tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24220395773347383322024-02-07T01:48:04.589-08:00Tropical AppliqueWelcome to Tropical Applique!Mercy Arrastia Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09234560841577752009noreply@blogger.comBlogger105125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2422039577334738332.post-33282212654863113652015-02-03T12:48:00.001-08:002015-02-04T10:41:19.766-08:00Tropical Folk Art Part 4 - Folk Art Appliqué Stitch<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr8DFNyeRKFzduWSr3RTBMJcamg7eqXUlZD3oVFUviPoPOFJfyQCxt5d8ao-ZwUR0YaViTkMucJ5ZYdwm2-buXBW7aS1JTbNtx72nL-j_nFMX6rtj6Rrp2fm-RR7JhpeKPRfFp84KqQl3_/s640/blogger-image-1347974012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr8DFNyeRKFzduWSr3RTBMJcamg7eqXUlZD3oVFUviPoPOFJfyQCxt5d8ao-ZwUR0YaViTkMucJ5ZYdwm2-buXBW7aS1JTbNtx72nL-j_nFMX6rtj6Rrp2fm-RR7JhpeKPRfFp84KqQl3_/s640/blogger-image-1347974012.jpg"></a></div></div></div><div>I first saw top stitch appliqué in a machine appliqué class a number of years ago. Since then I have seen a couple of examples of a hand appliqué, running stitch in the "old quilts." I vaguely remember one that was done using white thread. It was charming. I have also seen samples in class with Elly Sienkiewicz where large shapes were appliquéd down using a small running stitch and either silk or fine cotton sewing weight thread. The stitches were practically invisible and the benefit was that a wreath could be sewn in a single evening. <div><br></div><div>I also love Big Stitch hand quilting. That is a technique where a quilt is hand quilted using pearl cotton. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcgn69kLfNTLrFV0hQAMNdwisfh9eq2d9CdUtuZBU1VaMilKALHyXclWKmNQG2IHYcxBdY66G7G-w6Rm9TjuUpT7DmkfKRAQ3NPHG87Q1TZ7uAH6GLRgIMZOXr0pyG1S8H6t1-ACiMsSzb/s640/blogger-image--853244344.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcgn69kLfNTLrFV0hQAMNdwisfh9eq2d9CdUtuZBU1VaMilKALHyXclWKmNQG2IHYcxBdY66G7G-w6Rm9TjuUpT7DmkfKRAQ3NPHG87Q1TZ7uAH6GLRgIMZOXr0pyG1S8H6t1-ACiMsSzb/s640/blogger-image--853244344.jpg"></a></div>Instead of making the stitches tiny, the objective is to make the stitches noticable, even, and part of the overall artistic expression/design. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNc-cKYcCUFlzwJeaTPPrd1t4XRu2gnUGIXWixs2jfYYUmFh7h2b4t0kR7lhPcaBBHhfwBxU5mDEnKgcrGYZ60ooUZ6P0n93MitSiprxd5YkOB3cnOQzmXiMmrU_G6zUsk0ThvuazRTOs6/s640/blogger-image-1302128451.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNc-cKYcCUFlzwJeaTPPrd1t4XRu2gnUGIXWixs2jfYYUmFh7h2b4t0kR7lhPcaBBHhfwBxU5mDEnKgcrGYZ60ooUZ6P0n93MitSiprxd5YkOB3cnOQzmXiMmrU_G6zUsk0ThvuazRTOs6/s640/blogger-image-1302128451.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>So I decided to use a hand sewn, running stitch to appliqué my piece and have the stitch mimic big stitch hand quilting. That way when the appliqué is complete and I quilt the piece, the quilting and appliqué will blend. If you look closely, the appearance is that I hand quilted a row of stitches about 4 threads from the edge of the appliqué. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY2-Vnsa-jjiwtBS4cUYn9rluFCJ0zCbpAfPGdrqwnW8mJye942cxrkFk8CK1LI4Fr6N4quLaCPawDsFmAIcgAjgoZki01C4-H73dJlZ5dxRV7eWnQtQW1YMV4VFA5MyUAYVe9C5bUOW2t/s640/blogger-image--1292368957.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY2-Vnsa-jjiwtBS4cUYn9rluFCJ0zCbpAfPGdrqwnW8mJye942cxrkFk8CK1LI4Fr6N4quLaCPawDsFmAIcgAjgoZki01C4-H73dJlZ5dxRV7eWnQtQW1YMV4VFA5MyUAYVe9C5bUOW2t/s640/blogger-image--1292368957.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>I just love this look! Very carefree, clean, and casual. I can dress it up or down by selecting different fibers for the running stitch. It's also extremely quick and easy. It incorporates needle turn which I love. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitK4yPtWA4Tx6h864qAHJp3L4sxsdkzMZBlHdQ0zom7RtEUGlyFKKXiGg-RvWNUKBS864QzmCGiB0OHOFGc342Bh60JDYVkEMP9EQ5_kvBdRIC2ingcpefabErEUjBX6PlNUVDsqTkqV0_/s640/blogger-image-1026743866.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitK4yPtWA4Tx6h864qAHJp3L4sxsdkzMZBlHdQ0zom7RtEUGlyFKKXiGg-RvWNUKBS864QzmCGiB0OHOFGc342Bh60JDYVkEMP9EQ5_kvBdRIC2ingcpefabErEUjBX6PlNUVDsqTkqV0_/s640/blogger-image-1026743866.jpg"></a></div>There are no glue or starches which I don't enjoy. It's completely portable. I probably would not use this technique on an heirloom quilt or bed quilt that will get lots of wear and washing. But for my wall hanging, decorative pieces I find it just right!</div><div><br></div><div>I will use the same stitch to sew all the leaves at random. I will continue to post photos of the progress in days to come. Let me know if you decide to try out this technique and what you think. </div><div><br></div><div>Until next time,</div><div>Best stitches from Mercy in sunny Miami</div></div>Mercy Arrastia Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09234560841577752009noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2422039577334738332.post-10815771608985849042015-02-02T14:29:00.001-08:002015-02-03T06:21:20.976-08:00Tropical Folk Art Part 3 - Bigger is Better<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF9l1IPWs4kmPzRLqXp6aAtOtxvOOiyepic_OoP5QhZClJCOU56q1gO_455714VEDCxzWvkyLVJqZizhgz4bWbBb5CzZfJ9Z3pO3yXz6Y0hBO4qyUrCTjRdvgcqQrA4u-4eh6LZLWC2UxU/s640/blogger-image-443113754.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF9l1IPWs4kmPzRLqXp6aAtOtxvOOiyepic_OoP5QhZClJCOU56q1gO_455714VEDCxzWvkyLVJqZizhgz4bWbBb5CzZfJ9Z3pO3yXz6Y0hBO4qyUrCTjRdvgcqQrA4u-4eh6LZLWC2UxU/s640/blogger-image-443113754.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">So this is my FAVORITE method for adding borders!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">First I cut my border strips the length of the fabric parallel to the selvage. I then lay the two border pieces on top of the background they will be attached to, right across the middle.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo0CEEkQ5PM36sjTgHquzlFUOUulgibB1YEThcP1wAy8QXUvRWRzChf8K4vL13UFhudq5mkkfY93QF-1e3LSvkDdeUrGMdfTdZpvrjnSKDehJ8OM-lgQXwt2j-_8xJsOn7GEgTFzzufSmG/s640/blogger-image--1225750859.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo0CEEkQ5PM36sjTgHquzlFUOUulgibB1YEThcP1wAy8QXUvRWRzChf8K4vL13UFhudq5mkkfY93QF-1e3LSvkDdeUrGMdfTdZpvrjnSKDehJ8OM-lgQXwt2j-_8xJsOn7GEgTFzzufSmG/s640/blogger-image--1225750859.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I then use my ruler and rotary cutter to trim the borders exactly the size of the background fabric.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDdBL_mEU18rDeBrtji47MXEUH6tGOV9EHy5iS9Lae1w3o7B5TyHbDGk0zNk-l0g5NZkiguIuy_1PSAOsVdC4BI8-UcLItFo2mCBGperoNz_TSqzfBYmS9WC3MJ-VGXhrpcWoH8Gb_Fs76/s640/blogger-image--398874846.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDdBL_mEU18rDeBrtji47MXEUH6tGOV9EHy5iS9Lae1w3o7B5TyHbDGk0zNk-l0g5NZkiguIuy_1PSAOsVdC4BI8-UcLItFo2mCBGperoNz_TSqzfBYmS9WC3MJ-VGXhrpcWoH8Gb_Fs76/s640/blogger-image--398874846.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I then pin the borders to the background and sew! Note the ruler was ONLY used for cutting a straight edge - NO MATH WAS USED!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdxWrwKwdoBIRvB4NILGR1ujCl9FBiqXsUU5Xyi1jPYGfF5nCvrxOwtIUl0WqJxDv8vfufZZT5doNc-arS5VxHnTbfUMhiZq6QpXIcBlZYkoqcXkOlSAAAnk8HN401juUIIqOTr0GqxPIb/s640/blogger-image--1727853384.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdxWrwKwdoBIRvB4NILGR1ujCl9FBiqXsUU5Xyi1jPYGfF5nCvrxOwtIUl0WqJxDv8vfufZZT5doNc-arS5VxHnTbfUMhiZq6QpXIcBlZYkoqcXkOlSAAAnk8HN401juUIIqOTr0GqxPIb/s640/blogger-image--1727853384.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Press the borders open and repeat the process for the remaining borders.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBzEpNL3-NT9yPMuxMje7fAC0tzuQZ5pI5MUF6s1uGnWYKGaCgoEfyQAQCCsP58e9rxCwHrvlljw6JrZ4dgIoM7xRqA0Iq44iSMiLpuD7iPUV-roa3oZUNPZeH8zwIdEzk2oDmhgN9VkEx/s640/blogger-image-1447802992.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBzEpNL3-NT9yPMuxMje7fAC0tzuQZ5pI5MUF6s1uGnWYKGaCgoEfyQAQCCsP58e9rxCwHrvlljw6JrZ4dgIoM7xRqA0Iq44iSMiLpuD7iPUV-roa3oZUNPZeH8zwIdEzk2oDmhgN9VkEx/s640/blogger-image-1447802992.jpg"></a></div>Now that's a gorgeous blank canvas to play with ;)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrzTTtVsHa41jgefCv2Fj7AsoDmrRgj1sJT-Kg7EYTBH8Vu1EEwjVpHv6EBsMFhLJoIfmEKsfRDkoSGqF9Aakkc-H5GdoGCkmQ5A29hKjfcJKMOG6MS_EnaHyZ8u2Cl2IAwhswqsUvu6gC/s640/blogger-image--393766594.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrzTTtVsHa41jgefCv2Fj7AsoDmrRgj1sJT-Kg7EYTBH8Vu1EEwjVpHv6EBsMFhLJoIfmEKsfRDkoSGqF9Aakkc-H5GdoGCkmQ5A29hKjfcJKMOG6MS_EnaHyZ8u2Cl2IAwhswqsUvu6gC/s640/blogger-image--393766594.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">All that is left to do is center the tree shape in the center of the blue block and baste in place. By the way, this is the only basting required. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgYTgrYo5nkH_sDMceRfpDELhdXW9iavtb2PHIFlmrbM-bxs2qP3UZ3DWZK3I53_JT_Yczu-rWfSSDOoTnCqCcKx2kK5kqARb7L0-uqn8WQDgx_O3KXEza66VAhWgUzX11UUBLF8gV3uI9/s640/blogger-image-598394892.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgYTgrYo5nkH_sDMceRfpDELhdXW9iavtb2PHIFlmrbM-bxs2qP3UZ3DWZK3I53_JT_Yczu-rWfSSDOoTnCqCcKx2kK5kqARb7L0-uqn8WQDgx_O3KXEza66VAhWgUzX11UUBLF8gV3uI9/s640/blogger-image-598394892.jpg"></a></div>So to recap - 1 freezer paper template and 1 piece to baste. Oh and no measuring! This is my idea of stress-free, fun stitching :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Until next time, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Best stitches from Mercy in hot, humid Miami</div><br></div><br></div></div>Mercy Arrastia Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09234560841577752009noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2422039577334738332.post-12412059325745294922015-02-01T21:23:00.001-08:002015-02-02T13:14:14.328-08:00Tropical Folk Art Part 2 - We're Going to Need a Bigger Boat<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiik6PzwFwaOq-4mhQaQBTbPlwexsxg76i8Pkr3pl199fajytBShS7Vs7G7oOtmFutI5c697qZNyYx0Rr4c8tIgWfA_Xf_KFErrYfui6Iq6sSfXioUuSk4x06EP-VmNQN13I2ohTDYcAeWg/s640/blogger-image--66422853.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiik6PzwFwaOq-4mhQaQBTbPlwexsxg76i8Pkr3pl199fajytBShS7Vs7G7oOtmFutI5c697qZNyYx0Rr4c8tIgWfA_Xf_KFErrYfui6Iq6sSfXioUuSk4x06EP-VmNQN13I2ohTDYcAeWg/s640/blogger-image--66422853.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">So the next step was to cut leaf shapes from each of Jim's fabrics. I stacked a few layers at a time and just started cutting. After working on so many appliqué projects over the years I really did not need a template or pattern. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXvJhHqBAsdhgu7JQ3-rcONVxdkoJTchjcY1xm1JkWQqaov5MVOWu8xdAq0F2hHKiZfOBAU1QPrKg62p9vFIIPhYJi-0S7pU3q42xoFnO786v6JCQQ5mRaXog0_TsCUBw8bQSh54jbBMVj/s640/blogger-image--360109473.