tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51118597903248873852024-03-05T18:35:13.867-08:00Hook, Needle & SpindleA blog on creating things!Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17119778985158914419noreply@blogger.comBlogger51125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5111859790324887385.post-27781859914493564662013-11-20T21:02:00.000-08:002013-11-20T21:02:18.764-08:00Quilting Rack<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">I've always wanted a quilting rack. Nothing fancy, just 4 long pieces of pine to pin quilt layers to and quilt, just like my grandma used to have in her basement when I was little. Over the years I made sad attempts at "racks" in order to hand quilt various small pre-printed quilts, but they never really worked out.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My first attempt at a hand quilting setup (2003)</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">A couple years ago, I finally got to make myself a quilting rack, just like grandma's! My dad got the 4 pieces of pine needed and gave me a drill with the proper bits to make the holes on the top and bottom pieces, and to round off the splintery edges. How exciting! An extra set was made for my mom too.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My dad showing me the drill bit to round off edges</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Unfortunately I didn't have room for the rack, or to set it up and quilt right away so it stayed at my dad's for a bit. But finally, the time has come to put it to use! This past weekend I set up my quilting rack!</span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quilting rack ready for a quilt</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">At Fabricland a couple weekends ago I found a neat magnetic tack set on sale at a great price so I picked it up. Turns out it's perfect!</span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Magnetic tack set</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">I should probably invest in some clamps to hold the corners in place, but for now it's good enough. After all, this really is my first time hand quilting on such a large scale.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Once I had the quilt rack set up, I wasted no time in pinning up my first quilt. (See "<a href="http://hookneedlespindle.blogspot.ca/2013/11/cat-quilt.html" target="_blank">Cat Quilt</a>").</span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cat Quilt</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 18px;">So now I am all set! I have a task to work on over the holidays and winter months. I'm very excited and can't wait to start working on my quilt, just like grandma used to!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 18px;">Keep Crafty Everyone!</span>Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17119778985158914419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5111859790324887385.post-61353665075375527392013-11-20T20:42:00.000-08:002013-11-20T20:42:28.895-08:00Cat Quilt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Now that I finally have my very own quilting rack (and the space to set it up in), I can finally get to quilting the cat quilt I made ages ago.<br />
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Back in March 2007 I spent some time visiting with my family. While visiting I decided to make a quilt. My mom had a bag of fabric scraps that I decided to go through and use to make a scrap quilt. I copied a cat pattern from one of my aunt's pattern books and began the complicated endeavour. It was challenging to use a complex pattern for my first quilt, but it was such a nice pattern and the scraps so unique that I really enjoyed making it. <br />
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Unfortunately, quilting takes up a lot of space and so the kitchen, dinning room, and living room were all taken up by my little quilting set up (ironing board, counters to sort the fabrics, counters to cut the pieces, sewing machine set up on the table, completed pieces laid out in the living room...). I spent about a week working on the top piece and listening to CBC, which gave me the comforting feel of home, reminding me of the times spent at my grandmother's when I was young and she did her quilting.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the quilting explosion</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More of the quilting explosion</td></tr>
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There were so many little pieces to cut and sew that the blocks really needed to be cut and assembled one at a time. It was great for using up the scraps though, and I find the variation in patterns gives it a really nice and unique look.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scrap cat quilt in the making</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKhdtoRXyd7c_6JaBC6ijYiYKa2RU1HbOJHXNZhzw9YAe8ycOQre9ijEkCCvBcckVCeQCKT3yptHPS3Zrodrrk9XHBeeKu6KUYmw6Ig-bnKCXgDb56IJp7X1hL3STKphoS6vPujV5tRXgN/s1600/P3140059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKhdtoRXyd7c_6JaBC6ijYiYKa2RU1HbOJHXNZhzw9YAe8ycOQre9ijEkCCvBcckVCeQCKT3yptHPS3Zrodrrk9XHBeeKu6KUYmw6Ig-bnKCXgDb56IJp7X1hL3STKphoS6vPujV5tRXgN/s400/P3140059.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top piece completed</td></tr>
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In 2009, while living in Ottawa I prepared a backing, got some batting, and pinned the layers together. I then tried to quilt it by hand using a big hoop (similar to small cross-stitch hoops), but that didn't work. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy to see my quilt again, ready to pin the three layers together</td></tr>
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The quilt eventually got folded up and put into storage until I could find a way to stretch it out for hand quilting.<br />
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Fast forward to 2013, last weekend, I got to set up my quilting rack in the basement and pinned up the quilt. I am happy to say that it's finally on it's way to being quilted! I'm very excited to work on it AND finish it!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready for hand quilting</td></tr>
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My first real quilt, this one has special meaning for me and I can't wait to put it on my bed and cozy up under it :).<br />
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<br />Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17119778985158914419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5111859790324887385.post-80766251995158376712013-11-12T17:11:00.000-08:002013-11-12T17:12:16.466-08:00Pink Baby BlanketsNow that I have a lot of my stuff back from storage (where it was living for a couple years), I've been rolling up my sleeves and tackling old half-finished projects from ages ago. So far I've completed 2 pink baby blankets. It might not seem like all that much considering how many projects I have on the go, but I assure you it feels like I've accomplished much! These blankets had been started well over half a decade ago and have been just sitting around waiting to be picked back up and completed. I wouldn't be surprised if the knitted one was nearly a decade old!! Both of them were Dresser Projects (See post: "<a href="http://hookneedlespindle.blogspot.ca/2011/07/so-many-projects.html" target="_blank">So Many Projects!!!</a>").<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJjEIjlWP7rUhjCQgnzrW8a3Ik5FOhMn-3fL9nnQYnjVw0JyJlhiXHbpdK6ZJwr7_8wO8H8Px3ZbjZjeUsMxJkPpA8oaec66tUaQR1v8QU_KtvyrZhuhlwae5zOaQkIjvRYvQMZtqnMxAD/s1600/IMG_20131102_012054.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJjEIjlWP7rUhjCQgnzrW8a3Ik5FOhMn-3fL9nnQYnjVw0JyJlhiXHbpdK6ZJwr7_8wO8H8Px3ZbjZjeUsMxJkPpA8oaec66tUaQR1v8QU_KtvyrZhuhlwae5zOaQkIjvRYvQMZtqnMxAD/s400/IMG_20131102_012054.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Knitted Pink and Purple Baby Blanket <br />
(nearly a decade in the making!)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pink ZigZag Baby Blanket</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5QJPyOgxs19hyphenhyphenlsIvUQ5pNZ2B9UHXvJWs9ZQm9EjcImFZBmJ_UTJZHpTvx2JCeRHyeHwAA_4FSfD4BYcWJZlPARR0VBoV2viPnXlkLuFF1-3PKpowF9NK_yivs73orsdM3_HxvUjNjfVP/s1600/IMG_20131018_214009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5QJPyOgxs19hyphenhyphenlsIvUQ5pNZ2B9UHXvJWs9ZQm9EjcImFZBmJ_UTJZHpTvx2JCeRHyeHwAA_4FSfD4BYcWJZlPARR0VBoV2viPnXlkLuFF1-3PKpowF9NK_yivs73orsdM3_HxvUjNjfVP/s400/IMG_20131018_214009.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Kitten helped!!</td></tr>
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In conclusion, it feels pretty good to finish up lingering projects. Problem is, I enjoyed working on the knitted blanket so much I decided to start another one! This time, pink and yellow! (Photos and entry to come)<br />
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Keep Crafty Everyone!<br />
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<br />Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17119778985158914419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5111859790324887385.post-31268583286340367002013-11-12T16:47:00.001-08:002013-11-12T16:58:44.596-08:00Dresser Projects UpdateYou may recall a while back I posted about my over ambition in starting new projects before finishing the last. This resulted in dressers full of half done projects which I have come to call my "dresser projects". (<a href="http://hookneedlespindle.blogspot.ca/2011/07/so-many-projects.html" target="_blank">So Many Projects!!!</a> Post).<br />
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Now that a couple years have passed and I have pulled out many boxes from storage, I have been reunited with most of my Dresser Projects. Lately I've been relentlessly chipping away at old half done projects and finishing them off rather than starting new ones, however this has not depleted the number of Dresser Projects since the entry. Although I have finished off a few dresser projects, during the past couple years, while the dresser projects were stored away, I started a whole new set of dresser projects. So I am left with still, a whole lot of projects and not nearly as much time as I would like to complete them all. Eventually they will all be completed... but who knows when that will happen! Here is an update on my Dresser Projects:<br />
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<b>Small Afghans and Blocks:</b><br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgomrugA_jqX-QjcZ47Tu4rLQKQ3pBtlEtRVRFIS1s4hD1OeLk3Wn8eVAMFLfltZH3spj1DirAacXP9he97fsJH76yw6rlrMPk8ZD0cCt7mlg-ZB_jcqdqpekaDnfu-4PatErMmZvpuqa9P/s1600/IMG_20131110_171431.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgomrugA_jqX-QjcZ47Tu4rLQKQ3pBtlEtRVRFIS1s4hD1OeLk3Wn8eVAMFLfltZH3spj1DirAacXP9he97fsJH76yw6rlrMPk8ZD0cCt7mlg-ZB_jcqdqpekaDnfu-4PatErMmZvpuqa9P/s400/IMG_20131110_171431.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Nice blue/grey/white afghan</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibkwC-Fs0DhVbVLKLnDEedCT9i9vuXeTa37z2EeApV97Ro06mPuKkZ5csFEbrWZcWbfSHCBedaiKivRRNXMSOml0ogCEHVbkvdYevf8o2GiaztXBc0brQ-HuSj6gwRR2zshCRmOtFWApX_/s1600/IMG_20131110_171439.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibkwC-Fs0DhVbVLKLnDEedCT9i9vuXeTa37z2EeApV97Ro06mPuKkZ5csFEbrWZcWbfSHCBedaiKivRRNXMSOml0ogCEHVbkvdYevf8o2GiaztXBc0brQ-HuSj6gwRR2zshCRmOtFWApX_/s320/IMG_20131110_171439.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Close up of pattern, interesting stitches</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaKULxfSFWFoX02UH2UfD_Lkc0Y7udqoXFJqKvJLXwpgd2M1tVsqHkp15HCqU-tSH1aAZ4FjBpalQEf8z09MlrkyGv7-q7Ts9G9iHis5maJlAHZMIVlWyQX_QgiHf2GKGxMKrtfLOgUgSI/s1600/IMG_20131110_161352.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaKULxfSFWFoX02UH2UfD_Lkc0Y7udqoXFJqKvJLXwpgd2M1tVsqHkp15HCqU-tSH1aAZ4FjBpalQEf8z09MlrkyGv7-q7Ts9G9iHis5maJlAHZMIVlWyQX_QgiHf2GKGxMKrtfLOgUgSI/s400/IMG_20131110_161352.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blue/Grey ripple afghan, knitted blue squares</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL771fPnzoDeAa8-5zcy_dr88QKu-4-hUSqPyQu1qi0IkA4gXheYCBUpyLRgXTNzHOO1WUTgtoB_cmhDw_w0L3nT-hFOyzlo7HqHhwbLKfcdLXZT_hubhWkmMARSdAPxbwQYDhW6REQtkl/s1600/IMG_20131110_164542.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL771fPnzoDeAa8-5zcy_dr88QKu-4-hUSqPyQu1qi0IkA4gXheYCBUpyLRgXTNzHOO1WUTgtoB_cmhDw_w0L3nT-hFOyzlo7HqHhwbLKfcdLXZT_hubhWkmMARSdAPxbwQYDhW6REQtkl/s400/IMG_20131110_164542.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pink hexagons and chunky pink and purple scraps</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8WoGxLS-toddbxnsozjEbbuENA4hDFY8dxS_m3OO6HVHibAnJqyb5RS42JPd8mCQQ71adaPTu4ahYMWfwowv0cZuzprxBcDuPtLPMEH9Ez1FLDSVP7WRD0Z2Sp90upUnFoEfmod-SjEGN/s1600/IMG_20131110_164838.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8WoGxLS-toddbxnsozjEbbuENA4hDFY8dxS_m3OO6HVHibAnJqyb5RS42JPd8mCQQ71adaPTu4ahYMWfwowv0cZuzprxBcDuPtLPMEH9Ez1FLDSVP7WRD0Z2Sp90upUnFoEfmod-SjEGN/s400/IMG_20131110_164838.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Off white aran blanket squares and green pinwheels</td></tr>
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<b> Miscellaneous:</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSskzFqfuYd6GBpG96gV23DeGXS1BKTXAlC_zA9Eos_MkAyCyucfAfdZibir5L92xW49SSfZt7PC4jV5-XDvXDLOanKULKGr3ysmXGYjXqrmaO2NKOEQQFL1-B-0SeULtub94fnLuv3Wd0/s1600/IMG_20131110_171930.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSskzFqfuYd6GBpG96gV23DeGXS1BKTXAlC_zA9Eos_MkAyCyucfAfdZibir5L92xW49SSfZt7PC4jV5-XDvXDLOanKULKGr3ysmXGYjXqrmaO2NKOEQQFL1-B-0SeULtub94fnLuv3Wd0/s400/IMG_20131110_171930.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Knitted heart square. Will likely be a throw pillow at some point.</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha7dsfpsQxrMaGc_Hq-45COB0j-22Cj89bA2sA9jqPpIfP9t9hnQTMLelkCan6RAHErtaUsG4IRzfd3Vtr0_L94Y-VS9U03DA39ftvz-wszNn73H9NPggEUGNOb0V0urw2_Qzt4jNmsykv/s1600/IMG_20131110_170951.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha7dsfpsQxrMaGc_Hq-45COB0j-22Cj89bA2sA9jqPpIfP9t9hnQTMLelkCan6RAHErtaUsG4IRzfd3Vtr0_L94Y-VS9U03DA39ftvz-wszNn73H9NPggEUGNOb0V0urw2_Qzt4jNmsykv/s400/IMG_20131110_170951.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Not really crochet, but a dresser project none-the-less: a braided rug that I have been working on for probably near a decade. Well, to be honest I haven't worked on it in years, but the intention is there!</td></tr>
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<b>Big Blankets:</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw76Jav0SnD-mHIE5O8-hkDjWHPH-WDscaHucIeNQB12MQOGpNrwwKIgnUdD02jxyNDO8rHGkmq8Dr7ak_fXK4Imb0da5F-XNLadxV0Z2MgWp_3l6AlKNKdKAtpQZXzy12-f0BhkdvIWHE/s1600/IMG_20131110_165058.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw76Jav0SnD-mHIE5O8-hkDjWHPH-WDscaHucIeNQB12MQOGpNrwwKIgnUdD02jxyNDO8rHGkmq8Dr7ak_fXK4Imb0da5F-XNLadxV0Z2MgWp_3l6AlKNKdKAtpQZXzy12-f0BhkdvIWHE/s320/IMG_20131110_165058.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Green Aran Blanket, still kicking around. No progress on this one.</td></tr>
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It's been a little while since I've worked on this one (old Dresser Project) I do hope to get it done within the next year or so. I started this one several years ago, and the squares may pose a challenge once I start assembling due to change in tension/gauge over time. Hopefully it'll turn out alright though.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrNMZfko4vSEhFROaCzIC6ChrZ_qu_n89Aog2Nm6H668nysOcUO0nFw9thup4RXRA0CNnBWtDz8ust__lEEMHU8uUAaMhYtO1QuudoJyHNZuLGDkEBJQxi7dlegtGZtpXyY3MxGX_4bKHk/s1600/IMG_20131110_165842.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrNMZfko4vSEhFROaCzIC6ChrZ_qu_n89Aog2Nm6H668nysOcUO0nFw9thup4RXRA0CNnBWtDz8ust__lEEMHU8uUAaMhYtO1QuudoJyHNZuLGDkEBJQxi7dlegtGZtpXyY3MxGX_4bKHk/s320/IMG_20131110_165842.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Settlers of Catan blanket</td></tr>
