tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51841274773411104032024-03-05T18:55:06.287-05:00the little collection...of thoughts and things...Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger201125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5184127477341110403.post-27904504436759634442012-04-17T16:22:00.000-04:002012-04-25T11:45:04.752-04:00Change of Season Demands Changes in the Menu<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOSEx8wB1UIB_xqb0VG9R8Kzq_zoMYUIJxAZnoPRQFY0WPKwSbQwX_Zvi33eL8pjdDnGR3MMUUR35Lx-EcEWmE54jiussMc5Zrhw_vqxFIHZ0T0wjSo6L7mvV91HrRY_1R8R-5ztzP1tc/s1600/IMG_0308.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="141" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOSEx8wB1UIB_xqb0VG9R8Kzq_zoMYUIJxAZnoPRQFY0WPKwSbQwX_Zvi33eL8pjdDnGR3MMUUR35Lx-EcEWmE54jiussMc5Zrhw_vqxFIHZ0T0wjSo6L7mvV91HrRY_1R8R-5ztzP1tc/s400/IMG_0308.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Here, spring dances flirtatiously with bursts of gorgeous warmth, followed by a stretch of cool or rainy weather. It's too lovely for hearty winter dishes, but not quite warm enough for nothing but salads. I've decided spring soups are in order! My two recent favorites are this <a href="http://pinchmysalt.com/a-hearty-potato-leek-soup-recipe-for-the-last-days-of-winter/">Potato Leek Soup</a>, as nearly all of the ingredients were available at our local farmers market...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVwGHKxDj96i-0ublf0tvL6ZJW0YmCrDiHaASdWy3Qc0N7mOFz3JthSLodQCLGAQTt-C0jA8nPfrh-xp3Smv3gVC-ceBgQrMKKgN73grOQU8J1ANpdm4Nz-UDRLNxtMi7ytF4h6iz5GOU/s1600/IMG_0286.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVwGHKxDj96i-0ublf0tvL6ZJW0YmCrDiHaASdWy3Qc0N7mOFz3JthSLodQCLGAQTt-C0jA8nPfrh-xp3Smv3gVC-ceBgQrMKKgN73grOQU8J1ANpdm4Nz-UDRLNxtMi7ytF4h6iz5GOU/s320/IMG_0286.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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and this <a href="http://Lemon Greek Orzo Soup">Lemon Greek Orzo Soup</a> because it is delightfully creamy and lemony.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkJFFRzwApERkzt1bGfEkQaiX-uuzJJb3RbkOMkdICOZrg1j-z5NYUphcUKHiUz5yYVETjzluGjMg1VRq1zddOoJEAmiE6MXHjuX8ADNCpbR1uJ298ZRUoSYMdA23-GVr_isU1zfEA97A/s1600/IMG_0309.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkJFFRzwApERkzt1bGfEkQaiX-uuzJJb3RbkOMkdICOZrg1j-z5NYUphcUKHiUz5yYVETjzluGjMg1VRq1zddOoJEAmiE6MXHjuX8ADNCpbR1uJ298ZRUoSYMdA23-GVr_isU1zfEA97A/s320/IMG_0309.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
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Good soup deserves good bread! We paired the potato soup with our left-over <a href="http://thelittlecollection.blogspot.com/2011/04/easter-and-creating.html">traditional Easter bread</a> and made a fresh loaf of my <a href="http://http//thelittlecollection.blogspot.com/2009/01/moms-dill-bread.html">Mom's dill bread</a> to accompany the lemon soup. Yum all around!!!<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">What are you making this spring?</span></div>Andrea, the little collectorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16735406235196782602noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5184127477341110403.post-76080607278307409162012-03-28T22:21:00.000-04:002012-03-28T22:21:41.327-04:00p.s. I became a motherIn the nearly a year I've been away from blogging, the most eventful happening around here was the arrival of this little elf.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis-ZyKe7xFONPrGIDQQ4vgCbWR0RU-b4Oq1Xl6o1rF6HqgAk8AfL3olmFdF2Sb0gK0aGVp4Wd2U35WiBp3LmDgGMJcgtSVZzXwUA3C7am1A7Pa2jVLtrwpNsVRnQxhZwRojauCVc2RdpA/s1600/P1010047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis-ZyKe7xFONPrGIDQQ4vgCbWR0RU-b4Oq1Xl6o1rF6HqgAk8AfL3olmFdF2Sb0gK0aGVp4Wd2U35WiBp3LmDgGMJcgtSVZzXwUA3C7am1A7Pa2jVLtrwpNsVRnQxhZwRojauCVc2RdpA/s400/P1010047.JPG" width="298" /></a></div><br />
l.e. delights and challenges and inspires and changes and makes me laugh every single day. In case it isn't obvious from the picture above, she is also the most beautiful baby in the world! (See further photographic evidence below.)<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh42FH1YX-8fcG7fQTzFvOKEFIiJ6ghAK-Cw1qmhB6uXTXHusfCq8WNWep-ift_Mwr-85kto8ZsN111id4KtQ3U7f-seHSrBi9mW0dAEkCdKhrByX9MVKfUNIWAaH5djYSqcMj_Dbp2TqA/s1600/P1010249.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh42FH1YX-8fcG7fQTzFvOKEFIiJ6ghAK-Cw1qmhB6uXTXHusfCq8WNWep-ift_Mwr-85kto8ZsN111id4KtQ3U7f-seHSrBi9mW0dAEkCdKhrByX9MVKfUNIWAaH5djYSqcMj_Dbp2TqA/s400/P1010249.JPG" width="298" /></a></div><br />
Although I had written here before about infertility and adoption, so much of our process felt private and uncertain that I kept quiet about her long anticipated arrival. Now that she is here, I'm <i>thrilled</i> to introduce her! I don't believe this space is about to become a "mommy blog", but motherhood occupies most of my thoughts these days and I'm sure I'll be writing about it from time to time. Now you have a smiling face to put with the words.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">p.p.s Can I tell you how delighted I am to add "motherhood" as a post label?</div>Andrea, the little collectorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16735406235196782602noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5184127477341110403.post-80252786897221228042012-03-21T11:21:00.000-04:002012-03-21T11:21:03.148-04:00...and we're backThings have been quiet around the little collection for some time. This is in part due to some changes I felt were necessary here, including moving the majority of my quilt blogging to <a href="http://radianthoneyquilts.blogspot.com/">Radiant Honey Quilts</a>. Once I did, I wondered, "Why blog <i>here</i>?" Did this space still have a purpose? So I stopped writing and thought about it. <br />
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In my time away, I found I wanted to write about the incidental things in my life that inspired or delighted, about little bits of beauty or creativity I discovered, and about moments I wanted to remember. I thought of the bloggers I enjoy reading most who share a little glimpse of the best parts of their world and I wanted to do the same. <br />
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So, this space will continue to be a little collection of thoughts and things. If you want to see my quilting I hope you visit <a href="http://radianthoneyquilts.blogspot.com/">here</a>. If you are a dear friend and want an update on my life, I hope you'll give me a call. If you want a morsel of beauty, a tidbit of reflection or a recipe to try, I hope you'll stop back at the little collection again soon.Andrea, the little collectorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16735406235196782602noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5184127477341110403.post-19084918917900178742011-10-03T16:52:00.000-04:002011-10-03T16:52:49.998-04:00Shaking things up<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdct2706ImwDXy2_Me3wxN7jeg1P15NIP22MEEU4uag9Z8kGUZRnZ6IdIvfriGl50XMutdlAqYy0RZyLzTwrmAwne7SdsBNoFzn2chWrIJoS9G1MkkyhQAWUu4mrmkAWHG0Y7ieASnH0E/s1600/PA100029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdct2706ImwDXy2_Me3wxN7jeg1P15NIP22MEEU4uag9Z8kGUZRnZ6IdIvfriGl50XMutdlAqYy0RZyLzTwrmAwne7SdsBNoFzn2chWrIJoS9G1MkkyhQAWUu4mrmkAWHG0Y7ieASnH0E/s320/PA100029.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">After blogging here for several years...and a few long absences...I've decided to move my quilt blogging <a href="http://radianthoneyquilts.blogspot.com/">here</a>. If quilting is what you love, then come on by for a visit. I think this little space will stay on hiatus for the time being. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Cheers!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Andrea</div>Andrea, the little collectorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16735406235196782602noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5184127477341110403.post-92189399699093340702011-04-27T15:11:00.004-04:002011-04-27T15:55:00.065-04:00Easter and Creating<div style="text-align: center;">This past Easter Sunday found me in desperate need of some rest. The few days previous had been filled with worry and late nights working on logistics for a fundraising event which I'm excited to help plan. So instead of pursuing a few invitations to celebrate socially,<br />we stayed home.<br /><br />I made my <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/19/dining/193erex.html?ref=dining">traditional "Easter" bread</a> very late in the day. (We ate it warm from the oven at 10:30 pm...all gooey, melty deliciousness.)<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl7WmNXp6GjMKEj9aN-FUEFkyc0GGcCd37cpwh_bnp1DJSBv-lhrR1tHuRROeyMuKVUyuE_DssiZUkI1EKVc2zCBY5in8a7LfnlX7Sco5XFWsQW8K2jKPo4KFmtjfXSTUXvRZr7iNRUvA/s1600/P4130006.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 172px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl7WmNXp6GjMKEj9aN-FUEFkyc0GGcCd37cpwh_bnp1DJSBv-lhrR1tHuRROeyMuKVUyuE_DssiZUkI1EKVc2zCBY5in8a7LfnlX7Sco5XFWsQW8K2jKPo4KFmtjfXSTUXvRZr7iNRUvA/s320/P4130006.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600350720483800626" border="0" /></a><span style="display: block;" id="formatbar_Buttons"><span class="on down" style="display: block;" id="formatbar_CreateLink" title="Link" onmouseover="ButtonHoverOn(this);" onmouseout="ButtonHoverOff(this);" onmouseup="" onmousedown="CheckFormatting(event);FormatbarButton('richeditorframe', this, 8);ButtonMouseDown(this);"></span></span>I sewed a signature block for my friend <a href="http://bumblebeansinc.blogspot.com">Victoria</a>.<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi33nA5ET5GYuXfY3ZQMVdvLOP-5DTYG4nltx3oUYAgZUMNs1tjljXueerGjqMSpPYRrmijgTXWwlcRYYgdk9T-k9OqNaRh_eRBKBo2GncZavaPSQX8bJX2DJmFeocG9pTUevadgV6Uvm8/s1600/P4250078.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 310px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi33nA5ET5GYuXfY3ZQMVdvLOP-5DTYG4nltx3oUYAgZUMNs1tjljXueerGjqMSpPYRrmijgTXWwlcRYYgdk9T-k9OqNaRh_eRBKBo2GncZavaPSQX8bJX2DJmFeocG9pTUevadgV6Uvm8/s320/P4250078.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600350730927245778" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I basked in the loveliness and fragrance of the lilies which the hubster bought me for our anniversary last week and which have been blooming like mad ever since then.