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXvJhHqBAsdhgu7JQ3-rcONVxdkoJTchjcY1xm1JkWQqaov5MVOWu8xdAq0F2hHKiZfOBAU1QPrKg62p9vFIIPhYJi-0S7pU3q42xoFnO786v6JCQQ5mRaXog0_TsCUBw8bQSh54jbBMVj/s640/blogger-image--360109473.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">As the super bowl started, I started cutting. By the time I got to the last bin of hand dyed fabric I realized the I was going to need more background to accommodate all my leaves. Hence - the reference to one of my favorite movies, Jaws. When Brody sees Jaws for the first time his response is "We're going to need a bigger boat." That was my thought as my pile of leaves kept growing.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXqYVqxTzxiTQsQdJvCi-0fw4SFNW_0xTKX769MMubPJVq7htHiniGiFhES1FsMU43qGLV4yfTFDE3PzQ96yOZnsOx6_-H8hmfmiru6NPBSHvd7ifK3JJ3mNUIb4AV3mcGHJZ8jJ44Ru2x/s640/blogger-image-1549989679.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXqYVqxTzxiTQsQdJvCi-0fw4SFNW_0xTKX769MMubPJVq7htHiniGiFhES1FsMU43qGLV4yfTFDE3PzQ96yOZnsOx6_-H8hmfmiru6NPBSHvd7ifK3JJ3mNUIb4AV3mcGHJZ8jJ44Ru2x/s640/blogger-image-1549989679.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I ended up with over 130, 2-inch leaves!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">My solution to accommodate my leaves are wide borders. </span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Tomorrow, I will share an easy way to add borders. NO MEASURING! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Until next time, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">best stitches from Mercy in Miami </div><br></div><br></div>Mercy Arrastia Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09234560841577752009noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2422039577334738332.post-87498874281475688292015-01-31T19:29:00.001-08:002015-02-01T11:40:41.633-08:00Tropical Folk Art Part 1 - The Inspiration and Getting Started<div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9V13g9lvA-yLmkl2rRWPdNNLUq9IlxCKeTvQPchcAOtFFKAmbeZ-9DwqgSEDiy0-_7Sp7VwOI49SRsxjnVV6a08LCEJEfKkoMOnaMXiVC3UnnwYVzPDuiXIwOXAaC8JpuVVWOAw0DAylL/s640/blogger-image--837617886.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9V13g9lvA-yLmkl2rRWPdNNLUq9IlxCKeTvQPchcAOtFFKAmbeZ-9DwqgSEDiy0-_7Sp7VwOI49SRsxjnVV6a08LCEJEfKkoMOnaMXiVC3UnnwYVzPDuiXIwOXAaC8JpuVVWOAw0DAylL/s640/blogger-image--837617886.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div>I remember in first grade the teacher leading our class outside to sit under a huge, beautiful banyan tree. We all had paper and crayons and the assignment was to draw the tree. At the time I was the proud owner of the extra large box of crayons. I don't know if it was the 64 pack but I remember it was much larger than the standard issue 8 pack. I can still see the finished drawing in my memory. I used every color in the box for both the the tree trunk and the leaves. </span></div><div><br></div><div>This memory is the inspiration for this small wall hanging. I started by <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">selecting a background and border fabric from my husband's hand dyed fabric stash. I selected a vibrant, rich tree trunk fabric. Then came the fun part! Just as I did when I was 6 years old and used every crayon, I cut a small piece of every single color of fabric my husband hand dyed in 2014.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNdYAFYgK5xTnsosLUpIbqBZWv6jGsm33CQG1ItwBZcnMol_xAZihfkaop4_VO2w8AzlmuKNnnqS4rAsYNo0wYxkjFskj0JKc-u36J-2xY_jSaSpCr6cWusm9fcuppUTpt2iin2g-SCcTy/s640/blogger-image-1479841744.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNdYAFYgK5xTnsosLUpIbqBZWv6jGsm33CQG1ItwBZcnMol_xAZihfkaop4_VO2w8AzlmuKNnnqS4rAsYNo0wYxkjFskj0JKc-u36J-2xY_jSaSpCr6cWusm9fcuppUTpt2iin2g-SCcTy/s640/blogger-image-1479841744.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Appliquing this project by traditional methods would have involved a ton of prep work and lots of stitching time. Plus, the fussiness of traditional methods would not have yielded the light-hearted, spontaneous feel I was trying to capture. </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I'm hoping the Tropical Folk Art technique is going to give me the whimsical feel of a six year old's drawing. </span></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I rough sketched the tree and some leaves just to make sure the scale was pleasing. I then traced the tree trunk shape onto freezer paper and cut it out. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigdpsfHPEqCsm0mAgF6MhqJc2p8DPsJ562ZP9pOGLK2DMnJYamTPcJPdqBHAxEKUA77_B0OVtPrt4gId2CRBhRgIxwukBkLpJDKSMx9yfCnb48ecQbdOGy39deRT9acS5mSCmZjWS4NtRS/s640/blogger-image-263777125.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigdpsfHPEqCsm0mAgF6MhqJc2p8DPsJ562ZP9pOGLK2DMnJYamTPcJPdqBHAxEKUA77_B0OVtPrt4gId2CRBhRgIxwukBkLpJDKSMx9yfCnb48ecQbdOGy39deRT9acS5mSCmZjWS4NtRS/s640/blogger-image-263777125.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgStmmkvKNTAaKGC1XtKy2vM_IBUvWyiCoykW95tg53PMvCgda6OmxcmMc8ADOO43Jg9qF139VQFCEUoG1A1kMcl4fICfIwhvksDl8yjqLx-Us-yExEiSWJvJbZcjasYLghpiacqAuPjWQl/s640/blogger-image-1562979509.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgStmmkvKNTAaKGC1XtKy2vM_IBUvWyiCoykW95tg53PMvCgda6OmxcmMc8ADOO43Jg9qF139VQFCEUoG1A1kMcl4fICfIwhvksDl8yjqLx-Us-yExEiSWJvJbZcjasYLghpiacqAuPjWQl/s640/blogger-image-1562979509.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I then pinned the freezer paper shape to the front of the tree trunk fabric and cut around the freezer paper adding a FAT 1/4 inch. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6h3uUAFaqKH2PlnjKTMe0IL0dW82j-gLrSaGhP6PwbDvgxIffZFYeNYKO0h9J7mVQ-yP-lqnMGSmbNT47GG_8RhECKTZWeZM4pU1l4p67hEQTI4td6A9hm1sDYBhbauA6Y5_39lW76Kmu/s640/blogger-image-832943612.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6h3uUAFaqKH2PlnjKTMe0IL0dW82j-gLrSaGhP6PwbDvgxIffZFYeNYKO0h9J7mVQ-yP-lqnMGSmbNT47GG_8RhECKTZWeZM4pU1l4p67hEQTI4td6A9hm1sDYBhbauA6Y5_39lW76Kmu/s640/blogger-image-832943612.jpg"></a></div><br></div></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBJWJU7hw6EMxEN9u7pR8Vt64xA-Jrl0vNmU3bzlgKQNtjU-7kDzkG0G1xnSR3qPLhMxYv-3NOzu8xX0XnL0a_OgPCF_NeWaM60vUYMJ8FGmZOkyrnMBBTAO_XgHi0uSBva7pnMhO7ooqr/s640/blogger-image-1305093563.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBJWJU7hw6EMxEN9u7pR8Vt64xA-Jrl0vNmU3bzlgKQNtjU-7kDzkG0G1xnSR3qPLhMxYv-3NOzu8xX0XnL0a_OgPCF_NeWaM60vUYMJ8FGmZOkyrnMBBTAO_XgHi0uSBva7pnMhO7ooqr/s640/blogger-image-1305093563.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I then peeled off the freezer paper.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7gYDgTxF8Qp0_Tg8scgjLUdsUxwbZ_VX3FxuSq1dRESG0S7p2tteGmbcNB9ALjsXI2Bv1U3UAx6x2McbqfIQe_bCNvy4piFMVFLpESKipTGp1OvlqGMSljIZSc5A_uFovTJd5hRrWM7i9/s640/blogger-image-1263820929.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7gYDgTxF8Qp0_Tg8scgjLUdsUxwbZ_VX3FxuSq1dRESG0S7p2tteGmbcNB9ALjsXI2Bv1U3UAx6x2McbqfIQe_bCNvy4piFMVFLpESKipTGp1OvlqGMSljIZSc5A_uFovTJd5hRrWM7i9/s640/blogger-image-1263820929.jpg"></a></div> This is the only template I plan to use for the entire project. Yay! Honestly, if I was not worried about scale I would have free cut the tree trunk 👍</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Tomorrow's installment is stitching the tree!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Until then - best stitches from Mercy in sunny and warm Miami</div></span></div>Mercy Arrastia Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09234560841577752009noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2422039577334738332.post-86666139775032197662015-01-31T05:56:00.001-08:002015-01-31T05:56:53.148-08:00Tropical Folk Art<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijCCHgP1EeTAWIxgyGfd0g8EY_zK2EmHe_mVCmXTx7VsrfRirCBjA6W5QFhsROPWYdxuwqOR7dv5iEVr2SBTzejzsv9IeqZmpdFCWuvd93xsQKQaIMPtSBT0i1WN6VCYEGD25g_WfpU64S/s640/blogger-image--232583174.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijCCHgP1EeTAWIxgyGfd0g8EY_zK2EmHe_mVCmXTx7VsrfRirCBjA6W5QFhsROPWYdxuwqOR7dv5iEVr2SBTzejzsv9IeqZmpdFCWuvd93xsQKQaIMPtSBT0i1WN6VCYEGD25g_WfpU64S/s640/blogger-image--232583174.jpg"></a></div>I have been dreaming and imagining a small wall hanging for about 6 months now. Today I find myself with an entire day to create so I am going to attempt to turn my vision into a reality. I am going to use a technique I am calling Tropical Folk Art. It's a very relaxed, easy hand method that I stumbled across a few years ago while working on a friend's round robin quilt. My plan is to document the technique and share it with my loyal blog readers. Thank you for sticking with me even when I have been so remiss with my updates. More to come as I begin this project!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Best stitches from sunny Miami </div>Mercy Arrastia Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09234560841577752009noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2422039577334738332.post-55673184756721354082014-09-26T14:27:00.003-07:002014-09-26T14:27:50.813-07:00Relaxing Hawaiin-style<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrv_f3OxEGAX9mrV4pVX-QEGNl1pQR25KmHqJNpPT6WJ80Ntt-MR_6ahRv-2RB5phcDm_drpP0-_PPK4DScQdtke-eKbs1-lpi1cUWyJASoua84-AgFaX5gVk63v3W7OSp1yO-Bmc9IQ7Z/s400/blogger-image-1715778751.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="300" /></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Some of my Mom's orchids and the inspiration for my latest designs!</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Are you ready for something easy- or at least mindless? I know I am!! Especially, after a grueling week at the office, NOTHING fits the bill like Hawaiian-style needle turn appliqué! Easy and relaxing with rewarding results. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPyuYVoU3M24zfqLb98RIDAy0zix_Fb5XjcGGbcgCWzgWaQtS3NR6KHEOOTvtbTFnYZwR4n57bG_LnK9rdRFZgIszd6tC_x1PVHFErL-Vq7-KNPvaV4Z0WLiHBbq3Qvy4gXl1A7J-jqCvx/s1600/blogger-image-1420668731.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPyuYVoU3M24zfqLb98RIDAy0zix_Fb5XjcGGbcgCWzgWaQtS3NR6KHEOOTvtbTFnYZwR4n57bG_LnK9rdRFZgIszd6tC_x1PVHFErL-Vq7-KNPvaV4Z0WLiHBbq3Qvy4gXl1A7J-jqCvx/s400/blogger-image-1420668731.jpg" width="300" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihSzOBpG5W6uwHt3tXSWVAEPWwL15d2rsc4uK3d-tHhZgS8yytHwBd7W1KuyC8MCNotTH5fz5CfJa-sRw5ifAfGp4QgXY08cn6kI9NU3lbFX0C6EF698aqBQERJyFvO_FKJIpL9DALBkk_/s640/blogger-image-2057383681.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue Light", HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihSzOBpG5W6uwHt3tXSWVAEPWwL15d2rsc4uK3d-tHhZgS8yytHwBd7W1KuyC8MCNotTH5fz5CfJa-sRw5ifAfGp4QgXY08cn6kI9NU3lbFX0C6EF698aqBQERJyFvO_FKJIpL9DALBkk_/s400/blogger-image-2057383681.