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Settlers of Catan!! My favourite board game! I decided it would be neat to make a blanket of the game. I'm not sure what the finished product is going to look like, every time I think about it I come up with different ideas, but whatever way I chose I know it'll be kick-ass cause, you know, it's Settlers of Catan!!! :)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFI9JsMvzfZFwNBd8QDnetBjpAljPIn35mbURogGHhcvUrak30FtDPJUyKsG8aRBMOGiUvHMLX86erGmFu333IwNbHfAofbdHlC9GFb0fCKuxtod0Rb-LtlMcmvPqSrprV3LeVgkAowEYT/s1600/IMG_20131110_170406.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFI9JsMvzfZFwNBd8QDnetBjpAljPIn35mbURogGHhcvUrak30FtDPJUyKsG8aRBMOGiUvHMLX86erGmFu333IwNbHfAofbdHlC9GFb0fCKuxtod0Rb-LtlMcmvPqSrprV3LeVgkAowEYT/s320/IMG_20131110_170406.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Soft green light weight blanket</td></tr>
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Just a light weight blanket to throw on the couch during the summer months. I've taken this thing apart at LEAST 6 times because I would never right down what size hook I was using and my gauge was always way off. Maybe one day I'll end up finishing this darn thing...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiye5JK5eo1iY3j46ubX27jYJHO0CmjQWlTJeeaY9sCXDCNRvJyWnUwgPPGXHzaz8iVhUuGuW_UI5xoWSfmAs_9tQlYkAMiMSbSKcZJXmXJTdG7-dCGr2cSkPPl0dE8hvYelyiyuvFm7STP/s1600/IMG_20131110_170658.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiye5JK5eo1iY3j46ubX27jYJHO0CmjQWlTJeeaY9sCXDCNRvJyWnUwgPPGXHzaz8iVhUuGuW_UI5xoWSfmAs_9tQlYkAMiMSbSKcZJXmXJTdG7-dCGr2cSkPPl0dE8hvYelyiyuvFm7STP/s320/IMG_20131110_170658.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Green wool-eater blanket</td></tr>
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I *LOVE* the wool-eater pattern, so no surprise, I've started up a green wool-eater blanket. This one won't be fancy like the large blue one-piece, or the fall coloured wool-eater/babbette ones, but should still look great once finished, not to mention nice and warm :).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKdKhHZY5ldjxItBK0RVXo57OOKXuFYbiYvdmCSRyzf2kzB4FHqY2eO_HzruuSwnF-oR15ZKPPmFj6MdixRXwDAly0Wrx7cGLDfg9U6NUhT9hqbJA1B2OR-pMyo8P37p-vWesr6TUOmRSR/s1600/IMG_20131112_192940.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKdKhHZY5ldjxItBK0RVXo57OOKXuFYbiYvdmCSRyzf2kzB4FHqY2eO_HzruuSwnF-oR15ZKPPmFj6MdixRXwDAly0Wrx7cGLDfg9U6NUhT9hqbJA1B2OR-pMyo8P37p-vWesr6TUOmRSR/s320/IMG_20131112_192940.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fall coloured wool-eater/babbette blanket</td></tr>
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Speaking of which, here is the fall coloured wool-eater/babbette blanket I've been working of for a few years now. I tend to take it out in the fall, work on it a whole bunch, then get discouraged at how wonky the gauge is and how long it's taking, then put it away until I forget how much it upset me (usually about a year) then take it out again next fall, hehe. Significant progress on it from the last time I mentioned it in this blog ("<a href="http://hookneedlespindle.blogspot.ca/2011/07/so-many-projects.html" target="_blank">So Many Projects</a>"). The great thing is that every year I find another couple new colours to add to it. I really love the colours :).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx-q6H3rGZ4KwLj8umQbvyO8atH7kQOCNcDCqtLWmivpn97b2HlVddipvBS2lH_7xAQJtn2CioEfCJHPcGRgFW1i1cEB5miMMpeejn-RwbLBE0bM61C-X0I0OGikiNREIaoRNxEXiRM1e1/s1600/IMG_20131112_191554.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx-q6H3rGZ4KwLj8umQbvyO8atH7kQOCNcDCqtLWmivpn97b2HlVddipvBS2lH_7xAQJtn2CioEfCJHPcGRgFW1i1cEB5miMMpeejn-RwbLBE0bM61C-X0I0OGikiNREIaoRNxEXiRM1e1/s320/IMG_20131112_191554.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Solid blue bedspread</td></tr>
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This is another old one that has been sitting around in the "unfinished" category for quite some time. This is the one I'm currently working on. I'm hoping to finish this one before the end of the year and use it on my bed for the colder winter months. I ran into a hiccup with this one. I had been working away on it over the last couple weeks and eventually realized that my gauge was wayyy off. Like an extra 6 inches per side. So I had to take it apart and lower my hook size. So far so good. I'm going to put an edging around it to try and hide the wobbly sides.<br />
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So that about sums up my current dresser projects. Well, the crochet/knitted ones anyway. I have a bunch of incomplete sewing and quilting projects kicking around, but that's an entry for another time.<br />
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Keep crafty everyone! And stay focused! :)</div>
Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17119778985158914419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5111859790324887385.post-32410554903308658592013-10-03T14:12:00.003-07:002013-11-19T02:23:06.888-08:00Jean QuiltMy very own, very first: Jean Quilt! I love these things! They are perfect for picnics in the summer, keeping toasty while camping in the fall, and cozying up under during the winter.<br />
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This quilt started when a friend of mine cleaned out their closet. Instead of discarding the 7-8 pairs of jeans and kahkis I leaped into action and demanded them handed over so I could make a thrifty quilt.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOxEuxfXTAmps2wiLHF6y_GKLMgWkRlSNXn1dsiHbSHJ-scDJcrB7ju79izjYSruahsOJ43I5pTPiowv0jk53iaP8-7y1jX1PMXHqYrer6h5Mr2EXYDl3n1YdBp78cR8a19a7FD4Pg4xm5/s1600/IMG_20120525_203053.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOxEuxfXTAmps2wiLHF6y_GKLMgWkRlSNXn1dsiHbSHJ-scDJcrB7ju79izjYSruahsOJ43I5pTPiowv0jk53iaP8-7y1jX1PMXHqYrer6h5Mr2EXYDl3n1YdBp78cR8a19a7FD4Pg4xm5/s320/IMG_20120525_203053.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Helping a friend clear out their closet and stealing all the jeans</td></tr>
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Of course it would take a year or two of them sitting in a box in my To-Do pile, but eventually I got to it. What a process it was! Although it only took a couple months, it felt like forever!<br />
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First I had to take apart the pants, and I don't mean just cutting the good pieces and discarding the seams. Being ever conscious on using up as much as I can, I took the seems apart in order to maximize the amount of fabric available for the quilt. I even took off the pockets and used them!<br />
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Next I washed all the pieces, then decided on an approximate design. I made up a cardboard template for the squares then took out my rotary mat and blade and got cutting. This part took sooooooo long. It became nearly excruciating in the end. I was real happy when I was done with this part.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRXpmmscBqgHYU9jTyWagKihhL0PgMaKmuX2M4tv46Z1uRcd0m-yzNJpvYYSb-8bhPWMK0akwripewrcmGq26vunb1uGGyqq0xLqcepLg8MVbXMU-q9cLu4E1x6YNb17AD9c7ys1sbh_Sy/s1600/IMG_20130819_133047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRXpmmscBqgHYU9jTyWagKihhL0PgMaKmuX2M4tv46Z1uRcd0m-yzNJpvYYSb-8bhPWMK0akwripewrcmGq26vunb1uGGyqq0xLqcepLg8MVbXMU-q9cLu4E1x6YNb17AD9c7ys1sbh_Sy/s320/IMG_20130819_133047.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gurr interfering as usual</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1hWn3dP2mHB-B47kkfZSXPtKcNz8fEy4GLVt5ztDmQGnMLMoglg_C3xEtjXaBIEkHRJOoj7ohnZPf712gAogBwHGge4ZpkCz0-iQi0BCPKRwniWqrPAUCxHVDhsRlveYkAP8Kd9b7kfmK/s1600/IMG_20130819_144154.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1hWn3dP2mHB-B47kkfZSXPtKcNz8fEy4GLVt5ztDmQGnMLMoglg_C3xEtjXaBIEkHRJOoj7ohnZPf712gAogBwHGge4ZpkCz0-iQi0BCPKRwniWqrPAUCxHVDhsRlveYkAP8Kd9b7kfmK/s320/IMG_20130819_144154.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All the pieces cut</td></tr>
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Once all the pieces were cut I started assembling, laying the pieces out in the living room floor in order to find a nice pattern that would work with the amount of squares I had for each colour. The fun part is always the shortest.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcSMEEhsDWOnpsLJOWSr0Xzoabiv-m02or71D5Afhdn0P1-P5YIq7MvsmSy5olaUGOxJEmL6XmPI_B8WdHxG1SCoXtyFC-jLHu5hZGdu3guN3dW3WCrfm9dK8rKMGbG7q3Om7h-E5RqcPX/s1600/IMG_20130821_154840.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcSMEEhsDWOnpsLJOWSr0Xzoabiv-m02or71D5Afhdn0P1-P5YIq7MvsmSy5olaUGOxJEmL6XmPI_B8WdHxG1SCoXtyFC-jLHu5hZGdu3guN3dW3WCrfm9dK8rKMGbG7q3Om7h-E5RqcPX/s320/IMG_20130821_154840.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Choosing a good design</td></tr>
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Soon enough it was time to pick out a backing. I had a large bolt of dark blue and green flannel plaid that I had been lugging around for a while and it was perfect for the backing to a jean quilt (glad I lugged it around instead of getting rid of it a few years back (that's for all you nay-sayers who criticize my carrying around my large stash of fabrics every time I move :P)). The backing to this quilt pretty much used up the entire bolt.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0tU6FpvXVSPZz7GmDfwcb9GhWqlCjkKuJ2t504Ox4iKYIDJ-tL97C4RUuU1CuntTsFuCfjgFkH2Sk9olx7S5SLRu26iOEmhyphenhyphen0hzsPeZ7X9GDhexs-BABQEO87Nlz8xhl2iIRCX6tKJ5-E/s1600/IMG_20130923_162442.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0tU6FpvXVSPZz7GmDfwcb9GhWqlCjkKuJ2t504Ox4iKYIDJ-tL97C4RUuU1CuntTsFuCfjgFkH2Sk9olx7S5SLRu26iOEmhyphenhyphen0hzsPeZ7X9GDhexs-BABQEO87Nlz8xhl2iIRCX6tKJ5-E/s320/IMG_20130923_162442.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deciding on which fabric to use as a backing</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisuX5wlR0dlGIUbdl55_Hb05BVNzsYNR5pVkgWViGK0zC5fcqYhTG7P19MCJicyikhqxbFgWkPxuGAx9K-86Vj8bGN_OaAxKDs1S1GLe9UoS2JAynK5NqlC-Qb4IES13k9n4YxwmMbUIqq/s1600/IMG_20130923_164609.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisuX5wlR0dlGIUbdl55_Hb05BVNzsYNR5pVkgWViGK0zC5fcqYhTG7P19MCJicyikhqxbFgWkPxuGAx9K-86Vj8bGN_OaAxKDs1S1GLe9UoS2JAynK5NqlC-Qb4IES13k9n4YxwmMbUIqq/s320/IMG_20130923_164609.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pining the 2 layers together for sewing</td></tr>
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I sewed the backing on around the edges, and although I haven't yet secured the middle, at some point I will, most likely using phentex yarn, but only on a few squares.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKKclL6ZiBaEUDtkLCrIpTXjFPx8yK_CgnIyqQ7XFCxzmuLbg5b_7whAjsIoQOV-XVMkVzWwft45nycGA8CYziZiuhtBm1_naYOmK5mliqqsqdESwZ4TblOxUmAfoERDlGapDc1lwCtJ2m/s1600/IMG_20130924_194654.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKKclL6ZiBaEUDtkLCrIpTXjFPx8yK_CgnIyqQ7XFCxzmuLbg5b_7whAjsIoQOV-XVMkVzWwft45nycGA8CYziZiuhtBm1_naYOmK5mliqqsqdESwZ4TblOxUmAfoERDlGapDc1lwCtJ2m/s640/IMG_20130924_194654.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The finished product!</td></tr>
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I used this quilt for the first time on a camping trip last weekend and it was phenomenal! Nice and heavy and super warm! I'm VERY happy with how this one turned out. Jean quilts are very awesome and I recommend every household have one! :)<br />
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Keep crafty everyone!Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17119778985158914419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5111859790324887385.post-15288095036730790222013-07-08T18:09:00.000-07:002013-11-20T18:10:52.811-08:00Wedding GiftTwo great friends of mine have gotten married! Naturally, I got crafty.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOsGrgL5Fhh1fIwEXQKdOlbPphSiXS1K-XQ3KfunqgXeWclI3n4cDmmSNpfh54-h74vsp78QnPlwB2WsPc-oShKWi1fej0DAQltpFKmLGrs9X_wKEGZVCnp_wfab164MhDMlYCwm32rlHL/s1600/IMG_20130706_031831.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOsGrgL5Fhh1fIwEXQKdOlbPphSiXS1K-XQ3KfunqgXeWclI3n4cDmmSNpfh54-h74vsp78QnPlwB2WsPc-oShKWi1fej0DAQltpFKmLGrs9X_wKEGZVCnp_wfab164MhDMlYCwm32rlHL/s400/IMG_20130706_031831.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heart blanket: C *heart* S</td></tr>
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I've done this pattern once before several years ago and thought it would be great to make as a wedding gift if I personalized some of the middle squares with their initials. The pattern is originally from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Afghans-Alphabet-Leisure-Arts-3379/dp/1574867113" target="_blank">Afghans by the Alphabet</a>. This version turned out nice and I'm definitely going to keep it in my repertoire for future use.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3hdL0wzgCR_uF0Pr-ipx9BVqsreXPKLB9fx4q73vq6D9pt_ltSqvd-HzaxBMtdkwppWWe58-x2JZUxVE4CVOmDtNLe4xrrvMPkD78_0UWvdMMS7acyQoSA8k0KZzn3Rphw5M9dbH8f0Is/s1600/IMG_20130706_193514.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3hdL0wzgCR_uF0Pr-ipx9BVqsreXPKLB9fx4q73vq6D9pt_ltSqvd-HzaxBMtdkwppWWe58-x2JZUxVE4CVOmDtNLe4xrrvMPkD78_0UWvdMMS7acyQoSA8k0KZzn3Rphw5M9dbH8f0Is/s400/IMG_20130706_193514.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wedding Gift</td></tr>
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Another great big congratulations to Curtis and Sharon!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPpJ81EOs9Xhx1CfsoEXBQUUcglv54BCWpyGyiSaVSahMNkf10NszxOCSYyaeqbvnF3g0dOKS-Y5uCaMxC_E0t764uo6-kq8mzcB_1mJjnH9cyguGjXMd7pBqKctkuWBdM5JxaoWTrBCWX/s1600/Curtis+and+Sharon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPpJ81EOs9Xhx1CfsoEXBQUUcglv54BCWpyGyiSaVSahMNkf10NszxOCSYyaeqbvnF3g0dOKS-Y5uCaMxC_E0t764uo6-kq8mzcB_1mJjnH9cyguGjXMd7pBqKctkuWBdM5JxaoWTrBCWX/s320/Curtis+and+Sharon.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The happy couple!</td></tr>
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Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17119778985158914419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5111859790324887385.post-15548950349659987172013-05-30T15:22:00.000-07:002013-11-12T15:23:59.826-08:00Pink and Yellow ZigZag AfghanAfter visiting a friend for a couple weeks, I was sent home with a scrappy crafter's dream gift: a great big mystery bag of craft scraps! It's like Christmas! What will I find? My creativity goes into overdrive! I sorted the yarns to one side and the fabrics to another.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7bLKwqvqa6P4IH_2dQNgYjfzFVavnkPkPhuggJvg8mWq9zFe6iKeWr_6DY1kFZcSuYsgAYuB_Vp3ra1r4NXndwsHfzr3WgGilsYFzcbRj6sH0jN3e3Wrr-KEvMqRiqgLMS4uRsO40G3-Y/s1600/IMG_20130424_103052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7bLKwqvqa6P4IH_2dQNgYjfzFVavnkPkPhuggJvg8mWq9zFe6iKeWr_6DY1kFZcSuYsgAYuB_Vp3ra1r4NXndwsHfzr3WgGilsYFzcbRj6sH0jN3e3Wrr-KEvMqRiqgLMS4uRsO40G3-Y/s400/IMG_20130424_103052.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All the yarns from my "mystery bag"</td></tr>
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While going through the yarns, I noticed there were enough pinks and yellows to make an afghan. I decided on a simple zigzag pattern. I tried to keep the width of the coloured rows varied while keeping a somewhat symmetrical pink-yellow pattern to keep the afghan visually balanced.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipmJSDUHtWrJmfWhpiYM7zifFl88u-EuKnjySUVBIvfuGFzqjl8KO-VzAo7x1cP5sLg72Y7VMJyqk4yMC6dE4NQgS0ew2terSqaHzFovGTnB08_Rz6Xtp1sCt9ahOg2f95OVyxvuPf0Oo8/s1600/IMG_20130424_103254.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipmJSDUHtWrJmfWhpiYM7zifFl88u-EuKnjySUVBIvfuGFzqjl8KO-VzAo7x1cP5sLg72Y7VMJyqk4yMC6dE4NQgS0ew2terSqaHzFovGTnB08_Rz6Xtp1sCt9ahOg2f95OVyxvuPf0Oo8/s400/IMG_20130424_103254.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pink and yellow yarns</td></tr>