<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvf2ceMnrGqjTdvk_Wzv57zVKD4YqCgbvwVHasFrRuDsS7lCruM7FT-EcFbYKhpccWSasiVK_UhY3hKT4BuY5emBgbLR3r-nBqXy_lmG4M4Ga7SfEzGOX_o2GxIXBM-yxvD1Ne7yJUY2c/s1600/P4250077.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 230px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvf2ceMnrGqjTdvk_Wzv57zVKD4YqCgbvwVHasFrRuDsS7lCruM7FT-EcFbYKhpccWSasiVK_UhY3hKT4BuY5emBgbLR3r-nBqXy_lmG4M4Ga7SfEzGOX_o2GxIXBM-yxvD1Ne7yJUY2c/s320/P4250077.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600350723434182370" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I rested. <br /><br />I may have also giggled a time or two about the comment I heard at church about the Easter Bunny representing the religious side of Easter because, as prolific pro-creators, bunnies are symbolic of new life. Maybe so...but I don't know that I'd share that Easter morn to the whole congregation.<br /><br />A little bit of rest, a touch of humor and some quiet creativity brought me new life this weekend. It may not be the New Life we typically talk about around Easter,<br />but I'm grateful all the same.<br /></div>Andrea, the little collectorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16735406235196782602noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5184127477341110403.post-72359075034765765572011-04-17T10:24:00.006-04:002011-04-27T16:01:46.618-04:00Grateful heart1. Sharing one umbrella yesterday with the hubster as we dashed around the city. (This <a href="http://www.etsy.com/transaction/29634866">photo</a><div> reminds me of this feeling...)</div><br /><div>2. Looking forward to seeing family.</div><br /><div>3. Discovering that unpicking was worth it!<br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg05BY39scLWhuC97hAKHy1iRRmg6TzDRi2FqfvLzv6uFbFCyzHKn4aQ73K6RecZIYAm8bc_h8fdKxkOcKdZQuthS3YAM4PSFfxggwhdSe797tyJEqwlZVIGBzusowVNi5xBPKoSoc04Eo/s1600/P4120089.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg05BY39scLWhuC97hAKHy1iRRmg6TzDRi2FqfvLzv6uFbFCyzHKn4aQ73K6RecZIYAm8bc_h8fdKxkOcKdZQuthS3YAM4PSFfxggwhdSe797tyJEqwlZVIGBzusowVNi5xBPKoSoc04Eo/s320/P4120089.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600355828790396162" border="0" /></a><div>4. Knowing a dear friend and I were both reserving a special time to be together. Hooray for weddings!<br /></div><br /><div>5. The A/C re-installed and all installation chaos cleaned up.</div><br /><div>6. Snuggling.</div><br /><div>7. Late church. </div><br /><div>8. Sunshine on a Sunday morning.</div><br /><div>9. A little more green on the trees every single day this week. (How do they do that? It's like magic and a reminder to me of to the power of small consistent efforts!)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyp8G7hs53nlCDnrWqKbZVFwLsRA0a8QXczugOKo69AxhPW_gDzJNS4a-UNC_38xMsT1eK-ys8ESAzDHY28Toh3NrUGnJT_1HW0iJRtIPCAeEyb2-ZM8c-iszJcR7fCs57og7oCL49Gcs/s1600/P4270075.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 217px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyp8G7hs53nlCDnrWqKbZVFwLsRA0a8QXczugOKo69AxhPW_gDzJNS4a-UNC_38xMsT1eK-ys8ESAzDHY28Toh3NrUGnJT_1HW0iJRtIPCAeEyb2-ZM8c-iszJcR7fCs57og7oCL49Gcs/s320/P4270075.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600355820877486402" border="0" /></a>10. Whole Foods "Mom's Chicken Soup". A little more broth + noodles = tonight's instant dinner.</div>Andrea, the little collectorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16735406235196782602noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5184127477341110403.post-59790145194255073382011-04-12T10:59:00.005-04:002011-04-12T11:42:56.512-04:00Quilting for others<div style="text-align: left;">In our <a href="http://nycmetromodquilters.blogspot.com/">Metro Mod</a> guild, round robins are becoming a favorite. <a href="http://thelittlecollection.blogspot.com/2010/12/design-and-play-with-metro-mod-quilters.html">This</a> was one of the first and a few others are in the works. At the February meeting, David brought this and asked if anyone wanted to add to it.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1to9qg0O5eMhG-s60gGVxlmbolLoxY0qpbPL2lyvFz9xwhVNd9UzP5Ep9K0C62orr6bdgkv0jj5nuL6V62vcHROGzW0h96QkvZF4Jo1nh2WgVEulKNm4MvUkB0UepXNEr07rI9cNOh2c/s1600/P4020099_1.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1to9qg0O5eMhG-s60gGVxlmbolLoxY0qpbPL2lyvFz9xwhVNd9UzP5Ep9K0C62orr6bdgkv0jj5nuL6V62vcHROGzW0h96QkvZF4Jo1nh2WgVEulKNm4MvUkB0UepXNEr07rI9cNOh2c/s320/P4020099_1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594716133731541874" border="0" /></a><br />It looked like stained glass and I could envision a rose window above it. So, I took it.<br /><br />After learning paper piecing for <a href="http://bumblebeansinc.blogspot.com/">Victoria's</a> <a href="http://oneblockover.blogspot.com/2011/02/march-block-for-victoria.html">Christmas Flower</a> block for the <a href="http://oneblockover.blogspot.com/">bee</a>...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfXBy-R1t49ZetBQ2MLQ1GiBWLdbxz4cLeD0ERUSAOBn90bLpjxT2bykyKWgB8y-h575vUG23BTwwbprh8trLMR4yGG8TcUu-kajbZanmcjE7EA29tE1rL2wwW6yzfVIcVFfpkYobwr48/s1600/P4020114.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 278px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfXBy-R1t49ZetBQ2MLQ1GiBWLdbxz4cLeD0ERUSAOBn90bLpjxT2bykyKWgB8y-h575vUG23BTwwbprh8trLMR4yGG8TcUu-kajbZanmcjE7EA29tE1rL2wwW6yzfVIcVFfpkYobwr48/s320/P4020114.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594716128089710450" border="0" /></a>...I thought I'd try paper-piecing for this too. It was a <span style="font-weight: bold;">bear</span> figuring out how to design and sew such a huge paper-pieced section, but in the end it turned out just fine!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXyBSuN3NrD6YmnW3RMCJgeR0zdKH1rMfCOUFGQmCL6Yxqd6ZRn2OPjR9dBhkgZIPB-1q3qN5fHHpamM0EppAWQzOj7mUMudvE-AJyT1IFAJsHGhziUH_oUlfull9MnzYzONd-e3X99do/s1600/P4020099.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 218px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXyBSuN3NrD6YmnW3RMCJgeR0zdKH1rMfCOUFGQmCL6Yxqd6ZRn2OPjR9dBhkgZIPB-1q3qN5fHHpamM0EppAWQzOj7mUMudvE-AJyT1IFAJsHGhziUH_oUlfull9MnzYzONd-e3X99do/s320/P4020099.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5594717179427004738" border="0" /></a>It was declared "done" by the group and passed to Kim who wants to quilt it.<br /><br />The best part was seeing the picture posted by <a href="http://bumblebeansinc.blogspot.com/">Victoria</a> in her guild meeting <a href="http://bumblebeansinc.blogspot.com/2011/04/community-of-creativity-in-nyc.html">post</a>. I was so busy showing and telling, I missed David's reaction! Sometimes, with a little luck, you just get it right. I love it when that happens!<br /></div>Andrea, the little collectorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16735406235196782602noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5184127477341110403.post-67798815571846482142011-03-28T09:04:00.006-04:002011-03-28T09:31:00.391-04:00The Rose Quilt<div style="text-align: center;">In the midst of a very busy day Saturday, I zipped on down to the Empire Quilt Guild show with the hubby to see my Bed of Roses quilt hanging in the show. Shortly after I got there, I ran into a friend who said, "Congratulations on your quilt!" <br /><br />Congratulations? Yes indeedy! She won a ribbon!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDs6R_RBtGOE5te27ryBE_leIHrI1K-SGQAlwgQpPtwtssAs1bLSJV9mznpPRxLqouDCgjKSmWNZ0i5PsY-6rPMGDQIv8iZgAnZqiK5H1hAnmq5KTUIci3fIbtt7bsC8GIVU27QbY9zEY/s1600/P3260125.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDs6R_RBtGOE5te27ryBE_leIHrI1K-SGQAlwgQpPtwtssAs1bLSJV9mznpPRxLqouDCgjKSmWNZ0i5PsY-6rPMGDQIv8iZgAnZqiK5H1hAnmq5KTUIci3fIbtt7bsC8GIVU27QbY9zEY/s320/P3260125.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589119040113598354" border="0" /></a><br /><br />What a lovely surprise! Looks like both my sister and I get something to keep...a quilt for her and this little beauty for me.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj33D9Rh1R-jRwyRKTfyYRiKaAlfsvVvLn634BQjFIMmy2LuquuwRBf9mRpOmnoEOV-Sk3sGwjtnGoLTzmjuXP85iu3kmXbED8bvGF6YNZAeJd-oLoAQe7qgf0hgEkTALRn7gr_4a483Z4/s1600/P3260123.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 177px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj33D9Rh1R-jRwyRKTfyYRiKaAlfsvVvLn634BQjFIMmy2LuquuwRBf9mRpOmnoEOV-Sk3sGwjtnGoLTzmjuXP85iu3kmXbED8bvGF6YNZAeJd-oLoAQe7qgf0hgEkTALRn7gr_4a483Z4/s320/P3260123.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589121955920545794" border="0" /></a><br />It was an interesting experience observing parts of the judging process, thinking about why I entered my quilt to be judged and seeing others reactions to the judges' decisions. Perhaps I will wax philosophical about it another time. For now, it just makes me smile to see that cheery ribbon hanging in my kitchen "studio".<br /><br />p.s. It also made me smile to see that <a href="http://bumblebeansinc.blogspot.com/">Victoria</a>'s quilt did very well too. Two ribbons! A second place for the "traditional" technique/machine quilted category and the prestigious judge's recognition. I knew about one of the last one from helping on judging day and went a little crazy keeping the secret! Hooray for Victoria!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgsnT_1TLf4J59v5i3Uk-OqJmIP6MrQjGPCcpaVpBkXaNUhKQXtWJMCEbSzEeICzir5q-xl4zxP_6qnOPo8uVeItTGLzUsSL2h7mMCcqX140pK5P3E7hvItvlgPPJr1EIphvHvCsnuOOA/s1600/P3260108.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgsnT_1TLf4J59v5i3Uk-OqJmIP6MrQjGPCcpaVpBkXaNUhKQXtWJMCEbSzEeICzir5q-xl4zxP_6qnOPo8uVeItTGLzUsSL2h7mMCcqX140pK5P3E7hvItvlgPPJr1EIphvHvCsnuOOA/s320/P3260108.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589119034972682066" border="0" /></a><br /></div>Andrea, the little collectorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16735406235196782602noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5184127477341110403.post-83162658181141006002011-03-23T08:00:00.001-04:002011-03-23T08:49:56.698-04:00Why Do We Quilt?