tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-249759982024-03-14T00:31:28.313-05:00Plays With NeedlesPlays with Needles is the blog of needle artist Susan Elliott. Susan specializes in surface embroidery, mixed-media, stumpwork, silk threadwork and beading.Susan Elliotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18094024834053351944noreply@blogger.comBlogger910125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24975998.post-45488031632381716052015-12-30T10:22:00.004-05:002015-12-30T10:22:46.785-05:00Merry Christmas!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="color: #45818e;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">Merry Christmas one and all!</span></i></span></div>
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Thanks to <a href="http://kittyandmedesigns.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Pam Kellogg</a> and her request to participate in her <a href="http://kittyandmedesigns.blogspot.com/2015/09/2016-crazy-quilt-calendar-thank-you-to_15.html" target="_blank">2016 Crazy Quilt calendar</a>, I had a Christmas Card this year.</div>
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I looked at <a href="http://www.nextadvisor.com/photo_cards/compare.php" target="_blank">reviews of various card companies</a> that would print out my own design. I narrowed my search to <a href="https://www.tinyprints.com/?SSAID=477995&CID=AFF-SAS-TP-477995-348994&SSAIDDATA=SSCID_c1jz_nlhd5" target="_blank">TinyPrints</a>, <a href="https://www.paperculture.com/" target="_blank">PaperCulture</a> and <a href="http://www.minted.com/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=textlink&utm_campaign=home&Ref=CJ&PID=1911961&cvosrc=affiliate.cj.1911961" target="_blank">Minted</a>. </div>
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I chose Minted even though they were a tad more expensive because their <a href="http://www.minted.com/product/foil-pressed-holiday-cards/MIN-2C8-HFS/stylish-and-merry?ccId=735549&org=photo&feature=Browse&event=sku_click&sku=MIN-2C8-HFS&pop_rank=12&source=image&t_api=1" target="_blank">Silver-Foil Merry Christmas design</a> worked best with my embroidery.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wq2z1bIHLTw/VoPtGYkwTeI/AAAAAAAAa8E/v-skm_lJAYQ/s1600/card_0028.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wq2z1bIHLTw/VoPtGYkwTeI/AAAAAAAAa8E/v-skm_lJAYQ/s800/card_0028.jpg" /></a></div>
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When they arrived, I was extremely delighted with the quality of the card, envelope and packaging. I ordered the cards made from recycled paper.</div>
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The envelopes had a substantial feel and were perfect for stamping and embellishing...</div>
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I tucked in a little card that explained the embroidery...</div>
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It may seem old-fashioned...but I enjoy the process of making, addressing and sending Christmas cards. </div>
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The time it takes to address each one is time I take to reflect on the person to whom I'm sending the card...remembering our time together, sending gratitude for their friendship and lots of love and well wishes for the New Year.</div>
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And so from our house to yours...</div>
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<i><span style="color: #45818e;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!</span></span></i></h3>
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P.S. Pam Kellogg is having a contest for her calendar next year. Anyone can enter and the theme is "My Secret Garden". Entries are due by July 1, 2016 and you can read all the details <a href="http://kittyandmedesigns.blogspot.com/2015/11/2017-crazy-quilt-calendar-contest.html" target="_blank">on her post here</a>. Maybe I'll see you in next year's calendar!<br />
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P.P.S. Take a moment to enjoy <a href="https://youtu.be/-iitj3ipEvk" target="_blank">this video Christmas card I received from Hand & Lock</a>...<br />
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P.P.P.S. I had a three-year hiatus from sending Christmas cards 2012-2014 but here are my cards from other years past...<br />
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<a href="http://www.plays-with-needles.blogspot.com/2011/12/making-candy.html" target="_blank">2011 </a><br />
<a href="http://www.plays-with-needles.blogspot.com/2010/12/2-days-til-christmas.html" target="_blank">2010</a><br />
<a href="http://www.plays-with-needles.blogspot.com/2009/12/making-snowmen.html" target="_blank">2009 </a><br />
<a href="http://www.plays-with-needles.blogspot.com/2008/12/playing-with-paper.html" target="_blank">2008</a> <br />
<a href="http://www.plays-with-needles.blogspot.com/2009/12/when-angels-become-dancing-santas.html" target="_blank">2007</a></div>
Susan Elliotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18094024834053351944noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24975998.post-24850745747019403012015-11-23T10:57:00.001-05:002015-11-23T10:57:36.048-05:00Baltimore Goes Crazy<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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You have six days to get to Baltimore to see the best crazy quilt exhibit I've ever seen at <a href="https://artbma.org/exhibitions/crazy-quilts" target="_blank">the Baltimore Museum of Art.</a><br />
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Run, walk, drive, take a train...it's absolutely worth your effort.<br />
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A small show of seven quilts...<br />
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What it lacks in size it makes up in quality.<br />
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The quilts are in amazing condition...<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-it8fr8lcvmw/VlMynh1qaWI/AAAAAAAAa4M/33mAwVveG5w/s1600/DSC05899%2Bcopy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-it8fr8lcvmw/VlMynh1qaWI/AAAAAAAAa4M/33mAwVveG5w/s800/DSC05899%2Bcopy.jpg" /></a> <br />
Anita Jones, the textile curator at the BMA, has outdone herself this time and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/artbma/?fref=ts" target="_blank">we should all send her a thank you note</a>!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XhSslbkeFRY/VlMyoX7xMMI/AAAAAAAAa4o/HT1xwIxS_OE/s1600/bma%2Bcq1_25.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XhSslbkeFRY/VlMyoX7xMMI/AAAAAAAAa4o/HT1xwIxS_OE/s800/bma%2Bcq1_25.jpg" /></a><br />
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The quilts are approachable and well-lit...<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HrhTMHdEagE/VlMynNIsnVI/AAAAAAAAa4I/nWTNqiqzGcQ/s1600/DSC05862%2Bcopy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HrhTMHdEagE/VlMynNIsnVI/AAAAAAAAa4I/nWTNqiqzGcQ/s800/DSC05862%2Bcopy.jpg" /></a><br />
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And you can get your face right
up close and personal to see all their glorious details. <br />
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It's the best
way to view a crazy quilt.<br />
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Even better, photography is allowed.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wMXX5J0tU2E/VlMynlb1_tI/AAAAAAAAa4Q/6KsCwlXt5ww/s1600/DSC06010%2Bcopy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wMXX5J0tU2E/VlMynlb1_tI/AAAAAAAAa4Q/6KsCwlXt5ww/s800/DSC06010%2Bcopy.jpg" /></a><br />
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Here's just one detail to whet your appetite...what I believe to be a painted Baltimore Oriole and bee next to a sunflower.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XcGXJ45ik4w/VlM0cWVatzI/AAAAAAAAa5U/PHTUmepLXa0/s1600/bma%2Bcq1_105-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XcGXJ45ik4w/VlM0cWVatzI/AAAAAAAAa5U/PHTUmepLXa0/s800/bma%2Bcq1_105-2.jpg" /></a><br />
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The quiltmaker moved to Baltimore so it's possible that she included the Oriole to honor her new home.<br />
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There are so many beautiful details to these quilts that it will take me days to share the hundreds of close-ups that I was able to take.<br />
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That's the consolation prize for those of you who can't come to Baltimore.<br />
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The show is over next Sunday, November 29, so I wanted to get this posted so that anyone who can go before next Sunday will make the push to do so. I wouldn't steer you wrong!<br />
<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KEG1n6MB24U/VlMyoPpP55I/AAAAAAAAa4g/6Alk0ZekCvU/s1600/bma%2Bcq1_166.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KEG1n6MB24U/VlMyoPpP55I/AAAAAAAAa4g/6Alk0ZekCvU/s800/bma%2Bcq1_166.jpg" /></a><br />
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Will try to post more tomorrow but it's a busy week.<br />
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Stay tuned... </div>
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Susan Elliotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18094024834053351944noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24975998.post-35838896051105215932015-11-20T10:41:00.001-05:002015-11-20T10:41:30.330-05:00Shell Wax<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Last Fall when I went to Chincoteague, VA to stitch with friends, Jim came and joined me for part of the weekend.<br />
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We had never been to Assateague Island so one morning we woke before dawn and headed East to the beach for sunrise...<br />
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The sun held promise for a new day and for warming the salt spray chill that blanketed the beach on that crisp November morning.</div>
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Except for a flock of terns and gulls...</div>
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We were quite alone.<br />
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So Jim fell into his <a href="http://plays-with-needles.blogspot.com/2012/08/found-on-beach.html" target="_blank">tide line ritual of walking the wrack line</a>...a beach intent Sherlock Holmes looking for clues in the interstices between sand and sea...<br />
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What he found that day amid the shells of oyster, atlantic clam and cockles...</div>
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Was a predominance of black scallop shells.</div>
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"Let's take some home", I said, inspired by our good fortune and taking their plentitude as a sign that I should use them in some special way. I had been wanting to make a gift for my stitching friends that gather in Chincoteague, to honor our friendship and the special time we share together every year and these scallops were just the inspiration I needed.<br />
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So we collected 20 or so of the black scallop shells and took them home where they sat in a jar for almost a year until it was time once to return to Chincoteague this past week...<br />
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I took two of the largest and deepest shells...</div>
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And pressed them into a silicone putty that I'd found at a craft store in order to make a mold.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0WLA8hl9U0E/Vk8oUXEEnHI/AAAAAAAAa2w/SB91teKa8iw/s1600/wax%2Bshells_0016.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0WLA8hl9U0E/Vk8oUXEEnHI/AAAAAAAAa2w/SB91teKa8iw/s800/wax%2Bshells_0016.jpg" /></a></div>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pMEzRVQ0YKE/Vk8oT0vKQkI/AAAAAAAAa2o/ARFjrr2MSHE/s1600/wax%2Bshells_0010-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
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To prepare the putty, you have to mix a 1:1 ratio of Component A and Component B together. It has a limited working time and you can see in the mold on the left below that the compound had already started to set before I pressed in the shell. I was quicker mixing and pressing the second time around, and used the impression on the right as my final mold.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iAGAArjpii8/Vk8oUgnf29I/AAAAAAAAa20/P8tM_nCBx8o/s1600/wax%2Bshells_0019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iAGAArjpii8/Vk8oUgnf29I/AAAAAAAAa20/P8tM_nCBx8o/s800/wax%2Bshells_0019.jpg" /></a><br />
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I found a <a href="http://www.candlemakingsupplies.net/wax-additives/micro-wax-195/cate_109/p___P0787119.html" target="_blank">candle making supplier for microcrystalline wax online</a> and melted the pellets on low heat in a $2 saucepan I'd found at the thrift store <i>[Note: area must be well-ventilated]</i>...</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ls6KbIEb7R4/Vk8oU-e-1UI/AAAAAAAAa24/mhO20Nu-uxM/s1600/wax%2Bshells_0026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ls6KbIEb7R4/Vk8oU-e-1UI/AAAAAAAAa24/mhO20Nu-uxM/s800/wax%2Bshells_0026.jpg" /></a><br />
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In searching for microcrystalline wax, there are two types available, a soft, tacky version and a hard version. I bought the hard version.</div>
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I had taken beading classes from Diane Dennis and from Laura McCabe over the Summer and both artists used microcrystalline wax exclusively to condition their fireline beading threads. Laura McCabe spoke very highly of the archival properties of microcrystalline wax, mentioning that she had used it previously in conservation work.</div>
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In the past, I have used beeswax to condition threads for bead embroidery and for goldwork but I liked the microcrystalline wax a bit better. It was less tacky resulting in a smoother thread than beeswax so I thought it might be nice to share my newfound favorite with my stitching friends.</div>
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I poured my melted wax into my little silicone mold...</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PNTO2FnRqEQ/Vk8oU08-0vI/AAAAAAAAa3A/nqZKo03Xpyw/s1600/wax%2Bshells_0028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PNTO2FnRqEQ/Vk8oU08-0vI/AAAAAAAAa3A/nqZKo03Xpyw/s800/wax%2Bshells_0028.jpg" /></a></div>
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Twenty times...<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OSsU5Lcid_g/Vk8oT5WHpOI/AAAAAAAAa2g/1JQp2siDKCc/s1600/wax%2Bshells_0001.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OSsU5Lcid_g/Vk8oT5WHpOI/AAAAAAAAa2g/1JQp2siDKCc/s800/wax%2Bshells_0001.jpg" /></a></div>
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Et voilá!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l4hjZkuGClk/Vk87d72Kn6I/AAAAAAAAa3s/BoBwrrpDLXQ/s1600/wax%2Bshells_0010-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l4hjZkuGClk/Vk87d72Kn6I/AAAAAAAAa3s/BoBwrrpDLXQ/s800/wax%2Bshells_0010-2.jpg" /></a>
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A wax shell thread conditioner to place in their stitching workboxes.<br />
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A gift from the sea and from me. <br />
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Have a great weekend everyone!</div>
Susan Elliotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18094024834053351944noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24975998.post-46250929118960426602015-11-18T11:26:00.000-05:002015-11-18T11:33:36.475-05:00Pine Needling<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oJnTsCzyYdY/VkupRhzOhzI/AAAAAAAAazA/c_V86slfA-w/s1600/pine%2Bneedles_0080.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oJnTsCzyYdY/VkupRhzOhzI/AAAAAAAAazA/c_V86slfA-w/s800/pine%2Bneedles_0080.jpg" /></a><br />
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Last weekend I was away from home stitching with friends in Chincoteague, Virginia.
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iRjnjp03W5o/VkyZqntL8YI/AAAAAAAAa0Q/bRYjxdQ19J0/s1600/chincoteague1_1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iRjnjp03W5o/VkyZqntL8YI/AAAAAAAAa0Q/bRYjxdQ19J0/s800/chincoteague1_1.jpg" /></a></div>
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It was a wonderful, relaxing few days away where we stitched all day and never had to worry about our next meal because the local seafood is so good.
