tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76044034995769855282024-03-14T18:18:48.802+13:00Charlotte Scott - Textile ArtistCharlotte Scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11696100659597422648noreply@blogger.comBlogger760125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7604403499576985528.post-37229644396272398302021-09-01T20:20:00.000+12:002021-09-01T20:20:12.690+12:00Single fold mitred quilt bindingI've posted a photo on Instagram of a little art quilt with a single-fold mitred binding in progress and asked whether people wanted to see process photographs to explain how I do it. The answer was yes, so I'm writing it out here (hello blog! Long time, no see!) to gather my thoughts. And typing is waaaay easier on a keyboard rather than a phone screen 😁<div><br /></div><div>So here's the original photo, I was feeling smugly satisfied at how tidy it was looking:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EIZUFfY_ocw/YS3wgPOObBI/AAAAAAAAJjc/ctSkK49y_7sm4zXXNxnEZbSGrvpNNb5RQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1280/FD3D4DEF-0AAE-4700-BE55-D34D4616CA78.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EIZUFfY_ocw/YS3wgPOObBI/AAAAAAAAJjc/ctSkK49y_7sm4zXXNxnEZbSGrvpNNb5RQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h400/FD3D4DEF-0AAE-4700-BE55-D34D4616CA78.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Onwards! Here's how to do a narrow, single thickness (or single-fold) mitred quilt binding:</div><div><br /></div><div>First, cut your strips. I've cut mine 1 and 1/4 inches. Which makes it a nice flat 1/4 inch on the front. You could try 1 inch for something even narrower if you liked.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pUUyLjltGeM/YS3xRfMNSaI/AAAAAAAAJjo/4i6544OqakodcRF0WxWCN7zOSzji0Ac5ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1280/IMG_6609.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1166" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pUUyLjltGeM/YS3xRfMNSaI/AAAAAAAAJjo/4i6544OqakodcRF0WxWCN7zOSzji0Ac5ACLcBGAsYHQ/w365-h400/IMG_6609.jpeg" width="365" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ooSLZ4liIRo/YS3xRQt89-I/AAAAAAAAJjk/uEbu4719Q0sfosyY-9C8yhGMWPA6igM2QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1280/IMG_6610.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ooSLZ4liIRo/YS3xRQt89-I/AAAAAAAAJjk/uEbu4719Q0sfosyY-9C8yhGMWPA6igM2QCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/IMG_6610.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Cut enough strips to enclose the circumferance of your quilt with a good overlap of the strips ends by about 5 inches. Join your strips with mitred joins. Open the seams and press flat.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EI-av01HrJk/YS3ynyxgLiI/AAAAAAAAJj0/lYDB-GpvIqMKlCqH2ofr7zSdnwTlV2OBwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1280/IMG_6612.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EI-av01HrJk/YS3ynyxgLiI/AAAAAAAAJj0/lYDB-GpvIqMKlCqH2ofr7zSdnwTlV2OBwCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/IMG_6612.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Sew the binding strip to the front your quilt, right side of strip to the front of your quilt. Start (with a couple of backstitches) in the middle of one side of your quilt and leave a free hanging tail on the binding strip of about 5 inches, just like using a traditional double fold binding. I use a slightly narrower than 1/4 inch seam allowance, using the markings on my walking foot to line it up. If you cut your strip less than 1 and 1/4 inches wide, you'll have to sew even narrower. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Stop sewing before you reach the end of the side (see pic above). How far away to stop depends on the width of your seam allowance, if you are sewing with 1/4 inch, then stop 1/4 inch away from the end. If you're sewing a 1/8 inch seam allowance, stop 1/8 inch away. If you don't want to measure, the easiest way to eyeball it is to fold the binding strip up at a 90 degree angle, crease it, unfold it and then stop at the 45 degree crease, backstitch a couple of stitches.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J7banaSHzJA/YS3z3u0AbAI/AAAAAAAAJj8/TXXJQPlBt6AxPwvnHlPo1k87fY6l4jtTQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1280/IMG_6613.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J7banaSHzJA/YS3z3u0AbAI/AAAAAAAAJj8/TXXJQPlBt6AxPwvnHlPo1k87fY6l4jtTQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_6613.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Take your quilt out from under the needle, fold binding strip up at a 90 degree, then fold it back down along the next side to stitch. Like the photo below. This forms your mitred corners when you fold it round to the back, so keep them as neat and precise as you can (no wine, it's too early to celebrate yet!)</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dl-DErsEZDI/YS3z3k-aFYI/AAAAAAAAJkA/9gSsnHsVu14K8FtgOUB6uT9TqCwG-PJtACLcBGAsYHQ/s1280/IMG_6614.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dl-DErsEZDI/YS3z3k-aFYI/AAAAAAAAJkA/9gSsnHsVu14K8FtgOUB6uT9TqCwG-PJtACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_6614.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Finger press it flat and neat. Then stick it back under the machine.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BvC5unvGRQg/YS3z37jfsPI/AAAAAAAAJkE/yjM-cmX3RnEaQ923DD2SXKbB-gBBW2amgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1280/IMG_6615.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BvC5unvGRQg/YS3z37jfsPI/AAAAAAAAJkE/yjM-cmX3RnEaQ923DD2SXKbB-gBBW2amgCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/IMG_6615.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Start stitching right from the edge and carry on down that edge. In the pic above you can see I'm lining up my quilt edge and my binding strip edge with the inner edge of the inner 'prong' of my walking foot, not using the 1/4 inch marking as that would be too wide. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Once again, stop before you reach the end of that side and repeat the steps above. Rinse and repeat four more times, until you are heading back down the same side you started on.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h7lDwWuXfnA/YS31WN_CTxI/AAAAAAAAJkQ/Bzm9XO5ZtagzGVRQpt0FYtBiAwrtIGidwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1280/IMG_6616.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h7lDwWuXfnA/YS31WN_CTxI/AAAAAAAAJkQ/Bzm9XO5ZtagzGVRQpt0FYtBiAwrtIGidwCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/IMG_6616.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Stop sewing about 5 inches from where you started and take a few backstitches. Now, if you have a foolproof method of joining binding strips on your usual double fold binding, go for it, it should work for single fold as much as it does for double fold. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If not and you want to learn my no-measure way, pay attention! And maybe zoom in on that pic above 😉</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Pinch your strips together like in the pic and use a sharp pin to take a couple threads in each strip, right about where the seam allowance would hit (look at where my thumb is.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GLsqPa9cQio/YS32sooqQ_I/AAAAAAAAJkY/dfFhxlWPJNYljJ7giCZzV9lVDm5sGgGXACLcBGAsYHQ/s1280/IMG_6617.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GLsqPa9cQio/YS32sooqQ_I/AAAAAAAAJkY/dfFhxlWPJNYljJ7giCZzV9lVDm5sGgGXACLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/IMG_6617.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Once you have a couple of threads with the pin joining the strips together, you should be able to bunch the quilt up a bit and twist the strips out sideways so they cross right sides together at an angle. This is why you can only take a couple of threads with the pin, or the strips won't pivot nicely.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oc9YNVTzZUs/YS32s-5LD3I/AAAAAAAAJkg/ikKi4P1V4Gsv1XLZGW6fnsYUrL-zkUmCACLcBGAsYHQ/s1280/IMG_6618.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oc9YNVTzZUs/YS32s-5LD3I/AAAAAAAAJkg/ikKi4P1V4Gsv1XLZGW6fnsYUrL-zkUmCACLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/IMG_6618.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Stich the strips where they cross, from the point of the top angle to the bottom point, remove the pin before you hit it, as your stitching line should go right through where it catches the fabric. It might help to use your 1/4 inch foot, not your bulky walking foot to do this.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KhKsHSb00j4/YS32swZ5spI/AAAAAAAAJkc/bk7azXBv2CwZ7Esb0mBgc7z3-aQ-u6FLgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1280/IMG_6619.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KhKsHSb00j4/YS32swZ5spI/AAAAAAAAJkc/bk7azXBv2CwZ7Esb0mBgc7z3-aQ-u6FLgCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/IMG_6619.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Once you've sewn the strips together, you should be able to pivot them back against the edge of your quilt. Check that they lie smooth and flat and then trim them (as the pic below) and press the seam open. In the pic below you can see that I have a strip join seam quite close to the end join. Not ideal, if you can cut your strips a little shorter or longer to avoid this it would look better (but I ain't perfect...!)</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WQj3wbmiYfM/YS32uEzxAEI/AAAAAAAAJkk/CEGn4SZIWjYTAqosWJAzc7q0ooRUSwL2QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1280/IMG_6620.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WQj3wbmiYfM/YS32uEzxAEI/AAAAAAAAJkk/CEGn4SZIWjYTAqosWJAzc7q0ooRUSwL2QCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/IMG_6620.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sew the last bit of the seam to meet up with where you began, backstitching at the beginning the end.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--f_U4ZR0hGk/YS36cTegTPI/AAAAAAAAJk0/kEBkUH7Hs8U56PcvSY47t3CXA48Y2a1hgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1280/IMG_6621.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--f_U4ZR0hGk/YS36cTegTPI/AAAAAAAAJk0/kEBkUH7Hs8U56PcvSY47t3CXA48Y2a1hgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_6621.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And here's what it should look like now. All neatly sewn in one continuous strip to the front of your quilt, with mitred corners, all ready to turn to the back. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QnugI5b8cLk/YS36cl_K5KI/AAAAAAAAJk4/4cVSd6mJRPkdKLKDVGo3_dy2Lldx9lgcwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1280/IMG_6623.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QnugI5b8cLk/YS36cl_K5KI/AAAAAAAAJk4/4cVSd6mJRPkdKLKDVGo3_dy2Lldx9lgcwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_6623.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Press your strip out from the front of your quilt. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-absNnxqOTPg/YS37POqV2FI/AAAAAAAAJlA/pwtCRPwmHaAg_nzPbYmX_PXwjqyKlkR-QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1280/IMG_6624.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-absNnxqOTPg/YS37POqV2FI/AAAAAAAAJlA/pwtCRPwmHaAg_nzPbYmX_PXwjqyKlkR-QCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_6624.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Then flip the quilt over (right side down) and fold the raw edge of the strip in towards the quilt (but not OVER the quilt) and press. You won't really be able to do the corners quite yet. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When you have done the sides, working as close to the corners as you can, slide your finger along the strip towards the corner, folding in the raw edge as you go, and then into the corner. The binding strip will kinda stand up and form around the corner. You will then be able to fold one side over one edge of the quilt, then the other side over the other edge of the quilt and make a nice neat mitred corner, covering the machine stitching lines as you go. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The following sequence of pics show the process ( I really should make a video of this!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Please don't judge the state of my pressing surface....😝</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nvZZ2pVxV0M/YS38i25UmeI/AAAAAAAAJlg/Jix4UauqLfwgedK97ar6aqZ7AGGGIlNIgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1280/IMG_6625.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nvZZ2pVxV0M/YS38i25UmeI/AAAAAAAAJlg/Jix4UauqLfwgedK97ar6aqZ7AGGGIlNIgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_6625.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Slide finger along, folding in raw edge as you go towards the corner.</div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v8RrSailTl4/YS37PK9IB6I/AAAAAAAAJlI/Nn2B1ViX2XoYuPioS2pO5qZnJNUMtrAhQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1280/IMG_6626.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v8RrSailTl4/YS37PK9IB6I/AAAAAAAAJlI/Nn2B1ViX2XoYuPioS2pO5qZnJNUMtrAhQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_6626.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hit the corner and the binding strip stands up.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9HrnFUEi4Tw/YS37QETsx2I/AAAAAAAAJlM/hw5wzH6YOvcnDiZiElFHF1CPz5M1TijbQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1280/IMG_6627.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9HrnFUEi4Tw/YS37QETsx2I/AAAAAAAAJlM/hw5wzH6YOvcnDiZiElFHF1CPz5M1TijbQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_6627.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Fold one side of the strip over the edge of the quilt, covering the machine stitching lines.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EjvXPy7Jp3o/YS37QgugHyI/AAAAAAAAJlQ/xn8REBGV_xo4U3nKE0_dzqZNIt2H_PGKQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1280/IMG_6628.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EjvXPy7Jp3o/YS37QgugHyI/AAAAAAAAJlQ/xn8REBGV_xo4U3nKE0_dzqZNIt2H_PGKQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_6628.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Fold the other side of the strip over the other side of the quilt and form a nice mitre in the corner</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">And that's it! Now you can press again, pin, and hand-stitch the binding neatly (or messily as you prefer) to the back of your quilt. </div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MEt1Jm1AdQs/YS3-rMlXCkI/AAAAAAAAJlo/Lbq7yLH7oBIj1NIIjg_hJf0-RnMGiAb2wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1280/IMG_6629.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MEt1Jm1AdQs/YS3-rMlXCkI/AAAAAAAAJlo/Lbq7yLH7oBIj1NIIjg_hJf0-RnMGiAb2wCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/IMG_6629.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Above is with the binding just pinned, not stitched. It lies flatter and neater when the stitching is done.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JXz4F5f9THw/YS3-rFMr5aI/AAAAAAAAJls/u_sw_Av0UfMsuKys6gbIYD_1NxOMqOssgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1280/IMG_6651.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JXz4F5f9THw/YS3-rFMr5aI/AAAAAAAAJls/u_sw_Av0UfMsuKys6gbIYD_1NxOMqOssgCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/IMG_6651.