tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57006047716815528132024-03-14T03:03:09.273+00:00Crafty ThoughtsMaking stuff and blogging about it.Patchwork Pollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467216513475544164noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5700604771681552813.post-47700538089799599832015-12-18T12:13:00.000+00:002015-12-18T12:13:00.205+00:00Tula Pink-Green Quilt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I've only managed two quilts this year - one finished in January and now this one in December. What a nice way to bookend 2015.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This is my second quilt-as-you-go quilt and I'm more and more enamoured of the technique as time goes by. Last time I quilted each block as I went. This time I quilted complete width strips (two blocks by ten).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I used random lines so that the effect wasn't spoiled by the quilting not meeting up at each join. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The benefit of sewing entire batting strips together instead of individual blocks is that I only ever had to sew two thicknesses of batting together and avoided having to sew pre-joined blocks, like I had to in my last project, below:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">There's a place called Pink Green in Worcestershire and every time we drive past the signpost my son has hysterics :). In honour of Tula Pink and a place so amusing it always brings a smile to my face I dub this 'The Tula Pink-Green Quilt'. It's just taken up residence at it's new home, with my little brother. Happy birthday you old git!</span><br />
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Patchwork Pollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467216513475544164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5700604771681552813.post-13607967912174068952015-11-16T13:14:00.001+00:002015-11-18T14:23:52.869+00:00Works in progress - Quilt-as-you-go<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">I've got three quilt-as-you-go bed quilts under construction at the moment. The first is Tula Pink-heavy and I'm quilting it onto strips the width of the finished quilt. Each full-width strip is two blocks wide. I'm using irregular straight lines so that when the strips are sewn together I won't have the added worry of matching the lines of quilting.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The second and third quilts are twins. A total of 84 machine appliqued blocks go to make these babies. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I've done all the appliques and have started the mammoth task of quilting each one onto it's batting square.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">First I pin the block onto it's batting to stop it moving around. Compared to basting an entire quilt sandwich this is easy peasey lemon squeesey. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The beauty of quilt-as-you-go is that a) each individual square is sooo much easier to handle than an entire quilt, and b) that I can undertake machine quilting that I would never be able to attempt on my cheap and cheerful domestic machine - for example this pictorial quilting:</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's so easy to stop in the middle of the block, pull your threads through to the back of the wadding and tie them together say in the knowledge that no one will see the knot once the backing is in place!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I've also been able to play with echo quilting:</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">And with lines that do not cross the applique:</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I've had all sorts of fun!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Tula quilt will be finished soon (hopefully) whereas the applique quilts will be with me for quite a while longer. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Linking up with <a href="http://www.freshlypieced.com/">WIP Wednesday on freshlypieced.com.</a></span>Patchwork Pollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467216513475544164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5700604771681552813.post-83138622065369909832015-10-16T11:54:00.000+01:002015-10-16T11:54:57.233+01:00New Home Card<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I'm not one for card making - the materials are expensive and the results (or at least my results) can be a bit iffy. However...I'm on an economy drive (with Christmas galloping towards us at great speed) so i decided that I'd use stuff I already had and attempt to make a really personal New Home Card for my best buddy and his husband.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">They've just moved from South London to Leicestershire and I'm going over for lunch tomorrow so I needed to crack on with my card. I can't pretend it's great art, but it is a mini portrait of their house so I'm hoping they'll overlook the faults. Hey, they're too polite to be rude so I'm sure they'll say they like it even if they don't!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The original...just LOOK at that garden. I wonder if they want a lodger?</td></tr>
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<br />Patchwork Pollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467216513475544164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5700604771681552813.post-2557219575399017962015-07-09T20:09:00.002+01:002016-01-26T22:32:57.227+00:00Lavender & Geranium soap tutorial<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I adore handmade cold process soap. My first ever blog post was about soap (<a href="http://craftythoughtsinbrum.blogspot.co.uk/2014/11/a-christmas-cake-of-soap.html">see it here</a>) and it is a way of creating something truly luxurious that you can use every day.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Most of the soap you buy in shops is overly processed detergent rather than the glycerine rich skin-feast you can make for yourself. You can make it to your own particular dermatological requirements and, of course, you will always know exactly what is going on to your skin. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Although soap making is completely do-able at home you have to respect the fact that the magic ingredient, sodium hydroxide, is dangerous. Don't attempt to make real soap with young children around and always follow the golden rule: DO NOT POUR THE WATER ON TO THE SODIUM HYDROXIDE. Soap making is part art, part science and part magic. Feel the creative flow, dress like a lab technician and follow the <strike>spell</strike> recipe to the letter!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">There are plenty of books of recipes out there and once you know the sciencey bit you can actually create your own very easily!