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Located toward the Southern end of the Chesapeake Bay, Chincoteague is the entryway for Assateague Island National Park so the outdoors is full of inspiration...</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LhBDsovvqIY/VkybT2PklzI/AAAAAAAAa0w/ruRR-96IQl8/s1600/chincoteague1_13.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LhBDsovvqIY/VkybT2PklzI/AAAAAAAAa0w/ruRR-96IQl8/s800/chincoteague1_13.jpg" /></a></div>
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And egrets, herons, ibis, kingfishers and other birds pepper the landscape...</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U9fyaoDUCAw/VkyZqt2E9fI/AAAAAAAAa0U/qq7ZCuwMXLU/s1600/chincoteague1_66.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U9fyaoDUCAw/VkyZqt2E9fI/AAAAAAAAa0U/qq7ZCuwMXLU/s800/chincoteague1_66.jpg" /></a></div>
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Whenever this group of talented women gets together, there is lots of sharing...</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X8TaOBogdOI/VkydtC94ACI/AAAAAAAAa1E/Zia_gKfoIP4/s1600/_DSC4862_0005%2Blow.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X8TaOBogdOI/VkydtC94ACI/AAAAAAAAa1E/Zia_gKfoIP4/s800/_DSC4862_0005%2Blow.jpg" /></a></div>
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And this year, Canby Robertson offered to teach us how to make pine needle baskets...</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nr7W6aJhCXU/VkupTYCHArI/AAAAAAAAazc/4JbAAOYDHkI/s1600/pine%2Bneedles_0088-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nr7W6aJhCXU/VkupTYCHArI/AAAAAAAAazc/4JbAAOYDHkI/s800/pine%2Bneedles_0088-2.jpg" /></a></div>
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I wrote about Canby teaching at EGA National Seminar <a href="http://www.plays-with-needles.blogspot.com/2015/11/coming-soon.html" target="_blank">last post here</a>.</div>
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After cleaning and prepping the pine needles that Canby had collected on our behalf, we used a size 20 chenille needle, C-lon cord, and a piece of drinking straw to craft our baskets...</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YiKTH0nDUK8/Vkygwvjl9_I/AAAAAAAAa1Q/-YHlfHHsCnU/s1600/pine%2Bneedles_0043.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YiKTH0nDUK8/Vkygwvjl9_I/AAAAAAAAa1Q/-YHlfHHsCnU/s800/pine%2Bneedles_0043.jpg" /></a><br />
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Adding pine needles through the straw and stitching the coils into place...<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_Na1SC-Ovbk/VkupOlQ2tXI/AAAAAAAAax8/aM1w-_K6Xf4/s1600/_DSC4875_0018.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_Na1SC-Ovbk/VkupOlQ2tXI/AAAAAAAAax8/aM1w-_K6Xf4/s800/_DSC4875_0018.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8IC76Dfat44/VkupSYibYGI/AAAAAAAAazI/LDcofsYVs0E/s1600/pine%2Bneedles_0081.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8IC76Dfat44/VkupSYibYGI/AAAAAAAAazI/LDcofsYVs0E/s800/pine%2Bneedles_0081.jpg" /></a> </div>
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Everyone chose their own color cord...</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yizy4R_xbTU/Vkup9KXb2II/AAAAAAAAazw/IaUqAYc-4mc/s1600/pine%2Bneedles_0065.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yizy4R_xbTU/Vkup9KXb2II/AAAAAAAAazw/IaUqAYc-4mc/s800/pine%2Bneedles_0065.jpg" /></a></div>
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And the baskets were as unique as their makers...</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uuTGXlsCNWI/VkupOEG_v_I/AAAAAAAAax0/oBTnVhevNgM/s1600/_DSC4871_0014.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uuTGXlsCNWI/VkupOEG_v_I/AAAAAAAAax0/oBTnVhevNgM/s800/_DSC4871_0014.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PI-UfYm0x8o/VkupOJ-2SRI/AAAAAAAAax4/Dy9ENM3k-ac/s1600/_DSC4867_0009.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PI-UfYm0x8o/VkupOJ-2SRI/AAAAAAAAax4/Dy9ENM3k-ac/s800/_DSC4867_0009.jpg" /></a></div>
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The result after about two days was this nifty pile of prettiness...<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0eKiM2N0rpk/VkupRP2XSZI/AAAAAAAAay4/EHwQFpRjO_c/s1600/pine%2Bneedles_0074.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0eKiM2N0rpk/VkupRP2XSZI/AAAAAAAAay4/EHwQFpRjO_c/s800/pine%2Bneedles_0074.jpg" /></a><br />
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I was thrilled to learn this new and practical technique using pine needles that I can collect in my woods...</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Noe_mQimvZY/VkupQTyyX5I/AAAAAAAAayo/p6v9HmYOziw/s1600/pine%2Bneedles_0056.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Noe_mQimvZY/VkupQTyyX5I/AAAAAAAAayo/p6v9HmYOziw/s800/pine%2Bneedles_0056.jpg" /></a><br />
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Though mine was the smallest, I have big dreams of making more pine needle baskets...<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JsXCMhEynWA/VkupPxExwFI/AAAAAAAAayY/PK2qDBYkpgw/s1600/_DSC4889_0032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JsXCMhEynWA/VkupPxExwFI/AAAAAAAAayY/PK2qDBYkpgw/s800/_DSC4889_0032.jpg" /></a><br />
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While we were laboring over our wee woven works, Canby had finished an entire cracker basket...</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U7pw-1LSlMM/Vkup9B51gWI/AAAAAAAAazs/wpkKly3m3vw/s1600/_DSC4886_0029.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U7pw-1LSlMM/Vkup9B51gWI/AAAAAAAAazs/wpkKly3m3vw/s800/_DSC4886_0029.jpg" /></a></div>
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Which she promptly turned around and gave to her friend Rosemary.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ur2sNIbj8SE/VkupPv5UB_I/AAAAAAAAayc/SKGBOi3IYWw/s1600/_DSC4883_0026.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ur2sNIbj8SE/VkupPv5UB_I/AAAAAAAAayc/SKGBOi3IYWw/s800/_DSC4883_0026.jpg" /></a><br />
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Gifts were given all around and teaching a new skill is the greatest gift of all. Thanks Canby.<br />
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If you're interested in pine needle basket making, Canby <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/pine-needle-basketry-judy-mallow/1002188610?ean=9781600596032" target="_blank">recommended this book</a> by Judy Mallow.<br />
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And if you're interested in visiting Chincoteague, VA, I can't recommend <a href="http://www.hamptoninnchincoteague.com/" target="_blank">the Hampton Inn</a> highly enough. It's rated #1 in the country and they live up to their reputation!<br />
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And the oysters and scallops served <a href="http://www.donsseafood.com/" target="_blank">here</a>, and <a href="http://www.billsseafoodrestaurant.com/" target="_blank">here</a>, and <a href="http://www.ajsonthecreek.com/" target="_blank">here</a> are out of this world. I know because I ate at all three...ahem...multiple times.<br />
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See you next time.</div>
Susan Elliotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18094024834053351944noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24975998.post-56561101419020362342015-11-04T09:54:00.000-05:002015-11-04T10:11:08.389-05:00Coming Soon!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The <a href="http://www.egausa.org/index.php/events/national-seminars/national-seminar-2016" target="_blank">Embroiderers' Guild National Seminar is coming to the East Coast November 2-6, 2016!</a><br />
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Check out <a href="http://www.egausa.org/index.php/classes-2016/2-day-classes-thursday-2016/943-214-orts-in-your-life-hexagonal-orts-box" target="_blank">this enchanting ort box designed</a> and taught by friend and mentor Canby Robertson...<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5uvanbzCC9k/Vjof29TZKpI/AAAAAAAAaxk/XAQ40b5OgrQ/s1600/ort%2Bbox_0003-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5uvanbzCC9k/Vjof29TZKpI/AAAAAAAAaxk/XAQ40b5OgrQ/s800/ort%2Bbox_0003-1.jpg" /></a><br />
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This is just<a href="http://www.egausa.org/index.php/classes-2016/2-day-classes-thursday-2016/943-214-orts-in-your-life-hexagonal-orts-box" target="_blank"> one of three of Canby's classes</a> being taught at Seminar next Fall. <br />
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Inspired by a set of 17th Century Blackwork sleeves in the Victoria and Albert Museum Collection, her class will explore the last phase of English Blackwork, a period when blackwork evolved into a surface embroidery technique that tried to replicate the linear quality and shading of early printed illustrations.<br />
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Measuring a petite 3.5" tall, this compact folding six-sided box is packed with technique and exquisite detail...<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vz08j8QFqlI/VjoRGL_KoTI/AAAAAAAAawc/skKYokgJAE4/s1600/ort%2Bbox_0050.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vz08j8QFqlI/VjoRGL_KoTI/AAAAAAAAawc/skKYokgJAE4/s800/ort%2Bbox_0050.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Designed and stitched by Canby Robertson. All rights reserved.</td></tr>
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And the stitches!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O60OxQUx0_U/VjoRGA_A3UI/AAAAAAAAawY/Dmpx5CA97G4/s1600/ort%2Bbox_0037.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O60OxQUx0_U/VjoRGA_A3UI/AAAAAAAAawY/Dmpx5CA97G4/s800/ort%2Bbox_0037.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Designed and stitched by Canby Robertson. All rights reserved.</td></tr>
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Based on 17th century stitches, Canby's stitch and thread choices are masterful.<br />
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Stitches such as blanket, herringbone, trellis, coral knot, reverse chain, double reverse chain, and double reverse chain bring the flora and fauna of this diminutive design to life. So much to learn!<br />
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Like this use of seed stitch with super fine Sufine thread...<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TkLPsd9_AHc/VjoRFbxkcNI/AAAAAAAAawM/C8lg2eGdd-U/s1600/ort%2Bbox_0009.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TkLPsd9_AHc/VjoRFbxkcNI/AAAAAAAAawM/C8lg2eGdd-U/s800/ort%2Bbox_0009.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Designed and stitched by Canby Robertson. All rights reserved.</td></tr>
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An expert reproduction of shading in early print illustrations.<br />
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Plus, it's not only beautiful, it's useful.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zQpCiURBDH4/VjoRFezi4NI/AAAAAAAAawQ/I2gBGKQ8FHw/s1600/ort%2Bbox_0010.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zQpCiURBDH4/VjoRFezi4NI/AAAAAAAAawQ/I2gBGKQ8FHw/s800/ort%2Bbox_0010.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Designed and stitched by Canby Robertson. All rights reserved.</td></tr>
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The hexagon collapsible box is made from six plastic hotel key cards so it folds flat to pack away in your work box.<br />
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I just love everything about this box!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p6Cid4nZLB8/VjoRGD3KgwI/AAAAAAAAawU/9wO8wqlzqm8/s1600/ort%2Bbox_0032.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p6Cid4nZLB8/VjoRGD3KgwI/AAAAAAAAawU/9wO8wqlzqm8/s800/ort%2Bbox_0032.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Designed and stitched by Canby Robertson. All rights reserved.</td></tr>
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Lucky for me, I will be a pilot stitcher for this box in March but you can have a chance <a href="http://www.egausa.org/index.php/classes-2016/2-day-classes-thursday-2016/943-214-orts-in-your-life-hexagonal-orts-box" target="_blank">at taking this workshop from Canby at National Seminar 2016.</a><br />
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Canby is one of the most signifcant and influential embroidery teachers I've ever had. Her classes are rich in content, history, design theory, and materials knowledge. Where many teachers provide only core instruction on how to replicate their designs, Canby's classes explore the thought process behind the design; reveal the what, why and how of stitch, thread and color choices; and provide a framework for critique and improvement. The skills I've learned from her have been foundational and highly transferable to my own design process, expanding my skill set and staying with me long after the workshop is over.<br />
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If you can take a class from her at National next year, you should. <br />
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In addition to the ort box, <a href="http://www.egausa.org/index.php/classes-2016/1-day-class-wednesday-2016/927-109-lettering-surface-embroidery" target="_blank">Canby will also be teaching a one-day lettering class</a> which I highly recommend and have enthused over before in<a href="http://www.plays-with-needles.blogspot.com/2009/11/lettering-on-fabric.html" target="_blank"> this blog post here when I took the class in 2009</a>. Folks tease me when I say Canby's lettering course changed my life, but it did. I've used the <a href="http://www.plays-with-needles.blogspot.com/2011/05/lettering.html" target="_blank">techniques learned in that class over</a> and <a href="http://www.plays-with-needles.blogspot.com/2011/11/more-on-lettering.html" target="_blank">over again...</a><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LgF5fepdMmg/VjoXwd35XAI/AAAAAAAAaxI/lDinkw66sCw/s1600/lettrring.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LgF5fepdMmg/VjoXwd35XAI/AAAAAAAAaxI/lDinkw66sCw/s800/lettrring.jpg" /></a><br />
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I've signed up to take Canby's third class, <a href="http://www.egausa.org/index.php/classes-2016/2-day-classes-saturday-2016/965-314-diminutive-rose-study-soft-shading" target="_blank">Diminutive Rose: A Study in Soft Shading,</a> where I hope to learn more about shading, texture and color theory.<br />
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If you're not familiar with <a href="http://www.egausa.org/" target="_blank">EGA</a>, it is a national organization comprised of many local chapters. You can <a href="http://www.egausa.org/index.php/membership/new-to-ega-start-here" target="_blank">go here to search for a chapter that might be in your area</a>.<br />
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Much of my instruction and embroidery learning has occurred through the programs and workshops of my local group, the <i>Constellation Chapter</i>, which is in the Mid-Atlantic region. Though I've been very involved locally, I have never attended a national seminar so I'm looking forward to my first conference next Fall. Alexandria is not very far from where I live in Maryland.<br />
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The other teacher I'm hoping to learn from is <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ProfessorKatherineDiuguid/" target="_blank">Katherine Diuguid</a>, professor at NC State University. Trained at the Royal School of Needlework, I've been following <a href="http://www.katherinediuguid.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Katherine's blog</a> since I met her at the Winterthur Needlework conference in 2014. My absolute favorite piece of Kat's is <a href="http://www.katherinediuguid.blogspot.com/search/label/beehive" target="_blank">her goldwork Beehive and I've been lusting after it since she posted her progress on her blog last Fall</a>. When I saw it being offered as <a href="http://www.egausa.org/index.php/classes-2016/2-day-classes-thursday-2016/935-207-beehive-goldwork-sampler" target="_blank">a class at National</a>, I was over the moon! Fingers crossed that I get in.<br />
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<a href="http://www.egausa.org/index.php/events/national-seminars/national-seminar-2016" target="_blank">Early registration is now open from Nov 1-Nov 30, 2015 for members</a>. Hope to see some of you there!
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Susan Elliotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18094024834053351944noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24975998.post-27632038852952306752015-10-31T19:09:00.000-05:002015-10-31T19:26:07.272-05:00Halloween Candy<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Original artwork by Irene Leizer</td></tr>
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I haven't seen my Crazy friend Irene in almost a year so it was a real treat for her to show up to stitch with me this Halloween.<br />
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And look at her work in progress...<br />
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I can always count on Irene to bring a visual treat. She was the one who came with those delicious autumn-<a href="http://www.plays-with-needles.blogspot.com/2010/11/fall-stitches.html" target="_blank">themed fan blocks a couple of years ago.</a></div>
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And this year, she didn't disappoint...</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s_XgNhLzBts/VjUoZViOmqI/AAAAAAAAauo/YsekqwC-CE0/s1600/Irene_0028.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s_XgNhLzBts/VjUoZViOmqI/AAAAAAAAauo/YsekqwC-CE0/s800/Irene_0028.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Original artwork by Irene Leizer</td></tr>
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She's making a crazy quilt block that will be octagonal, inspired by the colors she stitched in this canvas design by <a href="http://adornbyorna.com/collections/kits" target="_blank">Orna Willis</a>...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a-J8R4iwN9U/VjUoZpHCvnI/AAAAAAAAaus/JOBnLKKL_dk/s1600/Irene_0037.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a-J8R4iwN9U/VjUoZpHCvnI/AAAAAAAAaus/JOBnLKKL_dk/s800/Irene_0037.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Orna Willis design stitched by Irene Leizer</td></tr>
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So you have to imagine an octagonal frame around this piece...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-brJZHEnpIWk/VjUoYl330XI/AAAAAAAAauY/M4AJHl81Lnk/s1600/Irene_0023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-brJZHEnpIWk/VjUoYl330XI/AAAAAAAAauY/M4AJHl81Lnk/s800/Irene_0023.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Original artwork by Irene Leizer</td></tr>
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It's such a joy when we see work that mirrors the colors of the season...</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Original artwork by Irene Leizer</td></tr>
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And I love how she is using the stitches in Orna's design to inform her own seam treatments and embroidery designs..<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Original artwork by Irene Leizer</td></tr>
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It was such a treat for my eyes to spend time with this block...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3W0dA8EdNyI/VjUoaBh2cVI/AAAAAAAAau8/SnNUcFmhlDw/s1600/Irene_0040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3W0dA8EdNyI/VjUoaBh2cVI/AAAAAAAAau8/SnNUcFmhlDw/s800/Irene_0040.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Original artwork by Irene Leizer</td></tr>
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And better for my waistline than all the candy I'm handing out this evening!<br />
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And if that wasn't enough, it did my heart good to see her using her <a href="http://www.plays-with-needles.blogspot.com/p/harikuyo-needlebook-e-course-ii.html" target="_blank">Harikuyo needlebook</a>...<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8zBRJGS97K8/VjVRJuGzOeI/AAAAAAAAavc/1G8ANn1OQd8/s1600/Irene_0009.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8zBRJGS97K8/VjVRJuGzOeI/AAAAAAAAavc/1G8ANn1OQd8/s800/Irene_0009.jpg" /></a></div>
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Alas, the very talented Irene does not have a blog :o(<br />
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But you can see her <a href="http://www.plays-with-needles.blogspot.com/2010/11/fall-stitches.html" target="_blank">cool fan blocks on this post here</a> and more <a href="http://www.plays-with-needles.blogspot.com/2012/10/irenes-hari-kuyo-needlebook.html" target="_blank">details of her needlebook on this post here</a>. And if we're lucky, I'll see her more frequently than once a year so we can all be inspired by her work more often.<br />
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Oh. And if you were wondering about the very cool hat label that's pieced into her block...<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NVt5bu1INjw/VjVWZF-3iiI/AAAAAAAAavs/y0aRkfZxL-I/s1600/Irene_0014.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NVt5bu1INjw/VjVWZF-3iiI/AAAAAAAAavs/y0aRkfZxL-I/s800/Irene_0014.jpg" /></a><br />
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I found it for her on this trip to <a href="http://www.plays-with-needles.blogspot.com/2012/02/special-shopping-trip.html" target="_blank">Tinsel Trading in NYC</a>. Lucky for you, Tinsel Trading has an Etsy site and the hat labels are available <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/TinselTrading/search?search_query=hat+labels&order=date_desc&view_type=gallery&ref=shop_search" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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Happy Halloween! </div>
Susan Elliotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18094024834053351944noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24975998.post-15066019208240188772015-10-29T11:06:00.002-05:002015-10-29T11:06:13.480-05:00Design Transfer and Line of Held Thread<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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One of the skills I am learning in Phase IX of Japanese Embroidery instruction is something called superimposed work.</div>