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And here's me hand-stitching it with a hem stitch to the back. I take a couple of stitches at the corners too, just for added neatness and security (and because the quilt police once told me I should.) You can see that it is slightly wider at the back, which means it neatly covers the line of machine sewing from sewing it onto the front.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I hope this makes sense. Please ask any question that you need to for clarification.</div></div> </div>Charlotte Scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11696100659597422648noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7604403499576985528.post-45135227046144727882021-04-07T10:00:00.000+12:002021-04-07T10:00:03.300+12:00Thoughts and Stitches from my Studio<p><span style="font-size: medium;">Hello neglected blog readers! </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">I have some big news that some of you may not have heard, the family and I are moving to the South Island. I wrote an email newsletter and in it I tell a bit more about what's happening.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">If you'd like to read it, click <a href="https://ckarchive.com/b/mvu7h5hzlxo7" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The reason this poor blog has been neglected for so long is many fold. One of them is that I intend to (finally! Talk about procrastination!) get my own website up and running, and then I'll have a blog on there. So anything I write <b>here</b>, I keep thinking I should save it and write <b>there</b>, it's just that <b>there</b> hasn't happened quite yet. So in the meantime, I'll be writing a monthly email newsletter with thoughts and stitches (rambling words and a few pretty pictures of my work) from my studio. I'd love you to join me in the conversation, you can sign up to receive my email newsletter by clicking <a href="https://fantastic-pioneer-6768.ck.page/7f4b599eda" target="_blank">here</a>. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The next big thing on my calendar is presenting at the <a href="https://www.saqa.com/conference/conference2021" target="_blank">SAQA virtual conference</a> in about 10 days time.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SbV4sTVgpck/YGzVW76xZFI/AAAAAAAAJbo/-nZpcyaSt2MDIk5PKb6-JHWBp7SPDxWFgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1528/Screen%2BShot%2B2021-04-07%2Bat%2B9.40.03%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img alt="https://www.saqa.com/conference/conference2021" border="0" data-original-height="382" data-original-width="1528" height="160" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SbV4sTVgpck/YGzVW76xZFI/AAAAAAAAJbo/-nZpcyaSt2MDIk5PKb6-JHWBp7SPDxWFgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h160/Screen%2BShot%2B2021-04-07%2Bat%2B9.40.03%2BAM.png" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-size: medium;">I'm part of a panel presentation and discussion called 'Art from Oceania'. So if you are a SAQA member, and have signed up for the conference, I'd love to see you there!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">And then the NEXT big thing for me is the <a href="https://www.aotearoaquilters.co.nz/the-great-new-zealand-quilt-show-2021/" target="_blank">Great New Zealand Quilt Show</a>, being organised by Aotearoa Quilters. I'm on the committee so have been working away to help bring you this in-person, in-real-life, fingers-crossed-covid-stays-away, three day quilt show. If you are in NZ, you should try and get along, it'll be awesome!</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.aotearoaquilters.co.nz/the-great-new-zealand-quilt-show-2021/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="979" data-original-width="1403" height="446" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PMXCyBt5Vwk/YGzWm8xZ1FI/AAAAAAAAJbw/l48LgP4qg4MFCLS-eJPrT4p-tKdVvbyZACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h446/The%2BGreat%2BNZ%2BQuilt%2BShow%2B2021%2Bweb.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /> So that's it for me today. I better get back to packing up my studio. Happy stitching!</span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>PS - Don't forget to sign up for my <a href="https://fantastic-pioneer-6768.ck.page/7f4b599eda">newsletter</a>!</i></span></p>Charlotte Scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11696100659597422648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7604403499576985528.post-38824557119531950572020-10-24T13:14:00.000+13:002020-10-24T13:14:22.793+13:00Lint is a fact of life.<p>I've just come back from a quick tour of New Zealand with the BERNINA team, launching the new <a href="https://www.bernina.com/en-NZ/Longarm-Quilting-NZ/BERNINA-Q-Series-Sit-Down" target="_blank">Q16 sit-down longarm quilting machine</a>. One of our frequent topics of discussion was lint and machine cleaning.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YR6jdaXhhKY/X5NrWA1j4NI/AAAAAAAAJJU/fr6_pq9_1wIT1u2BDhkYY-tWBnDhfWDeACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2253.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="401" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YR6jdaXhhKY/X5NrWA1j4NI/AAAAAAAAJJU/fr6_pq9_1wIT1u2BDhkYY-tWBnDhfWDeACLcBGAsYHQ/w401-h401/IMG_2253.HEIC" width="401" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Before we would run a class or a demo for the dealers, we would clean and oil the machines, change the needles, load full bobbins, and test sew the machines. I took a photo of the inside of the bobbin area just after doing that. Looks beautiful, right? Those two big white things are the double BERNINA stitch regulators.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Something I've heard are comments like, "Gosh that thread is linty, I'm not going to use it." Or, "Yuck, that batting is so linty." </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">But lint is a fact of life! We are textile artists, we work with fibres, no matter what batting, what thread, what fabric we use, we are going to get lint! And yes, some are more linty than others, but that shouldn't stop us from using them if they are giving us the effect we want in our quilt.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JsOFApGSPOY/X5NrWRC6kBI/AAAAAAAAJJY/B6e2y5nd3F0doLE7c9ARqEdw0-wwnDARgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2256.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="392" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JsOFApGSPOY/X5NrWRC6kBI/AAAAAAAAJJY/B6e2y5nd3F0doLE7c9ARqEdw0-wwnDARgCLcBGAsYHQ/w392-h392/IMG_2256.HEIC" width="392" /></a></div><br /><p>So here's a picture of the inside of the bobbin area after a three hour class. The stitch plate isn't on, that's why it's brighter. But check out the lint! And we were using good quality batting, fabrics and threads.</p><p>Lint is a fact of life! When you sew with fibres, especially on a high-speed machine, you are going to get lint. Your job isn't to try and find the least linty products to use, your job to clean your machine.</p><p>Make it part of your sewing routine. Sit down to sew, pop open your machine and give it a quick swipe with your lint brush. The more often you do it, the less time it will take. And while you are there, give it a drop of oil as per your instruction manual. You really should be giving it an oil every 4-8 hours of sewing time. </p><p>And I guess now is a good time to remind you to change your needle too. Every eight hours of sewing!</p><p>Your time is valuable, set yourself up for a good days sewing. You've spent plenty of money on your machine and on your fabrics, you've given up your valuable time to your project, so don't skimp on those couple of minutes it will take to clean and oil your machine so that you can have a well-running machine that will be a joy to sew with. </p><p>Happy quilting!</p>Charlotte Scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11696100659597422648noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7604403499576985528.post-54405031595546741512020-09-23T20:06:00.000+12:002020-09-23T20:06:13.402+12:00Whangarei Quilt Exhibition 2020<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Whangarei holds a quilt exhibition every second year. Luckily, 2020's exhibition was scheduled for later in the year, and managed to avoid the worst of NZ's Covid lockdown. We were still in Level 2, which meant limiting the number of people in the hall at any one time, but everyone was just so happy to get out and see a quilt show, I don't think anyone minded.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-98v4zVZpJIQ/X2nA1WMsT5I/AAAAAAAAJGw/6kdnhLxCKCY2SMobuQdoFXvxSkUVfa-9gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1280/IMG_1741.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="706" data-original-width="1280" height="295" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-98v4zVZpJIQ/X2nA1WMsT5I/AAAAAAAAJGw/6kdnhLxCKCY2SMobuQdoFXvxSkUVfa-9gCLcBGAsYHQ/w537-h295/IMG_1741.jpeg" width="537" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The club held a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Friedensreich_Hundertwasser" target="_blank">Hundertwasser</a> themed quilt challenge and here are two of my favourite quilts from that.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s_JhTvuZR2Y/X2nA1P3ZXyI/AAAAAAAAJGs/VU2L41LHjnIfYwIyjQCQIkTtNmMkMfQIwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1280/IMG_1742.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="443" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s_JhTvuZR2Y/X2nA1P3ZXyI/AAAAAAAAJGs/VU2L41LHjnIfYwIyjQCQIkTtNmMkMfQIwCLcBGAsYHQ/w332-h443/IMG_1742.jpeg" width="332" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">'The Letterbox' by Sheila Ujdur. Quilts had to be A3 size, portrait or landscape orientation was allowed, and the quilt had to be inspired by artist Friedrich Hundertwasser's work, without copying his work directly.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h6I6ONI-HFY/X2nA2eFGMHI/AAAAAAAAJG0/VQdyl1AMvCsvQZKmU0eQ7B0-OGDhQJmAwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1280/IMG_1745.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="365" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h6I6ONI-HFY/X2nA2eFGMHI/AAAAAAAAJG0/VQdyl1AMvCsvQZKmU0eQ7B0-OGDhQJmAwCLcBGAsYHQ/w487-h365/IMG_1745.jpeg" width="487" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">'Among Trees' by Helen Barron, which won a second place in the silver section (entered a challenge before but not had a placing.)</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IMZQ2PKiQdc/X2nA_culRMI/AAAAAAAAJG4/Ns09aVyppb09XeS-fyfTsT9fP8Q9JbzoQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1280/IMG_1747.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1089" height="424" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IMZQ2PKiQdc/X2nA_culRMI/AAAAAAAAJG4/Ns09aVyppb09XeS-fyfTsT9fP8Q9JbzoQCLcBGAsYHQ/w361-h424/IMG_1747.jpeg" width="361" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Unfortunately I didn't win the raffle quilt, but I loved the colours and the design, so I took a quick pic. Isn't it lovely? The winner would be very pleased to have that lovely quilt to snuggle under.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_kO8TFtQ8GI/X2nA_oGmMuI/AAAAAAAAJG8/xKN4uMPXG80wpo3J8guTLFuCkhVY2NGQQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1280/IMG_1748.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="978" data-original-width="1280" height="354" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_kO8TFtQ8GI/X2nA_oGmMuI/AAAAAAAAJG8/xKN4uMPXG80wpo3J8guTLFuCkhVY2NGQQCLcBGAsYHQ/w464-h354/IMG_1748.jpeg" width="464" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Rikki Going started this quilt, 'Stoned with Karen' in a Karen Stone workshop. I loved the colour combination and the regular grid work combined with these snippets of irregular colour. Very interesting to look at.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l7xvoBNpKJk/X2nBB9MaaJI/AAAAAAAAJHA/o35t0o-1oUAl6T57GZlHjJxuJYjSiqpfgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1280/IMG_1750.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="922" height="512" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l7xvoBNpKJk/X2nBB9MaaJI/AAAAAAAAJHA/o35t0o-1oUAl6T57GZlHjJxuJYjSiqpfgCLcBGAsYHQ/w370-h512/IMG_1750.jpeg" width="370" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And another of Rikki Going's quilts. 'Desert Blooms' inspired by a Laura Heine design. It was just so different from anything else in the show. Full of life!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CvoCdbdo8vc/X2nBGv4zytI/AAAAAAAAJHI/xT5uL9tA-WAD6q-8jFFUzL_JI8cwLDh_gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1280/IMG_1753.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="925" height="482" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CvoCdbdo8vc/X2nBGv4zytI/AAAAAAAAJHI/xT5uL9tA-WAD6q-8jFFUzL_JI8cwLDh_gCLcBGAsYHQ/w348-h482/IMG_1753.jpeg" width="348" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">'Daisy, Daisy' by Maria New was made from a Deborah Louie pattern and the good use of black and white fabrics combined with the heavily petalled flowers worked really well. It won viewers choice from the club members and I can understand why.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gn3Q7OdVl9w/X2nBJd2n8YI/AAAAAAAAJHM/UFdIixwh544nuReFcLu_BnUlmv-Z8lfzwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1280/IMG_1755.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1194" data-original-width="1280" height="361" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gn3Q7OdVl9w/X2nBJd2n8YI/AAAAAAAAJHM/UFdIixwh544nuReFcLu_BnUlmv-Z8lfzwCLcBGAsYHQ/w386-h361/IMG_1755.jpeg" width="386" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I snapped a shot of this little house quilt by Jan Silvester because I have a thing for house quilts. I've never actually made one! Funnily enough, there seemed to be others who have the same feelings as you'll see several more house quilts as you read, the show was well populated with houses!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6lthwb9IP_o/X2nBNKheUAI/AAAAAAAAJHQ/beny3HrO3Vwp5fhl2i7QlopdkHHwsZS7ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1280/IMG_1757.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1271" height="403" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6lthwb9IP_o/X2nBNKheUAI/AAAAAAAAJHQ/beny3HrO3Vwp5fhl2i7QlopdkHHwsZS7ACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h403/IMG_1757.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I've seen this tree design before and it always appeals. This was made by Rikki Going, it's called 'Forest from the Trees' and it's from a pattern in the Simply Moderne magazine.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DrD-UZo1B-0/X2nBS_7AZtI/AAAAAAAAJHc/hOEwzkCv3_ondqYPazoWwYivF6tz7hc-gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1280/IMG_1759.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1151" height="468" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DrD-UZo1B-0/X2nBS_7AZtI/AAAAAAAAJHc/hOEwzkCv3_ondqYPazoWwYivF6tz7hc-gCLcBGAsYHQ/w422-h468/IMG_1759.jpeg" width="422" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">What's not to love about a good plus quilt? This is 'Black and White Plus Colour' made by Rosslee Baker, quilted by KR Quilting. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mi4X5gp3Vn0/X2nBVkNQXhI/AAAAAAAAJHg/sncB_lu15UYnPG1JWhsHC5TWMAOO9weqACLcBGAsYHQ/s1280/IMG_1761.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1056" height="498" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mi4X5gp3Vn0/X2nBVkNQXhI/AAAAAAAAJHg/sncB_lu15UYnPG1JWhsHC5TWMAOO9weqACLcBGAsYHQ/w411-h498/IMG_1761.jpeg" width="411" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And equally, what's not to love about a good scrap quilt? I love stars too and I love the different blues around each star that then combine to make a quarter square triangle secondary block in the background. This is called 'Rikki's Stars' made by Maria New.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6oRblyork4s/X2nBWvuTqKI/AAAAAAAAJHk/x6gt23wAnO0s6C05eYwDtU6RK-R2o33JgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1280/IMG_1763.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="945" height="434" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6oRblyork4s/X2nBWvuTqKI/AAAAAAAAJHk/x6gt23wAnO0s6C05eYwDtU6RK-R2o33JgCLcBGAsYHQ/w320-h434/IMG_1763.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is called 'Mini Sampler' by Sheila Ujdur and it was just a sweet little quilt. Something you'd find on a cozy log cabin wall. Nice workmanship too.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bg5WJHY5Y2A/X2nBaLPSQlI/AAAAAAAAJHo/5Jl8vwKyYeoOpa4r6cZaPvKocIipuJefgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1280/IMG_1765.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="898" data-original-width="1280" height="323" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bg5WJHY5Y2A/X2nBaLPSQlI/AAAAAAAAJHo/5Jl8vwKyYeoOpa4r6cZaPvKocIipuJefgCLcBGAsYHQ/w461-h323/IMG_1765.jpeg" width="461" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This quilt was called 'Autumn' and was made by Janet Greeks. I was excited to see this piece as Janet had taken part in the Aotearoa Quilters 100 Days Project that I had organised earlier this year and this was her project. She had made a study of using different embellishment techniques and the pieces looked fabulous up on the wall.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-915qIvq0TwE/X2nBdgpF2aI/AAAAAAAAJHw/GYamSX5mxOIxJkQ_RlQcV5W0_IJYgMD7QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1280/IMG_1769.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="950" data-original-width="1280" height="344" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-915qIvq0TwE/X2nBdgpF2aI/AAAAAAAAJHw/GYamSX5mxOIxJkQ_RlQcV5W0_IJYgMD7QCLcBGAsYHQ/w462-h344/IMG_1769.jpeg" width="462" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This was 'Bed Warmer' by Terri Mills. Unusual in shape, construction and colour, it would be sure to brighten up the foot of any bed! I just had to grab a shot. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JjlkW0tUook/X2nBeLTn_7I/AAAAAAAAJH0/Ng5sJ3EfNTo7tC3cvN-IudOisJcTWQiCgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1280/IMG_1771.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="806" data-original-width="1280" height="416" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JjlkW0tUook/X2nBeLTn_7I/AAAAAAAAJH0/Ng5sJ3EfNTo7tC3cvN-IudOisJcTWQiCgCLcBGAsYHQ/w663-h416/IMG_1771.jpeg" width="663" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This was a true crowd pleaser! 'Bench Seat' by Donna Rowan was made as a block of the month project through Apple Basket Quilts and these are all Sue Spargo designs. Doesn't it look so tempting to sit on, despite the sign?!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HZM-ZnDt9yc/X2nBmoC3E4I/AAAAAAAAJH8/5TBBp1EEuyMEl0_51wefmkBCIb2zD9BKwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1280/IMG_1773.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1207" height="490" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HZM-ZnDt9yc/X2nBmoC3E4I/AAAAAAAAJH8/5TBBp1EEuyMEl0_51wefmkBCIb2zD9BKwCLcBGAsYHQ/w462-h490/IMG_1773.jpeg" width="462" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here's another of the house quilts. 'Hobsonville Point' was made by Anne Groufsky and quilted by Leanne Hopper. Anne made this from a quilt kit purchased from All Things Bernina. The sharp triangles in the second border give a lot of life and energy to this neighbourhood.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HZy93SFWlmk/X2nBqW7zxGI/AAAAAAAAJIA/4NFbTnqQ0voyPHhmXJEKVk-vDwSsFwKhQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1280/IMG_1775.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1203" height="476" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HZy93SFWlmk/X2nBqW7zxGI/AAAAAAAAJIA/4NFbTnqQ0voyPHhmXJEKVk-vDwSsFwKhQCLcBGAsYHQ/w448-h476/IMG_1775.jpeg" width="448" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I don't think I'd ever have the patience or precision to make such a lovely job of sashiko so this also needed to be in my photo collection. 'Kiwi Sashiko' by Sheila Udjur. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fNjo3ZShYx0/X2nBsLnJD5I/AAAAAAAAJIE/SqEjakjc8xkMJNsTGxMw7hVb2l1jvHLKwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1280/IMG_1777.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1078" height="523" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fNjo3ZShYx0/X2nBsLnJD5I/AAAAAAAAJIE/SqEjakjc8xkMJNsTGxMw7hVb2l1jvHLKwCLcBGAsYHQ/w440-h523/IMG_1777.jpeg" width="440" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And one more for the house quilt collection. 'Houses for Kirstin and Rob' was made by Margo Wakelin from a book 'Quilt with Tula and Angela'. The quilt was quilted by Leeanne Hopper. I love the topsy turvy houses with the large fabric prints as feature walls.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q46uPaCBMCM/X2nBuxnAdKI/AAAAAAAAJIQ/u6Ln8sNBIUcBDUmQrrN5WFK93_-NY4GlgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1280/IMG_1779.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="976" height="531" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q46uPaCBMCM/X2nBuxnAdKI/AAAAAAAAJIQ/u6Ln8sNBIUcBDUmQrrN5WFK93_-NY4GlgCLcBGAsYHQ/w405-h531/IMG_1779.jpeg" width="405" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">'Stitching Bee' by Beryl McDowell. This was made as a block of the month project through The Country Yard shop. And it's a very sweet, subtle and homely quilt with the combination of small print fabrics and stitcheries.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JS_y_yzO8Bo/X2nByOSapQI/AAAAAAAAJIU/U6eGv8NA-UIK9GCxtm293sIlRUKo_juPQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1280/IMG_1781.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="379" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JS_y_yzO8Bo/X2nByOSapQI/AAAAAAAAJIU/U6eGv8NA-UIK9GCxtm293sIlRUKo_juPQCLcBGAsYHQ/w505-h379/IMG_1781.jpeg" width="505" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The club also had the Aotearoa Quilters travelling exhibition 'Journey' on display. They made a great mini exhibition in the back room. And you can see my quilt, 'Soul Bird', in amongst them.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zr8wBIsUESY/X2nB0dBiEVI/AAAAAAAAJIY/i2snpE3d-48AOYUf5391Jne6jTm7Jyl3ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1280/IMG_1782.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="992" height="425" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zr8wBIsUESY/X2nB0dBiEVI/AAAAAAAAJIY/i2snpE3d-48AOYUf5391Jne6jTm7Jyl3ACLcBGAsYHQ/w329-h425/IMG_1782.jpeg" width="329" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Had to get a pic standing next to it of course! And it was pointed out to me that I was awfully colour coordinated - not planned at all...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nb1hKjpP5Hg/X2nB2EZz-WI/AAAAAAAAJIc/djoQXyiwk00alDQUKO5NjeqUmRUFTExsACLcBGAsYHQ/s1280/IMG_1788.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="943" data-original-width="1280" height="356" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nb1hKjpP5Hg/X2nB2EZz-WI/AAAAAAAAJIc/djoQXyiwk00alDQUKO5NjeqUmRUFTExsACLcBGAsYHQ/w483-h356/IMG_1788.jpeg" width="483" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">These are two of my favourites from the Journey collection. I think they look so good next to each other and the quilting on each is superb. Left is 'Journey to the Pyramids' by Margaret Rogerson and right is 'Road Trip' by Shirley Sparks.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MF2R9t0o2dM/X2nB6tMncsI/AAAAAAAAJIk/E8tLMD2uxH03g45VFoa95LFBDcPcDFLKQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1280/IMG_1791.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1095" data-original-width="1280" height="441" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MF2R9t0o2dM/X2nB6tMncsI/AAAAAAAAJIk/E8tLMD2uxH03g45VFoa95LFBDcPcDFLKQCLcBGAsYHQ/w515-h441/IMG_1791.jpeg" width="515" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In the back room there was also Aotearoa Quilter member Sonya Prchal with her solo exhibit. I couldn't get close to say hello to her as she had a mesmerised crowd watching her demo her thread painting techniques. But I did manage to get a snap of part of the display. These are some of her smaller works. Always such stunning work!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I thoroughly enjoyed the show, I helped support a few of the merchants by treating myself to a few goodies, and I drove home inspired and happy!</div><p></p>Charlotte Scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11696100659597422648noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7604403499576985528.post-24740292227579017482020-09-09T09:16:00.004+12:002020-09-09T15:01:38.929+12:00Teaching Tour - the new BERNINA Q16<p>In my last blog post I hinted that there was an upcoming teaching tour with BERNINA. It's all confirmed so now I can give you all the deets and make it all official and stuff. </p><p>BERNINA have released a brand new machine. It's another sit down long-arm with all the great features of the BERNINA Q20 but it's just a little smaller. Welcome to the <a href="https://www.bernina.com/Bernina/media/products/Longarm/Brochure/Q%2016/BERNINA_Q16_Brochure_US.pdf" target="_blank">new BERNINA Q16</a>! This is perfect for those quilters who need more throat space than a domestic to make quilting their quilts a breeze, but don't have quite enough sewing room space for the larger machines. It's also just a bit easier on the budget. </p><p>And I'm so excited to be able to help BERNINA introduce it to New Zealand!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iU5lzpv-bC0/X1HN2jjY_WI/AAAAAAAAJGM/ySsjOorQU8MLAJs14q68E6Ys2D6AK9xngCLcBGAsYHQ/s1080/Q16%2BWorkshopIG.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="500" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iU5lzpv-bC0/X1HN2jjY_WI/AAAAAAAAJGM/ySsjOorQU8MLAJs14q68E6Ys2D6AK9xngCLcBGAsYHQ/w500-h500/Q16%2BWorkshopIG.png" width="500" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>BERNINA asked me to design a fabric panel specifically for this class. I've used my own hand-dyed fabrics and put together a design that isn't too complicated but still has plenty of scope to get creative with the quilting designs. Rebecca Owen from BERNINA worked her digital magic and put the squared border around it and has got a panel printed for every workshop participant. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9l3P-9pCN-U/X1HQ88iaVvI/AAAAAAAAJGU/zEnK-AYp2moo3SIT02uW4pVIOu7Mg_IXwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Charlotte1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9l3P-9pCN-U/X1HQ88iaVvI/AAAAAAAAJGU/zEnK-AYp2moo3SIT02uW4pVIOu7Mg_IXwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h400/Charlotte1.png" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>You'll be able to try out free-motion and ruler quilting on the beautiful Q16 machine and will get to take your very own ruler home with you - as well as your quilted sample of course. The panel will be sandwiched, the machines will be threaded, all you have to do is sit down and have a creatively fun time with me and the BERNINA crew!</p><p>It's a great opportunity to have a really good try out session with the Q16. I know it can be a bit overwhelming at a show with everyone watching and other people waiting to have their turn too. At this workshop every class participant will have their own machine and during the three hours I'll be able to guide you through some beautiful free-motion and ruler quilting designs, which you can combine to really make the panel your own.</p><p>If you are interested in joining us, please get in touch with your <a href="https://www.bernina.com/en-NZ/Store-locator-NZ" target="_blank">local BERNINA dealer.</a> I look forward to seeing you there, it's going to be so much fun!</p><p><i>Edited to add the timetable:</i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rmBa9xfu00Q/X1hFVxQFLYI/AAAAAAAAJGg/9MM2TlVF7Z4DThdEmWivvBsWDFrxYNgMgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1742/Screen%2BShot%2B2020-09-09%2Bat%2B2.59.17%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1196" data-original-width="1742" height="344" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rmBa9xfu00Q/X1hFVxQFLYI/AAAAAAAAJGg/9MM2TlVF7Z4DThdEmWivvBsWDFrxYNgMgCLcBGAsYHQ/w500-h344/Screen%2BShot%2B2020-09-09%2Bat%2B2.59.17%2BPM.png" width="500" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Charlotte Scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11696100659597422648noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7604403499576985528.post-54237796307654158942020-08-31T08:35:00.015+12:002020-08-31T12:02:11.300+12:00I'm a BERNINA Q 20 Ambassador for New Zealand!<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span lang=""><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">It’s been seven weeks since my new baby came to live with me….my new <a href="https://www.bernina.com/en-NZ/Longarm-Quilting-NZ/BERNINA-Q-Series-Sit-Down-Model" target="_blank">BERNINA Q 20</a> sit down long-arm quilting machine!<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">The BERNINA Q 20 is a quilting machine with a 20 inch throat. You sit on a chair to use it and guide the fabric under the needle, just like free-motion quilting on a small domestic machine. You can also put the Q 20 on a frame and use it like a stand up long-arm, where you guide the machine over the fabric. BERNINA also makes a <a href="https://www.berninanorthland.co.nz/product/bernina-q-20-q-24-2/" target="_blank">Q 24</a> (with a 24" throat) that is specifically designed to be used in a stand up frame.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span lang=""><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span lang=""><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">I have been a BERNINA convert since I bought my first ‘real’ sewing machine 15 years ago – a BERNINA Aurora 440. BERNINA stole my heart with the quality of their machines, the beauty of the stitches and the ease of use. So when the lovely crew at BERNINA NZ contacted me and asked if I’d consider becoming a BERNINA Ambassador for them, you can guess what the answer was…hellooooooo dream role!