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Soap is created when fat/acid molecules collide with an alkali/sodium hydroxide. The resulting (al)chemical process is called 'saponification'. Each different type of oil needs a certain amount of sodium hydroxide to 'saponify'. Too little and the resulting soap is too soft and will go rancid easily. Too much and your soap will be harsh and irritating. But fear not! There are plenty of recipes out there on the internet and in books. And if you do want to make your very own special recipe you calculate the correct amount of sodium hydroxide using the power of maths (hoorah!) or a lye calculator (try <a href="http://www.brambleberry.com/Pages/Lye-Calculator.aspx">this one from brambleberry.com</a> or <a href="http://soapcalc.net/calc/soapcalcWP.asp">soapcalc</a>).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">It's possible to spend many a happy hour researching the properties of all the different soaping oils and then many more deciding what additives will enhance your soap and make the kind of bar you want. You can add shea butter, honey or pumice. You can add natural or artificial colours, synthetic fragrances or pure essential oils. Whatever you want from your soap you'll need to research it. Certain colours won't remain true and certain essential oils will affect the colour or texture of your finished product. Trust me, that's all part of the fun!</span><br />
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The following recipe is one of my favourites, It's from</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">This is an excellent book by a UK soaper. I wholeheartedly recommend it although there is one teensy tiny printing error - it tells you to always pour the water onto your sodium hydroxide. NEVER do this! As misprints go, it's a doozy. It also contains a lot of recipes using lard. As a vegetarian it made me feel a bit queasy to be honest but there are plenty of lard-free recipes and by her second book (<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1859746268?keywords=gourmet%20soaps&qid=1436502481&ref_=sr_1_1&s=books&sr=1-1">Gourmet Soaps Made Easy</a>) she'd become a vegetarian herself and ditched the lard entirely. On the plus side, lard is cheap and easily available to UK soapers. </span><br />
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This is Melinda's basic recipe, minus her choice of fragrance, colour and texture. It makes a hard, long lasting bar that is quick to make because the beeswax speeds up 'trace'. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>INGREDIENTS</u></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">283g distilled or
spring water</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">113g sodium hydroxide (Caustic Soda) –
Boots sell it. *</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>since I wrote this post Boots seem to have changed their sodium hydroxide to a weaker formula. Buy it from soap suppliers to be sure it's strong enough</i></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">849g olive oil</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">57g beeswax - pellets are easiest by far, or if you're lucky enough to have a piece of raw beeswax grate it or you'll be here forever.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">up to 45ml (3 tablespoons)
essential oil(s) - I've used lavender (2 tblsp) and geranium (1tblsp) because they're my favourite! This is my personal addition to her recipe - she tends to use smaller amounts of essential oils. </span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z5Q--rLFcCE/VZ6SxZDsLqI/AAAAAAAAAxY/hgGMPoOXjcA/s1600/P1030732.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="418" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z5Q--rLFcCE/VZ6SxZDsLqI/AAAAAAAAAxY/hgGMPoOXjcA/s640/P1030732.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>EQUIPMENT</u></b></span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">2 heavy duty plastic or
glass jugs</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">electronic scales with
tare function</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">goggles</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">rubber gloves</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">2 sugar thermometers</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Melting pot / large
saucepan</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">soap mould – silicone
or tuppaware box or lined (greaseproof paper) wooden mould, no metal!</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Plastic, silicone or
wooden spoons / spatulas</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">rubber gloves</span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
<b><u>METHOD</u></b></span></div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>WEIGH</i></b> 375g water
in one jug.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">weigh 143g sodium
hydroxide in second jug or small plastic box.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Weigh oils
directly into the saucepan.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="352" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mbAzPs2mjsY/VZ6SyoTx_xI/AAAAAAAAAxg/cKuwMc9wZ60/s400/P1030738.JPG" width="400" /></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Weigh out your essential oils into a glass and put clingfilm over the top to stop
evaporation.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Pour the sodium
hydroxide into the water – slowly, stirring all the time with
wooden or silicone spoon. NEVER PUT WATER ONTO Sodium Hydroxide! It will bubble up
like a volcano! The mixture will give off nasty fumes so avoid
breathing in – do this in ventilated area.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="372" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vb0w2JhJ8Xc/VZ6TTAwFrlI/AAAAAAAAAyA/2ikK_XHOw9U/s400/P1030739.RW2.jpg" width="400" /></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">When dissolved put
cling film over and set safely aside safely away from cats or kids.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Melt the oils over a
low heat – you're not trying to heat them. When only a few small lumps remain you can turn heat off and the rest will melt.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Prepare your mould(s). Silicone moulds should be alright as they are but wooden moulds will need to be lined with grease proof paper.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Use the sugar
thermometers to find when the temperature of both Sodium Hydroxide solution (lye) and oils cool
down to between 40-45c.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aWds0In177I/VZ6TDCQETFI/AAAAAAAAAxo/qoY0IDdjxSM/s400/P1030743.JPG" width="300" /></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
I use long glass laboratory thermometers so
I can just leave them in. If temperature range is different is
easiest to either heat up oils a smidgen or cool them down by putting
the pan in a sink of cold water. They don't have to be exactly the
same temperature but within this range.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a5tCZHwIMF4/VZ6TQKj6rNI/AAAAAAAAAx4/WRhPrU-nqis/s400/P1030741.RW2.jpg" width="277" /></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
Slowly pour lye
solution into the melted oils (off heat) and stir briskly in.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gg5WB04Z8f8/VZ6TUJ6P_bI/AAAAAAAAAyI/cJmikAa1qQI/s400/P1030749.JPG" width="400" /></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
Best method is
to use a cheap stick blender now as can save you hours of stirring!
A few blasts with the blender can make trace happen very quickly, especially with this beeswax recipe. Don't go mad with the blender or it might become so thick you'll have to scoop it out into the mould - I speak from personal experience! If you do get over excited the soap will still be usable but it may not be as attractive when cut into bars, or, as happened to me, it set into layers as I was putting it in the mould so when it was ready to use weeks later the bars had a 'fault line' and broke in half. I still used it but it wasn't much good as a gift.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bCBQ8IK_Qgk/VZ6TfvNZzyI/AAAAAAAAAyY/MGhyUrCsv60/s400/P1030750.JPG" width="400" /></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
Trace is when the soap mix changes colour and thickens. Like thick
custard, if you dribble a bit of mix onto the surface it leaves a
'trace' – geddit?!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Give a good (but
quick) stir for good measure then add essential oils and any colours