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Superimposed work is stitching on top of a stitched ground or foundation. I've completed some superimposed work already when I laid goldwork leaves and cherry blossoms over a black twisted thread foundation.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HW9KfRuCa-w/VjJC613H1aI/AAAAAAAAatc/ShF4V4pXAMU/s1600/honeysuckle_0002.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HW9KfRuCa-w/VjJC613H1aI/AAAAAAAAatc/ShF4V4pXAMU/s800/honeysuckle_0002.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.plays-with-needles.blogspot.com/2015/10/right-diagonals.html" target="_blank">After finishing the flat silk stitching of the box legs</a>, I'm ready to superimpose more embroidery details on top of what I've already stitched, building the embroidery detail in layers.<br />
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First, I need to transfer the embroidery design again. Most of the time, <a href="http://www.plays-with-needles.blogspot.com/2012/02/tissue-transfer.html" target="_blank">I hand draw on tissue paper and transfer the design that way</a> (<a href="http://www.plays-with-needles.blogspot.com/2012/02/tissue-transfer.html" target="_blank">the tree on my January Reflections piece was done this way</a>). In order to be a bit more precise, I will sometimes print the pattern onto tissue paper using the copy setting on my printer.<br />
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First, I tape a piece of tracing paper (I like <a href="http://www.dickblick.com/products/bienfang-tracing-paper-in-rolls/" target="_blank">Bienfang best</a>) onto a plain sheet of copy paper...<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lHSD8g98zt4/VjI3NVmEP3I/AAAAAAAAass/yZDPg8c_Go4/s1600/transfer_0002.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lHSD8g98zt4/VjI3NVmEP3I/AAAAAAAAass/yZDPg8c_Go4/s800/transfer_0002.jpg" /></a><br />
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Next, I set the copy setting on the lowest possible ink density.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t2dGJSJ0n5o/VjI3NEQZEqI/AAAAAAAAaso/pMp0ikzDEDI/s1600/transfer_0001.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t2dGJSJ0n5o/VjI3NEQZEqI/AAAAAAAAaso/pMp0ikzDEDI/s800/transfer_0001.jpg" /></a><br />
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You don't want too much ink because it can flake off and get on your embroidery which wouldn't be great. In fact, if I were working with light colors I probably wouldn't use this printer method but would instead trace it by hand to avoid this potential problem.<br />
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Once the pattern is copied, I actually cut the sheet of tissue paper into pieces along the dotted lines. I didn't get a picture of this step but it's kind of important.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5gUBVjV2apI/VjI3NrsLmhI/AAAAAAAAasw/llx5SS74kQw/s1600/transfer_0004.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5gUBVjV2apI/VjI3NrsLmhI/AAAAAAAAasw/llx5SS74kQw/s800/transfer_0004.jpg" /></a><br />
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Because the fabric is stretched on a frame, the pattern doesn't always fit the space exactly. By cutting the tissue pattern along the dotted lines, I'm able to more accurately fit the design over the top of the box, the left leg and the right leg and baste them in place. If I tried to fit the transfer without cutting the tissue, it would be nearly impossible to line up the design accurately. I hope that makes sense.<br />
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Next, I transfer the design by using one of my couching threads in the color that either matches the foundation or matches the embroidery to be superimposed. In this case, I'll be stitching the box ties and tassels using a reddish-orange silk so I used a red couching thread to transfer my design. For the tiny metal fittings on the box legs, I used gold couching thread.<br />
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A design can be transferred using running stitch or a line of held thread. I chose line of held thread in this instance because I like that it gives me a firm edge over which to lay my flat silk for the tassel.<br />
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A line of held thread begins by stitching one long straight stitch along the design line. In the example below, I chose to stitch one side of the tassel...<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T6SFBZ2FJx8/VjI3MqAmrYI/AAAAAAAAasg/rLIwA982Pck/s1600/held%2Bthread%2Bstart.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T6SFBZ2FJx8/VjI3MqAmrYI/AAAAAAAAasg/rLIwA982Pck/s800/held%2Bthread%2Bstart.jpg" /></a><br />
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Because the tassel side curves, my tension is somewhat loose on that thread so that I can couch the line in place over the design line. The first couching stitch is in the center of the line (see above).<br />
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Next, I begin shaping my long stitch along the design line by couching halfway again between the middle stitch and the ends of my thread...<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-unA-zWoVXCM/VjI3MA9EuOI/AAAAAAAAasU/OX4aNN78tIU/s1600/held%2Bthread%2B3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-unA-zWoVXCM/VjI3MA9EuOI/AAAAAAAAasU/OX4aNN78tIU/s800/held%2Bthread%2B3.jpg" /></a></div>
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I continued to couch the thread evenly by continuing to divide each space in half...<br />
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Until I've securely couched down the entire design line...</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gBHFmrVZPQk/VjI3NBE9MkI/AAAAAAAAask/J24UuzgEkyk/s1600/staggered%2B4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gBHFmrVZPQk/VjI3NBE9MkI/AAAAAAAAask/J24UuzgEkyk/s800/staggered%2B4.jpg" /></a></div>
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If the shape is very curvy, my couching stitches will be closer together.<br />
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After I score the tissue paper and remove it from my work with a tweezer, I'm ready to begin stitching the cord, tassels and metal fitting on the legs of the box.<br />
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Now for the disclaimer. I am by no means an expert Japanese embroiderer. I am a student. The information that I share here is my own experience and not necessarily the gospel as it relates to Japanese embroidery. There may be readers who are far more experienced than I who would like to chime in and I welcome their input. Also, my teacher may buzz in here every now and then to correct me and when she does, I will share that as well.</div>
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Thank you for coming along for the journey. I hope you will find information here that will help you with your own needlework.</div>
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Now, I'm back to work. Until next time!</div>
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Susan Elliotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18094024834053351944noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24975998.post-34668762679939953912015-10-26T08:20:00.005-05:002015-10-26T08:21:37.217-05:00Needle Labels Back in Stock<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Good Monday everyone!<br />
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Needle labels have been <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/playswithneedles?ref=hdr_shop_menu" target="_blank">re-stocked in the Etsy shop</a> for those who have been waiting!<br />
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This time around, there are two sets to choose from:<br />
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First is the traditional Japanese <i>hari-kuyo</i> set that includes the Sashiko needle label:<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pqxXI3N2OsM/Vi4negi5heI/AAAAAAAAar8/cDKP7rgb3VY/s1600/labels_0003.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pqxXI3N2OsM/Vi4negi5heI/AAAAAAAAar8/cDKP7rgb3VY/s800/labels_0003.jpg" /></a><br />
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You can find the Sashiko sets <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/253420725/sashiko-set-10-woven-sew-on-needle?ref=shop_home_active_1" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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The second set replaces the Sashiko label with the all-encompassing "Etc." label for those who have additional needle needs...<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-an7qUXsi9TA/Vi4neysBI0I/AAAAAAAAasA/TRbDkvvrz70/s1600/labels_0004.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-an7qUXsi9TA/Vi4neysBI0I/AAAAAAAAasA/TRbDkvvrz70/s800/labels_0004.jpg" /></a><br />
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You can find the Etc. sets <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/94009799/etc-set-10-woven-sew-on-needle-labels?ref=shop_home_active_2" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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It's a busy day today but I should be able to post an update on Sake box tomorrow...<br />
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Best stitches to all!</div>
Susan Elliotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18094024834053351944noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24975998.post-66920008736290596122015-10-22T10:17:00.000-05:002015-10-22T10:24:18.200-05:00Right Diagonals<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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In Japanese embroidery, one of the basic techniques for filling a shape is called diagonal layer.</div>
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Diagonal layer uses <i>right</i> diagonal stitches from upper right to bottom left.</div>
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With two strands of flat, filament silk I proceeded to stitch the legs of the sake box from the upper right to bottom left just like the textbook said.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2mWFEqr97cM/Vij45SDq8dI/AAAAAAAAarc/dV2vMvu5nNM/s1600/diagonals_0004-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2mWFEqr97cM/Vij45SDq8dI/AAAAAAAAarc/dV2vMvu5nNM/s800/diagonals_0004-2.jpg" /></a></div>
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I'm a little rusty at laying flat silk since I've been laying goldwork for months and months. <br />
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When I finished, I thought it looked pretty good, not great. My silk tension was uneven which didn't worry me too much since the area will be covered by more superimposed goldwork. That should mask some of my problems which is one reason why I stitched the legs as a bit of a warm-up...<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-846DuHoJMDQ/Vij2xbBISpI/AAAAAAAAarA/R6y3z9zbbK4/s1600/diagonals_0004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-846DuHoJMDQ/Vij2xbBISpI/AAAAAAAAarA/R6y3z9zbbK4/s800/diagonals_0004.jpg" /></a></div>
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Making progress, I thought, until my teacher buzzed in and told me that the orientation of the stitch is not to myself, the stitcher, but to the <i>top of the piece</i>. In other words, my right diagonals were actually left diagonals and I had stitched them incorrectly.<br />
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So...<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0hRSYYG9tOE/Vij2x7kTuZI/AAAAAAAAarE/y3jDqKimDQo/s1600/diagonals_0006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0hRSYYG9tOE/Vij2x7kTuZI/AAAAAAAAarE/y3jDqKimDQo/s800/diagonals_0006.jpg" style="cursor: move;" /></a><br />
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Out they came and I re-stitched them properly from top right to bottom left...<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0TWhZJXFRNY/Vij2xR37pRI/AAAAAAAAaq8/j4-boVEpwzU/s1600/diagonals_0002-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0TWhZJXFRNY/Vij2xR37pRI/AAAAAAAAaq8/j4-boVEpwzU/s800/diagonals_0002-2.jpg" /></a></div>
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When I think about it, that makes more sense anyway. If all right diagonals were stitched relative to the position of the stitcher, then they would be in many different directions all over the piece. The correct way means that stitches will all be orientated to the top of the embroidery piece and that would be a unifying effect that makes a ton more sense.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jRCcGzNABQ4/Vij2xdGzp7I/AAAAAAAAaq4/0W7eqye-ciY/s1600/diagonals_0002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jRCcGzNABQ4/Vij2xdGzp7I/AAAAAAAAaq4/0W7eqye-ciY/s800/diagonals_0002.jpg" /></a></div>
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I told you I was rusty.</div>
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Doing my best to stitch two hours per day now so there should be many more Japanese embroidery updates in the future if I'm doing my work.</div>
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Many of you asked about Mrs. Rose...I'm happy to report that she is patiently sitting in her chair with <a href="http://www.plays-with-needles.blogspot.com/search?q=Mrs.+Rose+rosary" target="_blank">her prayer book saying her rosary</a> <a href="http://www.plays-with-needles.blogspot.com/2015/02/embroidering-3-d-rose-leaves.html" target="_blank">while she waits for her rose bower to grow</a>. I've been making her leaves but Japanese embroidery and Christmas presents have risen in the queue ahead of her I'm afraid. She'll be back on deck after the holidays.</div>
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Back to the frame with me...</div>
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Susan Elliotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18094024834053351944noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24975998.post-42234593312817993942015-10-15T08:56:00.001-05:002015-10-15T15:24:44.548-05:00Button Porn<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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If you've been following my blog for a while, you might remember that my Mom passed away over seven years ago in 2008. Since then my Dad has continued to live in Naples, Florida...a place that has grown very dear to us since my parents moved there almost twenty years ago.</div>
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That phase of our life is closing as all of the friends that my father had in Naples have either died or moved away. Rather than live alone, it's time for him to move back home to Baltimore to be with his family and friends here. So Jim and I just returned from a trip to Florida where we began the process of helping Dad to get his house ready to sell.<br />
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Though we did a lot of work while we were there, we found time to have a little fun. Well, for me...a LOT of fun.<br />
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That's because we had read about a flea market early last Saturday morning and decided to wake up to get there when it first opened. When the alarm clock sounded, Jim moaned and started to beg off the whole venture. Not me. I was determined to go. "Well, I'm going", I said, and I threw back the covers and leapt out of bed. He groaned again but followed me out...what a love. My Dad was up and came too. <br />
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Poor blokes. They didn't find much except for newspapers and coffee.<br />
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But me? Well, I never made it past the first stall.<br />
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It happened to be run by Silvia, a seventy year old woman whose 1988 four-door sedan had one dusty box of buttons after another. <br />
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Honestly, I couldn't believe my luck. SOOO many beautiful buttons...<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pXyUR656vTE/Vh-eZaZuiII/AAAAAAAAapk/o7R_nl0-A1k/s1600/Oct%2BNaples_0005.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pXyUR656vTE/Vh-eZaZuiII/AAAAAAAAapk/o7R_nl0-A1k/s800/Oct%2BNaples_0005.jpg" /></a><br />
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And all for 50 cents to one dollar apiece she said.<br />
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Sorry I have no picture of the stall...it was too early and I didn't even think to bring a camera. If I had known the treasure hoard I was going to encounter, I would have saved my pennies and arrived before dawn with an entire news crew!<br />
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Next to Silvia's tables, I was lucky to find these two little brass mirrored boxes for five bucks so I had something to hold my choices.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0aQMB2cHFvM/Vh-eZVKeUXI/AAAAAAAAapc/Nd_uXVRah-U/s1600/Oct%2BNaples_0006.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0aQMB2cHFvM/Vh-eZVKeUXI/AAAAAAAAapc/Nd_uXVRah-U/s800/Oct%2BNaples_0006.jpg" /></a><br />
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They cleaned up beautifully when I got home. And so did the buttons. I loved washing them in a bowl of soapy water and brushing them with Jack's old baby tooth brush. <br />
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There were so many buttons at Silvia's stall that I had no choice but to focus my efforts. I didn't have a ton of money or time, so I went for my one of my current loves...smokey gray carved mother of pearl...<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XACogkMqJ7o/Vh-ebPxHT1I/AAAAAAAAaqE/rwhtI8_1NXQ/s1600/button%2Bfinds_0020.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XACogkMqJ7o/Vh-ebPxHT1I/AAAAAAAAaqE/rwhtI8_1NXQ/s800/button%2Bfinds_0020.jpg" /></a> <br />
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*sigh*<br />
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They were all so lovely that I was inspired to photograph them by families. I just couldn't resist. I should have been embroidering the last six goldwork honeysuckle leaves on my Japanese embroidery sake ladle but the buttons were far more seductive.<br />
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This group of celluloid and metal against a vintage piece of beaded net just makes me swoon...<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QAXMgnTXGqY/Vh-ebHXNHxI/AAAAAAAAaqI/3vF2RIrW73M/s1600/button%2Bfinds_0014.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QAXMgnTXGqY/Vh-ebHXNHxI/AAAAAAAAaqI/3vF2RIrW73M/s800/button%2Bfinds_0014.jpg" /></a><br />
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And these steels, metals and glass stand up better when paired with an old embroidered shoe fragment...<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9kLhatioUcI/Vh-eaPoDvOI/AAAAAAAAaps/DDDUcekK0kc/s1600/button%2Bfinds_0008-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9kLhatioUcI/Vh-eaPoDvOI/AAAAAAAAaps/DDDUcekK0kc/s800/button%2Bfinds_0008-2.jpg" /></a><br />
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And oh...the astounding beauty of pearly white, carved mother of pearl...<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qzw2hlP3Sbo/Vh-mWdDxu6I/AAAAAAAAaqo/D5qG8YCh8wo/s1600/button%2Bfinds_0011.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qzw2hlP3Sbo/Vh-mWdDxu6I/AAAAAAAAaqo/D5qG8YCh8wo/s800/button%2Bfinds_0011.jpg" /></a><br />
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See. You wouldn't have done your Japanese embroidery either.<br />
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Jim was happy to have a task so he dug through all the pearl buttons to pull this collection together...<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZG6nnXMfvRU/Vh-eZinOKcI/AAAAAAAAapg/lhzShMlRCcA/s1600/Oct%2BNaples_0008.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZG6nnXMfvRU/Vh-eZinOKcI/AAAAAAAAapg/lhzShMlRCcA/s800/Oct%2BNaples_0008.jpg" /></a><br />
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They are all over 1.25 inches and I plan to send them to my friend <a href="http://olderrose.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Gerry of Older Rose</a> who paints them with the most lovely birds, bees, flowers and cottages and sells <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/olderrose?ref=em" target="_blank">them in her Etsy shop</a>.<br />
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She even paints haunted houses on the smokey gray pearls. Makes me want to do a Halloween block.<br />
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And speaking of Halloween...<br />
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She had two HUGE wooden boxes of just butterscotch bakelite! But I just ran out of time...</div>
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Probably my greatest pleasure was discovering the quaint charm of buffed celluloid. </div>
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Buffed celluloid is a plastic button popular in the 1930s. I only own a couple so when I saw them all together in a big wooden box, I couldn't resist purchasing enough of them to make an instant collection...</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r_Fn-23VK8g/Vh-eaHu3XdI/AAAAAAAAapw/2O1BgIQGMqs/s1600/Oct%2BNaples_0010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r_Fn-23VK8g/Vh-eaHu3XdI/AAAAAAAAapw/2O1BgIQGMqs/s800/Oct%2BNaples_0010.jpg" /></a><br />
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When Silvia saw the caliber of gems that I had pulled from her hoard, the price per button jumped up a bit. That was OK with me. It was still a phenomenal deal. She says that she had a great day because of me...sometimes she only sells a button here or a button there. As if on cue, an older gentleman walked up and bought one button to put on his pants. I told Silvia she should be selling them online but she says she's too old to start all that now. She didn't even know what Etsy was. Sorry folks, I tried.<br />
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Today I am back to the Japanese embroidery frame. I'll update my progress there next time.
