tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64364909657280858472024-03-13T21:05:23.488-07:00T's Garden~T~http://www.blogger.com/profile/17969562036638831748noreply@blogger.comBlogger324125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6436490965728085847.post-5957508622080416872021-10-18T16:05:00.000-07:002021-10-18T16:05:31.575-07:00Sophomore Style Update<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrOHm64HCqZXxeg4mT1Oj8Z6b0yaL6pbgnT9aEDOdxoNxZFkK5lZ_DVgj4mrkBUa2HZoorfu-XSiQXF5y96R6RY0bD2_7EJD75MA5tqk7TFCkJp3cSTKZc8qH8OaZYiM18YldFDDQooKc/s2048/DSCF3673.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrOHm64HCqZXxeg4mT1Oj8Z6b0yaL6pbgnT9aEDOdxoNxZFkK5lZ_DVgj4mrkBUa2HZoorfu-XSiQXF5y96R6RY0bD2_7EJD75MA5tqk7TFCkJp3cSTKZc8qH8OaZYiM18YldFDDQooKc/s320/DSCF3673.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>Now that he's fifteen, D2 has become more style conscious. Not a slave of fashion. He's decided on his own thing, which I appreciate. It's not necessarily the most convenient. Non-blue jeans and V-neck shirts can be found. And it was fun to sew him this overshirt from some of Grandma O's material.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN9HHuGtorm9GNiTxU32gYFOFpwvM0u42Roc0vpzOkoOzEu8qnpSncb5z7br9V6YsOy2BX9pxiSXjiqVrVr0B9Rl5agpO-AqT9OSU-9Th3YBF7TOEsUjH8bc9KvZ3WhBtEzkWAi_-AoQ8/s2048/DSCF3726.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1305" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN9HHuGtorm9GNiTxU32gYFOFpwvM0u42Roc0vpzOkoOzEu8qnpSncb5z7br9V6YsOy2BX9pxiSXjiqVrVr0B9Rl5agpO-AqT9OSU-9Th3YBF7TOEsUjH8bc9KvZ3WhBtEzkWAi_-AoQ8/s320/DSCF3726.JPG" width="204" /></a></div>But he wanted a new jacket, too. And didn't like anything available on the department store websites. Luckily, he did like the <a href="https://www.twigandtale.com/products/mens-forester-coat?_pos=2&_sid=39ba0dfb9&_ss=r">Forester Coat pattern</a> from Twig + Tale.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6KPz2GKSYEXd46A_MBVgMu-jN8lu7wzrq9X1uzmjOBQHT_9fLcHIfQbGx0YdrsjnIrpwJN69G9nQsiOcaU8alTeAzSKnPzUEamUzy6De3cy2RBkbAwDf_QXvv_w13D9CUM0DuJvFhvo0/s2048/DSCF3728.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1537" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6KPz2GKSYEXd46A_MBVgMu-jN8lu7wzrq9X1uzmjOBQHT_9fLcHIfQbGx0YdrsjnIrpwJN69G9nQsiOcaU8alTeAzSKnPzUEamUzy6De3cy2RBkbAwDf_QXvv_w13D9CUM0DuJvFhvo0/s320/DSCF3728.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>He chose a tan suedecloth for the outside, and soft gray flannel for the lining.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWOdsk0YK6J1oJWuiwtDlt4oFZcJog5Q4luj8M4RzJw29DiNu-YMFnBymPRuESXlKm9uTC7LqWH74aq_fgjk8sIwzCjdJb198iv4-EDa9PCTY7I24keeMnweiL39Vov9izpPhTX9I0xFo/s2048/DSCF3731.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWOdsk0YK6J1oJWuiwtDlt4oFZcJog5Q4luj8M4RzJw29DiNu-YMFnBymPRuESXlKm9uTC7LqWH74aq_fgjk8sIwzCjdJb198iv4-EDa9PCTY7I24keeMnweiL39Vov9izpPhTX9I0xFo/s320/DSCF3731.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>And aren't these the most awesome buttons? I used Extra-Strong thread to help them stay on.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI0ct6-iML11ynU5bP-AJr5fNjTf8Y4FXKaGujJdqhbZioF48H4xrGDATCi074k48WomWkOW_OJB-m9DB4aH0amoworGRfclDNxZscYbPnx8K9RELDS_y-rNiZkMMXF377iJeu-cx43H8/s2048/DSCF3732.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1381" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI0ct6-iML11ynU5bP-AJr5fNjTf8Y4FXKaGujJdqhbZioF48H4xrGDATCi074k48WomWkOW_OJB-m9DB4aH0amoworGRfclDNxZscYbPnx8K9RELDS_y-rNiZkMMXF377iJeu-cx43H8/s320/DSCF3732.JPG" width="216" /></a></div>He doesn't actually wear a jacket very often, but this will be ready for him whether he's going casual . . . <p></p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2B_wItSzj1bZz-dXAvzRlM1f5ywA92wezhLSI1IkuHz6syxOCF7ghV_bO5oBYsxEms8rzyYN4a4sr2xc9aupEeRutYWvl4XYpgRgv4sHkNBo1Bv-DdwS9a-XGCvyx9krwdrbqxwyLTTE/s2048/DSCF3727.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1384" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2B_wItSzj1bZz-dXAvzRlM1f5ywA92wezhLSI1IkuHz6syxOCF7ghV_bO5oBYsxEms8rzyYN4a4sr2xc9aupEeRutYWvl4XYpgRgv4sHkNBo1Bv-DdwS9a-XGCvyx9krwdrbqxwyLTTE/s320/DSCF3727.JPG" width="216" /></a></div>or dresssing up. And it was fun to sew!<br /><p></p>~T~http://www.blogger.com/profile/17969562036638831748noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6436490965728085847.post-79565231983189188642021-09-01T12:07:00.005-07:002021-09-01T12:07:44.079-07:00Dragon Quilt<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0b745GgYJjDuYD4jKk7h-nrL-q2my2tTPU2TyIPE_WuA_Op8RvrHoYJti_hupT6cnxFu_QXolbzKfHQFcUTYqJ538E6FBA4GFJY7524BrQKQLOcZwpNLtiGEiewvvfGwGiC103a1Kzj8/s2048/DSCF3645.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0b745GgYJjDuYD4jKk7h-nrL-q2my2tTPU2TyIPE_WuA_Op8RvrHoYJti_hupT6cnxFu_QXolbzKfHQFcUTYqJ538E6FBA4GFJY7524BrQKQLOcZwpNLtiGEiewvvfGwGiC103a1Kzj8/w300-h400/DSCF3645.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><p><span style="font-size: large;">A few months ago, Rollo asked me to make a new quilt that he could take to college. The <a href="https://osgoodfam.blogspot.com/2010/04/finally.html">turtle quilt</a> I made when he was six was getting worn and a bit too small. I thought he might want something more manly(=boring). So I looked up some simple designs that could be nice. He wasn't impressed. He wanted a dragon. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDius6aA-yzkcTFKNHzGF1FKmVgft-_vnCch2YvUlLIfkQplHtzFs2tP-zyIUo4oVYSwqLky4cNFAHv253Lzwj2wzMo5-GjfrEi4X9TsWIGHuDHBBsTa9RK_0onj0u9nuK2rV_97iFjmg/s2048/DSCF3646.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDius6aA-yzkcTFKNHzGF1FKmVgft-_vnCch2YvUlLIfkQplHtzFs2tP-zyIUo4oVYSwqLky4cNFAHv253Lzwj2wzMo5-GjfrEi4X9TsWIGHuDHBBsTa9RK_0onj0u9nuK2rV_97iFjmg/w300-h400/DSCF3646.JPG" width="300" /></a></span></div><p><span style="font-size: large;"> So I started with this lovely Kona Bay panel. I think I was lucky to find one still available.<br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpG6ekCvXlUxHPpkqJBa-4f4ykRDmxfI8Qx0_lE9OkxhlmfFzv3am6XvaDcaTtx1FkAm6bQ_7fKgN_QSNC1MWB4O5ub1MfHTOM95GLFkZWSx3JAJnjiJbsBykFOCdoDLWh62Mf99SDYVg/s2048/DSCF3647.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpG6ekCvXlUxHPpkqJBa-4f4ykRDmxfI8Qx0_lE9OkxhlmfFzv3am6XvaDcaTtx1FkAm6bQ_7fKgN_QSNC1MWB4O5ub1MfHTOM95GLFkZWSx3JAJnjiJbsBykFOCdoDLWh62Mf99SDYVg/w400-h300/DSCF3647.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div><p><span style="font-size: large;"> Then Rollo picked out three border designs from <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/664680.The_Border_Workbook"><i>The Border Workbook</i></a>, by Janet Kime. I picked colors to coordinate with the dragon panel, looking for sort of scaly prints. And some stars. My boys' quilts always include stars. I finished this quilt in record time, for me. I ordered the panel in April, waited to check out the border book in June, and hurried to put it all together in July and August, in spite of a couple of unusual heat waves. <br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWSpxZifDAiPf8GOwjWe7hKl_hWeVjBHMwdaYjNCSE16Ks0ZORJ3zx_p6cOs7AX95Jh8lfho3gHM5M_N19DZyzFklhik_bY2iVfVcK6SLbM_jVoS8u_jg2UEnUjzoyHCT6LHKx9P45khQ/s2048/DSCF3649.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWSpxZifDAiPf8GOwjWe7hKl_hWeVjBHMwdaYjNCSE16Ks0ZORJ3zx_p6cOs7AX95Jh8lfho3gHM5M_N19DZyzFklhik_bY2iVfVcK6SLbM_jVoS8u_jg2UEnUjzoyHCT6LHKx9P45khQ/w300-h400/DSCF3649.JPG" width="300" /></a></span></div><p><span style="font-size: large;">I finished the straight-line machine quilting around the borders and bound up the edges the day before we left to deliver Rollo to his grandparents' house, where he'll live this school year. I added some hand quilting on the central panel between shopping trips and visiting while we were there for a week. And now he has a (really) big hug from me to wrap up in any time. <br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirfYwQDSDWI59CPCRElFt9j_mBcAKCdN-p0S3pUlhOQrJZZyPkcHr7L8Nn-V6jkS4Pt0LQjW8U42p59GvHceLMPjtJyDKoqiYwR-f09kFsEFZ18EvwKyt4W5op_B2Q_-le0XpfrqvhsD0/s2048/DSCF3612.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirfYwQDSDWI59CPCRElFt9j_mBcAKCdN-p0S3pUlhOQrJZZyPkcHr7L8Nn-V6jkS4Pt0LQjW8U42p59GvHceLMPjtJyDKoqiYwR-f09kFsEFZ18EvwKyt4W5op_B2Q_-le0XpfrqvhsD0/w400-h300/DSCF3612.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div><p><span style="font-size: large;">In other news, Scoot returned with honor from his mission to Belgium and the Netherlands. He served well and enjoyed it, and we are happy to have him home. We're also glad he's getting along well with our newest resident, Kasimir. Both Scoot and the Caterpillar will be pursuing their studies locally for a semester or two, and it is nice to have them around.<br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS3IZmc7TavGeIsqas09XHrQKUd4WFLg56vCSec30L9wkbOmy5A5Dys-qU3LLLZhQ7IAq1vflTBfjaXDYBdQWzO1ESUiv-KQPzC8B0RFDZiApPk5FkzQYNCoYmwealxwdHEDX95-jtEw4/s2048/DSCF3662.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS3IZmc7TavGeIsqas09XHrQKUd4WFLg56vCSec30L9wkbOmy5A5Dys-qU3LLLZhQ7IAq1vflTBfjaXDYBdQWzO1ESUiv-KQPzC8B0RFDZiApPk5FkzQYNCoYmwealxwdHEDX95-jtEw4/w300-h400/DSCF3662.JPG" width="300" /></a></span></div><p><span style="font-size: large;">And today is the first day of 10th grade for D2. While he did get to go to the high school building for a couple of months last year, this was his first day to go to the church for early-morning seminary. I hope he sets his alarm clock for tomorrow.</span><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><p></p>~T~http://www.blogger.com/profile/17969562036638831748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6436490965728085847.post-88461559634107767452021-06-01T15:17:00.000-07:002021-06-01T15:17:09.716-07:00Complete<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMF1xk45OxOA0Yy3oud2J4QyneyYMD6-W7v4t9F2IctFQdbJVaqwJ-nHoOJEMqF4L4lygB2ee1jyifAQRh7xuN8HBJ0yzxxZXPbZf4vvETG1wNJsuZD94et7Dm9JtRD-V6CeRFptPi8HQ/s2048/DSCF3426.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMF1xk45OxOA0Yy3oud2J4QyneyYMD6-W7v4t9F2IctFQdbJVaqwJ-nHoOJEMqF4L4lygB2ee1jyifAQRh7xuN8HBJ0yzxxZXPbZf4vvETG1wNJsuZD94et7Dm9JtRD-V6CeRFptPi8HQ/s320/DSCF3426.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>I recently finished a couple of my longer-term projects. First, this sweater. I've been making a habit of crocheting myself a sweater beginning in January, after the bustle of the holidays calms down. And by the time I finish, we don't have sweater weather anymore. But I have something new to wear next winter.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEhAVkR6nj7WkJxG0L_xhaWW7Oo-G-4jHV4Be7iIZWpgWHDvE8uL4J6pGo1cBtBfCP-CSG596Qxv2au_m81ME3W11ZCVNbtk_5JQmxys9Nw_KNAISihZR5n82UDLLhMkiTzC1HxW1l41U/s2048/DSCF3428.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEhAVkR6nj7WkJxG0L_xhaWW7Oo-G-4jHV4Be7iIZWpgWHDvE8uL4J6pGo1cBtBfCP-CSG596Qxv2au_m81ME3W11ZCVNbtk_5JQmxys9Nw_KNAISihZR5n82UDLLhMkiTzC1HxW1l41U/s320/DSCF3428.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>The yoke pattern of this <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/684402799/pattern-huldra-crochet-sweater-round?ref=yr_purchases">Huldra sweater </a> really caught my eye, and it was fun to work with <a href="https://www.crochet.com/yarn/brava-sport/c/5420218">Brava Sport</a> yarn. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd139oKnUO1QnT6dt4P0RMrPTgMihQyHK4Mfoy7lez8DPDFT5tZKF4WWCsZSNbSzFK6EJ-E8szoG0OqV4IQWH0Mt1sZ0qf9ixDutM9Ay02444sJ75aFhiEoV7cpsBLMiB7RBVHsB6LBF8/s2048/DSCF3429.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd139oKnUO1QnT6dt4P0RMrPTgMihQyHK4Mfoy7lez8DPDFT5tZKF4WWCsZSNbSzFK6EJ-E8szoG0OqV4IQWH0Mt1sZ0qf9ixDutM9Ay02444sJ75aFhiEoV7cpsBLMiB7RBVHsB6LBF8/s320/DSCF3429.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>The sleeve motif turned out to be interesting, too. Of course I made some adjustments. I started out with the wrong size, and had to add a few rounds to the neckline at the end. And I found that decreasing once every three rounds was just right for shaping the sleeves. The roundness of the yoke makes the sweater kind of stand out in back. I'm not sure what to do about that, except wear it and not worry!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnZrkrFFqq02J565E5G2bsib6uANzy7ReGJ0KPnqe-2_FAdr4Cjx_LXgwG0Ub2qAAAmOcR17I9NJlqoc2xrrrhfoUzNQyuhdVrk_-S-PZCTyrYTKZBXl8Ub3dML42d3bGewDXw1FwY9m0/s2048/DSCF3422.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnZrkrFFqq02J565E5G2bsib6uANzy7ReGJ0KPnqe-2_FAdr4Cjx_LXgwG0Ub2qAAAmOcR17I9NJlqoc2xrrrhfoUzNQyuhdVrk_-S-PZCTyrYTKZBXl8Ub3dML42d3bGewDXw1FwY9m0/s320/DSCF3422.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>This quilt has been in the works even longer. I admired the <a href="https://cluckclucksewshop.com/collections/all-patterns/products/seville-pattern-124-paper-pattern">Seville</a> pattern from Cluck Cluck Sew for several years before buying it. I finally got around to planning out a queen-sized version last June, so actually making it spread over nearly a year. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFdHX3puP5ZN4jpeZSrN7Lqv-R00Nf0uZJWnnj4PSY2Z9Eshe2qeXDjbMl3-aPHEEPuuocZq1IIZa4vNIme80DjJiGDrrebBibeaRpoRChyNBc98aKomIjm2LW96doV3iH_LTyqJDwy24/s2048/DSCF3424.