<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;">(Note: I'm a guest blogger over on <a href="http://bumblebeansinc.blogspot.com/">Victoria's blog</a> today, but alas, the pictures didn't publish. What's a quilting blog post without pictures of quilts? So, here is the republished version with pictures. <br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Check out all her other fabulous guest bloggers posting their thoughts and retreat inspirations all this week!</span></span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Without futher ado...the post.)<br /><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b></b>I remember a story of a first generation immigrant (and first generation quilter) proudly sending one of her recently finished quilts home to her mother. The mother promptly sent a return letter, worried that her daughter was struggling financially and needed immediate help in her new life. Why else would she be scrounging up scraps to make her gifts?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0d2c0nY6hLruKBobfKZ6nUMwCcn5KszVPv-O9YwfAciIB4pQdRUwtO38NHodN8Zu8rXYHdMqc-mtvvRjXSMdhbfc4-kPM3atxlPyXpIJiY-AaT85H4mYlBY5kQ_lO0Z7mvAtp80W8AxE/s1600/Scraps.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 193px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0d2c0nY6hLruKBobfKZ6nUMwCcn5KszVPv-O9YwfAciIB4pQdRUwtO38NHodN8Zu8rXYHdMqc-mtvvRjXSMdhbfc4-kPM3atxlPyXpIJiY-AaT85H4mYlBY5kQ_lO0Z7mvAtp80W8AxE/s320/Scraps.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587251427750267250" border="0" /></a>It certainly isn't financial hardship that drives most of us to <span class="il">quilt</span>. (Ummmmm...at $10/yard the quilting addiction may in fact drive the rest of your budget to financial hardship!) So what is it that draws us to create in this form?<br /><br />The retreat showed some of the reasons we <span class="il">quilt</span>. I heard about sewing to unwind from stressful work, enjoying making gifts for others, and being inspired by other generations of family members. They shared quilts to be hung as art, quilts to be worn, and quilts to be <i>used</i> (and loved and washed and used some more). Quilts were inspired by and approached in many different ways. Some quilts had clear plans from the very beginning. Some grew from nothing more than a wisp of an idea and lots of play. Some quilts were inspired by an old pattern or a desire to have one "just like that!"<br /><br /><b>Why do I <span class="il">quilt</span>?</b><br /><br /><b>I <span class="il">quilt</span> because my grandmother quilts.</b> She started quilting about 10 years ago and has become quite prolific. She likes bright colors and a bit of whimsy. She doesn't always follow the "rules". (That's appreciated around here, right?) She was the first person to give me a quilting lesson and we still enjoy sewing (and fabric shopping!) together.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8GEGH97qvCyiLLI7KMgL11TVRDsWgGwOQisPElGPG-Egez2i9XcV-kKVtyYQB7b6xXy4MSH1cqqZcorc9ZovMORmFe8WoXwKOZfLiPTBIsaAe4E9olRSr27rAVBoh0PpmWP6Bp8BuK8w/s1600/Josephs+Coat.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 192px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8GEGH97qvCyiLLI7KMgL11TVRDsWgGwOQisPElGPG-Egez2i9XcV-kKVtyYQB7b6xXy4MSH1cqqZcorc9ZovMORmFe8WoXwKOZfLiPTBIsaAe4E9olRSr27rAVBoh0PpmWP6Bp8BuK8w/s320/Josephs+Coat.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587251872307982786" border="0" /></a><br />("Coat of Many Colors <span class="il">Quilt</span>", made by my grandma)<br /><br /><b>I quilts because quilts are all about comfort!</b> When I am wrapped up in my grandmother's <span class="il">heart</span> <span class="il">quilt</span>, it is as if I've pulled her close to me across the miles, wrapping myself in a tangible expression of her love. It reassures me that my family is with me, even when they can't actually <i>be</i> with me. Making a <span class="il">quilt</span> for some one else spreads that tenderness and warmth to one more soul.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoCaVIafRWfIgfoZ4lZ6-8zJ30DNNIBl8m0ZRj5Ia5YNrvUc29j3n3-ZB_HQCfhcIJndXYojt01BE5uNOUZT4L1DR0RhY3APMXmboNU6mQ-HGgkk7bTrd97ucT30G2-QARCXSieS4XslA/s1600/Heart+Quilt.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 274px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoCaVIafRWfIgfoZ4lZ6-8zJ30DNNIBl8m0ZRj5Ia5YNrvUc29j3n3-ZB_HQCfhcIJndXYojt01BE5uNOUZT4L1DR0RhY3APMXmboNU6mQ-HGgkk7bTrd97ucT30G2-QARCXSieS4XslA/s320/Heart+Quilt.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587252301389582306" border="0" /></a><br />(Grandma's Pink <span class="il">Heart</span> <span class="il">Quilt</span>)<br /><br /><b>I <span class="il">quilt</span> because other people inspire me to step outside my comfort zone.</b> Some of my most enjoyable quilts have been made for someone else. Victoria's love of "bathtub" Marys inspired this mixed media piece...something I never would have dreamed up on my own.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifqwEoajqagqQ1pnnZPHeWOK34ZA-aAzX_zwYs5UetC-GXMWImONTZ_mZZ7d-63XwfdPNLFHYe1P_qn5esly7r2E6VF2AkedzSiZ1aGfgTA4tBq1c_9PpOQ8z1th-0lhOpR3e3QA6gyXM/s1600/Mary.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 225px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifqwEoajqagqQ1pnnZPHeWOK34ZA-aAzX_zwYs5UetC-GXMWImONTZ_mZZ7d-63XwfdPNLFHYe1P_qn5esly7r2E6VF2AkedzSiZ1aGfgTA4tBq1c_9PpOQ8z1th-0lhOpR3e3QA6gyXM/s320/Mary.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587252883497238370" border="0" /></a><br />Making "Bed of Roses" for my vibrant and funky sister challenged my design abilities and pushed me outside of my color preferences of the time (Civil War prints, red and white, etc.). Now? Don't ask how often I think that my living room needs just a bit more fuschia and orange!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Xw1_TG-U0Q7_vt-RB3qykq7gALq4wlzWCY_X1HlSAW8023xN0u8o_UmNiENJq5h75vtRr9hXSUyILAlCLUTbtFTohlLStbkc6Qvqq_2GUvX6yLolOGOWblxdxGgp-4tuWRsYs-P8HfY/s1600/Bed+of+Roses.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Xw1_TG-U0Q7_vt-RB3qykq7gALq4wlzWCY_X1HlSAW8023xN0u8o_UmNiENJq5h75vtRr9hXSUyILAlCLUTbtFTohlLStbkc6Qvqq_2GUvX6yLolOGOWblxdxGgp-4tuWRsYs-P8HfY/s320/Bed+of+Roses.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587252869615153634" border="0" /></a><b><span class="il">I quilt</span> because ideas just set my brain on fire and beg to be made. </b>A fabric, an image, a combination of colors, a certain kind of design...something just lights up inside and won't be still until the thing gets made! (Ok, let's be honest...until the thing gets started!)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXsngp7fJfTAK23R8-96vj9zkTNAwkcfkL2b5c0l-B1YVBg3JMuajgnCVRmfIDcilgZsW_QUxcR9UirAFShnmNSeEM27bXCM9Pm7Hov5p3EJaKfVgzrsIi5VGKdY-eO0J4Q4UUgEPq3S4/s1600/Great+Lawn+Quilt.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 190px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXsngp7fJfTAK23R8-96vj9zkTNAwkcfkL2b5c0l-B1YVBg3JMuajgnCVRmfIDcilgZsW_QUxcR9UirAFShnmNSeEM27bXCM9Pm7Hov5p3EJaKfVgzrsIi5VGKdY-eO0J4Q4UUgEPq3S4/s320/Great+Lawn+Quilt.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587252899507709490" border="0" /></a><br />My Great Lawn <span class="il">quilt</span> in progress, inspired by this scene...)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1WzXn8ILALAD3WJIOnaAdHelpf-vL6GZUeq4-jIszcMxbxOS9I9VeIEANG_9wK8qMyfBt5fn-LDx65UOIb-YLdl2rXBYosh0CEl75OHFAvNnyUjc4H4UFRMHBp-dZiTriouuk5URIjsw/s1600/Great+Lawn.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1WzXn8ILALAD3WJIOnaAdHelpf-vL6GZUeq4-jIszcMxbxOS9I9VeIEANG_9wK8qMyfBt5fn-LDx65UOIb-YLdl2rXBYosh0CEl75OHFAvNnyUjc4H4UFRMHBp-dZiTriouuk5URIjsw/s320/Great+Lawn.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587252894636877730" border="0" /></a><b>I <span class="il">quilt</span> because it's meditation.</b> I remember how an hour at my sewing machine would relax and rejuvenate me after exhausting sessions in a grad-level movement analysis program. (Just thinking about those weekends might merit another session at the machine!) And the other night, when my brain absolutely would <b>not</b> shut up and go to sleep, the rhythm of sewing triangles together for 15 minutes quieted it right down and finally let me rest.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp6HiQlzuVArcOGixhMllXafVy4lSUDkcanoK2hANApv2ElbtVfJexI5fTbKch3IDdlF50J42y-5JF1E-JBZHPoUSrxBhHM6uK6kFASyVq2Oql5EC9_wiJbvbXZrkBaQpeJ1RquoVJEaY/s1600/Triangles.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 154px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp6HiQlzuVArcOGixhMllXafVy4lSUDkcanoK2hANApv2ElbtVfJexI5fTbKch3IDdlF50J42y-5JF1E-JBZHPoUSrxBhHM6uK6kFASyVq2Oql5EC9_wiJbvbXZrkBaQpeJ1RquoVJEaY/s320/Triangles.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587252878321179330" border="0" /></a><br /><b>What makes you scrap scrounge, fabric splurge, cut things up, sew them together and make one more <span class="il">quilt</span>?</b></div>Andrea, the little collectorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16735406235196782602noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5184127477341110403.post-7032788750481819852011-03-23T07:37:00.005-04:002011-03-23T08:58:46.938-04:00Getting Ready for the Guild Show<div style="text-align: center;">It's the final days before our guild show and it appears quilts have taken over every surface of our living room. Two hang on the back of a rocker (one is usually there...one was recently photographed and didn't go back where it usually lives). Everywhere else....WIPs!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ulJBw5wi4p-XddKzi_GoTuBUFdp4t5Ks2TxioRrcuyzFXDwvDgxzBCnc37ynZzPV5EhWQJW0qjL1YvjzixX1bj2FZGmwtX8iNTBHyQSiEq5S0qLupht3EESz1Hb5pPiPfqqvZ6b1l5A/s1600/P3230078.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ulJBw5wi4p-XddKzi_GoTuBUFdp4t5Ks2TxioRrcuyzFXDwvDgxzBCnc37ynZzPV5EhWQJW0qjL1YvjzixX1bj2FZGmwtX8iNTBHyQSiEq5S0qLupht3EESz1Hb5pPiPfqqvZ6b1l5A/s320/P3230078.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587244903608355938" border="0" /></a><br />"Bed of Roses" is almost completely finished. (Final pics coming soon!) Just need to finish sewing down the binding and she'll be ready to hang in the show.<br /><br />The other two quilts will be for sale in the guild boutique. The Irish Chain quilt needs a bit more quilting and then the binding finishing. "1865 Trip Around the World" needs a little label love and the last corner of binding stitched down. (Doesn't that vintage handkerchief make a fun label? Thank you guild scrap table! Just stitching down the lace so it stays put.)