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This afghan was very quick to finish, only took about a month or so and was made completely out of the random discarded yarns from a friend (yarns are various weights, textures, and compositions). I *love* getting crafty!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHWCqZqnIYPX1AIPFxMSI9NtEYO_d_AVXb3oaXdETErKzSfeEd6T3-JCRIuniVW-Sq0VG6-w5gk6in7lNk7CDmdeUnnVMLgED7ydBdkW2N4KnAc6b1T0KiQBk2xOvSIIhiJdE_FWMH4hyphenhypheny/s1600/IMG_20131110_160601.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHWCqZqnIYPX1AIPFxMSI9NtEYO_d_AVXb3oaXdETErKzSfeEd6T3-JCRIuniVW-Sq0VG6-w5gk6in7lNk7CDmdeUnnVMLgED7ydBdkW2N4KnAc6b1T0KiQBk2xOvSIIhiJdE_FWMH4hyphenhypheny/s400/IMG_20131110_160601.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finished product (finished May 2013, pic taken Nov 2013)</td></tr>
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Keep crafty everyone!Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17119778985158914419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5111859790324887385.post-36408587930395046482013-04-15T14:59:00.000-07:002013-11-12T15:02:07.780-08:00Mini Crochet RugsI love getting crafty scraps from crafty friends. It's always a fun challenge to find materials with no evident use and creatively turning them into something beautiful and useful.<div>
While visiting some crafty friends in Hamilton I got to dive into a bag of scraps and found these small balls of fabric yarns. What to do? </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8WSubTp_7Cb5LGJPv7vKxcsahyphenhyphenwR2OGtpXmzB70kiFhCvH4q5n2RqCLclZAFh4zeprhcgArgOI0S77W220Seha5zq5Coho5gnBEEClLHcHqB2eSKCZ2ebAOBdm0j0b6zDvX-yoZji3Mjv/s1600/IMG_20130414_095115.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8WSubTp_7Cb5LGJPv7vKxcsahyphenhyphenwR2OGtpXmzB70kiFhCvH4q5n2RqCLclZAFh4zeprhcgArgOI0S77W220Seha5zq5Coho5gnBEEClLHcHqB2eSKCZ2ebAOBdm0j0b6zDvX-yoZji3Mjv/s400/IMG_20130414_095115.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Left over fabric yarns</td></tr>
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I decided to make mini rugs! I used the largest crochet hook I could find and just used single crochet rows for the two rectangular ones then a long chain plus rounds for the oval one. The small circular one was made using circular rounds and is great for under a cake tray or under large potted plants.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF14nh3zGccdT3ONPP9DOl6pq79mNJY1Caj97e5eoKyp4dMRvxTMyxxeSPDTyXNg_IOpHspJ0Q_L8b48Wxbo6AunXOH4MBJ5UyPLHIkQe4Nsh7anaFfJQGUBVdovh9pRIMrisdDy3LUDyU/s1600/IMG_20130415_145502.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF14nh3zGccdT3ONPP9DOl6pq79mNJY1Caj97e5eoKyp4dMRvxTMyxxeSPDTyXNg_IOpHspJ0Q_L8b48Wxbo6AunXOH4MBJ5UyPLHIkQe4Nsh7anaFfJQGUBVdovh9pRIMrisdDy3LUDyU/s400/IMG_20130415_145502.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">3 Rugs</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOrgeq10_p2ORt4y51acQO0pE6TxysGBwoTKOs8VZm2tiQaJaSn_h7z0NgqQ7O3INdqDHA_wMNEW3eMplRTMVxtuGKxb62GzrFc39snewUrd-RHjaiiQa5Ng6ffqt1Y67nBw7bihT_Iipj/s1600/IMG_20131112_173948.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOrgeq10_p2ORt4y51acQO0pE6TxysGBwoTKOs8VZm2tiQaJaSn_h7z0NgqQ7O3INdqDHA_wMNEW3eMplRTMVxtuGKxb62GzrFc39snewUrd-RHjaiiQa5Ng6ffqt1Y67nBw7bihT_Iipj/s400/IMG_20131112_173948.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smaller circular rug/placemat</td></tr>
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Keep creative and crafty everyone!</div>
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*Update* November 12th 2013:</div>
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I'm happy to say that all rugs are currently being used in my new place here in Thunder Bay. :)</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgourhrqYSpHNaJcQj4VtVxg0Y_XW4-ACeXV_nEFFteRIbKOyyWd_fM8_gCyn9q6zz5YqwH2X5rZolIPmVzJMKW5gVoZCcSe-5BWjJQRNZZM5pfSy9mykwiCZhxEwrDnmAi-Eh4MAFHhCat/s1600/IMG_20131112_174110.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgourhrqYSpHNaJcQj4VtVxg0Y_XW4-ACeXV_nEFFteRIbKOyyWd_fM8_gCyn9q6zz5YqwH2X5rZolIPmVzJMKW5gVoZCcSe-5BWjJQRNZZM5pfSy9mykwiCZhxEwrDnmAi-Eh4MAFHhCat/s400/IMG_20131112_174110.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Under the rubber tree in the kitchen</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipiuJ7ZR_z0NrLzZWpZba9o5eLlnvJietHlEB_yQEuBVKC4aeQbPFTQmn4Q5TWKrUcazhImIL4L61mT_JW97F0m4R1PS6DuOGtfobn9z3eNMr7s99sQgIZjyIGq_5FkcSRDjwKzcVIqmmZ/s1600/IMG_20131112_174412.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipiuJ7ZR_z0NrLzZWpZba9o5eLlnvJietHlEB_yQEuBVKC4aeQbPFTQmn4Q5TWKrUcazhImIL4L61mT_JW97F0m4R1PS6DuOGtfobn9z3eNMr7s99sQgIZjyIGq_5FkcSRDjwKzcVIqmmZ/s400/IMG_20131112_174412.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In the bathroom</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5JtqNUWPCx0zTn2HzJ52ODYcUOeu_qfEau_wFbrXv_6LjDh8plG2sVnX6pfsjdIwt4XZQvfb0kixpvuwMMVA_axJyJHGsLWQY9huTqRlJUH2a812dujVYJOGPuISjxUUzyJppF4A187SH/s1600/IMG_20131112_174641.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5JtqNUWPCx0zTn2HzJ52ODYcUOeu_qfEau_wFbrXv_6LjDh8plG2sVnX6pfsjdIwt4XZQvfb0kixpvuwMMVA_axJyJHGsLWQY9huTqRlJUH2a812dujVYJOGPuISjxUUzyJppF4A187SH/s400/IMG_20131112_174641.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In the living room on the ottoman/chest to keep cat hair contained</td></tr>
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<div>
*Not shown: pink and green rug in my roommate's bedroom*</div>
Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17119778985158914419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5111859790324887385.post-55685826358472004992012-09-30T19:22:00.002-07:002012-09-30T19:23:27.508-07:00Shannon's Purse<div style="text-align: justify;">
A little while back I was out shopping with a new friend when she was about to buy a tote, saying she needed a new purse. Seeing the plain, expensive tote she was about to purchase I quickly halted her and offered to MAKE her a custom purse, with a design, colours and dimensions of her liking. She quickly put down the tote and became excited at the idea.</div>
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A few days later, Shannon came over to look at some fabrics and chose the colours she's like. Once chosen we sat down and I began taking down notes and measurements. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiABbo6hk2bxggBIRhqMKOZOz4nr7PUoQgy-WYfa4O3MAWW7qFlHlm1rij29dqOLH2J2f4N62vhHTXJsYRja-h1gYijkIxy5C72HPKHIMkPVGFcADVeX3CmgKXo2NH9qGRfoptT6aF3B87Z/s1600/IMG_20120829_195730.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiABbo6hk2bxggBIRhqMKOZOz4nr7PUoQgy-WYfa4O3MAWW7qFlHlm1rij29dqOLH2J2f4N62vhHTXJsYRja-h1gYijkIxy5C72HPKHIMkPVGFcADVeX3CmgKXo2NH9qGRfoptT6aF3B87Z/s320/IMG_20120829_195730.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Materials to become a purse</td></tr>
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"How many inside pockets would you like?"</div>
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"Would you like a key clip?"</div>
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"How many pens should fit in the pocket?"</div>
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I took out my measuring tape and measured her bus pass, the length of the straps on a previous purse she liked, the length of her pens... The whole process left her quite impressed as I buzzed about taking measurements, asking questions and taking notes.</div>
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Once all the details were accounted for I began cutting out the lining, the pockets, the straps... I assembled the outside, assembled the inside lining, then sewed them together. After the large amount of totes I made last year around this time I have become quite proficient at this design and finished up Shannon's new purse in just a couple days. I also made up a little coin purse with matching lining. For more photos of Shannon's Purse and it's making, check out HN&S facebook page <a href="http://www.facebook.com/HookNeedleSpindle" target="_blank">here</a> (album <a href="http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.502980233046302.124752.201195989891396&type=1" target="_blank">Shannon's Purse</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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglY_LAmhlPgw6i7FIblfqbrEKxFq8R0PxBQHH91NGqGhOuQLBb7XNTKylTkIQZDHvwM1PqqbGq1-8es4F2dHzCjxx88nUSHa-ovls2bexuIEFZznI4hoiE-PkNevSmzCz8uCPcrbhoEs_o/s1600/IMG_20120831_125009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglY_LAmhlPgw6i7FIblfqbrEKxFq8R0PxBQHH91NGqGhOuQLBb7XNTKylTkIQZDHvwM1PqqbGq1-8es4F2dHzCjxx88nUSHa-ovls2bexuIEFZznI4hoiE-PkNevSmzCz8uCPcrbhoEs_o/s400/IMG_20120831_125009.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Completed Purse (with coin purse)</td></tr>
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When I handed over the new purse to Shannon she was absolutely in love with it! And I must say, there are few things in this life as rewarding as seeing a friend elated over something you created for them. Just one of the many rewards craftiness brings. And in that context, I encourage you all:</div>
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To Keep Crafty! And share with a friend!</div>
Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17119778985158914419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5111859790324887385.post-68549705545325287612012-09-30T18:12:00.002-07:002012-09-30T18:13:22.933-07:00Second Hand Shop Hop<div style="text-align: justify;">
Most people cringe a little at the thought of a second hand shop, but the reality is that there are many great items that people don't use anymore and consequently many great finds in such stores. Especially if you are a frugal crafter like myself. So when I noticed a stretch of road near where I live that had four second hand shops in the span of 3 blocks, I got quite excited. Everytime I'd go past them I'd think to myself: "this would be a great place to do a little shop hop". Although I go past them almost daily, I could never seem to find the time to go. Finally, this Saturday was the day. I met up with a friend, backpacks and cloth bags at the ready and we went off to see what great things we could find.</div>
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Of the four shops, we visited three. The first one being a little more out of the way and a "for profit organization", we started at the second shop: Bibles For Missions Thrift Store.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjReU5OfruoProoU74HqlqDfQ43Z1gy7PIgceVKgzNemHfvDrs9tBCMNZRAmfqhdUWzZ22Z3MuYWc357YTAm9m1i8W8Rzpt9uQ5cgptjoz6AWCUIrYRCScX3Mx24FjRQYokIYSqxfNRbl7B/s1600/DSCN1687.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjReU5OfruoProoU74HqlqDfQ43Z1gy7PIgceVKgzNemHfvDrs9tBCMNZRAmfqhdUWzZ22Z3MuYWc357YTAm9m1i8W8Rzpt9uQ5cgptjoz6AWCUIrYRCScX3Mx24FjRQYokIYSqxfNRbl7B/s400/DSCN1687.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bibles For Missions Thrift Store</td></tr>
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Once we'd finished browsing and purchasing we moved on to the next shop: Salvation Army Thrift Store. I was a little excited for the Salvation Army Thrift Store since I volunteered at the Fort Frances branch last year, but unfortunately the pricing was different as well as the over "feel" of the shop. I suppose the big city mentality finds it's way into all shops and franchises.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Z5pJ8FeA-TQaR9ZTOUYROvrH-LrzY2FGcHgAPdf10F84xEqn-YxlBCCs3mPFpDiULBNtqCc3_Q8dBYDldZo6FE8FvmWhxUkja0waf_tUsa0cLIzMJJNyuB0dHsa-m2KBPU1kj2U7o2ph/s1600/DSCN1699.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Z5pJ8FeA-TQaR9ZTOUYROvrH-LrzY2FGcHgAPdf10F84xEqn-YxlBCCs3mPFpDiULBNtqCc3_Q8dBYDldZo6FE8FvmWhxUkja0waf_tUsa0cLIzMJJNyuB0dHsa-m2KBPU1kj2U7o2ph/s400/DSCN1699.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Salvation Army Thrift Store</td></tr>
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The last shop we hopped to was the Goodwill Community Store which neighbored the Salvation Army Thrift Store. We were quite grateful for that considering we had accumulated a bit of a stash at that point. It was a nice shop, quite spacious, lots of goodies to browse through and well organized.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-y0pVg9QKo5ZcMRa2ife3ytfVD9LeQiN0_jibEmvgAUbVvXN4Q_APgwg2nRamneZ6dC1pkmTc0_kmvrW3FVvLnJgpJi4JS_tmgn_i7IMClRx5zfyVNED8mJboMtSQsDVqkBE9oC0vTZDt/s1600/DSCN1696.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-y0pVg9QKo5ZcMRa2ife3ytfVD9LeQiN0_jibEmvgAUbVvXN4Q_APgwg2nRamneZ6dC1pkmTc0_kmvrW3FVvLnJgpJi4JS_tmgn_i7IMClRx5zfyVNED8mJboMtSQsDVqkBE9oC0vTZDt/s400/DSCN1696.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Goodwill Community Store</td></tr>
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All in all we had a pretty nice afternoon. We found lots of great things: records, great vintage skirts, pretty yarns, knitting needles... The Second Hand Shop Hop was a success and I'm sure it won't be long before we start planning the next one.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPf_Zw3iB57g2jwO8SqTrywaWHoTNv9ay2GVZisU-m1kQNat5PqQXKU4-otHwRKM6imoph4FM_zdCPBrr8GpwXUzpawgILDD2KpdPzPG7ENnlYPhQLuwN-VBFJStEWa4sON4H0v48dBF7H/s1600/DSCN1705.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPf_Zw3iB57g2jwO8SqTrywaWHoTNv9ay2GVZisU-m1kQNat5PqQXKU4-otHwRKM6imoph4FM_zdCPBrr8GpwXUzpawgILDD2KpdPzPG7ENnlYPhQLuwN-VBFJStEWa4sON4H0v48dBF7H/s400/DSCN1705.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shannon and I with our stash of goodies</td></tr>
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This was a great way to spend my Saturday afternoon and I would suggest this activity for just about everyone. Second hand shopping is a great way to support your community, be frugal and get really creative and crafty. The wide variety of materials available at such stores is a real treat and can send you into a creative frenzy! If you haven't already discovered the joys of second hand shopping, get out and try it! </div>
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Keep Crafty Everyone!</div>
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Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17119778985158914419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5111859790324887385.post-33676312091259376132012-09-06T18:55:00.000-07:002012-09-30T18:39:55.257-07:00Hockey Blanket<div style="text-align: justify;">
Anyone who spends a lot of time in an arena watching hockey (or other ice sports) knows that it can get pretty chilly, and if you are one of those people who is always cold (like me) you especially need some extra warmth while watching the games. </div>
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Since 2008 I've been attending my good friend Ken's hockey games and I quickly learned methods of keeping warm while watching. In addition to my tea thermos and sweater I always bring a blanket. It didn't take long for me to have a designated hockey blanket, however, after so many years of use (and thanks to my nibbly ratties (r.i.p.)) my hockey blanket accumulated a few holes that have been growing. While living in Fort Frances I wasn't too concerned since I had only the Lakers games and as a volunteer I was running around a bit which kept me warm, but now that I'm back in Ottawa with my friend Ken and hockey season is upon us, my hockey blanket needs to be patched up and ready for action.<br />
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Last year I attempted to fix the afghan by sewing it with yarn, but that proved very ineffective. So this time my plan of action involves patches on both sides of the blanket. That way it will keep the blanket nice and warm it will keep the holes from ripping and getting bigger. The patches are crocheted with similar colours and the same pattern as the afghan so it will match.<br />
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It was a little tricky sewing the patches on, and the brown was a slightly different shade, but after the first patch I got the hang of it and managed to come out with something I was proud of. </div>