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFdHX3puP5ZN4jpeZSrN7Lqv-R00Nf0uZJWnnj4PSY2Z9Eshe2qeXDjbMl3-aPHEEPuuocZq1IIZa4vNIme80DjJiGDrrebBibeaRpoRChyNBc98aKomIjm2LW96doV3iH_LTyqJDwy24/s320/DSCF3424.JPG" /></a></div><p></p><p>I wanted to use Asian prints, but knew I could never choose between all the lovely fabrics available. So I ordered two <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/236296409/10-fat-quarter-asian-japanese-quilt?ref=yr_purchases">ten-packs</a> of fat quarters, trusting to someone else's eye to select them. They came with a wonderful variety.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoAdtJfn1fVV6ZeVCk-XWkqffmjWgjT7s0q7RmjG7ugIh_dEX8ujuzDZDKyg8KzdwC8I64B_pNv8H_mL9m59cSIb03dFZWOtugm1bB6tApZK0YmLRddeQy7XTPKAzgc4EmrgDcmEqNlzA/s2048/DSCF3425.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoAdtJfn1fVV6ZeVCk-XWkqffmjWgjT7s0q7RmjG7ugIh_dEX8ujuzDZDKyg8KzdwC8I64B_pNv8H_mL9m59cSIb03dFZWOtugm1bB6tApZK0YmLRddeQy7XTPKAzgc4EmrgDcmEqNlzA/s320/DSCF3425.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>The piecing went pretty well. The straight-line quilting was frustrating, even using the walking foot. I had to send the machine in for repairs on the stitch regulation system. It made a difference, but slowed the process down. I'm not going to show you the back--it wouldn't win any prizes. But it is all together now, and I am happy with it.</p><p> I'm sure other people could produce these things faster. Probably I could if I tried. But I enjoyed having these things to do for a while. <br /></p><p>What should I make next?<br /></p><p><br /></p><p></p>~T~http://www.blogger.com/profile/17969562036638831748noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6436490965728085847.post-14428789172325907152020-12-03T10:04:00.001-08:002020-12-03T10:24:42.875-08:00Grateful for My Savior<p> At this time of year, the ladies at church usually celebrate Christmas with dinner and a nice program. This year, dinner was off the menu, but we still had the program. They asked me to speak. So I had the
opportunity to express my gratitude for my Savior, for his invitations
to come unto Him and to hear Him, and for the many witnesses who bring
those messages from him. You can watch the whole thing at this <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yl2IVA7xu7s">link</a>, which includes some beautiful music and the fascinating story of "Oh, Holy Night," or just read what I had to say here:</p><p> </p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">On the night that our Savior, Jesus Christ, was born in Bethlehem of
Judea, “there were in the same country shepherds, keeping watch
over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon
them . . . .”<a class="sdendnoteanc" href="#sdendnote1sym" name="sdendnote1anc"><sup>i</sup></a>
Have you ever met an angel? When we describe people as “angelic,”
we think of calmness, serenity, and benevolence. Paul even says that
“some have entertained angels unawares.”<a class="sdendnoteanc" href="#sdendnote2sym" name="sdendnote2anc"><sup>ii</sup></a>
But there was no mistaking the power of this messenger, for “the
glory of the Lord shone round about” him, and the shepherds, who
didn’t know how the story was going to go, “were sore afraid.”<a class="sdendnoteanc" href="#sdendnote3sym" name="sdendnote3anc"><sup>iii</sup></a>
Not just startled or curious, but “sore afraid.”</span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Historically, this
was not an unusual reaction. The glory of God has been recorded in
ancient and modern times as being “like devouring fire”<a class="sdendnoteanc" href="#sdendnote4sym" name="sdendnote4anc"><sup>iv</sup></a>,
“above the brightness of the sun, . . . [defying] all
description.”<a class="sdendnoteanc" href="#sdendnote5sym" name="sdendnote5anc"><sup>v</sup></a>
Prophets and priests such as the Brother of Jared, Moses, and
Zacharias have been “afraid to look upon God” or His
representatives.<a class="sdendnoteanc" href="#sdendnote6sym" name="sdendnote6anc"><sup>vi</sup></a>
Even the pure and righteous Mary was “troubled” by the really
rather complimentary greeting of Gabriel, when he came to announce
her unique life work.<a class="sdendnoteanc" href="#sdendnote7sym" name="sdendnote7anc"><sup>vii</sup></a>
And just like Gabriel, Moroni, and angels before and since, the
messenger who appeared to the shepherds began by telling them to
“Fear not.”</span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">“Fear not,” he
said, “for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy.”<a class="sdendnoteanc" href="#sdendnote8sym" name="sdendnote8anc"><sup>viii</sup></a>
Was the angel a bit excited? This was, you know, the best news that
had ever been given in this world. The Savior, the promised Messiah,
had finally entered mortality. Things were going to change. The
human family’s hope for salvation was that much closer to being
fulfilled. And the first to hear about it, beside the infant’s own
mother and stepfather, were these shepherds.
</span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The angel concluded
his message with an invitation to go and see the miracle for
themselves. To come unto the Savior. And this invitation has been
passed down through the centuries to us. “Oh, come, let us adore
Him.”<a class="sdendnoteanc" href="#sdendnote9sym" name="sdendnote9anc"><sup>ix</sup></a></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">How did the
shepherds react to this astounding opportunity? They did not
hesitate. They did not worry about whether they were worthy. They
did not wonder whether it was really true, or whether they could
trust the messenger. They did not excuse themselves for having
nothing to wear, which some painters of the nativity have taken to be
literally true. They didn’t complain that it was the middle of the
night, or stop to check for other messages. They don’t even seem
to have been too concerned about leaving their flock for a little
while. They said, “Let us <b>now</b><span style="font-weight: normal;">
go, . . . and they came with haste.”<a class="sdendnoteanc" href="#sdendnote10sym" name="sdendnote10anc"><sup>x</sup></a></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">How
do we come unto Christ? The angel’s directions to the shepherds
were clear, to search the mangers in the nearest village. Our
destination is not so literal—or is it? We have been commanded to
“stand in holy places.”<a class="sdendnoteanc" href="#sdendnote11sym" name="sdendnote11anc"><sup>xi</sup></a>
</span><span style="font-weight: normal;">Our church and temple
buildings are obvious places for seeking the Lord. They are </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">H</span><span style="font-weight: normal;">is
houses, dedicated to and accepted by </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">H</span><span style="font-weight: normal;">im.
We are invited to come to these places oft, to participate in
ordinances that reveal </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">H</span><span style="font-weight: normal;">is
nature and purposes to our souls. Or, usually we are. In these
trying times, our physical access to these holy places is currently
limited. But the blessings of which we partake in the church and
temple can be with us always, as we strive to remember and maintain
our worthiness. </span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Our
homes, where we may have been spending extra time lately, </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">should
</span><span style="font-weight: normal;">also be holy places. </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">It
is just as important to seek the Savior in our own homes as in any
chapel—maybe more so. For there we can introduce Him to our
families, or find solace in His company when we are alone. And we
can find sacredness and signs of the Lord’s love for us in nature,
in other people, even in challenging circumstances, if we keep the
Holy Ghost with us. </span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">More
important than physical places, though, are the things we do to come
unto Christ. “O</span><span style="font-weight: normal;">h</span><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
come, let us adore Him.” The word “adore” comes from the Latin
roots “to” and “pray to.” To pray to our Father in the name
of Christ is an excellent way to </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">approach</span><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Him. But “to pray to” is an incomplete form of communication if
we do not listen for </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">His</span><span style="font-weight: normal;">
answers. Thus, President Nelson’s </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">repeated
</span><span style="font-weight: normal;">invitation </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">to
“Hear Him.” </span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Isaiah
issued the same invitation from the Lord: “Incline your ear, and
come unto me; hear, and you shall live.”<a class="sdendnoteanc" href="#sdendnote12sym" name="sdendnote12anc"><sup>xii</sup></a>
To come unto </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">H</span><span style="font-weight: normal;">im,
we must not only tell </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">H</span><span style="font-weight: normal;">im
our concerns, but listen for </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">H</span><span style="font-weight: normal;">is,
</span><span style="font-weight: normal;">H</span><span style="font-weight: normal;">is
advice, </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">H</span><span style="font-weight: normal;">is
love, </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">H</span><span style="font-weight: normal;">is
directions. These come through the still small voice of the Holy
Ghost, not always immediately, not always as we expect. So as we
seek the Lord, we must learn to listen always for these promptings.</span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">And
not only must we pray and listen, but follow the promptings he sends.
</span><span style="font-weight: normal;">Jesus has invited us, “Come
unto me . . . take my yoke upon you, and learn of me . . .”<a class="sdendnoteanc" href="#sdendnote13sym" name="sdendnote13anc"><sup>xiii</sup></a>
We get to know </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">H</span><span style="font-weight: normal;">im
better by joining in </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">H</span><span style="font-weight: normal;">is
work of saving souls. It may sound daunting, but he has promised to
do the heavy lifting if we are willing to do our best. </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">“For
how knoweth a man the master whom he has not served, . . . and is far
from the thoughts and intents of his heart?”<a class="sdendnoteanc" href="#sdendnote14sym" name="sdendnote14anc"><sup>xiv</sup></a>
</span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Try
as we might to follow the Savior’s course, we all fall short of
complete obedience. Thus he invites, “come unto me with a broken
heart and a contrite spirit.”<a class="sdendnoteanc" href="#sdendnote15sym" name="sdendnote15anc"><sup>xv</sup></a>
Through repentance, we come even closer to our Redeemer. When we
lay our burdens upon </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">H</span><span style="font-weight: normal;">im,
we realize what he has felt in our behalf, and appreciate more fully
the amazing “love Jesus offers” us.<a class="sdendnoteanc" href="#sdendnote16sym" name="sdendnote16anc"><sup>xvi</sup></a></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">We
also come unto </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">H</span><span style="font-weight: normal;">im
by seeking </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">H</span><span style="font-weight: normal;">is
words. “</span><span style="font-weight: normal;">Angels speak by
the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, they speak the words of
Christ.”<a class="sdendnoteanc" href="#sdendnote17sym" name="sdendnote17anc"><sup>xvii</sup></a>
And while glory-laden, fear-inducing angelic visits may be few and
far between, prophets are also messengers of divine words, servants
of God. “Whether by mine own voice,” revealed the Lord, “or by
the voice of my servants, it is the same.”<a class="sdendnoteanc" href="#sdendnote18sym" name="sdendnote18anc"><sup>xviii</sup></a>
The scriptures and teachings of latter-day prophets are before us.
Let us seek Him through them.</span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">The
shepherds were successful in their search. They did find “Mary,
and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.”<a class="sdendnoteanc" href="#sdendnote19sym" name="sdendnote19anc"><sup>xix</sup></a>
While the infant Jesus would not have had much to say at the time,
the shepherds certainly received the Holy Ghost’s witness of the
holiness of the child, the truth of the angel’s words that he would
be their Savior. </span></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Did
they scurry back to their flock after seeing the marvelous sight?