<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span lang=""><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span face="" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">My role as an ambassador is to share my experiences using the machine, to publicise any neat and unique features that I particularly love and to basically 'share the love' by showing you all what I create with the machine. You might also see me sometimes at shows where BERNINA has a stand (cool! I love demoing) and perhaps even doing a teaching tour or two.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span face="" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span face="" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"><i>*Sneaky advance notice - teaching tour coming up in October - watch this space!*</i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span face="" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span face="" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">So here’s me sharing the love with pictures of the day she arrived.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span face="" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w2aVcfuwTCc/XzsIftefH_I/AAAAAAAAJEk/1XbGvmZNSjUKTUufM21lEyDfOsmI9xVMQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1280/1C7C0CBC-956E-42F0-BF49-D4D194DFC0FE.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w2aVcfuwTCc/XzsIftefH_I/AAAAAAAAJEk/1XbGvmZNSjUKTUufM21lEyDfOsmI9xVMQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/1C7C0CBC-956E-42F0-BF49-D4D194DFC0FE.jpeg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dQUhBElsFuI/XzsH2UHi6II/AAAAAAAAJD4/6vPwDXNOCN0Xh8HNkneVnm8VvXEt_mBkACLcBGAsYHQ/s1280/ED75556F-C95C-47F8-B3B6-4E4E986BD8CE.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dQUhBElsFuI/XzsH2UHi6II/AAAAAAAAJD4/6vPwDXNOCN0Xh8HNkneVnm8VvXEt_mBkACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/ED75556F-C95C-47F8-B3B6-4E4E986BD8CE.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: left;"><span face="" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Nick and Sandy came up from <a href="https://www.berninanorthland.co.nz/" target="_blank">BERNINA Sewing Centre</a> in Whangarei to deliver and install the machine for me. They were equally excited for me, and so helpful, with lots of tips.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: left;"><span face="" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: left;"><span face="" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">My Q 20 sits in a Horn table. These tables have been designed particularly for this machine as an option for smaller spaces; they are large and pretty robust tables, but foldaway (<a href="https://www.berninanorthland.co.nz/product/bernina-q20-with-horn-table/" target="_blank">with the machine still on them</a>) for effective space saving. Nick tells me that most people opt for these tables now, but there is also the choice of a <a href="https://www.berninanorthland.co.nz/product/bernina-q20-with-koala-table/" target="_blank">Koala</a> table; a very solid table that has the option to expand larger than the Horn.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: left;"><span face="" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: left;"><span face=""><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Apparently in the U.S. you can get fancy electric tables that lift up and convert from seated height to standing height. I’ll keep my eyes peeled to see if they ever come to NZ.</span><span style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: left;"><span face="" style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span></p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rVUvtwVGuZ4/XzsIzf4pMfI/AAAAAAAAJE0/0HYCxpctYPsQ0OYhzim_e4XdiKDsb7hXgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1280/01E69BA3-9289-4109-87DF-65206305C1BA.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rVUvtwVGuZ4/XzsIzf4pMfI/AAAAAAAAJE0/0HYCxpctYPsQ0OYhzim_e4XdiKDsb7hXgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/01E69BA3-9289-4109-87DF-65206305C1BA.jpeg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span face="" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Anyhoo. Back to installation day. I was shown how to use the machine, how to set my bobbin tension with the nifty little tension gadget, how to oil and clean her (super easy), and how to use the fancy-pants needle threader. Then it was practice time. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span face="" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span face=""><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">With any new machine it takes time to get to know it. For example, it took me a little while to get my movements coordinated with using the kickback on the foot pedal to lift the needle and then the button on the screen to lift the foot because it’s a different set of movements from my other machine. But once you get quilting, the free-motion movements are all the same and it just flows like silk!</span><span style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span face="" style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span></p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0zHXakr7Ef4/XzsIxNUXJBI/AAAAAAAAJEs/RR9Mdr6_jIMTwtXhLRvEPsEfoJKkXtwngCLcBGAsYHQ/s1280/IMG_1199.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0zHXakr7Ef4/XzsIxNUXJBI/AAAAAAAAJEs/RR9Mdr6_jIMTwtXhLRvEPsEfoJKkXtwngCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_1199.jpeg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span face="" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">It has also taken me a little while to get used to the BSR – the <a href="https://www.bernina.com/en-NZ/Longarm-Quilting-NZ/BERNINA-Q-Series-Sit-Down-Model#!features" target="_blank">BERNINA stitch regulator</a> function. My BERNINA Aurora 440 has a BSR, but I never really use it. When I first bought that machine, I was just learning to free-motion quilt and it felt like learning to use the BSR was just as much effort as learning to free-motion without it. Over the years I have mastered free-motion quilting and can easily regulate my stitch length without needing a BSR. But I was determined to try it and get to know it well on the Q 20 – if I’m ever going to be demoing the machine I have to know what I’m talking about, right?!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span face="" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span face="" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">And now I LUUUUURVE it! She has three BSR modes. BSR 1 regulates your stitch length to the speed you move the fabric but also stitches in place when you stop moving the fabric. BSR 2 is the same as BSR 1 but with no idling stitching. BSR 3 is a basting stitch, which you can set to do one, two or four stitches per inch. I’m looking forward to trying the four stitches per inch with a heavy thread to imitate big-stitch hand quilting.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span face="" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span face="" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">The BSR helps with keeping the quality of my stitches beautiful. It really helps with ruler quilting, which I’m just starting to explore, and it just makes life a little bit easier, giving you more energy to spend on creating beautiful quilts rather than worrying about stitch length. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span face="" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span face="" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">If you follow me on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/madquiltlady/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, you will have seen many of my practice pieces. I’ve made several bassinet quilts, as they are a good size for practice sandwiches, and then I can donate them to the maternity unit once they are finished. I've also been working on some smaller projects with intensive quilting, like the swallow below.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span face="" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;"> </span></p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rstruFwvb0A/XzsIycptaRI/AAAAAAAAJEw/t3vx4X6_AjA8ye7JI0NxXPIhp78PQHFOwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1280/IMG_1222.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rstruFwvb0A/XzsIycptaRI/AAAAAAAAJEw/t3vx4X6_AjA8ye7JI0NxXPIhp78PQHFOwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_1222.jpeg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><span face="" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">But yesterday I finished a little sample that I made entirely on the BERNINA Q 20. It’s a wholecloth quilt, thread sketched, then coloured with water soluble pencils, and fixed with a textile medium. I call it Dragon Moon.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm;"><span face="" style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span face="" style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mn2a8OZN5vA/X0rERxTXo-I/AAAAAAAAJF0/uSx49BmND0caVCIS4P_VkroEkbi_v8CgwCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_1626.jpeg" width="480" /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: left;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Size is 18 1/2 inches wide by 20 inches tall. It's intensively stitched, but the BERNINA Q 20 handled that with ease. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tIPk2_Me7iQ/X0rEP6pZHII/AAAAAAAAJFw/m4GfssBwl9ckjRgWoof97QMUMwWFt0iUACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_1623.jpeg" style="text-align: start;" /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">Here's the back. I thought it would be interesting to use black fabric to give it a totally different look. I usually use the same colour threads top and bobbin so I almost get a two-sided quilt.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0cm; text-align: center;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: calibri, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8ItZlDVGIqQ/X0rENQuZlaI/AAAAAAAAJFs/-b10L77jgbwZcD7F7dtb6QhdtwWGPkuAQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1280/IMG_1621.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8ItZlDVGIqQ/X0rENQuZlaI/AAAAAAAAJFs/-b10L77jgbwZcD7F7dtb6QhdtwWGPkuAQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_1621.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: calibri, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And a couple of detail shots for you. My meandering on the moon looks a little odd closeup, but I was trying to go for an irregular pocked moon surface, rather than a beautifully even meander, not quite sure I achieved it! I'm super happy with the scaling pattern on the body, and the pa</span><span style="font-size: medium;">ttern I used on the wings (although I didn't get much of a closeup of that.)</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: calibri, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: calibri, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ud6yCFWJq4Y/X0rEGFTsELI/AAAAAAAAJFo/sEw2RX344mQAxeK2jRC_dPrWkT5JemOCgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1280/IMG_1625.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ud6yCFWJq4Y/X0rEGFTsELI/AAAAAAAAJFo/sEw2RX344mQAxeK2jRC_dPrWkT5JemOCgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_1625.jpeg" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm;"><br /></p><span style="font-size: medium;">In conclusion, I'm delighted with the machine. She is lovely to use and creates a lovely stitch, just like I've come to expect from BERNINA. I'm really excited to be able to be part of the BERNINA family and I look forward to being able to show you all the projects I create with the Q 20. <br /></span><p></p></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FFJhSCJFlOA/XzsI7TSnnXI/AAAAAAAAJE4/57HzB34veDssGhBsMwZlrdpYlVVX-rHlwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1280/IMG_1314%2B2.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1183" data-original-width="1280" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FFJhSCJFlOA/XzsI7TSnnXI/AAAAAAAAJE4/57HzB34veDssGhBsMwZlrdpYlVVX-rHlwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_1314%2B2.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: medium;">P.S. Next time I'm asked to fill in my occupation on a form, do you think I could get away with writing 'Ambassador'?!</span></div>Charlotte Scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11696100659597422648noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7604403499576985528.post-40218485868271310922020-06-29T20:34:00.001+12:002020-06-29T20:34:47.272+12:00Merit Award in the Aotearoa Quilters Aqua Challenge<div><a href="https://www.aotearoaquilters.co.nz" target="_blank">Aotearoa Quilters</a> runs a colour challenge every year or so, and this time around the theme colour was aqua. They also changed up the size (usually a 12" x 12" square) this time they chose a 12" x 16" rectangle in a portrait orientation. I confess to enjoying the rectangular shape more than the square, it's easier to work with design-wise. But I know squares fit together beautifully on an exhibition wall, so it's swings and roundabouts.</div><div><br /></div><div>And I was delighted to win a merit prize! Those are the good emails to open. The unexpected ones that tell you you've won something (and not $7.3 billion from a nice man in Nigeria!)</div><div><br /></div><div>All the entered quilts will be on show at the <a href="https://www.aotearoaquilters.co.nz/aqevent/pearls-and-water-taupo-quiltmakers-exhibition/" target="_blank">Taupo Quiltmakers exhibition</a> called Pearls and Water. This is on at the Great Lake Centre, Taupo, October 2nd till October 4th and would be well worth a visit. </div><div><br /></div><div>When you think of aqua, what colour do you think of? Greeny-blue? Bluey-green? Teal? Kingfisher? Here's a screenshot of when I search for images of aqua colour - what a variation! </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F8kXlNALYx8/Xvfam2o6aSI/AAAAAAAAI_4/m96iVkUs3VQZ37_Nm7tH38c-zKHDQrbqQCK4BGAsYHg/s3388/Screen%2BShot%2B2020-06-28%2Bat%2B11.43.48%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1550" data-original-width="3388" height="229" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F8kXlNALYx8/Xvfam2o6aSI/AAAAAAAAI_4/m96iVkUs3VQZ37_Nm7tH38c-zKHDQrbqQCK4BGAsYHg/w500-h229/Screen%2BShot%2B2020-06-28%2Bat%2B11.43.48%2BAM.png" width="500" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>So I did a colour pull of all my 'aqua-ish' fabrics to get more of an idea of what I had, and to see if anything sparked my ideas button.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cm00Pfc_jSA/XvhMkz7BaFI/AAAAAAAAJA8/LdqXVsuNYqga8hOrSs_phaTVl_9ZzSxLwCK4BGAsYHg/s1280/IMG_6974.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cm00Pfc_jSA/XvhMkz7BaFI/AAAAAAAAJA8/LdqXVsuNYqga8hOrSs_phaTVl_9ZzSxLwCK4BGAsYHg/w400-h400/IMG_6974.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As you may know if you've been reading my blog for any length of time, birds feature heavily in my quilts. I have been working with birds in flight recently so I decided to downsize the shapes I'd been working with and play with them on the surface of a piece of aqua hand-dyed fabric I found.</div><div></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ei9oalitxCA/XvhMltgdFMI/AAAAAAAAJBA/JMRZwgVbagE2FsOCWjcbAasVeDHzBhHWgCK4BGAsYHg/s1280/IMG_6963.