsp cinnamon<br />
1 tsp chili powder<br />
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes<br />
1/2 tsp ground cumin powder<br />
4 cups low sodium chicken broth (1 box)<br />
1 med can of diced tomatoes with liquid<br />
2 TBSP Dijon mustard<br />
2 TBSP honey<br />
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Cover and cook on high 4-4.5 hours. Serve hot in big bowls with a good crusty bread and some herbed butter. It will keep on warm or low for several more hours if needed.<br />
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#chickensweetpotatoquinoasoup #slowcookerrecipes #yummy #easysoup #lovemycrockpotAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00957216692977711303noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8512671118987711123.post-2535946603834491812017-05-04T18:53:00.003-04:002017-05-08T11:34:07.425-04:00Smoked sausage with Potatoes and Crispy VeggiesI like my veggies crispy. Peppers and Onions, coupled with garlic, herbs and spices sautéed until just barely cooked are wonderful. I find them more tasty and digestible than those that are overcooked, limp and mushy. <br />
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Tonight's dinner was simple. Turkey kielbasa, fingerling potatoes, two brightly colored sweet peppers, a big sweet onion and loads of fresh pressed garlic.<br />
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I heated the EVOO on medium high until it was rippling hot. I tossed in the washed and sliced fingerling baby potatoes and allowed them to crisp and brown ever so slightly before adding the garlic, onion and seasonings, including: thyme, rosemary, red pepper flakes, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning. I allowed the onions and garlic to become fragrant before adding the chopped up red and orange sweet peppers. While these were dancing around in the pan, I added 1TBSP of coconut oil and let them simmering tossing them frequently to keep things cooking evenly. Between stirs, I cut the kielbasa in half and sliced it into bite sized pieces. After about 4-5 minutes While the veggies were still very crispy, I added the sliced meat and a good shake of parsley, pink salt and fennel seed.<br />
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I continued to cook all of this on high for maybe 5-6 more minutes, before removing from the heat and serving. The combination of the spices and herbs, fresh frangrant veggies, coconut oil and meat made for a delightful melange that was quite pleasing to my palate. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D_QhGc1jEQY/WQ5UMMKdsuI/AAAAAAAABjQ/Dd43O3c8ILEyKVcRQnd6Kt4hax0oUT2FQCLcB/s1600/crispy_veggies%2526sausage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D_QhGc1jEQY/WQ5UMMKdsuI/AAAAAAAABjQ/Dd43O3c8ILEyKVcRQnd6Kt4hax0oUT2FQCLcB/s400/crispy_veggies%2526sausage.jpg" width="400" height="400" /></a></div>There will be plenty of leftovers for the next couple of days, but nothing beats it hot off the stovetop, steaming hot and fragrant so the dogs are circling around for a taste. Unfortunately, they can't have any tonight because of the onion, garlic and spices.<br />
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#smokedsausage&veggies #whatsfordinner #kielbasaskillet Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00957216692977711303noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8512671118987711123.post-30248642963236330492017-03-31T13:47:00.000-04:002017-03-31T13:47:14.372-04:00Rainy days are great for quiltingSome days I feel a bit guilty for spending so much time inside sewing and quilting, usually when the weather is really nice. However, I am never of this mindset when it rains. Today is a very chilly, rainy day and both my dogs and I are perfectly happy to be warm and dry inside away from the weather. I think that rainy weather is perfect for guiltless quilting time.<br />
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What are you working on today? I am quilting two custom jobs, one in each long arm. No pictures today, until they are done.<br />
Stay tuned.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00957216692977711303noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8512671118987711123.post-36073870718129288592017-03-30T21:16:00.000-04:002017-03-30T21:16:03.068-04:00FAT QUARTER FRENZYIt's late March 2017 and the weather this week has been pretty cold. Today was a gift. I had no where I needed to be so my digs and I were able to sleep in a bit and cuddle later than usual. After a beautiful, long morning walk with them in their sweaters, I set out to run errands. The weather was incredible, sunny, warm and very spring like. <br />
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My first stop was my LQS. I picked up a 16 FQ to be used as the fabrics for these four sided placemats. I also procured a new sent of snips to use while long arming. I had noticed that one of my two pairs had become dull and didn't clip threads as easily as they used to when I first got them. <br />
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Then I ran across the street to the local Tuesday Morning store just to stop in and see what they had in the way of coffee and luggage that might be able to serve as a new rolling bag for my lighter weight Bernina 230 sewing machine. I had measure the machine so when I spotted this rolling bag for crafts. I measured it and it seemed like it might work. The store had tons of FQ bundles that I also picked up to use in my Dresden quilt series, chevron and zig zag and dots. I had the clerk out all the FQs into the rolling back and went along my merry way. Next stop, grocery store for just a few basics.<br />
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I went home, unpacked my find and unhappily discovered the rolling bag wasn't big enough for the machine. I unwrapped and inventoried my FQ purchases and sorted them by color and pattern to be put away. Tossed the country pork ribs into my trusty crockpot with some herbs and spices and a bottle of BBQ sauce. Dinner was cooking itself. After another long and slow dog walk with no coats or sweaters, I too, off to return the rolling bag to a different Tuesday morning store. I was given a credit and decided to just go and take a look to see what this different store might have of interest. More FQ bundles called my name. Under the shelving I happened across a Robert Kauffman 25 fat quarter bundle.. It was Texture Spectrum, a rainbow assortment of colors and it was under 40 dollars. I snapped it up with gusto and two pairs of socks and go the heck out of there. I was pshyched! <br />
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For those f you that don't know what a fat quarter (FQ) is, its a piece of fabric 18" X 22" or so in size. Shops cut half yard pieces and then slice them across the width to make a more useful piece of fabric. A quarter yard would measure 9" X 44". Typically quilt shop quality Fat Quarters cost anywhere between 2.50 - 5.00 each. This discounted bundle made them a bargain @1.60 each! The list price for a 25 piece bundle is usually $85. I know into exactly how I am going to use them. <br />
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It really did turn out to be a FAT "quarter" day. So much for not buying any new fabric in 2017!<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00957216692977711303noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8512671118987711123.post-91739438372330001962017-03-29T16:22:00.003-04:002017-03-29T16:22:58.962-04:00ACCUQUILT Go! Is Great for Speed Piecing and Stash BustingI was first introduced to the ACCUQUILT GO! Die cutter a little over four years ago at my local quilt shop. One of my quilting friends had the machine, a few dies and the cutting mats for them. I tried using it to cut out tumbler shapes from Halloween fabrics. It was the easiest and most efficient way to cut out a charm quilt.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F0e8M1LlWUc/WNwVPHfytyI/AAAAAAAABhY/7xOjWL6j2BQnLPHA1hZm89ECbcsWtJj_QCLcB/s1600/small_halloween_tumblers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F0e8M1LlWUc/WNwVPHfytyI/AAAAAAAABhY/7xOjWL6j2BQnLPHA1hZm89ECbcsWtJj_QCLcB/s320/small_halloween_tumblers.jpg" width="320" height="240" /></a></div><br />
Charm quilts are usually made from a single shape and from many different fabrics. The tumbler is a very old quilting shape and has been around for a very long time. I had never used that shape to make a quilt. Two of my friends and I decided to share all of our various Halloween fabric collections and cut tumbler shapes to make quilts. I spent an entire Sunday afternoon die cutting tumbler shapes from hundreds of spooky and fun novelty fabrics. Each of us got 1 or more tumbler of each fabric.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--ba9rl51F0U/WNwVlBUlN-I/AAAAAAAABhc/LFNBEsHvonUmzZuoU5AZedwnLSZCtxJLACLcB/s1600/HALLOWEEN_TUMBLERS_KING.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--ba9rl51F0U/WNwVlBUlN-I/AAAAAAAABhc/LFNBEsHvonUmzZuoU5AZedwnLSZCtxJLACLcB/s320/HALLOWEEN_TUMBLERS_KING.jpg" width="320" height="240" /></a></div>There are two very important advantages to the ACCUQUILT Go! The first is accuracy. Even though I consider myself an expert quilter, and I have been using rulers, rotary cutters and mats since they first hit the market in the late 1980s, I find it next to impossible to get the consistency and accuracy of shapes cut with ACCUQUILT when I manually cut them with a rotary tool set. <br />
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The second advantage is speed. I find that I can only accurately and quickly use my rotary tools to cut 4 layers of fabric, but with the ACCUQUILT, I can cut 6 layers of shapes several times in the same amount of time. There is no twisting and turning of the fabric you are cutting when there are angular shapes. I do use my rotary tools to trim up the fabric into pieces to run thru the die machine, but after loading it and with a few simple and fast turns of the crank handle, I have my perfect shapes every time.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jqg-FP5-Hv4/WNwVtt_fC2I/AAAAAAAABhg/BTN-HpsmiKofa3RPkitdaUvg5tdDPd_pACLcB/s1600/FANTASY_FLOWERS_TOP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jqg-FP5-Hv4/WNwVtt_fC2I/AAAAAAAABhg/BTN-HpsmiKofa3RPkitdaUvg5tdDPd_pACLcB/s320/FANTASY_FLOWERS_TOP.jpg" width="319" height="320" /></a></div><br />
I have noticed that because the pieces are accurate and consistent, my piecing goes faster and the seams always match up with little to no effort on my part. This is due to the notches cut into the corner of the tumbler shape which assist the sewer in properly lining up the edges when sewing the seams. While not all of the myriad of die shapes have these, many of them do and it is a real time saver and plus for the sewing perfectionist. <br />