No. “They made known abroad the saying which was told them
concerning the child. And all they that heard it wondered at those
things.”<a class="sdendnoteanc" href="#sdendnote20sym" name="sdendnote20anc"><sup>xx</sup></a>
The news was too good to keep. The angel had told them that it
would bring joy “to all people.”<a class="sdendnoteanc" href="#sdendnote21sym" name="sdendnote21anc"><sup>xxi</sup></a>
So they shared the miracle, their witness, their gratitude for the
Savior with all they could reach. Should we do any less?</span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Come
unto Him. Hear Him. And let His love light the world.</span></span></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">#givethanks #hearhim #lighttheworld<br /></span></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></p>
<div id="sdendnote1"><p class="sdendnote"><a class="sdendnotesym" href="#sdendnote1anc" name="sdendnote1sym">i</a>Luke
2:8-9</p>
</div>
<div id="sdendnote2"><p class="sdendnote"><a class="sdendnotesym" href="#sdendnote2anc" name="sdendnote2sym">ii</a>Hebrews
13:2</p>
</div>
<div id="sdendnote3"><p class="sdendnote"><a class="sdendnotesym" href="#sdendnote3anc" name="sdendnote3sym">iii</a>Luke
2:9</p>
</div>
<div id="sdendnote4"><p class="sdendnote"><a class="sdendnotesym" href="#sdendnote4anc" name="sdendnote4sym">iv</a>Exodus
24:17</p>
</div>
<div id="sdendnote5"><p class="sdendnote"><a class="sdendnotesym" href="#sdendnote5anc" name="sdendnote5sym">v</a>Joseph
Smith—History 1:16-17</p>
</div>
<div id="sdendnote6"><p class="sdendnote"><a class="sdendnotesym" href="#sdendnote6anc" name="sdendnote6sym">vi</a>Exodus
3:6; see also Ether 3:8, Luke 1:12</p>
</div>
<div id="sdendnote7"><p class="sdendnote"><a class="sdendnotesym" href="#sdendnote7anc" name="sdendnote7sym">vii</a>Luke
1:28-29</p>
</div>
<div id="sdendnote8"><p class="sdendnote"><a class="sdendnotesym" href="#sdendnote8anc" name="sdendnote8sym">viii</a>Luke
2:10</p>
</div>
<div id="sdendnote9"><p class="sdendnote"><a class="sdendnotesym" href="#sdendnote9anc" name="sdendnote9sym">ix</a>“Oh,
Come, All Ye Faithful,” <i>Hymns</i><span style="font-style: normal;">,
no. 202</span></p>
</div>
<div id="sdendnote10"><p class="sdendnote"><a class="sdendnotesym" href="#sdendnote10anc" name="sdendnote10sym">x</a>Luke
2:15-16</p>
</div>
<div id="sdendnote11"><p class="sdendnote"><a class="sdendnotesym" href="#sdendnote11anc" name="sdendnote11sym">xi</a>Doctrine
and Covenants 87:8</p>
</div>
<div id="sdendnote12"><p class="sdendnote"><a class="sdendnotesym" href="#sdendnote12anc" name="sdendnote12sym">xii</a>Isaiah
55:3</p>
</div>
<div id="sdendnote13"><p class="sdendnote"><a class="sdendnotesym" href="#sdendnote13anc" name="sdendnote13sym">xiii</a>Matthew
11:28-29</p>
</div>
<div id="sdendnote14"><p class="sdendnote"><a class="sdendnotesym" href="#sdendnote14anc" name="sdendnote14sym">xiv</a>Mosiah
5:13</p>
</div>
<div id="sdendnote15"><p class="sdendnote"><a class="sdendnotesym" href="#sdendnote15anc" name="sdendnote15sym">xv</a>3
Nephi 12:19</p>
</div>
<div id="sdendnote16"><p class="sdendnote"><a class="sdendnotesym" href="#sdendnote16anc" name="sdendnote16sym">xvi</a>“I
Stand All Amazed,” <i>Hymns</i><span style="font-style: normal;">,
no. 193</span></p>
</div>
<div id="sdendnote17"><p class="sdendnote"><a class="sdendnotesym" href="#sdendnote17anc" name="sdendnote17sym">xvii</a>2
Nephi 31:3</p>
</div>
<div id="sdendnote18"><p class="sdendnote"><a class="sdendnotesym" href="#sdendnote18anc" name="sdendnote18sym">xviii</a>Doctrine
and Covenants 1:38</p>
</div>
<div id="sdendnote19"><p class="sdendnote"><a class="sdendnotesym" href="#sdendnote19anc" name="sdendnote19sym">xix</a>Luke
2:16</p>
</div>
<div id="sdendnote20"><p class="sdendnote"><a class="sdendnotesym" href="#sdendnote20anc" name="sdendnote20sym">xx</a>Luke
2:17-18</p>
</div>
<div id="sdendnote21"><p class="sdendnote"><a class="sdendnotesym" href="#sdendnote21anc" name="sdendnote21sym">xxi</a>Luke
2:10</p>
</div>
<p><style type="text/css">
p.sdendnote { margin-left: 0.24in; text-indent: -0.24in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 100%; background: transparent }
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a.sdendnoteanc { font-size: 57% }</style></p><p><br /></p>~T~http://www.blogger.com/profile/17969562036638831748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6436490965728085847.post-7559201336686034282020-11-30T12:34:00.003-08:002020-11-30T12:34:41.636-08:00Grateful for Creativity<div><p>I always like to make things, but in these uncertain times, I have found much comfort in being able to take things I have, or things I can get, and organizing them into something beautiful and useful. I've been busy!</p><p>Since the beginning of March, I've sewn</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy_BHt0_Uqayyg9iZTUoqxMgMHLt_GWOv0wIFYLWvmXcolx2PvZXvl5nZgsrA95UHoiPp03caBFB3033vbsQKkUpItYtY9Wp5c-OW4GnKDpokcEbQ3p7QvmnS9vE0GkQr9wf8mFBcHEwQ/s2048/DSCF2797.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy_BHt0_Uqayyg9iZTUoqxMgMHLt_GWOv0wIFYLWvmXcolx2PvZXvl5nZgsrA95UHoiPp03caBFB3033vbsQKkUpItYtY9Wp5c-OW4GnKDpokcEbQ3p7QvmnS9vE0GkQr9wf8mFBcHEwQ/s320/DSCF2797.JPG" width="320" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">a dress for a friend's baby, using the last of one of my very favorite fabrics,<br /></div><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj5-D3rxc9XC4IBXG6rgbs9WIhoMwIAeVneSxWVV9k7Hn-hLJJn58tNf-NbblwTUkajCtoPAaXuajM27BL73__rWxrf8aY16Y_44ftMF5Ptz25GQ0QYQjxwzsDVvaKLetSaRQDsOE3ngw/s2048/DSCF2810.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj5-D3rxc9XC4IBXG6rgbs9WIhoMwIAeVneSxWVV9k7Hn-hLJJn58tNf-NbblwTUkajCtoPAaXuajM27BL73__rWxrf8aY16Y_44ftMF5Ptz25GQ0QYQjxwzsDVvaKLetSaRQDsOE3ngw/s320/DSCF2810.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">an apron, to keep Scoot's white shirts clean,</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT7LK6LNs5dgvuYkiSy27WNUyRfUDpIJQmhEfZdcd4A0pe0gtqUkyiu92SYJUrZaD9lXO6mccZ7nogxOVw1hMH-Kq-L6nFobVBHu279tHhSCqrKkjA5PAuxIAV6mt6EiMsHR-KNc8bDMk/s2048/DSCF2856.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT7LK6LNs5dgvuYkiSy27WNUyRfUDpIJQmhEfZdcd4A0pe0gtqUkyiu92SYJUrZaD9lXO6mccZ7nogxOVw1hMH-Kq-L6nFobVBHu279tHhSCqrKkjA5PAuxIAV6mt6EiMsHR-KNc8bDMk/s320/DSCF2856.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">masks for others and ourselves,</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw5ZkMVQaXXiCprdppJTzqCtGTLm-Patiso21BXTHM8wX83Ym4c65MyCLd7wktKNADQK8y6smO6fAu3VrfuuydU_1ukg3zsu4p4aETNylfDeJhXJ_QlCW7M_D14t3jfUJMKamqHffDAlw/s2048/DSCF2878.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw5ZkMVQaXXiCprdppJTzqCtGTLm-Patiso21BXTHM8wX83Ym4c65MyCLd7wktKNADQK8y6smO6fAu3VrfuuydU_1ukg3zsu4p4aETNylfDeJhXJ_QlCW7M_D14t3jfUJMKamqHffDAlw/s320/DSCF2878.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">a bookmark with my motto for the year,</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipyoWNggffvkk3sdmRt4MbNcJtxj4WjlYfeNFJL6emsZ1T6zZFVbx8vazHJFjZo2crN-g2gboTmDxuDiAq2MyiwR5TivC8QgskdJrxtpiuFEvwtEjnAnb6RDkA4TnB7GamkrGYUtBLt4U/s2048/DSCF2885.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipyoWNggffvkk3sdmRt4MbNcJtxj4WjlYfeNFJL6emsZ1T6zZFVbx8vazHJFjZo2crN-g2gboTmDxuDiAq2MyiwR5TivC8QgskdJrxtpiuFEvwtEjnAnb6RDkA4TnB7GamkrGYUtBLt4U/s320/DSCF2885.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">a shirt for Rollo,</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDGJtA5jM2RIgtOHGSzxAgIkaCUDpWvxyUdZSVzNtZYpuDAP6F8D88LdwjdUsCHdNZlxFiMZN_CW5q4Rb9Fk9bbxixOlA9LdTYlGUtCAlZRakwAcQ2qPE81jLg0_VLo_Iom0lUWTvVErk/s2048/DSCF2975.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDGJtA5jM2RIgtOHGSzxAgIkaCUDpWvxyUdZSVzNtZYpuDAP6F8D88LdwjdUsCHdNZlxFiMZN_CW5q4Rb9Fk9bbxixOlA9LdTYlGUtCAlZRakwAcQ2qPE81jLg0_VLo_Iom0lUWTvVErk/s320/DSCF2975.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">a weighted blanket for the Caterpillar,</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUFJ35tyhj60itDXhrsES4qu4NUcrYS0l4T84KkJiNQGvTLfPr3Y4tkdsg44VX9g4C7V3hVEqshVda0RX8DYorClVSlQ24mvBY1qxzdllOj4XCiA5F0S29CELLoAHmLXsdT1EPp9UCKQA/s2048/DSCF3124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUFJ35tyhj60itDXhrsES4qu4NUcrYS0l4T84KkJiNQGvTLfPr3Y4tkdsg44VX9g4C7V3hVEqshVda0RX8DYorClVSlQ24mvBY1qxzdllOj4XCiA5F0S29CELLoAHmLXsdT1EPp9UCKQA/s320/DSCF3124.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">curtains, and a couple of outfits for myself. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I've crocheted</div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtT3k4rheXsgIRqelLH5u1NBTf2a6GmcOoLHW7s4YRrG63BB5O-fBXEgCsKHvimPqA5JJpTMIYYXB-jMCEfIQSULWURX3EKCBhnxgvpEENJS2ot8Vez80I1ETHJibaYvTGMsQxDzNqtAI/s2048/DSCF2938.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1633" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtT3k4rheXsgIRqelLH5u1NBTf2a6GmcOoLHW7s4YRrG63BB5O-fBXEgCsKHvimPqA5JJpTMIYYXB-jMCEfIQSULWURX3EKCBhnxgvpEENJS2ot8Vez80I1ETHJibaYvTGMsQxDzNqtAI/s320/DSCF2938.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">a blanket for another friend's baby,</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMIfSR_AZ39BKnmH-KaJ5azb6gbwU3v4zm3VE8Lo3WuJ9w14FplRr4hrM9CukpSrnl6k6I-HsPvjXaBjY_PaSz081oaQ5oveJCghcmcHnizlHdWJp-r5-YgdFtgThQPzm99oVUym0fe_o/s2048/DSCF3126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMIfSR_AZ39BKnmH-KaJ5azb6gbwU3v4zm3VE8Lo3WuJ9w14FplRr4hrM9CukpSrnl6k6I-HsPvjXaBjY_PaSz081oaQ5oveJCghcmcHnizlHdWJp-r5-YgdFtgThQPzm99oVUym0fe_o/s320/DSCF3126.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">a <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/dragon-neckwarmer">Dragon Neckwarmer</a>, with coordinating hat,</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitK-hBLr1beFIRXZ3VRGKslYLMZN86udXsv199znSeT17XN_qVZQpdia5K4blmRYH6EFdUktgpPtS-3Q1A1rU7q5oEDN3-IpC9CAbXq72EzYQY95DWBwTxEeSvRIrDyPm-tfE0mntdzi8/s2048/DSCF3160.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1886" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitK-hBLr1beFIRXZ3VRGKslYLMZN86udXsv199znSeT17XN_qVZQpdia5K4blmRYH6EFdUktgpPtS-3Q1A1rU7q5oEDN3-IpC9CAbXq72EzYQY95DWBwTxEeSvRIrDyPm-tfE0mntdzi8/s320/DSCF3160.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">and this <a href="https://www.yarnspirations.com/red-heart-all-in-the-family-crochet-afghan/RHC0502-028937M.html">All in the Family</a> afghan. I started it in the spring, using yarn I had at hand, and set it aside when it was getting too warm to sit around under an afghan and my colors were starting to run out. I picked it up again this fall, added rounds in three more colors, and decided it was big enough.</div></div><div> </div><div>I've done some painting: <br /></div><div></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHE6OKGSa0uUrVsOgJAeJsq6vk9St6IesRdTaBUPFH2QcwlC3jgFZ2tOOaZ55QssY64U0WHCbDiQ78qptiLOEs5HmX4hsa0VSvzjNORg3lOsOfXSLx-5l_cCQHC5zkhr8n_Ih0brxHBgg/s2035/Ichigo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2035" data-original-width="1611" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHE6OKGSa0uUrVsOgJAeJsq6vk9St6IesRdTaBUPFH2QcwlC3jgFZ2tOOaZ55QssY64U0WHCbDiQ78qptiLOEs5HmX4hsa0VSvzjNORg3lOsOfXSLx-5l_cCQHC5zkhr8n_Ih0brxHBgg/s320/Ichigo.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxTo8JCu-VzLsOK2bE9ibQp7Gqm9RdJgVOv7MhQS_nlnyMnQ8J_7ij9dyJhwVzCGDH348Zr09jCvQat5JnyBYnsbIQIwnEGfFuZRRSFMSI-xoGI4M2AGCHaScJAV372KYsMVglTXmISCg/s2048/Frilled+Canary.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1125" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxTo8JCu-VzLsOK2bE9ibQp7Gqm9RdJgVOv7MhQS_nlnyMnQ8J_7ij9dyJhwVzCGDH348Zr09jCvQat5JnyBYnsbIQIwnEGfFuZRRSFMSI-xoGI4M2AGCHaScJAV372KYsMVglTXmISCg/s320/Frilled+Canary.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Hx5fL-f89mR1xGjvvOAW_qwNcrkqp6AKX9tmEdwSjh6QJa9a08GGxUrwRQz8PxkbsK9yL4w0hEc_v8iBqg07RyHq1Ou___OJWYUTeUcosAYlgsUwS_88uLte9rx3dUYq2BrpMHpkVM0/s2048/NEOWISE.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1272" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Hx5fL-f89mR1xGjvvOAW_qwNcrkqp6AKX9tmEdwSjh6QJa9a08GGxUrwRQz8PxkbsK9yL4w0hEc_v8iBqg07RyHq1Ou___OJWYUTeUcosAYlgsUwS_88uLte9rx3dUYq2BrpMHpkVM0/s320/NEOWISE.JPG" width="320" /></a></div></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>I have also enjoyed offering some advice, but mostly watching as the boys expressed themselves<br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6bD_s-15JOuhCvlynuQbzPk1iQpMKXpLXCmyDdAgdoiu4nkSxGcZTZerIh2zzj9FemypvCpFo0xH_4N1qItnzwrtGwJAlC5PoCpnXjE1u_Dluy0o6UiHeTFSf0cHa1qHE_YW9qr5zgjs/s2048/DSCF2867.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6bD_s-15JOuhCvlynuQbzPk1iQpMKXpLXCmyDdAgdoiu4nkSxGcZTZerIh2zzj9FemypvCpFo0xH_4N1qItnzwrtGwJAlC5PoCpnXjE1u_Dluy0o6UiHeTFSf0cHa1qHE_YW9qr5zgjs/s320/DSCF2867.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">with cakes,<br /></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDKoQBqDlUdMBvb3-KtFidO6NZBDAnDFmwpjHI0i7oy4Lb17_ZPN5xDnTAlfy2QGE4ShiUXBwSMEPt9ghlJEBYtVReW6moc1f1Glcz0rvMcLZKrl50at0na5rfQQ85uzGEmrgq4GLXWCQ/s2048/DSCF3146.