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1021" height="500" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ei9oalitxCA/XvhMltgdFMI/AAAAAAAAJBA/JMRZwgVbagE2FsOCWjcbAasVeDHzBhHWgCK4BGAsYHg/w399-h500/IMG_6963.jpeg" width="399" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">They fell into place so nicely, with such a great sense of movement, that the design didn't take long to finalise at all. The colours of each bird travels from dark teal to lightest sea foam, with a dark purple for some visual interest.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VN_On2cRZt0/XvhMkHmHLzI/AAAAAAAAJA4/a8w-xh5D36oNIpmNdF-FChu6GB0VtcaeACK4BGAsYHg/s1280/IMG_6977.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VN_On2cRZt0/XvhMkHmHLzI/AAAAAAAAJA4/a8w-xh5D36oNIpmNdF-FChu6GB0VtcaeACK4BGAsYHg/w300-h400/IMG_6977.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I know this is an absolutely terrible photo, but it gives you an idea of how I sometimes plan quilting lines. This is a photo of the quilt top, placed in a page protector and then drawn on with a dry erase marker.</div><div></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WijeECJoB00/XvhMjFUKGUI/AAAAAAAAJAw/3gHs1KN1YxI3uISf8td33bmShEEVt_9WQCK4BGAsYHg/s1280/IMG_0008.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="954" height="625" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WijeECJoB00/XvhMjFUKGUI/AAAAAAAAJAw/3gHs1KN1YxI3uISf8td33bmShEEVt_9WQCK4BGAsYHg/w466-h625/IMG_0008.jpeg" width="466" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I finished the quilt with a facing as I felt a binding would constrain the birds and you would lose the sense of them flying off into the distance. I named the quilt "Let Your Spirit Fly Free" in dedication to the first Covid-19 victim in New Zealand, who passed away around the time I was making the quilt.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-agnGeNrXSWU/XvhMjn158gI/AAAAAAAAJA0/XmNJakc1kugZ_lGjNkM-F2jmHvxAP32TACK4BGAsYHg/s1280/IMG_7017.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-agnGeNrXSWU/XvhMjn158gI/AAAAAAAAJA0/XmNJakc1kugZ_lGjNkM-F2jmHvxAP32TACK4BGAsYHg/w400-h400/IMG_7017.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I quilted it using my trusty domestic <a href="https://www.bernina.com/en-NZ/Home-New-Zealand" target="_blank">BERNINA</a> Aurora 440 as the quilt was nice and small and this machine gives me great control over my free motion quilting. The threads are tied and buried. </div><div><br /></div><div>All the quilts will be for sale for $150, and I'd be pleased if it went to a new home. But I'd also be secretly pleased if it came back home after touring New Zealand, as it's one I'm really pleased with and it reminds me of the strange and difficult, but weirdly beautiful time that NZ's Covid-19 lockdown was for me.</div><div><br /></div><div>The winning quilt and the other merit prizes can be seen on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AotearoaQuilters/photos/pcb.3309399222412397/3309398942412425/?type=3&theater" target="_blank">Aotearoa Quilters Facebook</a> page. I'd like to thank the sponsors who make the prizes possible, especially <a href="https://www.quiltique.co.nz" target="_blank">Quiltique</a> who sponsored my prize. </div>Charlotte Scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11696100659597422648noreply@blogger.com3new zealand-38.0802142 176.3223167-64.742104374550664 141.1660667 -11.418324025449337 -148.5214333tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7604403499576985528.post-70473750104629654862020-06-09T14:07:00.000+12:002020-06-09T14:07:11.094+12:00Skulls and Thorns<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When I last spent some time writing in my blog, we were moving out of Level 4 lockdown for the Covid-19 pandemic, so it's quite fitting that now, when I've taken up my <strike>pen</strike> keyboard again, it is the first day of Level 1. New Zealand has NO active cases!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My desktop died a sad and sudden death a few weeks ago and that really put a halt to my intended regular blogging activity. I can do it on my other devices but it just isn't fun.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Anyhoo, here I am once again.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I have a video for you today. A little free-motion quilting video that I shot yesterday. It's fun videoing myself quilting, I like watching myself and figuring out how I could improve my own skills, or how I could better teach others from what I'm saying and pointing out.</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ih9S135CInI/Xt7lQQRTFvI/AAAAAAAAI-8/3CrMUKjabG4OuQD_lda58X4ibkOxaqI5gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_6412.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="550" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ih9S135CInI/Xt7lQQRTFvI/AAAAAAAAI-8/3CrMUKjabG4OuQD_lda58X4ibkOxaqI5gCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_6412.jpeg" width="171" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The quilt I'm quilting is one I've been working on off and on for a little while. It started as a hand-stitching project and has evolved slowly as I've thought about it and come across images and symbolism that I've wanted to use.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I had a long narrow piece of my hand-dyed fabric and I fused down the leaf shapes into a circle shape. I like circles, they are very feminine and I find they relate heavily to my profession as a midwife - moons, cycles, pregnancy etc etc. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The leaves are made of hand-dyed silk organza - scraps from larger pieces that I've used in other quilts.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I was also playing around with some off-cuts of a hand-dyed linen table cloth, those are the funky shapes under the circle, but they didn't make the cut and got put back in the scrap bin.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I spent the Christmas holidays doing embroidery using my hand-dyed threads. I tried to use a different stitch for every type of leaf just to up the interest factor, but also to add some cohesion between the groups. I still had no idea what I was going to do with the panel, but ideas started flowing as I sat and stitched.</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m5_eYlpPrwg/Xt7laX5n13I/AAAAAAAAI_M/FKPGlQ89XXE2XjwYYW_jJdOWqvBalxusQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_6746.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m5_eYlpPrwg/Xt7laX5n13I/AAAAAAAAI_M/FKPGlQ89XXE2XjwYYW_jJdOWqvBalxusQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_6746.jpeg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I cut a large piece of hand-dyed cotton in half and sewed one half to each side of my middle panel. I wanted to increase the size because I'd finally had an idea of what I wanted to add.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This beastie hangs on a wall under my house where I used to dye my fabrics. My husband is very proud of his 12 point red stag, and skulls have a lot of symbolism for me too. I particularly like the way the antlers curve back towards each other - what could they be circling and holding within them?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">To offset the grimness of the skull and to constrast masculine and feminine ideas, I fussy cut a preloved tea cloth for the bone.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It looked very flat until I began adding the highlight stitching. I use my quarter inch foot on my Bernina 440 when I'm doing detail stitching and raw-edge applique, as it's nice and narrow and I can use the inside of the foot to help me eyeball where the line of stitching should go in relation to the edge of the fabric. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">But I'm getting ahead of myself. Before I stitched the skull, I used paint and stencils to add vines, then I used silk organza to add another layer of vines, some with vicious thorns. Vines for the curves, thorns for the contrast.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I also used paint and stencils to add a flight of birds curving up and around, another circle.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And now I'm up to the quilting. You may have noticed that I haven't shown an image of the whole flimsy before quilting. I've decided that I want to keep in secret and not show the whole until I'm done. I'm not sure why but bear with me!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">You can see a little more in the video of me quilting one of my thorny vines.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Happy stitching everyone!</span>Charlotte Scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11696100659597422648noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7604403499576985528.post-70978512696894997692020-05-05T23:03:00.000+12:002020-05-05T23:04:09.456+12:00100 days of Horoeka/LancewoodThis will be my fourth 100 days project. I'm not sure what draws me to doing these. I know I'll get frustrated at some point. I know I'll 'cheat' at some point (cheating is irrelevant when it's my project and I can do it how I like). I know I'll think what I'm doing is dumb and want to change it. But here I am, doing it anyway even though I know all of that.<br>
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Because I also know that there will be times I really enjoy it, and there'll be times when I love what I've done, and times when a flash of inspiration or a new idea makes it all worth it.<br>
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And besides, I'm the one running it for Aotearoa Quilters, so I kinda have to do it now!<br>
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So what is my project this time around? 100 days of Horoeka, which is te reo for the lancewood tree. Or Pseudopanax crassifolia if you want Latin. I'm also including Pseudopanax ferox, also known as the savage or fierce lancewood. How could you not be fascinated by a tree named savage?<br>
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The lancewood is a funky NZ native that completely changes it's appearance between juvenile and adult forms. So much so that at one time they were thought to be a separate species. Juveniles have long, strap like toothed leaves that hang downwards, usually dark in colour with a thick yellow/orange midrib. Once they get above moa browsing height, about 3 metres, the tree begins to branch, and the leaves become shorter, rounder, less toothed and lose the coloured midrib.<br>
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Here's my first three days:<br>
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I wrote text about lancewoods onto my base fabric the first day, cut out an organza lancewood the second day and sketched a lancewood onto my base fabric the third day.<br>
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I'll also be working in a sketchbook for when life doesn't accommodate fabric work. Here's day 4 (today) where I worked in my book that I made specifically for this project. I haven't attached the covers yet, that'll probably come as one of my days of the project.<br>
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I've already discovered that I have quite wide parameters for this project. Yes, I'll be working with some aspect of lancewoods everyday, but that leaves it really open and sometimes I have difficulty deciding what exactly to do. I might need to brainstorm a list so I can refer to it when I'm trying to narrow my choices.<br>
<br>Charlotte Scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11696100659597422648noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7604403499576985528.post-61048321558613822812020-05-03T06:26:00.000+12:002020-05-03T06:28:42.433+12:00Poetry<div>
I had occasion to read this poem out at a ceremony the other day. It's always spoken to me and I thought it might speak to you too.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The Peace of Wild Things </span><div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">by Wendell Berry</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When despair for the world grows in me<br>and I wake in the night at the least sound<br>in fear of what my life and my children’s lives may be,<br>I go and lie down where the wood drake<br>rests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron feeds.<br>I come into the peace of wild things<br>who do not tax their lives with forethought<br>of grief. I come into the presence of still water.<br>And I feel above me the day-blind stars<br>waiting with their light. For a time<br>I rest in the grace of the world, and am free.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br></span><span style="text-align: left; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><img src="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1bPtk_yZVz7cXQzYY1DF8M-lBeqeIknEW" alt="https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1bPtk_yZVz7cXQzYY1DF8M-lBeqeIknEW" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"><br></span></div>
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Charlotte Scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11696100659597422648noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7604403499576985528.post-28558320707503581682020-04-27T21:56:00.000+12:002020-04-27T21:56:10.413+12:00Last Day of LockdownSo that's it. Today is our last day of Level 4 Lockdown. Not much will change much for many New Zealanders as we move into Level 3, but for our little family it means my husband goes back to work.<br />
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My kids will be back at school as of Wednesday. Their school kept to their normal holiday regime, so they've been on break for the last two weeks and Wednesday will see them resuming their distance learning. Neither of them are particularly enthused with the idea.<br />
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1 confirmed case today, 4 probables, 1 more death for a total of 19.<br />
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Let's hope we can keep it firmly contained and we can slowly move down the alert level scale.<br />
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Here's two photos for you.<br />
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One of Hubby's lockdown jobs was to build a frame around this old bath. We filled it and planted it with seeds and seedlings I had grown and this first photo was taken on the 4th April.<br />
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The second photo, for your comparison, was taken yesterday, just over three weeks later. From left to right we have frilly lettuce, pak choi, some younger cos lettuces, peas (we'll eat the shoots as this is to be a salad garden), rocket and radishes. There are a couple of tiny coriander seedlings and a couple of what I think are going to turn out to be self-sown silverbeet.</div>
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We're already taking the odd leaf off the pak choi and rocket and they are making a great addition to our salads. </div>
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Very satisfying.</div>