Thanks to all of you for stopping by and commenting on my Winter Wonderbird last post. It was the perfect welcome party. It feels good to be home.</div>
Susan Elliotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18094024834053351944noreply@blogger.com37tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24975998.post-71545535800487502352015-10-06T12:36:00.000-05:002015-10-06T13:24:12.427-05:00Winter Wonderbird<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Over the years, Jim and I have grown quite fond of the quirks and personalities of the birds that share our backyard and sup at our seed-y smorgasbord. I'm particularly fond of the Eastern bluebird and Jim's favorite is the Black-Capped Chickadee.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M5XGDzoYIt0/VgMF8WMTmAI/AAAAAAAAamw/cbLnzGbm0aA/s1600/chickadee_0012.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M5XGDzoYIt0/VgMF8WMTmAI/AAAAAAAAamw/cbLnzGbm0aA/s800/chickadee_0012.jpg" /></a><br />
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I think he sees a bit of himself in its capable, efficient manner. Targeted in its feeding style, the chickadee avoids the food squabbles of the finches, sparrows and jays. Waiting patiently for a break in the fray, it flies in, gets a seed, and flies away again to eat in peace before any protest is mounted. Though the titmice are similar; the chickadee is the only bird to let us know when the feeders are empty<i> </i>by calling just outside our window...c<i>hick a dee dee dee, chick a dee dee dee.</i><br />
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They're also the only birds that escort me across the yard while I'm carrying the newly-filled feeders, taking seeds as I lift them up and before I can even get them hung. We've seen pictures of people training chickadees to eat out of their hands and Jim has often said he wants to try that once he retires.<br />
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I mention all this as backstory so that you understand why I said "yes" without any hesitation when <a href="http://kittyandmedesigns.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Pam Kellogg</a> asked if I would be willing to make the January artwork for her annual <a href="http://kittyandmedesigns.blogspot.com/2015/09/2016-crazy-quilt-calendar-thank-you-to_15.html" target="_blank">Crazy Quilt calendar</a>. This year's theme was birds and would I be willing to do a Chickadee?<br />
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Jim's favorite bird and <a href="http://plays-with-needles.blogspot.com/2012/04/january-reflections.html" target="_blank">my favorite month</a>...slam dunk...I was in.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GswvZhWF6Iw/VgMGAhLUpiI/AAAAAAAAaoI/i0EEZu0fqVI/s1600/january%2Bchickadee%2Bfinal.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GswvZhWF6Iw/VgMGAhLUpiI/AAAAAAAAaoI/i0EEZu0fqVI/s800/january%2Bchickadee%2Bfinal.jpg" /></a><br />
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Another reason Jim loves the chickadee is because it's with us all year round. A fierce little bird and a scrappy forager in the worst of winter weather.<br />
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Inspired by their brazen, insistent requests, I decided to place my chickadee on the crepe myrtle branch outside of the window, winter bare but for the seed pods that are left closed until Spring...<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X3PaWn7kM_8/VgMGAqT6L6I/AAAAAAAAaoM/2B4kscqiwrA/s1600/myrtle_00162.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X3PaWn7kM_8/VgMGAqT6L6I/AAAAAAAAaoM/2B4kscqiwrA/s800/myrtle_00162.jpg" /></a> <br />
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This is the branch from where our chickadee friend, seeing us seated inside the warmth of our home, calls to us to come out and fill the feeder.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B83um-Y0HO0/VgMF6lZ1rsI/AAAAAAAAamQ/jsGEEQlPeTI/s1600/chick_0007.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B83um-Y0HO0/VgMF6lZ1rsI/AAAAAAAAamQ/jsGEEQlPeTI/s800/chick_0007.jpg" /></a><br />
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I splattered the block with <a href="http://www.dickblick.com/products/jacquard-lumiere-acrylics/" target="_blank">Lumiere textile paint</a> in pearlescent white, wanting the bird to be in the middle of a snowstorm. <br />
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I envisioned snow to be everywhere so I spent some time studying photographs of snow crystals and reading up on the properties of snow in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Snowflake-Winters-Secret-Beauty/dp/1435137655/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1444152372&sr=8-1&keywords=the+snowflake+winters%27+secret+beauty" target="_blank">this book</a>...<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vTtNTGRpPfw/VgMF7W4rojI/AAAAAAAAamc/x41z8sj38lw/s1600/chickadee_0002.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vTtNTGRpPfw/VgMF7W4rojI/AAAAAAAAamc/x41z8sj38lw/s800/chickadee_0002.jpg" /></a><br />
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I can't recommend it enough! Find it at the library or bookstore and spend some time looking through its pages...it's a beauty to behold.<br />
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The snowflake structures lend themselves beautifully to embroidered interpretation...<br />
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And I discovered that all snowflakes have either six- or twelve-sided symmetry...never four or eight as I've sometimes seen them depicted.</div>
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Each stitched snowflake is unique...</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y94NSRNwKg4/VgMF8CqNbBI/AAAAAAAAam4/BIOB1s3lWyA/s1600/chickadee_0009.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y94NSRNwKg4/VgMF8CqNbBI/AAAAAAAAam4/BIOB1s3lWyA/s800/chickadee_0009.jpg" /></a></div>
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And I was able to use the <a href="http://plays-with-needles.blogspot.com/2011/01/gearing-up.html" target="_blank">painted watch parts</a> and <a href="http://plays-with-needles.blogspot.com/2011/01/snowy-weather.html" target="_blank">beaded snowflakes</a> I had made a few years ago. Evidently, their time had come...</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jRhFUGc96h0/VgMF9F39JEI/AAAAAAAAanE/HfZmJ7yk3Vw/s1600/chickadee_0015.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jRhFUGc96h0/VgMF9F39JEI/AAAAAAAAanE/HfZmJ7yk3Vw/s800/chickadee_0015.jpg" /></a><br />
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The crepe myrtle seed pods were "stitched" by making knots of Au Ver a Soie silk chenille thread, sinking the ends, and sculpting them with needle and thread...<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fxz0niO3CSU/VgMF9gT62cI/AAAAAAAAanI/9EYkrhNTK78/s1600/chickadee_0021.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fxz0niO3CSU/VgMF9gT62cI/AAAAAAAAanI/9EYkrhNTK78/s800/chickadee_0021.jpg" /></a><br />
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I found that the thread was too thick to stitch with a french knot without serious worming.<br />
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The snow on the branch was made <a href="http://plays-with-needles.blogspot.com/2012/03/snow-experiment.html" target="_blank">in the same manner as my January Reflections piece</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PYq9xZzRiaA/VgMF8OMr6OI/AAAAAAAAams/DqCCNiI83N0/s1600/chickadee_0011.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PYq9xZzRiaA/VgMF8OMr6OI/AAAAAAAAams/DqCCNiI83N0/s800/chickadee_0011.jpg" /></a><br />
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As for the chickadee itself, I wanted to give the appearance of the feathers being fluffed out, trying to retain body heat so I stitched in a few fluffy feathers to give the suggestion of cold.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-osT2i4PQ-gY/VgMF7hrpjrI/AAAAAAAAamg/V0iKyXGkAXU/s1600/chickadee_0006.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-osT2i4PQ-gY/VgMF7hrpjrI/AAAAAAAAamg/V0iKyXGkAXU/s800/chickadee_0006.jpg" /></a></div>
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And the little blue beanie?<br />
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The inspiration for that came from none other than my son Jack himself. He wears one pretty much every day...<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7trQI-6eV2Y/VgMF6wuh8HI/AAAAAAAAamU/-bUM8RdvBmk/s1600/DSC05756%2Bcopy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7trQI-6eV2Y/VgMF6wuh8HI/AAAAAAAAamU/-bUM8RdvBmk/s800/DSC05756%2Bcopy.jpg" /></a><br />
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And I was in the process of making a new hat for him when I dropped him off at school...<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vj9fUn8PmSk/VgMF6w-EnWI/AAAAAAAAamY/ogHqVmXUuqs/s1600/DSC05751%2Bcopy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vj9fUn8PmSk/VgMF6w-EnWI/AAAAAAAAamY/ogHqVmXUuqs/s800/DSC05751%2Bcopy.jpg" /></a><br />
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To keep him warm through those cold Boston winters.</div>
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So I knitted one for him and one for the bird...</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6IBTyUCyGHs/VgMF_vh2RhI/AAAAAAAAans/fJTnxRpjezc/s1600/chickadee_0029.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6IBTyUCyGHs/VgMF_vh2RhI/AAAAAAAAans/fJTnxRpjezc/s800/chickadee_0029.jpg" /></a></div>
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I had to steek the bird's beanie so I could cut it in half and sculpt it with thread onto the piece.<br />
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<a href="http://katedaviesdesigns.com/2014/08/15/what-is-a-steek/" target="_blank">Steeking</a> is a method of cutting a piece that has been knit in the round. I had never steeked anything before so I learned a new technique.<br />
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Thanks Pam for including me in your calendar. You can see the other birdy pieces in the calendar and purchase your own <a href="http://kittyandmedesigns.blogspot.com/2015/09/2016-crazy-quilt-calendar-thank-you-to_15.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rPGy1-SA3Gw/VgMF-AD8dvI/AAAAAAAAank/wVEMCu1lLkY/s1600/chickadee_0023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rPGy1-SA3Gw/VgMF-AD8dvI/AAAAAAAAank/wVEMCu1lLkY/s800/chickadee_0023.jpg" /></a><br />
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I know I haven't been blogging very much lately but it isn't for lack of desire. I still love my blog like an old friend and plan to be here more regularly, life willing.<br />
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Waving to you all! </div>
Susan Elliotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18094024834053351944noreply@blogger.com47tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24975998.post-40117321990400917802015-08-17T08:37:00.004-05:002015-08-17T08:37:51.773-05:00Dip-Dye Fourth of July<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Fourth of a July is a big holiday for our family as it's the one time a year that we are all on vacation at the same time. </div>
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As the kids get older, their jobs and schedules are making this harder and harder to achieve and the time we're having all together is shrinking to a weekend or even just one day. </div>
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Every year we choose some type of wearable art project to celebrate...</div>
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<img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dtBdI2mhYZo/Vc3qCkruGfI/AAAAAAAAakg/ujxMZotQ0FQ/s800/Dip%2Bdye%2Bfourth_0179.jpg" /> </div>
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And this year we tried dip-dying.</div>
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I chose it because it was relatively simple and we all weren't going to be there until the actual day of Fourth of July.</div>
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The kids brought both denim and white items that they already owned or that they found at thrift stores.</div>
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The first step was bleaching out the denim...</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QGQ5Y4jNSaA/Vc3qADrOAxI/AAAAAAAAajo/P8TxlVRJuQg/s1600/Dip%2Bdye%2Bfourth_0098.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QGQ5Y4jNSaA/Vc3qADrOAxI/AAAAAAAAajo/P8TxlVRJuQg/s800/Dip%2Bdye%2Bfourth_0098.jpg" /></a> </div>
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This step took much longer than we expected so there was lots of hurry up and wait. </div>
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I started with a three parts water to two parts bleach mix but that was taking a long time. Lets just say that watching denim get bleached out is akin to watching paint dry...</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VX6oia-Hd1Y/Vc3qAAj5HhI/AAAAAAAAajs/HDd5SpbmQBo/s1600/Dip%2Bdye%2Bfourth_0087.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VX6oia-Hd1Y/Vc3qAAj5HhI/AAAAAAAAajs/HDd5SpbmQBo/s800/Dip%2Bdye%2Bfourth_0087.jpg" /></a></div>
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That's when Jim suggested industrial strength bleach. What? There's different bleach strengths? He ran to the hardware store and we mixed the stronger bleach; two parts water and one part bleach. </div>
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That sped things up a bit but it still took us a couple of hours to bleach out our items.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qvYPDK1-iyA/Vc3qAHBtQXI/AAAAAAAAajk/0m7nUC7oQPE/s1600/Dip%2Bdye%2Bfourth_0108.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qvYPDK1-iyA/Vc3qAHBtQXI/AAAAAAAAajk/0m7nUC7oQPE/s800/Dip%2Bdye%2Bfourth_0108.jpg" /></a> </div>
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After bleaching, we had to wash and dry everything before dip dying. In hindsight, we should have bleached days in advance to save time. Experience is the greatest teacher.</div>
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When we finally got to the dip-dying...that went incredibly quickly and the results were immediate...</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--Ytb1v7_x_M/Vc3qAqhCjGI/AAAAAAAAaj0/ibuwuwisbfY/s1600/Dip%2Bdye%2Bfourth_0124.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--Ytb1v7_x_M/Vc3qAqhCjGI/AAAAAAAAaj0/ibuwuwisbfY/s800/Dip%2Bdye%2Bfourth_0124.jpg" /></a></div>
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Bleach pens came in handy for fixing the stray drip...<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dyijvqbKiHA/Vc3qBQza79I/AAAAAAAAakE/5nOEcxNQYkE/s1600/Dip%2Bdye%2Bfourth_0137.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dyijvqbKiHA/Vc3qBQza79I/AAAAAAAAakE/5nOEcxNQYkE/s800/Dip%2Bdye%2Bfourth_0137.jpg" /></a><br />
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Or for use as a design element...<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MAQjrvxhqrk/Vc3qBtEAXuI/AAAAAAAAako/ynX52oaVcPI/s1600/Dip%2Bdye%2Bfourth_0140.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MAQjrvxhqrk/Vc3qBtEAXuI/AAAAAAAAako/ynX52oaVcPI/s800/Dip%2Bdye%2Bfourth_0140.jpg" /></a><br />
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Ideally, we should have let each color dry before dipping in the next but it was already becoming late afternoon...<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jUf3wE7-Eds/Vc3qCPlWe8I/AAAAAAAAakQ/37usfg5R6no/s1600/Dip%2Bdye%2Bfourth_0176.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jUf3wE7-Eds/Vc3qCPlWe8I/AAAAAAAAakQ/37usfg5R6no/s800/Dip%2Bdye%2Bfourth_0176.jpg" /></a><br />
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So we rinsed out the dye while the items were still wet which affected the vibrancy...<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hOajSJiY7Nk/Vc3qB-4CtrI/AAAAAAAAakM/ZW__oVTwAJk/s1600/Dip%2Bdye%2Bfourth_0160.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hOajSJiY7Nk/Vc3qB-4CtrI/AAAAAAAAakM/ZW__oVTwAJk/s800/Dip%2Bdye%2Bfourth_0160.jpg" /></a><br />
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But not the fun factor...<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i_ja01ltQM4/Vc3qDjnvTUI/AAAAAAAAak4/yK8osdf6FVE/s1600/dip%2Bdye_0204.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i_ja01ltQM4/Vc3qDjnvTUI/AAAAAAAAak4/yK8osdf6FVE/s800/dip%2Bdye_0204.jpg" /></a><br />
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We also found that pre-worn and old denim bleached out the best. Really dark, new denim never quite bleached out to white...more of a gray.<br />
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And the colors were more muted...which might be desirable for a more understated look...<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9_A0QP4jE9w/Vc3qA_UsR_I/AAAAAAAAaj4/oa7VKCcjAvw/s1600/Dip%2Bdye%2Bfourth_0134.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9_A0QP4jE9w/Vc3qA_UsR_I/AAAAAAAAaj4/oa7VKCcjAvw/s800/Dip%2Bdye%2Bfourth_0134.jpg" /></a><br />
Not all of us chose to dip-dye. Ellie used her bleached denim shirt as a canvas for a painted design...<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UEOC5XCLM-o/Vc3qDdruLWI/AAAAAAAAalA/BsA-fRseEQ0/s1600/dip%2Bdye%2Bellie.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UEOC5XCLM-o/Vc3qDdruLWI/AAAAAAAAalA/BsA-fRseEQ0/s800/dip%2Bdye%2Bellie.jpg" /></a><br />
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And we have a new furry family member, Moose, who was there to help tame the zoo...<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_ggMPc8jeeI/Vc3rfDSEXtI/AAAAAAAAalo/LnGv0zP6tNk/s1600/dip%2Bdye_0197.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_ggMPc8jeeI/Vc3rfDSEXtI/AAAAAAAAalo/LnGv0zP6tNk/s800/dip%2Bdye_0197.jpg" /></a></div>
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Moose is calm in comparison.<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9_A0QP4jE9w/Vc3qA_UsR_I/AAAAAAAAaj4/oa7VKCcjAvw/s1600/Dip%2Bdye%2Bfourth_0134.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>By the time we were finished, there was very little time to wash/dry our items and get dressed for the night so we scattered without a group picture.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eGmbyqXeuiU/Vc3qDp6-UAI/AAAAAAAAak8/ed1VRsP8H4I/s1600/dip%2Bdye_0208.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eGmbyqXeuiU/Vc3qDp6-UAI/AAAAAAAAak8/ed1VRsP8H4I/s800/dip%2Bdye_0208.jpg" /></a> <br />
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I remembered to snap one picture after dinner and before the fireworks...<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ALg8NzptE6g/Vc3qEbp6TiI/AAAAAAAAalM/Jwc3oqbwS2E/s1600/dip%2Bdye_0220.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ALg8NzptE6g/Vc3qEbp6TiI/AAAAAAAAalM/Jwc3oqbwS2E/s800/dip%2Bdye_0220.jpg" /></a></div>
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I think we all agree that we'd like to re-try the dip dye activity...especially if we spread it out over a series of days, doing one dye step at a time and letting each step dry thoroughly in the sun before rinsing.</div>
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Time was our issue this year. A harbinger of years to come, I think. </div>
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That means we'll have to come up with another way.</div>
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Maybe I'll have to mail pre-work or prep kits to everyone next year...hmmm....</div>
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You can see our past patriotic projects here:</div>
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2014: <a href="http://www.plays-with-needles.blogspot.com/2014/07/wrapping-up-fourth-of-july.html" target="_blank">Patriotic Wrap Bracelets Part I</a> and <a href="http://www.plays-with-needles.blogspot.com/2014/07/wrappiness-round-two.html" target="_blank">Part II</a><br />
2013: <a href="http://www.plays-with-needles.blogspot.com/2013/07/the-shorts-of-july.html" target="_blank"> The Jean Shorts of July</a></div>
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2012: <a href="http://www.plays-with-needles.blogspot.com/2012/07/feet-of-fourth.html" target="_blank"> The Feet of the Fourth</a></div>
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2011: <a href="http://www.plays-with-needles.blogspot.com/2011/07/fascinating-fourth.html" target="_blank">Fascinators (Part I)</a> and <a href="http://www.plays-with-needles.blogspot.com/2011/07/how-we-made-our-fascinators-for-fourth.html" target="_blank">How We Made Them (Part II)</a></div>
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2010: <a href="http://www.plays-with-needles.blogspot.com/2010/07/dressing-fourth.html" target="_blank">T-Shirts</a></div>
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2009: <a href="http://www.plays-with-needles.blogspot.com/2009/07/shorts-and-shenanigans.html" target="_blank">T-Shorts</a></div>
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2008: <a href="http://www.plays-with-needles.blogspot.com/2008/07/llittle-h-attitude.html" target="_blank">Baseball Hats</a></div>
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Susan Elliotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18094024834053351944noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24975998.post-69821837695216023252015-08-10T06:39:00.000-05:002015-08-17T08:38:31.042-05:00Close Call for the Nieces<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Susan Elliotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18094024834053351944noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24975998.post-70024284037917523742015-08-07T14:34:00.000-05:002015-08-09T05:45:17.750-05:00Ruby Rose<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
AWOL. Absent without leave.