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDKoQBqDlUdMBvb3-KtFidO6NZBDAnDFmwpjHI0i7oy4Lb17_ZPN5xDnTAlfy2QGE4ShiUXBwSMEPt9ghlJEBYtVReW6moc1f1Glcz0rvMcLZKrl50at0na5rfQQ85uzGEmrgq4GLXWCQ/s320/DSCF3146.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">costumes, and other creativity.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEWBvzVOgVjdYL7t4DuCSE3RCsplw1qvhADU1kssjbiu-wIhuaaKNhYXKwUou6pwK6g7OSayRLbWgRXf3ZMGdC8O7CB12QVVxBgpfzNdqCJxodpUSwoPXfkwkFgbK8FfUpG7qv857MHX4/s2048/DSCF3178.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1047" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEWBvzVOgVjdYL7t4DuCSE3RCsplw1qvhADU1kssjbiu-wIhuaaKNhYXKwUou6pwK6g7OSayRLbWgRXf3ZMGdC8O7CB12QVVxBgpfzNdqCJxodpUSwoPXfkwkFgbK8FfUpG7qv857MHX4/s320/DSCF3178.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>I have more projects to enjoy, ideas to realize, inspiration to express. I'm thankful for the skills I've learned, and the resources to practice them. It's one way to emulate our great Creator, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to do so.</div><div> </div><div>What has kept your hands busy?</div><div> </div><div>#givethanks</div><div> </div><div> <br /></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><br /><p><br /></p></div>~T~http://www.blogger.com/profile/17969562036638831748noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6436490965728085847.post-59156696101933796702020-11-28T14:47:00.000-08:002020-11-28T14:47:16.338-08:00Grateful for Music<p>I am grateful for music. I can't say I like <i>all</i> kinds of music, but I enjoy many. I usually listen to classical and jazz music when I drive. Not only are the local stations ad-free, but there's such a wide variety of pieces, and I can usually enjoy what they play. I appreciate YouTube for making even more old and new music available. The Caterpillar is really a connoisseur of interesting music from around the world, and his selections add a lot of variety to our atmosphere. </p><p>I also enjoy making music. I miss singing in the choir at church, and fiddling with a group at the mall. But I can play our piano, and practice those fiddle tunes on my own--maybe I'll be able to keep up with the others when we meet again.</p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikD116_Q_udeCRkbFPsM5UPqikosjCRA_pU3HX_6KpUzYY2AaMbh7ElO1cXQHRVpnEATsspOigVKSeJsai3t0YqnhBdNTfScKAuDPHYnw-jpQxfa-8J2Ay0-R3byzAdomDTLqozclcg4s/s2543/20200708_104223.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2543" data-original-width="1236" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikD116_Q_udeCRkbFPsM5UPqikosjCRA_pU3HX_6KpUzYY2AaMbh7ElO1cXQHRVpnEATsspOigVKSeJsai3t0YqnhBdNTfScKAuDPHYnw-jpQxfa-8J2Ay0-R3byzAdomDTLqozclcg4s/s320/20200708_104223.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>I'm grateful that the rest of the family is musical, too. Dandelionslayer is a percussionist. The Caterpillar plays brass and bass, and whatever he can get his hands on. Scoot left his saxophone home when he set out on his mission, but he shares music in Europe with his recorders. School band isn't really an ensemble thing these days, but Rollo enjoys his trombone and piano lessons. D2, who used to claim that he hated music, is doing well with his clarinet lessons, and enjoys listening to classical strings. </p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwdUEX7BdzlNRkilZAoPE1z6fStnbmN_6_RfOS2eatoX5Fm4pb2yQAZms6C0HHlLxtay6BWWg4bRTn6PqHkUQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><p></p><p>Sometimes we can even persuade them all to play together!</p><p>I've also been grateful for some inspiration to arrange and compose a few pieces myself. Here's a <a href="http://sacredsheetmusic.org/song/Carol_of_Thanks_SATB_by_Teresa_G_Osgood">link</a> to one I wrote about a year ago. At a Young Women activity, one of the girls lamented the short supply of Thanksgiving carols. I challenged her to write one herself. I don't know if she had any good ideas, but a few days later, I did. I'm grateful to be able to share it at <a href="http://sacredsheetmusic.org/song/Carol_of_Thanks_SATB_by_Teresa_G_Osgood">SacredSheetMusic.org</a>, where I've shared a few others, and found many other pieces to enjoy from talented composers.</p><p>I love all the concerts and musical events that usually come at this season of the year. I'll miss going out for those this year, but I've been finding some online opportunities for enjoying good performances. I hope you will, too! <br /></p><p>Music has such a powerful influence on our feelings, and I'm grateful to be able to listen and participate in music that soothes, peps, inspires, and pleases. <br /></p><p>What music do you love?</p><p>#givethanks<br /></p>~T~http://www.blogger.com/profile/17969562036638831748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6436490965728085847.post-81573062888461825792020-11-26T16:23:00.002-08:002020-11-26T16:23:59.550-08:00Grateful for Books<p> <span style="font-size: medium;">I am so grateful that my parents taught me early to love stories and reading. They read to us and with us, and told us stories from around the world. I am grateful for libraries, too, sources of more books than we can fit in our house. For the first five years I went to elementary school, the library was only a couple of blocks away. My sister and I were frequent visitors in the summer, and always found more good books to bring home. The closure of local libraries this spring was really disappointing. I'm so grateful for the curbside pickup system we have now. And, since I still can't wander and browse the shelves there, I'm grateful for <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7082264.Teresa_G_Osgood" target="_blank">Goodreads</a>, where I can find new destinations for my reading adventures. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXRsMdebHzKPSk-4iZ17t9u0qTAlGxwhi4_cxFGM2MOVrMNq8m4DhEDolQ9W2Psg2t_-gEq6MBRqY37LFvdtn-4Tjz8VtyZHV0m4TTzKWArVhn5FZNNdjU3ftQYl0ADtx3wWOyK1BZsXc/s2048/DSCF3171.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1236" data-original-width="2048" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXRsMdebHzKPSk-4iZ17t9u0qTAlGxwhi4_cxFGM2MOVrMNq8m4DhEDolQ9W2Psg2t_-gEq6MBRqY37LFvdtn-4Tjz8VtyZHV0m4TTzKWArVhn5FZNNdjU3ftQYl0ADtx3wWOyK1BZsXc/w474-h286/DSCF3171.JPG" width="474" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /> We have plenty of our own books, too, which were very helpful this spring. Here are a few of my favorites from the permanent collection. They provide information, inspiration, beauty, amusement, escape from worry, and perspective on the real world.<br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">What books are you grateful for?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">#givethanks<br /></span></p>~T~http://www.blogger.com/profile/17969562036638831748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6436490965728085847.post-2562588168732620552020-11-25T11:38:00.000-08:002020-11-25T11:38:01.742-08:00Grateful for the World<p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx16Pe4d6iuX9JG1lZjwLwUo74sXaWUW8Ujp8sJnEeE1ksv9adt6_OTk1iqHn6McXTY70J3i2vM_FsxUsxHEs8f8k4Ym02dsWeAGGT4_C4dZbNtw_J8r74JgmfJ4htS7YXp1r6AA4MNFg/s2048/DSCF1211.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="459" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx16Pe4d6iuX9JG1lZjwLwUo74sXaWUW8Ujp8sJnEeE1ksv9adt6_OTk1iqHn6McXTY70J3i2vM_FsxUsxHEs8f8k4Ym02dsWeAGGT4_C4dZbNtw_J8r74JgmfJ4htS7YXp1r6AA4MNFg/w344-h459/DSCF1211.JPG" width="344" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Washington, USA<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p> </p><p>I am grateful for this world that we live in. I think I live in a particularly beautiful part of it, full of mountains and trees and lakes, surrounded by the sea. </p><p></p><p>I've been privileged to live in other beautiful places, to have visited forty-nine of the United States, two of their territories, and five other countries. I've found lovely scenery, intriguing history, and kind people in all of them.</p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8aWhvZhZHdqZHgvlllSChc25Z7gzPelogLwfikVNKS8yQBF7jlSX87SHpVs_x6cHnm-fEykosC5L1GJA7x6A4MH8p2ycoRN49o7rP8_r2jGRyo2r8GtVUnzTYX2o-maSMPkWK2vQGvoc/s1408/Stonehenge.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1408" data-original-width="992" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8aWhvZhZHdqZHgvlllSChc25Z7gzPelogLwfikVNKS8yQBF7jlSX87SHpVs_x6cHnm-fEykosC5L1GJA7x6A4MH8p2ycoRN49o7rP8_r2jGRyo2r8GtVUnzTYX2o-maSMPkWK2vQGvoc/s320/Stonehenge.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">England<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHZR7UXKzNi1GBu4FialN66Gw34sZdQA4S0jd41tL7hdolKxT6cdJYPb2aAwcZhjxOw-9v-XYqsxkMwCgAHOmJ_r0fkUgf8UxFbLveQkgJryfktnstiCnrIVkonRuxPCtlSE2bBRZw1to/s1280/DSC03881.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPVaHQIKjaLldP-j9icVuGM8RAE6FCimeyjkjelhpuj-EziZD0JcaRVzsFdIXDIfGgHtVffUGaglFZ-YkGxaul3XdkO8dHl1oxf4LWw_pemXam1Fh9-IqnqWqF86voK2_v00BF_nWK0ds/s1280/DSC01509.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPVaHQIKjaLldP-j9icVuGM8RAE6FCimeyjkjelhpuj-EziZD0JcaRVzsFdIXDIfGgHtVffUGaglFZ-YkGxaul3XdkO8dHl1oxf4LWw_pemXam1Fh9-IqnqWqF86voK2_v00BF_nWK0ds/s320/DSC01509.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Germany<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGygSFsDf8uTgMjPT6vgib1btN5g6Amip_OoqdI6H_Cr-zTGYSlc-TLRXtYIQckByvSkMHjh4n8JcZ5c6jZWBb6jVYC0nyItZd0jFhiAlrGHbK4vmMQWyY1sI-a1t1uFJIZ2kg34AKfz4/s1280/DSC00861.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGygSFsDf8uTgMjPT6vgib1btN5g6Amip_OoqdI6H_Cr-zTGYSlc-TLRXtYIQckByvSkMHjh4n8JcZ5c6jZWBb6jVYC0nyItZd0jFhiAlrGHbK4vmMQWyY1sI-a1t1uFJIZ2kg34AKfz4/s320/DSC00861.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Japan<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijMRjNpfHrVPeXSpCrKL5qDK6xL_PmlpYsn47GfA-bfCNN3XU5DVYNKb41a9aaSR7P9MOQOSLvIfU2E4F-moJMgNTsR22zIN5BcVmbH7YIeuwyEztKsjRFromOAL60KkcM9Su2BUfcvHw/s2048/DSCF0421.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijMRjNpfHrVPeXSpCrKL5qDK6xL_PmlpYsn47GfA-bfCNN3XU5DVYNKb41a9aaSR7P9MOQOSLvIfU2E4F-moJMgNTsR22zIN5BcVmbH7YIeuwyEztKsjRFromOAL60KkcM9Su2BUfcvHw/s320/DSCF0421.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Puerto Rico<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHZR7UXKzNi1GBu4FialN66Gw34sZdQA4S0jd41tL7hdolKxT6cdJYPb2aAwcZhjxOw-9v-XYqsxkMwCgAHOmJ_r0fkUgf8UxFbLveQkgJryfktnstiCnrIVkonRuxPCtlSE2bBRZw1to/s320/DSC03881.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Canada</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>And that isn't enough. My wanderlust frequently manifests itself in dreams about rushing to catch airplanes, road trips that turn into hikes, or odd things happening with boats. Someday I'll explore more, but I am truly grateful for the places I have been. This is a beautiful world, in an amazing universe, and I'm glad to be part of it.</p><p>Where would you like to go?</p><p>#givethanks<br /></p>~T~http://www.blogger.com/profile/17969562036638831748noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6436490965728085847.post-44679984569193735872020-11-24T14:53:00.001-08:002020-11-24T14:53:47.158-08:00Give Thanks<p></p><p></p><p></p><p><iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/i51gcWCs-Ho" width="480"></iframe> </p><p> 2020 has been quite a year, hasn't it? Who expected a pandemic to swoop in and plague the world? Because, you know, this definitely fits my definition of a Biblical plague: something unpleasant and attention-getting that affects <i>every</i>one.</p><p>As far as the effects go, we're pretty well off. We've stayed healthy. Dandelionslayer and the Caterpillar have kept their jobs and worked all this time. Scoot is still happily serving as a missionary in the Netherlands. Remote school is not ideal for the younger boys, but it is possible, and the technology works pretty well. Church discussions at home have been good. Most of us are introverts, and don't mind quiet time and family entertainment.<br /></p><p>Which is not to say that we're immune to disappointment, discouragement, or feeling boxed in. But it feels so much better to focus on the good things. </p><p>That's what Russell M. Nelson says so much more eloquently in the above video. A man of long experience with faith, science, and family, he encourages us to seek out the healing power of gratitude, and to share it with others. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc1YlVokxey8ZMZ_IlbnYFHB7IY8CMMTAbBl3CXD06Adz-yZ3WuL9nfltTbH7RZYHeBYHyfNaWv4FhOqUjTVewwwD7EJCQvOUMSDMOXGztJ8LpEy8goRQHrQVahAsafZ32-ZgarH3Re-k/s2048/DSCF1924.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc1YlVokxey8ZMZ_IlbnYFHB7IY8CMMTAbBl3CXD06Adz-yZ3WuL9nfltTbH7RZYHeBYHyfNaWv4FhOqUjTVewwwD7EJCQvOUMSDMOXGztJ8LpEy8goRQHrQVahAsafZ32-ZgarH3Re-k/w415-h312/DSCF1924.JPG" width="415" /></a></div><p>So, today I'd like to tell you that I am grateful for my family. My parents, who brought me up with love, faith, curiosity, humor, skills, encouragement, and adventure. My sisters, who were silly and busy and active with me. My loving, fun, faithful, creative husband. Our talented, capable, hilarious sons. </p><p>I can't tell you how grateful I am for them, but I can tell you that I am, and that my life has meaning because of them. Thank you!</p><p>And thank you to you who are reading this. I know I haven't provided much for you to read lately, but thanks for stopping by. I'll share a few more things I'm grateful for in the next few days.</p><p>What are you grateful for?<br /></p><p>#givethanks<br /></p>~T~http://www.blogger.com/profile/17969562036638831748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6436490965728085847.post-76301876038717990902020-05-20T12:13:00.000-07:002020-05-20T12:13:03.040-07:00Spring Flowers Afghan<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmv0cwTOJlgGcJHCbDZGc3kgP2s6CJJCTx3J2KmXM3y9PC60tI0mymcNXCKjymgwwnI5RtpYSpMa62nMfSZm5WsahyBoKYzsqgtCKE9Q93oAShSnWxcgbMqBbyr94H5sx2OcH1DHHi2QU1/s1600/DSCF2938.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1276" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmv0cwTOJlgGcJHCbDZGc3kgP2s6CJJCTx3J2KmXM3y9PC60tI0mymcNXCKjymgwwnI5RtpYSpMa62nMfSZm5WsahyBoKYzsqgtCKE9Q93oAShSnWxcgbMqBbyr94H5sx2OcH1DHHi2QU1/s320/DSCF2938.JPG" width="255" /></a></div>