Charlotte Scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11696100659597422648noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7604403499576985528.post-17777866851136710372020-04-26T20:45:00.000+12:002020-04-26T20:45:35.290+12:00Lockdown Day 32I didn't write yesterday. We had a deep shock here as a family. I don't know quite what to write or say about it, except that it was hard, and it will be hard for a while yet, and I never, ever want that to happen again, and if you are having a bad time, please, please reach out to someone.<br />
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Today is my blogversary. I started to write this blog, purely unplanned, on April 26th 2009. Thats....11 years! Whoa.<br />
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So for your nostagic pleasure, I give you my second ever blog post:<br />
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My New Mansion</h3>
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My Dear Husband and I were having an argument a little while ago. Basically, the theme was me complaining that nothing gets done around here (we live in a half-renovated house) and that he always wants to go and work out at "the land" (we also own a block of land on which we planned to build our "dream" house on). </div>
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To cut a long story short, we decided to move out into the shed. We hope that this will achieve a few things: we can finish renovating the place we are in when we move out (MUCH easier!); we can then rent this place out (always welcome a few extra $$); we will be where we really want to be; and when we do finally have enough money to build our house, we'll be right there to oversee it.</div>
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But I don't know if I'm excited or just plain scared. "Scared?" you ask. Well, moving out to the shed means moving out to a long drop loo*. Hubby promises to build me a floor and walls in the shed at least, but the long drop will have to stay for a wee (pardon the pun!) while. What am I letting myself in for?</div>
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*(For those of you who don't know what a long drop is, think toilet with a view, fresh air and no flush button! That's a picture of my very own long drop up there.)</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">And then, just for fun, here is a post I wrote a year or so later:</span><br />
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<a href="https://theslightlymadquiltlady.blogspot.com/2010/09/day-dunny-died.html" style="color: #5421bb; text-decoration: none;">The Day the Dunny Died.</a></h3>
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It's windy here today. Real windy. Like blow your house down windy. Or, in actuality, blow your dunny down.</div>
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Yup. That there is what greeted me last time I went out to sit on the throne. </div>
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This is what it looked like last summer - the kids got muddy and decided to paint it (with mud - I guess they were going for the adobe look).</div>
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So, what's a girl to do when she's gotta go? Well, I pushed it back up straight, used it, then got the hell out of there before it blew over again!</div>
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I rang Hubby at work. He laughed. But then he's at work - with a flushing loo to hand. Huh.</div>
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I think it's time to get me one of those fancy indoor flushing loos at home.</div>
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Charlotte Scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11696100659597422648noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7604403499576985528.post-16239798956269410462020-04-24T21:05:00.000+12:002020-04-24T21:05:14.608+12:00Lockdown Day 30<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Three little dickey birds. I'm wondering what to do with these? Should I turn them into applique designs? Or what about embroidery designs?<br />
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I'm considering putting together some sort of embroidery kit with my own drawings, my hand-dyed threads and hand-dyed background linen. It'll include simple instructions, a hoop and a needle. And maybe I'll put it all in a little bag made from my own hand-dyed thread.<br />
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What do you think?Charlotte Scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11696100659597422648noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7604403499576985528.post-66670613289411005862020-04-23T21:33:00.001+12:002020-04-23T21:33:49.541+12:00Lockdown Day 29Today is the first 'bonus' day of lockdown. But it's a testament to NZ's commitment to the plan, and our good leaders making the right decisions, that we are only extending Level 4 lockdown for five days. Only three new cases of Covid-19 today. Sadly, another two deaths to add to our losses.<br />
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I've worked the last three days, doing 12 hour shifts. Today I had the day off, then I have another 12 hour shift tomorrow. So I felt pretty justified to start today off with a bit of a sleep-in! I went for a big walk, rinsed some of my dyed threads with rain water I've been catching, and then watched my buckets catch more rain. It feels like our drought is breaking, finally.Charlotte Scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11696100659597422648noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7604403499576985528.post-2792974712590204622020-04-22T22:07:00.000+12:002020-04-22T22:07:51.045+12:00Lockdown Day 28My third 12 hour shift in a row today. Feeling a bit mentally drained. So I trawled through my photos for inspiration and I found this set of pics taken in 2014, when I did a quilting retreat in One Tree Point with Kerry Glen of Tulis Textiles. I think the tutor was Jacqui Karl. It was a while ago so the memory is a bit vague. But the pictues of the sunrise are definitely not vague. I remember how stunning it was. Almost unbelievably red.<br />
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<br />Charlotte Scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11696100659597422648noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7604403499576985528.post-56688476434105864662020-04-21T20:45:00.000+12:002020-04-21T20:45:16.632+12:00Lockdown Day 27Are you a tea or coffee drinker?<br />
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Or neither?<br />
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I'm a confirmed tea drinker. When I was a child, my parents drunk black tea, no milk or sugar and I seem to remember some sort of coffee substitute that they drank at night. Tea drinking wasn't particularly encouraged and so it wasn't until I was a teenager that I had my first real go at forming a habit. I think it was when I worked at a rest home as the dinner girl. This job entailed giving everyone plates of food, making their hot drinks just the way they liked them, scooping up their spat out pills from the bottom of the cups and feeding them back to them (!), and cleaning up after dinner, including doing all the dishes.<br />
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My first cups were milky and sweet, but I soon cut out the sugar and from then on I've drunk it with just milk. Over the years I've come to love my cups of tea more and more and I'm pretty sure the strength of the brew has increased too. My Grandma used to joke she liked her tea strong enough to stand the spoon up in and I think I might be heading the same way! But still with a good splash of milk.<br />
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I have my favourite cups, and I think this is part of the ritual. The right shape and weight to hold in my hands, warming them and soothing me.<br />
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On the right is my favourite cup at work. A William Morris arts and crafts pattern. I've included the cup on the left just for giggles - it's the one we give to the visiting obstetricians to drink out of ;-)<br />
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Then I have my favourite cups at home. I love these ones from Briscoes - the birds caught my eye, but they are also nice and round and hold the perfect amount of tea.<br />
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When we started doing some more travel, I decided that my souvenirs would be cups. I'm not a knick-knack person, it's just more stuff to clean and organise, but I do like to have reminders of my travels. Mugs are perfect. Useful and pretty and I think about the places I visited and the people I met when I have my cup of tea.<br />
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This is one I bought in Ross on our first trip around the South Island in <a href="https://theslightlymadquiltlady.blogspot.com/2019/01/last-you-heard-from-me.html" target="_blank">The Hippo</a>. It's made by Pleasant Point Pottery.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7k6jdwAIbi4/Xp6o-JVA4vI/AAAAAAAAI7A/9Ue_XMMPN2EACBaFMC2Y6OrVZHsITQkuQCEwYBhgLKsoDAL1OcqyGKtUEwxCP_C6eHMSB6uvMfO7jtPUS7S7p4C01UiYzOCgxWuoNPXKHt0wbdr8u2o-EAW3Fc5U15m4GRpebhKYG3Sdahkh4iLZX1xpbX0RxB-gO4qUzOxm_PCBma3N-dGl4WfyevfVoCTZhPNiXr9kmhK_Kn3R8XSkmAKNF9LrJ0GcprcPT3tBShGPKX6lJ6eqAdYkbqufNVkyIjrLquEk2fvAxYmMxMkzKLCAQAH7rDm71uA_I9Ad5DKVZ4m4aI6CBb2P2vj_mpUk5lemgyrl5SHZBzstzYX93Pip0fvbtspUZniji90HJUJROqgeB2iEAh9yo3bK0E3JUNp45_G9ga8xuDNSrgT1YItVsHUOxSaRzWtSPsD1TCADnaBG_mGBrWFhmM0o9ltpm9WiZUybL2VoqBmJXKb12GVQdG-mHR9qFgq9QvwnX3M0aTwtqOGjyEFmu0_8rwf-NsBSE1hJ0BXplYF3Axn-0TIvyn4KhZP5M1vt08L83cQWNIzDunqO2Dm2-xTfcJVWgfTUg4Afvl2ioXTI_YLm9C63YSU4cbfdelL6CdNFORSsspGfHsHB9I-tckg-x06DI8ThVrdspl-_J510w1tz69AU/s1600/IMG_0035.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7k6jdwAIbi4/Xp6o-JVA4vI/AAAAAAAAI7A/9Ue_XMMPN2EACBaFMC2Y6OrVZHsITQkuQCEwYBhgLKsoDAL1OcqyGKtUEwxCP_C6eHMSB6uvMfO7jtPUS7S7p4C01UiYzOCgxWuoNPXKHt0wbdr8u2o-EAW3Fc5U15m4GRpebhKYG3Sdahkh4iLZX1xpbX0RxB-gO4qUzOxm_PCBma3N-dGl4WfyevfVoCTZhPNiXr9kmhK_Kn3R8XSkmAKNF9LrJ0GcprcPT3tBShGPKX6lJ6eqAdYkbqufNVkyIjrLquEk2fvAxYmMxMkzKLCAQAH7rDm71uA_I9Ad5DKVZ4m4aI6CBb2P2vj_mpUk5lemgyrl5SHZBzstzYX93Pip0fvbtspUZniji90HJUJROqgeB2iEAh9yo3bK0E3JUNp45_G9ga8xuDNSrgT1YItVsHUOxSaRzWtSPsD1TCADnaBG_mGBrWFhmM0o9ltpm9WiZUybL2VoqBmJXKb12GVQdG-mHR9qFgq9QvwnX3M0aTwtqOGjyEFmu0_8rwf-NsBSE1hJ0BXplYF3Axn-0TIvyn4KhZP5M1vt08L83cQWNIzDunqO2Dm2-xTfcJVWgfTUg4Afvl2ioXTI_YLm9C63YSU4cbfdelL6CdNFORSsspGfHsHB9I-tckg-x06DI8ThVrdspl-_J510w1tz69AU/s400/IMG_0035.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div>
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This is a <a href="https://www.temukapottery.co.nz/" target="_blank">Temuka Pottery</a> mug that we got on our second trip around the South Island. The handle broke off recently, but superglue has done it's job well!<br />
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I also like to have mugs made by people I know and this one is from the hands of my good friend Jane. I love it's shape and texture.<br />
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Even better is a mug from my travels made by someone I met. And this mug travelled with me from Ailsa Craig, Ontario, Canada. It's made by <a href="https://ailsacraigvillagepottery.com/about-me" target="_blank">Marilyn Barbe</a>, who was part of the Quilt Festival Committee and I love the colours, and my husband loves that he can get his big man fingers through the handle!<br />
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I also chose this mug from her pottery shop, not made by Marilyn, but I loved the colours on this too.<br />
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And then I found this mug in a Newfoundland quilting shop. I had to have it, sewists will understand why.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mALio5-HMfw/Xp6w8HG_DHI/AAAAAAAAI8Q/oLcAEbJPhd82N9NvcSb8ivTA9le9NLy2gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_0043.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mALio5-HMfw/Xp6w8HG_DHI/AAAAAAAAI8Q/oLcAEbJPhd82N9NvcSb8ivTA9le9NLy2gCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_0043.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Who could forget the teapot? My husband bought me this as a birthday present and it's what prompted us to change from teabags to looseleaf tea. It fits enough in it for 3 cups and every morning we fight over that third cup! Conveniently, my husband likes weak tea, so we can often squeeze just enough tea out and water it down for him with hot water. It's had it's handle repaired too and I'll be very sad if it ever breaks again.<br />
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(I didn't crop the picture as it's kinda fitting that there is the man himself, having a cup of tea in the background.)<br />
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What are your rituals that soothe you? And are you a tea or coffee drinker?Charlotte Scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11696100659597422648noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7604403499576985528.post-77782680502679842842020-04-20T22:13:00.001+12:002020-04-20T22:13:45.748+12:00Lockdown Day 26Well, today it was announced by Jacinda Adern (our Prime Minister), that alert Level 4 (lockdown) would continue for another week and then we would go into alert Level 3 for another 2, with further review after that. Hey! I win a bet I had with my stitching buddies - and girls, I take payment in fabric!<br />
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I worked today and then had a zoom meeting (planning still goes on the The Great NZ Quilt Show next May - mark your diaries!) so you're not going to get an essay from me. But now you'll be getting an extended lockdown blog, does that make up for it?<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eCg3HOC7U7w/Xp10PZYg53I/AAAAAAAAI6k/YZLUIONmBm4wx0t-ttklcuaRK_DzC3j0gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_0032.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eCg3HOC7U7w/Xp10PZYg53I/AAAAAAAAI6k/YZLUIONmBm4wx0t-ttklcuaRK_DzC3j0gCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_0032.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div>
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So here's what's been brewing in our kitchen for the last week. We harvested my mother in law's olive tree (she's our neighbour and we used appropriate distancing as she's staying in her own bubble). They've soaked for a week with regular water changes and now they are in a brine. There are more steps to go and we are playing around really as we've never done this before. But hey, nothing ventured, nothing gained!<br />
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And they look pretty....Charlotte Scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11696100659597422648noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7604403499576985528.post-26412439964106612382020-04-19T22:01:00.000+12:002020-04-19T22:01:28.776+12:00Lockdown Day 25<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The first couple of weeks of Lockdown were sunny and hot and it felt like a bonus Summer. I was glad I took the opportunity to do some outside dyeing about three days in a row.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wI5YbG__kNo/XpweP4AvM3I/AAAAAAAAI6U/PruqmWp_KtY4_IZzGhBaPmzflpON2evcQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_7065.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wI5YbG__kNo/XpweP4AvM3I/AAAAAAAAI6U/PruqmWp_KtY4_IZzGhBaPmzflpON2evcQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_7065.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I haven't done much dyeing lately because we've been in a bad drought since November, eventually we were on Level 4 water restrictions, which means essential use only - drinking, cooking and hygiene. The garden went to seed except for what I could keep alive with grey water. And there was no way I was going to be able to justify using water to dye with. </div>