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Original designs ready to be basted</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had some gorgeous fabric my husband hand dyed that I was 'dyeing' to tryout. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For the two tone, matching fabric - he's calling them Tropical Twins- I wanted to design something very simple that would showcase the color- in other words let the color do all the work. The design itself is really EASY appliqué. All large shapes and gentle curves perfect for practicing points.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>Basted and ready to start applique</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For the mottled purple I knew I could design something a little more intricate. My Mom's orchids where my inspiration. I chose a simple Kona white background because that is the classic Hawaiian choice and because I wanted to showcase the beautiful texture of the purple fabric.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My original design inspired by my Mom's orchids</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Closeup of my Orchid design cut out of my husband's hand dyed fabric</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More closeups of my quilt top</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I prepped and basted the quilts last weekend. These two plus one I have been stitching on and off for about a year now should keep me busy for quite a while :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Until next time... </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Best stitches from </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mercy in Miami</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />Mercy Arrastia Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09234560841577752009noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2422039577334738332.post-90124268672810473962014-09-20T16:29:00.002-07:002014-09-20T16:29:16.652-07:00Hawaiian-Style Applique by Faye Labanaris<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmaSFIZjrdDIJ1FtYoSZ4VPnyRcBd3zbtMQm5OAqJTohtFWcsMGIaQv6vYC6NmYsJXbyPjkKySd7jLk1UOCgF51B9KwEKRNs-XsXoCHtCofwIsja7e6iHkTLYfo3hfQ9LODf7Slw4FUNf1/s1600/10646946_1461113060843934_8150699482924435689_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmaSFIZjrdDIJ1FtYoSZ4VPnyRcBd3zbtMQm5OAqJTohtFWcsMGIaQv6vYC6NmYsJXbyPjkKySd7jLk1UOCgF51B9KwEKRNs-XsXoCHtCofwIsja7e6iHkTLYfo3hfQ9LODf7Slw4FUNf1/s1600/10646946_1461113060843934_8150699482924435689_n.jpg" height="300" style="cursor: move;" unselectable="on" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Faye Labanaris project in progress, pattern by Meg Maeda </td></tr>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In my humble opinion, nothing is more relaxing or rewarding than Hawaiian-style applique. First of all, you make all your decisions at the beginning of the project. And, once you cut and baste the two fabrics, the rest is all happy, mindless stitching. Actually, if you go the traditional route, all you have to choose is ONE fabric because your background will be a plain white fabric. Even your quilting design can be a no brainer if you follow tradition. Of course, you can deviate from tradition at any point and the results are just as gorgeous. I first took a one day class in Hawaiian quilt making from </span><a href="http://www.fayelabanaris.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Faye Labanaris</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> in 2003. It was creative, rewarding and so much fun - my personal definition of quilting :) </span></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>The photos in this blog are Faye's Hawaiian-style quilts in various stages of progress. The designs are by Meg Maeda. Faye is using fabrics hand dyed by my husband.</strong> He began <span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">experimenting
with hand dyeing fabrics for about 6 months. As a quilter, I can't be more
thrilled with my husband's new found creative outlet! It's ALMOST as good as
when he decided to learn how to bake the perfect cheesecake last year :)<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-WmHBuGOhKFM6tlwrD8Ca29ffTY6JfSfjwmb8t-ntXn5mSVnbzwO_F4pMD_t2hlQVO2nMiDAya6g7uf9vJMPfJCdvT7Digdi95VJCiqkR-yZ78pj8eu3vpSgcqszxKrN4WLrQPAsQows5/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-WmHBuGOhKFM6tlwrD8Ca29ffTY6JfSfjwmb8t-ntXn5mSVnbzwO_F4pMD_t2hlQVO2nMiDAya6g7uf9vJMPfJCdvT7Digdi95VJCiqkR-yZ78pj8eu3vpSgcqszxKrN4WLrQPAsQows5/s1600/photo.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Faye Labanaris project in progress, pattern by Meg Maeda </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
Anyway, h<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">e mailed some of
his sample creations - the fabrics not the cheesecakes - to Faye and she created some amazing Hawaiian-style quilts using
his fabrics. Faye graciously agreed to let me share her quilts in progress! I am
speechless!!</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF23WkCqQTioGanFyY9y0nOtdcJxtRW-sWByNlzc0WKF-oqXQ62dErVaEsEcPYL0FHo_JSPGmAq-gQXKbEpoZjLLoX1mWQrYrTYjMp2pIMFqEvcubmykxpCeWs-fNPeWHUwJgVhIIfQn4a/s1600/unnamed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF23WkCqQTioGanFyY9y0nOtdcJxtRW-sWByNlzc0WKF-oqXQ62dErVaEsEcPYL0FHo_JSPGmAq-gQXKbEpoZjLLoX1mWQrYrTYjMp2pIMFqEvcubmykxpCeWs-fNPeWHUwJgVhIIfQn4a/s1600/unnamed.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Faye Labanaris project in progress, pattern by Meg Maeda </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF6Z-_r6aQFKWlstfthsHDABLHQ99CZOOjM0pFunoPyxB9cnu1FpT4-1Sq8rZs6nTm_dk-CK7WY3pPZm88G_fHiyzXmLlpB7LCkxINgXvyfPuKuj_aYji-PtUKxBiFyvgGqm24goZU5BSD/s1600/Sunflower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF6Z-_r6aQFKWlstfthsHDABLHQ99CZOOjM0pFunoPyxB9cnu1FpT4-1Sq8rZs6nTm_dk-CK7WY3pPZm88G_fHiyzXmLlpB7LCkxINgXvyfPuKuj_aYji-PtUKxBiFyvgGqm24goZU5BSD/s1600/Sunflower.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Faye Labanaris project in progress, pattern by Meg Maeda </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"></span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Faye will be teaching
Hawaiian-style Appliqué at the <a href="http://www.kathyduniganappliqueacademy.com/2-faye-labanaris-hawaiian-quilting/" target="_blank">Kathy Dunigan Appliqué Academy</a> in February 2015. This is a NOT TO BE MISSED opportunity.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
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Until next time...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Best stitches from Mercy in Miami</span>Mercy Arrastia Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09234560841577752009noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2422039577334738332.post-29329469596047002782014-09-12T07:14:00.001-07:002014-09-12T07:15:42.219-07:00Finished!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Dl5FPtxaTvVFjNhZykVvYcWa1wjfZHPiW4Tqf3F9r8dmFGcyImo_3N4-aj-M6DlkSVGZFTmtrwJQK9NsBoaLYT0DNmvDX8HjIvcSBgczr3ZkH_r_kkU7uO4wUGoVr9_V0fP9gKv9PEQW/s640/blogger-image--1468069511.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Dl5FPtxaTvVFjNhZykVvYcWa1wjfZHPiW4Tqf3F9r8dmFGcyImo_3N4-aj-M6DlkSVGZFTmtrwJQK9NsBoaLYT0DNmvDX8HjIvcSBgczr3ZkH_r_kkU7uO4wUGoVr9_V0fP9gKv9PEQW/s640/blogger-image--1468069511.jpg"></a></div>My Bits of Baltimore auction donation is finished and will be in the mail this afternoon!!! Click on the link below for more info...<div><br><div>http://www.baltimoreapplique.com/bitsofbaltimore.html</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSU0jyJQy48hsF3CUW-538UUpESTXGlV0_rz_m0Q7dcyITPpDRTXMP2VscABgyU-B6G3G9TbuabeUZLrxaDneCky9BYJLrWuuzAwKm8qqaBk0cAbslDeRuJB5GM9bShyphenhyphen1IIC9S9HHDX5BX/s640/blogger-image--1243017505.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSU0jyJQy48hsF3CUW-538UUpESTXGlV0_rz_m0Q7dcyITPpDRTXMP2VscABgyU-B6G3G9TbuabeUZLrxaDneCky9BYJLrWuuzAwKm8qqaBk0cAbslDeRuJB5GM9bShyphenhyphen1IIC9S9HHDX5BX/s640/blogger-image--1243017505.jpg"></a></div><br></div></div><div>You would all like some photos of my block. It is completely untraditional and features fabrics hand dyed by Sharon Schamber and my husband. </div><div>It took me 6 months of weekends and evenings to complete. It's the first piece I have hand quilted in almost 10 years. I hope it raises lots of cash for a great cause!</div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgn123_NISlR-RWLLZO4yR78Pi4h3T9ZLN4Oe_OevGPa5_ym-Yio4Ra1XsuKv8qFlYAqcI0T6B-Rh5YOWy0laICSUXgglgL2NLet_dYD8t-MwGbU1M9po0gzfRIMrCObRIbK2k60TivZwR/s640/blogger-image--1819342808.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgn123_NISlR-RWLLZO4yR78Pi4h3T9ZLN4Oe_OevGPa5_ym-Yio4Ra1XsuKv8qFlYAqcI0T6B-Rh5YOWy0laICSUXgglgL2NLet_dYD8t-MwGbU1M9po0gzfRIMrCObRIbK2k60TivZwR/s640/blogger-image--1819342808.jpg"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgn123_NISlR-RWLLZO4yR78Pi4h3T9ZLN4Oe_OevGPa5_ym-Yio4Ra1XsuKv8qFlYAqcI0T6B-Rh5YOWy0laICSUXgglgL2NLet_dYD8t-MwGbU1M9po0gzfRIMrCObRIbK2k60TivZwR/s640/blogger-image--1819342808.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY2_-wlsLcKSAPNUWX0V3RQ2DhuOfi066-CYp1QD3G3ac8IwUqVebcG9B-60zCvEQn_Tcsw-SpyL58HXOh-isEL2QQFX6NQ_6aUYV5FzZTOi3ey8XU_IGU2zzArJUk2wuG2LjJeGx-Bc2-/s640/blogger-image-558698652.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY2_-wlsLcKSAPNUWX0V3RQ2DhuOfi066-CYp1QD3G3ac8IwUqVebcG9B-60zCvEQn_Tcsw-SpyL58HXOh-isEL2QQFX6NQ_6aUYV5FzZTOi3ey8XU_IGU2zzArJUk2wuG2LjJeGx-Bc2-/s640/blogger-image-558698652.jpg"></a></div></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfPeen76UcnVxuxIs3NOmDLQQgw2DJMDfSy__0bQLgfEuUGhLNpdOjX8SYN-MOS3p0MWaxKFp79LQ3iibS5qpcv1U55LvQVNIDCvG8LbiG-eFfqFacCq9V4OZj1BPmLWbgR3VIraoimMtc/s640/blogger-image-83856255.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfPeen76UcnVxuxIs3NOmDLQQgw2DJMDfSy__0bQLgfEuUGhLNpdOjX8SYN-MOS3p0MWaxKFp79LQ3iibS5qpcv1U55LvQVNIDCvG8LbiG-eFfqFacCq9V4OZj1BPmLWbgR3VIraoimMtc/s640/blogger-image-83856255.jpg"></a></div>Until next time...</div><div>Best stitches from rainy, steamy Miami</div><div>Mercy</div>Mercy Arrastia Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09234560841577752009noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2422039577334738332.post-35035719412335516432014-08-23T05:02:00.000-07:002014-08-23T05:14:03.341-07:00How Long Does Something Like this Take?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyq9KCymWCdPr9g21grs9WjrCWQ7fsDeAdOYh6rv2ON5Q4C3Kje5RJwHjPvz9iS2vpuyFsYUBj4iJFgrvyqfadSFdByx3L4SIAbbVmUPiaXp2k2vIV-fYg3hxVXqxuvWmITszPld-I0vY_/s1600/Bird1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyq9KCymWCdPr9g21grs9WjrCWQ7fsDeAdOYh6rv2ON5Q4C3Kje5RJwHjPvz9iS2vpuyFsYUBj4iJFgrvyqfadSFdByx3L4SIAbbVmUPiaXp2k2vIV-fYg3hxVXqxuvWmITszPld-I0vY_/s1600/Bird1.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a>Hello dear blog readers!<br />