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In an attempt to declutter and downsize my fabric stash, as well as create some quilt tops for charity, I spent last Friday afternoon, slicing and dicing and die cutting three different sets of shapes from most of my novelty fabrics. I had an over abundance of fish fabrics that were leftover from a quilt I made years ago for my beloved dad. I also had tons of fat quarters in juvenile prints and really bright fabrics. And there was that stash of camouflage fabrics I had purchased during the paintball years. Finally, I was surprised to find a large stack of cowboy, western and horse imprinted fabrics that I had acquired when I was into country western line dancing almost 20 years ago. I am sure I had purchased them to make a themed quilt for a certain two stepping cowboy I knew, but he passed away years ago and it was time to do something with them. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2nlCKqJdyQg/WNwVz_udFdI/AAAAAAAABhk/HOo6-uqO8zw87TofyJ_bwSuxYUgykEXkACLcB/s1600/5square_quilt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2nlCKqJdyQg/WNwVz_udFdI/AAAAAAAABhk/HOo6-uqO8zw87TofyJ_bwSuxYUgykEXkACLcB/s320/5square_quilt.jpg" width="240" height="320" /></a></div>One Saturday, armed with my machine, sewing supplies and a large ziploc bag full of tumbler and half tumbler blocks I headed off to a local church to spend the day sewing with a very lovely group of quilters. I managed in one afternoon to piece together 10 rows of 16 tumblers each from the fish fabrics to almost complete a top. On Sunday, I finished piecing the rows together and made a few more to right size the quilt for a queen sized bed. I still needed to add borders, but I saved some of the large chunks of pretty aquatic fabrics to use for backing, borders and binding. I think that's pretty fast piecing.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--LXOCbFhaXY/WNwW9vjpukI/AAAAAAAABh0/4LHorsuHWxkmTkn6tjdp_3WpjZ8Qt1VMgCLcB/s1600/triangles_handdyed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--LXOCbFhaXY/WNwW9vjpukI/AAAAAAAABh0/4LHorsuHWxkmTkn6tjdp_3WpjZ8Qt1VMgCLcB/s320/triangles_handdyed.jpg" width="240" height="320" /></a></div>I originally ended up with three large bags of blocks to piece together from all those fabrics. Some are half hexagons, which will form whole hexagon blocks and are easier to piece than a full hexagon. The other shapes are equilateral triangles which will be made in to baby and kids quilts for charity. I have gone through two and a half of them.<br />
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I also use them to cut out applique shapes in freezer paper both for myself for applique quilts as well as for teaching some applique classes. I find perfect circles to be a problem for many and Accuquilt circles solve this problem for me time and time again!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hDeJ_s90wHU/WNwWSXchBJI/AAAAAAAABho/Lei0vIdZCuEgV72L97H5gwTR2TsCfq7iwCLcB/s1600/citrus_SIzzler_inbox.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hDeJ_s90wHU/WNwWSXchBJI/AAAAAAAABho/Lei0vIdZCuEgV72L97H5gwTR2TsCfq7iwCLcB/s320/citrus_SIzzler_inbox.jpg" width="320" height="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ExaSs1lZU0w/WNwWXgGBkdI/AAAAAAAABhs/WTNsafHeKM0Z0DZePFKAlBlIbb44k3ThACLcB/s1600/Crop_circles_detail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ExaSs1lZU0w/WNwWXgGBkdI/AAAAAAAABhs/WTNsafHeKM0Z0DZePFKAlBlIbb44k3ThACLcB/s320/Crop_circles_detail.jpg" width="320" height="240" /></a></div><br />
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If you are thinking about buying one of these die cutters, I say go for it. Mine has enabled me to use up a good chunk of my fabric stash, make quilts faster and more accurately and that is always a good thing. I see a lot of quilters asking online if the die cutters are worth the investment. I would stRt out with the cutter, a die and may or two and go from there. I would go out and invest in every die and mat they make, because you probably won't use them all. If you belong to a group, sewing circle, guild or quilting bee, it might be worthwhile to see if anyone I that group already has the cutter and just invest in the die and mats. You may be able to strike a deal with your friend to use their cutting machine in exchange for use of your die and mats if they differ,from ones they already have. Sharing is good in this case.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7n_llsWmuGk/WNwXIT2C0BI/AAAAAAAABh4/RtFOW4Vb-Ugmlw2f66smZEaLvJHX14pcgCLcB/s1600/arc_reactor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7n_llsWmuGk/WNwXIT2C0BI/AAAAAAAABh4/RtFOW4Vb-Ugmlw2f66smZEaLvJHX14pcgCLcB/s320/arc_reactor.jpg" width="320" height="282" /></a></div>In closing, I would like to state that in no way shape or form am I being compensated by Accuquilt to endorse or blog about their products. I just feel as if I can help to shed some light on how wonderful their die cut products are for anyone that might be on the fence about purchasing them. <br />
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#accuquilt #diecuttersrock #tumblerquilts #dianefamaquiltdesigns #lovemyjob #love2longarm #love2quilt #usingupmystash Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00957216692977711303noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8512671118987711123.post-72064990264422031952017-02-12T14:11:00.000-05:002017-02-12T14:17:23.190-05:00Tips for Quilting Class Success for StudentsI am a quilter and have been enjoying sewing and quilting since I was a very small child. I was lucky to have enjoyed two really important sewing mentors, my lovely and highly talented Mother, Marie, who sewed most of her clothes and mine in the the sixties and early seventies, and Priscilla Hill, my 4-H group leader. It is because of these two women that I still love to sew today and also enjoy teaching others to sew and quilt.<br />
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Yes, I am a long arm quilter, but I also teach quilting technique classes so others can learn how to expand their quilting technique skills. On occasion, I take classes from others and I always try to be a good student and respectful of their techniques, even when they differ from mine. However, last weekend, I was "the bad student" in a bag making class being taught by a really super nice and special friend. I apologized to her for both bad behaviors and she was very gracious. But I thought it might be fun to share my personal experience with you today and make you aware of how your own bad behavior might impact your own learning experience during a quilting class which you paid to attend.<br />
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1). Be on time! Plan ahead, pack the car the night before if necessary, but show up before the start time of the class and get set up. I'm embarrassed to admit, I did not do this last Saturday and I was running 15-20 minutes late. I did text msg the group to let them know I was running late so they didn't worry, but I certainly did not expect them to wait for me to arrive and get set up to start class. Yes, stuff happens that makes us late. In this case, my little dog didn't want to go out for her morning walk and when I finally got her dressed and outside, it was the slowest walk we've ever taken. I guess she knew I was going to be gone all day and maybe it was her way of rebelling. Or maybe she just wasn't feeling great that morning. Either way, it was an unanticipated delay that made me late. I should have gotten up earlier to ensure I was ahead of schedule, just in case. There is nothing more rude to your fellow students than showing up an hour late and then expecting the instructor to stop, back up start over and catch you up because you were late. I did not do this, but I have had students who did in the past.<br />
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2). Get the supply list as soon as you sign up for the class and read it. Plan ahead! Ask questions to the shop, program director or the instructor if you have any questions about what an item is or where it can be purchased if you don't own it already. Make sure you have all of the supplies packed and ready to take to class. If there is prep cutting, pressing or other work to be done, do it before class. Your instructor has timed each step of the process to ensure the length of the class is appropriate to perform the work. You can't comfortably fit 8 hours of work into a 4 hour class. Do the prep work ahead.<br />
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3). Make sure your sewing machine is in good working order and you know how to use it. Clean and oil it before you take it to class and insert a new needle so its sewing well. I do perform regular maintenance on all my sewing machines. Here is another place I failed miserably. I took my 35 year old 1090 to class and about 1 hour in, it stopped working. It was a mechanical problem, the needle bar stopped functioning properly, but this prevented me from being able to finish my bag during class. I was very fortunate that Amy, the teacher, also ad a Bernina and allowed me to use it during class so I could try and keep up. I was embarrassed to have to ask her if I could use it. While I could not have foreseen a machine failure, I have had this happen to several students over the years and it can be very difficult to complete class if your machine breaks down. This machine had been in for a tuneup a few months back. My other machine was in the shop for repair. Some folks show up with a borrowed machine they have no clue how to thread or use. It is not the instructor's job to help you figure it out if you don't know how to use the machine. She is there to teach everyone so make sure you are well prepared and know how to operate, thread and work your machine. Always bring the manual with you, just in case. While I don't mind helping folks out that have machine issues, I will only do it if time allows and everyone else in class is happily sewing away without needing "hands-on" help. I am sure that it made the teachers day more stressful having someone else use her machine so she wasn't able to use it to demo steps whenever she needed. She never let it show!<br />
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4). If you are working with a printed pattern, read the pattern and understand the construction process ahead of class. Doing this will help you understand what to expect and identify any questionable areas for the instructor. I am always amazed at how many people never read the instructions or patterns. That said, some patterns are very poorly written and hard to follow. This is where your instructor will be able to help everyone work through the technique. I often change things up from what the pattern calls for because I see an easier, faster or better way to do something. I will always show you the shortcuts if I find them.<br />
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5). Wind your bobbins ahead of class. I find it very distracting having to listen to the clunk, clunk, wizzing whirl of bobbins being wound while I am walking class through the steps or providing verbal instructions. Keep in mind that some people are hard of hearing and the noise from winding bobbins can prevent them from hearing something important. Did you know you can use a snipped off drinking straw on your spool pin and it will reduce the noise? <br />
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6). Bring paper and pen to take note during class. This is crucial because not everything is written down for you handouts and if you go home and don't pick up the project for a week or two or even months later, you won't remember. Even if you finish the project during class, the notes will be there should you decide to make it again down the road.<br />
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7). Always pack a power strip and extension cord with your machine. Electrical outlets may be hard to access and the surge protection the power strip provides may help you from frying the electronics in your sewing machine during class should there be a electrical current fluctuation. <br />
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8). Take pictures with your phone. This can help you after class particularly if there are repetitive tasks involved and you want to remember how you did something. Ask permission from the teacher and fellow students if you photograph their work to make sure it's okay to take pictures, especially if you intend to share them online. There are ladies who do not want their pictures taken or photos of their work shared on social media. Be respectful!<br />
