tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14686550429529625142024-03-13T09:52:17.476-07:00 Threads and PencilsFollow along on my journey of creative adventures, family time, and every day life.Alexandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09902230563898228464noreply@blogger.comBlogger88125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1468655042952962514.post-71364828001000907862016-07-26T15:22:00.000-07:002016-07-26T15:32:41.323-07:00Lonestar UFO finally finishedI've have really been in a rut since we moved to Japan. I'm not sure if it was going from the tropical Paradise of Hawaii to a country even further from home or if it has something to do with losing an amazing (and very inspirational) view of the mountains and trading it for a view of a storage shed and garbage cans but I have been in a rut. Sewing has been a part of my life for years now, it's been my stress relief and my happy place mentally and so I'm really trying hard to get back up and continue on creating.<br />
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One of the things that might be overwhelming is the clutter I feel around me. Going from a bigger house to a smaller house, bringing all my fabric and most of my sewing room furniture, I have yet to feel like there is a positive energy flow in my sewing room. Yes, i'm lucky to be able to even have a sewing room but the smaller space means more clutter if I don't clean up after every project. So gradually I'm going to take all my "UFO" projects...otherwise known as unfinished objects, and I'm going to do something with them.<br />
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Yesterday I started with this simple lonestar block that I created in Septemeber (yes, almost 1 year ago!!) I love it but the background fabrics I chose didn't seem to go with any other background fabrics I have. I didn't purchase enough of that Toile fabric to make even more blocks.<br />
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I have had a pillow form sitting in the corner of my living room and of course, I restorted back to making yet another pillow cover. In my house, we can never have too many pillows. I love the pop of color, I love that they can be moved around and I love how they add a little more interest to an otherwise plain couch. I used the well written tutorial from <a href="http://prettylittlequilts.blogspot.jp/2014/09/lovely-lovely-lone-stars-basic-star.html" target="_blank">Pretty Little Quilts</a> blog.<br />
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I made my own piping, first time putting it on a pillow cover and I love the way it looks.<br />
This corner has a different piping fabric.<br />
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I decided to go with just straight matchbox quilting.<br />
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The toile fabric was actually a quilting cotton I purchased from <a href="http://www.joann.com/search?q=toile#q=toile&prefn1=prod_type&sz=36&start=36&prefv1=Product" target="_blank">JoAnn Fabrics</a> a long time ago. The star fabric is a mix of <a href="http://www.hawthornethreads.com/fabric/designer/tasha_noel/vintage_market" target="_blank">Tasha Noel's Vintage Market line</a> and<a href="http://quilthome.com/Denyse_Schmidt/Flea_Market_Fancy" target="_blank"> Denyse Schmidt's Flea Market Fancy</a> line.<br />
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<br />Alexandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09902230563898228464noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1468655042952962514.post-38499581029959197592016-06-12T20:41:00.003-07:002016-06-12T20:41:30.438-07:00A lampshade makeoverI needed a pick me up today, walked into my sewing room and had an "uh-ha" moment. My old sun bleached lamp shade needed a makeover.<br />
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With 2 different fabrics (for the lining and exterior) needle and thread, a hot glue gun and my handy sewing machine I was able to whip up a new lampshade to make my room a little cozier and chic. It's by no means perfect but perfect enough for me (for now!) I seem to be on a roll with making old things new lately. Last week it was repainting and adding decal accents to my 15+ year old Kitchenaide mixer! I saw a DIY tutorial for the kitchenaid mixer <a href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/how-to-paint-a-kitchen-mixer-apartment-therapy-tutorials-218461" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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Now for my new lamp, out with the old:<br />
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<span class="">Basically, all I did was remove the fabric from the shade, used both the lining and exterior as my "pattern", made a binding strips and reassembled my new shade. Take a look at my photos and scroll to the bottom to see the finished product.</span><br />
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I used these pieces to create my own pattern for the new shade.</div>
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I labeled the binding strips so I new which was which when I needed to go make new binding strips.</div>
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A little bit of sewing both by machine and hand (to help keep the shade in place before hot gluing):</div>
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Lined up my bias tape before gluing it down:</div>
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And then just started gluing all the way around.</div>
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<br />I couldn't wait to admire the finished product, now I'll have to look around the house to see what other shades I can recover for a new look to the room!</div>
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<span class=""><br /></span>Alexandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09902230563898228464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1468655042952962514.post-29501280460566478922016-01-24T16:01:00.000-08:002016-01-24T16:01:14.607-08:00Valentine Quilt and String Cushions<br />
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I've been having so much fun with some very colorful projects. I came across a V and Co. quilt that I just had to make, it's called "I heart You" quilt and it can be found <a href="http://vandco.bigcartel.com/product/i-heart-you-pdf-pattern" target="_blank">here</a>.<span class=""> It's a beautiful, easy quilt. I'm very used to working with patterned fabrics, I tend toward them quite a bit actually so using just solids is different for me and I actually kind of love it. I still haven' decided whether to make this a wall hanging or a throw quilt (and possibly a twin quilt if I stray from the pattern.) My youngest daughter seems to have taking claim to it already and suggest a "thrown" quilt, I like the sounds of that! I'm half way through the heart. I misread the amount of squares and HST so it's back to the cutting board today. </span></div>
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<span class="">In between piecing all the fantastically pink HST, I made a string quilt pincushion. I am really fascinated by it. What a great way to bust the stash of scraps. Sometimes throwing in a fun, quick and cute little project that can be completed in one sitting, it just the right renewal to keep chugging along on a more time consuming project. </span></div>
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And finally, we went out the other night and I found these magnets that I just could not pass up. How perfect are they for a sewing room? </div>
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<span class=""><br /></span>Alexandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09902230563898228464noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1468655042952962514.post-42933968006285247242016-01-21T19:48:00.001-08:002016-01-21T19:48:47.576-08:00Sew on a roll<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KviSvp0u1AA/VqGkcL-OQmI/AAAAAAAADH4/O3qttL24WKQ/s1600/simple%2Blunch%2Bbag%2B2%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KviSvp0u1AA/VqGkcL-OQmI/AAAAAAAADH4/O3qttL24WKQ/s320/simple%2Blunch%2Bbag%2B2%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" width="319" /></a>I'll have to admit that ever since I set up my sewing wonderland, I've been on a roll with knocking out projects on my list. Just last week my daughters lunch bag went through the dryer and melted. I wont name any names on who may or may not have sent that through (can't nag my hubs when he actually does the laundry) so that was one of my top priorities. On one of my Japanese fabric adventures, in a small hidden nook of the store, i found this insanely adorable pug fabric. Pugs, especially if they are dancing, are not things to be passed up. So I just winged this pattern and put together this cute lunch bag for her. It disappeared last night and I asked her what happened to it. You know it's always a compliment when your child tells you it was "too awesome" to just leave in the kitchen. She wanted to decorate her room with it.<br />
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<span class=""><span class=""><span class=""><span class="">These adorable Japanese fabrics are just killing me. I adore them all. After I found the dancing pugs I saw an email come through from </span></span></span><a href="http://www.fabricworm.com/" target="_blank"><span class=""><span class=""><span class="">fabricworm</span></span></span></a> <span class=""><span class=""><span class="">that they just got in new Japanese fabrics. This particular fabric was on that list and I added a yard or so to my cart knowing that it was a much better deal online that I paid in the stores, even with the dollar/yen exchange. But I never did complete the purchase. After posting a picture of it on Instagram and having people ask where they could find that fabric, I discovered that it's sold out. I'll be on the lookout for more pugs.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UbaCiaQrV2E/VqGkgTn0atI/AAAAAAAADIU/jgM5UcjD9rs/s1600/spooked%2Bpillowcase%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UbaCiaQrV2E/VqGkgTn0atI/AAAAAAAADIU/jgM5UcjD9rs/s320/spooked%2Bpillowcase%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a>Today I knocked out a few more projects that have been on my list and they are these queen sized pillowcases. I'll admit, I have NEVER made a pillowcase so each one I tried a different method and I'll have to say that the method that came out the best was this pillowcase using the "Spellbound" line from Cotton and Steel. I'm in love and I hope they are just as loved when they go to their new home half way around the world.<br />