Spring
of 2020 has been an odd time for all of us. I'm happy to report that
my family is safe and healthy. My husband and the Caterpillar are still
working, Scoot is doing creative missionary work in Belgium, Rollo
completed his AP tests at home, and D2 sometimes does some remote
schoolwork.<br />
<br />
I, being an introverted homemaker, am usually
happy to spend most of my time at home, but things are different now. I
wasn't used to having most of the family at home with me most of the
time. I don't get to go to the gym or the library, and I'm not sure
about the status of the fabric store. But I still need books to read
and things to create. Luckily, we have a pretty good home library, and I
have a pretty good stash of craft supplies. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaqRbsvduqWAw3ExgIoB9IBwUxHxtDf1dFrdUAXoojzl0FovFIvcIaPsZamUQpif1EICuYnLdMoYOUUDdGBO1rEIdvHvaIQtsfueaPY34BshMEUaMBMzKpJW1UNnD5Ap1O91vpUWPsI-Fl/s1600/DSCF2939.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="972" data-original-width="1600" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaqRbsvduqWAw3ExgIoB9IBwUxHxtDf1dFrdUAXoojzl0FovFIvcIaPsZamUQpif1EICuYnLdMoYOUUDdGBO1rEIdvHvaIQtsfueaPY34BshMEUaMBMzKpJW1UNnD5Ap1O91vpUWPsI-Fl/s320/DSCF2939.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
So I crocheted this blanket for a friend's expected baby. The stitch pattern is from a Leisure Arts leaflet, <i>More Crochet Stitches & Easy Projects</i>,
and has the unimaginative name of "Cluster Stripes." It looked sort of
floral to me, so I used cheerful spring colors for the clusters, and
white for the stripes. I had some difficulty with keeping the edges
straight, but otherwise it was an easy, enjoyable project.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg308wVov0aeRzAnA77_9-XnGAaJyKBRQA29XTDDTjUzSZ0Jvg7KbllxQ_1wyDu_tLP3LCYo7PulSneSyXYPuMFNk4OxSVvXm-S5lnpwOgAnDe5pglB8SBvU6Yl84m3_7hhxhKo-D24J-fp/s1600/DSCF2877.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg308wVov0aeRzAnA77_9-XnGAaJyKBRQA29XTDDTjUzSZ0Jvg7KbllxQ_1wyDu_tLP3LCYo7PulSneSyXYPuMFNk4OxSVvXm-S5lnpwOgAnDe5pglB8SBvU6Yl84m3_7hhxhKo-D24J-fp/s320/DSCF2877.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I
also joined the army of mask-makers to provide some supplemental face
coverings for local health-care workers. Since I didn't jump on the
bandwagon until the elastic and bias tape shortage was in full swing, I
bought a neat <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/791921477/bias-tape-maker-folder-single-fold?ref=yr_purchases">gadget</a>
(just the maker, though--the finisher would have made it even easier!),
and made my own tape. The fabric had been donated by local church
members for a different charitable purpose, but was made available for
this project.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKGebuauBZ2G3Na1mGXJBEtUCX7HYTt85aEVjKYzXQ-WriNhxyW2qOP1YoZB44enhd7P3LN2vAedJiuNWqJ5cHv80uw3kU3iB7G48Jxjn-HDaI5RWBd_mJbpEVYB9pqc52EHuN_4ZxN0lP/s1600/DSCF2885.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKGebuauBZ2G3Na1mGXJBEtUCX7HYTt85aEVjKYzXQ-WriNhxyW2qOP1YoZB44enhd7P3LN2vAedJiuNWqJ5cHv80uw3kU3iB7G48Jxjn-HDaI5RWBd_mJbpEVYB9pqc52EHuN_4ZxN0lP/s320/DSCF2885.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
And I sewed Rollo a new dragon <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/274688176/yukon-button-up-mens-button-up-shirt?ref=yr_purchases">shirt</a> for his seventeenth birthday. He likes the shirt more than he likes to smile for pictures!<br />
<br />
What have you been making?~T~http://www.blogger.com/profile/17969562036638831748noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6436490965728085847.post-56345053767713363362019-11-22T16:06:00.002-08:002019-11-22T16:06:33.401-08:00New Christmas CardsIt's that time again--not Christmas time, but getting-ready-for-Christmas time. We're practicing the music in band and in choir, taking note of gift ideas, maybe thinking about greetings to send to loved ones.<br />
<div style="line-height: 150%; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.zazzle.com/star_over_the_stable_christmas_card-256519671486536485" rel="nofollow"> <img alt="Star Over the Stable Christmas Card" src="https://rlv.zcache.com/star_over_the_stable_christmas_card-rff60c0a5d446416bb2657e3a96fcd835_em0ct_325.jpg?bg=0xffffff" style="border: 0;" /> </a> <br />
<a href="https://www.zazzle.com/star_over_the_stable_christmas_card-256519671486536485" rel="nofollow">Star Over the Stable Christmas Card</a> <br />
by <a href="https://www.zazzle.com/store/zevenster" rel="nofollow">Zevenster</a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
To make it a little easier for you, I'd like to introduce my 2019 Christmas cards, available on <a href="https://www.zazzle.com/star_over_the_stable_christmas_card-256519671486536485">Zazzle</a>. Enjoy your preparations!</div>
</div>
~T~http://www.blogger.com/profile/17969562036638831748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6436490965728085847.post-90727467065355217762019-09-04T10:13:00.002-07:002019-09-04T10:13:44.953-07:00Alaskan Baby Blanket<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPLASYq9Z3fDXWthTFpthgnUfWG50dRlEX5oG3GTaQ43O7jvbcVqvSN40y3dXVv2wTWD93AMAZlN9YqqC6EAcVkQLqcquNlD9TDGzVYs7NnyWGZaVGQuaU2lzJw3l2wRwMb9IK8KqOeNs/s1600/DSCF2634.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPLASYq9Z3fDXWthTFpthgnUfWG50dRlEX5oG3GTaQ43O7jvbcVqvSN40y3dXVv2wTWD93AMAZlN9YqqC6EAcVkQLqcquNlD9TDGzVYs7NnyWGZaVGQuaU2lzJw3l2wRwMb9IK8KqOeNs/s320/DSCF2634.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
One of Dandelionslayer's colleagues recently became a father, so I had to whip something up for the new baby. While the men have a running joke about Gollum from <i>The Hobbit</i>, I just didn't think that would be a comforting image for a blanket. Instead, in keeping with the new father's outdoorsy personality and Alaskan background, we picked out some squares from The Crochet Crowd's <a href="https://thecrochetcrowd.com/19-alaskan-c2c-characters-tutorial/">Alaskan Inspired C2C Character</a> collection. There are 19 large squares in the free downloadable pattern book, and it was hard to narrow down the choices. So Dandelionslayer selected six, and I crocheted them using 3 hdc per square, instead of dc, to keep them smaller. It's still a big blanket, but he's already a big baby.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLFEo-cu3GE3fE57fXmFRM1QkYYMQhVtXMT17KbLjwAJ7Lvm2fkZAevMX8wkTMwTxNeJPZSsp8EvMuNkUvLD0TFgIDL1W4XI-8vHI6KNTRUICzolcmU7CuClbmyxA1ga6UnBRSWmUJfAE/s1600/DSCF2637.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLFEo-cu3GE3fE57fXmFRM1QkYYMQhVtXMT17KbLjwAJ7Lvm2fkZAevMX8wkTMwTxNeJPZSsp8EvMuNkUvLD0TFgIDL1W4XI-8vHI6KNTRUICzolcmU7CuClbmyxA1ga6UnBRSWmUJfAE/s320/DSCF2637.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
We did make some adjustments to a couple of the patterns. Dandelionslayer redrew the caribou to have a more natural looking nose.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCQHOItvWvNNcWhtFTQosjeZCK1S3UuymNU58jfpEIbdPTaxFh52QjcmfFAHskAAwVgJHjxnvrYuCIcV1TttweF1oZfya51yzmSGCmXygDBtQzWSxPISmmpop8ukUpbjCoTX0qXg7-7d8/s1600/DSCF2636.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCQHOItvWvNNcWhtFTQosjeZCK1S3UuymNU58jfpEIbdPTaxFh52QjcmfFAHskAAwVgJHjxnvrYuCIcV1TttweF1oZfya51yzmSGCmXygDBtQzWSxPISmmpop8ukUpbjCoTX0qXg7-7d8/s320/DSCF2636.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
And I thought the moose ought to fill more of the square and have a more impressive rack. (It has eyes, too. You can see them up close.)<br /><br />
You can download a copy of our hand-drawn graphs here:<br />
<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1s7LWslBNdHzBZHUZXAXAUfCXwrvUjb52/view?usp=sharing">Moose and Caribou Graphs PDF</a><br />
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Still trying to keep it small, I only used the first round of the <a href="https://thecrochetcrowd.com/crochet-fox-corners-corner-c2c-pictorial-squares-afghans-tutorial/">border</a> described with each square, then joined the squares with one row of sc. I then outlined the whole with one more round of sc.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJqvrqIZnR9t4QpXGbfIIwIR5Yw3S5Ud8kGfqtW5QKv3VkPi2V7B0Q0oeQDPPg2LEXmyKJ5SCYXoS6zj3DHzdPVMuIQXdaMtEF-hoGLyqJQMWZIPyqzbtn6ckg8ZSSwe9nIyXFK-RYiq0/s1600/DSCF2594.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJqvrqIZnR9t4QpXGbfIIwIR5Yw3S5Ud8kGfqtW5QKv3VkPi2V7B0Q0oeQDPPg2LEXmyKJ5SCYXoS6zj3DHzdPVMuIQXdaMtEF-hoGLyqJQMWZIPyqzbtn6ckg8ZSSwe9nIyXFK-RYiq0/s320/DSCF2594.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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This was a fun project for the summer, since the squares didn't get too big on my lap. While most took longer, I did complete half of the moose square in one morning, waiting for Scoot to pack. As soon as he finished, we dropped him off at the Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah, where he's preparing to be a <a href="https://www.comeuntochrist.org/belong/meet-missionaries">missionary</a> for the <a href="https://www.comeuntochrist.org/">Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints</a>. He'll be serving in Belgium and the Netherlands for the next two years. It's exciting, but I'm glad I had the moose to keep me calm that morning.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPLASYq9Z3fDXWthTFpthgnUfWG50dRlEX5oG3GTaQ43O7jvbcVqvSN40y3dXVv2wTWD93AMAZlN9YqqC6EAcVkQLqcquNlD9TDGzVYs7NnyWGZaVGQuaU2lzJw3l2wRwMb9IK8KqOeNs/s1600/DSCF2634.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPLASYq9Z3fDXWthTFpthgnUfWG50dRlEX5oG3GTaQ43O7jvbcVqvSN40y3dXVv2wTWD93AMAZlN9YqqC6EAcVkQLqcquNlD9TDGzVYs7NnyWGZaVGQuaU2lzJw3l2wRwMb9IK8KqOeNs/s320/DSCF2634.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Dandelionslayer is pretty pleased with the baby blanket, and keeps using it as a cushion. I hope it will still be in good shape when his friend returns from paternity leave!~T~http://www.blogger.com/profile/17969562036638831748noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6436490965728085847.post-30724805182471342812019-06-25T14:39:00.000-07:002019-06-25T14:39:07.938-07:00Crocheted Waterfall<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2F8rbrmiS3I-j6d-gMIpz-3zAUebYZM3fubVUpRubdStZWbUA1UpbGqIykia2Mj5-CJZBZ8rGvp7mdNPbP4AgeCk4YkKkshZJP9tfP-UKMVADbug8-0yY7tF43QQxortNMCgNXXtNA_I/s1600/DSCF2476.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2F8rbrmiS3I-j6d-gMIpz-3zAUebYZM3fubVUpRubdStZWbUA1UpbGqIykia2Mj5-CJZBZ8rGvp7mdNPbP4AgeCk4YkKkshZJP9tfP-UKMVADbug8-0yY7tF43QQxortNMCgNXXtNA_I/s320/DSCF2476.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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I haven't been to a bridal shower for a long time. I just didn't know many eligible young people for a while. But a year or so ago, I realized that some of my sons' friends were entering that stage, and figured I'd better prepare. The <a href="http://www.yarnhookneedles.com/waterfall-throw/">Waterfall Throw</a> pattern seemed like a good place to start. It went quickly, using thick chenille Bernat Blanket yarn. I'm not sure it turned out to be a "throw" size--that's one of my nearly 6-foot boys holding it up. But I like big afghans. I finally gave it to a bride who's not that tall, but is marrying a much taller young man. It should keep him covered--if she'll let it go!</div>