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcAfvEKWubMv_XokxF8G3yhaHLD5o7gPjCHIKp4NkGd188F-1zZVTh1KsEe6bHgqG4CvQHmRzMprlS6tY-E-Owo8JU-w8PbNREJq55TsBYalcmGx2it5j7CjWsHXmgKRo2H-Ha3ONBuME/s1600/P3230074_1.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 173px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcAfvEKWubMv_XokxF8G3yhaHLD5o7gPjCHIKp4NkGd188F-1zZVTh1KsEe6bHgqG4CvQHmRzMprlS6tY-E-Owo8JU-w8PbNREJq55TsBYalcmGx2it5j7CjWsHXmgKRo2H-Ha3ONBuME/s320/P3230074_1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587244909567875714" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Also, I'm selling the last of my raffle tickets for <a href="http://empirequilters.net/pg/s11/raffle.html">this</a> AMAZING quilt. All hand applique and hand quilted, with a real New York touch? Unbelievable! (All the blocks are applique versions of famous subway station mosaics. Cool, right?) Anyone interested? At $5 for 6 chances, you can't go wrong! You don't have to be present to win and they will even mail it to you. Let me know if you are interested....<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">What are you working on this week?</span><br /><br />p.s. Check back here after the show to see if any of the boutique quilts still need a home. Yours, maybe???<br /></div>Andrea, the little collectorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16735406235196782602noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5184127477341110403.post-52392522225114259932011-03-18T14:50:00.006-04:002011-03-18T16:22:15.092-04:00Retreat JoyLast weekend, I had the sheer pleasure to sew with these lovely ladies at a retreat sponsored by the fabulous Victoria. Boy were they inspiring!<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNc8pmFY8JxLNTtkRsbuThwOZlGAk_P7711blx8inBEA4T3V59PLSDCcjSOE91x-i4cGBbRzT61do4BOmS2NRqNzHwAtfn96yjWJj27pZi6UMzyvZZphXWUf347mZuGe6COi-1kd1_oTM/s1600/P3130092.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 232px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNc8pmFY8JxLNTtkRsbuThwOZlGAk_P7711blx8inBEA4T3V59PLSDCcjSOE91x-i4cGBbRzT61do4BOmS2NRqNzHwAtfn96yjWJj27pZi6UMzyvZZphXWUf347mZuGe6COi-1kd1_oTM/s320/P3130092.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585507132071229106" border="0" /></a>Kim, <a href="http://niftyquilts.blogspot.com/">LeeAnn</a>, <a href="http://selvageblog.blogspot.com/">Karen</a>, me, <a href="http://www.cvquiltworks.blogspot.com/">Jackie</a><br /><a href="http://lifeunderquilts.blogspot.com/">Jessica</a>, Helen, <a href="http://www.thescrappybee123.blogspot.com/">Bonnie</a>, <a href="http://bumblebeansinc.blogspot.com/">Victoria</a><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Non-photo taking me didn't have my camera there for show and tell...and then didn't take pictures of everyone's projects, but oh my....if you visit their blogs, what wonders you will see!<br /><br />Scrap-diving highlighted the weekend! See, even Jessica's son agrees!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmLcXdp-lkRJLOQAvYuTD3R5sqEw-vkh5vdc4Tst_fPvYLJBIxlPJE6ycAl5sI6BgMC7FX8D_QdyjdoomLcsUXGyCwd9D1KneZQCMLjJbFAK5v1BN9EDk2_ydpVfhmg6zaByMHl7AAq4M/s1600/P3130088.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 242px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmLcXdp-lkRJLOQAvYuTD3R5sqEw-vkh5vdc4Tst_fPvYLJBIxlPJE6ycAl5sI6BgMC7FX8D_QdyjdoomLcsUXGyCwd9D1KneZQCMLjJbFAK5v1BN9EDk2_ydpVfhmg6zaByMHl7AAq4M/s320/P3130088.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585507126614100162" border="0" /></a><br />Although, we didn't agree of everything. He apparently wanted a scrap for a ghost jacket and I kept looking for little bits of yellow. (Good thing he let go of that Jennifer Paganelli scrap and we didn't have to duke it out!)<br /><br />I came home with the starts of brown, red and cheddar quilt...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimQh1X9KRL0pRnfB6xMQg0DsuTBnsVgYbsGLf2RFQmtfaBlho3Nuv4Xq2SWs_dsxW6UxTrfivJFMyRD8dLaJjgOzElULYV-mP0t8G-DmUrYvgaOWjEwNccfLPKNbF8Lp8YK6VcBQ-pVZ0/s1600/P3170095.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 154px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimQh1X9KRL0pRnfB6xMQg0DsuTBnsVgYbsGLf2RFQmtfaBlho3Nuv4Xq2SWs_dsxW6UxTrfivJFMyRD8dLaJjgOzElULYV-mP0t8G-DmUrYvgaOWjEwNccfLPKNbF8Lp8YK6VcBQ-pVZ0/s320/P3170095.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585507128105175714" border="0" /></a> some lovely yellow blocks...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6575rtUFZh1m9APz7uKce8JeEMl8H1PRojzTI9-iN2HnRfvyVOgC439d7H-cVRNyO7mvWxaoAsFnGAH8V4KbIdJOU05j_2UJfA_WaBJT-kwMoFU6xUJf636m0NG0jt3t98SBlhe84MH8/s1600/P3180081.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 98px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6575rtUFZh1m9APz7uKce8JeEMl8H1PRojzTI9-iN2HnRfvyVOgC439d7H-cVRNyO7mvWxaoAsFnGAH8V4KbIdJOU05j_2UJfA_WaBJT-kwMoFU6xUJf636m0NG0jt3t98SBlhe84MH8/s320/P3180081.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585517385416020530" border="0" /></a>as well as some scrap inspirations for several other projects. I'm dreaming up a red quilt (with splashes of deep purple), a feminine tan and purple quilt (maybe to include the little "Lady of Guadalupe" fabric from Victoria?) and something with the sweet yellow scraps from a baby dress.<br /><br />Oh my, I had fun playing! So thank you ALL for such a lovely weekend. Your creativity, your scraps and your projects gave me so many new and wonderful ideas. Truly a pleasure to sew with you. Hope to do it again soon!<br /></div>Andrea, the little collectorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16735406235196782602noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5184127477341110403.post-17825548705562591062011-02-14T17:21:00.003-05:002011-02-14T17:26:50.651-05:00Happy Valentines Day!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC70NDMYCrVjtuyTPVM9DL1C77jaYcwsVsCksjkiaDc0UN3dUz_xFPlkasX229HmZT_4fTRJzDqELIeK1YZunujrnKqTKr8QJQoil3phit4S-ANZYne6v5CpzbHhN9xBLp54JPqTTMc3k/s1600/P2130020.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC70NDMYCrVjtuyTPVM9DL1C77jaYcwsVsCksjkiaDc0UN3dUz_xFPlkasX229HmZT_4fTRJzDqELIeK1YZunujrnKqTKr8QJQoil3phit4S-ANZYne6v5CpzbHhN9xBLp54JPqTTMc3k/s400/P2130020.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573674902622766546" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Hope something tickles you pink today!<br /></div>Andrea, the little collectorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16735406235196782602noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5184127477341110403.post-22200162134696878752011-01-17T17:06:00.006-05:002011-01-17T17:19:22.090-05:00One Block Over: January<div style="text-align: center;">This year I joined my first bloggy quilting bee with <a style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);" href="http://oneblockover.blogspot.com/">One Block Over</a>. Here's my first set of blocks for <a style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);" href="http://calicodaisy.blogspot.com/">Michele</a>. She wanted large, slightly wonky log cabins. I sure loved the strawberry prints!<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAkrneWhtNO1tQuKCIgw2A-K6h8e3mPlmP83yVzQ6IUWtTxDxD2BF7h3OkdESerJoEEbdi-pETUZhZHd91GbhmlVksxQshta7n7brxVMIL5JTognqzaL_2SRmklmiHdFGIF0cpGxGeEPw/s1600/P1110006.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 184px; height: 185px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAkrneWhtNO1tQuKCIgw2A-K6h8e3mPlmP83yVzQ6IUWtTxDxD2BF7h3OkdESerJoEEbdi-pETUZhZHd91GbhmlVksxQshta7n7brxVMIL5JTognqzaL_2SRmklmiHdFGIF0cpGxGeEPw/s200/P1110006.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563281255360722530" border="0" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLhHYN3JMxAK1grH6RmpoTgy6lZ-1HijmWuuBLo1KDl2JsFbIu2GCUQw-STpPq60Qkh6qEXV3eCj-kEMjmVpvTs4mvKiHdBKGnJLHzIU7NOW1im2Ysj8WPEe2tdS0zsaM2XovF9orV_yU/s1600/P1110004_1.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 185px; height: 182px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLhHYN3JMxAK1grH6RmpoTgy6lZ-1HijmWuuBLo1KDl2JsFbIu2GCUQw-STpPq60Qkh6qEXV3eCj-kEMjmVpvTs4mvKiHdBKGnJLHzIU7NOW1im2Ysj8WPEe2tdS0zsaM2XovF9orV_yU/s200/P1110004_1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563281248289775138" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Looking forward to a whole year sewing different blocks with these lovely gals!<br /></div>Andrea, the little collectorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16735406235196782602noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5184127477341110403.post-81743554383407240302011-01-12T20:34:00.004-05:002011-01-12T20:47:07.124-05:00Inspiration in the Day<div style="text-align: center;">A new neutral fabric...<br /><br />speckles on this morning's brown eggs...<br /><br />ice crystals diving and dancing outside my window, little sparks...<br /><br />the start of something new.<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih2_7B3qZzfXhqUGNhDnBKqlwbbsAKYmSEPA6TsVLFz2-1AkbB0SWVleMZDS81uzMtm-qeVgZYhQZH1wsthT2bSnPtpmTmNm6cd2LmxFW7X_ns7-l7g_LYtt-covlGVdiufrxVB7TGMYw/s1600/P1130001_1.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 209px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih2_7B3qZzfXhqUGNhDnBKqlwbbsAKYmSEPA6TsVLFz2-1AkbB0SWVleMZDS81uzMtm-qeVgZYhQZH1wsthT2bSnPtpmTmNm6cd2LmxFW7X_ns7-l7g_LYtt-covlGVdiufrxVB7TGMYw/s320/P1130001_1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5561480914827687282" border="0" /></a>Andrea, the little collectorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16735406235196782602noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5184127477341110403.post-89359577426118348122010-12-19T13:05:00.007-05:002010-12-19T16:01:58.410-05:00Double Mint Fun: 2 Chocolate Mint Cookie RecipesBefore I head off to my favorite snowy mountain states to celebrate Christmas with family, I'll leave you with the two cookie recipes I most enjoyed making this year.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGqi7JBQmfq8ZFQp-CQzDW26QzhRJ8x-GDarfpMouAMJDwn9aSzDggOKHVRrZiLcozovKkqqmT_WqsPUnnrdTqCaMHe1BuRmfHvdSV47fGF0UM6s50Mvh26lIojHXZZBAPnvBoyyYr7R0/s1600/PC070001.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGqi7JBQmfq8ZFQp-CQzDW26QzhRJ8x-GDarfpMouAMJDwn9aSzDggOKHVRrZiLcozovKkqqmT_WqsPUnnrdTqCaMHe1BuRmfHvdSV47fGF0UM6s50Mvh26lIojHXZZBAPnvBoyyYr7R0/s320/PC070001.