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Along with Spellbound there is Alice in Wonderland by Lecien and Snoopy & Friends.<br />
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<br />Alexandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09902230563898228464noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1468655042952962514.post-49787003365682098372016-01-19T23:56:00.000-08:002016-01-19T23:56:02.234-08:00The year of finishes<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LEcACvCvSVo/Vp87EyNicsI/AAAAAAAADFg/STuMtfVM_YE/s1600/american%2Bflag%2Bpillow%2Bfinish%2B1%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LEcACvCvSVo/Vp87EyNicsI/AAAAAAAADFg/STuMtfVM_YE/s400/american%2Bflag%2Bpillow%2Bfinish%2B1%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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My goal this year is to start and finish as many projects as possible. This American Flag quilt block is my first 2016 quilted finish. I found the pattern for the block on the beautiful website <a href="http://cluckclucksew.com/2015/07/flag-pillow-and-block-tutorial.html" target="_blank">Cluck Cluck Sew</a> I chose to use low volume fabrics for the white stripes and star. I thought matchstick quilting would make this pillow more durable for every day couch use. <br />
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The back side is a decor weight Premier Prints postage printed fabric. I used a metal zipper closure on the bottom of the pillow. <br />
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A little patriotic accent to an otherwise colorful and mixed up decor. <br />
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Here's to more 2016 finishes!</div>
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Alexandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09902230563898228464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1468655042952962514.post-9970953399145547072016-01-19T18:01:00.000-08:002016-01-19T18:01:03.240-08:00We've Moved<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fhf3PWmGY5o/Vp7jjomNF1I/AAAAAAAADDY/6sNxhXNzRqA/s1600/2016%2Bblog%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fhf3PWmGY5o/Vp7jjomNF1I/AAAAAAAADDY/6sNxhXNzRqA/s400/2016%2Bblog%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a>We left behind beautiful Hawaii and are not situated just outside of Tokyo, Japan. What a whirlwind of a move it was. It took nearly 2 months to get settled here, a majority of that time waiting for our stuff to arrive. Who would think that our stuff would make it's way all the way to California before coming here to Japan? Right, it made no sense to me either. My fingers ached to create. The few little things I could do here and there just was not enough. Now that our stuff is all here and pretty much organized, I have been able to create little things to make this "new" home our own. Curtains, banners, quilt blocks to pillow covers. I am finally in my happy place.<br />
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A few little things to adjust to, like no big open floor space to lay projects out comfortably. This morning I had to find any place I could to lay the fabric for curtains. Interesting indeed but fear not, they are done and up on the windows. Now when people tell me that I need blackout curtains before summer arrives, I can tell them I've checked that off the list and personalized it. There are so many more options when you can pick out a quilting cotton, add a black out drapery material to the back and sew it all together.<br />
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Within the next few weeks I'll start getting my feet wet in my creative little wonderland. I hope to share more than 2015 so please follow along if you desire.<br />
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We've enjoyed exploring some of the stores out in town, especially the 100Yen shop. Washi tapes, beautiful papers, funky pens and stationary sets around every corner. I found this little glass dome and I thought what a cute idea to display some pretty washi tapes. A new obsession are these tin boxes. They are so cute to store sewing notions or trinkets in. My kids love the treats inside, I get the tin box when they are done. I have a feeling there will be many more before we leave.<br />
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<span class="">We are so lucky to have an Ikea nearby. Perhaps we are unlucky, must practice self control. The rooms are super small in the home so we decided that at least one of the kids should have a loft bed so create a more spacious feel. Stark white, metal loft bed needed some decorating so it didn't feel so oddly cold. A pop of color with a fabric banner, some bohemian string lighting and little girly nicknacks did the trick. Someone loves her bedroom. Now, we might just have to get the other 2 loft beds as well. </span><br />
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Here's the other wall view, found a cute and inexpensive shelving unit that we placed at the head of her bed. Now she has her alarm clock within reach and a few other trinkets that make her smile. The hot pink pin board was a find from Hobby Lobby years ago. It's now in it's 3rd home and the perfect framed in location.<br />
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<img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xQAyT4OdQMA/Vp7jm4uArVI/AAAAAAAADDo/e4TVF2bzvIc/s400/2016%2Bblog%2B11%2B%25281%2Bof%2B1%2529.jpg" width="266" /><span style="color: black; text-align: left;"><span class="">My project this morning was to finish the curtains for my oldest daughters bedroom. In Hawaii I had such a large floor plan that there was always a spot to put large projects down to pin them and prepare them for the next step, here, the space is very tight and limited. I will have to adjust my ways and take what i can get. That meant moving some chairs in the dining/living room this morning to pin the cotton material to the blackout drapery material. It was quite the project, especially when it came time to press it and make crisp seams.</span></span></div>
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<br />Alexandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09902230563898228464noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1468655042952962514.post-76947488346853312612015-02-17T11:28:00.004-08:002015-02-17T14:00:14.215-08:003 Ring Binder Zippered Pouch Tutorial<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Wow! Long time no see! I'm going to make a better effort at posting once and a while. I've been very active on Instagram as of late and I find the instant feedback very encouraging as well as enlightening. I have a better feel about what people are interested in. <br />
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So without further ado. For Valentine's Day, I wanted to do something more personal and useful for my children. They always love things I sew so I thought, a binder pencil pouch filled with a few goodies would be a fun treat for them. When I posted the pouches on Facebook and Instagram, instant feedback! Someone asked me if there was a pattern or a tutorial and I decided I'd try to make a tutorial for these fun things. I was so excited thinking I had a clever idea so I search Etsy and alas, a bunch of handmade binder listings. Go figure! Haha. So, this is not an original idea by any means but I did figure this out on my own and I'm sure there is either some tweaking to be done or maybe even a simpler way to make them but this works for me and I hope it works for you too.<br />
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List of Supplies of course included thread and a sewing machine but you will also need:<br />
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<li><b><span style="color: red;">9" zipper</span></b></li>
<li>3 grommet sets </li>
<li>hammer and setting tool for your grommets</li>
<li>exterior fabric, interior fabric and 1 fusible interfacing cut to size 12" x 19" each</li>
<li>a couple of scraps about 2" x 5"</li>
<li>Optional 3 ring binder to check your grommet placings</li>
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First step is to fuse the interfacing to the exterior piece of fabric:</div>
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Take your scrap fabrics and attach them to either end of your zipper to make it long enough to go across the 12" side of the rectangles. Cut to size to make sure it's at least 12" long.</div>
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Change your sewing foot to a zipper foot, we will sew the zipper to the fabric now.</div>
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Line the zipper up face down to one side of the exterior fabric and sew.<br />
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Next step is to line up the interior fabric. I like to sew from the exterior side to see the first sewing line so I do not sew over the zipper by accident.</div>
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At this point, I like the press the fabric back to have a nice crisp line near the zipper.</div>