~T~http://www.blogger.com/profile/17969562036638831748noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6436490965728085847.post-52133489237102395332019-06-03T14:11:00.000-07:002019-06-05T09:43:39.234-07:00Rainbow Ripple Baby Blanket<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9ptoaH6NwRzQlu10GLraStQ3o6yP_5CNs9lRMaUNFG2wpbU27k4s1o-uS9EfePMWi9_TVt95WCpG9iKi9vPyPI50m2-pUGOOVeCPAYyJm7VTOZ370coR_nmjr4WOEsmvJol4XMhQfR2g/s1600/DSCF2442.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9ptoaH6NwRzQlu10GLraStQ3o6yP_5CNs9lRMaUNFG2wpbU27k4s1o-uS9EfePMWi9_TVt95WCpG9iKi9vPyPI50m2-pUGOOVeCPAYyJm7VTOZ370coR_nmjr4WOEsmvJol4XMhQfR2g/s320/DSCF2442.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">My friend asked me to crochet an afghan for her sister's baby, and sent me a picture she'd found on Pinterest. I haven't been able to find that particular shot, so I won't share it with you, but it was a ripple afghan in rainbow colors, with white ripples in between. It looked like a fun project.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1uR2VfpbJ982ccoH-JeMSKDZBD0T3H3EIOFr-Oa6dREpgg5OMzsXy8yK3pr7UBB22SLYydNyCvLRife2SMIkUGXYkB2OlX_MvWvWMTxAYqMqYYJkY9EqTbX7c4L4GFPBADLq7WtHqBt8/s1600/DSCF2444.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1597" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1uR2VfpbJ982ccoH-JeMSKDZBD0T3H3EIOFr-Oa6dREpgg5OMzsXy8yK3pr7UBB22SLYydNyCvLRife2SMIkUGXYkB2OlX_MvWvWMTxAYqMqYYJkY9EqTbX7c4L4GFPBADLq7WtHqBt8/s320/DSCF2444.JPG" width="319" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">To make sure I got the ripples right, I followed the <a href="http://www.handcraftingwithlove.net/yarn/pat-ripple.html">Easy Ripple Afghan</a> by SusanB. I used my favorite I hook, and (mostly) Red Heart Super Saver yarn. I stitched two rows in each color, alternating Soft White with these colors:</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Dark Orchid</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Medium Purple</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Royal</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Turqua</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Paddy Green</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Tea Leaf</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Cornmeal</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Lemon</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Carrot</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Red Heart With Love Tigerlily</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Burgundy</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Cherry Red</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Light Raspberry</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Baby Pink</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: large;">I followed the pattern for a 40 inch wide afghan, envisioning a standard 40"x60" size. By the time I'd gone through all the colors once, the blanket was more of a square. My friend thought 40"x40" was a good size, so I finished it off with three rounds of single crochet in Soft White. If you want a longer afghan, I'd recommend stitching three rows in each color, or starting the colors over again until you reach the size you like. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwGdI_VHRXYUbmBziEBX79MCvb1_ELYEmDHjH14gII2X_JegbVVQnP_IJDhpDzN8M9FQdUw_TNbTzTHuJycTz4Imzbma7HEyGGYDZMjiywx76zAQFWd8UufUHHDpIUpFbgiRjsfozvXT0/s1600/DSCF2443.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwGdI_VHRXYUbmBziEBX79MCvb1_ELYEmDHjH14gII2X_JegbVVQnP_IJDhpDzN8M9FQdUw_TNbTzTHuJycTz4Imzbma7HEyGGYDZMjiywx76zAQFWd8UufUHHDpIUpFbgiRjsfozvXT0/s320/DSCF2443.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I used about 12 ounces of Soft White yarn, and about half an ounce of each color. So I have plenty of colors left for more Rainbow Ripple baby blankets, or other vibrant projects!</span><br />
<br />~T~http://www.blogger.com/profile/17969562036638831748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6436490965728085847.post-33433231846263735052019-01-14T16:53:00.000-08:002019-01-14T16:53:23.464-08:00Handmade Gifts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM3JTVTG-V1zDIBlR_555cjQsIr6l0vQM-MIKnEjP58S1CDwduZd8WPPIbidyO0jnCpIw-UKIfZlLAmZ-TJQz93FaciPpTrIEb5jDlI-67nBUL0BDAZbj0TNyhX4wUs46pEMxtJT66ZW8/s1600/DSCF2210.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM3JTVTG-V1zDIBlR_555cjQsIr6l0vQM-MIKnEjP58S1CDwduZd8WPPIbidyO0jnCpIw-UKIfZlLAmZ-TJQz93FaciPpTrIEb5jDlI-67nBUL0BDAZbj0TNyhX4wUs46pEMxtJT66ZW8/s320/DSCF2210.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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We had a nice Christmas. How about you?</div>
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In spite of a power outage and an impulsive movie run, I finished these before the last minute. They are jerseys for the boys' homemade game, Penguiness. It's kind of a rough game to play in the living room, but they haven't broken anything for a while.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlS6UZnVLROUc92ptqFA_P8dbtESaDdzpq4erRdeWjo5nMecYgRGo7USxKLV978J2AOG-lD72BfBOpYBEFm4EJBqmENwFRA6Dc438TuRuK-VIPtfYq4_Fu-bwsXDaSuhae1Uh5tXHKsJ0/s1600/DSCF2213.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlS6UZnVLROUc92ptqFA_P8dbtESaDdzpq4erRdeWjo5nMecYgRGo7USxKLV978J2AOG-lD72BfBOpYBEFm4EJBqmENwFRA6Dc438TuRuK-VIPtfYq4_Fu-bwsXDaSuhae1Uh5tXHKsJ0/s320/DSCF2213.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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And I made sure I could differentiate the shirts in the laundry.</div>
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I also made a few things to send away, like this watercolor portrait of my sister's cat,</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixF4i8ZZ2qngf1b6ISKmWG5wSNsarNY89rYlh7k6F878OClZ6Rft5F59Y4ZQcgXebYXcDy8IHwXLnkVEi-UXL3Kyx18tOlTfjDfjPczbvNCOp2DkNktUA7SF-yX_VIyf52WAkIbx9A9NQ/s1600/DSCF2197.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixF4i8ZZ2qngf1b6ISKmWG5wSNsarNY89rYlh7k6F878OClZ6Rft5F59Y4ZQcgXebYXcDy8IHwXLnkVEi-UXL3Kyx18tOlTfjDfjPczbvNCOp2DkNktUA7SF-yX_VIyf52WAkIbx9A9NQ/s320/DSCF2197.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and coordinating monkey shirts for my other sister's little boys. I used this <a href="https://www.peekaboopatternshop.com/classic-oxford-button-up/">pattern</a>, and I liked it.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqABDdZtCV9TcQ3CYUdKsHSTrPDsP5h8uyap5D4X9HDiKUfD1zkS_tx7zw22wwvq7VMADHTqwNRNDgR1d46K7n2GkDYt04HynFV4-hilDm9vGxmy5Fy5y9WfykWc4DOfcCXRyTFHUFFOI/s1600/DSCF2061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqABDdZtCV9TcQ3CYUdKsHSTrPDsP5h8uyap5D4X9HDiKUfD1zkS_tx7zw22wwvq7VMADHTqwNRNDgR1d46K7n2GkDYt04HynFV4-hilDm9vGxmy5Fy5y9WfykWc4DOfcCXRyTFHUFFOI/s320/DSCF2061.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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One of those little boys hasn't been born yet, but I know he'll need a blanket. I made this with my boys' old jeans, and scraps from other projects.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMbAGTi5sPidGPMBT26ePu4bafKgq2YnJ0GJCjg-wVopK4Yngv0m2pJtZxU5oRZkVjLaU_u1p1nFGufMmEs1j961heKEQZLtY9dKhlqK83X_tCkkyO7mv1HwciKPGqic4Y5EDHAurMDXk/s1600/DSCF2063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMbAGTi5sPidGPMBT26ePu4bafKgq2YnJ0GJCjg-wVopK4Yngv0m2pJtZxU5oRZkVjLaU_u1p1nFGufMmEs1j961heKEQZLtY9dKhlqK83X_tCkkyO7mv1HwciKPGqic4Y5EDHAurMDXk/s320/DSCF2063.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The back is soft and gray, the border sunshine yellow. I was looking for a rainbow-peeking-out-from-the-clouds effect. What do you think?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz4Zw_Oo3CLFZJSb7QcbTTHJdnDxyAJ3cQj515UZqeHBJUgisZTXyld411e1ndNOycFzOlT9o-1QebCoV8bwK5Go27j5Yc-QRH4ST77fEYMObvph9my2g2xP4xrTLxhHpKiffmI2MTgB4/s1600/Jones+baby+gifts.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz4Zw_Oo3CLFZJSb7QcbTTHJdnDxyAJ3cQj515UZqeHBJUgisZTXyld411e1ndNOycFzOlT9o-1QebCoV8bwK5Go27j5Yc-QRH4ST77fEYMObvph9my2g2xP4xrTLxhHpKiffmI2MTgB4/s320/Jones+baby+gifts.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Some other babies have caught my attention, too. I decided this little guy needed the <a href="https://osgoodfam.blogspot.com/2017/07/skirting-issue-2017.html">Four Corners quilt</a> I made a while ago. I improvised a couple of crocheted hats to go with it.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUUgm7L0Xj-3x5ODq4878DvAFvg-J_jd_96oIYI_IiEC0mfZPInyrgvouc0qlhYyiHervKksKfSpNB9UPSK5sXvjQSTV-BJ_d8503qb_C3YWXph9eu4J5Beg4YmJ5wrWaDHh2fwTsEZjU/s1600/DSCF2058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUUgm7L0Xj-3x5ODq4878DvAFvg-J_jd_96oIYI_IiEC0mfZPInyrgvouc0qlhYyiHervKksKfSpNB9UPSK5sXvjQSTV-BJ_d8503qb_C3YWXph9eu4J5Beg4YmJ5wrWaDHh2fwTsEZjU/s320/DSCF2058.JPG" width="320" /></a> </div>
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Some other friends actually had a girl, after three boys. I don't know many baby girls, so I was excited to finally crochet the <a href="https://www.mooglyblog.com/eloise-baby-sweater/">Eloise Baby Sweater</a>. I hope she enjoys wearing it as much as I enjoyed making it.</div>
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This was fun, too. I was invited to bring a prize to an '80s-themed bingo party. After a brief brainstorm for topical ideas, I struck on a unicorn hat, with a rainbow mane. I used this <a href="http://www.repeatcrafterme.com/2012/11/crochet-sock-monkey-hat-pattern.html">Sock Monkey Hat</a> pattern for the white earflap hat, then added the ears, mane, and horn from the Unicorn Hoodie in Brenda K.B. Anderson's book <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Crochet-Ever-After-Projects-Inspired/dp/1620337509?SubscriptionId=AKIAIVR5RCD3ZTXIG7RA&tag=ravelry-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=2025&creative=165953&creativeASIN=1620337509">Crochet Ever After</a>.</div>
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Even though the unicorn parts were meant for a child's hood, they fit just right on an adult's hat. And I had all that yarn hanging around already, even the sparkly yellow for the horn.</div>
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At the party, I watched people open their wrapped prizes. Most contained things like soap or candles, the dull things women give to each other when they don't know each other well. I hoped fervently that whoever picked the hat would appreciate it. She happened to be sitting next to me--a young horse enthusiast who doesn't remember the '80s, but loves unicorns. She was so thrilled, it was contagious. Crochet (and other crafts full of love) for the win!</div>
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~T~http://www.blogger.com/profile/17969562036638831748noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6436490965728085847.post-20154830167219568282018-11-01T10:36:00.000-07:002018-11-01T10:50:38.356-07:00Halloween 2018<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNYhPK4d0Ldbn1AlTty_KyAJeVkm3VBf3DgApZnGKl5Eg57-xgk15xFn6pVzW5_7VAAKTsQsKUBd_gyjYgk7gPcTF7VyuqeJzTYElLlEGSuMBJRUTmAjM-ujGcLhRgGijlIJEhmNf_9Dk/s1600/DSCF2160.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1377" data-original-width="1600" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNYhPK4d0Ldbn1AlTty_KyAJeVkm3VBf3DgApZnGKl5Eg57-xgk15xFn6pVzW5_7VAAKTsQsKUBd_gyjYgk7gPcTF7VyuqeJzTYElLlEGSuMBJRUTmAjM-ujGcLhRgGijlIJEhmNf_9Dk/s320/DSCF2160.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Hope you had a happy Halloween! Here we are setting out for trick-or-treating. I know, the boys are big enough to not need my services as an escort very much. But I enjoyed the walk, and seeing all the costumes.<br />
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Speaking of costumes, D2's was based on his hair. It was sticking up when he awoke in the morning. He refused to wear any sort of costume to school, but consented to don the old lab coat in the evening. That little skeleton has been wearing a child-sized bathrobe for the past couple of years, so he got undressed for the occasion.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lapostexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Vladimir_Putin_at_APEC_Summit_in_China_19-21_October_2001-13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="334" data-original-width="500" height="213" src="https://lapostexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Vladimir_Putin_at_APEC_Summit_in_China_19-21_October_2001-13.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tangzhuang">Photo credit</a></td></tr>
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Scoot found his Chinese jacket at the thrift store. Doing some research later, he found the same pattern has been worn by influential people in the past. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://pop-verse.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/white-sand-panel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="351" height="320" src="https://pop-verse.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/white-sand-panel.jpg" width="208" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://pop-verse.com/2016/06/10/white-sand-by-brandon-sanderson/">Image</a></td></tr>