Some of you may know that I have been working on a donation block for the <a href="http://www.baltimoreapplique.com/bitsofbaltimore.html" target="_blank">Baltimore Applique Society online auction - Bits of Baltimore.</a> It's fair to say that apart from my gainful employment, I have been working on this project exclusively - and enjoying every minute of it. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz7er_CjcIjMftt3_mp2cawTGZCsjPcUZMTn9hZYSpjpKgIW53nyNgHyxFdM0vNP161jkJolW2nNAE0wlYgv7U5cGdcvObwhMdpXmUhlZ1sxe-x2WdWrzTyQ4TvQlBNSCdsvjMhif0AL3y/s1600/WholeBlock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz7er_CjcIjMftt3_mp2cawTGZCsjPcUZMTn9hZYSpjpKgIW53nyNgHyxFdM0vNP161jkJolW2nNAE0wlYgv7U5cGdcvObwhMdpXmUhlZ1sxe-x2WdWrzTyQ4TvQlBNSCdsvjMhif0AL3y/s1600/WholeBlock.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Discovered that my cubicle wall at work<br />
makes an excellent design wall!</td></tr>
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Well, yesterday I went back to the organizer for the second time and begged for more time to complete this project. By the way - THANK YOU for the extension Cathy! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQqvmwdj8rNu5hhdc7Gw2jGHBJ8AnA9ZD2sE0l06mxMJrz2iqFKiqw0JmfXj5CWB23Er1lyF1va87NIaz6dlwzJN-5rwH_ACojNtSKNUB1Fs464ZNBx1mqAX0UzuL3MasqjHHttsJA3JHQ/s1600/Bird2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQqvmwdj8rNu5hhdc7Gw2jGHBJ8AnA9ZD2sE0l06mxMJrz2iqFKiqw0JmfXj5CWB23Er1lyF1va87NIaz6dlwzJN-5rwH_ACojNtSKNUB1Fs464ZNBx1mqAX0UzuL3MasqjHHttsJA3JHQ/s1600/Bird2.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><br />
In the email exchange, Cathy mentioned that she had put in well over 80 hour of work into her donation block. That got me thinking, just how long have I been working on this wall hanging? Most of the time I have Netflix running in the background while I hand stitch. So I went back to my Netflix history and was shocked to that since I started work on this block - late February this year - I have watched well over 112 hour programming. That does not include the time I stitched riding in the car or listening to books on tape. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguTw2aCeeGPIlV3ytLKR1RpfsvVZw8vpNiRH-WTAWTP6rVnvoVwuKTc_5i2EwnLcw_kVTa6varSjyhV5OZcfMH2WZxY_ZrPexz442PKTLfCTjV-zpE-qI9OC7w_dqjzahBOoYX55VoGxtF/s1600/Flower1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguTw2aCeeGPIlV3ytLKR1RpfsvVZw8vpNiRH-WTAWTP6rVnvoVwuKTc_5i2EwnLcw_kVTa6varSjyhV5OZcfMH2WZxY_ZrPexz442PKTLfCTjV-zpE-qI9OC7w_dqjzahBOoYX55VoGxtF/s1600/Flower1.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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I am very happy to report that I have enjoyed every minute and every stitch! And will continue to enjoy it for several dozen hours more because I still have to quilt the piece. Currently I am marking the quilting design and expect to start hand quilting tomorrow. Yes - hand quilting. Even though I am a reasonably accomplished machine quilter, this block screams at me to be hand quilted.<br />
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So how long does it something like this take? The answer is lots and lots of joy-filled hours!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDhxhkzdTqaESZGuhO_AzA5LgXxF_7UO4_phyphenhyphenfD1CkSV5d3yvgTj8G_Q61sAqxR5gJamHuu_9UnEsfFp33LE7pwMraNy8LkxQR_YscrqMeDh0mhWnIzmeJXNfJ1_O4an1Z36ZHV_uRK8kg/s1600/FlowerOdd.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDhxhkzdTqaESZGuhO_AzA5LgXxF_7UO4_phyphenhyphenfD1CkSV5d3yvgTj8G_Q61sAqxR5gJamHuu_9UnEsfFp33LE7pwMraNy8LkxQR_YscrqMeDh0mhWnIzmeJXNfJ1_O4an1Z36ZHV_uRK8kg/s1600/FlowerOdd.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Woven Ribbon quilting pattern in the borders</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Radiating quilting design to emphasize the Peahen's tail feathers</td></tr>
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Until next time...<br />
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Best stitches,<br />
Mercy in Miami<br />
<br />Mercy Arrastia Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09234560841577752009noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2422039577334738332.post-71021188217606629142014-07-01T07:36:00.000-07:002014-07-01T07:36:42.412-07:00Color Inspiration<div align="left">
Happy Fourth of July everyone! I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday surrounded by friend and family, laughter and love. </div>
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I know I have not written for a bit. I have been very busy with work; the gainful employment type and not the stitching type. In fact, I have barely stitched in about 6 weeks. The little time I do get, mostly in the car while Jim drives, is dedicated to my donation block for the <a href="http://www.baltimoreapplique.com/bitsofbaltimore.html" target="_blank">Baltimore Applique Society Bits of Baltimore donation block.</a> I'm hoping to get in some quality stitching over the holiday weekend. If so, I promise to post photos. Until then, let me share a few photos I snapped in the last few weeks for color inspiration. And maybe a Hawaiian quilt pattern or two :)</div>
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Until next time... </div>
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Best stitches!</div>
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Mercy in rain soaked Miami</div>
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<br />Mercy Arrastia Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09234560841577752009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2422039577334738332.post-51265590240959858042014-05-27T07:03:00.001-07:002014-05-27T07:03:32.996-07:00Quilter's Yard Sale<div id="ygrps-yiv-1503254905">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyRytH89xmkDnG52M3_Nhvn0EAZpumU1wkyFeBOls9KkOdPvB6_lacjTEL1UfV3Hyj0Sw6yfH98FJyHie2qFGtg9bbjHMj19-OFhGoq6l5GnESgV2JKeYrSYL-zOu8JpCGOpUIn6Sv9-Uf/s1600/IMG_0148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyRytH89xmkDnG52M3_Nhvn0EAZpumU1wkyFeBOls9KkOdPvB6_lacjTEL1UfV3Hyj0Sw6yfH98FJyHie2qFGtg9bbjHMj19-OFhGoq6l5GnESgV2JKeYrSYL-zOu8JpCGOpUIn6Sv9-Uf/s1600/IMG_0148.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMcf5AUPrxXGqpO19mHhBN2gPgxGcVlJnOOcb24wt031AbY9GZsUXNy-n-5AwbxlH3h1qEt4khGLKEhUS8xSzkC_UIymQ03QtTqEstPFntTZELw-limr4z3Cesq3G08IIwqL2JllzBTqFo/s1600/IMG_0092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMcf5AUPrxXGqpO19mHhBN2gPgxGcVlJnOOcb24wt031AbY9GZsUXNy-n-5AwbxlH3h1qEt4khGLKEhUS8xSzkC_UIymQ03QtTqEstPFntTZELw-limr4z3Cesq3G08IIwqL2JllzBTqFo/s1600/IMG_0092.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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Hi everyone - I hope you all had a lovely Memorial Day holiday. I spent the good part of the weekend cleaning out my sewing room and coming to grips with the fact that I will live long enough to finish everything in my UFO list. SO... I have decided to part with a few BOM's that I know I will never even get an opportunity to start. All the kits are complete and purchased from first rate quilt shops so it's all premium fabric. Email me at savagequilter@gmail.com if you are interested. </div>
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Best stitches! Mercy in Miami <br />
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<div class="ygrps-yiv-1503254905MsoNormal" id="yui_3_15_0_1_1401198609636_687" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span id="yui_3_15_0_1_1401198609636_700" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span id="yui_3_15_0_1_1401198609636_699" style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="http://www.p3designs.com/shop/product/baltimore-autumn/" target="_blank">Baltimore Autumn</a> by </span></span><span id="yui_3_15_0_1_1401198609636_686" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span id="yui_3_15_0_1_1401198609636_685" style="font-family: Calibri;">Pearl P. Pereira- Complete Block Of the Month including Pattern Set, Background Fabric, and all fabric for center medallion, borders, and blocks.<span> </span>Includes the two specialty button kits. Originally purchased for $490.<span> </span>Sale price $225 – includes shipping in the continental US. </span></span></div>
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<div class="ygrps-yiv-1503254905MsoNormal" id="yui_3_15_0_1_1401198609636_690" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span id="yui_3_15_0_1_1401198609636_698" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span id="yui_3_15_0_1_1401198609636_697" style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="http://www.p3designs.com/shop/product/pattern-baltimore-halloween/" target="_blank">Baltimore Halloween</a> by </span></span><span id="yui_3_15_0_1_1401198609636_689" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span id="yui_3_15_0_1_1401198609636_688" style="font-family: Calibri;">Pearl P. Pereira- Complete Block Of the Month including Pattern Set, Background Fabric, and all fabric for center medallion, borders, and blocks.<span> </span>Originally purchased for $460.<span> </span>Sale price $225 – includes shipping in the continental US.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div class="ygrps-yiv-1503254905MsoNormal" id="yui_3_15_0_1_1401198609636_693" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span id="yui_3_15_0_1_1401198609636_705" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span id="yui_3_15_0_1_1401198609636_704" style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="http://www.p3designs.com/shop/product/baltimore-christmas/" target="_blank">Baltimore Christmas</a> by </span></span><span id="yui_3_15_0_1_1401198609636_692" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span id="yui_3_15_0_1_1401198609636_691" style="font-family: Calibri;">Pearl P. Pereira- Complete Block Of the Month including Pattern Set, Background Fabric, and all fabric for center medallion, borders, and blocks.<span> </span>Includes the specialty button kit and baby rickrack embellishment. Originally purchased for $475.<span> </span>Sale price $225 – includes shipping in the continental US. </span></span></div>
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<div class="ygrps-yiv-1503254905MsoNormal" id="yui_3_15_0_1_1401198609636_696" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span id="yui_3_15_0_1_1401198609636_695" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span id="yui_3_15_0_1_1401198609636_694" style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="http://www.comequilt.com/shop/Block-of-the-Month-Patterns/Sarahs-Revival.htm" target="_blank">Sarah’s Revival</a> by Sue Garman – Complete Block of the Month including Pattern Set (36 paper cut blocks) background fabric, and all fabric for medallion, borders, cornerstones, and blocks to make 90” x 90” quilt top. Pattern alone retails for $90. <span> </span><span> </span>Sale price $225 – includes shipping in the continental US.</span></span></div>