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Fold up the exterior fabric so the bottom aligns to the top of the zipper, you'll sew across but make sure the interior fabric is not anywhere near where you are sewing.</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/-8d2pi3FN9fQ/VOORPvx2pYI/AAAAAAAACh0/t5HfO6yQwpY/s1600/tutuorial11%2B(1%2Bof%2B1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8d2pi3FN9fQ/VOORPvx2pYI/AAAAAAAACh0/t5HfO6yQwpY/s1600/tutuorial11%2B(1%2Bof%2B1).jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">in this picture I folded the exterior fabric up to meet the zipper, but then I flip it so the zipper is facing up when I sew just to ensure that I do not sew over the zipper and ruin my needle.</td></tr>
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Now it's time to sew the interior, again, flip this up so the interior fabrics are right sides together and the zipper is pretty much sandwiched between all the fabrics. (I really don't know how to explain this but hopefully the pictures will do the explaining)<br />
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Once you sew the interior fabric to the zipper, it's time to open the zipper and pull the fabrics through so you can press everything flat. As you notice, the sides still need to be sewn shut. I like to press the zipper down from the top about 1" I press so there is nice crisp crease that I'll be able to see once I turn the fabrics inside out.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">turn the fabric so the interior fabric is facing out.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-57GPVP8w-5k/VOORVhpLGrI/AAAAAAAACiY/xZzxmcwFM1M/s1600/tutuorial17%2B(1%2Bof%2B1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-57GPVP8w-5k/VOORVhpLGrI/AAAAAAAACiY/xZzxmcwFM1M/s1600/tutuorial17%2B(1%2Bof%2B1).jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">press again, notice the crease I made earlier is still there!<br />
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Trim up the sides so you don't have all these loose scraggled threads.<br />
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Once you have trimmed the sides it's time to sew them closed. Make sure you are catching all the fabrics (and make sure to leave the zipper open or you wont be able to turn this correctly!)</div>
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I used a 1/4" seam on either side.</div>
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Both sides are now sewn, the zipper is open and I'm going to turn this right side out.<br />
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Press flat, we will do some top stitching now to reinforce the seams. The top stitching will also give you the opportunity to hide your raw edges on the inside.<br />
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You will top stitch around the entire pouch and on the one side where the grommets will be placed, I do multiple lines of stitches to add a little form to the pouch. I do about 1 inch of matchstick sewn lines.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-COji2yaYweM/VOOReX7GddI/AAAAAAAACjI/R8znNqXCBAA/s1600/tutuorial23%2B(1%2Bof%2B1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-COji2yaYweM/VOOReX7GddI/AAAAAAAACjI/R8znNqXCBAA/s1600/tutuorial23%2B(1%2Bof%2B1).jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></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/-8XoPtnpXffY/VOORhNzpN1I/AAAAAAAACjQ/DJOBqgfIQKM/s1600/tutuorial24%2B(1%2Bof%2B1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8XoPtnpXffY/VOORhNzpN1I/AAAAAAAACjQ/DJOBqgfIQKM/s1600/tutuorial24%2B(1%2Bof%2B1).jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">about 1 inch of matchstick lines on the side where the grommets will be place.</td></tr>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-93Ux76ULZa0/VOORhReEThI/AAAAAAAACjU/k5tK07Bs_hk/s1600/tutuorial25%2B(1%2Bof%2B1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-93Ux76ULZa0/VOORhReEThI/AAAAAAAACjU/k5tK07Bs_hk/s1600/tutuorial25%2B(1%2Bof%2B1).jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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Time to add the grommets. I have the tools for my grommets but I don't have the fabric hole puncher so I use my super sharp scissors. Line up the grommets so they'll fit perfectly on the 3 ring binder loops. I double check my placement with a binder that I have on hand. But for tutorial purposes I measured the placement (but I highly recommend double checking! You don't want to get this far and then have the grommets not be place properly)<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1JxnyuUlR4A/VOORiAj62OI/AAAAAAAACjg/02kitN4OJRg/s1600/tutuorial26%2B(1%2Bof%2B1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1JxnyuUlR4A/VOORiAj62OI/AAAAAAAACjg/02kitN4OJRg/s1600/tutuorial26%2B(1%2Bof%2B1).jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
Grommets were placed at 1" then 5 1/4" and finally 9 1/2" I pressed the grommet into the fabric to form an indent, outlined with my Frixion pen and snipped away at the circle.<br />
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Place on side of the grommet into the hole.<br />
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Flip and fit the other piece, and hammer flat.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a really nifty tool!</td></tr>
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The grommet is now set, repeat for the other 2.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TJOgXAAIjAo/VOORrjkP7qI/AAAAAAAACkM/gHog02BRFRE/s1600/tutuorial32%2B(1%2Bof%2B1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TJOgXAAIjAo/VOORrjkP7qI/AAAAAAAACkM/gHog02BRFRE/s1600/tutuorial32%2B(1%2Bof%2B1).jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
And that's it! Sit back and admire your lovely work.<br />
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I hope this tutorial was helpful! Please let me know if I need to tweak anything. If you use my tutorial I would love a link back! You can find me on instagram @<a href="http://instagram.com/quatapochjewel/" target="_blank">quatapochjewel</a> or facebook at: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/quatapoch">www.facebook.com/quatapoch</a> Tag me! and tag #quatapochtutorials</div>
Alexandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09902230563898228464noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1468655042952962514.post-28644533776436201112014-06-11T10:09:00.002-07:002014-06-11T10:18:21.322-07:00Super Small piecing funAs promised! I've been working on some more patterns. I love the "bean pot" block from the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Civil-War-Legacies-Patterns-Reproduction/dp/1604680571" target="_blank">"Civil War Legacies Quilt Patterns for Reproduction Fabrics</a>" book by <a href="http://www.carolhopkinsdesigns.com/" target="_blank">Carol Hopkins</a>. But i wanted to add a little twist to an already small block. So I changed out the center solid square with a paper pieced star that I came up with. I'll add the free pattern for the star <a href="http://threadsandpencils.blogspot.com/p/free-patterns.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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I only made 3 mistakes, not carefully placing my fabric on the correct side of the line and then using the wrong color 2 times. Otherwise, I'm pretty happy with how everything matched up. It's funny how such a little block (finished size was about 2" square) can take a while to put together. Though, I do enjoy the almost certainty that my points will meet perfection with paper piecing. <br />
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Enjoy! If you make one, please feel free to share, of if you have recommendations on tweaking, let me know too. I'm new to this pattern making stuff.<br />
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<br />Alexandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09902230563898228464noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1468655042952962514.post-1177385890727516412014-06-09T13:36:00.001-07:002014-06-09T13:38:00.897-07:00adventures in sewingIt's been a while yet again. I have actually been wonderfully busy with my family, my orders and life. I just wanted to write while I was inspired to share. <br />
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I recently joined my very first swap hosted by <a href="http://www.schnitzelandboo.com/2014/05/schnitzel-boo-mini-quilt-swap-round-two.html" target="_blank">Schnitzel & Boo</a> I've done most of my posting on Instagram, made many new friends ( #makeaquiltmakeafriend ) and I've been inspired so much that I think about sewing 24/7. I see patterns everywhere now, whether it is taking the kiddos to the glorious beaches, walking around the neighborhood or enjoying the afternoon in the back yard. I wonder to myself how I can recreate such beauty through fabric manipulation. Combine that desire with all the lovely paper pieced blocks I have been seeing pop up in my Instagram newsfeed, I decided to conquer an intimidation block I've had.<br />
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I have always skipped over paper pieced instructions in books and magazines I browse through. But how do we expect to grow if we do not overcome our fears? I decided it was time to try paper piecing for myself. I found a very quick youtube video that gave me the basic understanding of what to do for paper piecing <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8uaW26igygE" target="_blank">here</a> thanks be to "theCraftyGemini" for giving me the initial confidence that this too I can do!!! I made 2 peak-a-book blocks based on her tutorial.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IXQfCMGHKzU/U5YVEUizSoI/AAAAAAAACL0/jM4kM1x5zSs/s1600/peak+a+boo+(1+of+1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IXQfCMGHKzU/U5YVEUizSoI/AAAAAAAACL0/jM4kM1x5zSs/s1600/peak+a+boo+(1+of+1).jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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I tried a sweet hummingbird pattern I saw in my quilting magazine but I messed up dreadfully and almost discouraged myself from continuing. I decided I need something slightly more difficult but not too complicated and that's when I happened across the "Basketweave" star pattern from <a href="http://www.add-crafter.com/2012/04/basketweave-braid-star-block/" target="_blank">Add-Crafter</a>. I loved it! I posted on my IG schnitzel and boo swap hashtags and I got some wonderful feedback and the confidence builder that I needed to keep giving this a try.</div>