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Rollo had a very specific vision for his costume. He wanted to be a Sandmaster, from Brandon Sanderson's graphic novel <a href="https://brandonsanderson.com/books/white-sand/white-sand/"><i>White Sand</i></a>, illustrated by Julius Gopez.<br />
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I modified an old pajama pattern to look like it wraps in front, and added a hood from another pattern. The sash came together pretty well when we found some a couple of cheap belts and some quilting cotton with a suitable pattern.<br />
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He was pleased, and did wear the outfit, <i>sans</i> sword, of course, to school all day.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://source.superherostuff.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/The_Unbeatable_Squirrel_Girl_1_Preview_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="527" height="320" src="https://source.superherostuff.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/The_Unbeatable_Squirrel_Girl_1_Preview_2.jpg" width="210" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://source.superherostuff.com/comics/unbeatable-squirrel-girl-1-preview/">Image</a></td></tr>
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We're all big fans of the <a href="https://www.marvel.com/comics/issue/52780/the_unbeatable_squirrel_girl_2015_1">Unbeatable Squirrel Girl</a>, and when I saw her new outfit in the (second) #1 issue, I knew it was a costume I could live with, too. Thanks, Erica Henderson!<br />
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It was fun to make, and to wear. I even ran a 5k in, well, most of the costume. Being unbeatable, Squirrel Girl herself would never enter a race with ordinary citizens, so I left my unfairly (dis)advantageous tail behind.<br />
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I crocheted the ears, and made the earrings out of real acorns. When we went to the trunk-or-treat at church, Dandelionslayer consented to wear a tail, too, to be Squirrel Girl's pal, Chipmunk Hunk. I'm not sure why no one wanted to be Koi Boi. Maybe next year!<br />
<br />~T~http://www.blogger.com/profile/17969562036638831748noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6436490965728085847.post-40334708572385835882018-09-14T09:43:00.000-07:002018-09-14T09:47:29.657-07:00Best Seat in the House<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqi7fWhR3QMKsZK1u1Va8-Us5PxaYttIxXBClDuRThDffmtn5oeQOvz-RiM_X30KxPoyBgXnViEdRt3IaQ06stQzIEFwZ3SKNpIbbz1qiMg0-tbVO1pMRz07kZ3bbwYLXZ4zX4P-r8wUo/s1600/D2+and+Pengui.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1017" data-original-width="1122" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqi7fWhR3QMKsZK1u1Va8-Us5PxaYttIxXBClDuRThDffmtn5oeQOvz-RiM_X30KxPoyBgXnViEdRt3IaQ06stQzIEFwZ3SKNpIbbz1qiMg0-tbVO1pMRz07kZ3bbwYLXZ4zX4P-r8wUo/s320/D2+and+Pengui.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
You've met Pengui, haven't you? This little penguin puppet was D2's constant companion for years--until he got lost. Even with the abundance of other penguins in the house, there was a Pengui-shaped hole in all our hearts until last winter, when he reincarnated. D2 and Pengui picked up right where they'd left off, and we were all happy.<br />
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Well, my littlest boy just turned twelve. He didn't ask for much, but he did really want a bean bag chair. After searching far and near, I finally decided to sew one for him. The day before his birthday, I took Scoot to the fabric store, and we did some brainstorming on the way. I was thinking about a fun print for the outside, when I had a vision.<br />
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Me: "Wait. I just envisioned a giant Pengui head."<br />
Scoot: "I would <i>love</i> to sit on a giant Pengui head!"<br />
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At the store, we considered all the options, but Scoot's encouragement set me back on track. I followed these <a href="http://www.sewing.org/html/beanbag.html">instructions</a>, more or less. I wouldn't recommend them for beginners, but I figured things out. I started with the muslin lining, and I'm so glad I did. It was good to already know what I was doing when I started on the gray plush. Fitting the face on the curved surface was a challenge, but I persevered. And a day and a half later, I presented D2 with this:<br />
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Everyone gasped, and, yes, everyone loves to sit on the giant Pengui head.<br />
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So, there's my Flight of Fancy, for you <a href="http://www.projectrunplay.com/p/link-ups.html">Project Run and Play</a> fans. I did sew the penguin pajamas, five years ago, for Scoot. No, I didn't sew Pengui. But the bean bag is one more last-minute crazy gift for my record, and I think it turned out well.<br />
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<br />~T~http://www.blogger.com/profile/17969562036638831748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6436490965728085847.post-38385529943785036722018-07-01T19:05:00.000-07:002018-07-01T19:05:14.766-07:00Peas, please!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm going to need some help picking peas this year.</div>
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Good thing Rollo is getting so tall!</div>
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~T~http://www.blogger.com/profile/17969562036638831748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6436490965728085847.post-89339178202914339262018-05-06T08:12:00.000-07:002018-05-06T08:12:20.920-07:00Braces<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhcxoJUZsWDfSLYCyeIHH8mQCyRzW7UTXey1pI9J-hSW0n1-R-UQ1fAqmm7Sr5iikvE4vVUcUxVSzymVCAHR-6UqgCL0yObfQemIKarJ64g5URW6JLkUJHsdM3F6KbbAX7G3aEuLzamrs/s1600/DSC04278.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhcxoJUZsWDfSLYCyeIHH8mQCyRzW7UTXey1pI9J-hSW0n1-R-UQ1fAqmm7Sr5iikvE4vVUcUxVSzymVCAHR-6UqgCL0yObfQemIKarJ64g5URW6JLkUJHsdM3F6KbbAX7G3aEuLzamrs/s320/DSC04278.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Before</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRrYKwzKDnxAg28MhwNw1gTWCfrgoYpKMBTReCUnDmS7tRA7b4HX-qmB5mwSOOG1-rOVtz8dK-7AodD-kqaB6stZGEU7-HFlyIM7X6Dab9S-vXrZr958FI2TRsASctfEMvcFl_F2T8EzY/s1600/DSC00684.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="902" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRrYKwzKDnxAg28MhwNw1gTWCfrgoYpKMBTReCUnDmS7tRA7b4HX-qmB5mwSOOG1-rOVtz8dK-7AodD-kqaB6stZGEU7-HFlyIM7X6Dab9S-vXrZr958FI2TRsASctfEMvcFl_F2T8EzY/s320/DSC00684.JPG" width="180" /></a></div>
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During</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpXIYjYfbGUCjB7xh-SjE3iePkmnGuhj8zEm0TkXZLLFudTgcN8547FZaOoS_b9ASMXmOdB3qVyZn-NQCtXaxrHWsvYD9guX6DaM95e7cK_cNrcpd2o9VLj_YeGLYYlFiBxZELJU6xjOs/s1600/DSCF1666.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpXIYjYfbGUCjB7xh-SjE3iePkmnGuhj8zEm0TkXZLLFudTgcN8547FZaOoS_b9ASMXmOdB3qVyZn-NQCtXaxrHWsvYD9guX6DaM95e7cK_cNrcpd2o9VLj_YeGLYYlFiBxZELJU6xjOs/s320/DSCF1666.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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After!</div>
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Congratulations, Rollo!</div>
~T~http://www.blogger.com/profile/17969562036638831748noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6436490965728085847.post-26481141774622002722018-04-12T12:06:00.002-07:002018-04-12T12:06:58.063-07:00Denim Butterfly Quilt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk9Fr6RL1TxytPcvOzOkrYQezY7cfWs6tSCsKMkWNnHEOyXTmpaeVKE_qZoJLMm3Gyid1cEYHFX8ruPbaG0C_tK06QcZV5Q-Mn3dsn90qW0jkZnhr2ATL9x0PK3sZ8GRtS4PbJzkemhmE/s1600/DSCF1597.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk9Fr6RL1TxytPcvOzOkrYQezY7cfWs6tSCsKMkWNnHEOyXTmpaeVKE_qZoJLMm3Gyid1cEYHFX8ruPbaG0C_tK06QcZV5Q-Mn3dsn90qW0jkZnhr2ATL9x0PK3sZ8GRtS4PbJzkemhmE/s320/DSCF1597.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I've mentioned my habit of saving old jeans and making new things with them, like patches and bags. It all started when a friend was making a quilt, and I thought that would be a good idea someday. But the idea of sewing over that many thick denim seams was daunting, and most pictures I saw of all-denim quilts looked a little drab. Finally I found inspiration: <a href="http://lucysquilts.blogspot.com/2009/12/denim-quilts.html">Lucy's Stained Glass Denim Quilt</a>. The solution to thick denim seams? Only sew denim to a lighter sashing! The contrasting color solved the drabness. And I really liked the variety of sizes of her squares. But our stock of jeans didn't include 12"x12" pieces. So I fell back on the old Disappearing Nine Patch pattern, though I cut each piece separately, and added lavender sashing throughout. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNxpU-nUzrGvYgfI9RGoioWDRTIgtS6HV79kv5atvLX8ZF58UIcU5jEyoOTA3syZ6a-v3mvLc4nBDhmUuZnI-GLiwUW7-d360WwC-RIyE_IWTUIwX3ZKmFwL2mjeE5YI_v_1JIwour7Gk/s1600/DSCF1599.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNxpU-nUzrGvYgfI9RGoioWDRTIgtS6HV79kv5atvLX8ZF58UIcU5jEyoOTA3syZ6a-v3mvLc4nBDhmUuZnI-GLiwUW7-d360WwC-RIyE_IWTUIwX3ZKmFwL2mjeE5YI_v_1JIwour7Gk/s320/DSCF1599.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
I thought I'd finish off a box of denim pieces, then move on to the pile of uncut jeans. I didn't even use the whole box, and this is a full-size quilt. Ah, more canvas for the future. I think this would look good in a baby size with rainbow-colored scrappy sashing, but I'm not ready to do it yet. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqX0lwXmlcvl7ZxRqYLvgeVjQGwqTpThibzM5FNmYy8rPqzIFc0GQocu9xKpT3IrYVqxaAKo2Mk64xQWFekhJHUsUC5ezM2qVNtSE5Xwe0UbvY8Q0hqyfvQH2j-8pdjEXPK8d8GQNpGTU/s1600/DSCF1600.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqX0lwXmlcvl7ZxRqYLvgeVjQGwqTpThibzM5FNmYy8rPqzIFc0GQocu9xKpT3IrYVqxaAKo2Mk64xQWFekhJHUsUC5ezM2qVNtSE5Xwe0UbvY8Q0hqyfvQH2j-8pdjEXPK8d8GQNpGTU/s320/DSCF1600.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I quilted it with straight lines around the big blocks, and fancy butterflies (from Grandma O's embroidery files) in variegated thread. You have to look pretty closely to see some of the colors, but it was fun to use the different threads.<br />
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Just as the denim front came from the family's old jeans, we sort of created the backing together. Last summer, we ice-dyed some shirts. It's a fun <a href="https://www.dharmatrading.com/home/learn-how-to-ice-dye.html">process</a>--you should try it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7XUPGrPz3H7hZq8xwBVS7SsjmNg_umkRBR0k2cH2s65LIGWyI5jp-p-NlBXUH-T7hjxO2No0sfgzcNK-v3z-MbkruTXk-0dqZgoTN4woP-uU_AOIbZhlm_AIm3w1RF-CQK9LnqrAnU30/s1600/DSCF1598.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7XUPGrPz3H7hZq8xwBVS7SsjmNg_umkRBR0k2cH2s65LIGWyI5jp-p-NlBXUH-T7hjxO2No0sfgzcNK-v3z-MbkruTXk-0dqZgoTN4woP-uU_AOIbZhlm_AIm3w1RF-CQK9LnqrAnU30/s320/DSCF1598.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I rolled up a thrifted sheet and put it under the shirts' rack to soak up the extra dye. The colors are more subtle than the ones on the shirts, but they are pretty. I used the sheet for the back of the quilt.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-OMMBGHZt05tMfcphZX0S0v8qLf1LmYmtVaOIFqolro14F9X4FIXIemGMNjqk7-P1MsmHM-Y4Yjk46Z9m_LVZFHiawVOcIUHgiiilsu3pZCUtZfaRlnRTN4DflChqPMACOQPoRoSuc3E/s1600/DSCF1596.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-OMMBGHZt05tMfcphZX0S0v8qLf1LmYmtVaOIFqolro14F9X4FIXIemGMNjqk7-P1MsmHM-Y4Yjk46Z9m_LVZFHiawVOcIUHgiiilsu3pZCUtZfaRlnRTN4DflChqPMACOQPoRoSuc3E/s320/DSCF1596.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
It's a heavy blanket, and has already kept us warm for some cool spring soccer games. Also, I think most of us will be able to sit on it for picnics. This quilt has some rough spots, and won't win any awards. But I'm pleased that I could use this leftover fabric and sew the vision in my head!<br />
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<br />~T~http://www.blogger.com/profile/17969562036638831748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6436490965728085847.post-45901552976331680962018-03-23T11:36:00.000-07:002018-03-23T11:36:22.150-07:00Red Plaid Sweater<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii4akp76sjkNsH6wlgAnHPl-t8UpH3maOc0K1pTH9RS5sO9QRDHK8HavDfBW32t-zOfelYWl1KRioppG9CQKtH1UaLdVA5Dkj6X-STAXW4cJHMusVvpz_DNNSLdDIhxxvXiT8I1FHvDxo/s1600/DSCF1614.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii4akp76sjkNsH6wlgAnHPl-t8UpH3maOc0K1pTH9RS5sO9QRDHK8HavDfBW32t-zOfelYWl1KRioppG9CQKtH1UaLdVA5Dkj6X-STAXW4cJHMusVvpz_DNNSLdDIhxxvXiT8I1FHvDxo/s320/DSCF1614.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