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<div class="ygrps-yiv-1503254905MsoNormal" id="yui_3_15_0_1_1401198609636_708" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span id="yui_3_15_0_1_1401198609636_707" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span id="yui_3_15_0_1_1401198609636_706" style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="http://www.comequilt.com/shop/Block-of-the-Month-Patterns/Friends-of-Baltimore.htm" target="_blank">Friends of Baltimore</a> by Sue Garman – Complete Block of the Month including Pattern Set background fabric, and all fabric for pieced sashing, borders, cornerstones, and blocks to make 87” x 87” quilt top. Pattern alone retails for $96. <span id="yui_3_15_0_1_1401198609636_709"> </span>Originally purchased for over $600.<span> </span>Sale price $425 –includes shipping in the continental US.</span></span></div>
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Mercy Arrastia Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09234560841577752009noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2422039577334738332.post-69427745402828491672014-05-16T06:02:00.001-07:002014-05-16T06:02:24.772-07:00Exciting TKDAA Update for Hand and Machine Enthusiast<div style="text-align: left;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7CJ5D1FHIQwqtL3tFyt2slSqjeyXjWYcuZK7hjOQuwpg-veoBbDTjqqRb0Tong2GDLjLKSFJMQgK7Li_gVDwJ4oBaWG4AOtYsvLLH2On1y_68PgAxs_C6hNrVFzx3poBcJzULRsmmP60N/s1600/WoolFeathers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7CJ5D1FHIQwqtL3tFyt2slSqjeyXjWYcuZK7hjOQuwpg-veoBbDTjqqRb0Tong2GDLjLKSFJMQgK7Li_gVDwJ4oBaWG4AOtYsvLLH2On1y_68PgAxs_C6hNrVFzx3poBcJzULRsmmP60N/s1600/WoolFeathers.jpg" height="251" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.kathyduniganappliqueacademy.com/freeform-machine-quilted-feathers-one-day-class/" target="_blank">Fanciful Free Form Feathers Class Sample</a></td></tr>
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Preparing this blog I was amazed that it has been almost 4 years since I taught my most popular class - <a href="http://www.kathyduniganappliqueacademy.com/freeform-machine-quilted-feathers-one-day-class/" target="_blank">Fanciful Free Form Feathers</a>. Time flies! Part of the reason is that it takes a lot of planning and the generous backing of a sewing machine company to host a machine class. Well, Kathy was able to pull it off and Bernina will be a sponsor of the <a href="http://www.kathyduniganappliqueacademy.com/" target="_blank">TKDAA event in February 2015</a>. That means that I will be able to offer my one day machine quilting class. This is a wonderful class because it's packed with machine quilting information that applies to more than feathers. And the best part, is that I share all my tips including how to free motion quilt with NO MARKING - including the feather bouquet in the photo above! <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.kathyduniganappliqueacademy.com/25-tropical-portal-mercy-savage-main-class/" target="_blank">Tropical Portal</a></td></tr>
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Kathy has also been hugely successful in pulling in needle artist with differing styles and techniques from very traditional to very cutting edge. Therefore, in an effort to round out the class offerings and give the event participants more choices, I will not be teaching a block class. Instead I will be teaching a project class; <a href="http://www.kathyduniganappliqueacademy.com/25-tropical-portal-mercy-savage-main-class/" target="_blank">Tropical Portal</a>. That means that the kit and class are designed to help you start a complete project - and with the luxury of a three day class you will get a wonderful head start! <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr2Xfk9mki1_8TjuN0Wg_BPqRoQuqtKNYCUYa5nG3dims5IW-GE4_fGreD6WStyWx2Dt57OzFw_yvqI1GzRYTaYWdVyehVXJBO99Le3N_M2uRriJAlMr4jAkUasaavb3tAJUAWfacSu3eN/s1600/HeliconiaCloseup2014.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr2Xfk9mki1_8TjuN0Wg_BPqRoQuqtKNYCUYa5nG3dims5IW-GE4_fGreD6WStyWx2Dt57OzFw_yvqI1GzRYTaYWdVyehVXJBO99Le3N_M2uRriJAlMr4jAkUasaavb3tAJUAWfacSu3eN/s1600/HeliconiaCloseup2014.png" height="320" width="240" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtwpR_2nHmF4Ok4zk55OM5acwepKOU1nLhxqHnJQpEArN05cymHxMStKR_hDo98ke6VNQwbo8PbjnZgWPkay11DuhbG61VL2rxXhRL8sY7i36-afg0NnzsrjpoNAsNMUPI1ClQr1B_S406/s1600/BOPCloseup.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtwpR_2nHmF4Ok4zk55OM5acwepKOU1nLhxqHnJQpEArN05cymHxMStKR_hDo98ke6VNQwbo8PbjnZgWPkay11DuhbG61VL2rxXhRL8sY7i36-afg0NnzsrjpoNAsNMUPI1ClQr1B_S406/s1600/BOPCloseup.png" height="320" width="238" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ZG_UTlQursqzPJtmLDsptcy9os57UYYg-x76NNby3_ULv0xHfCSCOovpL2PDeTRWSSYdW6BgT2fBpk3XJkq-0nu60lHpDnqGV45P4syZsxs-v51rfZyDNeWW6rVbjvbk9w23iDVeoU9I/s1600/SpiderCloseup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ZG_UTlQursqzPJtmLDsptcy9os57UYYg-x76NNby3_ULv0xHfCSCOovpL2PDeTRWSSYdW6BgT2fBpk3XJkq-0nu60lHpDnqGV45P4syZsxs-v51rfZyDNeWW6rVbjvbk9w23iDVeoU9I/s1600/SpiderCloseup.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><br />
You will receive all the materials (except backing, binding, and batting) and instructions to finish the project at home.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tropical Portal in its natural habitat</td></tr>
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As always, my kits will feature mostly hand-dyed fabrics and all the needles, threads, etc. to participate in class. The supply list for both classes has three items or less! </div>
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Yes, it's a change from what I shared earlier and means I will not be able to teach my Basket of Roses or Esperanza Rose block classes. If anyone had their heart set on either blocks, I will have the patterns and fabric kits available at TKDAA event and fabrics will all coordinate beautifully with the Santa Maria - New World Rose block and include the same background fabric. Hopefully, I will have another opportunity in the future to teach the complete New World project. In the meantime, I hope you all like the Tropical Portal project and will consider coming to TDKAA!</div>
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Until next time, <br />
Best stitches from Miami<br />
Mercy<br />
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Mercy Arrastia Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09234560841577752009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2422039577334738332.post-58653570697125927972014-05-15T12:02:00.000-07:002014-05-15T12:02:56.295-07:00Could this really be the Santa Maria Shipwreck?<div style="text-align: left;">
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Could this really be the <a href="http://www.cnet.com/news/could-this-shipwreck-be-christopher-columbus-santa-maria/" target="_blank">Santa Maria Shipwreck?</a> <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Santa Maria On Point in Progress</td></tr>
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How exciting! I have received lots of emails about the news that they may have found the wreck of Columbus' flagship - the Santa Maria because I have stitched two Baltimore-style blocks that feature my interpretation of the Santa Maria.<br />
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I am amazed at how much the ships in the blocks look like the artist renderings and the photos of replicas. There is no mistaking that it's THE Santa Maria in my blocks :)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBrCLKjZLM2Yhs4HkePGhNB7Vu-KXaTrCYUJzFecM35NzD5KQIUHhaqoyIRIU4VU4v-AaqixBhJDr4NfoeUuBaRRtg3PuVVKsVevMaKow8_-pZfs9_89CyZmVvsJefN4xuUnPGC_AA3kub/s1600/IMG_0612.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBrCLKjZLM2Yhs4HkePGhNB7Vu-KXaTrCYUJzFecM35NzD5KQIUHhaqoyIRIU4VU4v-AaqixBhJDr4NfoeUuBaRRtg3PuVVKsVevMaKow8_-pZfs9_89CyZmVvsJefN4xuUnPGC_AA3kub/s1600/IMG_0612.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><br />
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Please click <a href="http://www.cnet.com/news/could-this-shipwreck-be-christopher-columbus-santa-maria/" target="_blank">HERE</a> to read all about the exiting discovery!<br />
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Until next time....<br />
Best stitches from Mercy in rainy, hot, and humid Miami Mercy Arrastia Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09234560841577752009noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2422039577334738332.post-26593083064586392502014-05-12T05:08:00.001-07:002014-05-12T05:12:55.473-07:00Blocks in their Natural Habitat<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waterlily at Fairchild Tropical Garden</td></tr>
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Jim and I spent the morning at <a href="http://www.fairchildgarden.org/" target="_blank">Fairchild Tropical Garden</a>; one of our favorite places to walk, talk, relax and feed our creative souls. This is also where I get inspiration for my Tropical Botanical series of blocks that I have been working on for years. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My interpretation of Waterlilies</td></tr>
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Typically, Jim takes the photos and I take notes on color, texture, design and the rest happens in the studio. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heliconia and my Tropical Portal wall hanging</td></tr>
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Yesterday, Jim had the idea to photograph my blocks in their "natural habitat" to see how the fabric version compared to the natural version. Of course, everything pales in comparison to God's creations.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghmLsml-PqfImR6vAork7ZJJA0yxDfpkvRj7FGOkhuve6AOwNiFRF5ljmUAe_ZRTY_ns83MlCf6c5uLBLHyPpqeXve6uGTMN757csH7GqIMphq2m_KNE85XLD3Ju0wNls6ThEXejEG8Zn3/s1600/Jacaranda.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghmLsml-PqfImR6vAork7ZJJA0yxDfpkvRj7FGOkhuve6AOwNiFRF5ljmUAe_ZRTY_ns83MlCf6c5uLBLHyPpqeXve6uGTMN757csH7GqIMphq2m_KNE85XLD3Ju0wNls6ThEXejEG8Zn3/s1600/Jacaranda.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jacaranda</td></tr>
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I was however, very pleasantly surprised at how I was able to capture the tone, mood, and color of the tropics. And now that I have our own hand-dyed fabrics to work with I am so excited to start the next batch of blocks.<br />