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Yet again, excited and wanting more I searched for my favorite pattern that I have wanted for so long yet never had the confidence that I too could do this. I wanted the flying geese pattern but I wanted to do something slightly different. First attempt, I do not remember where I got the tutorial for this one but I thought I'd like to try it to eventually make a colorwheel sort of mini quilt for my Mom's art studio. </div>
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But I wanted to go one step more. I wanted a different looking flying geese pattern and that's when I found the amazingly talented Pat from <a href="http://www.forestquilting.com/freepatterns.html" target="_blank">ForestQuilting</a>. She has the most lovely flying geese pattern in her free section, it's called "Chasing geese." Really not tricky but when you print out the pattern it seems a little complicated at first but clear your mind, go with the flow and it WILL turn out beautifully! </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D4lnqKB-ff0/U5YYtPQ8dRI/AAAAAAAACMQ/oE6t5OUnkq0/s1600/flying+geese+4+(1+of+1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D4lnqKB-ff0/U5YYtPQ8dRI/AAAAAAAACMQ/oE6t5OUnkq0/s1600/flying+geese+4+(1+of+1).jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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I made such a small version of Pat's pattern that I had to decide what to do with it. Well, a zippy of course! What else does one do with something too whimsical to stash away?? You can find the zippy for sale<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/191756519/chasing-geese-quilted-zippy-pouch?ref=shop_home_active_1" target="_blank"> here</a>.</div>
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And so, this little adventure brings me to the here and now. I've just recently go into this fun method of quilting. But I want to do something truly my own so I'm experimenting now with making paper piecing patterns. My first 2 patterns are created by me but totally inspired but stuff I saw on <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/quatapoch/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>. I came up with a pattern for a fox and a pattern for a raccoon. I absolutely LOVE them. I also started creating patterns for the alphabet which I will offer for free once I finish, so please check back and be sure to share! So until I am ready to share some pattern goodness with you, have a wonderfully creative day. </div>
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<br />Alexandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09902230563898228464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1468655042952962514.post-23985489104941552672014-02-15T14:04:00.001-08:002014-02-15T14:04:25.022-08:00Last of the Party Preps, today is the big day!I finally finished the last of the party preps today, a tower of cupcakes with toothpicks covered in washi tape formed into flags. An imperfect chocolate birthday cake covered in icing and perfect M&M's thanks to Pinterest and this wonderful blog of ideas from <a href="http://sweetcsdesigns.com/the-easiest-decorated-cake-youll-ever-make/" target="_blank">Sweet Ideas Blog</a> (though hers is MUCH more gorgeous, I love the pastel colors she used). And finally some marshmallows smothered in melted white chocolate and adorned with heart sprinkles, idea from <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/glorioustreats/" target="_blank">Glorious Treats</a>!<br />
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The real test starts in 1 more hour, here's hoping the girls have a lot of fun and the treats all taste yummy.<br />
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Art themed Birthday Party</div>
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Marshmallows dipped and sprinkled, funny face photo props!</div>
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Imperfect chocolate cake with perfect M&M's</div>
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The paints and flowers</div>
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The cupcake tower!</div>
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Marshmallows in a mason jar filled with conversational hearts. </div>
<br />Alexandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09902230563898228464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1468655042952962514.post-87296489317107338832014-02-13T16:14:00.000-08:002014-02-13T16:14:37.268-08:00Party Prep'sBig day is almost upon us. Technically I have 1 more day to go to pull off this Art themed party for my oldest daughter. She's excited, as am I. Hoping that the girls will have a lot of fun.<br />
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To make the day a little special, I made each girl the art rolls (Which I made a tutorial for <a href="http://www.threadsandpencils.blogspot.com/2014/01/birthday-prep-series-1-part-1-tutorial.html" target="_blank">here</a>) and I finally finished up aprons that each girl will get to take home after they use it to protect their clothing while creating their masterpieces.<br />
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For some added pizazz I created funny facial features for the girls to cover their faces for some funny photo shoots. I made these with cardstock and just hand drew each piece, attached it to a wooden dowel with some glue. Hoping that they stay. Until next time, stay creative friends!</div>
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<br />Alexandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09902230563898228464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1468655042952962514.post-90415092801625895612014-02-03T15:52:00.000-08:002014-02-03T15:54:09.323-08:00Fiber artsNot much to say today, other than it feels good to get a little sewing in while the clouds let loose and water our trees and flowers. Little guy spent some time with his friend this morning which allowed me the opportunity to finish up another seahorse and take better pictures than an iPhone will allow.<br />
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These creatures are all probably going on bags/totes but I'm thinking of making some to put on headbands. How unique would that be?<br />
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I love how the black free motion stitching makes the creatures pop. The color is fun to figure out but it's the stitching that really brings everything together. I even enjoy looking on the otherside of each creature as the stitching without color remind me of many wonderful tangled drawings/illustrations I admire.<br />
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I'll post again when the creatures find their new homes, be it on what it may, bags, pouches or headbands! Have a wonderfully creative day!<br />
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<br />Alexandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09902230563898228464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1468655042952962514.post-55735954537376422902014-01-27T17:52:00.000-08:002014-01-27T17:52:34.848-08:00Triangle like pencil pouch Tutorial<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My never ending search of trying to figure things out. I love little pencil pouches (and big ones too!) and I have always loved the ones that form a triangle on the side. So today, I am sharing with you a mostly picture tutorial on how to make this cute zippered pouch. I obviously would change the direction of my fabric since one side is now upside down, but lesson learned!</div>
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To start, you'll need 2 pieces of fabric, interfacing (I always use this for my bags, it adds some stiffness and form) coordinating thread, 11" zipper, scissors and a sewing machine.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cgEWYgdPyns/UucIkV2vXLI/AAAAAAAAB84/SoQzYNG8rgc/s1600/triangle-ish+pencil+case+2+(1+of+1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cgEWYgdPyns/UucIkV2vXLI/AAAAAAAAB84/SoQzYNG8rgc/s1600/triangle-ish+pencil+case+2+(1+of+1).jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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You will make a hexagon shape with both the interior and exterior fabrics, if you want to use my measurements be sure you overall zipper length is no shorter than 11"</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VHU2ejwp1a4/UucKMBbj7jI/AAAAAAAAB9s/X7zC5uTdGvo/s1600/triangle-ish-pencil-case-3-(1-of-1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VHU2ejwp1a4/UucKMBbj7jI/AAAAAAAAB9s/X7zC5uTdGvo/s1600/triangle-ish-pencil-case-3-(1-of-1).jpg" height="280" width="320" /></a></div>
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Next, I divided the fabric to make the zipper installation easier</div>
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Time to attach your zipper, be sure to pin down about 1/4 of an inch at the end to make a wide opening.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MeU_Nu8unSw/UucKMYyErrI/AAAAAAAAB-M/zSon37JV0DE/s1600/triangle-ish-pencil-case-7-%25281-of-1%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MeU_Nu8unSw/UucKMYyErrI/AAAAAAAAB-M/zSon37JV0DE/s1600/triangle-ish-pencil-case-7-%25281-of-1%2529.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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Do not top stitch but definitely press the fabric and repeat on the other side, we will top stitch at the very end. It should look something like this once you have both sides attached to the zipper. Once again, pin the zipper out of the way so it doesn't get caught up in the side stitches.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PxviSC1LiN0/UucKM2IrPuI/AAAAAAAAB-E/Qy_R8o4NUfA/s1600/triangle-ish-pencil-case-9-%25281-of-1%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PxviSC1LiN0/UucKM2IrPuI/AAAAAAAAB-E/Qy_R8o4NUfA/s1600/triangle-ish-pencil-case-9-%25281-of-1%2529.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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Sew up the sides of both interior and exterior fabrics and the bottom of the exterior fabric</div>