– cocoa powder is good – then stir them in well. Quickly pour
into moulds and use a spatula to scrape all soap mix out – it makes
the pot easier to clean as well as avoiding waste.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="207" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XtSdMT9K6Ek/VZ6TdeB75nI/AAAAAAAAAyQ/2CdA_4BVJSM/s400/P1030764.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">
If your mould doesn't
have a lid cover it in a layer of cling film and be careful to keep it
upright. Wrap in blankets or old duvet for 24 hours to harden.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fcu4Yus9U20/VZ6TiNiGG3I/AAAAAAAAAyg/ReWL2l4iqrQ/s400/P1030767.JPG" width="400" /></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
Wearing rubber
gloves (as is still caustic!) unmould after 24 hours and cut into
bars. Don't leave any longer as it will be very hard to get out of
mould and becomes harder to cut! In other recipes using softer oils it's often a good idea to leave it for 48 hours. The first time I made this recipe I did and it was nearly impossible to cut. I use cheese wire or a sharp kitchen knife on a plastic chopping board.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Leave for 4-6 weeks to cure,
preferably somewhere warmish and circulating air will help the bars to
harden.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Test if is ready
to use by touching tip of your tongue on a bar. If it tastes like
soap it's ready – if it's 'fizzy' leave a bit longer.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="441" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7hEmvFi9e2M/VZ6Sistg0CI/AAAAAAAAAw4/XSkhkFltuAE/s640/P1030942.RW2.jpg" width="640" /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I test all soap on myself before I distribute it among friends, family and my linen draws :).</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">UK soapers will find it easiest to find small quantities of soaping ingredients in supermarkets or on ebay where kind individuals, possibly subsidising their own soap habit, can be found selling usable quantities of things like shea butter or cocoa butter. Other suppliers I have used are:</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.thesoapkitchen.co.uk/">The Soap Kitchen</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://plushfolly.com/">Plush Folly</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Enjoy! </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
Patchwork Pollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467216513475544164noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5700604771681552813.post-44474805673796884092015-07-09T16:42:00.000+01:002015-07-09T16:42:16.736+01:00Glimpse of an old friend<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I caught sight of an old friend the other day. He was peeping out of a window looking rather dashing :)</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T-gg5wjEZzk/VZ6Tn4n3reI/AAAAAAAAAys/Lp-XVu6hQ60/s1600/IMG_0026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T-gg5wjEZzk/VZ6Tn4n3reI/AAAAAAAAAys/Lp-XVu6hQ60/s640/IMG_0026.JPG" width="540" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is what he looked like when I knew him...</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ydi9IG6mVxk/VFfS9XDQ68I/AAAAAAAAAEw/y34wCp4StEM/s1600/P1020839.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ydi9IG6mVxk/VFfS9XDQ68I/AAAAAAAAAEw/y34wCp4StEM/s640/P1020839.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He seems very happy in his new home.</span>Patchwork Pollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467216513475544164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5700604771681552813.post-32238166221593474082015-07-07T17:15:00.000+01:002015-07-07T17:15:43.909+01:00Magpie Instinct<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
I've been distracted by this for a while:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yMmf225BbD8/VQcdMvonavI/AAAAAAAAAZE/JrkAwHvhTK8/s1600/Old%2Bstuff%2B2357.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="558" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yMmf225BbD8/VQcdMvonavI/AAAAAAAAAZE/JrkAwHvhTK8/s640/Old%2Bstuff%2B2357.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Graham Thomas, love of my life.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AnrGW8A3jAw/VQc64jhhgbI/AAAAAAAAAcQ/tpt4UDH_WuY/s1600/Old%2Bstuff%2B1620.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AnrGW8A3jAw/VQc64jhhgbI/AAAAAAAAAcQ/tpt4UDH_WuY/s640/Old%2Bstuff%2B1620.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sceptred Isle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
And can you blame me? I'm a rose-a-holic and it's happy time in my garden right now!<br />
<br />
Just to keep my crafty hand in I've been playing with some beautiful, shiny semi-precious beads.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yz9KlzR_Am4/VZv1rOE9maI/AAAAAAAAAvs/BgtpZyKsKEU/s1600/693.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yz9KlzR_Am4/VZv1rOE9maI/AAAAAAAAAvs/BgtpZyKsKEU/s640/693.JPG" width="626" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Onyx, rose quartz and chalcedony.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RXBrW9H0Ea8/VZv2CqjiFyI/AAAAAAAAAwE/Al1zpeCJuFs/s1600/754.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="420" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RXBrW9H0Ea8/VZv2CqjiFyI/AAAAAAAAAwE/Al1zpeCJuFs/s640/754.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hematite, tigers eye and chalcedony.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AR9RrWk48k8/VZv1kyZbW9I/AAAAAAAAAvc/2fO7_9JUV3s/s1600/709.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AR9RrWk48k8/VZv1kyZbW9I/AAAAAAAAAvc/2fO7_9JUV3s/s640/709.JPG" width="356" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hBlOs4mmFxY/VZv15fan4CI/AAAAAAAAAv0/OaYw6BinQOQ/s1600/747.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="250" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hBlOs4mmFxY/VZv15fan4CI/AAAAAAAAAv0/OaYw6BinQOQ/s640/747.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amazonite and chalcedony.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bgnWdoWFksE/VZv2Bgkt0DI/AAAAAAAAAwA/i7qMVD5hMYo/s1600/717.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bgnWdoWFksE/VZv2Bgkt0DI/AAAAAAAAAwA/i7qMVD5hMYo/s320/717.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iWy0lb299AQ/VZv1qeYKaqI/AAAAAAAAAvo/viK7ANIN9VM/s1600/733.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="144" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iWy0lb299AQ/VZv1qeYKaqI/AAAAAAAAAvo/viK7ANIN9VM/s320/733.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
And here is the gorgeous and talented Helena Marlinspike wearing some raw emerald earrings I made her. Catch up with her beautiful work here in her <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/marlinspikeart">Etsy Shop, Marlinspikeart</a>.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o6XTDYP-eV0/VZv3DQfsghI/AAAAAAAAAwY/XJm28S4YRew/s1600/P1010847.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o6XTDYP-eV0/VZv3DQfsghI/AAAAAAAAAwY/XJm28S4YRew/s640/P1010847.JPG" width="350" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Add caption</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Patchwork Pollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467216513475544164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5700604771681552813.post-25779775386136313952015-05-13T19:04:00.000+01:002015-05-14T18:35:32.251+01:00Spring'n'things<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;">I've been so snowed under with works in progress that I haven't had time to blog about them!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Here is a Tula Pink-heavy quilt top that's *nearly* finished.</span> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qe8hI4p6t0k/VVOKfvj19ZI/AAAAAAAAAtE/fDPbmv6LSBk/s1600/P1030710.RW2" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qe8hI4p6t0k/VVOKfvj19ZI/AAAAAAAAAtE/fDPbmv6LSBk/s640/P1030710.RW2" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">I love all the leafy, new-shoot, springy greens. The majority of these blocks are made with Tula's 'Prince Charming' and there are a couple of liberty prints in there left over from another project. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i150VfI5nQQ/VVOJpUOCcqI/AAAAAAAAAsw/9Hxfc8WNSnA/s1600/P1030712.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="618" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i150VfI5nQQ/VVOJpUOCcqI/AAAAAAAAAsw/9Hxfc8WNSnA/s640/P1030712.