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It's been two months since I've been here so I have<i> a lot</i> of catching up to do. The good news is that my absence has been all for good reasons. I've been busy engaging my life, loves, family and friends...and the chair in front of my computer has been so empty it had dust on it.<br>
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Jim, Jack and I traveled to Kyoto and Tokyo for ten days in July and I've been busy traveling, embroidering, exploring and enjoying life. I'll do my best to get caught up on posts since there's a lot of experiences I'd love to share.<br>
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Rather than go chronologically, let's just join the movie already in progress. This week, Jack was center stage as he had requested that I make him a very specific hat and sweatshirt.<br>
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I did what any sewing mother would do whose son hadn't asked her to make anything for him in over...umm, let's just say...five years or more. I dropped everything in order to meet his request.<br>
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It turns out, Jack is a big fan of a Rooster Teeth animé-style internet show called <a href="http://www.roosterteeth.com/show/rwby" target="_blank">RWBY</a> (pronounced "ruby") which has four main characters loosely inspired by the classic fairy tale characters and the colors Red,White, Black and Yellow. Jack's favorite is the red character Ruby Rose who dresses in black with a red-hooded cape...<br>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yKusWL8-MTI/VcTepIXIVbI/AAAAAAAAaiE/Ecy3XmUWqwM/s1600/ruby%2Brose.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yKusWL8-MTI/VcTepIXIVbI/AAAAAAAAaiE/Ecy3XmUWqwM/s400/ruby%2Brose.jpg"></a><br>
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And whose logo is this trademark fiery rose...<br>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xZ76SHwm88k/VcTexMCu47I/AAAAAAAAaiY/wo2ZFZkcjnk/s1600/RWBY%2Blogo.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xZ76SHwm88k/VcTexMCu47I/AAAAAAAAaiY/wo2ZFZkcjnk/s400/RWBY%2Blogo.jpg"></a><br>
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This weekend Jack is going to the Rooster Teeth (RTX) convention in Austin TX with a friend from school. Lots of attendees dress up as their favorite characters called cosplay. Jack didn't want to wear a full costume; just wanted to show his support for his favorite character so he requested a hat and hoodie combination.<br>
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Jack has taken to wearing a beanie pretty much every day. It helps to tame his thick hair so I set about to knit him a beanie in a linen/cotton blend for summer wearing...<br>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-336yOWEkv2A/VcTenGUOzbI/AAAAAAAAahI/To9kjzO3fi4/s1600/Ruby%2BRose_0031.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-336yOWEkv2A/VcTenGUOzbI/AAAAAAAAahI/To9kjzO3fi4/s800/Ruby%2BRose_0031.jpg"></a><br>
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I used this <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/turn-a-square" target="_blank">free pattern from Jared Flood</a> on Ravelry based on a recommendation from Wae at my local knitting store, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/CloverhillYarnShop" target="_blank">Cloverhill Yarns</a>.<br>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FeBwAT1tiJw/VcTenzShGKI/AAAAAAAAahY/YdS81S5YewM/s1600/Ruby%2BRose_0036.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FeBwAT1tiJw/VcTenzShGKI/AAAAAAAAahY/YdS81S5YewM/s800/Ruby%2BRose_0036.jpg"></a><br>
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Since Jack wears his beanie tilted back from the crown of his head, I didn't want too tight of a ribbed band so I used the same needle for the entire hat instead of dropping down three needle sizes as recommended in the pattern. This was a mistake so I'm going to re-make him one where I only drop down two sizes.<br>
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That being said, the hat turned out great and it was the first time I had ever tried the <a href="http://tutorials.knitpicks.com/wptutorials/tubular-cast-on/" target="_blank">Tubular Cast On</a>. It makes a wonderful cast on edge for a ribbed band and I'll be using that idea over again. Highly recommend.<br>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-53S-2qjtkOs/VcTenlIynbI/AAAAAAAAahQ/J9Qm6lNAhxA/s1600/Ruby%2BRose_0035.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-53S-2qjtkOs/VcTenlIynbI/AAAAAAAAahQ/J9Qm6lNAhxA/s800/Ruby%2BRose_0035.jpg"></a> <br>
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Next up was trying to figure out the best way of transferring the logo to the hat. I decided against designing a hat with the rose knitted into the pattern (not my forté) and embroidering directly onto the knitted stitches using <a href="http://www.purlbee.com/2007/10/28/duplicate-stitch/" target="_blank">duplicate stitch</a> wouldn't give me enough detail.<br>
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Eventually I decided to embroider the logo onto 100% wool felt. Since wool felt is expensive, I basted just the amount I needed for my design onto inexpensive muslin and cut away the muslin from the felt...<br>
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This is often used when embroidering onto little bits of very expensive materials such as silk gauze where you don't want to waste the fabric by needing to stretch it into a hoop.<br>
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Next up, I used my old favorite of tissue paper design transfer.<br>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xt2PPa0kSzU/VcTeoGppBxI/AAAAAAAAahg/g-SBSzBrGvw/s1600/Ruby%2BRose_0038.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xt2PPa0kSzU/VcTeoGppBxI/AAAAAAAAahg/g-SBSzBrGvw/s800/Ruby%2BRose_0038.jpg"></a> <br>
I fall back on this method time and time again.<br>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vHVUU1VN-TM/VcTeoRfEXZI/AAAAAAAAahs/3bcZvQCkkhw/s1600/Ruby%2BRose_0040.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vHVUU1VN-TM/VcTeoRfEXZI/AAAAAAAAahs/3bcZvQCkkhw/s800/Ruby%2BRose_0040.jpg"></a><br>
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It's not the quickest but it allows me more control over the detail of the design transfer. It also gives me a nice outline for the outside edge of stitches...<br>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rDvouGAyGcM/VcTemqVx2hI/AAAAAAAAag8/64jXQ8BOVvA/s1600/Ruby%2BRose_0025.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rDvouGAyGcM/VcTemqVx2hI/AAAAAAAAag8/64jXQ8BOVvA/s800/Ruby%2BRose_0025.jpg"></a><br>
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I used one strand of Au Ver a Soie silk floss in random long and short stitch with all the stitches directed to the center of the rose...<br>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Eck95mxLAWA/VcTeohhvPoI/AAAAAAAAah0/J5swMagT5vU/s1600/Ruby%2BRose_0041.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Eck95mxLAWA/VcTeohhvPoI/AAAAAAAAah0/J5swMagT5vU/s800/Ruby%2BRose_0041.jpg"></a><br>
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After I finished the embroidery, I cut it out and appliqued it onto the top of the knitted beanie...<br>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I5YYemm28eg/VcTemqi4gtI/AAAAAAAAag4/_7fWzddhmXY/s1600/Ruby%2BRose_0002.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I5YYemm28eg/VcTemqi4gtI/AAAAAAAAag4/_7fWzddhmXY/s800/Ruby%2BRose_0002.jpg"></a><br>
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It worked out better than I expected so I would likely use this technique again.<br>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5afS7_Z6rVo/VcayJ2Ce5hI/AAAAAAAAaiw/E-yM7pGHJPw/s1600/Ruby%2BRose_0004.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5afS7_Z6rVo/VcayJ2Ce5hI/AAAAAAAAaiw/E-yM7pGHJPw/s800/Ruby%2BRose_0004.jpg"></a> </div>
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Susan Elliotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18094024834053351944noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24975998.post-17333961323664911812015-06-11T08:27:00.001-05:002015-06-11T08:27:16.640-05:00On Graduation<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Graduation has been the theme this week as we celebrated the graduation of two of my nieces from high school...</div>
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My oldest niece also graduated this past month receiving her Masters in Library Sciences from the University of Wisconsin. Though we weren't able to travel to Madison, she was able to come home for her sister's graduation. She's on the right in the picture below hanging with one of her girlhood friends from the neighborhood...<br />
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Of my father's ten grandchildren, that's four down and six more to go.<br />
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I've been trying hard to remember what I was feeling when I graduated from high school but I have no clue. <br />
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It's a shame we had to rent those white gowns and wear mortarboards that messed up our hair...<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sKajVTejb_o/VXmGy45GgDI/AAAAAAAAagM/XsUzH0pePco/s1600/my%2Bgrad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sKajVTejb_o/VXmGy45GgDI/AAAAAAAAagM/XsUzH0pePco/s400/my%2Bgrad.jpg" /></a></div>
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The ivory dress, fresh flower look is much more becoming.<br />
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I was hoping to have my own graduation from Japanese Embroidery in October.<br />
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Unfortunately, I lost a whole month of stitching time with my back problem. My back is better and I'm heading off to Japanese Embroidery class today so I'm grateful for that. Oh well, it's never too late if you start today.<br />
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Looks like my next target date for graduation will be Fall 2016, life permitting.</div>
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Susan Elliotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18094024834053351944noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24975998.post-30008508773487115292015-06-08T13:17:00.003-05:002015-06-08T14:57:00.210-05:00Paper Roses<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Hello Blog, it's so good to be here again.<br />
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After a looong month, I'm finally back in the saddle and have resumed a normal schedule. Never, ever, ever will I take my back for granted. As of today, I can sit for longer periods of time and I'm trying to be conscious of taking breaks to stretch and walk. I'm also back to yoga and swimming and it feels wonderful. I feel for all those folks who have chronic back problems...now I'm a bit more understanding of what you go through.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dMgEPio7kO4/VXXFtEt9mOI/AAAAAAAAadg/vKrdkCbXpPk/s1600/paper%2Broses_0007.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dMgEPio7kO4/VXXFtEt9mOI/AAAAAAAAadg/vKrdkCbXpPk/s800/paper%2Broses_0007.jpg" /></a> <br />
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Last week, my niece Ellie put on a recital at her school. After years of performance in theater and in singing groups, she was selected as one of three high school Seniors for the Steward Senior Honors Performance Award. As part of that award, the recipients prepare all year for a Senior performance recital which was held last week.<br />
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It was a bit of a big deal in our family as we've spent many years watching Ellie's performances so we wanted to make her something special to commemorate her big day.<br />
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Her middle name is Rose so we gathered together the cousins and set about making her a bouquet of paper roses to be given to her after her recital.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hyQRJ6EWfSM/VXXFtUxzYAI/AAAAAAAAado/nPNre17g9_c/s1600/paper%2Broses_0008.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hyQRJ6EWfSM/VXXFtUxzYAI/AAAAAAAAado/nPNre17g9_c/s800/paper%2Broses_0008.jpg" /></a><br />
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There were many tutorials online for paper flowers but we loved <a href="http://www.auntpeaches.com/2010/09/coffee-filter-roses.html" target="_blank">these coffee filter roses on Aunt Peaches blog</a>.<br />
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I bought a bag of commercial size filters from the office supply store and used RIT dyes from the craft store in different shades of red, pink and yellow.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I10xoAZHqEg/VXXFuWJNx2I/AAAAAAAAaeY/PNfisML8DTM/s1600/paper%2Broses_0039.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I10xoAZHqEg/VXXFuWJNx2I/AAAAAAAAaeY/PNfisML8DTM/s800/paper%2Broses_0039.jpg" /></a><br />
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It was easy to vary the shade by diluting with water or by dipping the center of the filter in one color and the outside of the filter in another.<br />
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I put them in the dryer on air dry. When they came out they were a wrinkly mess so we straightened them out and sorted them by color and intensity.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DxFQc3mJO-M/VXXFuQIHFiI/AAAAAAAAaeU/ZHl6HFEAhkM/s1600/paper%2Broses_0040.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DxFQc3mJO-M/VXXFuQIHFiI/AAAAAAAAaeU/ZHl6HFEAhkM/s800/paper%2Broses_0040.jpg" /></a><br />
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The easiest rose was made by cutting the filter into a spiral and then pleating the spiral strip along a piece of masking tape...<br />
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Once the strip was pleated, we rolled the pleats around a wire stem to make our roses...<br />
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This step took a bit of practice and each person's roses had their own personal flair...</div>
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Even Jack's. In the past year, Jack has become increasingly fond of the color black. After the girls left he asked if I had any black dye and set about making a black rose for Ellie's bouquet...</div>
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We also made a few coffee filter peonies...</div>
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And painted a sign...</div>
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By the night of the recital, we were all in attendance, flowers at the ready...<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xoMm5dN-0Mg/VXXFry8AsHI/AAAAAAAAadA/HMw9SnLMo8E/s1600/ellie%2Bconcert1_2%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xoMm5dN-0Mg/VXXFry8AsHI/AAAAAAAAadA/HMw9SnLMo8E/s800/ellie%2Bconcert1_2%2Bcopy.jpg" /></a><br />
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She was brilliant.<br />
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Of course I'm biased. I've heard Ellie sing and perform for years but this was the first time that she had the freedom to create her own production.</div>
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From the selection of her songs, to the timing of her delivery, to the emotions that she was able to convey through her voice and body language...I was taken on a journey. And I was very moved by what she had to say...where she had been, were she is now and where she'd like to go. To me, it was all there...a deep and tender message from her heart...to everyone who heard her perform. She was more than a singer and more than an actress. She was an artist and it was beautiful to see.</div>
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Afterward, we waited in the lobby for her to come out, bouquet at the ready... <br />
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And signs held high...</div>
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While we waited, we had time to notice that four of us were wearing striped dresses...<br />
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The Star and her Stripes (too bad I didn't think of that picture until now!)<br />
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When she arrived, there were enough flowers for Ellie and the arms of her parents...<br />
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And we were happy to see that our paper roses held their own when placed near the real thing.</div>
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In fact, Ellie didn't even realize they were paper until someone told her.</div>
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An everlasting bouquet of roses made by her supporting cast of girl cousins...<br />
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and Jack who loves black.<br />
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Happy Monday everyone.</div>
Susan Elliotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18094024834053351944noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24975998.post-57962187630412869572015-05-19T15:48:00.000-05:002015-05-19T16:18:37.121-05:00You Can Lead The Bird To The Berries But...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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This weekend the cedar waxwings descended on my Yamazakura Cherry tree.</div>
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To fill their bellies full of bitty ripe cherries...</div>
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Most of the time they are so busy, bobbing and weaving and picking and flitting, that it's all I can do to snap a few shots...<br />
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This year to my great surprise, I noticed a pair of waxwings perched on a branch and staying put.<br />
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Slowly I moved to where I could see what was going on and set my camera on continuous burst...<br />
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At first, I thought it was a loving couple but when I watched the back and forth that followed, I recognized the behavior immediately...<br />
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It was exactly the same behavior that I observe at my feeders in late Spring when new bird parents bring their fledglings to the gourmet smorgasbord that I set out for them.</div>
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The newly fledged birds sit there dumbly amongst all the seed and continue to chirp for their parents to bring their food even though the food is right in front of them.</div>
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And so that's what was happening here. The fledgling is on the right and the Mama is on the left trying to teach the young adult how to forage and eat his own berry...</div>
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Time and again the adult passed the berry to the youngster...</div>
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And time and again the little one would try to get the berry centered in his beak...and not quite get it...</div>
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And not knowing what to do, he would pass the berry back...</div>
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And Mama would pass it back again. </div>
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This time I thought for sure that the baby bird would get it. I mean that berry is pretty well centered in his beak. I think Mama was thinking the same thing...</div>
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But no. It wasn't going to happen. </div>
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Just when the kiddo decided to do the flip...the quick motion of tilting back the head and letting go of the berry so he could quickly gobble it up...it got off center...<i>again</i>...</div>
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And he passed it back again...</div>
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And she tried again...</div>
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And he aborted again. </div>
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It reminded me of when I used to put cheerios on Jack's highchair and he would pick them up and try to feed me...and I would eat one...and pass one to him and he would shake his head no and laugh, with his lips pressed shut...and pass one back to me to eat...and so it went...</div>
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Except Mama wasn't eating this berry-o and this little guy wasn't getting the idea that he was supposed to.</div>
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It went on for minutes. I have hundreds of pictures of this dance.</div>
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Until finally, he squished the berry in his beak and just like that, it was gone. Down the hatch...</div>
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A little cheer erupted from my heart as I watched Mom fly off to pick another...<br />
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And Junior just sat there, waiting around...not even trying to pluck his own berry...<br />
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For the sake of that Mama bird, I hope I observed the <i>first</i> berry eating lesson of the day and not the <i>tenth</i>!<br />
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And we think human parents need patience.<br />
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[Note: Last year's <a href="http://www.plays-with-needles.blogspot.com/2014/05/flock-party.html" target="_blank">Cedar Waxwing post is here</a> if you're interested.]<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">[<b>Back update:</b> Thanks for all the back well wishes. I'm still lying on my belly and typing this. Can't sit for any length of time still but I am slowly getting better. Here's hoping I'll be stitching by the end of the week.] </span></div>
Susan Elliotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18094024834053351944noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24975998.post-30693396978794490252015-05-14T10:50:00.002-05:002015-05-14T11:53:42.041-05:00Crazy Mentors<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Eight years ago I began blogging.</div>
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At that time I had just discovered the practice of crazy quilting. The mixed-media, anything-goes approach to the art form was a perfect fit for my magpie nature and gatherer personality. </div>
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I sought out as much information as I could find which led me to the websites, blogs and stores of this talented and beautiful group of women you see below. I fell in love with their work first, spending countless hours soaking up the knowledge they so generously shared...</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From left to right: Susan Elliott, NickiLee Seavey, Lisa Boni, Allie Aller, Maureen Greeson, Betty Pillsbury, Shirlee Fassell</td></tr>
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Now I just love them for the greathearted souls they are. </div>
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I have such gratitude for all they've taught me. I wouldn't be the embroiderer I am today without their guidance. They have left their mark on my work and my life is all the better for their mentorship.</div>
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When I heard Allie and Lisa were heading East, I called Maureen to see if we could stop by for a hug. There is no finer hostess than <a href="http://maureensvintageacquisitions.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Maureen Greeson</a> and so she did what any good hostess would...she invited Betty, Shirlee and NickiLee who live within driving distance and we had ourselves a Gathering. </div>
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It was a banner day for us all...sitting around Maureen's table, sharing stories, laughs and our latest work. Most of us hadn't seen each other since the Crazy Quilt Gathering in 2011 so there was lots to catch up on.<br />
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It was one heck of a show and tell!</div>
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Allie shared a couple of her quilts but had packed most of them away by the time I got my camera out (sorry Allie)...<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ml2Pc82KGR4/VVPIu0-rOGI/AAAAAAAAaWM/Q2aSIIdkGm0/s1600/road%2Btrip_0142.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ml2Pc82KGR4/VVPIu0-rOGI/AAAAAAAAaWM/Q2aSIIdkGm0/s800/road%2Btrip_0142.jpg" style="cursor: move;" /></a><br />
