tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80927861430849021862024-03-13T11:56:41.684-07:00Tessa's TreasuresTessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02902572631914626471noreply@blogger.comBlogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8092786143084902186.post-56549409753750392112017-01-04T12:24:00.000-08:002017-01-04T12:24:57.869-08:00All Sorted... <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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She's home... Fimbri is back safe and sound. That's the name that I've given to my car, my little C3. It was a worrying time most of the day thinking about all the parts that needed replacing and the cost and time it would take to do all of it, but in the end, she came through it brilliantly. I know this sounds like I'm talking about a child....but you need to know that Fimbri was a special car in the eyes of a special person who has passed away. I feel now that I'm in charge of taking care of this large piece of machinery the best way I can. <br />
By the way, the photo of the daffodils? .... Just a little something to make you yearn for spring. <br />
Also today, I progressed a bit further on a baby project at the sewing machine. It's just a little something to go along with the first finished item.... just needed to use up the left over fabrics. At the price they are these days, you don't waste a square inch. A cool day all in all... overcast and sunshine taking their turns. <br />
<br />Tessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02902572631914626471noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8092786143084902186.post-83028541698454975252017-01-04T01:26:00.001-08:002017-01-04T01:29:15.127-08:00There's Always Something....January 3rd ...<br />
Had the day planned today... wait until Mr. T. goes to work, then take my car and get some groceries. NOT ! Didn't realise that the bang I heard on Sunday afternoon outside my kitchen door was the front coil springs on my car collapsing. Having not known this had happened, trying to drive the car out of the driveway yesterday was a non starter. <br />
So after having the car recovered to the nearest garage, and nearly having a heart attack when I was told what damage there was and how much it was going to cost..... I figured I might as well do some sewing as I certainly wasn't going anywhere. Hopefully, it will get sorted soon.<br />
Worrying gets you nowhere, so went for a walk along the road that leads into our retirement park. There's been a cool wind today, but no rain or snow. <br />
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Terry has called several times to try and help get the car sorted, but as I felt it was my responsibility, and he had worries of his own, I took control and sorted it myself. Sounds like I could have used a bit of patience in all of this, but that's another story. Onward and upwards as they say. <br />
Thinking positive that Wednesday will bring good news about the car and I can stop worrying. Bank account will be a lot lighter but at least I'll be safe driving. Tessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02902572631914626471noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8092786143084902186.post-39598086114765005312017-01-03T01:37:00.000-08:002017-01-03T01:46:35.292-08:00Gone for another year....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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January 2nd....<br />
The frost overnight was heavy, heavy enough to think we'd had a thin dusting of snow and both cars looked like marshmallows. <br />
The Christmas tree came down today. That and all the trimmings, which weren't many in number. It's amazing how the house, although small, looks that much bigger again. <br />
So now it's time to progress into another year. Time to feel positive about everything. 2016 brought the opportunity to own a home, our first one together. We feel so comfortable here. It's small, cosy, warm and just what our little hearts have desired for some time. It's never ceased to amaze me how God works... sending special people to help in the most unusual of situations. <br />
The baby quilt is finished now, but I have some small pieces of fabric leftover so my thinking cap is on to find a way of using it all up as part of the gift. Will post a picture when I know it's safe to do so....Tessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02902572631914626471noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8092786143084902186.post-24034619407195829542017-01-01T11:17:00.000-08:002017-01-03T01:43:58.645-08:00New Years Day 2017<span style="font-family: inherit;">Firstly, just want to wish every a very Happy New Year. I</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">t's been a while since I last wrote on here...time to change that. I'm going to try and manage a few lines more often. </span><br />
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It's been a good day...weather has been cool with a mixture of sunshine and cloud. It was even raining at supper time...strange to think that it will soon be turning cold enough for heavy frost again tonight. Thank Heavens we took a good walk yesterday down by the River Eamont. The picture shows a lone Spruce tree. <br />
Our friends, Lyn and Stu, came over for a quiet cuppa this afternoon. They've been over a few times since we bought our new bungalow...so today it was bringing them up to date with things we have accomplished since their last visit. <br />
The shed is now up and Terry has been hard at work with the inside work of it. I've been painting the kitchen cupboards, trying to give it a bit of a little lift instead of the grey that it seems to have all over it. There is new carpet ordered for the master bedroom now and when all of that is done, it will be time to slow down on the spending. Everything in our new little home looks great and we are very happy here.Tessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02902572631914626471noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8092786143084902186.post-23475853328576361622015-06-14T10:36:00.000-07:002015-06-14T10:36:20.814-07:00Friday Afternoon Swim<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