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z6F4hs8n5Dc/VVOJs8FiMMI/AAAAAAAAAs4/THdIB3ej5Eg/s1600/P1030710.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z6F4hs8n5Dc/VVOJs8FiMMI/AAAAAAAAAs4/THdIB3ej5Eg/s640/P1030710.JPG" width="534" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">And then there's the two identical bed quilts that require a LOT of applique and a LOT of thread!</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P9OG_wCsxcA/VVOJfp-Oy1I/AAAAAAAAAsg/Z1bgBw2qWKc/s1600/P1030682.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P9OG_wCsxcA/VVOJfp-Oy1I/AAAAAAAAAsg/Z1bgBw2qWKc/s640/P1030682.JPG" width="456" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ytpsfRwhh_k/VVOJhSrKggI/AAAAAAAAAso/vLiV_be5nF0/s1600/P1030704.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ytpsfRwhh_k/VVOJhSrKggI/AAAAAAAAAso/vLiV_be5nF0/s640/P1030704.JPG" width="512" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">I've become a real whizz at satin stitch after appliqueing 672 petals - I'm halfway through now, so only another 672 to go! Yay! :-/</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'm also still working on the English paper pieced throw quilt for my parents</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">and a tee-pee! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I've also had some work done on my house and that involved moving the entire contents of my sewing room into my son's room for a week. Still, it meant that I was able to get some much needed shelving up at the same time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's not a perfect system, but at least I can see where everything is.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CcCNA2corxA/VVOqcnPolbI/AAAAAAAAAt4/lLroqqT07f8/s1600/P1030720.RW2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CcCNA2corxA/VVOqcnPolbI/AAAAAAAAAt4/lLroqqT07f8/s640/P1030720.RW2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">As an added bonus my two sewing machines, Joan and Pearl, have their own shelf now.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">My garden has also lured me away from my sewing to-do list...</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">What's not to love about cowslips? This one has self-seeded into my lawn and I've mowed around it because it's so sweet. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Spring is a wonderful thing! </span><br />
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Linking up with <a href="http://www.freshlypieced.com/">WIP Wednesday at Freshly Pieced</a>.Patchwork Pollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467216513475544164noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5700604771681552813.post-87402268831845767882015-03-06T11:19:00.000+00:002015-03-14T07:24:04.978+00:00Marky Stardust<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g3qYoT5XU10/VPjC_sF3r7I/AAAAAAAAAVo/aRTz1HY6Rsw/s1600/P1030554.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g3qYoT5XU10/VPjC_sF3r7I/AAAAAAAAAVo/aRTz1HY6Rsw/s1600/P1030554.JPG" height="640" width="516" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Here's a space oddity I made for a friend's birthday. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It's a continuation of my love affair with heat'n'bond and an experiment with machine and hand embroidery. </span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7F1XLIRDLwg/VPmB-R8M7jI/AAAAAAAAAWM/oqZrwvm7sFo/s1600/Ziggy%2B001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7F1XLIRDLwg/VPmB-R8M7jI/AAAAAAAAAWM/oqZrwvm7sFo/s1600/Ziggy%2B001.jpg" height="400" width="326" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I found this Bowie card in a great little card shop in Warwick months ago. Of course I couldn't actually find it when I needed it, but in the meantime I fancied a go at making my own Ziggy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I stole I photo of my Muse from Facebook and used Picasa to alter the photo until it was easy to discern the main shapes. I then used another piece of free software, Microsoft Paint, to over paint until I had only the features I wanted to keep.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jkzUVmsbQ8Q/VPmCIco-R_I/AAAAAAAAAWc/mu8qslEha6I/s1600/aaaa.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jkzUVmsbQ8Q/VPmCIco-R_I/AAAAAAAAAWc/mu8qslEha6I/s1600/aaaa.png" height="340" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I then used a lightbox to trace the three shapes to be made with fabric - the face, the beard and the red lightening bolt. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The flesh tone fabric came from a bin of pre-cut fat quarters at my local fabric shop and the beard and background are Kaffe Fassett shot cotton for added Stardust-iness.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I used a metallic embroidery thread and machined the purple flash then hand embroidered the rest of the features in. It was really tricky getting the hand stitches through the layers of fabric and heat'n'bond but it all came together in the end!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I was planning to use red sequins on the red flash but thought I stood a chance of making a dog's dinner of it, especially given the stiffness of all those layers. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The birthday boy appreciated his Bowie-fication - or so he claimed!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Linking up with <a href="http://quiltmatters.blogspot.ca/2015/03/tgiff-place-for-each.html">TGIFF</a> at Quilt Matters :).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Patchwork Pollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467216513475544164noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5700604771681552813.post-71406489178712561972015-02-24T16:33:00.001+00:002015-02-24T16:33:28.478+00:00Follow my blog with BloglovinPatchwork Pollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467216513475544164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5700604771681552813.post-82650878969187700572015-02-18T20:15:00.000+00:002015-02-18T20:18:16.318+00:00Applique quilt - work in progress<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qsGfQ-Kc0MM/VOTuys4e8iI/AAAAAAAAAVQ/Eo7GdC7yKbc/s1600/P1030565.RW2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qsGfQ-Kc0MM/VOTuys4e8iI/AAAAAAAAAVQ/Eo7GdC7yKbc/s1600/P1030565.RW2.jpg" height="618" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I'm having a love affair with Heat N Bond (or however they spell it). We've been spending a lot of time together recently and I reckon we'll be spending even more time together in the future. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Look at all the Liberty loveliness! The petal-y perfection! I don't know about you, but I think a wee tease of a snippet of the fabric is just as glorious, and in some cases showcases the fabric to it's best advantage.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X8rceFpPuRw/VOTu6labiaI/AAAAAAAAAVY/dXzZRcQbuFs/s1600/P1030566.RW2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X8rceFpPuRw/VOTu6labiaI/AAAAAAAAAVY/dXzZRcQbuFs/s1600/P1030566.RW2.jpg" height="412" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">These applique blocks are waiting to be satin-stitched and will, eventually, be part of a bed quilt for my parents. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I designed the placement template using a compass and pencil, then spent many a happy hour cutting out the petals in front of the TV. </span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4JnecU4jFI4/VOTuexPKiuI/AAAAAAAAAVI/uqRTz0OHrg4/s1600/P1030570.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4JnecU4jFI4/VOTuexPKiuI/AAAAAAAAAVI/uqRTz0OHrg4/s1600/P1030570.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Oops - not many left! I need more Heat N Bond.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Linking up with <a href="http://www.freshlypieced.com/">WIP Wednesday at Freshly Pieced</a>.</span>Patchwork Pollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467216513475544164noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5700604771681552813.post-78769859522331094772015-02-17T20:16:00.000+00:002015-02-20T21:54:20.589+00:00Quilt As You Go - Dizzy Deco Quilt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Welcome to my first finish of 2015. Here she is, Miss Dizzy Deco!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Back in November last year I used my first ever jelly roll to make a 'quilt top' (see post <a href="http://craftythoughtsinbrum.blogspot.co.uk/2014/11/jelly-roll-race-or-if-i-were-race-horse.html">here</a>). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Now I have some strong ideas about quilts. They have to be big enough to use - and by that I mean big enough to wrap up in and have a snooze without bits of you poking out and getting cold. </span><br />