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9). Try not to monopolize the instructor's attention. By all means, ask questions and ask for help, but recognize that if there are 20 students in a class, each one of them should get some individual time with the instructor. We all learn differently and in large classes, the skill levels will likely vary greatly. Sometimes its worthwhile to get up and walk around, see what others are doing, and listen to your instructor helping someone else. No question is a stupid question and everyone should have the opportunity to have them answered during class. If you have a question, it's possible there are others there that have that same question. speak up and ask!<br />
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10). Pay attention to what the instructor has to say. While it's fine to visit and chat and laugh with your fellow students during the class, try and be polite and stop talking and listen. Please pause sewing if your machine is loud when they are speaking. Sometimes the instructor will share a really important tip and if your jabbering with your neighbor's and not paying attention you'll both miss it. Sometimes the teacher might be losing their voice and can't project loudly, so it's as important to engage your ears. <br />
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No one is perfect, least of all me! I hope this post today will give you some ideas on how to get the most out of your sewing classroom experiences. I love teaching and getting to know my students. I also love it when they send me pictures of things they made using the techniques they learned in my classes. <br />
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Happy stitching!<br />
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#quiltclasstips #goodsewingstudentsdothis #sewingclassetiquette #improveyourclassroomtime #dianefamaquiltdesigns #lovemyjob #lovetoquilt #lovetoteach <br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00957216692977711303noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8512671118987711123.post-30122595890377027642017-02-08T17:10:00.002-05:002017-02-08T17:10:37.966-05:00Crossing GuardsLate last summer I had the opportunity to apply for a town crossing guard. They hired me in October to work as a substitute guard who fills in for the regular guards when they call out. The job required a background check and fingerprinting, which was not a problem for me. I felt this would be a great way to earn some extra money to pay for my Obamacare and to be around people other than quilters, get me out of the house a few hiurs most days and a good daily dose of Vitamin D. <br />
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I spent two weeks being trained by other guards at various posts across town. The weather for the most part was still warm and everyone I met was really nice. <br />
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I have steadily been working at various posts and have several observations I would like to share with you. <br />
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1) The children and most adults are really polite and happy to have someone to cross them at dangerous intersections. Most thank me morning and afternoon. It's my job. I really enjoy my job.<br />
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2) Many NJ drivers do not truly understand traffic laws. For example, they will drive around you instead of stopping, speed in school zones (yes, its 25 MPH Folks), park in no parking zones, in cross walks, etc. Why are we all in such a hurry in our cars? I say, get up earlier!<br />
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3) Crossing guards are there to protect pedestrians and should be respected by all drivers. This does not happen in many situations. We also like to help to keep the school buses moving and on time so they can make their various rounds to pick up the children they transport. So, yes, we will wave them through the intersection while you are stopped to keep,them on schedule. As a driver you are supposed to yield to the school us, many do not.<br />
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4) When its cold, rainy, snowy, windy and dark, people on their mobile devices can't see you because they are too busy with their electronics. This is why we wear bright lime green high visibility, reflective clothing. that lime green is not a fashion statement! It's necessary so you can see us at greater distances and stop. sometimes, dirty car windows and the angle of the sunlight limit driver vision. if we can't make eye contact and see that you are slowing down and stopping, we will blow our whistles and wave the stop sign to get your attention.<br />
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5) The law states that you are not to park in front of fire hydrants or within 50 feet of a stop sign or 15-25 feet of a cross walk or street corner. All these rules are broken daily by people who think they are above the law. What they don't understand, is that those laws aren't for me. I'm not driving. I'm standing there crossing children and in some cases directing traffic. If you stop or park in the crosswalk, I can't see people walking, especially small children, until they step out past your car or large SUV. If you pull past the stop sign at the intersection where there is a white line painted and into the cross walk, so you can see better, we cannot do our jobs. <br />
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6) If emergency vehicles need to turn at the corner where you are parked, those 15-20 something precious feet where you are not supposed to park will allow the larger vehicles trying to get to the emergency situation the ability to turn easily. If your car is parked there and hit by the firetruck, guess what? You're going to get the ticket not the emergency vehicle. And you can bet I'll be there to testify on their behalf since I am employed by the town police force. Not to mention the delays you cause by them not having their right of way available to respond to the emergency. <br />
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7) If you are walking and about to step off the curb into any street, look up! The life you save may be your own. Put those darn mobile devices down when you cross. There are potholes, uneven pavement and things that can hurt you if you are too busy looking at the little screen instead of where you are walking.<br />
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8) Talk to the crossing guard as your approach the intersection and let them know either vocally or via hand signals which direction you intend to cross if there are multiple roads at the intersection. If you plan to cross and turn left or right and cross again, let your guard know this so they can ensure your safety and keep traffic stopped while you are in the roadway. We can't read your mind and since the guard may be a substitute, we may may not know your walking patterns since sub guard work various posts for other guards most of the time when the call out. <br />
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9) Listen to the crossing guard if you are a pedestrian or cyclist. They are trained to talk to you and give you verbal queues when its safe to walk or necessary to stop. They are also trained to use hand signals and whistles to communicate with the vehicles on the road. I'll bet most of you didn't know this.<br />
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I love being outside. I get to meet new people, wave a tons of strangers and friends and other town employees. I can watch wildlife everywhere and on occasion, I see rainbows and some of the most beautiful clouds, sunsets, and weird vehicles everywhere. I am the eyes and ears of the town. I report potholes when they are near my post so they can be filled and no one trips and gets hurt. I know my job can sometimes be dangerous, but I enjoy it despite the rain, wind, cold, snow, sleet, and really bad drivers. The children and most parents are wonderful. <br />
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So if you see me around town, wave (don't honk)!<br />
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#CrossingGuards #trafficrules #stopwhenIstepout #blowmywhistle #safetyfirst<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00957216692977711303noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8512671118987711123.post-60045267247970117572017-02-06T20:53:00.002-05:002017-02-06T20:53:56.973-05:00Sausage and Cheese Monkey BreadYesterday was Super Bowl Sunday. I did not plan on watching the game and I know better than to head to the grocery store to shop. I looked in my fridge and found all of these ingredients just waiting to be combined into a really fast and fun, hot mess. It's like Sausage pizza in a bundt pan and a heck of a lot easier to make.<br />
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<b>Sausage and Cheese Monkey Bread</b><br />
2 rolls of refrigerator big biscuits<br />
8 oz of shredded mozzarella cheese<br />
4 fully cooked sausage links of your choice, quartered lenguise and chopped into small pieces<br />
Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)<br />
1 TBSP each of dried spices of your choice including oregano, basil, parsley flakes, garlic powder and dill <br />
Freshly ground pepper and optionally salt<br />
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. <br />
Spray the bunt pan with cooking spray and brush all surfaces of the pan with a pastry brush to ensure it's well coated.<br />
Set aside.<br />
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Unwrap the biscuits, separate them and cut each one into quarters. <br />
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Drizzle some EVOO (Olive oil) onto a plate and roll the biscuit pieces a few at a time in the oil to coat. <br />
Put the dried spices in a plastic ziploc bag, shake well to blend and place a few of the oil coated biscuit quarters in the bag. <br />
Shake gently to coat and remove and place in the oiled bundt pan. <br />
Add pieces of sausage and toss on some of the cheese. Sprinkle with freshly ground pepper (and salt if desired).<br />
Repeat in layers until all of the biscuits, sausage and cheese are used.<br />
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Bake for 30 - 35 minutes until golden brown and a tester inserted comes out clean.<br />
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Run a knife around the outer and inner edge of the bundt pan to loosen the bread and then flip into a platter and serve immediately. The crust should be good and brown on the outside. <br />
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The bread will pull apart easily into bite sized chunks with your fingers or use a fork if sharing in a group.<br />
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Pizza sauce, dips and other sauces can be served with the bread for dunking (optional).<br />
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Note: If there are leftovers, monkey bread can be wrapped in foil and stored in the fridge. Reheat on a plate covered with a damp paper towel in the microwave on high for 1.5 - 2 minutes until hot.<br />
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Enjoy!<br />