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Until next time,<br />
Best stitches from Mercy and Jim in MiamiMercy Arrastia Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09234560841577752009noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2422039577334738332.post-77718694528749239262014-04-20T09:40:00.001-07:002014-04-20T09:40:54.977-07:00The Perfect Fabric<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbIxgPiYkPbsbOoqlUQyjZy2VrW8Rybn-BlC6Z0mCkTyiv8Z6q29xaAT4psSExQVrZ9rUbsyO4eD8CeT30jH6vk7pds1XZf-7Y5YKynSTH0EcaJZHVeXQO99PAHvKdOd-7FRsbmXu9FSck/s1600/RoseInspirationCover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbIxgPiYkPbsbOoqlUQyjZy2VrW8Rybn-BlC6Z0mCkTyiv8Z6q29xaAT4psSExQVrZ9rUbsyO4eD8CeT30jH6vk7pds1XZf-7Y5YKynSTH0EcaJZHVeXQO99PAHvKdOd-7FRsbmXu9FSck/s1600/RoseInspirationCover.jpg" height="400" width="340" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Color Inspiration</td></tr>
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There is a saying in Spanish "Para los gustos se hicieron los colores." It loosely translates to "Colors were invented to satisfy different tastes." Well, I love color; all colors. In fact, I am hard pressed to name a favorite color. So, you would think that with all the fabric choices quilters have today, I could just select something off the bolt and be happy. Wrong! Maybe it's the curse of a creative soul. Regardless, I feel the need to create the perfect fabric - not just color - but also weight and weave. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCJY-_SycBp0Ru0MQRMOwsykikgbXGKQ_liFXDgt5vSHZJgA-smyELi5XDOGNyJ21IStAQuM8gw4jIQGPcLO_oPMq4X6xiqYAJkdcRZNnhElFUbPHRUJOMObbgAcJpsfD8P3bubvPPU6bJ/s1600/ShadyTreeHandDyes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCJY-_SycBp0Ru0MQRMOwsykikgbXGKQ_liFXDgt5vSHZJgA-smyELi5XDOGNyJ21IStAQuM8gw4jIQGPcLO_oPMq4X6xiqYAJkdcRZNnhElFUbPHRUJOMObbgAcJpsfD8P3bubvPPU6bJ/s1600/ShadyTreeHandDyes.jpg" height="400" width="286" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Home of Shady Tree Hand Dyed Fabrics</td></tr>
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This is the first time I am dyeing fabric on a larger scale because I need enough fabric to make several dozen kits for <a href="http://www.hilton.com/en/hi/groups/personalized/D/DALRWHF-TKDAAC-20150202/index.jhtml#reservation" target="_blank">The Kathy Dunigan Academy of Applique (February 3-8, 2015 - click on this link for info)</a>. Fortunately, we have a huge avocado tree in the backyard that not only produces excellent fruit, but also provides a large shady area for us to work. <br />
<br />
Yes, us! I had to rope Jim into helping me because fabric dyeing is a ton a work and definitely a labor of love. Well, wouldn't you know it - Jim fell in love with the fabric dyeing process!! I pick the colors/formulas and the weight/weave and he does all the work. The first couple of dyeing sessions were so successful that Shady Tree Hand Dyes was born. Right now, I have Jim busy creating the fabrics and embellishments I need for the TKDAA kits. However, he is planning to continue to produce fabrics and ribbon and add colors and make them available for purchase. Stay tuned for more info as it becomes available. <br />
<br />
Best stitches,<br />
<br />
Mercy in sunny Miami sitting under the Shady Tree<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGoy279CdqiiTsAKaaLPGs_WcLOMSYDx6Kw22SLz9jKRfscOjxtEH09q5qzGEODc25LWnZmKMea1VKNgRazIF5JTrrjJ7WrW4tp5eUd67ZZ1aMKFrnO_ekM-tZrzl6z5BuxKP7wr48Hun6/s1600/Batch1Range.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGoy279CdqiiTsAKaaLPGs_WcLOMSYDx6Kw22SLz9jKRfscOjxtEH09q5qzGEODc25LWnZmKMea1VKNgRazIF5JTrrjJ7WrW4tp5eUd67ZZ1aMKFrnO_ekM-tZrzl6z5BuxKP7wr48Hun6/s1600/Batch1Range.jpg" height="640" width="344" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First Batch for TKDAA kits</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz4rgOf8m5oADEzoUUQt59NsLvoptfqbSVZcFDjjYlWIMmuB3zAfKMl5h1gS7_4tPT2dbF9v1pyimX7iVThNZcg8iaQw2gsCConkhzgiuAHxr2LxouFh2N8r6_dsQwjDUf12zJlJ32_KaD/s1600/photo+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz4rgOf8m5oADEzoUUQt59NsLvoptfqbSVZcFDjjYlWIMmuB3zAfKMl5h1gS7_4tPT2dbF9v1pyimX7iVThNZcg8iaQw2gsCConkhzgiuAHxr2LxouFh2N8r6_dsQwjDUf12zJlJ32_KaD/s1600/photo+1.jpg" height="258" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yellows</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0W7ydsa2aBv2hIsow83cv1SetHz9ZFAYkMOalhKjgi9nFpABapRCnGVMylOWIFAraTDnHzdACzfdLZjyhPvLsWVJTacR4w0s9iD1kN_xnJzin4UF5hARtQezk7PhWmxzjQW79nG06-784/s1600/BatchSelection.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0W7ydsa2aBv2hIsow83cv1SetHz9ZFAYkMOalhKjgi9nFpABapRCnGVMylOWIFAraTDnHzdACzfdLZjyhPvLsWVJTacR4w0s9iD1kN_xnJzin4UF5hARtQezk7PhWmxzjQW79nG06-784/s1600/BatchSelection.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Purples, Peaches, Neutrals</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table 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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk80H1OMu1Vh4GpTwkgnta6MDdkIJutfhY2-HQXZpaOWyBm8RBqaklLdqVd3gvnZ2q58UT0nOyGIU2UC-lQ9esxDjGplqV8k8mbmErvvDLB7ljhhiG_hacZ_CQVYW1bZIEcoH-uXmjNasF/s1600/RedBatchFabric.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk80H1OMu1Vh4GpTwkgnta6MDdkIJutfhY2-HQXZpaOWyBm8RBqaklLdqVd3gvnZ2q58UT0nOyGIU2UC-lQ9esxDjGplqV8k8mbmErvvDLB7ljhhiG_hacZ_CQVYW1bZIEcoH-uXmjNasF/s1600/RedBatchFabric.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pinks</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiHWCC5giORuuflxayxGEbYqHDqgMmw9lVT1ARlChdtzdVn_A3rojm3WDn9lk_rmz3vj2EIblvVZ796DjItrDyGnT39dtdwGOmVv14M8G_gTi5RdhSnxsxDJ0NE8JhEYrnIsTV-tmFSQzM/s1600/Batch2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiHWCC5giORuuflxayxGEbYqHDqgMmw9lVT1ARlChdtzdVn_A3rojm3WDn9lk_rmz3vj2EIblvVZ796DjItrDyGnT39dtdwGOmVv14M8G_gTi5RdhSnxsxDJ0NE8JhEYrnIsTV-tmFSQzM/s1600/Batch2.jpg" height="400" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Various Cottons</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuVvOSsbfccjQx03NZmDoj2Ojq83D4ATFhKEZiWwM07TQRL6c90l8oHoLYznmHXuE3aDMrIOPPT2qfPCuik6PX4DMrnGFE3hvMeLUaroh9vjutBcsjT7GKW58BPRkQUy11ohDGpGbmxkIz/s1600/Ribbons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuVvOSsbfccjQx03NZmDoj2Ojq83D4ATFhKEZiWwM07TQRL6c90l8oHoLYznmHXuE3aDMrIOPPT2qfPCuik6PX4DMrnGFE3hvMeLUaroh9vjutBcsjT7GKW58BPRkQUy11ohDGpGbmxkIz/s1600/Ribbons.jpg" height="360" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Silk Ribbons and Cording</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2LkUvSNSdVg9WAqvauvsisklr8-Ngd7DvuujdpMeCb-wts5D5HEzAowrdig-HTqyFb1XWRtzNws8Kt6r2UJAQ1Gtetge53xymixV2U52y2x_6plVuDRA9Cww-hLApVhJl2d_vUM9TpeS4/s1600/RoseInspiration.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2LkUvSNSdVg9WAqvauvsisklr8-Ngd7DvuujdpMeCb-wts5D5HEzAowrdig-HTqyFb1XWRtzNws8Kt6r2UJAQ1Gtetge53xymixV2U52y2x_6plVuDRA9Cww-hLApVhJl2d_vUM9TpeS4/s1600/RoseInspiration.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">High Candy Roses</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Mercy Arrastia Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09234560841577752009noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2422039577334738332.post-28553244504445308312014-04-07T09:25:00.002-07:002014-04-07T09:25:25.923-07:00The Big Surprise!<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6MpyvFbvMdyaQekQ7EIRkvxdlebcjeQkmosRk5ZgUQ4RHJY7a27YNHjmFJa98MPktaLBgO3zbWbqaFWwvqpGv3LNGaLiezb03cRgudhxBfgLvaF2wOhQ0Lk2-xQ557dnF_FJQO5eKC7mt/s1600/IMG_0612.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6MpyvFbvMdyaQekQ7EIRkvxdlebcjeQkmosRk5ZgUQ4RHJY7a27YNHjmFJa98MPktaLBgO3zbWbqaFWwvqpGv3LNGaLiezb03cRgudhxBfgLvaF2wOhQ0Lk2-xQ557dnF_FJQO5eKC7mt/s1600/IMG_0612.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I
received lots of guesses and they would have all been wonderful if true.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sadly, they were all incorrect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here is the surprise….<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A
very talented needle artist, Kathy Dunigan, is launching a brand new quilting
event geared to the applique enthusiast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The Kathy Dunigan Applique Academy (TKDAA) will kick off February 3
through February 8, 2015 with 10 applique teachers!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The event will be hosted in the Dallas, Texas
area at the </span><a href="http://www2.reservationcounter.com/hotels/show/262080/hilton-dallas-rockwall-lakefront/?TID=s9CFHExHt_dc%7Cpcrid%7C39664917679&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=%2Bhilton%20%2Brockwall%20%2Btexas&utm_campaign=Hilton%20-%20Hilton&mm_campaign=61e23501c3a7666376c173fa44c75e69&keyword=%2Bhilton%20%2Brockwall%20%2Btexas&hotelid=262080" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hilton</span></a></span><span style="color: #373737; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><a href="http://www2.reservationcounter.com/hotels/show/262080/hilton-dallas-rockwall-lakefront/?TID=s9CFHExHt_dc%7Cpcrid%7C39664917679&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=%2Bhilton%20%2Brockwall%20%2Btexas&utm_campaign=Hilton%20-%20Hilton&mm_campaign=61e23501c3a7666376c173fa44c75e69&keyword=%2Bhilton%20%2Brockwall%20%2Btexas&hotelid=262080" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></a><span lang="EN"><a href="http://www2.reservationcounter.com/hotels/show/262080/hilton-dallas-rockwall-lakefront/?TID=s9CFHExHt_dc%7Cpcrid%7C39664917679&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=%2Bhilton%20%2Brockwall%20%2Btexas&utm_campaign=Hilton%20-%20Hilton&mm_campaign=61e23501c3a7666376c173fa44c75e69&keyword=%2Bhilton%20%2Brockwall%20%2Btexas&hotelid=262080" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dallas/Rockwall Lakefront hoteland conference center</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So far, the venue
and arrangements are spectacular and it promises to be a world class event.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #373737; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span lang="EN"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As all things Texan, I just know it will be a
big, welcoming, friendly event!<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ742s_DASPS3psv6v43kCIB3Vxlzrj90YvoWw7FHsAFoG9mpIq4CQT0z4u3Y-2wIrR1uHGjsKWoWTYOroaS4ww5jHlV8eDgjS7azqVbrI0VGEidxYdpvbcRuzIPA1xysHqofBYZUpwBzg/s1600/EsperanzaRoseBlock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ742s_DASPS3psv6v43kCIB3Vxlzrj90YvoWw7FHsAFoG9mpIq4CQT0z4u3Y-2wIrR1uHGjsKWoWTYOroaS4ww5jHlV8eDgjS7azqVbrI0VGEidxYdpvbcRuzIPA1xysHqofBYZUpwBzg/s1600/EsperanzaRoseBlock.jpg" height="365" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Main Conference Class - Botanical Rose Study - The Esperanza Rose</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #373737; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">I<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> will be teaching a one day class on Tuesday