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The patches on both sides does make the blanket much bulkier in certain areas, but I feel it adds to it's overall character. I've been using this blanket as my hockey blanket for years now and would have hated to waste such a nice afghan just cause of a few holes. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTN6t0bG8C8cjsQurmRkkX_WzlbTTwna4RseAR1MmiRfgEfKhNym5AcIETSJR4NvCD3UAY6D7WVK2L6nX0cXEsjvpJaTlpz6G7DxIjGCE8Wu7umAcvvxoFTOhmf3E72ErQkexU7cP9GV2N/s1600/IMG_20120906_201500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTN6t0bG8C8cjsQurmRkkX_WzlbTTwna4RseAR1MmiRfgEfKhNym5AcIETSJR4NvCD3UAY6D7WVK2L6nX0cXEsjvpJaTlpz6G7DxIjGCE8Wu7umAcvvxoFTOhmf3E72ErQkexU7cP9GV2N/s320/IMG_20120906_201500.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I think this solution turned out really well. My trusty blanket is trusty and toasty once again! </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW2OaprLPrhet5ptjm3s2GsiuhrlkKd9CdJFoMgTq7gOKWGtf7NIzMbVlLSPNu06c-dpM49F84HHbd9ldMNcH96Gi-m05ySF3Nt_VyUwUHTpA8qU6vrQP31EijTciOmKE94yH19hi4y7o9/s1600/DSCN1035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW2OaprLPrhet5ptjm3s2GsiuhrlkKd9CdJFoMgTq7gOKWGtf7NIzMbVlLSPNu06c-dpM49F84HHbd9ldMNcH96Gi-m05ySF3Nt_VyUwUHTpA8qU6vrQP31EijTciOmKE94yH19hi4y7o9/s400/DSCN1035.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At Ken's first Snowflakes game of the season September 6th 2012</td></tr>
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For more pics of this project check out HN&S' facebook page <a href="http://www.facebook.com/HookNeedleSpindle" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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Keep Crafty Everyone, and to the avid arena watchers keep toasty!<br />
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Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17119778985158914419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5111859790324887385.post-26165378481416703132012-09-06T05:30:00.001-07:002012-09-30T18:37:10.901-07:00Ken's Jerseys<div style="text-align: justify;">
After a seemingly long summer without hockey it's time for it to start up again. Yay! Last week when Ken pulled out his hockey equipment for a pick up game he found that a few adjustments were needed for the jerseys to fit better for the upcoming season. What was he to do? Call me of course! So over came Kenny, jerseys in hand and asked me to fix them up and make them a bit bigger. Since he had a couple of old jerseys about the same colour it would be a relatively easy task.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
He wanted the arms to be same but the sides to be a bit bigger, so my action plan was to take apart the sides, cut out 2 strips from each of the extra jerseys (one white, one black) then sew them into each side of the jerseys he wanted fixed. I did some measuring, some dismantling, some cutting, a little bit of pinning then some sewing, and voilà ! They turned out great! </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjcrmPnoeUbReV60wgnJR_1vGEJAfEcmiMLm-acdGD1FxOz2zi6viTU_tAS7UBB-cXpKISdzzSo0K_kjemCDHKPYRrxIlhgYw82xAmzty32udv87q7nhEpuosSStRMIHPvGrzkajdFmLwR/s1600/DSCN1032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjcrmPnoeUbReV60wgnJR_1vGEJAfEcmiMLm-acdGD1FxOz2zi6viTU_tAS7UBB-cXpKISdzzSo0K_kjemCDHKPYRrxIlhgYw82xAmzty32udv87q7nhEpuosSStRMIHPvGrzkajdFmLwR/s400/DSCN1032.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A little bit of measuring</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKSf8tCO87b3GcvbR_DT1PEdFOELE8Q9U-Fclff0VewNJDWeZif1CSZrY9w5Eqc1jIkiK_FfpSElaB3mS_uEb1yWg1ChlDoAlBO0zySD7SivaK5HYsRdqjbpeOQKNZvnWl3I7U1JXhX-fA/s1600/IMG_20120906_201751.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKSf8tCO87b3GcvbR_DT1PEdFOELE8Q9U-Fclff0VewNJDWeZif1CSZrY9w5Eqc1jIkiK_FfpSElaB3mS_uEb1yWg1ChlDoAlBO0zySD7SivaK5HYsRdqjbpeOQKNZvnWl3I7U1JXhX-fA/s400/IMG_20120906_201751.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black Jersey: front</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfYRusNSEbF4CwZPhrSK4xFjqX2uTF5lREEkOnQrKM9AMSOh1OhDzSCKq2v8I2yW_Vw7ceI4-1ju-HPvCfIqdIOX9a-pd9RmQSGeq7fStOGowm5vpqHOyWz-jbxAcMyzwnMjVl1eKqv9HA/s1600/IMG_20120906_201820.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfYRusNSEbF4CwZPhrSK4xFjqX2uTF5lREEkOnQrKM9AMSOh1OhDzSCKq2v8I2yW_Vw7ceI4-1ju-HPvCfIqdIOX9a-pd9RmQSGeq7fStOGowm5vpqHOyWz-jbxAcMyzwnMjVl1eKqv9HA/s400/IMG_20120906_201820.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black Jersey: side</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ6HYkMwdLwHHyLhh4h2IJMSTEPyaUApsITiHQup3IOOz1dkZlYQOysayKivJaq74tBu6pwfTgzY4XguqJMzfktaX5tTG3Xsq2gBrgBinAAHGAraLj0xkcTaeZFqNdG-jwMsy0bsnNvSOe/s1600/IMG_20120906_201921.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ6HYkMwdLwHHyLhh4h2IJMSTEPyaUApsITiHQup3IOOz1dkZlYQOysayKivJaq74tBu6pwfTgzY4XguqJMzfktaX5tTG3Xsq2gBrgBinAAHGAraLj0xkcTaeZFqNdG-jwMsy0bsnNvSOe/s400/IMG_20120906_201921.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">White Jersey: sides</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx2PNB6CbwhGD4Ix6rBvJ_mHTv818D0Rnpp1HCB0JuuVct-RZoNZVD5GCIZ21vz58ABH-q_t3UGk6yM4e-oKCOe7Bpx25hm921epIXL5L5jba9iWQhHFMB8lh3krTOpBuNmlhyphenhyphenPVVvbE7a/s1600/IMG_20120906_201953.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx2PNB6CbwhGD4Ix6rBvJ_mHTv818D0Rnpp1HCB0JuuVct-RZoNZVD5GCIZ21vz58ABH-q_t3UGk6yM4e-oKCOe7Bpx25hm921epIXL5L5jba9iWQhHFMB8lh3krTOpBuNmlhyphenhyphenPVVvbE7a/s400/IMG_20120906_201953.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">White Jersey: side</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
This having been my first time working with jerseys as well as my first time with enlarging something as opposed to taking them in (making it bigger rather than smaller) I wasn't too sure on how well it would turn out, but it was super easy and came out really well. I've very happy with how they turned out and being a perfectionist, that's an accomplishment :).</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCqIW2cGwWUneQ79v363Opg1b6BTdafYwYv39Sm6IJIm4k3idt89luea-QB1pGls6viTV0BkgYwss72xV0SVeYmamToDDQn_iB6AjSeAeJhgofxnXsIbJgavqofRHex6L6zZNUPzuxXmu8/s1600/DSCN1056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCqIW2cGwWUneQ79v363Opg1b6BTdafYwYv39Sm6IJIm4k3idt89luea-QB1pGls6viTV0BkgYwss72xV0SVeYmamToDDQn_iB6AjSeAeJhgofxnXsIbJgavqofRHex6L6zZNUPzuxXmu8/s400/DSCN1056.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Defense-man Kenny in action</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjoc8G1-V82PytC3mj3pLKb7ShjWX84sHfOsTGlGdaLz3RniCVsCJLmpBQkZf5hCkI8WrGjB5SUt9I_k17myNzevicf0mwBXZL9hBGYWOSWsuIF-oov-0MoTQBETkUqTo4pSPH8K-I0WbV/s1600/DSCN1060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjoc8G1-V82PytC3mj3pLKb7ShjWX84sHfOsTGlGdaLz3RniCVsCJLmpBQkZf5hCkI8WrGjB5SUt9I_k17myNzevicf0mwBXZL9hBGYWOSWsuIF-oov-0MoTQBETkUqTo4pSPH8K-I0WbV/s400/DSCN1060.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ken is number 6 (RIGID BODY)</td></tr>
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Ken looked great out on the ice with great fitting jerseys. I for one am glad he's back on the ice (which means I'm back at the rink watching hockey) :D. Happy season to all the amateur players out there and happy watching to all the fans who like to come out and watch!<br />
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Keep Crafty Everyone, and to the avid hockey watchers out there: keep toasty! :)</div>
Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17119778985158914419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5111859790324887385.post-90842776857072376262012-09-04T13:41:00.001-07:002012-09-04T13:46:17.802-07:00Sharpies and Ceramic Plates<div style="text-align: justify;">
Another crafty thing Kim and I did while she was visiting involved dollar store plates and sharpies. We attempted to draw permanent designs on the plates using the coloured markers. I got the idea from Pinterest (originally from <a href="http://indulgy.com/post/H5e6jRXXI1/buy-plates-from-dollar-store-write-things-with-" target="_blank">here</a>). Kim went with a floral design, while I went for my nerdy organic chemistry stuff. Unfortunately baking the plates at 150 for 30 minutes did NOT make them permanent, so we had to start over. I was very sad to have had my hard work wash off after the first try. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV0CF92JXDDrt7gO0L_bV_Nsj57GTgEA2T7YMu0jervGbZBeW35qawslG2KvcFVI4s_jZAXAHXObLvZuO6A7aCoxQaWdUVpvSdGIUdPO_9Vx4FohsWLdRbNyiPm6thRdkvoMsdjzLh3pLw/s1600/DSCN0829.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV0CF92JXDDrt7gO0L_bV_Nsj57GTgEA2T7YMu0jervGbZBeW35qawslG2KvcFVI4s_jZAXAHXObLvZuO6A7aCoxQaWdUVpvSdGIUdPO_9Vx4FohsWLdRbNyiPm6thRdkvoMsdjzLh3pLw/s400/DSCN0829.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Supplies: little dollar store plates and Sharpie markers</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKadAAOC8LcQQKYyQE5eqaSsTj6IllJkANq9ycJ5Jq72MFRj89qu7h32RsabQLdaLq6ytK-RDUfvstbUyGVgBtLhTeBq8HRgpIgAlfC1irSHig9eCpFcf7LJCHvXxQrPRpKq44VG5GCOB9/s1600/DSCN0835.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKadAAOC8LcQQKYyQE5eqaSsTj6IllJkANq9ycJ5Jq72MFRj89qu7h32RsabQLdaLq6ytK-RDUfvstbUyGVgBtLhTeBq8HRgpIgAlfC1irSHig9eCpFcf7LJCHvXxQrPRpKq44VG5GCOB9/s400/DSCN0835.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drawing my nerdiness on a plate</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj67bXT7q2Fw6SyGlm4lEzQTeJyh73eKczp87MEiUzahIYoX9ROYSD2rIu5PPo1U02n7W_5FUqNPwSFrJvPr0WT49zPV3ZBQ_cav1n59g7SBy8ve8-Dkba72SFoZB928h8BmfdSEZFX5Bjf/s1600/DSCN0837.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj67bXT7q2Fw6SyGlm4lEzQTeJyh73eKczp87MEiUzahIYoX9ROYSD2rIu5PPo1U02n7W_5FUqNPwSFrJvPr0WT49zPV3ZBQ_cav1n59g7SBy8ve8-Dkba72SFoZB928h8BmfdSEZFX5Bjf/s400/DSCN0837.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our plate designs: front</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSj_Wsiq5zfJuVVzxOQg_HgJ3qRLIesk5XmBBdYGSf9hxSjDeWxcaqTH_m2bv0qdESUb98TJ6gKpfSeHax4u1JTK71yc3jKPMlFxwGVHqH_96Rw4Foa5pBjr2VI2lM99HaitQzhMGFfELk/s1600/DSCN0841.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSj_Wsiq5zfJuVVzxOQg_HgJ3qRLIesk5XmBBdYGSf9hxSjDeWxcaqTH_m2bv0qdESUb98TJ6gKpfSeHax4u1JTK71yc3jKPMlFxwGVHqH_96Rw4Foa5pBjr2VI2lM99HaitQzhMGFfELk/s400/DSCN0841.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our plate designs: back (mine had a back design)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFY5mLAVEBxg9erVdteOzfNZVpWBA6mqY6SBkGImFtcV2jK3ga20YP8bXfvHaEKEcEBdyXbTdADOW_6K0saG3t1qbQ3nDV36rdZghRRVEFkTqcHvjBT72CtPevzftzOLTZtSZFDBnH71BM/s1600/DSCN0844.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFY5mLAVEBxg9erVdteOzfNZVpWBA6mqY6SBkGImFtcV2jK3ga20YP8bXfvHaEKEcEBdyXbTdADOW_6K0saG3t1qbQ3nDV36rdZghRRVEFkTqcHvjBT72CtPevzftzOLTZtSZFDBnH71BM/s400/DSCN0844.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our plates in the oven</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This morning I have started on the second attempt. Before Kim left she redid her design and I've been waiting for the time to re-attempt mine. I have found another site with slightly varied instructions <a href="http://abeautifulmess.typepad.com/my_weblog/2012/06/his-her-sharpie-mug-diy.html" target="_blank">here</a>. I put the plates in at 450 for a half hour. Kim's design was made several weeks ago and the marker has had ample time to dry while mine was made, then immediately put in the oven but it didn't seem to make a difference.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEhaHP4Up4vLZwPzMEsQO8T_-LD_SgDkTxTYuGn7wTwPFkynQ-xCjPaztI2SYcc2yh9Ig8ZKh9J8k-EAnipqljHQERQd015YO1uRKJFKMBfBWexidNVl26rrpEWJGi0Q2_CIC4oyT2jMOa/s1600/IMG_20120904_161625.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEhaHP4Up4vLZwPzMEsQO8T_-LD_SgDkTxTYuGn7wTwPFkynQ-xCjPaztI2SYcc2yh9Ig8ZKh9J8k-EAnipqljHQERQd015YO1uRKJFKMBfBWexidNVl26rrpEWJGi0Q2_CIC4oyT2jMOa/s400/IMG_20120904_161625.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After 30 mins at 450 degrees</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It turned out alright. Both plates have survived a mild wash and scrub. The colours did fade while in the oven but it seems more "caked on" so to speak. I'm confident using these as tea bag holders, but I'm not sure how well they'd stand up to a real good scrub with a brush. One thing's for sure, this project was not as wonderful as it seemed on Pinterest. The term "permanent" was very loosely used.<br />
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So I'm a little disappointed it wasn't as straightforward and fool proof as it boasted, but regardless it was a fun activity. I will likely experiment with this idea a little more at some point in the future, perhaps with tea mugs or more plates, but I'm in no rush since it's not as permanent as I'd like.<br />
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Keep Crafty Everyone!<br />
Monica</div>
Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17119778985158914419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5111859790324887385.post-91780998489366369622012-09-04T08:37:00.000-07:002012-09-04T08:37:39.781-07:00Ottawa Bead Shops<div style="text-align: justify;">
When Kim was visiting in August I got the wonderful opportunity to be introduced to a new craft: beading and jewelry making! And what a craft it is! Kim owns and operates <a href="http://murchgems.com/" target="_blank">Murch Gems</a> and has some great talent. While in Ottawa she wanted to browse some bead stores to add to her stash. So she picked a couple stores and we went on a little Beading Store Tour.</div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">Sassy Bead Co.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwk9evAeDwJ1BUt-JAvE3van5RVnXdEhEtSmE5JAw4k8-_XGqp1yed9vD2adPC7UeF-2FDJSCurdzkil_3biXt_zXNgCSbz6FKt6705Jr5zWdHdx-wL7mvcQOr9QDHeZWrrnmpSns28vH3/s1600/DSCN0746.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwk9evAeDwJ1BUt-JAvE3van5RVnXdEhEtSmE5JAw4k8-_XGqp1yed9vD2adPC7UeF-2FDJSCurdzkil_3biXt_zXNgCSbz6FKt6705Jr5zWdHdx-wL7mvcQOr9QDHeZWrrnmpSns28vH3/s200/DSCN0746.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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Our first stop was the <a href="http://www.thesassybeadco.com/" target="_blank">Sassy Bead Co.</a> in downtown Ottawa in the Byward Market area. This would be my first time in a full out bead store and Wow! I was amazed! Beads everywhere! Kim, being a seasoned player in this field, seemed less impressed. We wandered about but then left soon after entering. Kim, knowing her stuff, was unimpressed with the quality of the stock and un-matching high prices. I was unimpressed with the rude uncaring staff. Sassy Bead Co. is NOT on our return list.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7zZElFylMsTdRj7rDYTb8gSvtiYVF-C09WClaaz0R973YoloaKM6HICn0bqlKhNOdHieSWCyfeG_XlhI0yVy6-xAdsv2R0W8WOaW06Xbmz7DwliZd0I4EfshOmJuFPDOODLa24_mBurUQ/s1600/DSCN0752.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7zZElFylMsTdRj7rDYTb8gSvtiYVF-C09WClaaz0R973YoloaKM6HICn0bqlKhNOdHieSWCyfeG_XlhI0yVy6-xAdsv2R0W8WOaW06Xbmz7DwliZd0I4EfshOmJuFPDOODLa24_mBurUQ/s400/DSCN0752.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beads when walking into the store</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4wZQ9eWaLVkcg2j3fEGc-Xvk2eAoULFy7deEXdu6-JbCRn4LcsYCv4JWQCwN-4EHhq26-jLsqSrAHzw3hxMeX8VcFocqgv548c4IXaB0CTmVOQvNqHJnOFKlFr8MMGHl9Xvgmy8EowzJs/s1600/DSCN0759.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4wZQ9eWaLVkcg2j3fEGc-Xvk2eAoULFy7deEXdu6-JbCRn4LcsYCv4JWQCwN-4EHhq26-jLsqSrAHzw3hxMeX8VcFocqgv548c4IXaB0CTmVOQvNqHJnOFKlFr8MMGHl9Xvgmy8EowzJs/s320/DSCN0759.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Strings and chains</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7aAgRTeuRJCxeIvIbVkSK3BVaZEC5fE9fowUjJSu7eymjyFzifqJ7xd9G_VGzSRqfsAyC1mnZHzzIrejime3iyDqsf4lI9FuI2BKD3qtyIw203HwVxmrwB71LiLQLBgYfdXiAVoBH7DjE/s1600/DSCN0760.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7aAgRTeuRJCxeIvIbVkSK3BVaZEC5fE9fowUjJSu7eymjyFzifqJ7xd9G_VGzSRqfsAyC1mnZHzzIrejime3iyDqsf4lI9FuI2BKD3qtyIw203HwVxmrwB71LiLQLBgYfdXiAVoBH7DjE/s320/DSCN0760.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Work table</td></tr>