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#monkeybread #sausagencheesemonkeybread #bundtpanfun #easyrefrigeratordinner Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00957216692977711303noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8512671118987711123.post-68956959885846870752016-07-23T19:59:00.001-04:002016-07-23T19:59:30.700-04:00Jalapeño Poppers in a Bundt PanLike many of you, I enjoy trolling through Pinterest from time to time. I most focus on quilting designs and patterns and recipes. There are thousands of beautiful pictures for inspiration and I have happily found a bunch of very cool recipes to try. When I find something that looks interesting, I pin it so I can come back to later and make it. I typically will follow the recipe the first time I make it. Sometimes, I will make it with whatever I have on hand.<br />
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I also love my bundt pan collection and many of you have seen my bundt pan creations over the last couple of years. It's even kore fun to find recipes for bundt pans that aren't desserts. So you can imagine my excitement when I came across Bundt Pan poppers. I couldn't wait to try them. <br />
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To make this you will need<br />
A bundt pan that has been sprayed with non stick spray. (Pictures shown below in a 6 cup smaller size pan)<br />
Fresh jalapeño peppers 24-30 count<br />
8 ounce block cream cheese<br />
1/2 cup low fat mayo<br />
8-10 slices uncooked bacon of your choice (I used turkey bacon)<br />
1 TSP dehydrated onion flakes<br />
1.5 TSP garlic powder<br />
salt and pepper to taste<br />
2 TBSP of your favorite mixed dry spice mix (I used Caribbean Getaway spice blend)<br />
6 OZ grated cheddar cheese <br />
6 slices of cheddar cheese<br />
6 slices of pepper jack or provolone cheese<br />
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Wash, trim the tops off and core the peppers, being careful to remove the seeds and inner veins of the peppers. I found a grapefruit knife is very handy to core and seed the peppers. Rinse under cold water and place dry cut side down on dish towel. make sure you are very careful to wash your hands thoroughly after handling the pepper cores and seeds While the peppers are drying off, in a medium sized bowl mix together the following ingredients: cream cheese sorted to room temperature, mayo, onion, garlic and other seasonings.<br />
Cook the bacon slices in the microwave between paper towels for between two and 3 minutes, depending upon the level of crispness you desire. I chose turkey bacon because I prefer it ver other types, but you can use whatever is your preference for this recipe. Allow to cool for a few minutes, crumble into pieces and add to the filling mix. Also add the shredded cheddar cheese at this time. Blend the filling well.<br />
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Pack the cleaned peppers upright into the pan. A large bundt pan will hold 45-50 peppers, so I used my smaller bundt for the ones I had on hand. 24-25. If they don't fill the pan, simply crumple up some foil to fill in the empty space to they all stand upright. Remove them one at a time, stuff with the filling and place back into the pan. Continue until all of the peppers have been stuffed.<br />
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If making ahead, you can cover with foil until ready to bake. They will last 2-3 days unbaked if covered tightly. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and then place th pan on the middle shelf of the hot oven and baked uncovered for 35-40 minutes. Remove from the oven, increase the temp to 400 degrees. Cover the peppers with the cheese slices in two layers. I put the white cheese on first and topped with the yellow cheese slices as the final layer. Pop it back in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes more at 400 degrees until the sliced heeses have melted and covered the peppers in gooey goodness and the tops start to bubble and brown.<br />
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Remove and serve immediately with toothpicks or small forks. A large spoon works well to scoop them out of the pan as they can be a wee slippery after baking. <br />
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If you are hosting a party and some of your guest do not eat hot peppers, you can easily include some of the small sweet red, yellow and orange peppers From your grocery store for some of the jalapeño peppers. I did this and those were a big hit with my friends that avoid spicy foods. it also makes for a little more color variety in the dish. Next time I will probably make a pan of each type because they were so good and they literally disappeared within minutes of setting them out. <br />
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#yumyum #bundtpanpoppers #bestappetizerever #bundtpanmagic #bakedjalapenopoppers Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00957216692977711303noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8512671118987711123.post-48260648196260327502016-06-30T19:33:00.003-04:002016-06-30T21:59:37.832-04:00Custom quilting, oh how I love theeI have been a long arm quilter for 15 plus years. Originally I started out with a Gammill Optimum Plus machine on a 12 foot table. At the time I purchased my machine, Statler Stitcher was still under development and was not yet available as an option for any machine. The first time I saw the Statler in action, it was on a trip to the AQS Paducah quilt show. The product was entering its infancy and didn't seem like something I needed. I was happy to do pantographs and the occasional custom quilt with my hand guided machine.<br />
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Fast forward 15 1/2 years and here I am, with two long arms, both Gammills. One machine has the Statler and Creative Studio 6.0. I love both machines for different reasons. I love how my well used Gammill glides with its upgraded tracks and wheels. It's a big heavy machine, but it stitches beautifully and holds quilts up to 127" in width. It's familiar and I prefer to use it for custom hand guided quilting and for quilting simply pantographs when the Statler is going full tilt on another quilt.<br />
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On the other hand, I use the Statler more these days because I can program it and let her run after the quilt is loaded and project created. The table on this machine is only 10 feet so it can handle quilts up to about 105" in width, most of the quilts I take in. It's fast, sews beautifully and it allows me to do many patterns that would be next to impossible to sew as well manually. I am still learning the features of this machine. I really love it when I learn something new.<br />
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I guess I feel lucky that I started out with a hand guided machine. Many quilters these days only do pantograph and do not offer custom quilting services. Pantographs are great for many quilts, but I also get a lot of quilts that demand more than just edge to edge all over patterns. I especially love using the Statler to really quilt details in blocks, sashings, and borders that enhance the quilt. I am of the believe that in most cases, the quilting makes the quilt. There are exceptions to this, but I always try my best to ensure the quilting enhances the quilt and does not detract from the quilt top design. <br />
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I can do custom work on both machines, using both digital patterns sized to exactly fit the blocks of a quilt, or on the old machine by working from the front hand guiding the machine. <br />
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Here are two recent examples of custom quilts. The first one was sewn by Sandee Gold. It's a bright a cheerful oversized queen quilt. I quilted each of the 100 block individually using a digital pattern called "Feather your Cabin". The outer borders were done with a large border and corner pattern that at also had the hearts and feathers in the blocks patterns. I also filled in swirls on the inner and outermost edges of the quilts to ensure even quilting density across the quilt.<br />
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The other quilt was too large for my 10 foot table and needed to be quilted on the older, larger, hand guided machine. Using a ruler to help guide me, I quilted around each of the thousands of orange peel petals the quilter had carefully appliquéd down to the quilt top. This quilt was made by Marie Cummings as a wedding quilt for one of her children. It has a white background and backing and various shades of purple. I started out doing a background fill called ground cover, but quickly realized that the wedding quilt needed more dense quilting in the background and that it would be faster to quilt it from the front of the machine freehand myself.<br />
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I added in some little critters amongst the leaves, butterflies, hummingbirds, dragonflies and ladybugs. Because it's quilted with matching white thread, you really have to look to find those personal little touches. I know the quilter and the recipient appreciate the time and effort that went into finishing this masterpiece. Marie has brought me several more to quilt since I finished this one for her. Here is a photograph that she took with it finished on the bed. <br />
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I have found that I am able to get into the quilting groove easier with customer quilting like the one above. To me, there is a rhythm one gets into when stitching freehand that is very calming and enjoyable. Because I am not following a specific pattern, but rather filling in negative spaces with stitching, it's challenging but in a very good way. Part of the challenge is to see how long I can stitch before needing to stop unless my bobbin rules out. I find that there are many ways to thread paint a quilt and it's almost like the quilt quilts itself. I am just the person driving the machine. <br />
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Many of you may not realize that even after the quilting is done, there is always some clean up to do after taking the quilt off the machine. Threads to clip, edges to trim and I find running my hands and eyes over both the entire front and back sides of the quilt is a must. Then there is the matter of calculating the invoice, sending that out to the customer and making the appointment to return their completed masterpiece to them.<br />
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I feel very lucky to be able to do what I love most every day. Most of all I am thankful for my wonderful customers, all of the referrals they and the local quilt shops give to me and for my friends and family for the support they provide as my little business grows. I strive to exceed their expectations and nothing is better than the reaction someone has when they pick up their quilt and see our collaborative efforts combined into such beautiful textile art.<br />
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#love2quilt #love2longarm #customquilting #dianefamaquiltdesigns #orangepeelquilt #logcabinquilt #extremequiltingAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00957216692977711303noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8512671118987711123.post-52241524112669259102016-06-07T22:39:00.000-04:002016-06-07T22:53:32.298-04:00Customer encounter worth sharingToday found me working at my LQS (local quilt shop). The morning was slow, but this afternoon a young gentleman came into the store and explained that he was looking to make a quilted item for his wife for their second (cloth) anniversary. He had intuitively brought with him several items from their wedding and bedroom to show me their colors. This made it easy to open the discussion with him so we could figure out what he would end up making.<br />