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We've had some incredible weather this past week, so we took advantage of a couple of hours on Friday afternoon to head over to the shores of Ullswater for some quiet time. <br />
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The water was cool but still a temperature where you could paddle your feet and not feel uncomfortable. Hubby and I sat on the shoreline rocks and watched Abbigael paddle. Her back legs are weakening slightly these days and the water was the best thing for her. She certainly seemed to enjoy it.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paddling Abbie</td></tr>
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To top off the afternoon we stopped and bought some fish and chips for an afternoon meal. Although the weekend now has been a bit cooler and wet, having such a lovely week certainly made up for it. <br />
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Last summer when my daughter and her family visited from Canada we enjoyed the Ullswater Steamer ride down the lake to Glenridding. <br />
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Seeing the shoreline of this lovely lake from the boat was breathtaking. Can't wait to see it again in the autumn when the colours on the trees start to change. Tessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02902572631914626471noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8092786143084902186.post-31867555525066603312015-05-26T15:02:00.000-07:002015-05-26T15:02:13.270-07:00Craft Fair WeekendSo it was my first craft fair of the year held at St. Andrews Church in Greystoke, Cumbria this past bank holiday weekend. Since I retired two and a bit weeks ago, I've been busy sewing and crafting getting ready to fill my table. So here it is, all my bits and pieces. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Craft Table at it's Best</td></tr>
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It was a good weekend and I sold about £120 worth of items. But then of course there is the commission that comes off which goes towards the restoration of parts of the church. So all in all, it went well. <br />
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I sold my two Celtic table runners, of which I'll make more for the next craft fair. One Peg Bag as well as one Tote Bag found new homes. There are three less mug rugs than when I started, as well as selling hasty note cards, postcards, Kleenex holders and note book covers. All well made I must say. Here's pictures of a couple of other items that were on the table. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Purple Mug Rug</td></tr>
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This purple hearts mug rug was one of ten rugs that I had on display, all very different in colour and pattern. And below, one of the postcards that I made using a special attachment on my sewing machine. <br />
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So now that the Greystoke craft fair is done for the time being, I'll concentrate on getting items ready for the next one. That will be at St. Andrews Church, Penrith, Cumbria on August 6th, 7th and 8th. <br />
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A full two plus months to find a good pattern, cut my fabric and create something special to sell. It shouldn't be that hard. I already have some great ideas. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pink Circle Flowers</td></tr>
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Today in Penrith the weather has been cool with some sunny spells here and there. This evening the clouds have started to close in now, and I'm sure there will be some rain soon. <br />
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This evening I popped over to Booths where I worked and gave a gift of a hand made quilt to Jodie. We worked together for quite some time, normally Tuesday evening shifts, and we had so much fun. It was good to see her and a few of the other great people that I spent a lot of time with. <br />
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She is moving soon and I wanted her to stay warm during the cold winters up north in Scotland. I miss the gang at work, but I miss the ones I worked with closely. I'm just glad to be able to go in and shop and see them when I want too. <br />
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Well, it's been another long day so I'm off to bed. Will post again soon. Take care all. <br />
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<br />Tessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02902572631914626471noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8092786143084902186.post-39950533911260589372015-05-09T14:06:00.000-07:002015-05-09T14:06:05.610-07:00The end of an Era ... <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful Bouquet from Work Mates</td></tr>
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That's how is was explained to me today by one of the staff members, and a very good friend of mine, when I left work for the last time. Today was my final day at Booths in Penrith after three years on the tills. I have met some wonderful customers and worked with an amazing group of people whom I shall all miss very much. I'm not sure if it's the end of an era, more like the beginning of the rest of my life in retirement. <br />
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This is the lovely arrangement of flowers I received today from the gang at work. I also received some lovely cards both from work mates and customers. When I arrived home my husband had a lovely vase full of roses to cheer me up. I will admit, I'm not sad for leaving as I will always be able to go to the store and shop, and chat, and laugh and visit with all the people who have made the last three years so much fun. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roses from my husband. </td></tr>