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Make sure to line up the seams, mark off the triangle and stitch across, this will form that boxy shape at the bottom of the pouch. Repeat on both corners of the exterior fabric.</div>
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Turn right side out, and finish closing up the bottom of the interior fabric. And now it's time to top stitch around the pouch. I take off my attached table and just use the smaller throat for this part.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vQQoTFmsypE/UucH3H4I9FI/AAAAAAAAB8c/EOq2cTGzloM/s1600/triangle-ish+pencil+case+13+%25281+of+1%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vQQoTFmsypE/UucH3H4I9FI/AAAAAAAAB8c/EOq2cTGzloM/s1600/triangle-ish+pencil+case+13+%25281+of+1%2529.jpg" height="320" width="244" /></a></div>
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And to complete the look, add a little bit of fabric to the end of the zipper that is exposed. You can fold in for a more finished looked but I like the pinking scissor cut look for this bag. Make sure NOT to stitch over the little metal stop, it WILL break your needle and possibly damage your machine (I wont admit anything!)</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XyTEvpkUiMs/UucKLuc1jdI/AAAAAAAAB90/tWRUzZOItkY/s1600/triangle-ish-pencil-case-16-%25281-of-1%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XyTEvpkUiMs/UucKLuc1jdI/AAAAAAAAB90/tWRUzZOItkY/s1600/triangle-ish-pencil-case-16-%25281-of-1%2529.jpg" height="320" width="207" /></a></div>
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And there you have it my crafty friends, a cute triangle-ish shaped pencil pouch! Because the zipper comes out from one end, the opening is larger than normal and with the dimensions I provided, you can definitely fill this bag with a lot of goodies! </div>
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If you like how yours turned out, please share! I am not expert at sewing, just obsessed with making cute and sometimes functional things so if you see something that needs improvement, please let me know too. I always like to learn new things. :)</div>
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Until next time, stay busy crafting!</div>
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<br />Alexandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09902230563898228464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1468655042952962514.post-87449903291848693702014-01-26T13:10:00.002-08:002014-01-26T13:14:27.791-08:00Pouches and bagsGradually finding inspiration. As I complete (or start) each project and it turns out, I feel another ounce of inspiration. I always find that going on a trip, having visitors or busy weeks with the kiddos really can put me into a creative rut for quite some time. Then I get this antsy feeling to create something and if it doesn't turn out like I envision in my head, well, that just pulls me further into a rut. I have had a few projects turn out and I just wanted to share. I know looking at other's projects fill me with inspiration and I hope to do the same for you!<br />
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I love the way my Sweet as Honey art tote turned out. My bees are hand drawn, painted and then free motion stitched and appliqued onto my tote bag. <br />
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The tassel was inspired by a fellow IG user. Wanted to give it a try on one of my pieces and I love the added dimension and another way to bring all the colors together.</div>
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My next project was a house pouch. When I made these a few months ago they were a big hit on my facebook page so I thought i would try it again and do a little more FMS on this one. Pretty Whimsical results.</div>
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I've been wanting to figure out how to make a pouch with one end of the zipper on the exterior of the bag and I'm happy to report I figured it out this morning! And, with this project I used up another Kokka fabric I have been hoarding for some time. </div>
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And finally, on the subject of hoarding, I have held on to some fabrics for much too long. I decided to make a fabric basket to use up some of it and though there has been much interest in purchasing this particular basket, I love the Pink Kokka fabric so much that I just cannot part with this basket and i have decided to keep it near my crafting area to hold fabrics and inspirational books. </div>
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Until next time, happy sewing friends!</div>
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<br />Alexandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09902230563898228464noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1468655042952962514.post-51014859712686729182014-01-14T12:14:00.001-08:002014-01-14T12:14:39.573-08:00Birthday Prep, Series 1, Part 2 Heart Garland TutorialI made a heart garland last year, decorated with it for my oldest daughter's birthday and then moved it to her bedroom as a whimsical touch. Both my girls have since moved into the same room, rearranged their furniture a countless number of times and the sweet garland finally fell apart. In preparation for the birthday party, I decided to make another heart garland. This time, I used several different colors and I made the hearts all different shapes. Sorry for my grainy pictures, Paradise does deliver it fair share of gloomy, dreary and rainy days which are never optimal for picture taking!<br />
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I used about 4 sheets for Felt, purchased a whole package (x2!!!) but I know I'll put the rest of the felt to good use eventually. I still want to make a Happy Birthday garland and my little guy asked if I could make him a green circle garland for his bedroom. <br />
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I started cutting hearts by folding the felt sheets in half and doing it the good old elementary school way! I cut enough hearts to fill up the length (and then a small bit more) of our 108" sliding door. <br />
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You can hand stitch the hearts together in whatever pattern (or non pattern for my project) I would recommend using embroidery floss. But, I did this the quick and easy way and just straight stitched them all together on my Bernina machine.<br />
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And your garland is complete! I'll have to keep this one safe until the birthday girl's party!<br />
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<br />Alexandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09902230563898228464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1468655042952962514.post-57102980283766025882014-01-13T17:46:00.000-08:002014-01-13T17:46:02.721-08:00Birthday Prep, Series 1, Part 1 Tutorial for art rollBeing far away from home, moving every 2 years or so, means that my kiddos are always reestablishing themselves in a new school, with a new group of friends and a new way of life. Birthday parties, therefor, have never been a big to-do with us but this year, I am feeling a little more organized and the girls have been having a few more play dates than at any of our other duty stations. I decided, this year will be the year that I'll throw the girls a birthday party. (The little guy is still going to wait a few more years until he knows better)<br />
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So, the first birthday bash is coming up next month. I figured if I do a little at a time, the task will be fun, creative and not overwhelming. We decided on an art theme birthday party. Miss V plans on inviting 5-6 girlfriends. We'll have the table set up with canvases, a few options of pre-drawn art that they can transfer to their canvases (or if they want to draw/paint their own ideas, even better!). I have decided for favors, I will be making art paintbrush rolls & aprons to go along with the canvas they will paint. The centerpiece (i hope!) will be a tiered cake stand filled up with a variety of acrylic paints. It's all drawn out on paper, imagined in my mind. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that i can pull this off and make her 10th birthday extra special.<br />
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Because some of this stuff is simple yet fun, I thought I'd create tutorials to go along. So check back for my next installment which will probably be the aprons and then maybe another installment for decorating (I'm thinking polka dots, streamers and balloons!) Until then, I hope you enjoy this simple tutorial for an art roll!<br />
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You'll need a ribbon (approx. 30" long, 2 pieces of fabrics, sewing machine, scissors, paintbrushes)<br />
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All of my art rolls are made to my paintbrush set measurements, they are just a generic brand from my local craft store.<br />
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<li>Cut 2 pieces of fabric, 12" x 10" of the main fabric, these will be used for the interior and exterior of the art roll. 1 of these pieces I used some fusible interfacing for some added form.</li>
<li>Cut 1 piece of coordinating fabric 13" x 13" which you will fold in half & iron</li>
<li>Cut 1 piece of ribbon approximately 30" and fold it in half too</li>
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I started by adding a single straight stitch along the folded edge of the 13" x 13" piece of fabric. This is the fabric that will hold the paintbrushes in place.</div>
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Attach this piece to the 12" x 10" piece of fabric, right sides facing up. Stitch along one edge only.</div>