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Armed with a navy blue pillow sham, two ribbons in sage green and eggplant colors as well as a note card, we set out to select some fabric choices from the shop that would work well together to create something.<br />
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We selected a purple floral fabric, several navy blue prints in both traditional and modern styles, a sage green colored small microdot, and two neutral background fabric, one of which had script writing on it. This was clearly his favorite fabric because his wife is an editor for a publisher. <br />
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He has no sewing or quilting experience and only a couple of weeks to make this token of love to surprise his bride. I pulled out my IPad and we searched Pinterest to see what types of things caught this eye and those he felt would be something that he could make and his wife would love.<br />
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We settled on a bench pillow that would consist of the fabric he chose, the pillow form and the date of their wedding as well as their initials. I told him to,start thinking about cool or fun and meaningful sayings they have and maybe we could stencil that on the pillow as well. I told him where he could easily purchase the bench pillow form, and we agreed he would return to the store tomorrow and next week to set out on his quest to make what I am sure will turn out to be the most romantic 2nd anniversary gift a fireman could give his wife.<br />
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Stay tuned for more chapters over the next week or two. I can't wait to see what we end up with and promise to try and post pictures.<br />
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6-7-2016. Update: <br />
Well, I wanted to update you on the progress Mr. Brett made with his romantic cotton wedding anniversary present for his bride of two years. Ladies and Gents, they say a picture is worth a thousand words. <br />
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I know he worked really hard on making this special gift and I am impressed that not only did he learn how to sew, but he did a darn good job of picking the fabrics, and making something really special for his lucky wife. <br />
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Here's to my new favorite hero! This just proves that anyone can learn to sew and make something really special if they out their mind to it and visit their LQS! <br />
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<img src="webkit-fake-url://edbf774a-423e-4596-9ba5-e2143cec286a/imagejpeg" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00957216692977711303noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8512671118987711123.post-88496367357046308562016-05-17T12:18:00.002-04:002016-05-17T12:18:14.957-04:00I'm back and #MakingfaceswithMelissa I unexpectedly took a long break from blogging due to a family illness and death. The love of my life became ill in the autumn and subsequently passed from this life in late December. I decided that I needed to mourn privately and not write about it publicly for a variety of reasons. I am grateful to my family, close friends, quilting buddies and customers who have supported me through this process. The process isn't by any means over, but I am in a better place than I was a few months back. <br />
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This past Friday and Saturday I was fortunate enough to have been able to attend a lecture and participate in a #MakingFaceswithMelissa workshop along with my lovely sister in law Peggy.<br />
Peg came to visit on Thursday and we had a bonus event that evening with the Brownstone guild to hear the fabulous Paula Nadlestern talk about her Kaliedoscopic quilts. The slide show and process she uses were well worth the price of admission. She is pretty entertaining as well.<br />
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However, the highlight of our weekend, was the Melissa Averinos workshop and lecture. This talented artist was able to openly discuss her life and her process for making various quilts featuring faces. I, for one have never been able to draw a face. Eyes, maybe but never a good face.<br />
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Her slide show and lecture review how she came to where she finds herself today as an artist and a quilter. It's very apparent that her life has been far from perfect, but she is so talented and funny it was a pleasure to sit and listen to her talk about it.<br />
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Saturday's workshop was the best workshop I have ever attended in my life. That is saying alot because I have been to so many over the years, that I rarely take them these days. We went through the process of learning how to draw a face and then convert that into a fabric image. That's oversimplified of course, but I was so amazed that a roomful of 21+ quilters would all be able to follow and make these wonderful facial images in fabric. Even more surprising to me was that almost all of them were self portraits. I guess that makes sense, because we see our own faces multiple times a day in the mirror. <br />
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Here are four of the images that Peggy and I created. Mine are on the left and hers on the right.<br />
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I believe everyone had a wonderful time as evidenced by the online feedback and the huge smiles on everyone's faces in the group photo below. <br />
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You can also see many of the wonderful pieces that were created under the guidance of Melissa Averinos. I love my NJMQG and want to thank them for hitting a grand slam home run with this workshop and program. </div>
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If your guild is looking for a phenomenal workshop that is different than most being taught out there, be sure to check out Melissa Averinos. I guarantee you will not be disappointed and everyone will be able to draw a face even if they aren't able to before class. </div>
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Special thanks to Melissa Averinos for being such an inspiration and a good hugger!</div>
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#NJMQG </div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00957216692977711303noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8512671118987711123.post-24332958298083630722015-09-07T14:09:00.001-04:002015-09-07T14:11:37.993-04:00Toffee Rum CakeFriday I baked this cake from items I had on hand. It was just too hot to out to the grocery store.<br />
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1 box yellow cake mix<br />
1 box vanilla pudding mix<br />
3 eggs<br />
1/2 cup oil<br />
1 cup water<br />
1 TBSP RUM Flavoring<br />
1 tsp vanilla extract<br />
1/2 tsp nutmeg<br />
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1/2 cup or half a package of Heath Toffee crumbles.<br />
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Preheat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease and flour or spray cake pan with baking spray.<br />
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Blend together all ingredients except Toffee bits. Mix at medium speed for approximately 2 minutes until well blended.<br />
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Pour 1/2 of cake batter into prepared pan. Sprinkle toffee bits on top of batter in pan, distributing evenly. Cover with remaining cake batter. Tap pan on counter covered with a dish towel gently to release air bubbles.<br />
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Bake for 45 minutes in pre heated 325 degree oven. Test cake at this point to see if done. Cake is done when tester or inserted toothpick comes out clean. Do not overbake.<br />
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Cool cake for 1 hour in pan on rack. Turn onto serving platter and allow to cool completely before lightly dusting with powdered sugar. Cover cake to keep fresh. It will last 3 days without refrigeration, longer if you keep in fridge. <br />
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Enjoy this easy and very moist toffee rum delight. It turns out very pretty with the inner ring of toffee chips melting into a delicious surprise.<br />
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#toffeerumcake #toffeesurprisebundt #lovetobake #anotherbundt<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00957216692977711303noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8512671118987711123.post-40945182463503951912015-09-03T12:55:00.000-04:002015-09-03T12:55:13.089-04:00Gluten Free Cranberry Cosmo CakeToday's Baking adventure called for a bit of experimentation. I decided to keep working on my Gluten Free recipes. I found some GF packaged mixes by Pamela's and decided to give this a whirl.<br />
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Ingredients<br />
1 package Pamela's Gf Vanilla Cake Mix<br />
4 eggs<br />
1/2 cup oil<br />
1 tsp vanilla extract or flavoring<br />
1/2 tsp Almond extract<br />
3/4 cup of Cranberry Cosmos mixer<br />
1 cup of dried cranberries or craisins<br />
Optional. cosmos rimming sugar<br />
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First of all soak the cranberries the in the cosmos mixer for about an hour to plump and soften them. Drain the liquid off the cranberries into a measuring cup to ensure you have 3/4 cup to add to the cake. Pour the oil,,extracts, eggs and reserved cosmos mixer into the mixing bowl. Gently blend together until well mixed. Add the Gf baking mix and beat on medium speed for 2 minutes, scraping the bowl as necessary. Be sure not to over mix. Stir in the cranberries and toss to coat with batter.<br />
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Pour into a prepared (I used coconut oil cooking spray) BUNDT pan. Tap the pan gently on the counter to release any air bubbles. Place cake into a pre heated 325 degree oven and bake for 30 minutes. Test for doneness. Cake is done when it springs back when you press your finger into it or when the tester comes out clean.<br />
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Cool upright in the pan for 20 minutes On a wire rack and then invert into a serving platter. <br />
Continue to cool cake for the better part of an hour. Once cooled you can decorate the cake with a little cosmos rimming sugar and serve.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00957216692977711303noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8512671118987711123.post-4073484105815098602015-08-31T22:27:00.001-04:002015-08-31T22:27:09.180-04:00Tropical Orange Papaya CakeSo earlier today I was shopping at my favorite discount store, and I ran across a couple of cans of Libby's Tropical Chunky Papaya mix in natural fruit juice. I also purchased a classic yellow cake mix and decided to bake when I got home.<br />
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Ingredients<br />
1 15 oz can of Libby's Tropical Papaya Mix with juice. Drain and reserve the juices into a measuring cup.<br />
1 16.5 oz box yellow cake mix<br />
1 3 oz Orange gelatin dessert mix<br />