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So now it's time to rethink my days, reschedule my hours, and enjoy my time while the minutes tick by, resting and relaxing to keep this health issue under control. <br />
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As they say, so little time, so much to do. I'm pleased to have been able to finish two baby quilts and get them delivered to the parents to be. These were for two of my friends at work, Shane and his partner Stephanie, and Annie and her husband Tom. I wish them all the best. <br />
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And last but not least for this evenings entries, a photo of the cards received from my friends at work. And yes, Natalie, a very appropriate card indeed. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cards from Work.</td></tr>
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So time to get my thinking cap on and get some items made for the first of three craft fairs I will be doing this year. <br />
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Take care all my buddies at work, will see you all very soon. I will eventually run out of potatoes and fresh veggies. Lots of love to you all. <br />
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Tessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02902572631914626471noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8092786143084902186.post-1066553740066366832015-05-07T11:38:00.000-07:002015-05-07T11:38:17.016-07:00Good evening all. It's been a lovely day with a little rain this morning and sunshine for the rest of the time. I've been doing a bit of sewing today creating items for my first craft fair of the year. It is being held at St. Andrew's Church in Greystoke, Cumbria on May 23rd, 24th and 25th. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coffee Table Runner </td></tr>
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Here's a couple of items I've made during the past month. <br />
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The coffee table runner is made of all batiks and has Warm and Natural wadding in the centre and a nice batik backing. <br />
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It is approximately twelve inches in width and about 34 inches in length.... just the right size to fit a standard size coffee table. I have another one that is the same size, but I've used different batiks in warm autumnal colours. They are both very nice and hopefully will sell.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mug Rugs </td></tr>
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These are just two of the several mug rugs that I've made for the craft fair. <br />
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They average in size of about eight inches wide by 12 inches in length. The central wadding is heat resistant, even though it's not really necessary. <br />
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Hopefully, with two weeks still to go, I'll be able to make some other unusual bits and pieces. Now that I'm retiring from work, I'll have more time to sew and create. Sounds like a plan to me. Take care all. Will chat soon. Tessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02902572631914626471noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8092786143084902186.post-41538038961517779012015-05-06T06:13:00.000-07:002015-05-06T06:13:23.565-07:00The times they are a changing .... <h2>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3GB-EqkeQzw/VUoRXRKMcwI/AAAAAAAAAHo/nGwqUEngl_Y/s1600/IMG_0039_1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3GB-EqkeQzw/VUoRXRKMcwI/AAAAAAAAAHo/nGwqUEngl_Y/s1600/IMG_0039_1.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><i>We are already into the month of May for this year of 2015, but this year will be different. I have made the decision to retire from work. It's not that I'm just wanting more me time (well, it is in a way) but with health issues always causing problems, now is as good a time as any. Two shifts left at the store then I'll plan my days to suit me, my wonderful husband and my Abbie. </i></span></span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><i>So for the time being, just want you all to know that I'll probably be blogging more in the days to come. There are crafts fairs to get ready for, quilts to plan and create, watercolour painting to explore as well as many other day to day activities. </i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><i>Happy month of May everyone ! </i></span></span></div>
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Tessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02902572631914626471noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8092786143084902186.post-20510099043368327022014-07-16T06:30:00.000-07:002014-07-16T06:30:00.094-07:00Craft fair here I come !<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Well, I've decided to have a go at doing my first craft fair. I don't have a lot of items for sale, but I feel like I need to start somewhere....so I've got my first half table booked at St. Andrews Church in Penrith for the end of this month. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Here's just a couple of things that will be displayed on my little portion of the table. </i></span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5pzI2_GwLM0/U8Z1FaX-vfI/AAAAAAAAAGw/T4zSwkJcz6w/s1600/Happy+Scrappy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5pzI2_GwLM0/U8Z1FaX-vfI/AAAAAAAAAGw/T4zSwkJcz6w/s1600/Happy+Scrappy.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Here is one of my hand made, home made tote bags. I call it my "Happy Scrappy Tote". It's fully lined with nice long straps for comfort and strength. A large black button is used for closure of the bag as well as decoration. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Also, I have this other bag which I call the "Mosaic Tote". It is mainly black, red and white and on the front is a mosaic design while on the back it is stitched in a Log Cabin quilt pattern design. </i></span> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OWhp81ftYTY/U8Z1LgpJ9lI/AAAAAAAAAG8/kO-2cRuMiBs/s1600/B+and+W+Front.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OWhp81ftYTY/U8Z1LgpJ9lI/AAAAAAAAAG8/kO-2cRuMiBs/s1600/B+and+W+Front.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>I'll also be selling blank hasty note cards. These cards started as a hand painted quilt block pattern done on watercolour paper, then the painting is scanned onto the computer and then printed directly onto the note card. Here's a couple I have chosen to take to the fair. One is 'Precious Pinwheel' and the other is 'Muted Maples'. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>So, wish me luck if you are reading the first entry in my blog for some time. Will update on here later and let everyone know how things went. Until then, have a good day. </i></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zvSBA3m6mEo/U8Z1b4Kv6vI/AAAAAAAAAHM/easNFVzgJt8/s1600/IMG_6948_1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zvSBA3m6mEo/U8Z1b4Kv6vI/AAAAAAAAAHM/easNFVzgJt8/s1600/IMG_6948_1.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zvSBA3m6mEo/U8Z1b4Kv6vI/AAAAAAAAAHM/easNFVzgJt8/s1600/IMG_6948_1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zvSBA3m6mEo/U8Z1b4Kv6vI/AAAAAAAAAHM/easNFVzgJt8/s1600/IMG_6948_1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></a>Tessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02902572631914626471noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8092786143084902186.post-22795332962504324012012-01-28T13:30:00.000-08:002012-01-28T13:51:03.773-08:00Finishing Those UFO's ....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CSMbewkIPCI/TyRlufQHCQI/AAAAAAAAAFE/aqPxHGARLaE/s1600/IMG_4927_1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gda="true" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CSMbewkIPCI/TyRlufQHCQI/AAAAAAAAAFE/aqPxHGARLaE/s320/IMG_4927_1.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>It's been a busy few weeks since I last wrote here....but it's been a productive time. While I was in Canada on holiday I was working on six quilt blocks each one with a Grandmothers Garden set of seven hexagons. These six blocks are now in a finished quilt top with lovely deep blue sashings and a bright orange Morning Star for the cornerstones. <br />
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The quilt top is presently in the hands of a good friend who is doing the machine quilting for me. This quilt is a gift for a dear friend who is moving away in April, and this will be a little something for her to remember her stay time in Penrith. <br />
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There is in fact one 'humble' block in the quilt top. Not thinking, I accidentally put a dark green hexagon in one of the centres instead of the light beige I had originally cut for it. I'll consider this a good luck move. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V9Z3OSbcUpw/TyRlxx53krI/AAAAAAAAAFM/_gs25TJ2btA/s1600/IMG_4944_1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" gda="true" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V9Z3OSbcUpw/TyRlxx53krI/AAAAAAAAAFM/_gs25TJ2btA/s320/IMG_4944_1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>My other accomplishment is to finally finish the dartboard. It turned out quite good and looks rather realistic. <br />
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A competition dartboard is almost 18" in diameter so this is full size and with the background fabric the entire wall hanging is approximately 20" square. I've put a rod pocket on the back so that my brother in law can hang it where he pleases, and pin his dart badges and pins where he wishes to.<br />
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Wanting a new project to work on, (and I'm sure we all get that urge now and again), I dug out the Amy Butler fabrics that I received from my daughter last year for my birthday. I've decided to create a quilt top using 16" square quilt blocks. Although these fabrics and colours would not be my first choice, my daughter was genuinely trying to get me to think 'outside the box' so to speak. So here are the pictures of the first three blocks. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Log Cabin</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The photos aren't the best, but all the fabrics do tone in with each other...but I'm always in such a rush to get pictures of things taken that I really do need to be more patient and wait for the sun to come out, but then again....I could be waiting forever....I live in Cumbria. <br />
I've got the next set of instructions for the fourth block, but it will be waiting in the wings as I've gone back to yet another couple of UFO's and plan on finishing two quilts using my Birthday blocks from all my quilting friends from the last two years.Tessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02902572631914626471noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8092786143084902186.post-28734650271803085082012-01-10T13:43:00.000-08:002012-01-10T13:43:25.213-08:00New Year, New Thoughts ....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_dilHIxsEeU/TwysrDTiazI/AAAAAAAAAEM/X7IqXqaUt8o/s1600/IMG_4466_1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" kba="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_dilHIxsEeU/TwysrDTiazI/AAAAAAAAAEM/X7IqXqaUt8o/s200/IMG_4466_1.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>Well, I suppose it's about time I did something about showing a few piccies from the holiday in Canada over Christmas. We flew from Glasgow Airport and took off just in time, as the weather deteriorated very quickly within a couple of hours. Within a short time we were well above the clouds and the weather up there compared to down below was the difference between chalk and cheese. Have a look.....Can you see the rainbow just above the engine? A circle rainbow ! ! Never seen anything like it before. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>It's amazing to think that under all that cloud there was a ferocious storm going on. We were almost eight hours flying time instead of seven due to the strong head winds. As we landed at Toronto Airport the sun came out and being five hours behind England time, we were certainly ready for a cuppa. My daughter Kate was there to pick us up and it didn't take long before we were heading back to her home.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HcZW_8NBEFk/TwyoHKOjCeI/AAAAAAAAADs/-P_frlv3vx8/s1600/IMG_4807_1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" kba="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HcZW_8NBEFk/TwyoHKOjCeI/AAAAAAAAADs/-P_frlv3vx8/s200/IMG_4807_1.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>That afternoon I had the chance to surprise my grandson, James, by heading over to his school with Grandpa Terry and his mum to pick him up. It was a lovely opportunity to get first hand hugs. After supper it was Jame's delight to show Nana and Grandpa the lights on the Christmas Tree in the living room. James and I still needed to decorate his own tree downstairs in the family room which we did another evening. That tree was the one that was being saved especially for Santa you see. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uUbJZTcpapM/TwyqBnNKI2I/AAAAAAAAAEE/QQW9U31GSL4/s1600/IMG_4841_1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" kba="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uUbJZTcpapM/TwyqBnNKI2I/AAAAAAAAAEE/QQW9U31GSL4/s200/IMG_4841_1.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>Another lovely surprise when we got to Kate's was the new addition to the family going by the name of 'Balero'. Approximately one year of age, this small, soft calico feline is a really sweet kitten. <br />
Balero is a rescue kitten from the S.P.C.A and had only been a resident at the Mason housefold for five days when we arrived. She has settled in quite nicely and enjoyed Christmas with her new family. <br />
She is a curious little beast and had a few unusual adventures throughout the house during our visit.Tessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02902572631914626471noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8092786143084902186.post-36879414327117796052011-11-16T12:56:00.000-08:002011-11-16T12:56:00.875-08:00Anyone for Darts ?I had a special request a few days ago from a young man down in Worcester. Actually, although he's young and lives in Worcester he's also my partners younger brother. I was asked to create a championship sized dartboard out of fabric, and as I love a challenge I said yes. I must have been mad or drunk. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BtOETcW3348/TsQd3tgXchI/AAAAAAAAADE/gv6A5lYUyyk/s1600/IMG_4637_1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BtOETcW3348/TsQd3tgXchI/AAAAAAAAADE/gv6A5lYUyyk/s200/IMG_4637_1.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>So, here is the start of it. An 18" in diameter circle of black fabric stitched onto a backing fabric with warm and natural wadding behind for stability. <br />
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The wedges are actually a soft beige colour.....more in the shade of what they are on a real dartboard and I need to place 10 of these wedges around the circle to create the illusion that there are 10 black ones in between. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tNiIcjn7NJU/TsQd5Jv3zyI/AAAAAAAAADM/-Ap-77ZWH8U/s1600/IMG_4638_1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tNiIcjn7NJU/TsQd5Jv3zyI/AAAAAAAAADM/-Ap-77ZWH8U/s200/IMG_4638_1.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>Here I've got all 10 beige wedges positioned and pinned. Then I've lifted the outer section of the wedge to place the red inner circle for the triple points. I've used a double sided adhesive tape for that and will stitch it down permanently later. <br />
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Once that inner red circle was complete, I did the same for the outer circle for the doubles points. See what I mean when I said I must have been mad. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kUcaN--ezD4/TsQd6LBmFoI/AAAAAAAAADU/vXzMBhO9qPw/s1600/IMG_4641_1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kUcaN--ezD4/TsQd6LBmFoI/AAAAAAAAADU/vXzMBhO9qPw/s200/IMG_4641_1.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>A little further along and the red rings are in place, the beige wedges are stitched down, the green pieces are now being overlaid on alternate wedges and I have one very gummed up needle in my machine. This is the last time I use double sided adhesive tape on fabric if I plan to stitch as well. <br />
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The next step will be to finish the green sections and then start the numbering.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gRI9y_V4qrg/TsQd68dV1SI/AAAAAAAAADc/nSCje2dIcS8/s1600/IMG_4644_1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gRI9y_V4qrg/TsQd68dV1SI/AAAAAAAAADc/nSCje2dIcS8/s200/IMG_4644_1.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>It's the hand stitching of the numbers around the outside of the circle that has really been doing my head in today. So I decided to put the dartboard to bed for awhile and do something else. <br />