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</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'll make an exception for a cot quilt (see my first and to-date only cot quilt <a href="http://craftythoughtsinbrum.blogspot.co.uk/2014/11/cot-quilt-for-amos.html">here</a>), but anything that can't be used </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">on a bed isn't a quilt. It can be a quilted piece of art or a quilted table runner or whatever, but it isn't what I call 'a' quilt. Sue me, I dare you! </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Any-hoo, this jelly roll top was too small and somehow unaesthetically pleasing. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4ol6Io2C_Wo/VOOS9kdx-lI/AAAAAAAAAUc/1foOnw7bpQE/s1600/average-bbc-home-sizes-chart-world.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4ol6Io2C_Wo/VOOS9kdx-lI/AAAAAAAAAUc/1foOnw7bpQE/s1600/average-bbc-home-sizes-chart-world.jpg" height="320" width="304" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Proof! USA quilters have nearly 3x as much basting space! </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Now I'd heard tell of a mysterious technique called 'quilt-as-you-go' and decided to have a crack at it.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I have a theory that one of the reasons quilting is popular in big countries with big houses and less of a thing in Britain is because it is such an enormous ball-ache basting a quilt. I have a tiny house by American standards and basting involves shifting all my furniture about to find enough accessible floor space. Then I have to scrabble around in an undignified manner (roping in my Mother, poor thing), swearing and making unreasonable demands on a woman in her 70s. Then I have to wrestle the beast through my bog-standard machine to quilt it. No fun there, either. 'Quilt as you go' seemed to solve one of the most vexing problems involved with my favourite hobby (basting) and promised to let me play with the one aspect of quilting I hadn't been able to fully embrace (er, quilting!). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I bought 'Quilt As-you-go Made Modern' by <span style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.2;">Jera Brandvig and was pleased to see that she was making full sized bed quilts with this method. Hurray!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large; line-height: 17.4545459747314px;">I bought a twin sized piece of batting and cut it into 42 11.5 inch squares. The idea is that the batting is an inch bigger than the finished block you're after so you can neaten and square up. I felt very naughty...and yet strangely liberated. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large; line-height: 17.4545459747314px;">Then I decided to embrace the lack of precision needed for this technique and - shudder - I hacked my jelly roll top to pieces. </span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The back of a finished block.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 17.4545459747314px;"><span style="font-size: large;">I sat there with my scissors, chewing my lip for an age before I actually cut up my perfectly nice quilt top, leaving me with uneven strips. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large; line-height: 17.4545459747314px;">I added three other 30's Playtime prints to make a sort of wonky 4 strip rail fence, adding a strip at a time to each block, finger pressing it flat, then quilting a spiraling rectangular pattern to each strip before sewing on the next. </span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clip those bulky seams!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 17.4545459747314px;">So far I was thrilled with how quickly the quilt came together. Then came the bit I was less convinced would </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 17.4545459747314px;"><span style="font-size: large;">work out well - sewing all the quilted (and trimmed) blocks together. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large; line-height: 17.4545459747314px;">After sewing two rows of blocks together, Jera recommends that you trim the corners to make sewing the rows together easier and remove bulk from the joins. Good plan, Jera. When it was all sewn together I was pleased that it seemed to have gone together so easily. I was then able to add the backing on the dining table rather than the floor.</span></span><br />
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Bliss!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large; line-height: 17.4545459747314px;">I quilted in the ditch in a dark blue aurifil cotton that matched the navy backing and binding. Minimal quilting was needed to attach the backing and ta-dah! I was done! </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 17.4545459747314px;">On the down side, you can feel the grid of seams through the backing and I'm not sure whether this is something that I'll notice when I snuggle up with it. They really annoy me at the moment, but I I'm hoping that as this quilt is for me (another first!) I'll get over it. I'll let you know.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dizzy Deco Quilt</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bloody hell! Sunshine! </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 17.4545459747314px;">Linking up with <a href="http://sewfreshquilts.blogspot.co.uk/">Let's Bee Social at Sew Fresh Quilts</a> and <a href="http://crazymomquilts.blogspot.co.uk/">Crazy Mom Quilts</a>.</span></span></div>
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Patchwork Pollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467216513475544164noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5700604771681552813.post-20833042910010252082015-01-29T19:11:00.000+00:002015-01-29T19:11:09.621+00:00Cot Quilt in Action!<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Just a couple of quickies of Amos enjoying his quilt.</span><br />
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<br />Patchwork Pollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467216513475544164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5700604771681552813.post-47157516294350197702015-01-23T06:48:00.002+00:002015-01-23T19:59:38.782+00:00Fassett-ed Jewels Quilt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5JD_0CcpXl4/VMFgB3RxWGI/AAAAAAAAASY/2mZ0a3aQoH0/s1600/P1020840.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5JD_0CcpXl4/VMFgB3RxWGI/AAAAAAAAASY/2mZ0a3aQoH0/s1600/P1020840.JPG" height="434" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I've had a great time scouring the fabric sales this January. The last time I got such fabulous bargains I made this string quilt, back in 2013.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This shy retiring little number was supposed to be ready for my friend's birthday in July. She eventually got it as a Christmas present! It seemed to take an age to piece together but I'm thrilled with the overall effect so I'd love to make another one day.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It was the first time I'd used a paper foundation and it was really liberating not having to be so exact with the measurements. I'm a very nervous cutter!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Johanna loves teal, mustard and jewel colours so I went to town with plenty of rich, vibrant fabric. And when it was all 50% off, why not? </span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6qZzx16PzS8/VMFf9SV_KPI/AAAAAAAAASQ/yE03fgPjomM/s1600/P1020839.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6qZzx16PzS8/VMFf9SV_KPI/AAAAAAAAASQ/yE03fgPjomM/s1600/P1020839.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">There's a smidgen of Amy Butler's 'Sun Glow' from her Lark range. There's a dash of Tula Pink's 'Tree of Life'. There's a smattering of Valori Well's 'Cocoon' range and a good dollop of various Kaffe Fassett prints and stripes. However the whole thing is positively dripping with bargain Liberty Art fabrics. Most of them are paisley prints. I bloody love paisley! </span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BZ2UW1S2cE0/VMFfm6OoFsI/AAAAAAAAASA/8IVnjYK4i_0/s1600/P1020841.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BZ2UW1S2cE0/VMFfm6OoFsI/AAAAAAAAASA/8IVnjYK4i_0/s1600/P1020841.JPG" height="636" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The vast majority - if not all - off these were also designed by Kaffe Fassett. That guy really is the King of Colour!