3 eggs<br />
1/3 cup of oil<br />
3/4 cup shredded coconut<br />
1 tsp vanilla extract<br />
1 tsp coconut flavoring<br />
1/2 tsp cinnamon<br />
1/4 tsp each ground cloves and nutmeg<br />
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Add as much water as needed to make 1 full cup (8 oz) of liquid combined with the reserved fruit juices from the can. Mix together with cake mix, eggs, oil, spices, extracts for 2 minutes. Add in gelatin, coconut and drained fruit chunks and continue mixing for 5 minutes on medium speed until smooth.<br />
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Pour into a prepared bundt pan (I used Bakers Joy spray with oil and flour). Place into a pre-heated 325 degree oven (if using a non stick pan, otherwise 350) oven for 40-45 minutes. Cake is done when the tested comes out clean. <br />
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Cool in pan on rack for 30 minutes before inverting onto serving platter. Cool completely before slicing and serving. <br />
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A very economical cake to make. Gelatin was .49. The cake mix cost $1.25. Three eggs are 1.25. Oil estimate to be .25 and the coconut and fruit maybe $1.25 total. $4.49 or so not counting the spices, extracts and spray which I keep on hand. Makes 12 servings costing about .375 cents per servingAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00957216692977711303noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8512671118987711123.post-11201861412358644502015-08-25T22:17:00.000-04:002015-08-25T22:17:41.333-04:00Thread Choices - Day Three Thread WeightOkay, I admit it. I am very late in posting the third installment of my Thread Choices discussion. You see I got very busy with the long arm business (which is wonderful) and I also had two deadlines for quilts to be completed of my own for various reasons. So better late than never, what follows is the third installment of this discussion on thread choices regarding THREAD WEIGHTS.<br />
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<u>Thread Weight</u><br />
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I don't know about you but when I started sewing and even up until the point where I started my long arm quilting business, I really didn't know that much about thread weight. Sewing thread weight was probably not something I even thought about when I learned to sew as a child. We bought small spools of thread in the closest color that matched what we were sewing, usually clothes. The local fabric store had Dual Duty by Coats and Clarks and that was it.<br />
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These days, I am a big fan of Essential cotton thread from Connecting Threads. It comes in a wide variety of colors and 1200 yard cones. Its 50 weight and sews well in both of my Berninas and my featherweights. The cones are compact with little waste and its 100% long staple cotton with a satin finish. And lets face it, its economical. If you are thrifty, try it. I think you will like it. It sews best with a 80/12 needle. I have also used it successfully in my long arm machine when I needed just the right color and didn't have it in one of the other bigger cone brands I normally use.<br />
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But let's discuss thread weight numbers before I continue. The smaller the number the heavier the thread. The larger the number the more delicate or finer the thread thickness. An easy way to remember this is that thread weight is the opposite of needle sizes. In needles, the bigger the number, the bigger, heavier the needle. In thread, the 30 weight threads are pretty hefty and they will require a needle with a much larger eye to successfully sew them. A 50 or 60 weight thread can work with a smaller eyed needle which leaves less of a hole in the fabric when sewing.<br />
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When I started long arm quilting, I bought several large cones of Signature Cotton thread in various colors. Its a 40 weight thread so its pretty strong and works well in my long arm machine. I also purchased some PermaCore Thread which was also a 40 weight thread, but I bought it because it came on really big cones of 6,000 yards. It works very well in my machine and I still will use it today if the color I need is in that thread line and I can get it easily. Below is a picture with Signature on the left and Permacore on the right. I also use Signature cotton to piece with on my domestic machines. with a size 80/12 needle.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zUoW9M_SzIo/VdtnE_tprGI/AAAAAAAABQM/AXWW5lUu19A/s1600/Signature%2526Permacore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zUoW9M_SzIo/VdtnE_tprGI/AAAAAAAABQM/AXWW5lUu19A/s320/Signature%2526Permacore.jpg" width="222" /></a></div>
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More recently, I have started to replace my long arm thread collection with Superior threads. I love the OMNI threads, which is a 40 weight polyester thread that comes in over 170 colors and it gets along best with my Gammill when quilting. It is such a high quality thread that it doesn't shed or break and I can quilt fast and long with it with no issues. I can use a size 80 domestic machine need or a size 90/4.5 long arm needle to sew.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HGB9U-gzwWU/VdtnVVxN_1I/AAAAAAAABQU/Q_OOq911b1U/s1600/OMNI_Pix.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HGB9U-gzwWU/VdtnVVxN_1I/AAAAAAAABQU/Q_OOq911b1U/s320/OMNI_Pix.jpg" width="188" /></a></div>
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Another Superior thread set that I really love is Magnifico. This thread is a high strength Trilobal polyester thread that comes in at least 200 colors and is a 40 weight thread. Its shiny and beautiful. <br />
This thread looks great on quilts that need extra spark to them, show quilts and when you want the quilting stitches to really show on the front and back. <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gxX3ttSLrYg/VdtnbYoYTAI/AAAAAAAABQc/FKmwJc7cKAg/s1600/Magnifico_pix.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gxX3ttSLrYg/VdtnbYoYTAI/AAAAAAAABQc/FKmwJc7cKAg/s320/Magnifico_pix.jpg" width="194" /></a></div>
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So Fine #50 is a 50 weight thread also made by Superior. Its a really high quality thread that works well both in the top and bottom for quilting and you can use a #16/3.5 needle to quilt with it. This thread is flat (no shine) and it looks great on applique and background fills. There are 134 colors. <br />
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Bottom line thread by Superior Threads is a 60 weight thread. Its a super fine polyester thread and it works beautifully in both the bobbin and the top of my Gammill machine. It has a slight sheen to it and it also comes in pre-wound bobbins from the manufacturer. You can see how fine it is in the photo below, wrapped around my fingers. It doesn't shed and you get alot more on a single bobbin load than other threads, meaning you have to change your bobbins left often. <br />
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So remember, don't be afraid to try new threads in your machines at home. The larger the thread weight, the finer the thread. And always remember to use the correct type of needle in your machine for your thread choices. It will make your sewing fun and easy.<br />
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I just want to note that I have not been compensated for my review of these various threads by their manufacturers. The content of this blog post is just what I know from my own personal experience.<br />
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#Threadchoices #threadweight #superiorthreadsrock #Essentialthreads #love2longarmAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00957216692977711303noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8512671118987711123.post-85715004648811453252015-08-24T13:37:00.002-04:002015-08-24T13:37:53.210-04:00Clover Wonder ClipsDo you like to do your quilt binding by hand? Or do you prefer to apply it front and back by machine? This weekend I was under the gun to finish a quilt binding for my latest original quilt and it needed to be finished for photographing ASAP. I actually had two quilts to bind, the other being a charity quilt I had made and quilted.<br />
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I took both quilts to the sewing day for my modern quilt guild. It was nice to just have hand work to do for a change. No lugging a big machine in from the car to the meeting room. I grabbed my pins, snips, thread, needle and a couple of those little leather thimble dots before heading out. I got here right in time and was one of the first to arrive. Got myself set up and started out to stitch, happily greeting people as they arrived. One of the ladies, the lovely Stephanie Mullen had not brought anything to work on. She offered to help me bind the charity quilt. I set her up with needle and thread and she borrowed snips and pins to get sewing. <br />
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There was one small problem. I only had about 10 straight pins. Not enough to share to do binding on two quilts. Stephanie asked around and another quilter, Kimberli loaned us these two boxes of binding clips. I had never used the, always opting for either straight pins or metal hair clips to hold the binding in place as I sewed it down. I asked if I could try them and I was immediately convinced how wonderful these WONDER CLIPS by Clover really are!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8AewgIMdloA/VdtTUyaNX2I/AAAAAAAABPI/vPI4ITd7HoQ/s1600/cloverclips_pix.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8AewgIMdloA/VdtTUyaNX2I/AAAAAAAABPI/vPI4ITd7HoQ/s400/cloverclips_pix.jpg" /></a> <br />
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They come in sets of 7 or 8 or a 50 pack in their own little storage box. They are very small, made of red and clear plastic, similar to a clothes pins with a metal clamp. They have a rounded side and a flat side to them. The flat side is clear plastic and has these wonderful hash marks them so you can use these to ensure your bindings are straight as an arrow while sewing. The reverse is red plastic and more rounded, especially useful to ensure your bindings are "full". Those of you that had entered your quilts in shows to be judged know that this is something that most quilt show judges will look at and comment on if the quilt edges do not fill up the bindings clean to the edges. While this is normally not a problem for me, these Wonder Clips make it so easy to ensure your binding goes on straight.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fKUFMm1bMrA/VdtT5T3kmiI/AAAAAAAABPU/368HvojYsbQ/s1600/binding_clip_pix.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fKUFMm1bMrA/VdtT5T3kmiI/AAAAAAAABPU/368HvojYsbQ/s400/binding_clip_pix.jpg" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1OCaObvkhpM/VdtT5VqDxwI/AAAAAAAABPQ/wZVGmuQ6nQY/s1600/Binding_edge_pix.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1OCaObvkhpM/VdtT5VqDxwI/AAAAAAAABPQ/wZVGmuQ6nQY/s400/Binding_edge_pix.jpg" /></a><br />
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The best feature of these clips are that you will never get stuck by pins again nor snag your skin, clothes, furniture because there are no sharp edges. I cannot tell you how many times I have stuck myself to the point of bleeding while binding quilts. No more ouchies! While I haven't tried to use them yet to apply binding on the machine, I am told they work great for this as well. <br />