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I need to find a narrow silver cord that looks like thin wire. When I've accomplished that then I can start hand couching it on around the circles as well as between each wedge. More pictures to come later. Tessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02902572631914626471noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8092786143084902186.post-73771285187739937102011-11-07T14:58:00.000-08:002011-11-07T14:58:25.467-08:00A part of my past ....I'm sure most of you know that I'm originally from Canada. I returned to this country to buy a business with my now ex-husband and two other partners. We purchased a hotel and transformed it into a nine bedroom bed and breakfast. The reason I'm telling you this is because I want to show you the quilts that were made to cover the beds at the Manor. These quilts are still at the Manor accept one that I have kept for myself as it has a very personal story behind it. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CVKRG6xuHcw/TrhNxlJe4NI/AAAAAAAAACU/fJObZcgVerc/s1600/Country+Cabins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" ida="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CVKRG6xuHcw/TrhNxlJe4NI/AAAAAAAAACU/fJObZcgVerc/s200/Country+Cabins.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>This first picture shows the two single beds in Room #1. The quilts were made of Log Cabin blocks and pre-printed squares, so they were quick and easy to put together. <br />
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All of the quilts at the Manor have Warm and Natural for the wadding and only the quilt in Room 2 was made while I was one of the owners/proprietors of the business. I certainly didn't have much time for sewing back then. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xj4Vd_H7jfw/TrhN1ldaxdI/AAAAAAAAACc/In0wStAJvo0/s1600/Iris+Quilt+Done.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" ida="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xj4Vd_H7jfw/TrhN1ldaxdI/AAAAAAAAACc/In0wStAJvo0/s200/Iris+Quilt+Done.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Room #2 contains the Iris Quilt. I named it after my Auntie Iris who lived with us at the Manor, but has since moved down to South Wales. I will miss her now that she is so much further away. <br />
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This is the only quilt that was created while I was at the Manor. Across the top of the quilt just under the pillow and in the middle, is a paper-pieced Purple Iris. The rest of the quilt was built around this block. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GaTpe8ofQYY/TrhN5M8TNrI/AAAAAAAAACk/uct6mu05htY/s1600/Sampler.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" ida="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GaTpe8ofQYY/TrhN5M8TNrI/AAAAAAAAACk/uct6mu05htY/s200/Sampler.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Room #4 has a Sampler quilt on the bed. Room #3 has two single beds and they have duvets with pink throws on them, so there were no hand made quilts there. <br />
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This sampler was done in Canada and it was a block of the month that I did with about 20 other quilters in the north of Ontario. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--k3OJzYELMY/TrhObrwLC8I/AAAAAAAAAC8/B67WGFwy1vQ/s1600/IMG_0219_1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" ida="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--k3OJzYELMY/TrhObrwLC8I/AAAAAAAAAC8/B67WGFwy1vQ/s200/IMG_0219_1.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>This next quilt was called 'The Millenium Quilt'. It too was a block of the month that myself and my patchwork group found on the internet that was based in British Columbia. This quilt was on the bed in Room #5, but I now have it here at home with me. <br />
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The block of the month started in January 1999, and with all the blocks completed by December of that year, the layering and quilting would take place in 2000, so this quilt was aptly named. It was handed quilted by another quilt group and the money raised went to their favourite charity. My son and daughter in law were married in the year 2000, so their 10th wedding anniversary quilt, which I made for them last year, was created using the same twelve blocks and of course a completely different colour scheme. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XHMhbIkKY-8/TrhNtdp_ixI/AAAAAAAAACM/Gy2acOto0nw/s1600/Bird+House.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" ida="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XHMhbIkKY-8/TrhNtdp_ixI/AAAAAAAAACM/Gy2acOto0nw/s200/Bird+House.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>My 'Bird House' quilt is still in Room #6. The top of the quilt has 12 - 18" square blocks with a narrow attic window framing around each one. I am hoping that this quilt will be returned to me after my two other partners sell the business as it also has special memories for me. I will though, need to purchase this one as I sold it to the business with all the other quilts when I left. I still have the pattern for this so it certainly wouldn't be difficult to recreate the entire quilt again. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e65RDiPxSC0/TrhODEldEcI/AAAAAAAAAC0/DhUNfI0X1lI/s1600/Panzy+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="118" ida="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e65RDiPxSC0/TrhODEldEcI/AAAAAAAAAC0/DhUNfI0X1lI/s200/Panzy+.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UDa42Ei5Td8/TrhN_FDdZhI/AAAAAAAAACs/XVG4YSLCVhI/s1600/Jewel+Box.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" ida="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UDa42Ei5Td8/TrhN_FDdZhI/AAAAAAAAACs/XVG4YSLCVhI/s200/Jewel+Box.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>On the left is this lovely 'Jewel Box Garden' quilt on the bed on Room #7. This quilt was also created in Canada and brought over with me when I moved here. <br />
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Since this picture was taken this room has had a complete makeover and is now a much softer cream colour. <br />
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The last of the quilts at the Manor is in Room #9. Shown above on the right is the Panzy Patch quilt and is a super king size. Room #8 has a four poster bed and the large brocade throw on that bed helps to create the ambiance in the room and won't be changed anytime in the future. <br />