February 3 (Basket of Roses) and a three day class Thursday, February 5 –
Saturday, February 7 (Botanical Rose Study).</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span>
</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyDQSZ-BpQVK6X7J3z7XYhl993Z8i7cWw2b8NSmkmvZwDXrZxRl_9EHFswKSnFnsLPzYRQtaLaO8rctrJrYqxAnYpjNyj2YFhxuskKsev-dT_26_PlQcYOnLYOQ6hpggSJ_5xOstGCi_Oh/s1600/IMG_0752.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyDQSZ-BpQVK6X7J3z7XYhl993Z8i7cWw2b8NSmkmvZwDXrZxRl_9EHFswKSnFnsLPzYRQtaLaO8rctrJrYqxAnYpjNyj2YFhxuskKsev-dT_26_PlQcYOnLYOQ6hpggSJ_5xOstGCi_Oh/s1600/IMG_0752.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tile of Antique Block<br />
Basis for Botanical<br />
Rose Study Block</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Both projects continue the New
World Rose series I began with The Santa Maria block that I taught at TESAA in
February and the kits will include the same background fabric for anyone
wishing to work on the entire project from the beginning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will also have additional Santa Maria kits
and patterns for anyone that was not able to attend TESAA or missed out on the
initial kit.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGRjorRL4MkHz5htQxfAurgZinaqK-rafjIm2NRbWSvx8uYOdW3cc6ip8Swa2eCrqxBJfuY_MeCAIp_PU6z0XE3nE_Zudet_X5CrcL5PRfFBqgWquxkTMIws3KLNmj7sGUtx54w8xWrCY0/s1600/IMG_0728.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGRjorRL4MkHz5htQxfAurgZinaqK-rafjIm2NRbWSvx8uYOdW3cc6ip8Swa2eCrqxBJfuY_MeCAIp_PU6z0XE3nE_Zudet_X5CrcL5PRfFBqgWquxkTMIws3KLNmj7sGUtx54w8xWrCY0/s1600/IMG_0728.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One Day Class will<br />
be based on this Eggelston block<br />
Basket of Roses</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #373737; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For those of you that have not heard, Elly
decided to close </span><a href="http://www.ellysienkiewicz.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">TESAA</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, it is
with her blessing that TKDAA is opening her doors and Elly will be in attendance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A wonderful tribute to Elly is in the
planning stages.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m sure there won’t be
a dry eye in the house.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #373737; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I will let everyone know as soon as Kathy has the
website up and running.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the moment, I
believe she is planning on opening registration in June. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #373737; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Until next time, </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #373737; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Best stitches!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #373737; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mercy in very HOT Miami</span></span></div>
</span><br />
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Mercy Arrastia Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09234560841577752009noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2422039577334738332.post-75762385293466231452014-04-03T04:47:00.001-07:002014-04-03T04:47:25.813-07:00Waste Knot Want Knot<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFyLFbHP2jEcIevsTJgpLo1H4ZHmcnPlMj9hajQWLpjhMzk0q2me5B6cBhQ_jCfXr12xkjkFAaAK2HubAubflV-b0n_v42_POfTdy__HLscja5iUhvoybRa3KJClUNp08RbdwKlgLlvW1j/s1600/Block3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFyLFbHP2jEcIevsTJgpLo1H4ZHmcnPlMj9hajQWLpjhMzk0q2me5B6cBhQ_jCfXr12xkjkFAaAK2HubAubflV-b0n_v42_POfTdy__HLscja5iUhvoybRa3KJClUNp08RbdwKlgLlvW1j/s1600/Block3.jpg" height="400" width="386" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Progress on my reproduction of this <a href="http://www.colonialwilliamsburg.com/do/art-museums/rockefeller-museum/quilts-in-baltimore/" target="_blank">block </a>continues <br />
and a HUGE surprise is in the works. More<br />
info coming soon!! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I was happily stitching on my<a href="http://cindyblackberg.com/2014-mystery-quilt/" target="_blank"> Mystery in the Smokies</a> project
in the lunch room the other day when a fellow needle art enthusiast asked me
how I start and stop my embroidery so that I do not have knots on my
background.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I demonstrated for her I
stopped to snap a few photos so that I could share with all of you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsfznqw4YqTaPOou1XBgkyPjHUKAVprs6ReWU0FQUUjHIvZHJqJx-M7VRnBjHTxshdh_2xrCQbH3YeVND0vEQMb0MOgc6wPG7cK2-AONT0wjhiFGegAfvEpSqMUYHvIJLz4AiuCYlvUba2/s1600/IMG_1001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsfznqw4YqTaPOou1XBgkyPjHUKAVprs6ReWU0FQUUjHIvZHJqJx-M7VRnBjHTxshdh_2xrCQbH3YeVND0vEQMb0MOgc6wPG7cK2-AONT0wjhiFGegAfvEpSqMUYHvIJLz4AiuCYlvUba2/s1600/IMG_1001.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Knot end of embroidery thread</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">To Begin:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I make a
quilter’s knot in the end of a 9 inch length of embroidery floss.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<table 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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtKVpCh5DwOBoZmn1Ekx12okAKEMZAXGwaT8vNvBRtFqlVDL_cHuCyfzJSuS2ivym076927bxscznmz71JEyq-WBhBHucskMHkFVy7YTzxT_UsBcXco9R5XW5sberGjyFG8lHYtmdkxtMT/s1600/IMG_1005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtKVpCh5DwOBoZmn1Ekx12okAKEMZAXGwaT8vNvBRtFqlVDL_cHuCyfzJSuS2ivym076927bxscznmz71JEyq-WBhBHucskMHkFVy7YTzxT_UsBcXco9R5XW5sberGjyFG8lHYtmdkxtMT/s1600/IMG_1005.JPG" height="291" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leave Waste Knot about 3/4" in front of where you wish to start</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
I then enter the fabric from the top, about
one half to three quarters of an inch ahead of where I want to begin to
embroider.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This knot on the top is
referred to as a waster knot.</div>
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> I then come up exactly where I wish the embroidery to
begin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKY3DLEo058NLz8VxrQFhm1QM8r2beHnMnIDUCIczFdrkj6JSomLxwJYL1vXvxLy8EC8KYGS-AQT8ElrAmOvpEKcYVZpPqxc5QPk4WEE58n5kv0-cTECxNtKuft21VXjsv9nR40kq3de5q/s1600/IMG_1008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKY3DLEo058NLz8VxrQFhm1QM8r2beHnMnIDUCIczFdrkj6JSomLxwJYL1vXvxLy8EC8KYGS-AQT8ElrAmOvpEKcYVZpPqxc5QPk4WEE58n5kv0-cTECxNtKuft21VXjsv9nR40kq3de5q/s1600/IMG_1008.JPG" height="182" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Embroider as usual</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I begin to stitch towards the
knot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkFxq_gIBuCSUM4ZOJiEXcTk9tSe3Ee4sSuAab6D2iXI1dcicpdTK_ZPok2SnEtQbmoSvDr2B09kfMjYG_a-IdR4WYD3Liaekg0-n0sEgxXx9aC7hjh8EVwBxgXlZYrIvMT7cfXXQVc5-1/s1600/IMG_1007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkFxq_gIBuCSUM4ZOJiEXcTk9tSe3Ee4sSuAab6D2iXI1dcicpdTK_ZPok2SnEtQbmoSvDr2B09kfMjYG_a-IdR4WYD3Liaekg0-n0sEgxXx9aC7hjh8EVwBxgXlZYrIvMT7cfXXQVc5-1/s1600/IMG_1007.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Catch the underneath thread with each stitch</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
In this case I am embroidering a
stem stitch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each time I travel behind
the fabric to form a stitch I make sure to stitch through the length of thread
on the back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will make several
stitches as I get closer to the knot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>With each stitch I catch a piece of the back thread.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO6NCy9fCTe81ao1Kss7gZ8Q4U1pl9shtTcQYgo3JuiD_3_vrG4Mn_T0MluboOsYG1tyQJN9_V3Yx7onJA7TUS5f8pf20HZZK1lP2-1e-tPXvlPnd5yXu2Ztx_mgSB_RuhkwKccE6APWTa/s1600/IMG_1011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO6NCy9fCTe81ao1Kss7gZ8Q4U1pl9shtTcQYgo3JuiD_3_vrG4Mn_T0MluboOsYG1tyQJN9_V3Yx7onJA7TUS5f8pf20HZZK1lP2-1e-tPXvlPnd5yXu2Ztx_mgSB_RuhkwKccE6APWTa/s1600/IMG_1011.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snip waste knot</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">When I am one stitch away, I will snip the knot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I then continue to embroider.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPIo5Oc5gckixJFuWmFdpvIBoo4JYmW0ii7sp0q2uijXC-jZcK_46MfSuIK1s6s2xkmj3YRMEQ_LlQcv_ynlef9n9DTEOwyBWmUZimygSX4YbJ_crp-Dx2Z_nqjkDo6irlAyV4NoSbLH_K/s1600/IMG_1020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPIo5Oc5gckixJFuWmFdpvIBoo4JYmW0ii7sp0q2uijXC-jZcK_46MfSuIK1s6s2xkmj3YRMEQ_LlQcv_ynlef9n9DTEOwyBWmUZimygSX4YbJ_crp-Dx2Z_nqjkDo6irlAyV4NoSbLH_K/s1600/IMG_1020.JPG" height="261" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Neatness counts!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The front AND the back are both nice and neat and the
beginning thread tail is secure.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In this particular project I am embroidering with a very
dark fiber on a very light background.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Any knots or stray threads that migrate on the back will shadow through
and be very visible on the front; especially when the top is sandwiched with
white batting behind it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Neatness always
counts and in this case, more than ever!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tune it next time to to hear all about a huge surprise that is in the making - very exciting news!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Best stitches,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mercy in Miami</span></div>
</div>
Mercy Arrastia Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09234560841577752009noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2422039577334738332.post-67866192924817194122014-03-28T05:44:00.000-07:002014-03-28T05:44:37.681-07:00My (Quilt) Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys<a href="http://www.babybedding.com/little-cow Little%20Cowpokes%20Fabric%20%7C%20Discount%20Cowboy%20Scenes%20Fabric%20%7C%20Carousel%20Designs" target="_blank"> </a><br />