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The Liberty Art prints included:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Brighton Bell</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Paisley Lozange</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Paisley Babooshka </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Paisley Rustic</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Forget Me Not</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Mayfair Mosaic Flower</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Punk Stripe</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Marylebone Frilly</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Paisley Cravat - this was also the backing.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rEQLpRu3_iI/VMFf7M-eaeI/AAAAAAAAASI/Qk-YFAPI7ls/s1600/P1020842.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rEQLpRu3_iI/VMFf7M-eaeI/AAAAAAAAASI/Qk-YFAPI7ls/s1600/P1020842.JPG" height="306" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Excuse the blur - all that colour sent me giddy.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I bound it with a black solid to frame it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Now what will I make with this year's bargains? Hmm... </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Linking up with <a href="http://crazymomquilts.blogspot.co.uk/">Finish It Up Friday at Crazy Mom Quilts</a>, <a href="http://blog.richardandtanyaquilts.com/2015/01/laff-152.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+RichardQuilts+%28Richard+Quilts%29">LAFF</a> and <a href="http://frombolttobeauty.blogspot.co.uk/">TGIF</a>.</span><br />
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<br />Patchwork Pollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467216513475544164noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5700604771681552813.post-31628413015490305062015-01-16T07:08:00.000+00:002015-01-18T08:46:42.930+00:00Snuggle Scarf and Sampler Cushion<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm a frustrated knitter. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One of the problems I have is that I can't follow a pattern. I'm knitting pattern dyslexic. All those symbols dance around, sending my head into a tailspin. Arrrrgh!!</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uLQB6eeLydM/VLiz3FeRslI/AAAAAAAAARQ/7Xl0hmM4GJM/s1600/P1030322.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uLQB6eeLydM/VLiz3FeRslI/AAAAAAAAARQ/7Xl0hmM4GJM/s1600/P1030322.JPG" height="400" width="330" /></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Having said that, I am DETERMIND to conquer my pattern-phobia without having to steal an Enigma machine to crack all that odd knitting code. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Until then going is </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">s - l - o - w.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Taking mere years I managed to complete a sampler cushion. I used the baby yarn I'd had to abandon when my son grew faster than the jumper I was knitting him. It's make and shade are lost in the mists of time.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b1BcI6yGGHk/VLi0Akp8nyI/AAAAAAAAARg/8mc6qBnOajs/s1600/Snuggle%2Bscarf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b1BcI6yGGHk/VLi0Akp8nyI/AAAAAAAAARg/8mc6qBnOajs/s1600/Snuggle%2Bscarf.jpg" height="400" width="237" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bertie being a cheeky monkey. <br />
You just can't get the staff.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There was still some of the original baby yarn left and I owed him a wearable so I thought even I could manage a scarf. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Turns out I was wrong. I got bored, stopped knitting and sewed some soft fleece onto the back and made it into a neck warming loop. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Behold - The Snuggle Scarf!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It has some great design features (ahem...):</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">a) It's double thickness so is super warm,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">b) It appeals to my son's love of soft, snuggly things, and</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">c) It won't fall off and get lost in a puddle in the school playground!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A knitting win, I think ;).</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Years in the making, but now I can die happy in the knowledge I've knitted something and actually finished it!</td></tr>
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Linking up with <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/frame?post=4090104443&group=0&frame_type=b&context=blog_profile&context_ids=17131&blog=17131&frame=1&click=0&user=0">Finish it up Friday at Crazy Mom Quilts</a>, <a href="http://myplvl.blogspot.co.uk/2015/01/the-party-is-here-today-hosting-tgiff.html">Thank Goodness It's Finished Friday at Val's Quilting Studio</a> and <a href="http://www.confessionsofafabricaddict.blogspot.co.uk/">Can I Get a Whoop Whoop on Confessions of a Fabric Addict</a><br />
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<br />Patchwork Pollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467216513475544164noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5700604771681552813.post-86954346370401567612015-01-02T18:56:00.002+00:002015-01-04T14:45:47.144+00:00Stones' Throw (to keep the stones warm at night)<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Happy New Year!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm chock-full of mindless optimism at the start of each New Year, so bring it on 2015! I'm ready for you!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've got a plethora of projects on the go but when you're knee-deep in unfinished stuff and your 'to-do' list is as long as your arm I think it's encouraging to take stock of all the things that have been crossed off.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is 'The Stones' Throw'. I made it for a friend who, as a child, used to worry that the stones in the garden would get cold at night.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The first book I bought on quilting was <a href="http://www.ohfransson.com/">Elizabeth Hartman</a>'s 'The Practical Guide to Patchwork'. I used the 'Small Plates' pattern (see her original <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ctpublishing/5072689838/in/photostream/">here</a>) to make my own square in square quilt.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7xSCJMs3reU/VKbmDUTlkKI/AAAAAAAAAQA/f4veZteY5Y4/s1600/Berties%2B6th%2BBirthday%2B011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7xSCJMs3reU/VKbmDUTlkKI/AAAAAAAAAQA/f4veZteY5Y4/s1600/Berties%2B6th%2BBirthday%2B011.JPG" height="360" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mk4tE9Ibu_A/VKbk8OS_UxI/AAAAAAAAAPI/3LkwIDAGDQs/s1600/Berties%2B6th%2BBirthday%2B006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mk4tE9Ibu_A/VKbk8OS_UxI/AAAAAAAAAPI/3LkwIDAGDQs/s1600/Berties%2B6th%2BBirthday%2B006.JPG" height="640" width="420" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As you can see, I'm all about the patchwork and the quilting is very, er, basic. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Linking up with Finish it up Friday at <a href="http://crazymomquilts.blogspot.co.uk/">Crazy Mom Quilts</a>, <a href="http://confessionsofafabricaddict.blogspot.co.uk/2015/01/can-i-get-whoop-whoop-new-year-new.html">Can I Get a Whoop Whoop </a> and <a href="http://blog.richardandtanyaquilts.com/">Link-a-Finish Friday</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Wishing you all a magnificent 2015.</span>Patchwork Pollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467216513475544164noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5700604771681552813.post-46308550684987789132014-12-12T11:43:00.001+00:002014-12-12T11:45:02.489+00:00Bertie's Printed Christmas Cards<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Bertie, my seven year old son, is autistic. He finds holding a pen a bit tricky, so he loved printing lots and lots of copies quickly!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bertie's printing equipment.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Bertie drew a picture of a Christmas tree on a piece of paper and I traced over it onto the polystyrene disc that came with a pizza. Once the image was scored into the polystyrene Bertie used a roller to coat the 'plate' with red acrylic paint. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Each print came out slightly different, but all of them have made lovely Christmas cards for his family and friends!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'Christmas Tree with Present' by Bertie, aged 7</td></tr>