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552464575668058002" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"> </span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Marin's Andes Mint Cookies</span></span><br /></div><br />3/4 c. butter<br />1 1/2 c. brown sugar<br />2 T. water<br />2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips<br />2 eggs<br />1 1/4 tsp soda<br />1/2 tsp salt<br />2 1/2 cups flour<br /><br />1. Preheat oven to 350 F.<br />2. Melt butter, sugar and water over low heat.<br />3. When melted, stir in semi-sweet chocolate chips. Stir until melted. Cool 10 minutes.<br />4. Beat in eggs, soda, salt and flour. Cool 45 minutes.<br />5. Roll into balls and place on cookie sheet.<br />6. Bake for 11 minutes.<br />7. Immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, top each cookies with an <span class="il">Andes</span> mint. Spread the mint across the top of the cookie when melted.<br />8. Transfer cookies to a cooling rack and let cool.<br />(Note: I sprinkled crushed candy cane on these cookies, but Marin makes them year round sans candy cane. Yumm-o!)<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies</span></span><br /></div><br />1 cup butter<br />3/4 cup brown sugar<br />3/4 cup white sugar<br />2 eggs<br />2 tsp vanilla<br />2 cups all-purpose flour<br />2/3 cup cocoa<br />3/4 tsp baking soda<br />1/4 tsp salt<br />12 candy canes, crushed<br /><br />1. Preheat oven to 350 F.<br />2. Cream butter and sugar. Beat in eggs and vanilla.<br />3. Add dry ingredients and mix again.<br />4. Sample as much of this truly divine cookie dough as desired. If there is ample dough left, proceed with recipe. Otherwise, begin again at step two.<br />5. Mix in crushed candy cane.<br />6. Drop by spoonful onto greased cookie sheet.<br />7. Bake 8-10 minutes.<br />8. Cool only slightly, then transfer to rack to cool. (Note: Maybe they shouldn't cool at all on the sheet. I left my cookies on the sheet too long and the bits of melted candy cane cooled, hardened and stuck to the cookie sheet. As this is an improvised recipe, I'm still figuring this part out. If you have any insights, by all means share!)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">What are you <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">loving </span></span>making this year?<br />Whatever it may be, I hope your Christmas is<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);font-size:130%;" >peaceful, </span><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);font-family:georgia;" >joyous </span></span>and <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);">delicious</span></span>!<br /></div>Andrea, the little collectorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16735406235196782602noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5184127477341110403.post-47680942912700086722010-12-15T22:39:00.000-05:002010-12-19T16:14:10.364-05:00Design and Play with Metro Mod Quilters<div> I'm really digging the Metro Mod Quilters' Guild. Here's a peek at a project I participated in for last months meeting.<br /><br /><a href="http://lifeunderquilts.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);">Jessica</span></a> made this from a scrap exchange...</div><br /><div> </div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547554717567502258" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 234px; cursor: pointer; height: 320px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLHWzkQM79t4y68-oAs__WGijPy1n880K3ylCrxrj53Uj4ZJPlWwclzngYO37w292iO9QKxBXkMvZwPb7CrWduSKk9bnbOm019_3N5rz7Uy0zdwEzcmfo2e-Y_P4ASl_yWeF9usfPseRs/s320/PC040016_1.JPG" border="0" /></div><br /><div>She mentioned loving the scrap with the tiny little crumb strips in it. (Can you find it?) I liked the improvised sense, the bright colors and that same little detail. I found it interesting, but wasn't swooning. That makes it a good play project. (When I get overly precious about something, I'm not always able to think outside the box and PLAY.) </div><br /><div> </div><br /><div>When I sat down to work on it, I had a few "rules":</div><div> </div> 1. Only use fabric I already have.<br /> 2. Somehow echo the design elements that are already there.<br /> 3. Include more little strips, since Jessica loved them.<div> </div><br /><div>Here are the strips....</div><br /><div> </div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547554720170147410" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 320px; cursor: pointer; height: 265px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLDaNsa1zI2SE7cVMb97dvVZf3PjiaM57UP3BiuVuXLFPUk5EEokodGP5bxhRpQPU4TXWf_FpQxAD7ekxvKQb2BIMHeFi3XzuxsEEqxdihfNs4by9huE19kEL7UmaN5JWs3gf-XjDlWmQ/s320/PB260003.JPG" border="0" /></div><br /><div>I kept thinking "borders", but ultimately decided that instead of framing the entire quilt, the borders could echo the block design. I put them on only two sides, making Jessica's piece the cornerstone of one big block. Here's how it turned out...</div><br /><div> </div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547554725104726530" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 258px; cursor: pointer; height: 320px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGHBhfoILd51PRqMiiCfxjOTtg53GE_h7IDsdFtsJjMEcooDbBXQzZflFP_ovKaLX8yppPW8sGLWaesfRhSSGaZfy5JiXbXsZqkGkk_9iwHKVlgeEffxnmtE2wUB5T20xe3SEghbCgnBY/s320/PC040016.JPG" border="0" /></div><br /><div>I went from thinking "interesting" to "love, love, love"! I so enjoyed the process, just experimenting with design and color, rather than focusing on the final product. </div><br /><div> </div><br /><div>Check out what V <a href="http://bumblebeansinc.blogspot.com/2010/12/power-through.html"><span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);">did with it</span></a> next!</div>Andrea, the little collectorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16735406235196782602noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5184127477341110403.post-81001401919983603402010-11-23T16:08:00.004-05:002010-12-19T16:14:10.365-05:00Three Reasons You Need Quilting Friends1. They <a style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102);" href="http://crazymomquilts.blogspot.com/2010/11/process-post.html">make you think</a> about how to make your quilts the absolute best they can be today, without going crazy. While you all were right that unpicking would be insanity, it made the problem roll around my brain long enough to realize that a <span style="font-style: italic;">little</span> unpicking might do the trick.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFvBFNENUyT8pIkJj9A881B0hFX4gTCjgvyq7oZ59VwVMyvW7P3yvQ3yRW-CBDnthQ1ccDMyURdjkauyEb3fcNvFxzl5ZGtOc-LfD4G6q-GeejlyNXxKmIFHzEGfnNQTrSApwM8l219uM/s1600/PB110010.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 203px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFvBFNENUyT8pIkJj9A881B0hFX4gTCjgvyq7oZ59VwVMyvW7P3yvQ3yRW-CBDnthQ1ccDMyURdjkauyEb3fcNvFxzl5ZGtOc-LfD4G6q-GeejlyNXxKmIFHzEGfnNQTrSApwM8l219uM/s320/PB110010.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542861273264690610" border="0" /></a><br />And it did.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_-6Tkununb_Oos5GL65LXYj__LtbfW__zk_EW85YskD8ocdNST8wU-sQVoCQwtIJv5vj9pRjZZFzByvwtMad9jGhA1zKQKhPIFCIRApdGHfHDho1Cgf8L5EYKffvp9F8yCKHPAr4RFME/s1600/PB110013.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 195px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_-6Tkununb_Oos5GL65LXYj__LtbfW__zk_EW85YskD8ocdNST8wU-sQVoCQwtIJv5vj9pRjZZFzByvwtMad9jGhA1zKQKhPIFCIRApdGHfHDho1Cgf8L5EYKffvp9F8yCKHPAr4RFME/s320/PB110013.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542861282117689762" border="0" /></a><br />2. They take you to sweet quilting events, like this quilt <a style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102);" href="http://bumblebeansinc.blogspot.com/2010/11/joy.html">give away</a>. All the families in temporary housing were delighted to receive their quilts. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuCmAsbd9n5b0iNvk0vwF_-8pIfV6cUscIAUPJE-0SjtZOElecJUFFQqjoaTHZAvuJcKaRzPQINZpO8TxPkFOVwS_R3YhBvYg529lCzREReYWToQ2vKcRPcniJcuUPqqpoDlf2AKJlDRc/s1600/PB100003.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 196px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuCmAsbd9n5b0iNvk0vwF_-8pIfV6cUscIAUPJE-0SjtZOElecJUFFQqjoaTHZAvuJcKaRzPQINZpO8TxPkFOVwS_R3YhBvYg529lCzREReYWToQ2vKcRPcniJcuUPqqpoDlf2AKJlDRc/s320/PB100003.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542861297420344242" border="0" /></a><br />Some couldn't wait until they got home to love on them.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQNOsPCS5MqmkmLfLlv_lfGr_5iRtdwD17iirftyUlG4wWH7nDB0UafWWxFoVJQxGI-JCbkBOgn0xIM935F0fgS8dj1a7dxUTn1JroPI4iLfLX5wAgZR8TQtrlhvU0ETVklCFtcE3v55g/s1600/PB100004.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 281px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQNOsPCS5MqmkmLfLlv_lfGr_5iRtdwD17iirftyUlG4wWH7nDB0UafWWxFoVJQxGI-JCbkBOgn0xIM935F0fgS8dj1a7dxUTn1JroPI4iLfLX5wAgZR8TQtrlhvU0ETVklCFtcE3v55g/s320/PB100004.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542861286799576802" border="0" /></a><br />3. They give you funny dreams, like the one I had last night about shop hopping with <a style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102);" href="http://crazymomquilts.blogspot.com/">Amanda Jean</a> and <a style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102);" href="http://shellysquilts.blogspot.com/">Shelly</a>. Don't ask me why <a style="color: rgb(102, 51, 102);" href="http://bumblebeansinc.blogspot.com/">V</a> & I were scheduled to fly home when these two were heading out. I'm sure if I'd slept a bit longer, we would have canceled all plane tickets and gone hog wild! Three days visiting fabric stores with these ladies??? Heaven! I woke up with a smile. <br /><br />What do you love about your creative friends?Andrea, the little collectorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16735406235196782602noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5184127477341110403.post-60957132949329004782010-11-09T07:14:00.004-05:002010-12-19T16:14:10.366-05:00To unpick or not to unpickThis weekend, <a style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);" href="http://crazymomquilts.blogspot.com/">Amanda Jean</a><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);"> </span><a style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);" href="http://crazymomquilts.blogspot.com/2010/11/process-post.html">raised the question</a> of when to just leave imperfections alone and when to go back and rip them out. In the middle of quilting a quilt myself, my first response was, "Every quilt is a learning process. Finish it and move on." Sometimes though, getting it right IS part of the process.