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There was a work table available for beading, perhaps its original purpose was for teaching or something, but when Kim and I visited the lady who sat there stared and scoffed at us the entire time as if we were intruding in her home. Not the best environment for bead shopping.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeQJfN8oKQaJdYWEzZVQHjeupfGXFri4mVn1X_fWThbFdIkSd85HLSTPHqwxRD3EWhRXTqwSRS_xmbGqcOjfk6pZ3VpQCf_A6bYQDxrzermZOr_uaGWxUhPp2A0u3cfqcCHqiD9HCucpEn/s1600/DSCN0765.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeQJfN8oKQaJdYWEzZVQHjeupfGXFri4mVn1X_fWThbFdIkSd85HLSTPHqwxRD3EWhRXTqwSRS_xmbGqcOjfk6pZ3VpQCf_A6bYQDxrzermZOr_uaGWxUhPp2A0u3cfqcCHqiD9HCucpEn/s400/DSCN0765.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sink O' Beads</td></tr>
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So overall, the Sassy Bead Co was a bad experience. Not only were staff members uncaring and at times rude, but the prices were too high especially for such low quality stock. This is not a shop we plan on returning to.</div>
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<span style="color: #0c343d; font-size: large;">Rainbow Minerals and Beading</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC131zidLOnhKUrsBKPvJQfSKCq_kUPwiFoDb5WKDxt5-cTaZJPQaUeK0jtYCftt7f6u9L4P37U_7rmwm5Lu_U55MoXRdpyGKYDrEfYLhwzl2QG2lRptFr56EGEm-1dcvXUWaF6EvCwj-K/s1600/DSCN0790.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC131zidLOnhKUrsBKPvJQfSKCq_kUPwiFoDb5WKDxt5-cTaZJPQaUeK0jtYCftt7f6u9L4P37U_7rmwm5Lu_U55MoXRdpyGKYDrEfYLhwzl2QG2lRptFr56EGEm-1dcvXUWaF6EvCwj-K/s200/DSCN0790.JPG" width="200" /></a> The next (and last) bead shop we purposefully ventured too was <a href="http://www.rainbowminerals.com/" target="_blank">Rainbow Minerals and Beading</a> in the St. Laurent area of Ottawa. It was quite a bus ride but was very much worth the travel. It was a given that I'd be in awe (still getting used to the beading craft environments), but from the moment we stepped in Kim was impressed. This place was well organized, professionally set up, kind staff to greet us... This place took beading seriously and was for serious jewelry makers.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgevslL9StyG5w00v0B27KE0lLCTsfgWXgxKEqxJORgP6efq91lwE7Og21WLG3aJ9XQjsm6dhaWFC382ncGRPuWjg40uWAZrm80pY0ODYoqfDHZ3rZLAXH_2abV23oBz75hgJFcV2_5d_GH/s1600/DSCN0797.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgevslL9StyG5w00v0B27KE0lLCTsfgWXgxKEqxJORgP6efq91lwE7Og21WLG3aJ9XQjsm6dhaWFC382ncGRPuWjg40uWAZrm80pY0ODYoqfDHZ3rZLAXH_2abV23oBz75hgJFcV2_5d_GH/s400/DSCN0797.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Locker system</td></tr>
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As we walked in they had a neat locker system. Each locker was named for a mineral and we were to keep are purses locked away in one of them, the key stayed with us. I found this to be a nice little touch. I'm sure theft is a big issue in the beading industry, it must be much easier to throw a bead in your purse than it is to throw a couple meters of fabric or a ball of yarn. This idea of mineral lockers is a wonderfully creative idea and seems much less offensive than being diligently and suspiciously watched the entire time one is shopping.</div>
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There were plenty of beads and a full range of prices. There were 3 sale racks with nice low prices, perfect for a frugal female such as myself :). Kim and I both went on and explored at our own paces. It was a very nice shopping experience. </div>
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And of course what local craft store is complete without a random wandering pet to bring a smile to the shopper's faces. There was a small dog that wandered about and played host; visiting people for a quick little pet then moving on.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidp9Lc8x_oLHVx1NPf32qoHN88FYoVYkjUU_gcJTHUtZyiMbj9A1K4cvHP17V9N7jZFdNGNgTlyCXKPXZeaAQki5OkoDarbgXqKVh6RsLD1xEyBHO47XflCwqnzZQOVxZE4R6UyMsB0xEE/s1600/DSCN0796.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidp9Lc8x_oLHVx1NPf32qoHN88FYoVYkjUU_gcJTHUtZyiMbj9A1K4cvHP17V9N7jZFdNGNgTlyCXKPXZeaAQki5OkoDarbgXqKVh6RsLD1xEyBHO47XflCwqnzZQOVxZE4R6UyMsB0xEE/s400/DSCN0796.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wall of bead strings</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc9ox-i3plGgVKiEa0K4IFBznbd-J5N7hNf25uBkl3oClULmuRB7C_9fdDN3ZYysreQWMgnGnnVRRZNbo43mu5ClYThhLJOOZOpg-9A2qR5X0i6HHwKOY3sppeBHzoTFwaBvtSXgNFs7w_/s1600/DSCN0798.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc9ox-i3plGgVKiEa0K4IFBznbd-J5N7hNf25uBkl3oClULmuRB7C_9fdDN3ZYysreQWMgnGnnVRRZNbo43mu5ClYThhLJOOZOpg-9A2qR5X0i6HHwKOY3sppeBHzoTFwaBvtSXgNFs7w_/s400/DSCN0798.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some strings and chains</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHGO6_Yz8uK8bSw8CFRSRlhulYLRLXSFStWTqiZDlLhTfFKpM0MvmcSt4iArxtldA2SsceZfd1vNZSKvqk8Zwl9KCaGf9QhcxGsS9dNAHQW3N2efJRZN4rJeOWMrGdBnO4m6iVWoOAfB52/s1600/DSCN0801.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHGO6_Yz8uK8bSw8CFRSRlhulYLRLXSFStWTqiZDlLhTfFKpM0MvmcSt4iArxtldA2SsceZfd1vNZSKvqk8Zwl9KCaGf9QhcxGsS9dNAHQW3N2efJRZN4rJeOWMrGdBnO4m6iVWoOAfB52/s400/DSCN0801.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kim found lots of great supplies for her stash</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9UdgwTugxVO45ZJV7coghmrXrjCLDVRjVriYh1kMQA3SSBFXNhCJwz0xATvKPKdhtT_X7J0QqNJydCizunekJW_u0PkGHRGP0hngmTpRFvfDnGg5ShyGD7g0Gv9IEFwWiCD_7-PtUF53o/s1600/DSCN0804.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9UdgwTugxVO45ZJV7coghmrXrjCLDVRjVriYh1kMQA3SSBFXNhCJwz0xATvKPKdhtT_X7J0QqNJydCizunekJW_u0PkGHRGP0hngmTpRFvfDnGg5ShyGD7g0Gv9IEFwWiCD_7-PtUF53o/s400/DSCN0804.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kim at the sale rack with a wandering pet :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijZzOEbdE7BnCP-P9e9jcqZKavI-TSzNK-TBkvNLRr5T2QGy24Ez36CxprcBaU9QLCed0VQAa5r-SGzKx0r6OqxiIkbhtkUPbZ9ssW0RG-wK3W5eJeBGfCJPjGSksX1Z1CO6JDkNLwao16/s1600/DSCN0812.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijZzOEbdE7BnCP-P9e9jcqZKavI-TSzNK-TBkvNLRr5T2QGy24Ez36CxprcBaU9QLCed0VQAa5r-SGzKx0r6OqxiIkbhtkUPbZ9ssW0RG-wK3W5eJeBGfCJPjGSksX1Z1CO6JDkNLwao16/s400/DSCN0812.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Browsing some good quality beads for my start up stash</td></tr>
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Both Kim and I were very impressed with this shop. There was a minimum purchase of 50$ required, but since we were both together it was easy to obtain. If you present your small business registration number the 50$ minimum is waved. The staff were friendly and courteous. At one point the manager/owner seemed a little harsh to one of her workers, but everything else was great and I believe we plan on returning when Kim comes back to Ottawa for a visit.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLTUZr3ct-2yqz9lMIE5UFLLNMJvVkwWgPlWaGts1CtOw33eZ9axuCIU3lRD9bce81Qhyp-kd47iIHiHcD-L841tnkGBewoPIJHAeXAwEKjumqW2XbcjPOzHJ3kWtrLO1rvpIsN51oB3lP/s1600/DSCN0808.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLTUZr3ct-2yqz9lMIE5UFLLNMJvVkwWgPlWaGts1CtOw33eZ9axuCIU3lRD9bce81Qhyp-kd47iIHiHcD-L841tnkGBewoPIJHAeXAwEKjumqW2XbcjPOzHJ3kWtrLO1rvpIsN51oB3lP/s400/DSCN0808.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some quality supplies for my new beading stash</td></tr>
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Now that I have the beginnings of a beading/jewelry making stash I look forward to diving in and creating some piece to keep, to give and to sell. With a great crafter like Kim Murch to instruct me, I'm sure it'll be great fun and fruitful!</div>
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Keep Crafty Everyone!</div>
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Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17119778985158914419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5111859790324887385.post-91369181055012145152012-09-03T19:46:00.001-07:002012-09-04T13:43:26.284-07:00Visit with Kim<div style="text-align: justify;">
Over the summer (and through my new roomie) I've gotten the opportunity to meet another crafty lady: Kim! Though mostly into beading and jewelry making (her site can be found <a href="http://murchgems.com/" target="_blank">here</a>), we both found a great opportunity to learn new skills from each other. Although Kim doesn't live in Ottawa, she came by for a visit in August and we both got to explore each other's craft. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH0DcGJyBcDN8G1Rob5xXOn0jL6lNsPz1AFu0yCmfXUZD5Zz78rdZY9whpPMHEOepZwFV3hCAfHl2J12lS_YlR7Qcn6Y87HYJTNMnjl150qrtrmlgMiZ3pqa48Yy6PDaY26HoOmX0VOjMh/s1600/IMG_20120902_095359.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH0DcGJyBcDN8G1Rob5xXOn0jL6lNsPz1AFu0yCmfXUZD5Zz78rdZY9whpPMHEOepZwFV3hCAfHl2J12lS_YlR7Qcn6Y87HYJTNMnjl150qrtrmlgMiZ3pqa48Yy6PDaY26HoOmX0VOjMh/s320/IMG_20120902_095359.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Kim was quite interested in crochet so we browsed through some of my books and magazines to find something nice and simple to make. After going through pages upon pages of projects, she settled one a cute little lamb. Being super adorable, I decided to make one too. The pattern is from Crochet World's April 2011 magazine issue. (This may be a US magazine, I'm not sure. I think I got it in the mail through a "free issue" coupon).</div>
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Once the pattern was chosen, we dove into my yarn stash and found some colours for the project. I lent her one of my bazillion crochet hooks and away we went. I taught her the basics, making a slip knot, a chain, single crochet, double crochets, slip stitch... I was super impressed at how quick she picked it up. We spent the evening crocheting away watching movies with our mutual friend (my roomie).</div>
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Over the next few days and for the rest of her visit she worked diligently on the little lamb while kitties frequently came to investigate and cuddle. Zija in particular seemed to really enjoy having another crocheter around. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3izODPCRm9t3Fljm_pz2PvDhUQYchNvUfx511ULErtewHTai8JPcAfGzqleqWNtt9DEsPb4_p-_noMP0NVqDNaRcglBmCs7OHIQO_mryknSnbjqL-c773Vxnz2l2x5zGO59QpbKAa6s_O/s1600/DSCN0815.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3izODPCRm9t3Fljm_pz2PvDhUQYchNvUfx511ULErtewHTai8JPcAfGzqleqWNtt9DEsPb4_p-_noMP0NVqDNaRcglBmCs7OHIQO_mryknSnbjqL-c773Vxnz2l2x5zGO59QpbKAa6s_O/s400/DSCN0815.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zija enjoying crochet cuddles</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2rGmDkOyQlVlSgfD8bq32pngXDmhGmmjXcFPC5pSpYfAS1slntCbO6UOUwcku9-R0K2VjGvF1OHpon1v_A5IUgjQHfovNSUL6eoKYrAiBHX3K80td1XXXek6skGedNJkXBy9jYNSfWXZM/s1600/DSCN0816.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2rGmDkOyQlVlSgfD8bq32pngXDmhGmmjXcFPC5pSpYfAS1slntCbO6UOUwcku9-R0K2VjGvF1OHpon1v_A5IUgjQHfovNSUL6eoKYrAiBHX3K80td1XXXek6skGedNJkXBy9jYNSfWXZM/s400/DSCN0816.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy kitten</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In addition to crochet, we did many other crafty things; one involved a ceramic plate craft (see post <a href="http://hookneedlespindle.blogspot.ca/2012/09/sharpies-and-ceramic-plates.html" target="_blank">Sharpies and Ceramic Plates</a>) another was visiting a couple specialty bead stores downtown (see post <a href="http://hookneedlespindle.blogspot.ca/2012/09/ottawa-bead-shops.html" target="_blank">Ottawa Bead Shops</a>). We wandered about downtown and checked out various stalls and came across some really neat stuff. Kim of course being mostly attracted to jewelry and minerals so I got to see and really examine things I normally would have walked right by. It was a nice change of pace.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMbGrLwVWrhtvVVXAZIAbpoC7iMlvNmYJ5QLDbcOQg1NOr_xTpXgUs0sYRYe4UI0MAhdZ-6HdCX0huKgmzUyD0WDZ6UyGE-H9i98bKPTdDNSQpR1Rmrrrd5ONZj9rHfyPEoeM7kvzos8iU/s1600/DSCN0785.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMbGrLwVWrhtvVVXAZIAbpoC7iMlvNmYJ5QLDbcOQg1NOr_xTpXgUs0sYRYe4UI0MAhdZ-6HdCX0huKgmzUyD0WDZ6UyGE-H9i98bKPTdDNSQpR1Rmrrrd5ONZj9rHfyPEoeM7kvzos8iU/s400/DSCN0785.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kim checking out one of the stalls in the Byward Market downtown</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiklUsEjrcgJ7rc8-ADpfn-5p663evKfUUll0vian9Lr9dWlnlAF2jqbnA2qWpY0VzhAX6WR2H2RZuetNqRpInB16e1o6JdCwNPscmTMCQFcwDMBykyc-Rzrqx6Vbavo_WTfIuX2LUvrBje/s1600/DSCN0787.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiklUsEjrcgJ7rc8-ADpfn-5p663evKfUUll0vian9Lr9dWlnlAF2jqbnA2qWpY0VzhAX6WR2H2RZuetNqRpInB16e1o6JdCwNPscmTMCQFcwDMBykyc-Rzrqx6Vbavo_WTfIuX2LUvrBje/s400/DSCN0787.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and a moose at Crazy Moose</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
And last but not least, what out-of-town-girl-friend-visit is complete without a matching set of pyjamas :).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgovoMS7Ghl7poj9ZhkXqaHAGZPUlQqEWrvJyNYvCFY0_1kxfGl5npxe_pxDAIGQx7L901U-WK6BGDixeaQdWhfylfgXJhHo6qH310U_lR3jCZ6_1o3XhPSfRTjp1RoiyeIsFvVxBRrk-Sj/s1600/DSCN0855b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgovoMS7Ghl7poj9ZhkXqaHAGZPUlQqEWrvJyNYvCFY0_1kxfGl5npxe_pxDAIGQx7L901U-WK6BGDixeaQdWhfylfgXJhHo6qH310U_lR3jCZ6_1o3XhPSfRTjp1RoiyeIsFvVxBRrk-Sj/s400/DSCN0855b.jpg" width="331" /></a></div>
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All in all I think it was a wonderful experience and a great visit. Having another crafty lady around was inspiring and just plain fun :)</div>
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Keeping it Crafty with company,</div>
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Monica</div>
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Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17119778985158914419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5111859790324887385.post-43347010604272258432012-09-03T19:22:00.001-07:002012-09-03T19:51:17.815-07:00New Location<div style="text-align: justify;">
What a busy summer! So much moving, so many trips, so much going on! I apologize for the lack of updates and will make up for it by bombarding this blog with much posting over the next 2 weeks in an attempt to catch up. I have a long list of blog posts to make and I fully intend to get through each one! Starting with the new location. </div>
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Since I left off back in November of last year I have moved many times but have now finally found a nice little corner to settle into for a while. Hook, Needle and Spindle has set up shop in a nice little apartment in Ottawa. It definitely doesn't provide the space for a luxurious sewing room like I had in Fort Frances, but instead offers a nice cozy setting in which I can enjoy my sewing (I sew in the main room/dinning room/living room). I have to say, so far one of my favourite perks of this coziness is that I can easily tend to cooking while sewing; there's nothing like having (and smelling) a nice batch of soup simmering in the crock pot while working on a new quilt. Another wonderful perk has been that I can easily take a quick step out on the balcony for some fresh air and a tomato or two. Yes, I have set up a little potted garden out on my balcony (thanks to a friend's generosity) and it's great.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
The only disadvantage is that my stash is no longer easily accessible. I've had to come up with very organized methods of storing my stash. At the moment, my stash is split in two: half is being stored at a friend's place, and half is in my room. As I work on more and more projects, I've been slowly bringing more boxes from my friend's place to my room and re-organizing to maximize space. Boxes and bins are stacked pretty high, but are all clearly labeled to make it easy to find fabrics when I need them, and so far I've been needing lots. Orders have begun to pick up and it's great to be able to find what I need, when I need it. So as long as one is not claustrophobic, I'm happy to announce that it's completely possible to functionally cram a large stash of fabrics into a small room :).</div>