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Don't worry about uneven lines, these will be hidden when you attach the exterior pieces. Next, I take the longest paintbrush and slide it carefully between the fabrics to see where the bottom stitch should be placed. I mark it and then stitch all the way across the bottom. (this stitch line will also be concealed when you attached the exterior piece)</div>
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With my paintbrushes as my guide again, I see how far apart each stitch across will need to be. I want each paintbrush to have it's own slip pocket.</div>
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Now it's time to add the ribbon which you have folded in half, I use the raw edges of the ribbon and I sew them at the center point (paintbrushes removed of course). You'll cut at the fold at the very end, stitching this way ensures, for the most part, that your ribbon will be of equal length.</div>
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Time to attach the exterior. Right sides together you will be stitching along 3 edges leaving 1 edge to turn and finish later. </div>
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Trim excess fabric, cut the corners (but don't cut the stitch lines!) then turn and press flat.</div>
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The open side will need to be turned under, pinned and then stitched shut.</div>
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Time to trim that ribbon, I like to add a "V" shape in hopes that the ribbon wont unravel.</div>
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Now just put them paintbrushes in, roll it up and make a pretty bow and your favors are ready to be handed out! Please share your creations, I love to see the color combinations people put together. For me, I used a Japanese fabric with little girls, flowers and whimsical mushrooms, and a heart fabric to coordinate. I switched out the ribbons so each girl got something a little different.</div>
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Alexandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09902230563898228464noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1468655042952962514.post-78411233031463936962013-12-21T11:52:00.000-08:002013-12-21T11:52:33.701-08:00Bags, Bags and more Bags...plus a little bit of paintingI've been busy working behind my machine. I've been so enthralled with my new projects that I find it hard to step away from them some times to do my needed errands. I wanted to share an art bag that I just recently finished. I'm really excited with how it turned out. I used a slashing technique to add dimension to the fabric. The female is hand drawn, painted, free motion stitched by me and then appliqued on to my custom designed bag. So excited to share with the world!<br />
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Little man and I had some fun making non toxic paint yesterday, the coloring up the backyard for nearly 2 hours and joyfully washing away our art with the water hose. Have any of you ever made cornstarch paint? (1 cup cornstarch, 1 cup water, food coloring) I'm happy to report that we got the paint ALL over ourselves, including a white tshirt (which i set aside for painting so not a big deal) but when I threw our clothes in the wash last night, every last bit of cornstarch paint came out of our clothing without a trace. And NO, I did not use any bleach. So it is a messy yet fun project that cleans up better than kid intended paints and markers. Here are some pictures from our messy fun!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6RNwH37TKao/UrXwLGyvBoI/AAAAAAAABzc/pu5ZdD6UAxI/s1600/cornstarch+paint+1+(1+of+1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="250" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6RNwH37TKao/UrXwLGyvBoI/AAAAAAAABzc/pu5ZdD6UAxI/s400/cornstarch+paint+1+(1+of+1).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1 cup of water, 1 cup of cornstarch, mix, mix, mix. Pour into their individual spots and add food coloring.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not so good for paper but...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q4kQ_-Au8ZU/UrXwSH5Dd4I/AAAAAAAAB0A/o-iYyNhDpHE/s1600/cornstarch+paint+3+(1+of+1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q4kQ_-Au8ZU/UrXwSH5Dd4I/AAAAAAAAB0A/o-iYyNhDpHE/s400/cornstarch+paint+3+(1+of+1).jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A little liquidy, did not work so well on paper but was a lot of fun on the ground (and rocks, and hands, and...)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PGbB7wmkriU/UrXwVHsSCcI/AAAAAAAAB0M/x4WlGDE8-CE/s1600/cornstarch+paint+6+(1+of+1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PGbB7wmkriU/UrXwVHsSCcI/AAAAAAAAB0M/x4WlGDE8-CE/s400/cornstarch+paint+6+(1+of+1).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The colors we began with.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7NCoBTMRxG4/UrXwVzIfg8I/AAAAAAAAB0Q/gEYELTjdiiI/s1600/cornstarch+paint+9+(1+of+1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7NCoBTMRxG4/UrXwVzIfg8I/AAAAAAAAB0Q/gEYELTjdiiI/s400/cornstarch+paint+9+(1+of+1).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a splattering of color</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mGgnTeXtnRU/UrXwL_c9WEI/AAAAAAAABzk/NBq89lEZgdU/s1600/cornstarch+paint+10+(1+of+1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mGgnTeXtnRU/UrXwL_c9WEI/AAAAAAAABzk/NBq89lEZgdU/s400/cornstarch+paint+10+(1+of+1).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Something gooey and colorful to stick your hands in.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AGiO1wwcuYE/UrXwIzngoNI/AAAAAAAABzU/3soHLVFgA4w/s1600/cornstarch+paint+11+(1+of+1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AGiO1wwcuYE/UrXwIzngoNI/AAAAAAAABzU/3soHLVFgA4w/s400/cornstarch+paint+11+(1+of+1).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm thinking this could make for an interesting Halloween Costume next year. Incredible Hulk anyone?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P_8CVpFmgnA/UrXwNaQ9e8I/AAAAAAAABzs/R6vSgpuxwjs/s1600/cornstarch+paint+14+(1+of+1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P_8CVpFmgnA/UrXwNaQ9e8I/AAAAAAAABzs/R6vSgpuxwjs/s400/cornstarch+paint+14+(1+of+1).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We started off with yellow, orange, purple, red, green and blue. We ended up with light orange, neon orange, turquoise and a whole bunch of....</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OL7X8HHM4O0/UrXwQ6BrMkI/AAAAAAAABz0/gNVsPdZiTaY/s1600/cornstarch+paint+15+(1+of+1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OL7X8HHM4O0/UrXwQ6BrMkI/AAAAAAAABz0/gNVsPdZiTaY/s400/cornstarch+paint+15+(1+of+1).jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">paint on the ground. I wish I could have captured this craziness on paper, that would be an interesting backdrop to an illustration!</td></tr>
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Christmas is just 4 days away! I'll try to write again but if not, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all. Thanks for being such great, supportive followers of Threads and Pencils, the support means the world to me!Alexandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09902230563898228464noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1468655042952962514.post-13611125181205298192013-12-13T13:13:00.000-08:002013-12-13T13:13:18.675-08:00Almost Christmas, creative ventures flourishing just in time for the holidays!While my son is taking a quick break from jumping couch to couch, I thought I might sit down to write. Sometimes the task of writing seems overwhelming. I feel like my words are repeated over and over again, or i haven't any new ideas to share and think perhaps sitting down will just make my readers bored. I hope not, but I think about these things. But today, I wanted to share a few of my latest creations. <br />
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I've been having a lot of fun with my sewing machine, a little bit of art mixed in, bento box preparations are still a hit (though some nights I am so tired that I wonder why I just don't make a sandwich for everyone) and today a small greeting card "box" idea that is NOT my own idea but totally worth sharing as I LOVE it! I'm not one for buying the mass produced greeting cards, I feel that I have enough crazy ideas swirling around in my head that i should be able to sit down and make my own cards. I feel this way about my girls too, I encourage them to make their own before thinking of buying something. So we tried out a new "card" idea today. Instead of a card actually, it is a banner in a box. Perfect for a birthday but I think it would do for any holiday or occasion that "requires" a card. <br />
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I started out with a simple $1 box (though I'm sure if you AREN'T in Hawaii you might actually find such a box much cheaper!) I decorated the top with the name of the recipient. With a bit of card stock, scrapbook paper, glue or tape, ribbon, I made a Happy Birthday Banner with a couple of extra circles for loving messages from my girls to their friend. I'm pretty sure this is all self explanatory, make the larger circle still small enough to fit in the box...space the circles on the ribbon far apart enough that they can fold like an accordion into the box. For a special little touch, with your scraps cut out confetti shapes (sorry Mom!), much easier if you have one of those funky shaped hole punchers. And watch your friend smile as she opens her greeting box.<br />