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Then we had a little rain and I decided to start dyeing again, but not rinsing, as it's the rinsing process that takes the big whack of water with the way I dye.</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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dgAmBMS9nDA/XpwdzrWuR2I/AAAAAAAAI58/xd33Mvr6WPUuy9FN3fFY7Z2ytsfVbjjygCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_0029%2B%25281%2529.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dgAmBMS9nDA/XpwdzrWuR2I/AAAAAAAAI58/xd33Mvr6WPUuy9FN3fFY7Z2ytsfVbjjygCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_0029%2B%25281%2529.jpeg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is part of the current stack waiting to be rinsed. I've let them dry so I can store them.<br /></td></tr>
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Thanks to Covid-19, very few tourists are in town and water usage has dropped markedly. We are now at Level 3 water restrictions, so still no rinsing of fabrics, but it really feels like we've turned the corner towards Autumn. Daylight savings is over, the light disappears quickly, and there is a chill in the morning air that makes my thoughts turn towards slippers and hot stews. And we've had more rain, enough to start planting the garden out.</div>
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Even without the sun I did a little dyeing today. Splashing colour around is so satisfying. And even better, I listened to a <a href="https://balzerdesigns.typepad.com/balzer_designs/2020/04/adventures-in-arting-podcast-carol-soderlund.html" target="_blank">podcast</a> with <a href="https://www.carolsoderlund.com/" target="_blank">Carol Sodurland</a> (fabric dyeing legend) being interviewed by Julie <a href="https://balzerdesigns.typepad.com/balzer_designs/" target="_blank">Fei-Fan Balzer</a> (art journalling legend) while I <strike>played</strike> worked.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cYWTVf74G2w/XpweNlRtwyI/AAAAAAAAI6M/9wh1vBHzKIYaRdZqYxIzIELMlV3ILl4KwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_0027%2B%25281%2529.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cYWTVf74G2w/XpweNlRtwyI/AAAAAAAAI6M/9wh1vBHzKIYaRdZqYxIzIELMlV3ILl4KwCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_0027%2B%25281%2529.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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But she got me thinking. Carol is the queen of process. She teaches a system where her students come out with a book of more than 1000 (yes, ONE THOUSAND!) swatches and recipes how to repeat that colour. I used to keep swatches of almost everything I made so I would know how to do it again, but now that I know what I'm doing, dye all the time, and have my favourite techniques, I don't really bother. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z2Wmt31wYwo/XpweOjySgKI/AAAAAAAAI6Q/Jo4_tZb7BD4AmOcIK85-d79THNVshb5GwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_7086.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z2Wmt31wYwo/XpweOjySgKI/AAAAAAAAI6Q/Jo4_tZb7BD4AmOcIK85-d79THNVshb5GwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_7086.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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But I'm thinking maybe I need to update my swatch book. There are a couple of extra colours of dye I use now, and I never completed every gradation and greyed colour that I wanted to. Maybe I need to discipline myself to swatch up all my variegated colours that I do so I can repeat them exactly - or as exactly as dyeing gets. </div>
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Or I could just take a <a href="https://www.carolsoderlund.com/workshops-and-lectures/workshops/" target="_blank">class</a> with Carol. One day, that would be my dream!</div>
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Who is your dream tutor? Who would you travel especially to learn from? </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VVJJaUuF0mo/Xpwd0rIt_NI/AAAAAAAAI6A/TIfXSvpk2BgjZAIhZSS4rLVSCrOoPqwYACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_0031%2B%25283%2529.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VVJJaUuF0mo/Xpwd0rIt_NI/AAAAAAAAI6A/TIfXSvpk2BgjZAIhZSS4rLVSCrOoPqwYACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_0031%2B%25283%2529.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My favourite recent piece. This is a big embroidered tablecloth and I can't wait to see how it looks rinsed and dried.</td></tr>
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Charlotte Scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11696100659597422648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7604403499576985528.post-74657253353686214232020-04-18T13:53:00.002+12:002020-04-18T13:53:28.108+12:00Lockdown Day 24<a href="https://www.aotearoaquilters.co.nz/" target="_blank">Aotearoa Quilters</a> is the national quilting association of New Zealand and I've been a member for a while now. I was seconded to the committee last year as part of the group that was invited to the <a href="http://theslightlymadquiltlady.blogspot.com/2018/10/ailsa-craig-quilt-and-fibre-arts.html" target="_blank">Canadian Ailsa Craig Quilt and Fibre Arts Festival</a>, and although I haven't stayed on the committee, I'm running a speical project for them this year.<br />
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I pitched the idea that we could do a 100 days project for members as something to bring us together and give people something to do over Winter. The idea was warmly received and the committee kindly gave me the go ahead.<br />
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If you've read this blog for a while, you'll know I've been part of 100 days projects before. A 100 days project is where you do a creative thing every day for 100 days. As part of it, you're meant to record and share your process every day.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7RYtV7DA1n4/XppImqOMbpI/AAAAAAAAI5E/vh9GC8Xu6xU2tOPUGKo7qBatK4OZY0M5QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/How%2Ba%2B100%2Bdays%2Bproject%2Bworks.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7RYtV7DA1n4/XppImqOMbpI/AAAAAAAAI5E/vh9GC8Xu6xU2tOPUGKo7qBatK4OZY0M5QCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/How%2Ba%2B100%2Bdays%2Bproject%2Bworks.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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It began with a graphic design teacher called Michael Beirut and his class. It was such a cool concept that it soon jumped to Instagram and has slowly grown and taken root all around the world. Here are some links if you want to read more about the earlier years.<br />
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Michael Beirut and his original idea:<br />
<a href="https://designobserver.com/feature/five-years-of-100-days/24678">https://designobserver.com/feature/five-years-of-100-days/24678</a><br />
Elle Luna, who first brought it to Instagram:<br />
<a href="https://thegreatdiscontent.com/interview/elle-luna-100-day-project">https://thegreatdiscontent.com/interview/elle-luna-100-day-project</a><br />
Emma Rogan, who got it running in NZ:<br />
<a href="https://designassembly.org.nz/2018/06/01/permission-to-be-creative-seven-things-i-learned-from-seven-years-of-the-100-days-project/">https://designassembly.org.nz/2018/06/01/permission-to-be-creative-seven-things-i-learned-from-seven-years-of-the-100-days-project/</a><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s0Xm-zkSyrc/XppULQA9jRI/AAAAAAAAI5U/0mJD1uS92NsSxmgNc14inlBo1wdeVpcBQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_4802.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s0Xm-zkSyrc/XppULQA9jRI/AAAAAAAAI5U/0mJD1uS92NsSxmgNc14inlBo1wdeVpcBQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_4802.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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My first project was <a href="https://theslightlymadquiltlady.blogspot.com/2017/03/100-days-project-2017-creative-practice.html" target="_blank">100 Days of Faces</a>, where I drew/stitched/collaged/generally played around with faces every day.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bm0rXOvFysc/XppUuTmfTkI/AAAAAAAAI5c/pxi_AV3YY2shY2ppMfTRBvJ2hLP0ICmaQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/charlotte%2B100%2Bdays%2B1%2Bto%2B20.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="898" data-original-width="1160" height="308" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bm0rXOvFysc/XppUuTmfTkI/AAAAAAAAI5c/pxi_AV3YY2shY2ppMfTRBvJ2hLP0ICmaQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/charlotte%2B100%2Bdays%2B1%2Bto%2B20.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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My second project was <a href="https://theslightlymadquiltlady.blogspot.com/2017/09/the-100-days-project.html" target="_blank">100 Days of Scissors</a>, where I made collages with scissor cut shapes every day.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DQiXZOVk5oQ/XppWL6OFGvI/AAAAAAAAI5k/bT22Ahmd-WQB-LZoMDiL8oAlwgihsQKMgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Day%2B34%2Bcollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DQiXZOVk5oQ/XppWL6OFGvI/AAAAAAAAI5k/bT22Ahmd-WQB-LZoMDiL8oAlwgihsQKMgCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/Day%2B34%2Bcollage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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My third project was <a href="https://theslightlymadquiltlady.blogspot.com/2018/08/100-days-of-reworked-cloth-2018.html" target="_blank">100 Days of Reworked Cloth</a>, where my intention was to rework, either with overdyeing or surface design, my previously hand-dyed fabrics.<br />
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And this year, I plan to do 100 Days of Horoeka (Lancewood). I'll be stitching, printing, collaging, sketching, whatevering on the theme of lancewood. I'll be using a long narrow swath of cloth and a sketchbook that I'm making specially for the project.<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://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:PseudopanaxCrassifolius8.jpg%22%20title=%22via%20Wikimedia%20Commons%22%3EKahuroa%3C/a%3E%20/%20Public%20domain" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="1024" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ol2TxT9oS8/XppO62nCfjI/AAAAAAAAI5M/WkBYnmYQRRUUsGtWe4OU5yUZg0Svz5uJwCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/1024px-PseudopanaxCrassifolius8.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Attribution: Kahuroa / Public domain</td></tr>
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If you want to read more about what a cool tree Lancewood is, head over to <a href="https://sandrasgardenblog.wordpress.com/tag/lancewood/" target="_blank">Sandra's Garden Blog</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k2C6RZv9TFI/XppYYJ23_xI/AAAAAAAAI5s/YEms6DrpwvE__D06mhkCl-rt5HUMNIrhgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/AQ%2B100%2Bdays%2Bfacebook%2Badvert%2Bposter.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="940" height="335" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k2C6RZv9TFI/XppYYJ23_xI/AAAAAAAAI5s/YEms6DrpwvE__D06mhkCl-rt5HUMNIrhgCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/AQ%2B100%2Bdays%2Bfacebook%2Badvert%2Bposter.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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In light of the current lockdown and scary stuff with Covid-19 happening, the committee decided to waive the joining fee for the project. So all you have to do to take part is be a member of Aotearoa Quilters. And now is the time to <a href="https://www.aotearoaquilters.co.nz/membership/" target="_blank">join</a>, it's the beginning of the membership year. How convenient!<br />
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If you're already a member of AQ and you want to join in, head over to their website, log in and hit the 100 days project under the <a href="https://www.aotearoaquilters.co.nz/aq-100-days-project-2020/" target="_blank">Activities</a> tab. Then you'll get a welcome email and you'll be able to join our closed facebook group - which is the platform I'm using to run the project.<br />
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So, are any of you joining in this year? Have you done a 100 days project before? Are you doing one with another group? I'd love to hear your top tips so I can share them with the AQ group, lots of them are 100 day newbies, so all help appreciated.Charlotte Scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11696100659597422648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7604403499576985528.post-57789748297675003292020-04-17T22:15:00.001+12:002020-04-17T22:15:52.698+12:00Lockdown Day 23<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vXrDgvT-GzQ/XpmA3zaQKnI/AAAAAAAAI4s/ud02Z9X2i5M7BrVymtHaPaR8QwoyHMvYgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_7118.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vXrDgvT-GzQ/XpmA3zaQKnI/AAAAAAAAI4s/ud02Z9X2i5M7BrVymtHaPaR8QwoyHMvYgCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_7118.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>
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I think I should draw more often. Because when I do, I find those drawings have a place somewhere in my art. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vMKl4n2CSHA/XpmA53O0XjI/AAAAAAAAI4w/GtDZbM8MgQcz0nOFI9YQFNwqLQoHL8c6QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_7144.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vMKl4n2CSHA/XpmA53O0XjI/AAAAAAAAI4w/GtDZbM8MgQcz0nOFI9YQFNwqLQoHL8c6QCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_7144.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Like these thorns. I drew them on the back of scrap paper at work one night. And here they are, almost catching that bird in my quilt (that is ready for basting, finally).</div>
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So maybe I should revisit the idea of a regular sketchbook habit?</div>
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I'll sleep on it.</div>
<br />Charlotte Scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11696100659597422648noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7604403499576985528.post-51285292170677839462020-04-16T22:20:00.000+12:002020-04-16T22:20:37.208+12:00Lockdown Day 22Those of you with eagle eyes might notice that there was no day 21. Shock and horror, I totally forgot! I've been slowly falling down the rabbit holes of indie pattern designs, body shape websites, style for over 40's, capsule wardrobe....and the fall got faster, and faster, and faster till my head was spinning and I went to bed!<br />