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The kitties seem to equally enjoy the new digs. They can be found lazing about in random areas of the apartment. On occasion they've even joined me out on the balcony to enjoy the breeze.</div>
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Here are a few pics of the new place:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5JgzL3dvytw3eHVhi65rOPZShUiVZ6X1oRaAyW7zi0jXisV-Ac3sMFg6IoA2YTjszpAIqJ9r5xAqsUFRY2Ml1ksnOfs-DSvicUxz7oEH5HXfhXH-VkGce2Du1W7Hf2q3qDo2JU-dLrkvF/s1600/IMG_20120826_143654.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5JgzL3dvytw3eHVhi65rOPZShUiVZ6X1oRaAyW7zi0jXisV-Ac3sMFg6IoA2YTjszpAIqJ9r5xAqsUFRY2Ml1ksnOfs-DSvicUxz7oEH5HXfhXH-VkGce2Du1W7Hf2q3qDo2JU-dLrkvF/s400/IMG_20120826_143654.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Balcony</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDbdoJzAf3Z0BE4oy3LV0wfyWptGRjPTCzORPga0y2LgFtIiyV_cXycGKJOKS5roHhWAx4qVVGaYO5XuWlw8VlG1N2Y6lRzeJnuHayXRzEEaPMyPoV1LJNwOTwa24HEohUF4P_Fh4FwtaT/s1600/IMG_20120826_144228.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDbdoJzAf3Z0BE4oy3LV0wfyWptGRjPTCzORPga0y2LgFtIiyV_cXycGKJOKS5roHhWAx4qVVGaYO5XuWlw8VlG1N2Y6lRzeJnuHayXRzEEaPMyPoV1LJNwOTwa24HEohUF4P_Fh4FwtaT/s400/IMG_20120826_144228.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kitty inspection</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF_o-7rVab4jAXYvsnCzw05E1qrEKUar0r4MF-gnPKatc48_KVPr_XpIMwOhQBi4XjYrJMYPUIBwm2aMk_CJeTORkhUKThrQEGtRvkHIc9vzztyvUmtMzsSHq6sXDnfjS-rfkbYu3TZoyK/s1600/IMG_20120903_111052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF_o-7rVab4jAXYvsnCzw05E1qrEKUar0r4MF-gnPKatc48_KVPr_XpIMwOhQBi4XjYrJMYPUIBwm2aMk_CJeTORkhUKThrQEGtRvkHIc9vzztyvUmtMzsSHq6sXDnfjS-rfkbYu3TZoyK/s400/IMG_20120903_111052.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My stash in my room</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBIRf_Y3Vyb_S-choNCYBoseWmXnCz1SOtVig65xPxxWRDTQvbcibEMMjM_HOn09UDFU5XdW8qFNeCnS9Nbbd8s-tCk6uB7i8cHhkN85809y3Jx4OfN5kdhLoGl1cES5ttZ5HfoQAC9q1p/s1600/IMG_20120903_111151.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBIRf_Y3Vyb_S-choNCYBoseWmXnCz1SOtVig65xPxxWRDTQvbcibEMMjM_HOn09UDFU5XdW8qFNeCnS9Nbbd8s-tCk6uB7i8cHhkN85809y3Jx4OfN5kdhLoGl1cES5ttZ5HfoQAC9q1p/s400/IMG_20120903_111151.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stash in my room</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_EtonnO4l3yfMtGkMsWxOJUHHutbQxRO4B59TzcsUyT-WJPuk86yUbJahSymd05qxSuiGYCChrwQsYmru-5HwlfT_JeSBzFm0s-Jn5g59-FAKpkkWq3XR3EeiAKD7BNXa21Pmp35noqHE/s1600/IMG_20120903_165326.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_EtonnO4l3yfMtGkMsWxOJUHHutbQxRO4B59TzcsUyT-WJPuk86yUbJahSymd05qxSuiGYCChrwQsYmru-5HwlfT_JeSBzFm0s-Jn5g59-FAKpkkWq3XR3EeiAKD7BNXa21Pmp35noqHE/s400/IMG_20120903_165326.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Other half of my fabric stash in storage at a friend's place</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2McdJG8L1-WWn5XueEuEITbhdVolQZEiCpzc9h4LElUnJfjP6ywW_Mph2D2u1K1NMkd5zRoB5uITzMZQf38tDwW1M56lDsy2lBxsyMGmjKsMJZmmgWQLCSCUaUaK1z_ZSuVujyPc9JZO0/s1600/IMG_20120903_203550.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2McdJG8L1-WWn5XueEuEITbhdVolQZEiCpzc9h4LElUnJfjP6ywW_Mph2D2u1K1NMkd5zRoB5uITzMZQf38tDwW1M56lDsy2lBxsyMGmjKsMJZmmgWQLCSCUaUaK1z_ZSuVujyPc9JZO0/s400/IMG_20120903_203550.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Temporary sewing set up</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikFNa0loPLDTJ48ZkV-nVNEM0oXKNq8MXNx41_1d6smVRpUYQX1iLbsWe4en48VL9BzTbeZ-VuccjZz7IiE_ptI2ErhUIKEklyZ0u_Xa8Gok1pBiiXq0Gm88MZc2zsG9OHKClWG7BuDQGY/s1600/IMG_20120903_203601.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikFNa0loPLDTJ48ZkV-nVNEM0oXKNq8MXNx41_1d6smVRpUYQX1iLbsWe4en48VL9BzTbeZ-VuccjZz7IiE_ptI2ErhUIKEklyZ0u_Xa8Gok1pBiiXq0Gm88MZc2zsG9OHKClWG7BuDQGY/s400/IMG_20120903_203601.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More temporary sewing set up (plus kitty)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
For more various pics, check out HN&S fb page <a href="http://www.facebook.com/HookNeedleSpindle" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
I'm happy to finally have a functional table to work with. It needs some love; I plan on sanding it, staining it then sealing it, but that is a story for another blog post :). It can be a pain to keep taking out all my sewing stuff (ironing board, sewing machine, sewing bin, cutting board...) then putting it away again over and over, but being organized helps minimize the hassle and having a pretty laid back roommate helps too. </div>
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Long story short: the relocation took a long time but I'm now settling in quite nicely. It's a small space, but that just makes things cozier and forces me to be a little more organized (which is a good thing). I'm very happy with my new place and I look forward to continuing this crafty adventure here in Ottawa.</div>
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Keeping Crafty in a different location,<br />
MonicaMonicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17119778985158914419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5111859790324887385.post-47071602134859978202012-08-30T07:54:00.000-07:002013-05-16T07:56:02.354-07:00Toddler Summer Quilts<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">A beautiful thing has happened to a friend's family! An adoption! My good friend's sister has officially adopted a little girl and the family is welcoming the first grand-child! With such a beautiful event, how can I not craft something from the heart? Colours requested were "NOT PINK", "Probably purple and green" and "she likes really soft things". So I got to crafting and designed a toddler quilt. Then I sifted through my stash to find the perfect materials. I couldn't decide on the light fabrics or dark ones so I decided to make two and decide later. One would be for the newest member of the family while the other I could sell.</span></span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi32O7_6twG6udECsMf3q-8ivDdWp-LB5bCE4h3z1DrL9HmsvaFxe5KIBHC3t4G_2VWq4_tnl0RqP1_JKoR11wJkKY8cnKn2qDSA31bjLczDiETINtPRHl2ZJ4gulwLOxV3gqB0H9YJqPl/s1600/Toddler+summer+quilts+01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi32O7_6twG6udECsMf3q-8ivDdWp-LB5bCE4h3z1DrL9HmsvaFxe5KIBHC3t4G_2VWq4_tnl0RqP1_JKoR11wJkKY8cnKn2qDSA31bjLczDiETINtPRHl2ZJ4gulwLOxV3gqB0H9YJqPl/s320/Toddler+summer+quilts+01.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fabrics chosen</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbklTu69qesk_1PKZzr8_Scwmd_rHnzkr9g8EvsW3iJizCpuTVr2F7T0kSA44WrQTlga9VzuseNrNR8B7Qadl-CWCFJ9D70PS8myssRdHSl7Ic2qH4rVh1x8CrRFlhRjWHuH10cHbcfVHR/s1600/Toddler+summer+quilts+04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbklTu69qesk_1PKZzr8_Scwmd_rHnzkr9g8EvsW3iJizCpuTVr2F7T0kSA44WrQTlga9VzuseNrNR8B7Qadl-CWCFJ9D70PS8myssRdHSl7Ic2qH4rVh1x8CrRFlhRjWHuH10cHbcfVHR/s320/Toddler+summer+quilts+04.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOrDDt_M2DG2VnC2I8VfUpaSfS-y7Iqw-8RI3_HYyd1QNlrugoEuXj-WmsabdiDwxYJ7e1Vc3Q0yuP4Az9NczsPPNCJuUiTo2_Vbsr26Ulhh3CXuDGcs6ZLLQ_DToXxp7SPt946isoNw3M/s1600/Toddler+summer+quilts+05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOrDDt_M2DG2VnC2I8VfUpaSfS-y7Iqw-8RI3_HYyd1QNlrugoEuXj-WmsabdiDwxYJ7e1Vc3Q0yuP4Az9NczsPPNCJuUiTo2_Vbsr26Ulhh3CXuDGcs6ZLLQ_DToXxp7SPt946isoNw3M/s320/Toddler+summer+quilts+05.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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The pieces all cut and ready to sew together<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Ctic5JSOhI0YTp6j49K9OWRiPZKUki8KHFJAG-OgaVefL-Bs5PNHGZVmVgrmtySU-lXwWX8BLpxfEdfx-d9ixgnnDib_6yuLiB2Ian_S-puCAbtOqW6sHNWxUBLMqK3aPWpaQGCYixKX/s1600/Toddler+summer+quilts+08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Ctic5JSOhI0YTp6j49K9OWRiPZKUki8KHFJAG-OgaVefL-Bs5PNHGZVmVgrmtySU-lXwWX8BLpxfEdfx-d9ixgnnDib_6yuLiB2Ian_S-puCAbtOqW6sHNWxUBLMqK3aPWpaQGCYixKX/s320/Toddler+summer+quilts+08.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gurr overseeing my work as usual</td></tr>
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Assembly was quite quick. I machine quilted the blankets and so used lots of pins to hold the pieces in place while I sewed. It was my first experience with machine quilting, and I think I might have ended up stabbing myself with pins more often than not, but once it was finished, it was well worth it. The resulting blankets turned out great!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD-8HVHPRV6bbzCK5t9c5k9C0owYf2DD8hUrgZkTsq9-tZ2DHpk4Q4ttlW_rX_2EzhwwLx8g78dg9UaeN4Sc4BkQ9NpIbnFbg7uSuROCFrBvcfzQiaoP7DrKb6QHuewbsCC91N6nu2I2wI/s1600/Toddler+summer+quilts+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD-8HVHPRV6bbzCK5t9c5k9C0owYf2DD8hUrgZkTsq9-tZ2DHpk4Q4ttlW_rX_2EzhwwLx8g78dg9UaeN4Sc4BkQ9NpIbnFbg7uSuROCFrBvcfzQiaoP7DrKb6QHuewbsCC91N6nu2I2wI/s320/Toddler+summer+quilts+11.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The first quilt to be done was the light one. Part way through assembly I decided it would be the gift for my friend's family (and the dark one would be for sale once completed)<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The dark one sold the day I completed it. How exciting! :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I truly enjoyed this project and plan on making more at some point. I decided to call these quilts "summer quilts" because of how light they are (no layer of batting). They are very cozy and not too warm.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><b>Project Stats:</b></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">Hours / Days worked on: approximately 26 hours in 4 days</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">Project Deadline: TBD some time in August.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">Project Progress:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">Design ------------------ Done (21/07/2012)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">Materials ---------------- Done (21/07/2012)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">Cutting ------------------ Done (21/07/2012)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">Sewing (top piece) ------ Quilt 1 Done (27/07/2012) Quilt 2 Done (24/08/2012)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">Sewing (assemble) ------ Done (24/08/2012)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">Quilting ----------------- Quilt 1 Done (24/08/2012) Quilt 2 Done (25/08/2012)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">Completed: ------------- Quilt 1 Done (24/08/2012) Quilt 2 Done (25/08/2012)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">Finished dimensions: approximately 44" x 58"</span></span><br />
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<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" />Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17119778985158914419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5111859790324887385.post-46211911225216682892012-07-24T09:32:00.000-07:002012-07-24T09:32:48.767-07:00Reversible Curtains<div style="text-align: justify;">
Being in a new home, many things are needed to make it "liveable"; one of the more prominent ones being curtains for my bedroom. What's a crafty girl to do? Make them! I decided to get a "cheap," simple curtain rod from Walmart and use some nice fabrics from my large stash to make myself curtains. The process wasn't as straight forward as one would think though. First I had to pick out what colour I wanted my room to be, then find materials to match. I ended up going picking a medium green with an earthy brown accent wall and trim. With those colour chips close in hand I chose two fabrics in matching colours I really liked then got to designing. Since I really liked both colours and was aiming for just plain regular curtain panels, I ended up designing reversible curtains which could be switched depending on my mood or decor. I wasn't too sure how it would turn out seeing as how I'd only ever made curtains once before and that was well over a decade ago. Also they hadn't been anything impressive, but with so many recent triumphs in sewing, I just dived in and this time around I was very happy with the result, despite a couple mishaps and recuts of course.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_mhtKAqZIn_Ux_BWT4liaROBl4I9G_ACtsq1T7Q2v0IxNgwi87m9x8ekr_tdHLnqhjCLyXkR-3XKzLZscVUYGsAoshvK7fkC_dYokTzoW8DMPtsguwp02YG5Zm1GSP61XNVTQR4nNUfpF/s1600/IMG_20120712_142039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_mhtKAqZIn_Ux_BWT4liaROBl4I9G_ACtsq1T7Q2v0IxNgwi87m9x8ekr_tdHLnqhjCLyXkR-3XKzLZscVUYGsAoshvK7fkC_dYokTzoW8DMPtsguwp02YG5Zm1GSP61XNVTQR4nNUfpF/s320/IMG_20120712_142039.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My temporary sewing set up.</td></tr>
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With the fabrics chosen and the designs and measurements done I just needed the time and motivation to cut out and sew up the curtains. As I mentioned before, being in a new home means a lot of things need to be done and one of the less important needs was a table on which to actually do cutting and sewing. Fortunately I have a small light desk which is easy to relocate. So one a particularly perky day I took out my tools, set up shop and got to work on my curtains.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXyHO97nKOEXqQnTgWoNHb6XFG4h0vwI1SbabRx6F0HQLyj2Iur365DP5z8sC9JyWM9uZI4qPo-vK59mgKvxnDIOBNFgWvAL7kM-ys5JwFsev6iGhORe3L_LFYDdcnhyphenhyphenQqwEBzu8Qz575B/s1600/IMG_20120712_142753.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXyHO97nKOEXqQnTgWoNHb6XFG4h0vwI1SbabRx6F0HQLyj2Iur365DP5z8sC9JyWM9uZI4qPo-vK59mgKvxnDIOBNFgWvAL7kM-ys5JwFsev6iGhORe3L_LFYDdcnhyphenhyphenQqwEBzu8Qz575B/s400/IMG_20120712_142753.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gurr enjoying the fabrics.</td></tr>
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I made the loops first. In order to make the curtains TRULY reversible I made the loops half green and half brown. I was sure to make the loops thick enough to sew them inside out then turn them inside right so that none of the seams would show. I may or may not have used the end of a wooden spoon handle to push the fabric through itself.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8vrA9WNr0l5ZtU7eMPtToO0t7raEfViRj-BX8jYjzjtzmJDRHwlNmLFSE0UHOJ3ykUWUqGKzvFQ9CL73576FTLUnmVMpRV1icNIXZK_mQm3UBtquyRogF7PENdKOEU-j0UjfalrjAohhi/s1600/IMG_20120712_145639.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8vrA9WNr0l5ZtU7eMPtToO0t7raEfViRj-BX8jYjzjtzmJDRHwlNmLFSE0UHOJ3ykUWUqGKzvFQ9CL73576FTLUnmVMpRV1icNIXZK_mQm3UBtquyRogF7PENdKOEU-j0UjfalrjAohhi/s320/IMG_20120712_145639.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pieces to make the hanging loops.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc4rbWuIZo9SW_tVzXmsCUr7MZDMncEy4BIyfCnv4FfawQ6F6dZNuXWkKHpUDAkjmPY5comQ6rqUqYqpUQ0BWdVLuxQwW7q0A0wxlGq_-UQkgDOhNUzzdAvh2Bm4EfUvCmm1wNq7E4BNsK/s1600/IMG_20120712_152355.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc4rbWuIZo9SW_tVzXmsCUr7MZDMncEy4BIyfCnv4FfawQ6F6dZNuXWkKHpUDAkjmPY5comQ6rqUqYqpUQ0BWdVLuxQwW7q0A0wxlGq_-UQkgDOhNUzzdAvh2Bm4EfUvCmm1wNq7E4BNsK/s320/IMG_20120712_152355.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The hanging loops, some inside right, some inside out.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMi9Osm1bMDOZa-XL3yxWe0-D_m4t-8VZIm4DJt2Bcn4H-qqUe23qazAewEE2uSzWEFOe8fcXOoOxQ_eKoxsn2j8ueum-iWjraqJKP9K7F4WA2Hbw-VYSWpBbz_9awRBtNixWiTZrA0GxL/s1600/IMG_20120712_160222.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMi9Osm1bMDOZa-XL3yxWe0-D_m4t-8VZIm4DJt2Bcn4H-qqUe23qazAewEE2uSzWEFOe8fcXOoOxQ_eKoxsn2j8ueum-iWjraqJKP9K7F4WA2Hbw-VYSWpBbz_9awRBtNixWiTZrA0GxL/s200/IMG_20120712_160222.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gurr being Gurr.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicoSIIGrdwBtpk_lXADecSHjS79WbCoU2jEltRYkrknxtioVe1oEIGVMm3HyyQfZ8Wa75uqBRagye5TUXY2vcSxw_qpr3hEFugjfsvalANWPwSukyE8Li8GLWamqvhovXwCaazwmS7hS5b/s1600/IMG_20120712_160245.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicoSIIGrdwBtpk_lXADecSHjS79WbCoU2jEltRYkrknxtioVe1oEIGVMm3HyyQfZ8Wa75uqBRagye5TUXY2vcSxw_qpr3hEFugjfsvalANWPwSukyE8Li8GLWamqvhovXwCaazwmS7hS5b/s200/IMG_20120712_160245.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More Gurr being Gurr.</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white;"> Gurr for some reason *always* enjoys a good roll on some fabric. I've yet to determine if this is simply because he enjoys getting in my way or if he loves the smell or the look of it. Either way, it never fails to be adorable yet hindering. </span></div>