<br /><br />I started thinking more and more about my quilt and wondering if maybe I should kick it up a notch. Here are the questions I'm asking myself to decide whether or not to get out the seam ripper.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO5iwJX7ZsHW2SRksCd7C9nVGYxVaXtwRiTbKrWw77yG8O3HCoNp5w7MTY2cr16bUY5zqEY4GktoLBPT9dmPqo_ksSOhf-KJTw7AlR_flQhLUOaEpahN067f5yZS8_qtdNAdmH6_LBTtY/s1600/PB090003.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO5iwJX7ZsHW2SRksCd7C9nVGYxVaXtwRiTbKrWw77yG8O3HCoNp5w7MTY2cr16bUY5zqEY4GktoLBPT9dmPqo_ksSOhf-KJTw7AlR_flQhLUOaEpahN067f5yZS8_qtdNAdmH6_LBTtY/s320/PB090003.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537544339382067986" border="0" /></a><br />1. What is the purpose of this quilt?<br /><br />It is a gift for a friend who got married recently. However, all of my quilts right now are "quilting practice". I want to push myself beyond my current free-motion quilting abilities, so I take it as a given that the quilting will be less than perfect as I learn. (I take <a style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);" href="http://www.dianegaudynski.net/">Diane</a> at her word when she says <a style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);" href="http://www.amazon.com/Guide-Machine-Quilting-Diane-Gaudynski/dp/1574327968">here</a>, "Make the quilt for a baby, friend or an in-law. They will love whatever you do, good or bad, mistakes and all.")<br /><br />2. What is the problem?<br /><br />The quilting I'm thinking about changing is actually the part I love best! I wanted free-motion roses in the border and spent a lot of time sketching to find a design that looked like roses and could be done as a continuous line. Figuring it out and being able to do it on the quilt itself feels like a major step, no <span style="font-style: italic;">leap</span>, forward in my quilting. All weekend I wanted to call a quilter to celebrate the milestone. (Ok, I might have sent one little e-mail to shout "Yipppppeeeeee!")<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjPhGMWsOOzDzkiSUyH_9voB_5t9ZJv3Oe_N6z5RQ-HyjFD2TlXTY7o38EdFp1OQdpWvX7Lv18YCAH90vd0UBRI1FwHWg3cWi71-BhEfqf2bwMKjPC_f0drVYirLe8LTufu8Mb510IZqs/s1600/PB090011.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 189px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjPhGMWsOOzDzkiSUyH_9voB_5t9ZJv3Oe_N6z5RQ-HyjFD2TlXTY7o38EdFp1OQdpWvX7Lv18YCAH90vd0UBRI1FwHWg3cWi71-BhEfqf2bwMKjPC_f0drVYirLe8LTufu8Mb510IZqs/s400/PB090011.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537544774254924658" border="0" /></a><br />The problem? They don't quite fit the design of the rest of the quilt. They are dense, detailed and semi-realistic roses. The rest of the quilt is open curves...outline quilting, wonky spirals, big cursive words. Those prolific roses up against the spacious words...just not working for me. (We're not even going to discuss thread choice. Learning about that one from observation, not correction, on this quilt.)<br /><br />3. Do the problems affect this primary purpose?<br /><br />Not really. I think my friend will still like it and I learned to consider how the different parts of a quilting plan work together as a whole. It gives me a new perspective for future quilts, whether I pick out this one or not.<br /><br />4. Is there a simpler solution rather than unpicking???<br /><br />Possibly. Perhaps adding vining leaves or something around my words will make the contrast between words and flowers not so drastic. A bit of time brainstorming ideas on that one may be a life-saver.<br /><br />5. Can I do better?<br /><br />On this part, yes. I definitely feel confident that I can figure out roses that fit the open, curvy style of the rest of the quilting.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwaUVGYzGyop_7GHEq4oGCqFvALjDlr-Z_Fwy0g7mcrhmEpQkWZBs8bIEaWjbub9Vwqz5vkI3LyBiGht2oKc7M7fYM-xKAZSKr-aT_Jc3q75pfW_cKkjwyUoq3jFSettStICSPH2ZLe24/s1600/PB090005.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwaUVGYzGyop_7GHEq4oGCqFvALjDlr-Z_Fwy0g7mcrhmEpQkWZBs8bIEaWjbub9Vwqz5vkI3LyBiGht2oKc7M7fYM-xKAZSKr-aT_Jc3q75pfW_cKkjwyUoq3jFSettStICSPH2ZLe24/s320/PB090005.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537544326140538850" border="0" /></a><br />I am not touching the rest of it since I don't know that I can do better on the center curves or the wonky spirals in the first border. (They weren't supposed to be wonky.) Unpicking either of those parts sounds like torture and may not improve anything. Plus, it is just time to give her this quilt already!<br /><br />6. Will I (or my friend) get out of it what I put in to it?<br /><br />Undecided. Unpicking and redoing, probably not. <br /><br />7. Do I honestly have the time to change it?<br /><br />Also undecided. As I said before...it's time for this project to be done already and gifted. Maybe not.<br /><br />8. Will it feed my creativity and sense of satisfaction or deplete it?<br /><br />Undecided.<br /><br />Hmmmm...lots of undecideds or maybe nots. Unpicking may not be worth my time. I think I'm going to spend some time sketching some possible fillers for around the words. I'll keep you posted.<br /><br />When do YOU go back and redo? When do you just let it go?Andrea, the little collectorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16735406235196782602noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5184127477341110403.post-58418106951084970372010-10-29T09:30:00.007-04:002010-10-29T10:27:35.360-04:00Top Ten Things to Do as an Auntie<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj85gKPUsQ_nPFB4q4f0RqAmTlzcX2JCV9SKZxkbosdP4K0wbQ4_w2gXYGXp9JaImF2b53VfCZemQtuefmS3kjSVuKa2iewlygslweszW80cqqABEHs6bdbkskASmuQX2XqxOq79OWJ7Fk/s1600/PA220004.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj85gKPUsQ_nPFB4q4f0RqAmTlzcX2JCV9SKZxkbosdP4K0wbQ4_w2gXYGXp9JaImF2b53VfCZemQtuefmS3kjSVuKa2iewlygslweszW80cqqABEHs6bdbkskASmuQX2XqxOq79OWJ7Fk/s320/PA220004.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533470528581629154" border="0" /></a>(Bean all bundled up.)<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></div>10. Be in awe of your beautiful, strong sister as she calmly takes on motherhood.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgge63wz8Ix7k3VZ8SfSlozE2C-rkDvge5vfNO0FMJvE9jjIJVRB21KKPWzgSgZubaa0e4o9ONo5v-U7IWbaadotSsuoq-ev9WGTWfsxLLhSZUmFLSTFBYvxCr7iglC9kAP_CDnCsFsPLY/s1600/PA280024.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 198px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgge63wz8Ix7k3VZ8SfSlozE2C-rkDvge5vfNO0FMJvE9jjIJVRB21KKPWzgSgZubaa0e4o9ONo5v-U7IWbaadotSsuoq-ev9WGTWfsxLLhSZUmFLSTFBYvxCr7iglC9kAP_CDnCsFsPLY/s320/PA280024.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533472577440582130" border="0" /></a><br />9. Giggle a little that at times the Bean's breathing does indeed sound like a CPAP machine.<br /><br />8. Volunteer for diaper duty.<br /><br />7. Knit booties.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJcMrHMf7HV_XY8KhmQZF0YO6kKsEKCrJ68ERgeMLm_BdiVJFv_rkWEtlaIq-Ct2TaVIxoUFeuhzvACizT3I1oPaDRJHTkLDJtgftLWvuUJpI2WXxIZfuypt-tOErNniCVhvPt0QOCWIM/s1600/PA270022.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 178px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJcMrHMf7HV_XY8KhmQZF0YO6kKsEKCrJ68ERgeMLm_BdiVJFv_rkWEtlaIq-Ct2TaVIxoUFeuhzvACizT3I1oPaDRJHTkLDJtgftLWvuUJpI2WXxIZfuypt-tOErNniCVhvPt0QOCWIM/s320/PA270022.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533468282968687714" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">(Gratuitous bootie shot.)<br /><br /></span></div>6. Interrupt dinner-making every 3-4 minutes to kiss these sweet cheeks. (Mid-nap cooing requires an immediate response.)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisaHkNOJ1ekfbgL-wWjkHMxa8AqvaNxQDlGhfmEIqcf7XrAWQkqY0vj8lVHiO6wrKYpkfluZNVSGuNxl0BUol0BhfAgTogB07_vao1uSoflS-n1Ejf1j0LFmmfyxOhQxK3dzCBQZMOGBY/s1600/PA270014.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 172px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisaHkNOJ1ekfbgL-wWjkHMxa8AqvaNxQDlGhfmEIqcf7XrAWQkqY0vj8lVHiO6wrKYpkfluZNVSGuNxl0BUol0BhfAgTogB07_vao1uSoflS-n1Ejf1j0LFmmfyxOhQxK3dzCBQZMOGBY/s320/PA270014.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533468277587673234" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">(When she stretches, she barely fits in this basket, little long-legged girl.)</span><br /></div><br />5. Watch everyone just fall in love with her.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVDWkIWn6UAsgsOPgosd8S-_GrXlFSPoDBHerBu0XcGyu1uspmTF-DawWaMSR32IDnpjypTxEoemfPRB-gCXHNalgWoxw1znubJu-dCvteVBd-ilc-M6eW46-BBFXndQbo-qDYC5u1o4Q/s1600/PA250008.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVDWkIWn6UAsgsOPgosd8S-_GrXlFSPoDBHerBu0XcGyu1uspmTF-DawWaMSR32IDnpjypTxEoemfPRB-gCXHNalgWoxw1znubJu-dCvteVBd-ilc-M6eW46-BBFXndQbo-qDYC5u1o4Q/s320/PA250008.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533468274095196578" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">(Bean and her great-grandma.)<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq1v95qXbXSdi6wRqDGuaWM1cYOI-U5OuCOe-9ajx4u79Zl7zAZdnKQWKqmMnKSppWVAFYjgMq24JxTlSnMMRy5wQBxqk-PhZ68JzOvRHZyJ9dsDQjXsdZe1O_6XPeBzTxagxl2_teM_M/s1600/PA250009.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 265px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq1v95qXbXSdi6wRqDGuaWM1cYOI-U5OuCOe-9ajx4u79Zl7zAZdnKQWKqmMnKSppWVAFYjgMq24JxTlSnMMRy5wQBxqk-PhZ68JzOvRHZyJ9dsDQjXsdZe1O_6XPeBzTxagxl2_teM_M/s320/PA250009.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533473751461212898" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">(First-time Grandpa.)</span><br /></div><br />4. Wonder how her little ears and her silky, curly-when-just-bathed hair grew so perfectly.