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She shared her "Be Kind" quilt, the centerpiece of which was a cross stitch by her Uncle Hal's wife.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-etyYArh-OjU/VVOdB8otcdI/AAAAAAAAaSk/uq9AyrsGqr0/s1600/road%2Btrip_0137.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-etyYArh-OjU/VVOdB8otcdI/AAAAAAAAaSk/uq9AyrsGqr0/s800/road%2Btrip_0137.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Detail of "Be Kind" by Allie Aller</td></tr>
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It shows an amalgamation of both hand and machine techniques, using crazy quilt fabrics, trims and threads in a traditionally machine-pieced way. Allie's been playing with combining old quilting techniques in new and contemporary ways. She has authored two books and is working on a third!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QJjf9NGPJa8/VVPIuA7i_hI/AAAAAAAAaV4/lTfWF5NOlok/s1600/road%2Btrip_0138.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QJjf9NGPJa8/VVPIuA7i_hI/AAAAAAAAaV4/lTfWF5NOlok/s800/road%2Btrip_0138.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Detail of quilt by Allison Aller</td></tr>
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Allie has starred in many posts on this blog as we've been friends since the beginning of my blogging life. <a href="http://www.plays-with-needles.blogspot.com/search?q=allie+aller" target="_blank">You can read them here</a>. You can follow her on her <a href="https://www.facebook.com/allison.aller?fref=ts" target="_blank">Facebook page</a> or her blog, <a href="http://alliesinstitches.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Allies in Stitches</a>.<br />
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Next up is the magical, marvelous work of Betty Pillsbury...<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tUoHj98qBlw/VVOc8EvJTDI/AAAAAAAAaRQ/7ANKAcbr4bs/s1600/road%2Btrip_0071.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tUoHj98qBlw/VVOc8EvJTDI/AAAAAAAAaRQ/7ANKAcbr4bs/s800/road%2Btrip_0071.jpg" style="cursor: move;" /></a><br />
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Her quilts are full of fun, fantasy and the feminine divine...<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YImfbl5TtI4/VVPIo_E6a-I/AAAAAAAAaUo/lpyMgd-CgrQ/s1600/road%2Btrip_0080.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YImfbl5TtI4/VVPIo_E6a-I/AAAAAAAAaUo/lpyMgd-CgrQ/s800/road%2Btrip_0080.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Detail of Crazy Quilt by Betty Pillsbury</td></tr>
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She's also an herbalist and works in union with the fairies to craft healing and medicinal herb products...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bD4uKrMLQmc/VVPInxyB8PI/AAAAAAAAaUI/1h1EugWg4vE/s1600/road%2Btrip_0068.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bD4uKrMLQmc/VVPInxyB8PI/AAAAAAAAaUI/1h1EugWg4vE/s800/road%2Btrip_0068.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Detail of Crazy Quilt by Betty Pillsbury</td></tr>
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Love the hand-colored image above and the flow of shibori ribbons in her quilts...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1UOXPEp7V_s/VVPIoQEsYiI/AAAAAAAAaUQ/a3O8agqgPiM/s1600/road%2Btrip_0074.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1UOXPEp7V_s/VVPIoQEsYiI/AAAAAAAAaUQ/a3O8agqgPiM/s800/road%2Btrip_0074.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Detail of Crazy Quilt by Betty Pillsbury</td></tr>
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You can learn more about Betty and her work at her website, <a href="http://www.greenspiralherbs.com/index.html" target="_blank">Green Spiral Herbs</a>, follow her on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/betty.pillsbury?fref=ts" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and read <a href="http://www.plays-with-needles.blogspot.com/2011/05/betty-pillsbury-tames-more-than-velvet.html" target="_blank">this post I wrote about Betty's workshop in 2011</a>.</div>
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NickiLee Seavey is known for her lace-infused crazy quilts and her Etsy business, <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/RavioleeDreams" target="_blank">Raviolee Dreams</a> where she shares and sells her beautiful hand-dyed laces...</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SULbQWw9TvE/VVOdAOyZbSI/AAAAAAAAaSQ/I5exaQMq6FI/s1600/road%2Btrip_0123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SULbQWw9TvE/VVOdAOyZbSI/AAAAAAAAaSQ/I5exaQMq6FI/s800/road%2Btrip_0123.jpg" /></a></div>
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NickiLee brought a work-in-progress where she is appliqueing and embellishing her hand-dyed laces onto an antique quilt base...</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m5w2hJ6RIHI/VVPIqt8iwUI/AAAAAAAAaVA/OfHr9NMAJIQ/s1600/road%2Btrip_0113.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m5w2hJ6RIHI/VVPIqt8iwUI/AAAAAAAAaVA/OfHr9NMAJIQ/s800/road%2Btrip_0113.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quilt block by NickiLee Seavey</td></tr>
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The combination of the old and new is absolutely marvelous...</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GuwCIj0bYjI/VVPIp6gqs9I/AAAAAAAAaUw/uw0ugC4ozZc/s1600/road%2Btrip_0112.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GuwCIj0bYjI/VVPIp6gqs9I/AAAAAAAAaUw/uw0ugC4ozZc/s800/road%2Btrip_0112.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quilt block by NickiLee Seavey</td></tr>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rHb6CwrpNdY/VVPIq6d3w9I/AAAAAAAAaVE/7JqlYyz7Qf0/s1600/road%2Btrip_0116.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rHb6CwrpNdY/VVPIq6d3w9I/AAAAAAAAaVE/7JqlYyz7Qf0/s800/road%2Btrip_0116.jpg" /></a></div>
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And the use of the antique quilt as the basis from which to grow the quilt was brilliant...</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nyTCofsJqWQ/VVPIrleXctI/AAAAAAAAaVU/dGLMxmddQKU/s1600/road%2Btrip_0121.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nyTCofsJqWQ/VVPIrleXctI/AAAAAAAAaVU/dGLMxmddQKU/s800/road%2Btrip_0121.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quilt block by NickiLee Seavey</td></tr>
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NickiLee can be found on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/barbara.n.seavey" target="_blank">Facebook</a> or on her blog, <a href="http://cqnickilee.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Raviolee Dreams</a>. You can also purchase her hand-dyed laces in <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/RavioleeDreams" target="_blank">her Etsy shop here</a>.</div>
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Our hostess Maureen Greeson has probably taught me the most because I started following her before I even began blogging. </div>
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Most of my first supplies were bought through her shop (which is closed *sniff*) and she used to publish a newsletter where she provided free motifs and embellishment tips. I still have all of those tips in my inspiration file.</div>
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Maureen didn't want to share anything so I begged her to get out a Four Seasons piece which is still in progress.</div>
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I just love her eye for elegance, lace and charming victorian ladies...</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ciRyJ_RGfhE/VVS_OmZAltI/AAAAAAAAaWw/0Y6mMqoUWT4/s1600/road%2Btrip_0099.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ciRyJ_RGfhE/VVS_OmZAltI/AAAAAAAAaWw/0Y6mMqoUWT4/s800/road%2Btrip_0099.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quilt detail by Maureen Greeson</td></tr>
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I have always admired this piece and the use of crazy-pieced laces as the background...</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5s86zmxE7G8/VVPIpoEtJRI/AAAAAAAAaU8/4iP6XSXHbts/s1600/road%2Btrip_0102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5s86zmxE7G8/VVPIpoEtJRI/AAAAAAAAaU8/4iP6XSXHbts/s800/road%2Btrip_0102.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quilt detail by Maureen Greeson</td></tr>
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And this wisteria!</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--WQgxZWQVHk/VVPIpFwg4PI/AAAAAAAAaUc/fHnskO778f0/s1600/road%2Btrip_0096.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--WQgxZWQVHk/VVPIpFwg4PI/AAAAAAAAaUc/fHnskO778f0/s800/road%2Btrip_0096.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quilt detail by Maureen Greeson</td></tr>
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You can find Maureen on Facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100008558269102" target="_blank">here</a>, <a href="http://maureensvintageacquisitions.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">follow her blog here</a> or read <a href="http://www.plays-with-needles.blogspot.com/2010/11/meeting-my-mentor.html" target="_blank">this prior post I'd written</a> about this generous woman.</div>
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I'm also grateful to Maureen for introducing me to this spirited and talented lady, Shirlee Fassell...</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZoeSqwO47GM/VVPIvF4bLvI/AAAAAAAAaWQ/54gSeA5TPa0/s1600/road%2Btrip_0143.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZoeSqwO47GM/VVPIvF4bLvI/AAAAAAAAaWQ/54gSeA5TPa0/s800/road%2Btrip_0143.jpg" /></a></div>
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Shirlee used to appear as a guest contributor to Maureen's newsletters and her ideas were some of my favorites.</div>
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Shirlee has studied tambour embroidery at École Lesage in Paris where I'd like to go one day and is now using what she's learned there to do her own thing.</div>
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And boy is she! Currently, she is combining the traditional concepts of crazy quilting and tambour embroidery using a Lunéville hook and creating works that are altogether new and "Shirlee"...</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EfzARss7qtI/VVPIndFoVlI/AAAAAAAAaT4/Pn-vSex0eyo/s1600/road%2Btrip_0036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EfzARss7qtI/VVPIndFoVlI/AAAAAAAAaT4/Pn-vSex0eyo/s800/road%2Btrip_0036.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quilt detail by Shirlee Fassell</td></tr>
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The pieces she brought to share are part of the Crazy Quilt Journal Project for 2015...</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PTouqfi_OOM/VVPImm3pS1I/AAAAAAAAaTw/BjfwhsiRi1s/s1600/road%2Btrip_0027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PTouqfi_OOM/VVPImm3pS1I/AAAAAAAAaTw/BjfwhsiRi1s/s800/road%2Btrip_0027.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quilt detail by Shirlee Fassell</td></tr>
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Her pieces are treasure troves of texture...</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t0DMY-Za15c/VVPImhX-nqI/AAAAAAAAaT0/ZpYlePPrw_4/s1600/road%2Btrip_0025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t0DMY-Za15c/VVPImhX-nqI/AAAAAAAAaT0/ZpYlePPrw_4/s800/road%2Btrip_0025.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quilt detail by Shirlee Fassell</td></tr>
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You can follow Shirlee on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/shirlee.fassell?fref=ts" target="_blank">Facebook here</a>, her <a href="http://shirleestuff.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">blog, <i>Needle and Hook</i>, here</a> and check out <a href="http://www.plays-with-needles.blogspot.com/2010/11/shirlee-fassells-award-winning-quilt.html" target="_blank">this earlier post</a> I've written about her work.</div>
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Last but not least is Lisa Boni of<a href="http://www.ivoryblushroses.com/" target="_blank"> <i>Ivory Blush Roses</i></a>. Like Allie, I missed most of her show and tell but did catch the tail end of these stunning blocks she's making for the Crazy Quilt Journal project...</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZXMnyx2FvfM/VVPItPa1ZbI/AAAAAAAAaVo/oYPcjKJD8a0/s1600/road%2Btrip_0134.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZXMnyx2FvfM/VVPItPa1ZbI/AAAAAAAAaVo/oYPcjKJD8a0/s800/road%2Btrip_0134.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quilt detail by Lisa Boni</td></tr>
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She says that these colors are out of her comfort zone since she normally prefers...well...ivory and blush rose...and green/white...</div>
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You would never guess that these were out of her comfort zone...just gorgeous...</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4nqGvADX1Rk/VVPIs4kU06I/AAAAAAAAaVg/6YvXIqhtBJk/s1600/road%2Btrip_0133.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4nqGvADX1Rk/VVPIs4kU06I/AAAAAAAAaVg/6YvXIqhtBJk/s800/road%2Btrip_0133.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quilt detail by Lisa Boni</td></tr>
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Her work is impeccable. </div>
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I didn't have a good individual shot of Lisa but I do have this one of us together sharing our love for margaritas...</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BcviIuBtuTA/VVPImryDn5I/AAAAAAAAaTs/gu9knmsojZs/s1600/crazy%2Bdivas1_9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BcviIuBtuTA/VVPImryDn5I/AAAAAAAAaTs/gu9knmsojZs/s800/crazy%2Bdivas1_9.jpg" style="cursor: move;" /></a></div>
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And our outfits happen to match the new color scheme of her blocks. Check out the rose pins that we're both wearing...a gift made by Shirlee with that hook of hers.</div>
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You can find Lisa at her blog, <a href="http://www.ivoryblushroses.com/" target="_blank">Ivory Blush Roses</a>, or follow her on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/lisa.boni?fref=ts" target="_blank">Facebook</a>.</div>
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After show and tell, Allie put out a call for ideas by spreading a group of vintage stars that I'd picked up in an antique store. The ideas were flying and the stars were moved around like chess pieces.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1GTdCUEX30A/VVOZgLiEF1I/AAAAAAAAaQg/kgkb9S1i55E/s1600/crazy%2Bthink%2Btank.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1GTdCUEX30A/VVOZgLiEF1I/AAAAAAAAaQg/kgkb9S1i55E/s800/crazy%2Bthink%2Btank.jpg" /></a></div>
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Did you see NickiLee holding Maureen's dog Gracie? She wanted had her own opinions to add.</div>
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It was a rich day, full of connection and kinship, and you can see how stimulating and inspiring this group is.</div>
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We are so lucky to have this internet where we can show up on each other's virtual front porches and share our lives, our families and our work.</div>
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I never would have dreamed eight years ago that I would be gathering family-style with this talented group of teachers. And just like meeting up with old high school friends, the internet allows us to "know" each other without ever physically having met.</div>
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The wonder of it all.</div>
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Susan Elliotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18094024834053351944noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24975998.post-10166301548785879962015-05-11T12:14:00.001-05:002015-05-11T12:37:41.438-05:00A Tip from Jan at Delectable Mountain Cloth<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Good Monday!</div>
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I'm still out of commission with my back but I'm a bit better than I was a few days ago so thanks for all the well wishes. I'm going to have to figure out an ergonomic chair that can pull up to my embroidery frame so if anyone has any advice...I'm all ears!!</div>
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Here's a picture full of happiness...</div>
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This is my loot <a href="http://www.plays-with-needles.blogspot.com/2015/05/delectable-night-at-museum.html" target="_blank">from my trip</a> to <a href="http://www.delectablemountain.com/" target="_blank">Delectable Mountain Cloth</a>. I just love that crocheted and beaded berry trim. *Sorry but there was only this one piece.* (I know, I know. Don't be mad.)</div>
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It reminded me of <a href="http://amzn.to/1FfNW53" target="_blank">this book</a> with beaded edgings that I bought a while back. Time to try out some of those patterns.</div>
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I also was really into the color nude this time around for some reason. <br />
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These silks have great structure and a stiffness which I'm looking forward to playing with. That's another thing about Jan's shop...there are tons of different types of fabric...the common denominator being that they are all natural materials...silks, cottons, linens, wool.<br />
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I also can't resist the incredible quilt packs that Jan puts together. There are approximately 30-40 fabric pieces per roll, perfectly sized for piecing crazy quilt blocks. <br />
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The fabrics are unbelievable...running anywhere from $25-over $100/yd and priced incredibly reasonably. There's no way you could afford to purchase such a wide range of exquisite fabric. I can't get enough of them.<br />
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Lastly, I picked up some of this icy blue panne velvet. <br />
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Panne velvet is a type of crushed velvet where all the nap is hard pressed to one side. The overall effect on the velvet is very glossy and looks like sealskin.<br />
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What if you don't want this glossy look?<br />
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No problem. According to Jan, all you have to do is wet the velvet and put it into the dryer.<br />
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So I tried it. I wetted it...<br />
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And dried it. Now I have two different types of velvet. One very icy and slinky and the other very soft and malleable. <br />
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I noticed that the wetted version also doesn't hold creases like the panne velvet does.<br />
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And there you have it. A tip for panne velvet on this beautiful Monday.</div>
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*sigh***</div>
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P.S. Unbeknownst to me, <a href="http://www.google.com/search?q=delectable+mountains+quilt+block&client=safari&rls=en&hl=en&tbm=isch&ei=H-JQVYLvKoevggTc-oHgDQ&start=0&sa=N" target="_blank">Delectable Mountain is a quilt block</a> pattern! Maybe that was unbeknownst to you too...</div>
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Susan Elliotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18094024834053351944noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24975998.post-49291437893919355222015-05-08T16:59:00.000-05:002015-05-08T16:59:42.144-05:00Delectable Night at the Museum<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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The last couple of weeks, I went on a Crazy Road Trip that took me North to meet up with friends.</div>
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We had three days of wonder-filled fun which ended at my picking Jack up from school in Boston and driving home. After 34 hours in a car in a period of one week, my back gave out. </div>
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Right now I'm lying here on my belly with a herniated disk, finally able to arch my back enough to type out this long overdue post. That'll teach me for turning 50 and thinking I'm still 22.</div>
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To take my mind off the pain, allow me to re-live my extra-special expedition with these two brilliantly beautiful women...</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r3tLGvb7rzI/VUzCCDMakLI/AAAAAAAAaJM/VRLpBX7yCLc/s1600/road%2Btrip_0162b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r3tLGvb7rzI/VUzCCDMakLI/AAAAAAAAaJM/VRLpBX7yCLc/s800/road%2Btrip_0162b.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.ivoryblushroses.com/" target="_blank">Lisa Boni aka Ivory Blush Roses</a> and <a href="http://alliesinstitches.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Allie Aller</a>.</div>
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I had never met Lisa so when I heard she would be attending <a href="http://www.slowstitching.com/getaway.html" target="_blank">the Slow Stitching Getaway</a> with Allie in New Jersey, I proposed a road trip adventure and they accepted.</div>
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We drove from New Jersey to Brattleboro, making a bee line to <a href="http://www.delectablemountain.com/" target="_blank">Delectable Mountain Cloth</a>.</div>
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Driving into town, we were greeted by one of Vermont's quaint covered bridges...</div>
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Jan was waiting for us, having just arranged this Spring-born bouquet for our arrival...</div>
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We spent the day together; laughing and sharing and shopping and oohing and aahing over all the exquisite cloth.</div>
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As the day waned, we headed out for a cup of joe and a trip down the hill...</div>
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To the local art museum where Jan's friend had a piece in the current textile exhibition there...</div>
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And we carried Jan's cloth with us as we went...</div>
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The day was pure bliss and we didn't think it could get much better...until the sun went down and then all bets were off. <br />
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It began with dinner at Brattleboro's T.J. Buckley's. The magic, I mean.<br />
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Jim and I had been there for dinner last Fall after we dropped Jack off at school. It's a super special place. <br />
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Tiny...there are only eight tables. Enchanting...you're seated in a refurbished dining car.<br />
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Intimate...Chef Michael cooks in the same room with you and there are only two other staff members.<br />
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It's most definitely a place for special occasions...like celebrating with three women whom you admire and don't get to see very often.<br />
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The company, the food, the atmosphere...we savored it. Every bite. When we left, we were somewhere close to heaven I'm sure.<br />
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We floated all the way back to <a href="http://www.delectablemountain.com/" target="_blank">Delectable Mountain Cloth</a> where Jan had to pick up a couple CDs of her music to give to Allie and Lisa. <br />
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So imagine it...you've had an amazing meal on top of a day filled with beauty and treasure...and then you walk down the streets of Brattleboro at night and you get to peek through these windows...<br />
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Your eyes get wide, your heart beats fast, your breathing quickens...and your insides squeal with delight.<br />
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And even though the store is closed, it's not for you! <br />
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Because you're with the owner and she opens the door and lets you inside...!<br />
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See what I mean? I had to stop jumping up and down so I could take pictures.<br />
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The store was dark but for the window lights reflecting off the whites of the laces and linens, the radiance of the silks, and the luster of the buttons.<br />