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And again with the brown fabric....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja9n3EtiPz8elRe9hGppWgyPFoY9wHqVqiSW2ymXYUp3KcPNl53sQ2AzdsJZRw_hFIjFZcWdWLjjytzYb9nHIgRA_d-wQUuk-fjzz_km-yUyb-c-Z63E0ofWoc0-pDrKpY0ueQbecU1HG7/s1600/IMG_20120712_160831.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja9n3EtiPz8elRe9hGppWgyPFoY9wHqVqiSW2ymXYUp3KcPNl53sQ2AzdsJZRw_hFIjFZcWdWLjjytzYb9nHIgRA_d-wQUuk-fjzz_km-yUyb-c-Z63E0ofWoc0-pDrKpY0ueQbecU1HG7/s320/IMG_20120712_160831.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghyphenhyphenzZchfbsnS1bOPOU6Zh7jhz7iDG5EEOZgrOu1W7gPVK4SLbyZiHaAFYpi4p1gAk3XR-veBGoc0xnt-iBeHQorvjOHFIQpJXjxoC6TnTIJmJlTHLxOCWzKCkGWMHil8OglcqD9c6zlH27/s1600/IMG_20120712_160749.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghyphenhyphenzZchfbsnS1bOPOU6Zh7jhz7iDG5EEOZgrOu1W7gPVK4SLbyZiHaAFYpi4p1gAk3XR-veBGoc0xnt-iBeHQorvjOHFIQpJXjxoC6TnTIJmJlTHLxOCWzKCkGWMHil8OglcqD9c6zlH27/s320/IMG_20120712_160749.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;"> I could sit here and post photos of his mischief all day, but I will spare you.... This time...</span>
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A couple mishaps: first I miscut the brown panels and had to sew on a 6 inch piece. I'm still unsure on if I mismeasured or just mismarked the fabric. It really is true: measure twice, cut once. Then a few times I sewed the panel backwards and had to undo all my work to start over. Again, I did the original sewing on the inside, then turned it inside right and resewed in order to hide the seams.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFcfdGJ9n1qzrYDTWjYWuDOreuhZVPQw_gFRsJ3KT-svO_z2fmFOixsdFyuckVEokxyh76FDcDG91Y0SxJiLRTsYUOrq2cPaeQTs_wpak50lQgijgKTcz-13NveUj-yS4CQ4XKip32IPL1/s1600/IMG_20120712_204340.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFcfdGJ9n1qzrYDTWjYWuDOreuhZVPQw_gFRsJ3KT-svO_z2fmFOixsdFyuckVEokxyh76FDcDG91Y0SxJiLRTsYUOrq2cPaeQTs_wpak50lQgijgKTcz-13NveUj-yS4CQ4XKip32IPL1/s400/IMG_20120712_204340.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Final product. Side 1: Green side.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9B3c61bMm7CslHGQcXEdv3cTFmMZhZq_458h7bchf4bjmyykWCtIrEFIPLFBB8tru-kLWSseuMGGrSiazl3eKeX5uaHZyRwCz4u6tT3Maud1JcT1FSiUu3hTcxRa9y0yItvCaDWlP51VM/s1600/IMG_20120712_204511.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9B3c61bMm7CslHGQcXEdv3cTFmMZhZq_458h7bchf4bjmyykWCtIrEFIPLFBB8tru-kLWSseuMGGrSiazl3eKeX5uaHZyRwCz4u6tT3Maud1JcT1FSiUu3hTcxRa9y0yItvCaDWlP51VM/s400/IMG_20120712_204511.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Final product. Side 2: Brown.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white;"> As I said at the beginning, I'm quite happy with how this project turned out. The curtains look and work great. My only issues are the miscut brown panels (at the top you see where I had to sew on an extension) and the left panel doesn't seem to ripple like the right one when it's open. The bottom of it just seems to flare. </span><span style="background-color: white;">Overall, a great success though and I just might make some more for the living room and take orders for anyone who'd like some custom made curtains for their space. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I'm super glad to be getting crafty again. There's just something about creating things that is greatly rewarding. I have many projects in the works and will endeavour to post them up as I go. For now, I will sign off but encourage everyone to:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
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Keep Crafty!</div>Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17119778985158914419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5111859790324887385.post-50839063598081228722012-07-23T07:17:00.001-07:002012-07-23T07:24:41.011-07:00Relocation After nearly a year, things seem to be settling down a bit. I've found a cozy little place to "set up shop" and get crafty again in Ottawa. I'd like to extend my apologies for having disappeared for a few months. As I tended to more pressing matters in my life, HN&S basically ground to a halt, but now that the dust is settling I've been back to crafting.<br />
Getting things going again will take a little time, but here is what I hope to accomplish over the next few months:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">HN&S' Etsy site back up and running by the end of the summer as well as the "Products" page of this site,</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">Weekly Projects to resume by the start of the Fall season,</span></li>
<li>Get the New Line project started up again, not sure how long that will take,</li>
<li>Make posts more frequently and consistently.</li>
</ul>
<div>
The last one will be tricky over the next couple weeks as I will be out of town, but by mid August I should be better with posting.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgIZ1HZU2HU77A41EyTRDPrPnyc6abmz01h5qxEnAlFv7Ehc1S0lDWvZKjb7cmWlsr7AiOEkWEVMJ6fTO-OocfUbQxr7NONjdGZbePZdK-5vvhSRZKZHTdHLdp3tTPhsHeY35khypB3O8c/s1600/IMG_20120712_141442.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgIZ1HZU2HU77A41EyTRDPrPnyc6abmz01h5qxEnAlFv7Ehc1S0lDWvZKjb7cmWlsr7AiOEkWEVMJ6fTO-OocfUbQxr7NONjdGZbePZdK-5vvhSRZKZHTdHLdp3tTPhsHeY35khypB3O8c/s400/IMG_20120712_141442.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zija and Gurr chillin on the couch in the new apartment.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBsvHBvwR4NcG6eiQmPENV2JBSE1Cm7DVTKgJ04X9azZ0pIi1VumoP2CJsIefyQJa1RE3-B26ZcxZ7C6jPiz5c_bY1H8NsivzOHEBTAOtoA5uo0TPJqLEv0-DzozwE5rRCLlRwkeWlQb7B/s1600/IMG_20120711_151216.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBsvHBvwR4NcG6eiQmPENV2JBSE1Cm7DVTKgJ04X9azZ0pIi1VumoP2CJsIefyQJa1RE3-B26ZcxZ7C6jPiz5c_bY1H8NsivzOHEBTAOtoA5uo0TPJqLEv0-DzozwE5rRCLlRwkeWlQb7B/s400/IMG_20120711_151216.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Poor little kitties, relocation is always so difficult and tiring.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div>
Getting back to crafty,<br />
Monica</div>
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</div>Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17119778985158914419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5111859790324887385.post-36417629658479816342012-02-20T19:55:00.000-08:002012-02-20T19:55:37.549-08:00Week 7 : Quick Heart Bookmark Since I've been spending so much time working on my big projects I chose to do a quick one this week for the Weekly Project. Here it is:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaKh4dXcfy3PoIBXeaaY2FjvuhiP05p4RwTnMa70tULX1pwI4fxZcmGdC_xDDSLiaQkXNJv9Gz7IGsNzgNK4Dftk72vaPWxqi1GXA2CRGmCvCqFHZQ0k3UJtFsnM86ve6ZZWHqdTmntUcA/s1600/IMG_20120220_212149.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaKh4dXcfy3PoIBXeaaY2FjvuhiP05p4RwTnMa70tULX1pwI4fxZcmGdC_xDDSLiaQkXNJv9Gz7IGsNzgNK4Dftk72vaPWxqi1GXA2CRGmCvCqFHZQ0k3UJtFsnM86ve6ZZWHqdTmntUcA/s320/IMG_20120220_212149.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
It was super quick to make. I used an F/5/3.75mm hook.<br />
<br />
Ch 4. In 4th chain from hook, 3 trc, 3 dc, chain 1, 3 dc, 3 trc, chain 3, slip stitch, cut off leaving a long tail. You can either make a chain as long as you need or just leave it as one strand. I found leaving just one strand fits better in a book (closes better). Another neat idea would be to use different shapes for the base. A butterfly could be cute, or a kitty even. I did notice some cute 3D bases when browsing online.<br />
<br />
I'm hoping to put up a post this week on the big projects I've been working on for the past week and a bit, but for now I'm posting pics of them on the facebook page found <a href="http://www.facebook.com/HookNeedleSpindle" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
Have a good week everyone, and Keep Crafty!Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17119778985158914419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5111859790324887385.post-53239901749198162822012-02-12T20:34:00.000-08:002012-02-12T20:34:53.745-08:00Week 6: Journal Cozy This was a neat project idea and I hope to make more of these. I didn't have any buttons to put but I will be adding them when as soon as I find some nice ones. Another addition I'd like to make is embellishments, such as a contrasting coloured flower. <br />
<br />
I took the original pattern from <a href="http://littlebirdiesecrets.blogspot.com/2011/02/nook-or-kindle-case-crochet-pattern.html" target="_blank">here</a> and tweaked it for a journal. I started with a base row of 26 chains. The pattern obviously needs to be modified to fit whatever journal you'd like to use. For the button holes I used doubles then skipped the 4th from the edge (sc, sk stitch then dc in next st). <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjRUmw9HT0pJRDn8HhVhAPoVEHFlB0jORFMs8TukVuXZ-RdkI1vb9ezAqPGD3jFR4XqKb-HccVZpVAx-Dl5PzIlAx3RVmYFdtrCTxzqce-3ycOgUI-PZqJynj-3P9jJYTKqmxpmZ7ScPd7/s1600/IMG_20120212_214134.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjRUmw9HT0pJRDn8HhVhAPoVEHFlB0jORFMs8TukVuXZ-RdkI1vb9ezAqPGD3jFR4XqKb-HccVZpVAx-Dl5PzIlAx3RVmYFdtrCTxzqce-3ycOgUI-PZqJynj-3P9jJYTKqmxpmZ7ScPd7/s320/IMG_20120212_214134.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio_QM9f7mMot5tYIBvi-uv_25yvKtwg6V6pas-4i07_7mxWOKbKVXTn-NUIDlbr13fXEMxXHHiXrCNP956XhBYkYgivzWBOksCx6JKbooWqB0nCgyNmysFDBGC-Rm8_yDwtADcJJOJoWM_/s1600/IMG_20120212_214144.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio_QM9f7mMot5tYIBvi-uv_25yvKtwg6V6pas-4i07_7mxWOKbKVXTn-NUIDlbr13fXEMxXHHiXrCNP956XhBYkYgivzWBOksCx6JKbooWqB0nCgyNmysFDBGC-Rm8_yDwtADcJJOJoWM_/s320/IMG_20120212_214144.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwbQqJLDk3bDGXbKvlJ07ohZjjWLN0aG-bURUU1heI6RakLuKpqwgZY_H1s19wALEzoe6dyoq2r6GrJpQUld0SpLZ_L-QGKxHzS08CKFPVGi_SKIhxHWt0nO93KFl11s6OL6NfhWuFgFpi/s1600/IMG_20120212_214213.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwbQqJLDk3bDGXbKvlJ07ohZjjWLN0aG-bURUU1heI6RakLuKpqwgZY_H1s19wALEzoe6dyoq2r6GrJpQUld0SpLZ_L-QGKxHzS08CKFPVGi_SKIhxHWt0nO93KFl11s6OL6NfhWuFgFpi/s320/IMG_20120212_214213.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivia8XkE0Fklh60MklNYw2XctsU1jdGBJaLmZGLYmtQjoGHwThX2ocUyATc5BSkBGZDbSvAsZhg3Hzpw9ux6vb3C8vIjlaITL-g5_X40JS-ELeeHkqBPYRNoZdGSkFvTBcS26d-ZFybDIl/s1600/IMG_20120212_214241.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivia8XkE0Fklh60MklNYw2XctsU1jdGBJaLmZGLYmtQjoGHwThX2ocUyATc5BSkBGZDbSvAsZhg3Hzpw9ux6vb3C8vIjlaITL-g5_X40JS-ELeeHkqBPYRNoZdGSkFvTBcS26d-ZFybDIl/s320/IMG_20120212_214241.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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I like that I can keep my pen with my journal now. I hope to make more of these for other various journals I have since I'm a total stationary nut.<br />
<br />
Oh and let's not forget my company while hooking up this project:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixWh98ErJHk3mzuNCm4obFh-LWZOb9b8puz6PmF56tYgKI3M3znwIu2NGzzjl6SvQUvuyANBF-eGbXchZCNY7x1t1F-kgppz_Z_wBEJ9hjZR4XJW5K_0FD8XmUB5o3uWD6VmW0HpfZyHqW/s1600/IMG_20120212_212656.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixWh98ErJHk3mzuNCm4obFh-LWZOb9b8puz6PmF56tYgKI3M3znwIu2NGzzjl6SvQUvuyANBF-eGbXchZCNY7x1t1F-kgppz_Z_wBEJ9hjZR4XJW5K_0FD8XmUB5o3uWD6VmW0HpfZyHqW/s320/IMG_20120212_212656.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp1byi3c4uXrGKQocRDEwAo7YzhEB9bCsrBtP7-PQ0aWMz53jT2pUguFU_fzxAkw8cmXESI1U4d3Qyr-9APQ7KQpiW7YECSJXtrCosh5aN8E9KVZQaW9KRnpj9usK2LbeuIjZ7n-Z5ly8M/s1600/IMG_20120212_200656.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp1byi3c4uXrGKQocRDEwAo7YzhEB9bCsrBtP7-PQ0aWMz53jT2pUguFU_fzxAkw8cmXESI1U4d3Qyr-9APQ7KQpiW7YECSJXtrCosh5aN8E9KVZQaW9KRnpj9usK2LbeuIjZ7n-Z5ly8M/s320/IMG_20120212_200656.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Verdict: I liked this project and definitely look forward to making more. Especially some with contrasting coulours, various stitches and embellishments.<br />
<br />
Well that's all for me tonight! Keep Crafty Everyone!Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17119778985158914419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5111859790324887385.post-41316716192788443252012-02-05T17:14:00.000-08:002012-02-05T17:17:49.274-08:00Week 4 and 5: Facial Cleansing Pads and HolderThis week is a double header! But don't get too excited, it's only because I missed last week's due to a fabulous 60s party.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Week 4: Facial Cleansing Pads</span><br />
<br />
This is a pretty useful project, especially if you have oily skin, where lots of make up or just wash your face often. I had seen a few photos of these while browsing for dish cloth patterns several months ago and logged it away in my brain as a "someday it would be nice to make these", and well that some day finally arrived. I tried a few variations and experimented on a few different shapes until I settled on the most functional ones. Here are the results:<br />
<br />
I used Bernat Cotton for all the Scrubbies/Cleansing Pads, the hook size varied per pattern. Photo captions are linked (except Simple Round, I wrote the pattern beneath it)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmJ33WLRT1jV5FAaGiihLjymGuTOOti1pdvLIvIbelAAEkdPiI4yAbRd1owjd92aTuy1ObQamjYddVrb8pdUTx2rTi3Xfgq3-ZYznLJe81ruuHrmh7FdiSD7jHNQHWga3LRbfxMbOmyqZ_/s1600/IMG_20120205_181418.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmJ33WLRT1jV5FAaGiihLjymGuTOOti1pdvLIvIbelAAEkdPiI4yAbRd1owjd92aTuy1ObQamjYddVrb8pdUTx2rTi3Xfgq3-ZYznLJe81ruuHrmh7FdiSD7jHNQHWga3LRbfxMbOmyqZ_/s320/IMG_20120205_181418.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://whimtasticalcreations.blogspot.com/2011/03/puffy-flower-tawashi.html" target="_blank">Puffy Flower Tawashi</a></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyErJiU6mqxJIxUF_NtSmzFSfqXA5kN7BMFiK_LiiTKumgYAYe3w259EPdZtauu4ss69ZfzHCyFcMnEIXsITc3Xxez8SZT7oFvAhLIRQQQK84RnacUL55YO7f6bguu7-IKX4RqyDT4staq/s1600/IMG_20120205_181451.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyErJiU6mqxJIxUF_NtSmzFSfqXA5kN7BMFiK_LiiTKumgYAYe3w259EPdZtauu4ss69ZfzHCyFcMnEIXsITc3Xxez8SZT7oFvAhLIRQQQK84RnacUL55YO7f6bguu7-IKX4RqyDT4staq/s320/IMG_20120205_181451.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Simple Round Cloth</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This one was pretty easy but proved to be the most useful/efficient<br />
<br />
I used a J/10-6.00mm hook [for both the Simple Round Cloth (above) and the Little Flowers (below).]<br />
<br />
Chain 4<br />
12 dc in 4th chain from hook, sl st into first dc<br />
ch 3, 2 dc in each dc of previous row, join with sl st<br />
cut and weave in end<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeb-slA2u0ulpnZDyVoQ1Vc7uFH9wGWVzftwF4uqDz8ksTrKjoKa-7C4M5gCqLs7Nc6aYOXidS-ZJ0IpKrwiNCdO8UCKGKlsD0ArLHOn9-Qi0fGJmlOsQ21U01PxAo6AVWTKDMb_jrJUlP/s1600/IMG_20120205_181520.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeb-slA2u0ulpnZDyVoQ1Vc7uFH9wGWVzftwF4uqDz8ksTrKjoKa-7C4M5gCqLs7Nc6aYOXidS-ZJ0IpKrwiNCdO8UCKGKlsD0ArLHOn9-Qi0fGJmlOsQ21U01PxAo6AVWTKDMb_jrJUlP/s320/IMG_20120205_181520.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/21251429461502675/" target="_blank">Little Flower Cloth</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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So far they work great and I'm lovin' them!<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Week 5: Facial Cleansing Pad Holder</span><br />
<br />
Now that you've made the Cleansing Pads you need somewhere to keep them. Well here you go:<br />