<br /><br />3. Cheer when she kicks, stretches her long legs out straight or focuses her eyes on something for more than a second.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoqPkFw9YlS2BUrGbBdBE19Rp5pKaGUnOMROnLZzy7pJ0bGwCPYH4gNNcxWj1-Aa0IRddSlBRD7qu3PRK7Wjn9pFDuMwm14E2uDwzduy-pN0QicLiJx9G5dvbERsI9LfUBhPapo0pqHdA/s1600/PA280028.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 185px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoqPkFw9YlS2BUrGbBdBE19Rp5pKaGUnOMROnLZzy7pJ0bGwCPYH4gNNcxWj1-Aa0IRddSlBRD7qu3PRK7Wjn9pFDuMwm14E2uDwzduy-pN0QicLiJx9G5dvbERsI9LfUBhPapo0pqHdA/s320/PA280028.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533468261272957362" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">(Bet you wish you had an alligator work-out suit.)</span><br /></div><br />2. Spend inordinate amounts of time in one's pj's. <br /><br />1. Smell her sweet, sweet baby smell while snuggling with this little bundle napping on my chest.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF9ANqjR9RdWP9WbwCoGHoTXuVuaA8cxypqX0f9x825yZWOB6dEeToZp5iig_R3CYDfzFxDSI7KISMS4pgBfxMAcfxjGXSPD1VV6UKWMfB5DQbpRX8aVdV5iyTMUBIb2ZSVdgauDzbnsc/s1600/PA230006.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 293px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF9ANqjR9RdWP9WbwCoGHoTXuVuaA8cxypqX0f9x825yZWOB6dEeToZp5iig_R3CYDfzFxDSI7KISMS4pgBfxMAcfxjGXSPD1VV6UKWMfB5DQbpRX8aVdV5iyTMUBIb2ZSVdgauDzbnsc/s320/PA230006.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5533468265685853202" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Welcome to the world baby Bean. This auntie is smitten!</span><br /></div>Andrea, the little collectorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16735406235196782602noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5184127477341110403.post-77812370179564328202010-10-14T22:15:00.000-04:002010-12-19T16:14:10.367-05:00Metro Mod Quilters Challenge<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglkWsB4nyT2U52fz32HNADQm3NYdhGd1xqZRJsNc3_Jd3nbDnP2PNuCykJot6w5N2yArmL-h71PXv1bcrNbLCZj4tDX5Vo_NsBzU38rNeElQpj1wN02BI-6hyphenhyphenqY9C_RbM_n0YM94l-bME/s1600/PA100029.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 318px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglkWsB4nyT2U52fz32HNADQm3NYdhGd1xqZRJsNc3_Jd3nbDnP2PNuCykJot6w5N2yArmL-h71PXv1bcrNbLCZj4tDX5Vo_NsBzU38rNeElQpj1wN02BI-6hyphenhyphenqY9C_RbM_n0YM94l-bME/s320/PA100029.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527773032420506882" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">(My radiatiant block for Metro Mod Quilters' Challenge.)</span><br /></div><br />This little project is singing to me! At the guild meeting, I suggested the monochromatic challenge inspired by Helen's <a style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);" href="http://nycmetromodquilters.blogspot.com/2010/10/helens-strip-quilt.html">strip quilt</a>. To decide on a color, we tossed a coin onto the group quilt-in-progress and it landed on the bright cheddar yellow fabric in the strip I contributed. I've got good vibe going here!<br /><br />Check out more about the block I finished and what other members are contributing <a style="color: rgb(255, 204, 0);" href="http://nycmetromodquilters.blogspot.com/">here</a>. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Happy sewing everyone!<br /></div>Andrea, the little collectorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16735406235196782602noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5184127477341110403.post-7954697554613604062010-10-14T01:28:00.002-04:002010-10-14T08:19:55.239-04:00Working Around our House<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtHgLKK9Fgi0yYEhPzHRiMNPf5zLnPOHUMLBgumQA76wB3VyXA3t5wIYme1HJ6WcVEOXECKclzBRMuN9LuEs45O1Y1skvfjLBdnjjXOdD90sWQOTV6-axSGRUr5aZdkp7BqQCUxF9NNDE/s1600/PA010015.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtHgLKK9Fgi0yYEhPzHRiMNPf5zLnPOHUMLBgumQA76wB3VyXA3t5wIYme1HJ6WcVEOXECKclzBRMuN9LuEs45O1Y1skvfjLBdnjjXOdD90sWQOTV6-axSGRUr5aZdkp7BqQCUxF9NNDE/s400/PA010015.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527767468737956066" border="0" /></a><br />Things I've been up to the past few weeks:<br /><ul><li>moving furniture</li><li>relocating every book we own, which is no small feat)</li><li>organizing files</li><li>painting bookshelves<br /></li><li>painting (and repainting...and repainting) walls</li><li>coming up with new solutions when my original plans don't work<br /></li><li>mixing my own paint<br /></li><li>figuring out how to function in chaos</li><li>making many trips to the hardware store</li><li>having only occasional mini-breakdowns</li></ul>Things I've learned:<br /><ul><li>I like painting.</li><li>Even so, paint colors, like potential partners, should be fully vetted before making a long-term commitment.</li><li>Improvising is good.<br /></li><li>Testing things out is even better.<br /></li><li>Purposeful work pays off. <br /></li></ul>Hooray for a home on the up and up! All I can say is "amen" to the quote that kept me going....<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">"Only through labor do bodies become stronger, homes more attractive,<br />families more tightly knit and lives more robust."<br />- Gordon B. Hinkley,<br />(paraphrased from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Standing-Something-Neglected-Virtues-Hearts/dp/0609807250">this book</a>.)<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Amen!<br /></div>Andrea, the little collectorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16735406235196782602noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5184127477341110403.post-47451168243968759472010-10-07T11:43:00.007-04:002010-12-19T16:03:44.557-05:00A New PathRecently, I found myself reflecting on our journey through infertility and the many others who travel this path. I know some of that long and hard road, but now, lightness and peace creep into my heart. I feel comfort and excitement exactly where we are. In a moment of looking back, I know am <span style="font-style: italic;">so very ready</span> to look forward and to own <span style="font-style: italic;">all</span> of this experience as part of my story.<br /><br />Along the way, I heard a variety of other people's stories. Some shared their own pathway to parenthood when they found out our desires for children. They opened up about their struggles, longings and joys. Those stories almost always felt personal and intimate. They whispered, “Here’s how we got through...(Yes, there is a way through)” and "Keep moving forward". They created a sacred trust and a glance into how varied the road to parenthood can be.<br /><br />Many, many others told us second-hand stories of miracles, waiting, adoption, failure, medical mysteries, despair and hope. These stories were more difficult, leaving me often overwhelmed or baffled. What was this person, the Universe or God trying to tell me? Could someone else see into my seemingly indiscernible life, like a sorcerer reading runes, or were they oblivious fools prattling on about miracles? I know it was neither really, but at the time, I listened with occasional confusion, anger or fear. I left one ear wide open, hoping to hear the whisper of how our story was going to turn out and blocked the other ear, fingers and fist shoved hard against my head, afraid I just might hear a future I didn’t like.<br /><br />In a much earlier time, while I prepared to get married, a counselor told me that my path into marriage was bound to be different from the one my parent had trod. I desperately needed to hear that wisdom as I watched my parents approach the precipice of divorce. What a relief to see these years later that she was right. Our marriage has been unique and beautiful. The struggles and the deep joys we experience are ours, belonging to and blessing the two of <span>us</span>.<br /><br />I wish I better remembered this same advice while listening to the myriad of stories from so many well wishers. Where ever they thought I was (or I imagined they thought I was) at each point in my journey or where it would take me, I never needed to be anywhere other than where I was in each moment. I could listen or dismiss as my heart told me to, without attempting to predict the future. My faith, my uncertainty, my research, my questions, my grief, my hope, even my desperate desire to know how this would all work out...each had its own time and place. Each brought me here, somewhere far different from what I imagined as a young woman.<br /><br />Now, I would not trade the unique journey or where it brought me. I feel calm facing the fact that I will not bear my own children and a tingling sense of adventure at how our family will be formed. Acceptance showed up last week, an unannounced but welcome friend. Come right on in, I say! Let’s get out the map, dream about new sights, plot the next route and then <span style="font-size:130%;">let's get moving</span>! I am bursting with anticipation for the children we will adopt.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:180%;"> </span><span style="font-size:180%;">We are going to adopt!!!! </span><br /></div><br />I admit, I don’t know what this next part of our course will be like. Nor do I fully understand what it will mean to me, to my sweetheart or to our children. However, looking back reassures me that we are traveling exactly where we need to be. Wherever adoption leads us, I trust this unique path more fully. As we move forward, we <span style="font-style: italic;">will</span> be guided every step of the way.<br /><br />Along the way, I promise to tell my myself, my love and my beloved children what each of us needs to hear whatever our struggle, <span style="font-size:130%;">“Have faith and move forward, child. Your story is your own. All your own.”</span>Andrea, the little collectorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16735406235196782602noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5184127477341110403.post-56690577442228722972010-09-16T23:31:00.001-04:002010-12-19T16:14:10.368-05:0015 minutes<div style="text-align: center;"><a style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" href="http://bumblebeansinc.blogspot.com/">Victoria</a> sponsors a "<a style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102);" href="http://www.15minutesplay.com/2010/07/got-15-minutes.html">15 Minutes of Play</a>" blog. <br />The idea percolated for some time.