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I found these quilt blocks made by Jan tucked away on a shelf. When she pulled them down and spread them out, the three of us smiled aloud. Each was about 4" square and the fabric combinations were masterful...<br />
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Jan pulled out her scrapbooks and began to share. Her story.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VoN9T9fLR4Q/VUzB-15iuPI/AAAAAAAAaIQ/96-ftBTA1WI/s1600/delectable1_15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VoN9T9fLR4Q/VUzB-15iuPI/AAAAAAAAaIQ/96-ftBTA1WI/s800/delectable1_15.jpg" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bdOX-OIDaTk/VUzB_X0QlGI/AAAAAAAAaIU/TFrpLY8J_ZA/s1600/delectable1_17.jpg"></a></div>
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The story of the store and how she came to be where she is now. The clippings, photographs, notes, and people...the memories that have all become <a href="http://www.delectablemountain.com/" target="_blank">Delectable Mountain Cloth</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XNyBeL5y-NE/VUzB-5GylOI/AAAAAAAAaII/5Itd2PWi5FU/s1600/delectable1_16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XNyBeL5y-NE/VUzB-5GylOI/AAAAAAAAaII/5Itd2PWi5FU/s800/delectable1_16.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DzLP_NZ1Ejc/VUzB_pM7ZcI/AAAAAAAAaIc/F6gUnFdI0U8/s1600/delectable1_28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DzLP_NZ1Ejc/VUzB_pM7ZcI/AAAAAAAAaIc/F6gUnFdI0U8/s800/delectable1_28.jpg" /></a></div>
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It was magical; a secret passageway to the heart of the store.<br />
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It was after Jan had turned off the lights and re-locked the door and we were walking away when Allie captured it perfectly. <br />
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"Wow," she said. "That was like Night at the Museum, wasn't it? Just like Night at the Museum..."<br />
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Something extraordinary had come to life after dark that wasn't visible in the light of day. We had felt it. I'm sure that the fairies re-appeared after we had gone to set the store to right again. A magical night at the museum of cloth.<br />
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Stores like Jan's don't just happen...they're made.<br />
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They're tended and fed. They're cultivated and curated. <br />
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They require bold and brave souls to devote their lives to preserving a trade, to following a call. I'm sure it's not easy. Stores like <a href="http://www.delectablemountain.com/" target="_blank">Delectable Mountain Cloth</a> are rare and in constant danger of fading away.<br />
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If you haven't been there, you need to go. And if you can't go...call Jan the next time you need some cloth. <br />
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Next post, I'll share what I brought home with me and I'll continue the Road Trip.<br />
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Writing this post has almost made me forget the shooting pain in my back and butt. Almost.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hxGZobpXFow/VUzCCsao31I/AAAAAAAAaJY/tmCTAAOd-4w/s1600/road%2Btrip_0206.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hxGZobpXFow/VUzCCsao31I/AAAAAAAAaJY/tmCTAAOd-4w/s800/road%2Btrip_0206.jpg" /></a></div>
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P.S. In case you missed it, I made a video of Jan and her store and posted it on Vimeo when Jim and I were there last September. Here's <a href="https://vimeo.com/106435007" target="_blank">the link</a>. Make sure you click on HD for high-definition if you're going to watch it full screen; otherwise it's fuzzy. The music to the video is one of Jan's compositions and my favorite, <i>Falling</i>.</div>
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Susan Elliotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18094024834053351944noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24975998.post-88829293803063646052015-04-23T16:35:00.003-05:002015-04-24T05:19:34.819-05:00A Second Pair of Hands<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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If you had to stitch 118 goldwork leaves on a honeysuckle vine, how many leaves do you think it would take before you felt like they began to flow from your needle?</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CNlAatItjqI/VTlNbFSdLXI/AAAAAAAAaHI/y3b0UC1cgCc/s1600/honeysuckle_0025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CNlAatItjqI/VTlNbFSdLXI/AAAAAAAAaHI/y3b0UC1cgCc/s800/honeysuckle_0025.jpg" /></a></div>
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All of the leaves on this honeysuckle vine have a very predictable shape so it shouldn't take too long, right? <br />
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Oh, if it were only that easy. There are so many variables to account for and I am only now beginning to find a rhythm...on leaf number 86. <br />
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Working with Japanese gold thread, couching stitches every 2mm or so, maintaining the twist of the gold, manipulating the koma in a predictable and practiced way, making good corners, etc.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-616mpR2ausI/VTlNa5I_nZI/AAAAAAAAaG8/g3f15I5ElYY/s1600/honeysuckle_0014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-616mpR2ausI/VTlNa5I_nZI/AAAAAAAAaG8/g3f15I5ElYY/s800/honeysuckle_0014.jpg" /></a></div>
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There's a lot to understand. First, the thread. <br />
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Japanese gold thread comes in a hank and it must be split in half and wound onto two wooden spools called koma. It is very important that the thread be wound onto the spool under tension. I am using size number 3 and it's imitation gold...<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ry-SNsfIdGU/VTlNZjGfl5I/AAAAAAAAaGs/8EXtk89EfH4/s1600/honeysuckle_0002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ry-SNsfIdGU/VTlNZjGfl5I/AAAAAAAAaGs/8EXtk89EfH4/s800/honeysuckle_0002.jpg" style="cursor: move;" /></a><br />
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To understand the importance of having the thread under tension, you have to understand <a href="http://www.johnmarshall.to/I-honkin.htm" target="_blank">how the thread is made</a>. Gold (real or imitation) is laminated to mulberry paper, cut into strips and then wrapped around a silk core.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YHLiFf3nWyg/VTlU7Tbgq0I/AAAAAAAAaHs/VjPLBHcg3To/s1600/k4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YHLiFf3nWyg/VTlU7Tbgq0I/AAAAAAAAaHs/VjPLBHcg3To/s800/k4.jpg" /></a></div>
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While stitching, the wraps can become loose allowing more of the silk core to show through. This also makes the thread less taut and more wimpy.<br />
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Here is a picture of the gold thread that has loosened near the cut end...<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZjcXb1vPAx4/VTlNaZl1dAI/AAAAAAAAaG0/gW08GsmOhcI/s1600/honeysuckle_0008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZjcXb1vPAx4/VTlNaZl1dAI/AAAAAAAAaG0/gW08GsmOhcI/s800/honeysuckle_0008.jpg" style="cursor: move;" /></a><br />
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It's not the greatest picture but you can see the lines along the thread where a bit of the silk core is visible.<br />
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By winding the koma, I can tighten and untighten the twist of the thread. In the picture below, I have tightened the gold thread; the wraps are closer together and the thread takes on a wire-like quality. <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fY-ygPS2V_s/VTlNaqKmjQI/AAAAAAAAaG4/jJpuoJz8XwY/s1600/honeysuckle_0010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fY-ygPS2V_s/VTlNaqKmjQI/AAAAAAAAaG4/jJpuoJz8XwY/s800/honeysuckle_0010.jpg" style="cursor: move;" /></a><br />
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This is how you want the thread to be when you couch it down. The gold thread shines to optimal effect when the thread is laid this way. <br />
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That being said, to turn corners the thread needs to be softened in order to make sharp points and corners. My honeysuckle leaves don't require as sharp a corners as <a href="http://www.plays-with-needles.blogspot.com/search?q=cherry+bomb" target="_blank">my cherry blossom petals</a> but I still have many corners to turn. Softening the twist of the gold at the turn keeps the thread from crimping. Once I've made the turn, I have to retighten the twist of the thread again and off I go to the next turn.<br />
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This means that there is a constant manipulation of the thread wrapped around the koma as I stitch. Wrapping to tighten the thread, couching the thread, and then loosening the wraps at the corner to allow for an easier turn, and then tightening the thread again to couch down the straightaway section of the leaf. <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SCj0IPQQeyU/VTlNZg-IIXI/AAAAAAAAaGk/QCSxGgyxkvs/s1600/honeysuckle_0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SCj0IPQQeyU/VTlNZg-IIXI/AAAAAAAAaGk/QCSxGgyxkvs/s800/honeysuckle_0001.jpg" style="cursor: move;" /></a><br />
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This dance of the koma, together with the starting and ending the threads for each leaf, means that each leaf can take a good deal of time. For me, about 22 minutes. (*wink* That's what that <a href="http://www.plays-with-needles.blogspot.com/2015/02/tracking-time.html" target="_blank">Toggl timer is</a> for).<br />
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Next Japanese embroidery post, I'll try to post some pictures of turning corners since a few of you have asked about that.<br />
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Needless to say, these koma are very handy tools and I use them anytime I need to couch a non-stitchable thread on a project. This extra set of hands allows you to keep your thread under good tension so that the couched line is nice and smooth.<br />
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Koma are most often sold in pairs and can be made from a variety of woods. The most important thing when selecting koma is the weight of the wood that is used. The heavier the better. <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RtRixriRE5U/VTlNZg5_OZI/AAAAAAAAaGo/bgomKi91asA/s1600/honeysuckle_0003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RtRixriRE5U/VTlNZg5_OZI/AAAAAAAAaGo/bgomKi91asA/s800/honeysuckle_0003.jpg" /></a></div>
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The weight plus the squared off ends keeps the spool from rolling and helps to anchor the koma firmly in place. They really are like a second pair of hands. <br />
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You can buy koma from the Japanese embroidery center <a href="http://jecstore.com/index.php/tools/koma-spools.html" target="_blank">here </a>.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SCj0IPQQeyU/VTlNZg-IIXI/AAAAAAAAaGk/QCSxGgyxkvs/s1600/honeysuckle_0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SCj0IPQQeyU/VTlNZg-IIXI/AAAAAAAAaGk/QCSxGgyxkvs/s800/honeysuckle_0001.jpg" /></a><br />
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But don't expect to master their use overnight.</div>
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Hundreds of curlicues...118 leaves, and hundreds more turns...</div>
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Practice is the teacher. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-616mpR2ausI/VTlNa5I_nZI/AAAAAAAAaG8/g3f15I5ElYY/s1600/honeysuckle_0014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-616mpR2ausI/VTlNa5I_nZI/AAAAAAAAaG8/g3f15I5ElYY/s800/honeysuckle_0014.jpg" style="cursor: move;" /></a></div>
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That's one thing that the Japanese understand. Ten phases to teach you. To test you. And then you are ready to begin. </div>
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The hardest part for me is staying in the chair. Resisting the temptation to do something else. And no, it doesn't get easier. </div>
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Showing up. Sitting down. Keeping my butt in the chair. Stitching for a minimum of two hours every day. </div>
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It's starting to happen. Competence. Predictability. <a href="http://www.ted.com/talks/mihaly_csikszentmihalyi_on_flow" target="_blank">Flow</a>.</div>
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The Japanese understand that there are no short cuts to gaining skill. <a href="http://www.plays-with-needles.blogspot.com/2015/03/lucky-stitcher.html" target="_blank">It's work; it can be hard</a>.</div>
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I'm getting better at the struggle. <a href="http://danishapiro.com/on-beginning-again-2/" target="_blank"> I'm winning more and more.</a> My butt is staying in the chair.</div>
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Susan Elliotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18094024834053351944noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24975998.post-70364184269009021752015-04-16T08:14:00.000-05:002015-04-18T07:03:40.717-05:00Heraldry Follow-Up<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Thanks to all of you who have been helping me unlock the clues of the Petit Point Heraldic mystery I mentioned <a href="http://www.plays-with-needles.blogspot.com/2015/04/heralding-petit-point.html" target="_blank">last post</a>. Since then, we have had many discussions about potential ideas for what images used within the embroidery might mean.</div>
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I took <a href="http://www.blog.virtuosewadventures.co.uk/wordpress/" target="_blank">Rachel Wright's</a> advice and wrote to the <a href="http://www.college-of-arms.gov.uk/" target="_blank">College of Arms in London</a>. I had no idea that such an institution exists.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4H6QkV2qWdI/VS-1O9ZC73I/AAAAAAAAaGQ/jROFjDYLuOo/s1600/heraldry_0054.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4H6QkV2qWdI/VS-1O9ZC73I/AAAAAAAAaGQ/jROFjDYLuOo/s800/heraldry_0054.jpg" style="cursor: move;" /></a><br />
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The officer in waiting, Clive Cheesman, responded within a day, which is very impressive in itself. <br />
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I repeat it for you in full as it's quite interesting...<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Dear Ms. Elliott,</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Thank you for your enquiry to the College of Arms, which has come to me as officer in waiting at the time of its arrival.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">This is certainly a very lovely item; I can see why you were drawn to it. You are quite right that the lion and unicorn supporters recall those of the the Royal coat of arms, and indeed that must have been a quite conscious reference on the part of the person who did it. But other than that I am inclined to agree with your husband that it is not genuine heraldry, but a heraldic-style fantasy. Points to note are:</span><br />
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">the shield and crest between the supporters are not those of the Royal arms, and (though this could just be a mistake) the lion on the shield faces the wrong way for heraldry;</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">the supporters hold banners which they do not in the Royal arms (except the Scottish version of the Royal arms, where however they are the other way around -- unicorn on the left);</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">the items on the banners are not clear but do not resemble anything from the Royal arms, and the banner on the right does not observe the heraldic rule against colour-on-colour by having a central blue stripe on a red background;</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">the shields in the lower corners are roughly mirror versions of each other with a couple of other differences, which suggests to me they were chosen and disposed for aesthetic reasons (and perhaps as a test of embroidery) rather than as true representative heraldry.</span></li>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">The prominence of the date 1526 is a bit odd and makes me think that something more than just a heraldic-style jeu d'esprit or whim is going on here, and it would be interesting to see if that leads to anything (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1526 doesn't offer anything terribly promising, I must admit). But even if it commemorates some event it does not make me think that the heraldry is genuine; for one thing, in 1526 the kingdoms of England and Scotland were still quite separate and the lion and the unicorn had not come together as supporters.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Sorry not to be more help. But it still is a very interesting item, and well worth a bit of research and thought.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Yours sincerely,</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Clive Cheesman</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">C.E.A. Cheesman, MA, PhD, FSA</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Richmond Herald</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">College of Arms</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Queen Victoria Street</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">London</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #20124d;">There s</span>eems to be a consensus that the embroidery is a decorative piece of some sort and I suspect it isn't too terribly old. As petit point goes, it's quite lovely and perhaps it was a souvenir kit brought back from a trip to England by someone or it was just a pretty kit with a tapestry feel to it as some of you have suggested.<br />
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When I get a few minutes, I plan to call the Antique Mall and see if I can track down the woman I bought it from. Perhaps she can shed some light on its prior owner.<br />
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Thanks again to all of you for helping. It's been a fun exercise. </div>
Susan Elliotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18094024834053351944noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24975998.post-35226769093183838982015-04-14T08:54:00.001-05:002015-04-14T08:54:09.473-05:00Heralding Petit Point<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Antique malls are akin to nature walks, libraries and museums in my book. </div>
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The panoply of objects that owners once treasured and then discarded is a continuous source of amusement and interest to me. You never know what you will find.</div>
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When Jim and I were visiting Dad, we had the pleasure of discovering an absolutely wonderful treasure trove, the Shirley Street Antique Mall in Naples, FL. It's home to Homer Helter's, the largest military antique mall in Florida...a fact that becomes apparent when you walk through the back door and are greeted by a table full of veterans and friends who gather there on a daily basis. They were a welcoming band of brothers and offered a chair, a cup of coffee and fellowship to my Dad while Jim and I went treasure hunting.<br />
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It didn't take long before I spotted this 6 inch square example of petit point embroidery...<br />
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It is petit point stitched with silk floss on silk gauze at 44 stitches to the inch. </div>
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The strange thing about this piece was that I had seen the exact same fragment a couple days before at another Antique Mall in Naples but didn't buy it because it was three times as much. It was also dirtier and much more faded than this one.</div>
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I took that as a sign from the universe. I mean, what's the likelihood that you see two pieces that are so distinct within one week of each other? It was meant to come home with me.</div>
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Since being back, I've scoured the internet trying to find any information that might unlock the secret of its progeny or history.</div>
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Its original frame seemed to be from the 1940s. When I took the piece out of the frame, I was sad to see that the fragment had been glued to a cardboard backing.</div>
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The edges are frayed and the piece does appear to be a fragment.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6F73LIB41Rw/VSxzBgpQa5I/AAAAAAAAaFA/E0-dIFpxK60/s1600/heraldry_0016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6F73LIB41Rw/VSxzBgpQa5I/AAAAAAAAaFA/E0-dIFpxK60/s800/heraldry_0016.jpg" /></a><br />
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The image seems to be heraldic in nature, with a lion salient on the left and a unicorn on the right both holding banner poles in front of a tournament tent. Through a parting in the tent curtain, there's a red shield emblazoned with a lion rampant and a plumed helm and visor...</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D7_d31yE6Sw/VSxzB3mY5fI/AAAAAAAAaFE/4OR-yeJrJZ4/s1600/heraldry_0027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D7_d31yE6Sw/VSxzB3mY5fI/AAAAAAAAaFE/4OR-yeJrJZ4/s800/heraldry_0027.jpg" /></a></div>
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The lion and the unicorn in this configuration bring to mind the Royal Coat of Arms of the United Kingdom. </div>
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There are quite a number of crests in the piece. In addition to the main red crest in the bottom center, there are four in the corners and two more resting against each other atop the opening in the tent.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ILKarC6kalE/VSxzC6v0SGI/AAAAAAAAaFY/VvM1vnl3hOQ/s1600/heraldry_0054.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ILKarC6kalE/VSxzC6v0SGI/AAAAAAAAaFY/VvM1vnl3hOQ/s800/heraldry_0054.jpg" style="cursor: move;" /></a></div>
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There are two banners suspended from the flag poles...</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wmdjVUsb56M/VSxzCdi7ilI/AAAAAAAAaFg/MH1x28L1LM4/s1600/heraldry_0032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wmdjVUsb56M/VSxzCdi7ilI/AAAAAAAAaFg/MH1x28L1LM4/s800/heraldry_0032.jpg" /></a></div>
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And the date "1526" below the flag on the left...</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yl5ywfskyxs/VSxzCrqbq4I/AAAAAAAAaFU/o7_XxNjUozY/s1600/heraldry_0034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yl5ywfskyxs/VSxzCrqbq4I/AAAAAAAAaFU/o7_XxNjUozY/s800/heraldry_0034.jpg" /></a></div>
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If any of you can help me understand a bit more about the history of this piece, I would be very grateful. Jim tends to think it's merely a pretty design created in a heraldic style. Perhaps he's right. That might explain why I saw another similar one in the same town. Of course, they woman who sold it to me could have had a pair and a stall in the other antique mall we visited...but I didn't think to ask that at the time.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LfsUfY7fp5c/VS0Y3ZpH2cI/AAAAAAAAaF8/WlkoX69W3w8/s1600/heraldry_0021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LfsUfY7fp5c/VS0Y3ZpH2cI/AAAAAAAAaF8/WlkoX69W3w8/s800/heraldry_0021.jpg" /></a>All in all, it's just lovely. The background bounty of bright flowers stitched in soft, romantic colors, brings to mind jousting, knights, and the favors of noble ladies. It's all very romantic indeed. I wish I knew more.</div>
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Happy Heralding!</div>
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Susan Elliotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18094024834053351944noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24975998.post-62381150362402381322015-04-10T11:47:00.001-05:002015-04-12T06:51:58.265-05:00Easter Butterflies<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Last week Jimmy and I returned to Naples, Florida to spend Easter with my father.</div>