The past few years, I've enjoyed starting a crochet project right after Christmas, for some crafty relaxation. This time I made a plaid sweater. I'm a long-time plaid fan, and I was inspired by this <a href="https://megmadewithlove.com/blog-2/2017/8/26/free-crochet-pattern-for-the-cutest-plaid-pumpkin">Plaid Pumpkin pattern</a>. I thought it would work well with the top-down raglan construction of this <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/110317639/classic-sweater-9-sizes-pdf-crochet?ref=shop_home_active_4">Classic Sweater pattern</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe31N-I5HN83nvfbFXcjnXnLz9XbQBLIB9X31z1E0HnjrDKj6Oq5iF6gOQVxhy-_MDldbl_py7UzvTSzMXDxG21SaZLVLkGWEvQM7jHMkX8-TkRnD3XNOsgnA7-Cf3jq3c67qz_kK9E8E/s1600/DSCF1618.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe31N-I5HN83nvfbFXcjnXnLz9XbQBLIB9X31z1E0HnjrDKj6Oq5iF6gOQVxhy-_MDldbl_py7UzvTSzMXDxG21SaZLVLkGWEvQM7jHMkX8-TkRnD3XNOsgnA7-Cf3jq3c67qz_kK9E8E/s320/DSCF1618.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
And it did, though I modified both the plaid motif and the sweater itself. The pumpkin pattern uses three colors. I'm sure it would have been easier to keep the plaid organized if I had. But I couldn't find a lighter red that would work with the lovely Wine and Cream colors of <a href="http://www.redheart.com/yarn/fashion-soft">Red Heart Fashion Soft</a> yarn. So I alternated the red and cream in the between-color spaces, like you would when weaving gingham. The sweater pattern only calls for one color, so I had to estimate my yarn needs--and got it wrong. I ordered two skeins of each color. One was more than enough for the cream, but I ran out of red halfway down the second sleeve. Oops! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHBjstzxEK_R6Z9sf4KL7BclHx0_CcSGrH3efsRv-HxpTpjx-jK2Id_t3uCWkvbHVyCRmIVPrGWPm0YKBm1EBKY6vmnFXq8ycHn8ihw8vGkAC0rHGUQivn_qzQexb7da6KH3_uEPU3IfY/s1600/DSCF1617.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHBjstzxEK_R6Z9sf4KL7BclHx0_CcSGrH3efsRv-HxpTpjx-jK2Id_t3uCWkvbHVyCRmIVPrGWPm0YKBm1EBKY6vmnFXq8ycHn8ihw8vGkAC0rHGUQivn_qzQexb7da6KH3_uEPU3IfY/s320/DSCF1617.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Also, I used <a href="http://www.mooglyblog.com/linked-double-crochet/">linked double crochet</a> for a more stable structure, and crocheted in distinct rounds, rather than in the long spiral described in the sweater pattern. It worked better for the plaid. Anyway, this was fun to make, and it's nice to have a new warm sweater now that the trees are blooming, right? It's all ready for next winter. ~T~http://www.blogger.com/profile/17969562036638831748noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6436490965728085847.post-83751070618164898232018-03-06T09:40:00.001-08:002018-03-07T09:18:13.064-08:00Caterpillar's Cosplay<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZqI2AjldAISYhCwqIc5XfIm8Bi_vSJcC5FUZcrg-_j8-U_8_ERtLoPhn-DUmg1DKz2AfOmcIK9tpvL8sAI_cv01S79aMJQ7fpyd_pOwgnT_GBO7NrRA8vfKHl2mrE_HdrYF4eR2HAr4c/s1600/DSCF1589.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZqI2AjldAISYhCwqIc5XfIm8Bi_vSJcC5FUZcrg-_j8-U_8_ERtLoPhn-DUmg1DKz2AfOmcIK9tpvL8sAI_cv01S79aMJQ7fpyd_pOwgnT_GBO7NrRA8vfKHl2mrE_HdrYF4eR2HAr4c/s320/DSCF1589.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
The Caterpillar has been spending more time in the sewing room lately than I have. He's joined "the friendliest zombie-killing maniacs in your neighborhood" at the <a href="http://www.dystopiarisinglarp.com/new-to-all-of-this">Dystopia Rising</a> live action role playing game a couple of times now, so he needed a rough and ready costume. He bought the basic layers and the leather vest at a thrift store, and distressed them himself, rather successfully, I think.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcdTl6HJnFmnuDyvYfqK_JQKzjnk-va3pvfIooa5tl2tePqJScbqOlO6KaMIs1O0wj_lmx3KeTqWSg29EvX2Tadl2qShVqxJ3koUgrdWt1wUIatgseM2tIKo6VW5HYIoqIV4gmg8aNQIk/s1600/DSCF1591.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcdTl6HJnFmnuDyvYfqK_JQKzjnk-va3pvfIooa5tl2tePqJScbqOlO6KaMIs1O0wj_lmx3KeTqWSg29EvX2Tadl2qShVqxJ3koUgrdWt1wUIatgseM2tIKo6VW5HYIoqIV4gmg8aNQIk/s320/DSCF1591.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
More impressively, he designed and made this satchel out of synthetic leather, yarn, and a few beads. He asked me for some advice, and I helped him get started. But he now has more fake-leather sewing experience than I do. He sewed loops of yarn into the seam allowance. Then he cut the loops on the outside, unraveled the strands, and brushed the yarn (with my good bristle brush) to make it furry. The bag looks good, and holds the stuff he needs during the game. It turned out well.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCt_9lxWz5ZBcIBnIyS9cc0MnmKI_BqlAHVmLdARdfS1t0WSNtrsF9j3TLNCMBgukS0G9rzYaYOEN9WitTdLWjCVDIlqdFYuT8OB7uyiYo_hMf4aNF0ZYDQr00bbtiVaGJqhrTgiLxKog/s1600/DSCF1592.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCt_9lxWz5ZBcIBnIyS9cc0MnmKI_BqlAHVmLdARdfS1t0WSNtrsF9j3TLNCMBgukS0G9rzYaYOEN9WitTdLWjCVDIlqdFYuT8OB7uyiYo_hMf4aNF0ZYDQr00bbtiVaGJqhrTgiLxKog/s320/DSCF1592.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
He also made this hood with synthetic leather and yarn. He made a pattern from one of his jackets, and figured out how to sew it all together.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP5hizUU0clInG_OYLyqMQrMVbQtK1xcOb4bsnatzbdZP2auiHpdXIIwfJZudOSfArCNxC8om3me-bwv83gsg4XhGv47Vx8hBd-lIjzH3cc-HGSQd6dQzkQBpZpo6oR8fJCuFk2kBbIMY/s1600/DSCF1590.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP5hizUU0clInG_OYLyqMQrMVbQtK1xcOb4bsnatzbdZP2auiHpdXIIwfJZudOSfArCNxC8om3me-bwv83gsg4XhGv47Vx8hBd-lIjzH3cc-HGSQd6dQzkQBpZpo6oR8fJCuFk2kBbIMY/s320/DSCF1590.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
It doesn't sound like my kind of game. But I'm really pleased that the Caterpillar used his creativity to accomplish something cool. Even if it left a big mess in the sewing room.<br />
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<br />~T~http://www.blogger.com/profile/17969562036638831748noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6436490965728085847.post-21696560907535289072017-12-24T20:37:00.000-08:002017-12-24T20:37:21.138-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk2ISetUXqM0PeXYsh3L7SnDZjxX4sxMCyKC3AtGdcL2TcB6mmYwzAeQpj9sMfwqPTyZE4BwHKtmEasV5Cr2ezIkAzMyNIvC2C2QsMZLRLJiXU2vYVGDlNwW-j4NGDLXSOWakxtLRuj9U/s1600/Poinsettias.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1068" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk2ISetUXqM0PeXYsh3L7SnDZjxX4sxMCyKC3AtGdcL2TcB6mmYwzAeQpj9sMfwqPTyZE4BwHKtmEasV5Cr2ezIkAzMyNIvC2C2QsMZLRLJiXU2vYVGDlNwW-j4NGDLXSOWakxtLRuj9U/s400/Poinsettias.JPG" width="265" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span data-offset-key="7b64d-0-0"><span data-text="true">May the joy of Christmas </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span data-offset-key="7b64d-0-0"><span data-text="true">bloom in your heart </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span data-offset-key="7b64d-0-0"><span data-text="true">now and throughout the new year!</span></span></span></div>
~T~http://www.blogger.com/profile/17969562036638831748noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6436490965728085847.post-61803555648094072962017-11-23T05:00:00.000-08:002017-11-23T05:00:07.211-08:00Happy Thanksgiving!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEfsrzNf_TpyXjMzA1klu4ozMdF9F2SAtAXl0FosbGNN9k3inoOkiEKa3crg6eYTdtfnK6HBucDqbyfYgT5ta9bnXh1EpPoFqsyaUXc-HTKZgwE93dEXO6sfIDCshFRDZOyUvNSJPF7Dg/s1600/Give+Thanks.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1600" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEfsrzNf_TpyXjMzA1klu4ozMdF9F2SAtAXl0FosbGNN9k3inoOkiEKa3crg6eYTdtfnK6HBucDqbyfYgT5ta9bnXh1EpPoFqsyaUXc-HTKZgwE93dEXO6sfIDCshFRDZOyUvNSJPF7Dg/s400/Give+Thanks.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We have so much to be grateful for. Enjoy counting your many blessings today!</span></div>
~T~http://www.blogger.com/profile/17969562036638831748noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6436490965728085847.post-85108561116605464872017-10-16T17:51:00.001-07:002017-10-16T17:54:16.806-07:00Something Old for Someone NewA friend of a friend, expecting her first baby, asked me to convert her wedding gown into a christening gown.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8wM3B8s68KK3ZrLWOuQTMArPTJ42LklIaXCoL4mG7rIa8CmNBz_4tFyGIwtuoX4l1JngU4AMs9pq8qAiXyh6YVNXCIj3yT6r7HTLZiSCODMyItWmln9bvT5O5eKbyRE_6aJW99XhkB5s/s1600/Gown+Before.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="767" data-original-width="619" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8wM3B8s68KK3ZrLWOuQTMArPTJ42LklIaXCoL4mG7rIa8CmNBz_4tFyGIwtuoX4l1JngU4AMs9pq8qAiXyh6YVNXCIj3yT6r7HTLZiSCODMyItWmln9bvT5O5eKbyRE_6aJW99XhkB5s/s320/Gown+Before.jpg" width="258" /></a></div>
It was a little bit daunting. Look at all that lovely lace! I didn't want to make a mess of it. But I bravely took scissors in hand and sliced the gown up.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKutVsdhdnL_8VWy-OY0qim_eCQVjJif1VccLXRTvNhl8LVxP_3wS0rLjhXKkegBT8K6sDEEQFB53vStO9xxUlN-aHCxvrYF1iiOU2f9feTuls0hx09Le0A18uStepMKeQLFJrWikOinY/s1600/Romper+Front.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKutVsdhdnL_8VWy-OY0qim_eCQVjJif1VccLXRTvNhl8LVxP_3wS0rLjhXKkegBT8K6sDEEQFB53vStO9xxUlN-aHCxvrYF1iiOU2f9feTuls0hx09Le0A18uStepMKeQLFJrWikOinY/s320/Romper+Front.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
Being adventurous as well as practical, this new mother wanted an outfit that could be worn by either a boy or a girl. So I started by making a romper out of the inner satin layer. Using the satin was a bit more challenging than I expected. First I had to find the grainlines in each section of the skirt, most of which went in surprising directions. Also, baby pattern pieces, especially in the diaper area, are always bigger than I expect. But I managed to fit all the pieces somewhere, and with matching grainlines. I used a McCalls pattern--my out of print copy is numbered 3063, but the same pattern is now offered as 6221. I modified the collar and the pleats, and added the waistband. Unexpectedly, I also had to modify the armscye. The sleeve did not fit at all. I hope that has been adjusted in the current printing, but be cautious if you use either version.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWUXLfOJZHoIEc3B2BWpx8j6BjPdef7ukGfyLAPCVsls3Gogl9gs0qpAbhyphenhyphentSsG9kV8zC1sXZxCatAI9OM8WHJH4LicfhvSFkcVfdcMB_6cg4PJoOImpjjqv5VsvkDEr08FXjjKTpqDjo/s1600/Romper+Back.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWUXLfOJZHoIEc3B2BWpx8j6BjPdef7ukGfyLAPCVsls3Gogl9gs0qpAbhyphenhyphentSsG9kV8zC1sXZxCatAI9OM8WHJH4LicfhvSFkcVfdcMB_6cg4PJoOImpjjqv5VsvkDEr08FXjjKTpqDjo/s320/Romper+Back.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
The covered buttons in front and on the back come from the back of the wedding gown, so they match perfectly. I used snap tape at the bottom which doesn't match, but you can't see it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEZb4h12-9A0Q2f_T3J-HykNe9OZIeJlTIxug9t6dp8krlaIs3D3IOGEy-SBUl1ogJ4q3xpzIJVTZXeHXr_qnCywDKIKnEpzbmehd6Ct6Yk3-Sih5a53ls9_2cLd3IznsXLLRa3pxZ6HY/s1600/Skirt+Top.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEZb4h12-9A0Q2f_T3J-HykNe9OZIeJlTIxug9t6dp8krlaIs3D3IOGEy-SBUl1ogJ4q3xpzIJVTZXeHXr_qnCywDKIKnEpzbmehd6Ct6Yk3-Sih5a53ls9_2cLd3IznsXLLRa3pxZ6HY/s320/Skirt+Top.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Next I sewed a skirt, using the lace from the train and some of the original lining. The satin band at the top includes buttonholes . . .<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrMAFMTWW_bNu2RQD4B4A9JcbWnSAegdYYhtQ7XkHszWzE8oJZ2-2038tpmb6KzQBhBj35mY32fjsZlMgfaE8tb76H_BsHLi15JLwScuj7UwY2Z0Dr4n1zGxrRcYEqwwmLgcqJijtHDyU/s1600/Buttoning+the+Skirt.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrMAFMTWW_bNu2RQD4B4A9JcbWnSAegdYYhtQ7XkHszWzE8oJZ2-2038tpmb6KzQBhBj35mY32fjsZlMgfaE8tb76H_BsHLi15JLwScuj7UwY2Z0Dr4n1zGxrRcYEqwwmLgcqJijtHDyU/s320/Buttoning+the+Skirt.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
which attach to buttons placed under the waistband on the romper.<br />
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Thus the romper becomes a traditional length gown. (I'm curious about the tradition. The skirt is too long for me!) The baby turned out to be a girl, and I'm sure she looked darling in her flowing skirt. But I hope she has a brother someday, since I like the romper on its own, too.<br />
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As I said, this was a daunting project. It required a lot of thought, and a good deal of redoing. But I also think it is one of the best things I have sewn. It was a good challenge.<br />
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<br />~T~http://www.blogger.com/profile/17969562036638831748noreply@blogger.com4