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While these Wonder Clips may be considered expensive at a list price around $32, they are the perfect item to buy when on sale or when you have a 50-60% off coupon to use. I was fortunate enough to have a 60% off coupon that expired yesterday plus my teacher 10% off card, so I was able to get them at the big J store for almost 70% off. I was thrilled to save on something I wanted but didn't want to pay full price to buy. While I believe in always supporting my LQS whenever possible, this was one of those rare times where I felt the need to save some bucks and shop at the J store. Now I can go and spend the money I saved at my favorite LQS! Win, WIN! I also think that these would make a great grab bag exchange gift if you can score them on sale with a coupon like I did.<br />
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Thanks to Kimberli MacKay for the ability to try out a new notion. And a special a thanks to Stephanie Mullen for working on binding the batik charity quilt. It's great to have friends that share and sew.<br />
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And here is a photo of the finished quilts....<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-detonk1Ry3g/VdtUMpCndDI/AAAAAAAABPg/tZHsDctHlrM/s1600/Citrus_sizzler_back_full.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-detonk1Ry3g/VdtUMpCndDI/AAAAAAAABPg/tZHsDctHlrM/s320/Citrus_sizzler_back_full.jpg" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U9gilst7gKM/VdtUPJiEROI/AAAAAAAABPo/C-9HqhVbK24/s1600/Suduko_fire3.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U9gilst7gKM/VdtUPJiEROI/AAAAAAAABPo/C-9HqhVbK24/s320/Suduko_fire3.jpg" /></a><br />
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#wonderclips #quiltingbindingtools #Cloverclips #lovetolongarm #easybinding <br />
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I want to note that this endorsement is of my own free will and I was not compensated by Clover to write this review.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00957216692977711303noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8512671118987711123.post-19064713123312311382015-07-23T16:11:00.001-04:002015-07-23T16:11:17.502-04:00Thread Choices - Day 2 - Color Selection This is a second post in a three part series on Thread Choices for Quilters. <br />
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COLOR <br />
Having been a sewer for more than 50 years and a long arm quilter for almost 15, thread color choice is very important when quilting your quilt. While one can't go wrong using a white, cream or off white thread, the design and style of the quilt and quilting pattern will help to dictate other thread color choices. Personally, I like to use colored threads when I quilt. <br />
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If a quilt is simple, pieced and the pattern choice is an all over pantograph, the best way to choose thread color is to lay or "puddle the thread across the top of the quilt to see how each thread choice interacts with the fabrics. As you can see in the photo below, some threads all but disappear on the quilt while others really stand out and the variegated thread does both. What thread you select has alot to do with the finished look of your quilt. If you want the quilting to really show, the yellow or pink thread would be a good choice. If you wish the quilting design to be a secondary player to the actual quilt top itself, then one of the turquoise colors might be best on this quilt. While the bright orange thread matches the outermost border on this quilt, it might be just a bit much as an allover. I would however consider using it in just the borders.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_hIBQFCE_C8/Va6HksNoNQI/AAAAAAAABMc/SuPxxTwqS7k/s1600/THreadpuddling.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_hIBQFCE_C8/Va6HksNoNQI/AAAAAAAABMc/SuPxxTwqS7k/s320/THreadpuddling.jpg" /></a><br />
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If the colors of the fabrics in the quilt are highly varied, I will typically work with the quilter consider a bright solid found the quilt top. If the fabrics are from a particular line or collection, I study the fabrics to determine if there is a common color in the majority of the fabrics. If this is the case, I will pull thread cones from that color family to audition as possible thread choices.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jOHgNxkHwgA/Va6H1x35axI/AAAAAAAABMk/zt7HgONul3w/s1600/Threadchoices1.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jOHgNxkHwgA/Va6H1x35axI/AAAAAAAABMk/zt7HgONul3w/s320/Threadchoices1.jpg" /></a><br />
In other cases, if the quilt is more contemporary, we will look at using a variegated threadl Variegated threads can be tricky as color variation can "pop" in some places and literally disappear in others. I have found that quilts made with batik fabrics work especially well with variegated threads. The yellow batik quilt below worked well with a variegated thread choice that included most of the colors in the quilt top. The thread color chosen in the pink 'zipper' quilt did not work as well and I probably should have selected a different pattern and thread color and let the beautiful fabrics show through without the distraction of the quilting on that one.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oCn0ksq-OEo/Va6IL9vOLHI/AAAAAAAABMs/lty51pba1ZI/s1600/YELLOW_BALI_POP.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oCn0ksq-OEo/Va6IL9vOLHI/AAAAAAAABMs/lty51pba1ZI/s200/YELLOW_BALI_POP.jpg" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eoanpGJ-8MM/Va6ISiEEnhI/AAAAAAAABM0/iHDpCQOOwuE/s1600/PINK_ZIPPER_QUILT.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eoanpGJ-8MM/Va6ISiEEnhI/AAAAAAAABM0/iHDpCQOOwuE/s200/PINK_ZIPPER_QUILT.jpg" /></a><br />
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When the quilt is more modern in its design with negative space to consider and full, a solid color thread is probably your best choice. Modern quilts tend to have a minimalistic feel to them, so the thread choice should probably be close to the color of the main background or negative space. <br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zzNEhia_J70/Va6IWDIa55I/AAAAAAAABM8/W1YGqhPwdA4/s1600/Spinach_dip_quilt.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zzNEhia_J70/Va6IWDIa55I/AAAAAAAABM8/W1YGqhPwdA4/s200/Spinach_dip_quilt.jpg" /></a><br />
In the green modern quilt above, I wanted to showcase and practice some freehand quilting designs. The choice of the cream colored thread was perfect. The quilting shows, but doesn't ovewhelm the modern design of the quilt. <br />
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If the quilt is more traditional, your cream, taupe, white or black thread may be good choices. Particularly culprits when the quilt is a reproduction and the quilting pattern will be more functional rather than decorative, you will want to choose a thread color that would have been available at the time the original quilt was made. <br />
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You also should consider the backing of the quilt when choosing a thread color. When the machine thread tension is perfect, it's possible to use thread colors that are very different on the top and bottom and of the quilt. Be sure to ask how the quilt will be used. If it's a wall hanging and the back will not easily be seen, top and bottom threads should probably match or be very close in color. If the quilt is a bed quilt, will be washed and used regularly, then the thread colors should match the top and bottom respectively. <br />
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In the case of applique or album quilts, the thread choices should match the background of the album/Applique blocks and be used to add texture but not to distract the eye from the beautiful applique. I have found that quilting upon the applique motifs themselves require careful color consideration. Leaves may look better with a contrasting leaf vein added, see example below. The dark green leaves needed some texture added to them, so I selected a light green thread that was found elsewhere in the quilt to make those veins and add interest. Flower petals may look best if the thread color mimics the flower which is being quilted and just to add dimension and texture. Tread carefully to avoid the need to pick out stitching. <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-25oGRMJLXsk/Va6IjZar9PI/AAAAAAAABNE/uvYQgWVj7ss/s1600/BAQ_top_right_corner.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-25oGRMJLXsk/Va6IjZar9PI/AAAAAAAABNE/uvYQgWVj7ss/s200/BAQ_top_right_corner.jpg" /></a><br />
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My best rule of thumb is to use threads that will coordinate well with the quilt you are quilting. I try to avoid introducing new colors that are not found in the quilt itself. Don't be afraid to try different threads and always use the best quality thread you can afford. <br />
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My next post will address the third installment of this discussion on thread choices, thread weight and quilt use. <br />
Stay tuned for more thready details.<br />
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#quiltingthreadcolorchoices #pickingthreadcolors #threadpuddling #variegatedthreads #threadselection #longarmquiltingAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00957216692977711303noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8512671118987711123.post-69621519126528906432015-07-21T14:30:00.002-04:002015-07-21T14:30:46.513-04:00Quilting Thread Choices - Day One Fiber ContentAs quilters, we have many, many options available to us in fabric, threads and battings. I thought over the next few days I would discuss thread choices. There are several things to consider when selecting your threads. Fiber Content, color, weight and use. Today, let's review fiber content.<br />
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Day One- FIBER CONTENT<br />
A quilter must consider the fiber from which their various threads are made of before they use them. Different threads work well for various tasks when quilting and sewing. I used to believe that I should only ever use cotton threads in the construction and quilting of my quilts. I had been taught that cotton thread would be the best choice, because I almost always use cotton fabrics in my quilts. Cotton thread would be the right choice because stress on the seams in the piecing of the quilt would not rip the fabric fibers like a poly or poly blend thread might do. I believed what I had been told and subscribed to cotton on my threads for the majority of my piecing, Applique and quilting choices. I also learned to avoid waxy coated threads for hand quilting as I found it too difficult to work with and it was so thick and strong that I thought it would rip the fabric where stitched years down the road. Here is one of the few handquilted bed quilts I still have in my possession. <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xoS9sN3WMzI/Va6MJrTjIGI/AAAAAAAABNk/nIeWhPILpH8/s1600/handquilting1.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xoS9sN3WMzI/Va6MJrTjIGI/AAAAAAAABNk/nIeWhPILpH8/s320/handquilting1.jpg" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9YII4HjOt70/Va6MIXq6vtI/AAAAAAAABNc/_XAQS2qUTLI/s1600/handquilting2.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9YII4HjOt70/Va6MIXq6vtI/AAAAAAAABNc/_XAQS2qUTLI/s320/handquilting2.jpg" /></a><br />