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<br />Patchwork Pollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467216513475544164noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5700604771681552813.post-75170832312326234382014-12-05T14:21:00.000+00:002014-12-05T16:45:29.232+00:00Soul Blossoms Quilt <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It all started with a charm pack...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I live round the corner from <a href="http://www.cottonpatch.co.uk/">The Cotton Patch</a> and went in for a perv at all the seductive fabric they have just lying around, wantonly purring 'buy me! Buy </span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>me</b></i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">!" </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now I don't have much in common with Oscar Wilde but I can't resist temptation and I just had to have Amy Butler's Soul Blossoms range in its entirety right that very second. A charm pack seemed the only way.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'd never made a quilt before so it seemed an impossible task to turn those sweet little squares into a usable object. To be honest there was zero planning involved - I just started sewing. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Right from the off the effervescence of the prints and the bright pink tones made me think of my best buddy. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It was a big rush and I was sewing the last piece of binding just as he walked up the path, but I made it. I was worried he'd think 'What the hell is this?' but he was so touched he burst into tears! </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bound with Amy Butler's Sari Blooms</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #474747; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 30px; text-align: left;">"All yours, </span><br />
<span style="color: #474747; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 30px; text-align: left;">Babooshka, Babooshka, Babooshka-ya-ya!"</span></td></tr>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZQCaKcAT6_c/VHgStSWH_rI/AAAAAAAAAMg/fqrDLOt1mk0/s1600/P1020099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZQCaKcAT6_c/VHgStSWH_rI/AAAAAAAAAMg/fqrDLOt1mk0/s1600/P1020099.JPG" height="320" width="281" /></a></div>
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Linking up with <a href="http://quokkaquilts.com/fmqal2/tgiff-qaygfmaql/">TGIFF</a>, <a href="http://blog.richardandtanyaquilts.com/">Link-a-Finish Friday</a>, <a href="http://confessionsofafabricaddict.blogspot.co.uk/">Can I Get a Whoop Whoop</a> and <a href="http://crazymomquilts.blogspot.co.uk/">Finish it up Friday</a>.<br />
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Patchwork Pollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467216513475544164noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5700604771681552813.post-84658354653826332212014-11-26T18:19:00.000+00:002014-11-27T06:35:54.864+00:00The Crumbly Cottage Quilt - Work in Progress<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is my first foray into English Paper Piecing. </span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uCAGmklnFHA/VHYXox-xXqI/AAAAAAAAAK8/1Zbz9cUTZb0/s1600/P1030501.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uCAGmklnFHA/VHYXox-xXqI/AAAAAAAAAK8/1Zbz9cUTZb0/s1600/P1030501.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a9LrOZH4ivA/VHYP2IxAsrI/AAAAAAAAAJw/MKXWTcWw6lg/s1600/P1030486.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a9LrOZH4ivA/VHYP2IxAsrI/AAAAAAAAAJw/MKXWTcWw6lg/s1600/P1030486.JPG" height="328" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My parents' live in a gorgeous little cottage in Worcestershire and I want to make a traditional looking quilt that will fit right in.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My Mom is a huge Jane Austen fan so I started collecting fabric I thought looked a bit Regency and added prints I thought looked like they might find their way into a quilt over the years.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Hw8n5-3RD1A/VHYQNNA8PuI/AAAAAAAAAKA/y9KR-Q8gn3k/s1600/P1030489.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Hw8n5-3RD1A/VHYQNNA8PuI/AAAAAAAAAKA/y9KR-Q8gn3k/s1600/P1030489.JPG" height="562" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">At some point in the next 10 - 15 years I hope to finish it!</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x55S9JW5i2I/VHYWuNF6shI/AAAAAAAAAKc/8qJiChMXys4/s1600/P1030498.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x55S9JW5i2I/VHYWuNF6shI/AAAAAAAAAKc/8qJiChMXys4/s1600/P1030498.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Linking up with WIP Wednesday at <a href="http://www.freshlypieced.com/">freshlypieced.com</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Patchwork Pollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467216513475544164noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5700604771681552813.post-39544297039419121322014-11-19T12:55:00.001+00:002014-11-19T12:55:39.547+00:00Jelly Roll Race (or 'if I were a race horse they'd have me shot')<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've been watching <a href="https://www.missouriquiltco.com/">The Missouri Star Quilt Company</a>'s tutorials on youtube. I now have several quilts I NEED to make. Immediately.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Luckily, one of the tutorials was for a quilt top you can make in - wait for it - one hour!! I know. Brilliant, or what?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I doubted I'd be that fast, but I had a sewing itch to scratch. Cup of tea at the ready I entered the <span id="goog_1003830377"></span><span id="goog_1003830378"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a>Jelly Roll Race.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After an hour and a half it looked like this: </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Poor Joan, my trusty vintage Alfa, decided I was taking the Michael and I spent more time fiddling with my bobbin than actually sewing. Then unpicking and re-sewing because the strips weren't lining up.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It was at this stage I decided I'd rather end up with a decent finished quilt top than race on regardless.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If this had been the Grand National I'd have fallen long before Becher's Brook. Having said that, after a mere five and a half hours I had a quilt top and that's a first for me!</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8n4Lf82kQ1Y/VGyQpRSqsSI/AAAAAAAAAJU/6_1xD_K40rE/s1600/P1030475.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8n4Lf82kQ1Y/VGyQpRSqsSI/AAAAAAAAAJU/6_1xD_K40rE/s1600/P1030475.JPG" height="400" width="330" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's approximately 155cm x 138cm and will probably become a throw quilt in my newly blue lounge. All I need to do now is finish it!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Linking up with WIP Wednesday on <a href="http://www.freshlypieced.com/">Freshly Pieced</a></span>Patchwork Pollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467216513475544164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5700604771681552813.post-28581938274588482772014-11-10T12:25:00.000+00:002014-11-10T12:25:15.024+00:00Jelly Roll Up<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Put your hands together for my first ever jelly roll.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v_7N2KhMwog/VGCuCuneotI/AAAAAAAAAI4/Q9jSBL7m1OQ/s1600/P1030445.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v_7N2KhMwog/VGCuCuneotI/AAAAAAAAAI4/Q9jSBL7m1OQ/s1600/P1030445.JPG" height="251" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ain't she purdy?</span>Patchwork Pollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467216513475544164noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5700604771681552813.post-36274644133072212292014-11-07T10:29:00.003+00:002014-11-07T16:54:45.317+00:00Cot Quilt - for Amos<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm also impatient and
prone to give in to the impulse to get stuck in without planning
(pah! Bor-ing!).