<br />This week, I played.<br /><br />One night, digging through my stash a bit of fabric caught my eye and was made into a block.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNkO3If1VSR1HGlR54qSqH2rRblWmXOlq4DIYXKN0CiPLK9MT8tHqhyEV_A642UuUOV09zHNcq1NyA99k1G07E0zkYdhvmCrGifp4BNpKxvBeF61mnH58HD8XBli672aLmQvCqXcPFOM0/s1600/P9160007.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 255px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNkO3If1VSR1HGlR54qSqH2rRblWmXOlq4DIYXKN0CiPLK9MT8tHqhyEV_A642UuUOV09zHNcq1NyA99k1G07E0zkYdhvmCrGifp4BNpKxvBeF61mnH58HD8XBli672aLmQvCqXcPFOM0/s400/P9160007.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517718016048902770" border="0" /></a><br />Then, I picked up some greens and blues to play with an image from my visit to Central Park with out of town guests over Labor Day weekend.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAUDoW7iv_IoVTB7Qy1XH1TVOZNlwbe10mtDSBu0aGHMKvKyZRYaQhUbdgcyLFHsEFac276dh4HfKU9k-4qvKDOqHp5eHXoC5pV4rMP6iGWXJDb7gcfPOvF2uBUJ6zriL4E-bI19K4ErI/s1600/P9050009.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAUDoW7iv_IoVTB7Qy1XH1TVOZNlwbe10mtDSBu0aGHMKvKyZRYaQhUbdgcyLFHsEFac276dh4HfKU9k-4qvKDOqHp5eHXoC5pV4rMP6iGWXJDb7gcfPOvF2uBUJ6zriL4E-bI19K4ErI/s400/P9050009.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517718026454957266" border="0" /></a><br />A few days of 15 minute sessions gave me a beginning of my own abstract interpretation of the Great Lawn...<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVDHtLJQDPpVMMr_KDqhc9oraYEdMFecvyau2fXw0QALP0yxSFbORi3krfjZNsVmiwr6Rvxwl7tznw4OoNqnHkmOXFvhUFWxIrQBye1tn308daiMP0h2E3I_wCrxjGqTrrubUxSSDPQxM/s1600/P9160009.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 238px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVDHtLJQDPpVMMr_KDqhc9oraYEdMFecvyau2fXw0QALP0yxSFbORi3krfjZNsVmiwr6Rvxwl7tznw4OoNqnHkmOXFvhUFWxIrQBye1tn308daiMP0h2E3I_wCrxjGqTrrubUxSSDPQxM/s400/P9160009.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5517718019889821330" border="0" /></a>Ahhhhh.....play!<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">"The creation of something new is not accomplished by the intellect but by the play instinct acting from inner necessity." -- C.G. Jung</span><br /></div>Andrea, the little collectorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16735406235196782602noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5184127477341110403.post-29716293297905989482010-08-24T09:35:00.005-04:002010-08-24T09:46:40.741-04:00Kitchen Scents<div style="text-align: center;">This morning, my kitchen smells like basil from last nights dinner and ripening peaches. Lovely! My peaches from the farmers market were finally ready to be<br />blanched, peeled, sliced and frozen. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfMB1Iym2v4fVwVcp0HoPHtjQuS0ai30P4JCukQQdjuBfVc7RMWIUJ34KRNcZSLVMD_zi5pHSC_Z_P2lns8_-Q9auidhfGTx-_27DoqpEJeW8-JbZzKaKBTXiyKmVdkcMSk34mMGXHWhU/s1600/P8240008.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 271px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfMB1Iym2v4fVwVcp0HoPHtjQuS0ai30P4JCukQQdjuBfVc7RMWIUJ34KRNcZSLVMD_zi5pHSC_Z_P2lns8_-Q9auidhfGTx-_27DoqpEJeW8-JbZzKaKBTXiyKmVdkcMSk34mMGXHWhU/s400/P8240008.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508971401133610578" border="0" /></a><br />I love how these girls just slip out of their skins after having taken a hot bath! <br />Now they slices of gold, tucked away and ready to eat all winter long. <br /><br />Abundance.<br /></div>Andrea, the little collectorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16735406235196782602noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5184127477341110403.post-69259548615917625252010-08-21T13:23:00.000-04:002010-12-19T16:14:10.369-05:00The Quilt Retreat Post...Finally!So, sometime ago, <a href="http://bumblebeansinc.blogspot.com/">V</a> mentioned that she was planning a retreat in Minnesota with a group of other blogging quilters. My little ears perked up. Oh, that sounded like an awful lot of fun. Holy Toledo! I had now <span style="font-style: italic;">idea</span> just how much fun.<br /><div><br />What a group of gals! Talk about talented and prolific! I mean, there is V herself, who whips up unique quilts at an alarming rate. There's <a href="http://prairiemoonquilts.wordpress.com/">Shelly</a>, who posts <a href="http://prairiemoonquilts.wordpress.com/2010/08/09/stash-report-29/">stash reports</a> on the hundreds (I am not kidding, <span style="font-style: italic;">hundreds</span>) of yards of fabric she goes through in a year. (Stay posted on her site for the patriotic quilt she was madly sewing while we were there!) And <a href="http://crazymomquilts.blogspot.com/">Amanda</a>, well everyone knows how much that girl sews! That's just on the prolific end! How this slow poke got invited to the big dance is still a mystery, but what a ball it was! We sewed and sewed and laughed and laughed, saw the quilt show, and then sewed some more. And the best part? It was the same weekend as my birthday! I haven't had a birthday this fun in YEARS!!!<br /><br />Now, let's talk about birthday generosity. These gals gave me the loveliest quilty things, even a few from ladies I was meeting for the very first time. What sweetness!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2PcRE8p0vg2eX2ml7mWEy5Q4zwso-afH_bvE-YEvgpPi1zo4ikrUCjYWS8gdnYrbakYUqhf8MyP-d1xaDw8smowcqxgxlHS8fr_UL4-oOprrJJfEyZ29s4Qzn_cj0s6DaKf3fTvyQ-ig/s1600/P7210007.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496671679087380162" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 320px; cursor: pointer; height: 270px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2PcRE8p0vg2eX2ml7mWEy5Q4zwso-afH_bvE-YEvgpPi1zo4ikrUCjYWS8gdnYrbakYUqhf8MyP-d1xaDw8smowcqxgxlHS8fr_UL4-oOprrJJfEyZ29s4Qzn_cj0s6DaKf3fTvyQ-ig/s320/P7210007.JPG" border="0" /></a>This is the little quilt from V that looks <span style="font-style: italic;">awesome</span> in my living room.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxCJB8d_0rTe5ui0BB8ttyDlzhvzPwxDoXWCDuMnWsEycVfl_wVOdw7TyapL09N3jCAibaHaSi_cKniA0jEN2jccWyKc9klmMhe1JHTS0yA1CtoVTUj6-8nZAMKKtvs9d1fJ6dNZugBo4/s1600/P7210008.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496670377305013170" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 320px; cursor: pointer; height: 239px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxCJB8d_0rTe5ui0BB8ttyDlzhvzPwxDoXWCDuMnWsEycVfl_wVOdw7TyapL09N3jCAibaHaSi_cKniA0jEN2jccWyKc9klmMhe1JHTS0yA1CtoVTUj6-8nZAMKKtvs9d1fJ6dNZugBo4/s320/P7210008.JPG" border="0" /></a>(Don't you love the quilting stitches?)<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvKcq-6-yQmzIJRlGnHFY5Lh-4-HZJZ74f3YS3pTJjs66ECUPbyaD2PF08UHLRsuoUwgrm3Yf0BqvINi0iD-mg7Mnofr4wH3TP_OnCZPxW3w-Jjmq4_1B7T2krGYAg_Pn8ZZuJ_LVo_OI/s1600/P7210009.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496670352067180610" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; width: 320px; cursor: pointer; height: 239px; text-align: center;" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvKcq-6-yQmzIJRlGnHFY5Lh-4-HZJZ74f3YS3pTJjs66ECUPbyaD2PF08UHLRsuoUwgrm3Yf0BqvINi0iD-mg7Mnofr4wH3TP_OnCZPxW3w-Jjmq4_1B7T2krGYAg_Pn8ZZuJ_LVo_OI/s320/P7210009.JPG" border="0" /></a>Here's a bit of Amy Butler fabric from <a href="http://www.renecreates.com/">Rene'</a> (one of the nicest gals ever), shot cotton solids from <a href="http://alltangledupinmyunderwear.blogspot.com/">Toni</a> and <a href="http://threadsofconversation.blogspot.com/">Doris</a> (a joy to watch as a powerful creative team and as truly supportive friends) and the Hmong applique blocks I treated myself to for my birthday. Can't wait to play with all this fun fabric!<br /><br />Then, the quilting genius <a href="http://shellysquilts.blogspot.com/">Shelly</a> (yep, we had two Shelly's there) let me <strike>decimate</strike> raid her batik stash looking for a <span style="font-style: italic;">few</span> extra blues and purples for my borders. I may have gotten more than a little carried away and she was nice enough to just say "Happy Birthday!", not "Get <span style="font-style: italic;">out</span> of there crazy lady!"<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho-LC2tCbm-meiK5rEfM90H1gGt6lPnx9fyD5IEYz1I_8zMrY3ksGn5TkhDZ9dzPHgrO0FOqVB0CVgwm-nnex4XwESE25rzyTvgdDL0hkOrPw6EDYQTyaqQYNq7iR1dKh_JeKonBtrQUM/s1600/P6200029.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 294px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho-LC2tCbm-meiK5rEfM90H1gGt6lPnx9fyD5IEYz1I_8zMrY3ksGn5TkhDZ9dzPHgrO0FOqVB0CVgwm-nnex4XwESE25rzyTvgdDL0hkOrPw6EDYQTyaqQYNq7iR1dKh_JeKonBtrQUM/s320/P6200029.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507706930960894850" border="0" /></a>Add to the mix <a href="http://terrisnotebook.wordpress.com/">Terry</a> (who found the most fabulous Halloween fabric ever and I hope to see in NYC one of these days), <a href="http://maryonlakepulaski.blogspot.com/">Mary</a> (who had the loveliest old Featherweight, calm presence and beautiful spiderweb quilt -- you can check it out on her banner) and <a href="http://ankastreasures.wordpress.com/">Heather</a> (who couldn't stay, but left the biggest box of fabric to share), and you have a quilting fiesta extraordinare.<br /><br />Birthday + new friends + quilting? Man, I'd do it all again next year, without a doubt! (Yes, Miss Amanda, I'd even go running...or at least jogging...for short spurts...if there are no low hanging signs.)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimHj4wF_MVAIfbtdIaz8r_z9wpRG3F70UZHF_Dxtyyn3ZLa8yrGwLOfNFCEzX0leW-jV4h_6MzIR2NvRqp2Zsy3AZuAnDHPDb0wlrt2wR0OsagQGAbtYY0bovtqzvJHrazqlZuvNX1I8g/s1600/P6200036.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 292px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimHj4wF_MVAIfbtdIaz8r_z9wpRG3F70UZHF_Dxtyyn3ZLa8yrGwLOfNFCEzX0leW-jV4h_6MzIR2NvRqp2Zsy3AZuAnDHPDb0wlrt2wR0OsagQGAbtYY0bovtqzvJHrazqlZuvNX1I8g/s320/P6200036.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507706920808152770" border="0" /></a>p.s. Don't you love how Amanda's completed the red theme of her quilt?<br /></div></div>Andrea, the little collectorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16735406235196782602noreply@blogger.com4