This quilt proved that heavy duty hand quilting thread is not the best choice. When I carelessly tossed a section of it in the back of a car hatchback, little did I know it would be exposed to battery acid. The cotton fabrics melted away but the poly batting and waxy thread stayed intact. It was really strange to see. I ended up redoing that entire section of the quilt and vowed never used waxy hand quilting thread again. For those of you that know me as a machine quilter, yes I can do some pretty awesome tiny hand quilting, but choose to quilt by machine these days. <br />
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I love doing invisible machine applique and have found that clear nylon thread works well to hide the stitches and give the appearance of hand applique. Years ago I had taken a mock hand applique class from Harriet Hargraves and she had us use this invisible thread made by SewArt. <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZIqNH3nHZ9E/Va6JfrGPxpI/AAAAAAAABNM/5pTChVlc3t0/s1600/Hawaiian%2BHalloween_jacks.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZIqNH3nHZ9E/Va6JfrGPxpI/AAAAAAAABNM/5pTChVlc3t0/s320/Hawaiian%2BHalloween_jacks.jpg" /></a> This pumpkin quilt is one of many applique quilts I have done using mock hand applique, with invisible nylon as the top thread and a lingerie thread in the bobbin. It's next to impossible to find that lingerie thread these days as I used to purchase it from Clotilde online before Annie's took them over. Now they don't stock it anymore. So I substitute white bottom line thread from Superior and it works well. The idea behind the invisible thread on the top is to make almost invisible stitches and the bottom weight thread must be fine and neutral. I found Bottom Line thread to work well, light or white if the background fabric are light, and black or darker grey color if the background fabric is darker. The great think about bottom line thread is that it is a fine weight poly thread and more of it fits in the bobbins as you wind them so, whether you are quilting with it or using it to stitch on your domestic machine, you won't have to change bobbins as often. <br />
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When machine quilting my quilts in the long arm, I started out only using Signature 100% cotton thread. I think that choice was due to that was the easiest to find and buy at the time. More recently, I discovered Superior brand threads and realized how much better I liked quilting with them. Signature threads are wonderful, but they shed a lot and cause significantly more lint build up on the machine that the Superior brand. This slows me down as I have to clean the raceway and bobbin area as well as the needle and needle bar and hopping foot every time I change the bobbin. This doesn't happen with Superior. I can go much longer without significant lint build up or breakage.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b0OhsRvuXHw/Va6PRyKJsHI/AAAAAAAABOE/J3gEQycNSwA/s1600/variegated_thread1.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b0OhsRvuXHw/Va6PRyKJsHI/AAAAAAAABOE/J3gEQycNSwA/s320/variegated_thread1.jpg" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ccVm78w8n2I/Va6PUBLukdI/AAAAAAAABOM/ENPKwEecjOo/s1600/Threadchoices1.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ccVm78w8n2I/Va6PUBLukdI/AAAAAAAABOM/ENPKwEecjOo/s320/Threadchoices1.jpg" /></a><br />
Now I am slowly phasing out Signature Threads and using those cones as my piecing threads in the home sewing machine, and replacing them with the various Superior threads in a wide variety of colors. Now, if a customer demands cotton threads I will use it and they have a choice of the more expensive cotton King Tut made by Superior or Signature cottons I have on hand. <br />
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Another consideration for thread fiber content is the actual quilt itself. When I quilt vintage or antique quilt tops, I will always use a cotton thread choice. I try to select thread colors that would have been available at the time the top was made and will often take my queue from the seams in the quilt top itself. Not always, but its a good thing to consider. Here are two photos of one of the vintage tops I purchased and quilted years ago. I used cotton batting, cotton thread and muslin backing so an offwhite thread seemed to be the perfect choice.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-11wOinZURBo/Va6M67lggKI/AAAAAAAABNw/Mz7dL3x0Xwo/s1600/vintage_back.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-11wOinZURBo/Va6M67lggKI/AAAAAAAABNw/Mz7dL3x0Xwo/s320/vintage_back.jpg" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pmEhDVtRFQw/Va6M63xuU_I/AAAAAAAABNs/-_h_xCn5l4M/s1600/vintage_stitches.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pmEhDVtRFQw/Va6M63xuU_I/AAAAAAAABNs/-_h_xCn5l4M/s320/vintage_stitches.jpg" /></a><br />
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That quilt is well loved, used alot and washed frequently. Its held up beautifully and is soft and lightweight. <br />
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Stay tuned tomorrow for Part 2 - Quilting Thread Choices, A Color Discussion<br />
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#threadfibers #quiltingthreads #myfavoritethreads #threadcolordiscussion<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00957216692977711303noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8512671118987711123.post-31079700574478629492015-07-19T11:37:00.000-04:002015-07-19T11:37:53.938-04:00Baltimore Album Quilts (BAQ) I recently had the opportunity to quilt a stunning and carefully hand appliqued Baltimore Album Style Quilt for a customer in PA. I needed to purchase backing to use on the quilt and also used 100% cotton Warm and Natural batting as the filler. I had the perfect color of threads to use on the top and backing, both in the green blue category. I chose Superior's So Fine #50 thread to quilt it. I cleaned and oiled my machine, put in a new needle and set out to quilt this beauty. <br />
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I had spoken briefly with the customer both in person and over the phone. She told me she liked cross hatching but that I was free to quilt it as I saw appropriate. It was a dream come true! <br />
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Custom quilting is something that this quilter really enjoys. I find that looking at the quilt and allowing it to speak to me and helps me to decide how it should be quilted. There are an unlimited number of possible ways to quilt a quilt, but not all are appropriate for each different style of quilt. This particular Baltimore Album Style quilt had large wide open borders enhanced with a small curvy line and many green leaves with big beautiful ruched flowers in the four corners. The vine and leaves were a very dark green and the flowers were a printed fabric. <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zSNrZm4hLEM/VafffBtfFPI/AAAAAAAABLo/RbmwHgTwdOM/s1600/BAQ_side_border.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zSNrZm4hLEM/VafffBtfFPI/AAAAAAAABLo/RbmwHgTwdOM/s320/BAQ_side_border.jpg" /></a> <br />
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In addition, each border contain two sets of raspberry colored prairie points on the outside and inside of the borders. I decided to perform stitch in the ditch (SITD) quilting around the prarie points and then stitch another row of quilting inside the border away from the SITD (stitch in the ditch) thread. This gave those prairie points a dimensional quality to them. Next I employed the use of my favorite 6" ruler to sew small straight lines on the outermost section of the of the border. I call it matchstick quilting. Inside the vine and second set of decided that a nice random but curvy filler, also known as McTavishing would look perfect. I added the stitching, randomly sneaking in some hearts to echo those found in the appliqué blocks. I also stitched closely around the stems and leaves on both sides. <br />
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The center of the quilt consisted of 9 large, appliqued blocks, each one different from the others. The center block had two smaller sections of background fabric. I had to figure out how to quilt them and blend in the extra background. I had studied BAQ quilts online and saw one intricate example where the blocks were without sashing. It had been quilted with a feathery border in between the blocks. I loved how it looked and decided to use that around the inner border edges and between the blocks themselves. I sewed these feathers free hand. <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kUFzystkP5k/VaffEMw20iI/AAAAAAAABLI/41reSw6Uj28/s1600/BAQ-Ruched_harp.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kUFzystkP5k/VaffEMw20iI/AAAAAAAABLI/41reSw6Uj28/s320/BAQ-Ruched_harp.jpg" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sEUKm25F4uk/VaffGwhEESI/AAAAAAAABLQ/VWLNXqieM74/s1600/BAQ_FDL.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sEUKm25F4uk/VaffGwhEESI/AAAAAAAABLQ/VWLNXqieM74/s320/BAQ_FDL.jpg" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6lUgFN2w_Es/VaffJxqYcYI/AAAAAAAABLY/hSCBGdFR7PQ/s1600/BAQ_reverse_heart.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6lUgFN2w_Es/VaffJxqYcYI/AAAAAAAABLY/hSCBGdFR7PQ/s320/BAQ_reverse_heart.jpg" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NAw56H3rybo/VaffLegNmoI/AAAAAAAABLg/-ZRcIYtoKag/s1600/BAQ_Center_basket.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NAw56H3rybo/VaffLegNmoI/AAAAAAAABLg/-ZRcIYtoKag/s320/BAQ_Center_basket.jpg" /></a><br />
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I decided to cross hatch 5 of the blocks, the four corner blocks and the basket block in the center. This ended up being the most labor intensive part of the job. I had done cross hatching before, but on Wholecloth quilts not ones with tiny appliqued stems and leaves and berries. Cross hatching involves measuring the center and corners of the quilt and sewing those lines first. You set the stitches at the start and end of each line. When your line intersects an applique piece, I had to stop stitching, set the stitches, clip the threads and move the needle to the next section of the line. I figured out it took me about 1.5 hours to quilt each block with cross hatching. This also means there was going to be a lot of snipping and clean up on the back of the quilt once I was done quilting, to trim to threads that skipped over the appliqued pieces. It turned out that the clean up and snipping went very quickly in the end.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pW-szgif-Io/Vaff2tpexRI/AAAAAAAABLw/iG7i2Xaex6Y/s1600/BAQ_bottom_right_corner.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pW-szgif-Io/Vaff2tpexRI/AAAAAAAABLw/iG7i2Xaex6Y/s320/BAQ_bottom_right_corner.jpg" /></a><br />
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While it took many days to complete the quilt, I think it turned out stunning and the customer, her sister and the end recipient (her great niece) loved the quilt. I hope they enjoy it for many generations. It truly was a work of art.<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n8xsQKxVHno/VafgC88H26I/AAAAAAAABL4/Ps8AH_3qVvo/s1600/BAQ2-full.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n8xsQKxVHno/VafgC88H26I/AAAAAAAABL4/Ps8AH_3qVvo/s640/BAQ2-full.jpg" /></a><br />
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#baltimorealbumquilt #customquilting #appliquequilt #BAQ #allinadaysworkAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00957216692977711303noreply@blogger.com0