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Every day Jim and I trekked through the mangroves to visit the beach...<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uJACP7viNpo/VSfmm1q1DbI/AAAAAAAAaB0/elMD0TSjCdM/s1600/naples%2Beaster1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uJACP7viNpo/VSfmm1q1DbI/AAAAAAAAaB0/elMD0TSjCdM/s800/naples%2Beaster1.jpg" /></a><br />
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We were lucky that there was another Osprey pair this year with three fledglings in their nest. I love to watch the Dad fish. Last year, I wrote <a href="http://www.plays-with-needles.blogspot.com/2014/05/the-ospreys-of-pelican-bay.html" target="_blank">this post where the sea hawk caught a Florida pompano</a>. This year, he entertained again by catching this gar fish...<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VKRyBEZRbJ4/VSfooICqPOI/AAAAAAAAaD4/IHAAriu9zi8/s1600/naples_0165.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VKRyBEZRbJ4/VSfooICqPOI/AAAAAAAAaD4/IHAAriu9zi8/s800/naples_0165.jpg" style="cursor: move;" /></a><br />
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It didn't look like a very big meal...<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-egt_UMepepU/VSfooG0Fb_I/AAAAAAAAaD8/YA9SAZ8fWS0/s1600/naples_0168.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-egt_UMepepU/VSfooG0Fb_I/AAAAAAAAaD8/YA9SAZ8fWS0/s800/naples_0168.jpg" style="cursor: move;" /></a><br />
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But when you've got three hungry mouths to feed, you eat whatever you can catch...<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_7mzs-aZ_1M/VSfoomRq32I/AAAAAAAAaEI/6W8siuO1N6s/s1600/naples_0174.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_7mzs-aZ_1M/VSfoomRq32I/AAAAAAAAaEI/6W8siuO1N6s/s800/naples_0174.jpg" style="cursor: move;" /></a><br />
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The weather was calm and mild the entire time we were there which made for perfect beach-going.<br />
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There wasn't much of a wrack line this time...<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SpZMcPbc5rA/VSfmnPYrjCI/AAAAAAAAaB8/3plqcL1lNr0/s1600/naples%2Beaster1_12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SpZMcPbc5rA/VSfmnPYrjCI/AAAAAAAAaB8/3plqcL1lNr0/s800/naples%2Beaster1_12.jpg" style="cursor: move;" /></a><br />
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Which was a <i>huge</i> blessing in disguise.<br />
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A full wrack line is like having too many choices on a buffet. You tend to select the larger, more unusual dishes. If there had been too much competition, I'm afraid we would have missed the treasures that actually were there.<br />
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Coquina shells. <i>Donax Variabilis. </i><br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7ocrdvItGks/VSfmnjU6A3I/AAAAAAAAaCM/yTW50UFdXE8/s1600/naples%2Beaster1_80.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7ocrdvItGks/VSfmnjU6A3I/AAAAAAAAaCM/yTW50UFdXE8/s800/naples%2Beaster1_80.jpg" style="cursor: move;" /></a><br />
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Small, edible saltwater clams that live below the sand in shallow water along East Coast beaches.<br />
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While I stooped to collect these tiny shells, an older German woman whom I had befriended that week approached with her cane. She walked the beach every morning and we had struck up multiple conversations throughout the week about shells and birds and clams...basically, any and all wildlife that we saw in the mornings.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j-ihaPwZ0So/VSfmpt3woBI/AAAAAAAAaCw/LMWfdegCTn4/s1600/naples_0054-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j-ihaPwZ0So/VSfmpt3woBI/AAAAAAAAaCw/LMWfdegCTn4/s800/naples_0054-1.jpg" style="cursor: move;" /></a><br />
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When she saw me down low, she said, "Oh, hello. I see you've found something to collect."<br />
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"Coquina shells, " I said. "Only little shells are here these days."<br />
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"Oh!" She exclaimed. "They are <i>so</i> Be-YOU-tiful. All those pretty <i>colors</i>. I have a whole dish of them I keep out. Just <i>beautiful!</i> You have to be careful to clean them well though or they stink. A little bit of the clam sticks to the shell and you have to get that out."<br />
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I waved to her as she went on her way, leaving this egret behind fishing in the surf.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y3EE7IAQJHs/VSfmp47IkwI/AAAAAAAAaC4/c6IdQSLP5yw/s1600/naples_0060.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y3EE7IAQJHs/VSfmp47IkwI/AAAAAAAAaC4/c6IdQSLP5yw/s800/naples_0060.jpg" /></a><br />
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I went back to collecting the tiny marvels and found they were most easily spotted in shallow water, as the lapping water lifted them up and they floated back down...<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jZCkDt6mPNU/VSf1bWQg2UI/AAAAAAAAaEg/UQDy4KL52DI/s1600/naples_0130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jZCkDt6mPNU/VSf1bWQg2UI/AAAAAAAAaEg/UQDy4KL52DI/s800/naples_0130.jpg" style="cursor: move;" /></a><br />
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I wanted to find a way to share the pleasure of shell hunting, so I took a picture just for you. Think of it as a virtual shell hunt.<br />
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There are eight coquina shells (3 doubles and 5 singles) in the picture below. Can you find them all? (I'll reveal the answer in the bottom of the post.)<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cEhSAbP8cms/VSfmq59_PEI/AAAAAAAAaDU/1DmHVKwLDE8/s1600/naples_0138.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cEhSAbP8cms/VSfmq59_PEI/AAAAAAAAaDU/1DmHVKwLDE8/s800/naples_0138.jpg" /></a></div>
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While I continued the delicate job of picking up wee bitsy clam shells, another woman approached and told me that she had grown up on <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g34399-d117353-Reviews-Coquina_Beach-Longboat_Key_Florida.html" target="_blank">Coquina Beach</a>. As children, she and her siblings had eaten the little clams as they played; their parents had made coquina broth from boiling the live mollusks in salted water. I found a recipe <a href="http://www.eattheweeds.com/coquina-tasty-tiny-clam/" target="_blank">here</a>. Who knew?<br />
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Jim and I weren't up to harvesting live clams, so we took our <i>empty</i>, bitty bivalves back home and followed the German woman's advice of washing the shells carefully...<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-izD3KWQneKY/VSfmn6XsPPI/AAAAAAAAaDQ/zv-RVwzL8xI/s1600/naples%2Beaster1_81.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-izD3KWQneKY/VSfmn6XsPPI/AAAAAAAAaDQ/zv-RVwzL8xI/s800/naples%2Beaster1_81.jpg" /></a></div>
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Spending the time to pick out any remaining organic matter. It was a tedious task as the shells ranged in size from 5mm to 18mm.<br />
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But it was exactly this slow, methodical care with each and every shell that caused me to fall in love...over and over again.<br />
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Together they were a kaleidoscope of Easter butterflies...<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mNBJgcVGBIc/VSfmoILLgBI/AAAAAAAAaCU/ACZsb9AYk-4/s1600/naples_0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mNBJgcVGBIc/VSfmoILLgBI/AAAAAAAAaCU/ACZsb9AYk-4/s800/naples_0001.jpg" style="cursor: move;" /></a><br />
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And individually, they were every shade of pastel with stripes and delightful combinations. <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p21oOJCRK9Q/VSfmo-SWUdI/AAAAAAAAaCg/pyN-l-9vddU/s1600/naples_0006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p21oOJCRK9Q/VSfmo-SWUdI/AAAAAAAAaCg/pyN-l-9vddU/s800/naples_0006.jpg" style="cursor: move;" /></a><br />
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Like a box of antique buttons, each one held its own charm...<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W-dOzNj2dhE/VSfmpBTAWKI/AAAAAAAAaCo/hmN6CWA_Ecc/s1600/naples_0013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W-dOzNj2dhE/VSfmpBTAWKI/AAAAAAAAaCo/hmN6CWA_Ecc/s800/naples_0013.jpg" style="cursor: move;" /></a><br />
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As I washed, dried and sorted my delicate swarm of shells, my father watched perplexed. "What," he kept asking, "Are you going to do with all of those?"<br />
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"I don't know yet, Dad. But aren't they amazing?" <br />
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"Hmmpff, " was all he said.<br />
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What I was going to do with them? I didn't yet know. <br />
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But when Dad, Jim and I went to an Antique Mall the next day, look what I found...<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d_YHVe9V9rk/VSfmmJ3e9YI/AAAAAAAAaBg/-M5G9YinhGw/s1600/coquina_0013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d_YHVe9V9rk/VSfmmJ3e9YI/AAAAAAAAaBg/-M5G9YinhGw/s800/coquina_0013.jpg" style="cursor: move;" /></a><br />
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This kitschy, old-fashioned souvenir bouquet of shell flowers. It was love at first sight.<br />
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And look...<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZU-BJe-j-8A/VSfmmEwcJqI/AAAAAAAAaBk/3bId_1o7Iyo/s1600/coquina_0014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZU-BJe-j-8A/VSfmmEwcJqI/AAAAAAAAaBk/3bId_1o7Iyo/s800/coquina_0014.jpg" /></a></div>
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There are flowers made from all those tiny coquina shells.<br />
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And the hummingbird has a set of coquina wings...<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zc3uX0vvmYA/VSfmmFdXLYI/AAAAAAAAaBc/5wCdK6CbQEU/s1600/coquina_0015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zc3uX0vvmYA/VSfmmFdXLYI/AAAAAAAAaBc/5wCdK6CbQEU/s800/coquina_0015.jpg" style="cursor: move;" /></a><br />
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Yesterday, I unpacked and sorted all the paired coquinas by color and placed them in a collection box...<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3UGmOctgVbw/VSfmmgtBzMI/AAAAAAAAaBs/OvfqVOfHgGM/s1600/coquina_0029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3UGmOctgVbw/VSfmmgtBzMI/AAAAAAAAaBs/OvfqVOfHgGM/s800/coquina_0029.jpg" /></a></div>
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A palette from the sea.<br />
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And I took all the single shells and placed them in a dish...just as my German friend had suggested.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tHzScJtJtKg/VSfmmz7DSJI/AAAAAAAAaB4/nKuXFS5zFVg/s1600/coquina_0032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tHzScJtJtKg/VSfmmz7DSJI/AAAAAAAAaB4/nKuXFS5zFVg/s800/coquina_0032.jpg" /></a></div>
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And here they sit as I type this post to remind us that Summer is coming and the world is full of wonder and joy.<br />
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My new collection has led me down a path of researching shellwork which was all the rage in 18th century England. I found <a href="http://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2010/important-furniture-silver-and-ceramics-l10304/lot.57.html" target="_blank">this stunning example of shellwork from the reign of George III</a>...<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JHn10pgQuLc/VSf6BVWbSDI/AAAAAAAAaEs/sKPTI2CCeh8/s1600/george%2BIII%2B2.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JHn10pgQuLc/VSf6BVWbSDI/AAAAAAAAaEs/sKPTI2CCeh8/s800/george%2BIII%2B2.tiff" /></a></div>
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And then I remembered that my friend<a href="http://www.plays-with-needles.blogspot.com/2009/11/mrs-delany-and-her-circle.html" target="_blank"> Mrs. Delany</a> had created shellwork in addition to her 1,000 flower collages and amazing embroideries. So I'm busy following that lead.<br />
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Looks like there's more shell embroideries in my future. <i><a href="http://plays-with-needles.blogspot.com/2012/08/found-on-beach.html" target="_blank">Found on the Beach</a></i> might have to become a series.<br />
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Blowing kisses to you all and hoping that some unexpected delight washes up on your beach ;)<br />
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P.S. Here's the solution to the virtual coquina search...<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4AZvsIz3LHE/VSfmqLJPqvI/AAAAAAAAaDE/O4TTF0AX12g/s1600/naples_0138%2Bcoquina.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4AZvsIz3LHE/VSfmqLJPqvI/AAAAAAAAaDE/O4TTF0AX12g/s800/naples_0138%2Bcoquina.jpg" style="cursor: move;" /></a><br />
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And here's a few other interesting shells that were also in the shot...<br />
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Susan Elliotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18094024834053351944noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24975998.post-84163565606552625672015-03-30T09:27:00.000-05:002015-03-30T09:27:39.054-05:00American Schoolgirl Embroideries: Part II<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I've been on a bit of a tangent lately, researching the background for a few embroideries that I viewed at the<a href="http://www.artbma.org/exhibitions/" target="_blank"> <u>Lessons Learned: American Schoolgirl Embroideries</u></a> exhibit currently showing at the Baltimore Museum of Art through May.</div>
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Of the twenty embroideries on exhibit, many of them were silk and chenille with classical, biblical or literary themes, a common approach in schools at the time.</div>
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Last post, I went into some detail on the <a href="http://www.plays-with-needles.blogspot.com/2015/03/american-schoolgirl-embroideries-part-i.html" target="_blank">Queen of Sheba embroidery</a>. Today, I'd like to share another embroidery which drew my attention...</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-womKX-IAdnA/VRRwArjCzQI/AAAAAAAAZ-k/3LfJHYKDfjs/s1600/bma1_30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-womKX-IAdnA/VRRwArjCzQI/AAAAAAAAZ-k/3LfJHYKDfjs/s800/bma1_30.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Caroline, the Heroine of Lichtfield,</i> 1817<br />silk ground, silk embroidery threads, silk chenille, paint, cotton lining<br />Unites States, possibly Maryland, Easton</td></tr>
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The embroidery depicts the heroine of an eighteenth century best-selling novel, Caroline of Lichtfield or Memoirs of a Prussian Family, originally published in French (1786) by author Isabelle de Montolieu, later translated into English by William Holcroft and published in Britain, and eventually released in the United States in 1798.</div>
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The story pre-dates Jane Austen, yet deals with a familiar plot line of a young heiress eventually deciding to marry a man she had previously thwarted due to facial deformity, recognizing his virtue as his most attractive and marriageable feature.</div>
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The embroidery is framed by a wonderfully painted mat with cornucopias full of flowers...</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s8PY4JUW4x4/VRRwB8YTAQI/AAAAAAAAZ-8/Hx0L6e2-VbI/s1600/bma1_33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s8PY4JUW4x4/VRRwB8YTAQI/AAAAAAAAZ-8/Hx0L6e2-VbI/s800/bma1_33.jpg" style="cursor: move;" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F5b8_m4wjHw/VRRwBbzpKBI/AAAAAAAAZ-w/f7xVLtKCEgE/s1600/bma1_32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F5b8_m4wjHw/VRRwBbzpKBI/AAAAAAAAZ-w/f7xVLtKCEgE/s800/bma1_32.jpg" style="cursor: move;" /></a></div>
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And fruit...</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YbroALNXWeo/VRRwFufVsbI/AAAAAAAAaAE/MZ2Bh-3-j70/s1600/bma1_44.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YbroALNXWeo/VRRwFufVsbI/AAAAAAAAaAE/MZ2Bh-3-j70/s800/bma1_44.jpg" style="cursor: move;" /></a></div>
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And butterflies flitting about...</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qslzF_r_5dI/VRRwAk7N9jI/AAAAAAAAZ-g/r3RLD6M5MoI/s1600/bma1_31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qslzF_r_5dI/VRRwAk7N9jI/AAAAAAAAZ-g/r3RLD6M5MoI/s800/bma1_31.jpg" /></a></div>
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It is dated and signed at the bottom, "Julia Ann Thomas's work" with the date 1817...</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-itxdFmoUxd8/VRRwGaRPc6I/AAAAAAAAaBA/ecWXMF4rAPY/s1600/bma1_45.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-itxdFmoUxd8/VRRwGaRPc6I/AAAAAAAAaBA/ecWXMF4rAPY/s800/bma1_45.jpg" style="cursor: move;" /></a></div>
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With the name Easton also included. Easton happens to be a small town on the Eastern shore of Maryland where a woman named Julia Ann Thomas was known to have taught at the Easton Female Academy.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IOUA_8QhA8g/VRRwFZDvLTI/AAAAAAAAaAA/HGEKe-usv5E/s1600/bma1_43.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IOUA_8QhA8g/VRRwFZDvLTI/AAAAAAAAaAA/HGEKe-usv5E/s800/bma1_43.jpg" style="cursor: move;" /></a></div>
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Elements of the design and stitching however are characteristic of the styles from the Moravian schools in Pennsylvania and North Carolina but no record of a Julia Ann Thomas has been found.</div>
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As I studied the pictures I had taken, I began to wonder about the main character of the embroidery, Caroline of Lichtfield (not Litchfield in England, but <i>Licthfield</i>, a fictitious Prussian estate); sitting at the edge of a lake, book set aside and lost in thought...</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HRbc7FG6vls/VRRwDMZSkyI/AAAAAAAAZ_U/KHvdexoI8Ok/s1600/bma1_37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HRbc7FG6vls/VRRwDMZSkyI/AAAAAAAAZ_U/KHvdexoI8Ok/s800/bma1_37.jpg" style="cursor: move;" /></a></div>
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With mountains painted in the background...</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ez05JkXg-6o/VRRwEDHtN0I/AAAAAAAAZ_4/asMk1MgYi7Y/s1600/bma1_39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ez05JkXg-6o/VRRwEDHtN0I/AAAAAAAAZ_4/asMk1MgYi7Y/s800/bma1_39.jpg" style="cursor: move;" /></a></div>
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And an anthropomorphic representation of her dog by her side...</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yR7XdIWtl6U/VRRwC4HVMNI/AAAAAAAAZ_g/JzXFPEPkgk4/s1600/bma1_36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yR7XdIWtl6U/VRRwC4HVMNI/AAAAAAAAZ_g/JzXFPEPkgk4/s800/bma1_36.jpg" /></a></div>
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It was this adorable rendering of Caroline's faithful companion that led me to start researching the story to find if this little guy had a name and why a young woman in 1817 would find the story worthy of memorializing in embroidery. The text is available but quite expensive. Luckily, I found <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Caroline-Litchfield-Chawton-Library-Womens/dp/1848933924/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1427725111&sr=8-5&keywords=caroline+of+lichtfield+hardcover" target="_blank">this hardcover version on Amazon with a great deal of the novel available for preview</a>.</div>
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I had to stop reading in order to write this so I still have not found any more information about the dog but I have learned that Mary Wollstonecraft read and admired the book calling it the 'prettiest thing she had ever read' and Jane Austen also read it and called it 'beautiful'.</div>
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From what I have read so far, it is a novel with a young and naive heroine, raised on a country estate, far from the sophistication of court and ready to marry a Prince Charming. The "prince" suitor proposed by her father is hardly dashing and young but rather an older man with a facial deformity and an Ambassador to Petersburg...</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RR_2wlx1E6U/VRRwDK2d_YI/AAAAAAAAZ_Y/XQjE7lQKQkY/s1600/bma1_38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RR_2wlx1E6U/VRRwDK2d_YI/AAAAAAAAZ_Y/XQjE7lQKQkY/s800/bma1_38.jpg" /></a></div>
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What ensues is melodrama surrounding two suitors, one young, handsome and ardent; the other is older, wiser and of tested virtue. You get the gist. Thanks to Jane Austen, we know the type of story quite well even though Ms. Austen published some twenty years or so after this novel was written.</div>
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From what I can tell, it was the chick lit of the day and it was widely read and very popular. The embroidery itself is as charming as the novel and I am grateful to Ms. Thomas for introducing me to <i>Caroline</i>.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_Jv-s7EUpyU/VRRwEDkNGAI/AAAAAAAAZ_s/fLT2q69ZATY/s1600/bma1_40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_Jv-s7EUpyU/VRRwEDkNGAI/AAAAAAAAZ_s/fLT2q69ZATY/s800/bma1_40.jpg" /></a></div>
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Another embroidery that caught my eye was also inspired by popular literature of the day, in this case, James Thomson's epic poem, <i>The Seasons</i> (1730). James Thomson was Scottish and one of the leading poets in 18th century literature; primarily known for <i>The Seasons,</i> a four-part poetic work about nature and its cyclical transformations.</div>
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The work was very popular and inspired mezzotints like the one by Laurie and Whittle (1794) entitled <i>Spring...</i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-es3GLbi6JBo/VRRwILBsczI/AAAAAAAAaA0/XZK0qb5eGpI/s1600/laurie%2Band%2Bwhittle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-es3GLbi6JBo/VRRwILBsczI/AAAAAAAAaA0/XZK0qb5eGpI/s800/laurie%2Band%2Bwhittle.jpg" style="cursor: move;" /></a></span></i></div>
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It was the illustration above that provided the inspiration for the embroidery titled <i>Spring</i> below, embroidered by Maria Antoinette Dorsey, possibly in the Moravian Seminary for girls at Lititz or Bethlehem.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EezjU_-FqmQ/VRRwGTLYEfI/AAAAAAAAaAY/5Xm0-AUfm5c/s1600/bma1_46.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EezjU_-FqmQ/VRRwGTLYEfI/AAAAAAAAaAY/5Xm0-AUfm5c/s800/bma1_46.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spring, 1825-1830. Stitched by Maria Antoinette Dorsey<br />silk ground, silk embroidery threads, watercolor, linen lining<br />United States, possibly Pennsylvania</td></tr>
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Glare from overhead lights made pictures of this work nearly impossible. In comparing the illustration with the embroidery, did you notice that the man was excluded from the needled version?</div>
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Now why do you think that was?</div>
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Speaking of women, did you happen to read <a href="http://www.wsj.com/articles/book-review-women-after-all-by-melvin-konner-1427483355" target="_blank">this article in the Wall Street Journal reviewing <u>Women After All</u></a> by Melvin Connor, a professor of Anthropology at Emory University? It was a triumph for women, IMHO, largely due to the fact that both the review and the book were written by men. Check it out. It's worth your time.</div>
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Happy Monday. Happy Spring.</div>
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Susan Elliotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18094024834053351944noreply@blogger.com9