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So here you have them....all the quilts that are still at Lowbyer Manor in Alston, and a few others, where I was once an owner for about 26 months. It was only due to severe personal reasons that all this came to an end much too soon. <br />
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So I think that's about all the chatting I'll be doing this evening, so I'm off to bed, once I here from my partner. It's been one of those nights for him. Tessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02902572631914626471noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8092786143084902186.post-35356162287125859892011-11-04T15:02:00.000-07:002011-11-04T15:02:46.148-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-89D2K3-_sPg/TrRdWx8RvlI/AAAAAAAAAB8/QRDJdYwZvkc/s1600/IMG_4425_1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" ida="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-89D2K3-_sPg/TrRdWx8RvlI/AAAAAAAAAB8/QRDJdYwZvkc/s200/IMG_4425_1.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ojLxdBPSx28/TrRdUPTuKxI/AAAAAAAAAB0/DTHjHo4PD_M/s1600/IMG_4423_1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" ida="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ojLxdBPSx28/TrRdUPTuKxI/AAAAAAAAAB0/DTHjHo4PD_M/s200/IMG_4423_1.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>There are still roses blooming in my garden. Then yesterday I noticed that one last Gladiola was trying to flower. We've had such high winds and heavy rains lately that I felt it best to bring some of the colour into the house. So here I've posted a couple of photos for your enjoyment. It won't be long before all the colour is gone and all the leaves will have fallen. <br />
But to brighten everyone's end of day, I'm posting a piccie of those fabrics I purchased while at the fabric shop yesterday morning. A special request from Liz.....so here you go Liz.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6fBICcj_4Zo/TrRdY5RsWRI/AAAAAAAAACE/skqCtLgYqI8/s1600/IMG_4566_1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" ida="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6fBICcj_4Zo/TrRdY5RsWRI/AAAAAAAAACE/skqCtLgYqI8/s320/IMG_4566_1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>I've had the black fabric before but so enjoyed working with it, got a bit more. The cream and the plum just called out to me and then there's the Terracotta mix....wow...what a gorgeous colour. <br />
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So with the sewing alterations complete and two quilt blocks done today, I think I can go to bed knowing I've had a full day. Good night all. xoTessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02902572631914626471noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8092786143084902186.post-7865745801632403712011-11-03T16:48:00.000-07:002011-11-03T16:48:58.402-07:00Another Nutso Day !Don't you think it's a bit odd when the first thing you think of in the morning when you wake is, 'I'll get the sewing machine turned on and the iron warmed up in just a minute.' <br />
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For goodness sake child, get some breakfast first, and at least get out of your nightie and brush your teeth. <br />
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Today alterations consisted of four pairs of trousers, all being taken up, and two skirts that need a tuck in here and there. For some reason, I'm the only one on this planet, (I feel) that's not shrinking. Also cancelled my appointment with the physio guy (shame as he is a bit of a hunk), due to a cold. So instead of physiotherapy, I went to the fabric shop. Had to buy four spools of thread to match the four pairs of pants that needed shortening. I couldn't believe that with all the threads I've got, nothing matched. Of course, it wasn't just the thread I came home with, but no one but me needs to know that. <br />
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Well, I'm off to bed shortly, and no.....I didn't get everything done today, so tomorrow it's more clothing work before quilting fun. But come heck or high water, by high noon, I'll be searching my stash for the perfect fabrics to complete those infamous block swaps and postcards that are calling. Tessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02902572631914626471noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8092786143084902186.post-54009410079823011132011-11-02T16:07:00.000-07:002011-11-02T16:07:51.620-07:00The Underground Railroad Quilt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ksglw2nkd0A/TrHIw8y7SjI/AAAAAAAAABk/GrBJNAqAEUA/s1600/Quilt+Top+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" ida="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ksglw2nkd0A/TrHIw8y7SjI/AAAAAAAAABk/GrBJNAqAEUA/s200/Quilt+Top+1.jpg" width="189" /></a></div>Well, it has been in the making for 15 months, so I had best get a picture of it on here. It is actually hanging on the clothes line, and then the picture was rotated 90 degrees....this is why Abbie is floating in the top left corner. <br />
It's been a joy to make, mainly because I shared the experience with so many friends. The quilt will now be used on my bed and it certainly won't take much time before Abbie has christened it with her dog hair. But then, it is meant to be used. <br />
The centre of the quilt with its 16 blocks and sashing measures 63" square and then with the 11" wide outside border, the whole quilt is 85" square in total. The outside border was strip pieced using leftover fabrics from the centre of the quilt. The border was 14" wide, then I cut 3" off and set it aside to make the final binding. It worked well. <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jO2zZOWb70k/TrHLmXrBRVI/AAAAAAAAABs/kS3p-nCVYPk/s1600/Backing+Fabric.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" ida="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jO2zZOWb70k/TrHLmXrBRVI/AAAAAAAAABs/kS3p-nCVYPk/s200/Backing+Fabric.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