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<br />Alexandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09902230563898228464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1468655042952962514.post-50104779975744193512013-11-24T21:16:00.000-08:002013-11-24T21:16:17.492-08:00Bento Box Adventures continuedI must admit, I'm quite enthralled with the lunch process these days. So much so that I told hubs he will not be getting his normal sandwich everyday...instead, he'll take part in my bento box craze too. Tomorrow's lunch, you ask? Teriyaki meatballs (combination of ground beef and ground chicken along with spices, cut veggies and egg), sweet potatoes (cut into shapes for the girls, mashed leftover shapes for hubs), and rice with nori seasoning. I'm quite excited about the meatballs. While we were in Japan, the girls and I were obsessed with the meatballs at the little supermarket down the street called Lala. I never knew exactly what kind of meatballs they were, and until tonight, I was never able to make them but I finally found the recipe and they are delicious! The extra's made their way to our dinner table along with crockpot chili. <br />
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The second layer of food was cut veggies for M, cut fruit for V and a salad for hubs. <br />
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I used metal mini cookie cutters for the sweet potato shapes. I found the cookie cutters at <a href="http://www.executivechefhawaii.com/" target="_blank">Executive Chef</a> in downtown Kailua.<br />
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On the sewing front, I have completed a few projects and I am in the middle of a new project, a tote for a sew-ist. The exterior is complete but now I'll need to figure out and piece together the interior with enough pockets for thread, scissors and a pattern perhaps. I used an adorable Japanese fabric. <br />
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Another outlet of creativity lately, has been art on fabric. I finished up a semi "repeating" pattern fabric which I turned into a young girls bag. And the candy skulls have been a big hit as well.</div>
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Miss Foxy!</div>
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I have a few more projects up my sleeves, hopefully in time for the holiday season. I'll come back to share when everything is complete. </div>
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Until then, if you have any bento box recipes you want to share, please comment! I would love to have more variety :)</div>
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<br />Alexandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09902230563898228464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1468655042952962514.post-14444586385121545652013-11-21T19:38:00.001-08:002013-11-21T19:38:11.529-08:00Bento Box AdventuresIt's been a while! Hope this posting finds everyone well, probably preparing for the upcoming holidays. It is hard for me to believe that NEXT week will be Thanksgiving and then a few short weeks later, Christmas! Wow. Perhaps it's living in Hawaii where the weather only changes from sunny to rainy but the temperatures pretty much stay the same. Maybe I'm in denial. Whatever it is, my mind has been elsewhere and I think I need a swift kick in the butt to get moving on holiday stuff. What is your favorite holiday tradition?<br />
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I kind of got in to another rut here. That seems to be happening a lot more frequently these days. A rut with creating, exercising and making/preparing food. One of my ruts was with my children's lunches. It seemed like I was making them the same thing every day and though they eat everything (sometimes) I make them I wanted them to have something a little bit "more" so I started doing some research, saw some pictures of friend's lunches, looked up some cookbooks on amazon. Ever since we were stationed in Japan, I have always been fascinated by the lunches Japanese Mom's made their children, the bento box lunch. I found a wonderful book with quick recipes and how to's at the library, the book is called "Yum Yum Bento Box".<br />
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I am on day 2 of bento box preparations and as I was adding the finishing touches today, my oldest daughter says to me that she would like to go to school on Saturday and Sunday just so she can have a bento lunch on those days too. I couldn't help but smile at her enthusiasm and encouragement. <br />
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Yesterday, I attempted my first lunch which consisted of Spam Musubi, corn, asparagus, egg and cheese blocks/cherry tomatoes. The little heart on the Spam musubi was made from a Japanese style egg omelette of sorts. You are supposed to strain the egg to make it "fine" and add some cornstarch and sugar. It came out a little bumpy and I had a little trouble flipping it but today, the process went more smoothly and it looked more like an omelette than yesterday's attempt.<br />
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This cool contraption is a hard boiled egg mold. Burned my fingers trying to get this to work but the bunny was well worth it. The Bear didn't work out as planned, the ears did not form but I'm sure if I change the direction of the egg, it'll work. Here are the molds with the hardboiled egg already in them, sitting in cold water for 10 minutes. <br />
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Putting everything together with cute little picks, forks and separators was the fun part. <br />
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For tomorrow, the girls get a rice and nori ladybug (I tried coloring the rice with Paprika but my portions are not right so it has a slight brownish tint only), sausage flowers, broccoli trees, wrapped sausages and Japanese style rolled omelette eggs with a side of cucumbers and cheese and fruit. This definitely makes preparing lunch more fun, to add a little creative tweak to something always makes it more interesting. <br />
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Until my next adventure...or until I'm feeling chatty, stay well friends and enjoy Thanksgiving!<br />
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<br />Alexandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09902230563898228464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1468655042952962514.post-8944000750013075942013-09-18T19:18:00.000-07:002013-09-18T19:18:52.083-07:00A landscape of inspirationI think it's ok to admit how horrible I've been at keeping up these past couple of months. It has to do something with 3 young kids, summer vacation, a new school year, a new machine and travel! Eventually one day I'll get back into my routine but until then, I have a little to share.<br />
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After several weeks with my new machine, I can officially say it is a work horse of a machine. Would I recommend it? Absolutely. I love that I am able to see a lot of the inside of the machine so I can clean the nooks and crannies that like to clutter up with fabric fuzz. I was very hesitant about the side bobbin but it's amazing. Love the knee presser foot lift, so much so that my knee does this really awkward jerk when I go back to my Singer machine.<br />
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I'm happy to confess that despite being busy with the kids I have managed to give Juki baby a run for her money. Most recently I have been excited about recreating landscapes of beautiful Oahu, all done on fabric. My most favorite part of it all though, is the 2nd to final step, the free motion quilting. First few tries my hands were very shaky but as I get used to it, build up my confidence, and practice I notice a steadier hand and more of a fluid movement to my designs.<br />
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I've gone in to a couple of local galleries to see if they will carry my work. I will pursue this more once we get back from our trip, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed that this will all pan out. I'm gradually growing my inventory in hopes of joining a gallery in the near future.<br />
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So we are heading out on a trip for the grand event of our family! My younger brother is getting married. And with only 2 weeks to spare my bridesmaid dress arrived and to my dismay, it didn't fit. In a true panic, I took a few deep breathes, whispered to my seam ripper "don't let me down" and together we worked at tearing seams apart, reworking them and finally, getting the dress to fit without having to pay a seamstress to alter it. Another check in my book of things to learn. I'm thankful it worked out. I'll share pictures of the dress after the event. <br />
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I've been practicing my "smokey" eye makeup. So far, I've tried green, gray and black. I'll find the links to the good tutorials I have been using to learn how to do this. I love the reaction my girls give me when they see a new shade of smokey eye.<br />
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Despite being gone from the blogging world, I hope you have all stayed creative and inspired! Until next time,<br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 16px;"><b> Mokulua Islands off of Lanikai Beach</b></span></span></div>
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The many shades of Kailua Beach</div>
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Mt. Olomana from Kailua<br />
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Plumerias at Pyramid RockAlexandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09902230563898228464noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1468655042952962514.post-55503452215624700892013-08-23T19:44:00.000-07:002013-09-18T19:20:05.816-07:00A new Machine?I've been missing my blog, writing, and just over all being creative. I just completed week 4 of my workouts, trying to get ready for "little" brother's wedding next month. But with that said, after my intense workouts I lack energy and though I have had the urge to be creative, I just haven't had the energy. So, I switched my workout a little bit. I'm really not trying to prove anything and I realize how totally obsessed I can become over something. I feel if i don't follow this program exactly, then I wont see any changes. Finally decided I need to get over that feeling and just realize that doing SOMETHING is good...doing nothing, well that wouldn't be so good. Needless to say, I scaled back but I do something every day. Thankfully this has provided me with a little more energy to do something creative while the kiddos are at school.<br />