</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As such this
crazy-scrappy quilt was incredibly satisfying to make. It used up
left over fabric from a full sized quilt I made a couple of years ago
for a male friend and I think that month old Amos will appreciate it's
gender-neutral colour scheme of cream, brown, blue and grey. Even the pink in there is manly.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-50onPwUg8V8/VFtv4EJKquI/AAAAAAAAAGI/jwo8Imm8PgQ/s1600/P1030435.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-50onPwUg8V8/VFtv4EJKquI/AAAAAAAAAGI/jwo8Imm8PgQ/s1600/P1030435.JPG" height="496" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-758tV8awAQo/VFtwx5x2gCI/AAAAAAAAAGo/v9REIufZkTc/s1600/P1030439.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-758tV8awAQo/VFtwx5x2gCI/AAAAAAAAAGo/v9REIufZkTc/s1600/P1030439.JPG" height="326" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The fabric mix includes
some pieces of the V&A's Liberty fabric copied from historic
patchwork coverlets and some traditionally block printed Indian
cotton.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I started my first ever
attempt at free motion quilting on this project, but soon decided it
wasn't working out. It took an age to unpick! </span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zih_RFPRUDw/VFtuX-kjOBI/AAAAAAAAAE8/2Ce5fUUlm-k/s1600/P1030349.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zih_RFPRUDw/VFtuX-kjOBI/AAAAAAAAAE8/2Ce5fUUlm-k/s1600/P1030349.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I don't think the
stitch holes are too noticeable. She says. Confidently.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Linking up <a href="http://crazymomquilts.blogspot.co.uk/">Crazy Mom Quilts</a>' Finish it up Friday.</span></div>
Patchwork Pollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467216513475544164noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5700604771681552813.post-74707055262287427442014-11-03T13:36:00.000+00:002014-11-03T13:36:48.611+00:00A Christmas Cake (of soap)<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Making soap is much like making a Christmas cake. </span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7VuV-E9UzXc/VFd8ZXQt03I/AAAAAAAAAEU/RQm30MaBgD4/s1600/P1030378.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7VuV-E9UzXc/VFd8ZXQt03I/AAAAAAAAAEU/RQm30MaBgD4/s1600/P1030378.JPG" height="140" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You get the satisfaction of
mixing exciting stuff together and you end up creating something that
smells amazing. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You also have to wait a few weeks before you can
try it!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A couple of days ago I
made a batch of Christmas soap. I know it's still early November but it
takes 4-6 weeks to cure and, just like a Christmas cake, it gets
better with age.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7EuEu9L2sBg/VFd6W8bhKRI/AAAAAAAAADQ/8VlbHnQTTRE/s1600/P1030350.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7EuEu9L2sBg/VFd6W8bhKRI/AAAAAAAAADQ/8VlbHnQTTRE/s1600/P1030350.JPG" height="286" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">soap moulds and cutter</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I started making proper Cold Process soap
about ten years ago when I went on a course at <a href="http://www.naturalsoap.co.uk/">The Natural Soap Company</a> in glorious Wells-next-the-Sea. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The 'Cold Process' method is the hardcore, chemistry-in-action way of creating pure, skin-kind soap out of oils and sodium hydroxide (caustic soda). The irony is that you have to heat your oils and that until it has properly cured it is extremely irritant! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Professor Snape would know how this magic potion made from drain cleaner turns into something so mild you can wash your kids with it, but I'll just have to ask you to trust me. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Over the years I've bought a few
soap making books but my hands down favourite 'recipe' was the basic
one they provided on the day.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As well as the 1kg of
oils (palm, coconut and olive) it allows for three tablespoons of
essential oil(s). I've got a shot glass that holds exactly that
amount so I sloshed in a mix of cinnamon, clove, mandarin and lemon
essential oils until it was full. All very scientific. I'd had the
bottles knocking around for a while and wanted them used up. Turns
out I had exactly three tablespoons of oil combined. </span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VzAyhmyeTNs/VFd8BRSrU2I/AAAAAAAAADw/doS-hy1SDDo/s1600/P1030356.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VzAyhmyeTNs/VFd8BRSrU2I/AAAAAAAAADw/doS-hy1SDDo/s1600/P1030356.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The God of Soap
was with me and I hadn't even had to sacrifice a goat. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I decided to
improvise a 'decorative' swirl. I mixed a few spoons of Cadbury's
Bournville cocoa powder with a spoon of soap to dissolve it, then put
about a quarter of the soap in a jug and mixed the cocoa paste in.
Then I got over excited and raided the kitchen cupboard again – I
poured in a random amount of pure vanilla extract. There was just no
stopping me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It was about then that
The God of Soap decided I'd gone far enough and went off for a nap.
I lost confidence in my ability to attractively swirl the two batches
of soap in my mould so I just poured them in willy nilly and hoped
for the best. </span></div>
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<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I also added a light dusting of cosmetic grade bronze mica. Usually I like my soaps to be as natural as possible but if you
can't have a bit of sparkle at Christmas, when can you, eh?</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1y1Olo66WJ0/VFd8JjhFlII/AAAAAAAAAD4/OzISQgS5FRE/s1600/P1030360.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1y1Olo66WJ0/VFd8JjhFlII/AAAAAAAAAD4/OzISQgS5FRE/s1600/P1030360.JPG" height="316" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After two days snuggled
up in a duvet (the soap, not me) I cut it into bars. </span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tmeMg3djIgM/VFd8ZIu64ZI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/2w_7-WKoH_E/s1600/P1030376.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tmeMg3djIgM/VFd8ZIu64ZI/AAAAAAAAAEQ/2w_7-WKoH_E/s1600/P1030376.JPG" height="144" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I
think the chocolate vanilla swirl turned out quite well after all.
Now all I've got to do is spend the rest of the month working out how I'm going to
wrap it.</span></div>
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Patchwork Pollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00467216513475544164noreply@blogger.com2