Marlene Hutchison did a marvelous job on the overall meandering stitch with a leaf pattern on the border. My backing fabric is a lovely floral print on a purple background which makes the quilt reversible. Here's a picture of the stitching shown on the back. <br />
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I'm pleased that so many friends decided to follow the progress of the Underground Railroad story. It really turned out to be an adventure worth taking. Tessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02902572631914626471noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8092786143084902186.post-51428026045063868102011-10-31T14:29:00.000-07:002011-10-31T14:29:46.922-07:00All Hallow's Eve<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Elm6BWi02OE/Tq8OBKlI0vI/AAAAAAAAABc/oyrA_bkcmB0/s1600/IMG_4422_1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" ida="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Elm6BWi02OE/Tq8OBKlI0vI/AAAAAAAAABc/oyrA_bkcmB0/s200/IMG_4422_1.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>Thirteen years....that's how long it's been since I carved a pumpkin. There just wasn't the need for one, but this year I felt it was time. I was going to be home alone with Abbie and Molly, so during this afternoon I carved my pint size gourd, filled the bowl with candies and chocolates, lit two candles to be sure his face shone bright, sat him in the window beside the front door, and waited for my first victim.<br />
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In total 54 victims knocked on my door, and I was left with nothing. Not one scrap of chocolate, not one measley little lolli-pop, just an empty bowl and a dead pumpkin. Oh well, the costumes were great, the kids were well behaved, so it was a good night after all. And my pumpkin....'Didn't he do well?' Tessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02902572631914626471noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8092786143084902186.post-34434615998636446342011-10-29T13:12:00.000-07:002011-10-29T13:12:41.206-07:00Only 24 hours ago I was working through the instructions on how to set up my own 'Blog'. Thanks to Ros for her great 'two pages worth of what to do' and Jan for her 'batty banter' on getting things going I believe that I am now a newly fledged 'Blogger'....wahoo ! ! ! <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2D5MCX1bR1s/TqxXOYuPsuI/AAAAAAAAABM/DkfeXR0SWZ8/s1600/IMG_1354_1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" ida="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2D5MCX1bR1s/TqxXOYuPsuI/AAAAAAAAABM/DkfeXR0SWZ8/s200/IMG_1354_1.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snow Covered Blencathra in the West</td></tr>
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To start off with, I'd like to share a few personal things. A couple of pictures that complete my every day here in Penrith. <br />
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This photo shows a prime example of the north end of the Lake District....and I see this every morning from my bedroom window. Blencathra, also known as Saddleback stands at a height of 2,847 feet and is about 10 miles west of Penrith. <br />
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Although I will never climb it, the drive from Mungrisdale at the bottom of the mountain to Caldbeck where the wool shop is, needs to be done at least once a year. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wPJ28ebz0Nw/TqxboXWzYRI/AAAAAAAAABU/VOZn3rUcUjk/s1600/IMG_1732_1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" ida="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wPJ28ebz0Nw/TqxboXWzYRI/AAAAAAAAABU/VOZn3rUcUjk/s200/IMG_1732_1.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'Abbie'</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Abbigael is my sidekick, my best friend and the one friend with never ending unconditional love. <br />
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She's now 9 1/2 years old and came over to England with me when she was only two. <br />
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Her gentle dispostion makes her a joy to be around and so much fun to walk with. <br />
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Well, enough of the chatter bug .... time to get back to the sewing alterations. Six pairs of trousers, two jackets and two skirts in 48 hours. Not bad I'd say. Tessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02902572631914626471noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8092786143084902186.post-69456056370917225572011-10-28T12:20:00.000-07:002011-10-28T12:20:55.769-07:00The Final PostcardWell, it came today...the final postcard of the most recent PP swap co-ordinated by Katy. Here is the postcard I received from Irene Baldock called 'Happiness'. It's made from the leftover 'starpoints' from her grandaughters quilt. It's lovely colours of black, white and lilacs are well suited to each other. Thank you Irene. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8rg3p1J6XKA/TqsAiodHhGI/AAAAAAAAABE/87yxvfMKZNM/s1600/IMG_4543_1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ida="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8rg3p1J6XKA/TqsAiodHhGI/AAAAAAAAABE/87yxvfMKZNM/s320/IMG_4543_1.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>Tessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02902572631914626471noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8092786143084902186.post-58334048149642011482011-10-28T10:28:00.000-07:002011-10-28T10:28:33.157-07:00Oh My God....I've done it.....October 28, 2011<br />
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I would never have believed that this would be my next step in the world of computer literacy, but hey ho...here it is....my own blog titled 'Tessa's Treasures'. Hopefully this will be the start of many postings, pictures and adventure. Tessahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02902572631914626471noreply@blogger.com10