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I used Red Heart Acrylic pink yarn to match the scrubbies somewhat. Original pattern linked below, I used the pattern's recommended size hook.<br />
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I based this item on the pattern found <a href="http://www.crochetville.org/forum/showthread.php?t=94164" target="_blank">here</a>. After row 5 I just continued with the dc (basically repeated row 5 another 3 or 4 times). Once I got to the height I wanted I finished off with the same cotton yarn I used for the Cleansing Pads but in a shell pattern:<br />
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Join yarn to work, Chain 1, dc in 2nd st from hook, 4 dc in same st, * sk next st, sc in next st, sk next st 5 dc in next st repeat from * to end. Cut and weave in ends.<br />
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And all together now:<br />
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Like I said, I'm quite happy with the outcome of this project and use it daily :) I hope some of you find it just as useful and fun to make. It was a very quick project to make, took a couple hours in total and very well worth the effort.<br />
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So that's the project for the week, hope you all enjoy! <br />
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Keep Crafty Everyone!Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17119778985158914419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5111859790324887385.post-32773216240081503932012-01-22T20:17:00.000-08:002012-02-05T17:16:47.668-08:00Week 3: Tawashi!! (Eco Scrubbies) Since I moved into my new place my list of "to buy" items has filled up pretty quick with cheese graters, dishcloths and everything in between. This week, while browsing for a project to work on I took a look at some dishcloths and scrubbies. Earlier in the week I noticed a friend on facebook mentioned making scrubbies so I looked some up and decided to give it a try myself, here is what I've come up with so far;<br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;">Tawashi (Eco-Scrubbies)</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"> I looked up a few patterns and tried out 3 of them. There's a few variations I'd like to try at some point in the future, experimenting with different yarns and stitches, but the patterns seem quite promising. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_2077162877"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVvXDj-kWN_bKrIBo-EHq1uXLg-H1aX7GHUh6mHpXE_sTzFaWIjZ7_ivYmSbSozFtSOqCnLxZGPG_h_tWr-yLuxsVKAA6CDNcVmMyN3yUNUet-P58LXR60ie2d9fv45V1i8RNjIA4QwJyk/s320/IMG_20120122_213705.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://crochetpatternsonly.blogspot.com/2009/06/spiral-scrubbie.html">Spiral Scrubbie</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgekVAaxZDs0XV32WYNgKmpOHvZwvLm-s2Qby5kqOavolZdHvm_43UWzc1iCZnZ8baHEyvBYW-F_D2l9YhsCbDUJ6iDrCntFFaSBGksGdwUU_ieWaW8tDnw-iYpZ_qHCXTKcDch6yF41Y66/s1600/IMG_20120122_213722.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgekVAaxZDs0XV32WYNgKmpOHvZwvLm-s2Qby5kqOavolZdHvm_43UWzc1iCZnZ8baHEyvBYW-F_D2l9YhsCbDUJ6iDrCntFFaSBGksGdwUU_ieWaW8tDnw-iYpZ_qHCXTKcDch6yF41Y66/s320/IMG_20120122_213722.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tawashi Knot</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_2077162872"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAWooNqFW1bnP9Avbgaeh9wnCXnG6CQ6OoflgEcNJ6PfCrELbU0-L1C4i1tMfZpP8HpL84JizWs83to8uKulIJT653phfAqeihdL3z4J69qva38TXqxACiVaGzYEs5hbfObu8Wq-Y_UMqJ/s320/IMG_20120122_213641.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.craftstylish.com/item/43848/how-to-crochet-a-tawashi/page/all">Tawashi</a></td></tr>
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My fav so far is the Spiral Tawashi. My next endeavour will be to combine the acrylic yarn and cotton yarn with the Spiral Tawashi pattern.<br />
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I'd love to go into more detail but that will have to wait until tomorrow or Tuesday as it is late and I gotta get up early for work. The patterns for both the Spiral and Regular Tawashi's are both found online, (click on the photo for the link) the Tawashi knot however was a purchase pattern that I improvised on. I will share the pattern once I've tweaked it a bit and write it out.<br />
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Have a good night everyone!Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17119778985158914419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5111859790324887385.post-64998254621954787632012-01-15T19:31:00.000-08:002012-01-15T19:41:43.597-08:00Week 2: Pretty Headbands<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Week 2: Pretty Headbands</b></span><br />
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This week I worked on a much smaller project: simple headbands with small flowers. I'm hoping to get a little more creative with this idea in the future, provided something else doesn't snatch away my volatile attention. I'd like to make some with different flowers, different colours, lots of flowers, different band pattern, ect... For now, here is what I've got for a pattern. </div>
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This pattern is 100% HN&S, I browsed photos for ideas then just came up with this. Feel free to use it as a base then tweak it to make it your own. I'd love to hear of any projects made and evolved from this simple pattern. You can leave a comment here on the blog or message me privately at HookNeedleSpindle@gmail.com Enjoy!</div>
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Pattern:</div>
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Materials used:</div>
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5.00 mm crochet hook (size H/8)</div>
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1 skein pink</div>
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1 skein light green</div>
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1 skein dark green</div>
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* any scraps will do, this pattern doesn't require much yarn*</div>
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Headband:</div>
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Chain 105 bind off.</div>
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Count 32 from each end and mark the loop.</div>
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Start at chain 32, attach same colour yarn and do slipstich through next stitch (stitch 33). Crochet as follows: slip stitch (in chain 34), single crochet (in 35), single crochet (in 35), half double (in 36), half double (in 36), double crochet (in 37), double crochet (in 37), triple crochet ( in 38), continue to triple crochet in stitches until stitch 59, triple crochet (in 59), double crochet (in 60), double crochet (in 61), half double (in 62), half double (in 63), single crochet (in 64), single crochet (in 65), slip stitch (in 66), slip stitch (in 67), slip stitch and bind off in 68 (same stitch as second marked loop)</div>
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Flower:</div>
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Chain 5, join to form ring. In ring fit the following, *Sc, hlfdbl, dc(x3), hlfdbl, sc, repeat from * 3 more times, bind off. You now have a a four petaled flower. in a contrasting colour. Sew the flower to the headband and you're done!</div>
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This post is a rather quick one as I have to get up early for work tomorrow, but I hope to have a little more detail and some better pics up later in the week.</div>
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Thanks for checking in, hope all is well, and of course, Keep Crafty Everyone!</div>
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<br /></div>Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17119778985158914419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5111859790324887385.post-54747659256237698122012-01-07T13:46:00.000-08:002012-01-09T19:10:01.211-08:00Week 1: Half-Double Afghan The first week of the new year has passed and it's now time to start the weekly project posts. Enjoy!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Half-Double Afghan</span></div>
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I started this project over the holidays and finished it within a couple weeks. I didn't use a pattern, just a half-double variation stitch and randomly switched between green and brown. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLPgcOOqB2dfTXqZNXm3ecgJEebHP8PeifDoWT1UbSMMn-v0YGaZP1_QlNbNtIL4TCKCk3PL7Tw3PoTqUdXk5lDEoggEqFRQBTleE2T6cZOkfpM2Cd0NX8eAWVMjFIn75VjrVTG_HksoB_/s1600/IMG_20120104_195303.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLPgcOOqB2dfTXqZNXm3ecgJEebHP8PeifDoWT1UbSMMn-v0YGaZP1_QlNbNtIL4TCKCk3PL7Tw3PoTqUdXk5lDEoggEqFRQBTleE2T6cZOkfpM2Cd0NX8eAWVMjFIn75VjrVTG_HksoB_/s320/IMG_20120104_195303.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Half double afghan and kitty</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close up of the stitch and border</td></tr>
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I started this afghan with the idea of it being part of a set. The set, when complete will consist of this afghan, a large full sized blanket and a pair of matching slippers. I started the slippers first but when I got a pair of awesome slippers from my dad for Christmas I moved on to the afghan and put the slippers on hold. But hopefully soon enough the matching slippers will be featured in a weekly project over the next few months.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX-yLHqrAe4w9p_tkpdohu5UGj0VekaDo630gocjcZcDRlh1ZdN7JAl6N7qW8k21zGjRCRN_XXQzc1Cp6zajlLc7Lsi5nvqVEJ23zJI6vSr8l-5hCuGL4qX4lC_Fh_zZioZcUd_aRXcgMa/s1600/IMG_20120104_195315.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX-yLHqrAe4w9p_tkpdohu5UGj0VekaDo630gocjcZcDRlh1ZdN7JAl6N7qW8k21zGjRCRN_XXQzc1Cp6zajlLc7Lsi5nvqVEJ23zJI6vSr8l-5hCuGL4qX4lC_Fh_zZioZcUd_aRXcgMa/s320/IMG_20120104_195315.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Afghans are always kitty approved, no matter the kitty</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #274e13;"><strong>Pattern</strong>:</span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13;"><em>Materials used</em>:</span></div>
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<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #274e13;">6.00 mm crochet hook (size J/10)</span></div>
</li>
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<span style="color: #274e13;">
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<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #274e13;">3-4 skeins of "Medium Thyme" Red Heart Super Saver yarn (198g/7oz/333m)</span></div>
</li>
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<span style="color: #274e13;">
</span></div>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #274e13;">3 skeins of "Coffee" Red Heart Super Saver yarn (198g/7oz/333m)</span></div>
</li>
</ul>
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<em><span style="color: #274e13;">Main</span></em></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13;">I started with green and chained 82. Then crocheted half double stitches interspersed with single crochets.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13;">Base: Chain 82</span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13;">Row 1: *yarn over, insert hook in 3rd chain from hook, yarn over, pull yarn through chain, yarn over and pull through all loops on hook (3). [This completes a half double.] Chain 1, skip next stitch Repeat * until the last two stitches. Half double crochet in both stitches (with no chain 1 in between). Turn</span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13;">Row 2: Chain 3, *half double crochet in next chain 1 space, chain 1. Repeat from * till last two stitches. Half double crochet in first double crochet of previous row. Turn</span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13;">Row 3: Chain 2, *half double crochet in next chain 1 space, chain 1. Repeat from * till last chain 1 space and stitch. Half double crochet in last chain 1 space, half double crochet in last stitch (with no chain 1 in between)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13;">Repeat rows 2 and 3 for</span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13;">10 rows green (starting with row 1 of pattern)</span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13;">5 rows brown</span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13;">10 rows green</span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13;">10 rows brown</span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13;">12 rows green</span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13;">2 rows brown</span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13;">8 rows green</span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13;">4 rows brown</span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13;">2 rows green</span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13;">3 rows brown</span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13;">2 rows green</span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13;">10 rows brown</span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13;">7 rows green</span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13;">4 rows brown</span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13;">4 rows green</span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13;">2 rows brown</span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13;">3 rows green</span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13;">7 rows brown</span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13;">2 rows green</span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13;">2 rows brown</span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13;">12 rows green</span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13;">4 rows brown</span><br />
<span style="color: #274e13;">8 rows green</span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13;"><em>Border</em> </span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13;">With green join to anywhere on main afghan edge. Work half doubles all around afghan. On verticle edge, work stitches in row spaces, *1 half double in each 3 spaces then 2 half doubles in the 4th space, repeat from *till corner. 2 half doubles in corner space, chain 3, 2 half doubles in same space. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13;">For horizontal edge I did half doubles in each stitch, however this seemed to be too many stitches as my horizontal border is quite 'wavy'. If I were to do it again, I would try a variation of 3 half doubles then 1 half double over 2 stitches.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13;">For the half double border rows I did 2 green, 2 brown, 2 green then 1 final row of single crochet in green.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaaMrSMiKDxezXbI_oN8TSW_WBURMIdW4NK0-ckT84v-Bwyssx8ZM7JvWL3kW6M03hPaTsQj8aLMafwTuYFQalCMFEzQctFtuEUxicTkst94OhFn8lIdXzzI3Y49Ym9sfpjNemJYaCYQxV/s1600/IMG_20120104_195342.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaaMrSMiKDxezXbI_oN8TSW_WBURMIdW4NK0-ckT84v-Bwyssx8ZM7JvWL3kW6M03hPaTsQj8aLMafwTuYFQalCMFEzQctFtuEUxicTkst94OhFn8lIdXzzI3Y49Ym9sfpjNemJYaCYQxV/s320/IMG_20120104_195342.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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I'm not all that great at writing out patterns from memory, so you'll have to bear with me over this year as I learn to eloquently write out instructions on my creations. But on the off chance this project inspires anyone to get crafty I'd love to hear about and better yet see a photo of your creation. Leave a comment or leave me an email at <a href="mailto:Hookneedlespindle@gmail.com">Hookneedlespindle@gmail.com</a>.</div>
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Keep Crafty everyone! See you next week!Monicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17119778985158914419noreply@blogger.com0