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I've been heavily contemplating a new machine. I even stopped by a sew n' vac store last week and sat down with a few machines, then again on Monday. I have read 100's of reviews on the 3 machines I was heavily thinking about and finally, decided on the 4th option. Much more affordable and though it doesn't have the bells and whistles of the pricey machines, it does what my intention for a new machine is supposed to do. I've read countless reviews on it's reliability, it's performance and I think I have yet to read anything negative. The other machines had quite a list of con's which seemed crazy to me with the price tag they came with.<br />
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First on my list was the Viking Eden Rose, though affordable, when I sat down with that machine, for 4 times the expense of my current machine (Singer Quantum Stylist 9600) it didn't feel much different. In fact, it felt more flimsy to me and the only thing I like about it was the bigger throat and the way the presser foot lifts when using just the pedal. Slashed off my list when I finally go the chance to try it out.<br />
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Next was the Viking Designer 1 USB. But I think my judgement was clouded by a little bit of bait and switch from the sales person. Luckily, I don't just jump on things with hefty price tags. I always discuss with my husband, read reviews, watch videos and look online for better prices. Thankfully, I found out that this machine was more for embroidery, older (crazy price tag for an older machine!) and it didn't have the throat size that I am looking for to ease up some of my FMQ.<br />
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I did more research online, looked into Babylocks. The Crescendo is still on my dream list but for quilting, I realize that it too has too many bells and whistles that i just don't need right now. Of course, the store didn't have any babylock Crescendo's for me to test drive, but instead, she brought me over to the Bernina's. Now mind you, every quilting book and magazine that I drool over, most of the quilting artists have Bernina's so there has to be something there. I sat at the 750 QE and OH my! I was in love. I still am. But I am so hesistant to purchase something so expensive reading some of the reviews (a lot actually) of issues people have. Of course, while we are stationed near a Bernina dealer I have someone who can help me BUT what happens when we get stationed elsewhere? Particularly if we go overseas again? The thought just unnerved me. <br />
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SO back to looking. I came across a few blogs that talked about the Bernina 750 QE and they also mentioned how much they love their Juki 2010Q for FMQ and piecing. What? What is a Juki 2010Q. Thank goodness for google. And boy, the reviews I found are amazing! So with my husbands support on this machine (of course, the price tag is much less shocking) I took the plunge this morning and ordered it. Couldn't get the free shipping to Hawaii but I did get $100 off my order. I'm beyond excited for my new "baby" to arrive! It already shipped. Stay tuned for the unveiling of the machine that will hopefully change the way I do quilting forever!<br />
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In preparation for Juki's arrival, I made a few squares to practice some FMQ on my Singer. What fun, but even my small 12 x 11 piece of fabric got a little crazy to maneuver around the small throat. Still fun, and so excited to try doing this on a machine made for quilting.<br />
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Until then, be on the look out for my new machine and my thoughts on its performance!<br />
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My little bird of whimsy, practiced free motion on this as well as some free hand stitching on the tail, eyes and feet. Available on <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/160562253/bird-of-whimsey-adorable-fiber-art-wall?ref=shop_home_active">Etsy</a> :)</div>
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And this here is a star pattern I put together to practice FMQ on, just haven't tried yet because it is kind of big. I'm thinking of waiting until Juki-baby comes. We'll see.Alexandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09902230563898228464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1468655042952962514.post-69363923922560867882013-08-06T12:52:00.000-07:002013-09-18T19:20:24.157-07:00Let's Embroider by handWow, when did August happen?? Crazy how quickly the summer has gone by. Technically it's still summer but my girls went back to school yesterday and so summer feels like it's over here. I have mixed emotions about it. House is a little less chaotic with them at school for a few hours but I miss them and their chaos. House stays a little cleaner, though this morning I told the little guy he was on the verge of making a bigger mess alone, than 3 of them together. He stopped mid way into spilling the millions of littlest pet shop pets and accessories on the floor when I said that, stepped back and apologized. So back to school means a little more time for some crafty business.<br />
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A few blogs that I adore, do a lot of embroidered work on fabric and yesterday that itching desire I get every once and a while to try something new (ok, every other day or so) I pulled out my cotton floss that I had stashed away from my friendship bracelet days, pulled out a doodle I whipped up the other day and copied the image on to an Eiffel tower fabric. I'd say, if I did this again I would certainly NOT use such a busy fabric because it pretty much takes away from the embroidered design but for my first try, I'm pretty pleased. It'll be fun to put some of my doodles to stitches the good old fashion way with a needle and thread and a hoop for good measure.<br />
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I have lots of designs stirring in my little brain! I hope to make them soon. Until then, have a wonderful and creatively filled day!<br />
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<br />Alexandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09902230563898228464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1468655042952962514.post-18559787991576431072013-07-26T10:38:00.002-07:002013-09-18T19:20:41.981-07:00Paper Roses, repurposed book pagesIf you haven't figured it out yet, I ADORE flowers! Fabric flowers, flowers in fabric, real flowers, fake flowers, flowers made from just about anything. So it shouldn't surprise you that I had to try something new while sipping my morning coffee.<br />
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Each petal is individually cut, rolled around a pencil for a little bit of shape and then applied to a "stick" (I used a q-tip covered in washi tape!) Hot glued on...I have 2 burned fingers but despite that throbbing pain in my poor fingers, I love how this turned out!</div>
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Enjoy!</div>
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Alexandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09902230563898228464noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1468655042952962514.post-49270204207820133192013-07-26T00:25:00.000-07:002013-09-18T19:20:57.858-07:00Breathing new life into an old book, scrapping booksPerhaps it's not a fantastic idea but I love the printed page style items I keep seeing in the scrapbook, paper product world. I wanted to try this out myself, without having to rip up a book that I love (which is how I feel about all my books in my house) so the kiddos and I went to the Salvation Army in downtown Kailua this morning. After a stop at Coldstone Creamery and a scoop of chocolate cake batter ice cream and another scoop of cotton candy ice cream, we ventured over to SA to take a look at their book selection. A perfect day, I spotted an encyclopedia right away. 1,000+ pages of experimentation for only $2, how could I go wrong?! So after a few more errands with the kiddos, we headed home for some paper crafting time.<br />
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We (my girls too!) are LOVING making our own envelopes. We thought they would make for a cute personal gift, some homemade envelopes with hand made cards to go with them, tied in a nice ribbon and ready to be gifted. I showed the girls how to make the quick envelopes and we experimented a little with the encyclopedia pages. What a neat little accent to an envelope, open the top, pull our your card and see the background of knowledge. <br />
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We did have to break for dinner but we are still at work on the floor enjoying the creative processes and discovering new ways of using old things.<br />
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I took a page of the book and made a singed flower and then a doodled heart for a long awaited Thank you card.<br />
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But as the night falls upon us, I see some tired eyes (me! me! me!) and we'll have to pick up where we left off tomorrow. So until then, I'm sure you are resting peacefully in slumber land or perhaps waking to a new day. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Miss M's card (I adore this!)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">envelope obsession</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">our creative disaster</td></tr>
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<br />Alexandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09902230563898228464noreply@blogger.com0