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I think I've learnt a bit though and might have to tackle a bit of editing on my wardrobe soon. Once that's done I'll be able to confidentally evaluate what direction I need to focus on with my garment sewing endeavours. Fun and games and NOT what I thought I'd be doing in lockdown.<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KH35sBebcwA/XpgrQrK8pZI/AAAAAAAAI4U/XNmNmtPjuh8QkxnHhrKl2A_gpekyF2m3wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/peacefrog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1001" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KH35sBebcwA/XpgrQrK8pZI/AAAAAAAAI4U/XNmNmtPjuh8QkxnHhrKl2A_gpekyF2m3wCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/peacefrog.jpg" width="250" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peacefrog. In all her glory.</td></tr>
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Today I went down another rabbit hole, or rather a little memory lane, when a friend posted a photo of her fishing on my husband's old boat. When I first met him, he lived aboard a 34 foot steel-hulled yacht he had built himself. He bought the deck paint on special. It was on special because it was very, very bright green. Conseqently, the boat was named Peacefrog, in reference to the colour and to the song by The Doors.<br />
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So from there, that led us to talking about New Zealand music artists. I don't know why exactly, but then Hubby got all excited about teaching the kids who <a href="https://www.paulubanajones.com/#video" target="_blank">Paul Ubana Jones</a> is. We went to see him live about 17 years ago and he was amazing! Watch one of his videos on his website, a guitaring legend.</div>
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<a href="https://www.paulubanajones.com/#bio" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kzXd7aJxlFw/XpgvqU1DCkI/AAAAAAAAI4c/tqe4v9licQUzNOppJiirl5ymzJlYttYIgCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/_31A9894.jpg" title="" width="400" /></a></div>
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And then I introduced the family to Tami Neilson, who I've just found. She's Canadian born, but calls NZ home now, so can we claim her? </div>
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Ok, that was a bit different. No sewing involved. But when I'm writing everyday, some of it's going to get a little eclectic.<br />
<br />Charlotte Scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11696100659597422648noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7604403499576985528.post-61675339815342571232020-04-14T17:28:00.001+12:002020-04-14T17:28:22.679+12:00Lockdown Day 20Is it really day 20? It seems like that time has flown by. Unfortunately we've had another four deaths today. Covid-19 got into a dementia ward at a rest home and has taken it's toll on the frail and elderly. I listen to the 1pm update with trepidation. But we also continue to have good news, such as only 17 new cases today. The numbers drop and drop.<br />
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Today I finished my <a href="https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2014/05/04/corinnes-thread-boxy-tee-three-ways/" target="_blank">Purl Soho Boxy Tee</a>. I tried it on when the side seams were done and thought I might have to undo them and insert the ties that are suggested in version C to give it more shape, but now that it's all put together, I think I love it how it is.<br />
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Here's the photo shoot:<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8cOoN29snHY/XpVFoF9apRI/AAAAAAAAI3w/5hGO2mpBHrQy46dkqMMZPP4JmP0VM3DXwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_7427.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="943" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8cOoN29snHY/XpVFoF9apRI/AAAAAAAAI3w/5hGO2mpBHrQy46dkqMMZPP4JmP0VM3DXwCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_7427.jpeg" width="293" /></a></div>
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The instructions were easy to follow. I'm an almost beginner garment sewer and I had no trouble.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tSBwdZRS_cs/XpVFg6LTaRI/AAAAAAAAI3k/ElMmfdkECHAwVfbjFIIqPf7jzQtIqEOXwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_7343.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="968" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tSBwdZRS_cs/XpVFg6LTaRI/AAAAAAAAI3k/ElMmfdkECHAwVfbjFIIqPf7jzQtIqEOXwCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_7343.jpeg" width="302" /></a></div>
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I probably would use a slightly more drapey fabric in future (when the fabric shops open), but needs must and I'll give it a good hot wash to try and soften the quilting cottons so it sits softer at the back.</div>
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And, once again, I could probably have made the size smaller as there is a little too much bulk at the side seams. Drapier fabric would probably take care of that though.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kTRCd5cVW7Y/XpVFaZtO6CI/AAAAAAAAI3g/V9rvQLxE48Ie64zYc6BE6ZtuAfRJtln4wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_7301.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="947" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kTRCd5cVW7Y/XpVFaZtO6CI/AAAAAAAAI3g/V9rvQLxE48Ie64zYc6BE6ZtuAfRJtln4wCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_7301.jpeg" width="295" /></a></div>
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I continued to wear it after these photos and it was super comfy. Lots of ease in the armholes, no riding up or anything funky happening with the drape. I wouldn't want it any shorter, and, if I made it again, I might add another inch to the length.</div>
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I'm really pleased with my neckline. This was the bit I thought I might have trouble with. It's finished with a bias strip, which folds to the inside. But I got it first try and it lies flat and beautiful. I added another line of top stitching along the shoulder seam and the along the bottom colour block, just because I could.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mOl2QFkAOiY/XpVFsGUnTnI/AAAAAAAAI38/q6Ub7PgEViI470FytB3YDcEyUg6Xo9hEgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_7496.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mOl2QFkAOiY/XpVFsGUnTnI/AAAAAAAAI38/q6Ub7PgEViI470FytB3YDcEyUg6Xo9hEgCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_7496.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Look at the finishing details! That side split is just cool! If you were thinking of purchasing any of Purl Soho's patterns, you won't be disappointed with the finishing or the instructions. </div>
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I broke out my blind hem foot (and sewing machine instruction book!) for the hem. Not that the instructions say to finish it like that, but I wanted to give blind hemming a go, since I've never done it. Actually, it was easy, but hemming it like the pattern suggests would have given the top a cleaner finish.</div>
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Thanks to my darling daughter for taking the photos - she had fun! And made me ham it up, as you can see...Charlotte Scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11696100659597422648noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7604403499576985528.post-68152651340961091912020-04-13T21:36:00.000+12:002020-04-13T21:36:24.336+12:00Lockdown Day 19I was so encouraged by my <a href="http://theslightlymadquiltlady.blogspot.com/2020/04/lockdown-day-17.html" target="_blank">garment sewing foray</a> a couple posts back, that I've decided to dive into my next make.<br />
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I don't have any more stretch fabric (or not enough for anything significant) so I needed something that used a woven. I'm also a little bit hesitant to buy patterns until I'm more skilled in assessing what will work for me, and I need beginner friendly. Stalking round the interwebs found me the <a href="https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2014/05/04/corinnes-thread-boxy-tee-three-ways/" target="_blank">Purl Soho Boxy Tee</a>. There were some good reviews and nice examples of tees that sewists had made up, so I decided it was something I could try my hand at.<br />
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I found a large piece of patterned quilting cotton (funnily enough that's 98% of what my fabric cupboard holds) with some matching solids for the sleeves and the colour block on the bottom of the shirt. Yesterday I cut the pieces and read the pattern thoroughly to make sure I understood it.</div>
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Today I began putting it together inbetween planting seedlings and working on an applique design I've got on the go. And here's where I'm up to. I decided to let this photo glow in all it's terrible glory. It's night time so it's horrible lighting, and I'm using the floor so you get to see my burgeoning corner scrap pile as well as where I hide things - under the drawers! But it's the only photo I've got...</div>
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The top is beautifully constructed with french seams so I'm not using my overlocker and all I have left to do is the side seams and the neck binding. The neck binding uses a bias strip, so this is the bit I might find tricky, everything else has been straightforward so far.</div>
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All going to plan, I'll have it finished tomorrow.<br />
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On the lockdown front, NZ continues to show signs that our restrictions are working. Only 19 new cases of Covid-19 today, and 75 people recovered, which means that our total number of active cases continues to drop. Unfortunately there was another death, bringing our toll to five souls. We have 15 in hospital, four of those people in ICU and one of them in a critical condition. We hope for their recovery.Charlotte Scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11696100659597422648noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7604403499576985528.post-20883297512373842902020-04-12T22:39:00.000+12:002020-04-12T22:39:17.095+12:00Lockdown Day 18Such is my commitment to blogging every day that I just got out of bed to write. I realised that I'd been distracted by watching a movie with the kids (The Avengers - lots of special effects, a few funny bits, not bad for a teenage family flick) and forgotten to blog. But once I'd remembered, I knew I wouldn't drop off to sleep easily, so here I am.<br />
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I'm just going to share a picture of something that is brought me joy today.<br />
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My planter box, cheerily greeting me in the morning sunlight. I planted this with seedlings a few days before lockdown and I'm so glad I have something bright to look at. I'm also glad that the weather forcaster promises us rain tonight - our garden desperately needs some.Charlotte Scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11696100659597422648noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7604403499576985528.post-17833169847790772432020-04-11T15:25:00.001+12:002020-04-11T15:25:20.732+12:00Lockdown Day 17Garment sewing has never been my thing. I didn't take sewing in school, I never paid attention when Mum, or my garment sewing older sister sewed, and I've never been a huge fashion follower either, so haven't had a burning desire to make what I couldn't get or afford.<br />
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I have tried over the years. I remember taking a night class in my late teens, which taught me a bit. And I've made very simple kids dresses, an apron etc etc. But I'd like to be more confident to make more of my own clothes, especially as we all become more aware of what fast fashion is doing to our environment.<br />
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So a couple posts back I said I wanted to make at least one garment before lockdown was over. Well I did!<br />
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My friend Jaye pointed me in the direction of a sewalong and free pattern by <a href="https://craftygemini.com/shop/" target="_blank">The Crafty Gemini</a>. It was for a dolman sleeved knit top. Just the kind of thing I was thinking of. I like dolman sleeves, I wanted to try sewing with knits (seeing as I've bought myself an overlocker), and I liked the idea of someone walking me through it all.</div>
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If you're interested in the videos, click <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kk0wMxDkNMw" target="_blank">here</a> for the first in the series, you're looking for the Westchester Dolman Top.</div>
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I thought my knit wasn't stretchy enough (she shows you how to measure) so I sized generously, and I graded my hip area up to the next size. She shows you how to do that too, she's very thorough. But it turned out I was too cautious and should have stuck with the size for my measurements, and I definitely shouldn't have graded up for my hips - I should have taken a before photo show the sticky out hip bits!</div>
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Although Crafty Gemini shows you how to make this with a standard sewing machine, I was making it with my overlocker, so it was really easy for me to mark smaller once I'd tried it on and then run it through the machine again to take it in where I needed too. It's still generous, but I didn't want it form fitting so I'm happy.</div>
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My one big goof up was sewing the neckband on inside out. And because I was using my overlocker (and I'd made a really nice job of it, it sat perfectly!) I didn't want to unpick it - it really wouldn't have worked. So I decided that it was a design feature and I sewed the armbands on and hemmed it inside out too. </div>
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I might sew the outside seam flat so it looks more like a cover stitched seam (is that what you call it?) rather than just inside out. But this was never meant to be a runway-ready piece so then again I might not bother.</div>
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I wanted slightly longer sleeves, so I added two inches and I used the wide arm band even though my size used a slimmer band. I also added an inch to the bottom length and only used a 3/4 inch hem. </div>
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I made it in white because that was the only piece of knit fabric that I had that was big enough. So my next make (if I'm motivated) will have to be out of a woven.</div>
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So I'm wearing something I made and I'm really rather proud of myself!Charlotte Scotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11696100659597422648noreply@blogger.com3