<a href="http://www.babybedding.com/little-cow Little%20Cowpokes%20Fabric%20%7C%20Discount%20Cowboy%20Scenes%20Fabric%20%7C%20Carousel%20Designs" target="_blank"></a><br />
<a href="http://www.babybedding.com/little-cow Little%20Cowpokes%20Fabric%20%7C%20Discount%20Cowboy%20Scenes%20Fabric%20%7C%20Carousel%20Designs" target="_blank"><table 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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5MZ_4AF4DzlKijr9-Jjl9TdBEou9Gf1dn5IRBR0rObWNy_-geGzBeqyYAkvlCMY3ynYdkPs_RPJ1am8WEF0n8PsmjBynLb4Z0SklRgkSM0yHB0YNksS-C-d-0ObcyII3No6ZL1L0vZd4n/s1600/little-cowpokes-fabric_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5MZ_4AF4DzlKijr9-Jjl9TdBEou9Gf1dn5IRBR0rObWNy_-geGzBeqyYAkvlCMY3ynYdkPs_RPJ1am8WEF0n8PsmjBynLb4Z0SklRgkSM0yHB0YNksS-C-d-0ObcyII3No6ZL1L0vZd4n/s1600/little-cowpokes-fabric_large.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.babybedding.com/little-cowpokes-fabric#.UzBD2p0hN90.blogger">Little Cowpokes Fabric | Discount Cowboy Scenes Fabric | Carousel Designs</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</a>I have always been in love with the romantic legend of the cowboy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, this love affair only extends to the
singing and Saturday afternoon matinée version of the cowpoke; and their spirit
of independence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My favorite definition
is number three in the Merriam-Webster dictionary “someone who does things that
other people consider foolish and dangerous.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Based on this description, I am a cowboy quilter!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Furthermore, my quilt heroes are also
cowboys!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD4onUDt9LIjaJKGCWgLHmdr-jGESeMG6AwaFOVDbM7rbGTHYvz4KuGPASn2haTRupNIguCLrUKi91bTGrFEIeDSGetdZC0bS29OsVoBsi-A5AEWHQasy7ZKFV1EYkMOHUfCFSjEvXB2k2/s1600/IMG_0610.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD4onUDt9LIjaJKGCWgLHmdr-jGESeMG6AwaFOVDbM7rbGTHYvz4KuGPASn2haTRupNIguCLrUKi91bTGrFEIeDSGetdZC0bS29OsVoBsi-A5AEWHQasy7ZKFV1EYkMOHUfCFSjEvXB2k2/s1600/IMG_0610.JPG" height="200" width="190" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfR9bdYA6IXRgi962C3Z59W3xB14o5a4Y4zAaSfrNbx-06brtQS4F2qCnUNESkbgz5jMp36UPr0qqyARytcMNmMXl-jtFCvE7Dobris0zck0H1gIU-puluA8ZBzkO13MndK2WGrQsmPm3w/s1600/IMG_0609.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfR9bdYA6IXRgi962C3Z59W3xB14o5a4Y4zAaSfrNbx-06brtQS4F2qCnUNESkbgz5jMp36UPr0qqyARytcMNmMXl-jtFCvE7Dobris0zck0H1gIU-puluA8ZBzkO13MndK2WGrQsmPm3w/s1600/IMG_0609.JPG" height="200" width="155" /></a>I hand applique!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hand
embroider!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hand piece!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, I proudly machine quilt!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I quilt because fabric is my artist
medium.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The needle, whether guided by my
hand or my sewing machine, is my brushwork.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In painter’s terms, hand applique and hand piecing is my underpainting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hand embroidery is my glazing and opaque
touches.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hand quilting is the line
drawing, the gesture, and the sculptural element of the brushstrokes.<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHeBeTeZ8jb2qQ4B3iAYlAGljQUnRjFmChiPqpdU9I8aCQRP5T613X8xKlkcXWbEmD_wlMydPCF7gSlzbci1QbGbPHlnfo41LtqRD1E9p4CciNfOnN7gzx1Md7fzMCwEloim-pxo-en0qW/s1600/KN2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHeBeTeZ8jb2qQ4B3iAYlAGljQUnRjFmChiPqpdU9I8aCQRP5T613X8xKlkcXWbEmD_wlMydPCF7gSlzbci1QbGbPHlnfo41LtqRD1E9p4CciNfOnN7gzx1Md7fzMCwEloim-pxo-en0qW/s1600/KN2.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIuK7rwq0YXpihaUohXOBJTLUpompZpSnBq4OzZ3F_K8Ipe2zUyv6lJgK0a_5nId-ZIWgaPWj_zOfCS_tx6JnMKEmQ59Iz1ZIerZX-2HD-tP_ddmbDl9OYpP5OAZKJj7iANdxWjjW7TqYd/s1600/LeMoyneStars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIuK7rwq0YXpihaUohXOBJTLUpompZpSnBq4OzZ3F_K8Ipe2zUyv6lJgK0a_5nId-ZIWgaPWj_zOfCS_tx6JnMKEmQ59Iz1ZIerZX-2HD-tP_ddmbDl9OYpP5OAZKJj7iANdxWjjW7TqYd/s1600/LeMoyneStars.jpg" height="200" width="196" /></a>Just as painters apprentice by studying the masters, I too apprentice by
studying the quilt masters and encourage all of you to do the same.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I mention my heroes frequently in my blogs
and if you notice the areas just to the left and right of this page you will
see many, many links to my heroes' blogs and websites.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I frequently browse their sites for education
and inspiration.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg96_0crIYOlHMth64RL6zSZdO6ajzdAGpgRpEnt9wDu4Th5bOuumiooXJUvU_Y3s30N6NSpHjBKVFB68zfypUiwrudMl7H5Yt9a2d67-7UrYrEdBvs2X8N-MUtFOZ-fryzFUH5QMztwfj/s1600/IMG_0987.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg96_0crIYOlHMth64RL6zSZdO6ajzdAGpgRpEnt9wDu4Th5bOuumiooXJUvU_Y3s30N6NSpHjBKVFB68zfypUiwrudMl7H5Yt9a2d67-7UrYrEdBvs2X8N-MUtFOZ-fryzFUH5QMztwfj/s1600/IMG_0987.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgevQJT67TGqfCrd0IzTdf5TXFIqzPVGfdGkDeTV3xhYZoyxvAVq7nFRjH1Sgc1bugdfL7vrC-dPNCbh5cqJoVCzt_fLT5R9Nnl9c0ZKcCmO2rVFVOHTQ4GjTB8ApZUFHem_nbmdeXka_8E/s1600/IMG_0965.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgevQJT67TGqfCrd0IzTdf5TXFIqzPVGfdGkDeTV3xhYZoyxvAVq7nFRjH1Sgc1bugdfL7vrC-dPNCbh5cqJoVCzt_fLT5R9Nnl9c0ZKcCmO2rVFVOHTQ4GjTB8ApZUFHem_nbmdeXka_8E/s1600/IMG_0965.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a>Today’s tip is an oldie but a goodie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I always have a hand project packed and ready to go when a road trip
presents itself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In this case, it’s the
<a href="http://cindyblackberg.com/2014-mystery-quilt/" target="_blank">Mystery in the Smokies by Cindy Blackberg</a>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I am still working on the first installment that requires embroidery
with three separate balls of 12 wt pearl cotton.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The way I keep everything neat and keep the
thread from tangling is by placing the three balls in a ziplock bag.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I then thread each ball, one at a time and
pull the thread out through the side of the plastic bag leaving a tail
hanging.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every time I need a color just
pull the tail and clip off what I need.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Sweet!<o:p></o:p><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipcNcKRaVLUnJh2V_-6YxwEr7NjDqbcv7CIvzBuVlOfCv6JXyZiQKcCan5umgAOM-t1uTqZewXOYKyVPJ9t86Cwlz-fq7w3TWIB09oj3BYfMz5Ee-emQ_usW4VBR61fWvb3R_khQ6pvIyZ/s1600/IMG_0971.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipcNcKRaVLUnJh2V_-6YxwEr7NjDqbcv7CIvzBuVlOfCv6JXyZiQKcCan5umgAOM-t1uTqZewXOYKyVPJ9t86Cwlz-fq7w3TWIB09oj3BYfMz5Ee-emQ_usW4VBR61fWvb3R_khQ6pvIyZ/s1600/IMG_0971.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
Until next time…<o:p></o:p><br />
Best stitches,<br />
<br />
Mercy in Miami where the avacado tree is STILL producing :)Mercy Arrastia Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09234560841577752009noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2422039577334738332.post-5430490521672705302014-03-24T06:31:00.001-07:002014-03-24T06:31:17.419-07:00BAS and the Peahen Block from Captain Aust Quilt Top<table 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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlynfsHQx2LzHGAvXdtm80_HEmmBTeqK50MeQFDNZnBN3l7jaErgIBQE9XMEKvtPgME4cngin3DIz_KFTY4MDCzdYwz_YeHgSJvddqn-8T7RgqFjjB4sP8FTGqD2MZIGEORW9zpL086yX4/s1600/IMG_0997.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlynfsHQx2LzHGAvXdtm80_HEmmBTeqK50MeQFDNZnBN3l7jaErgIBQE9XMEKvtPgME4cngin3DIz_KFTY4MDCzdYwz_YeHgSJvddqn-8T7RgqFjjB4sP8FTGqD2MZIGEORW9zpL086yX4/s1600/IMG_0997.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peahen block from Captian Aust Quilt Top in progress</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">
Happy Spring dear blog readers! <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
For those following my musings, you may be aware that one of my favorite
applique styles is the fancy style exemplified by the Baltimore Applique
Quilts. There is a terrific organization, the <a href="http://www.baltimoreapplique.com/history.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Baltimore
Applique Society</span></a>, which is dedicated to the preservation of quilts, many in
my beloved style, and the promotion of the art of applique. From their website
"The Baltimore Appliqué Society (BAS) was formed in 1993 with the mission
to preserve antique quilts and promote the art of applique. Since our
inception, BAS has supported the preservation of quilts, textiles, and related
documents in museum and historical society collections, such as the Maryland
Historical Society (MdHS), the DAR Museum, the Quilters Hall of Fame, the
Lovely Lane Museum, and the Baltimore Museum of Art. That support includes
financial contributions, quilts made as fundraisers, reproduction patterns, and
hands-on conservation work." <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
This fall, BAS, is holding an online auction of wall hangings made by
members to raise funds to continue the work of documenting and preserving the
quilt collection of the MdHS. I am stitching and will be donating a wall hanging featuring the <a href="http://www.baltimoreapplique.com/aust.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Peahen Block
from the Captain Aust Quilt Top</span></a> pattern drafted by BAS members Margo
Cramer, Eleanor Layman and Marylou McDonald. As the date of the auction
approaches, I will provide more details.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4vkuCkJqPcqn662chp6uyc2RbooUcFpDTeo62EmcaPiT7kg_2eMLhzxs7uBE3rNhMQG3fq3G0uAHSfj1ANF-ylMCXhx4pthSoaj3ak443gPswEzqlrGKmzo6FUx0129UrLcvxqFrQQTsO/s1600/IMG_0979.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4vkuCkJqPcqn662chp6uyc2RbooUcFpDTeo62EmcaPiT7kg_2eMLhzxs7uBE3rNhMQG3fq3G0uAHSfj1ANF-ylMCXhx4pthSoaj3ak443gPswEzqlrGKmzo6FUx0129UrLcvxqFrQQTsO/s1600/IMG_0979.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I use a seam ripper to slit top fabric</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table 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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8De9Y4AtBw02w4V-9YlW2lo05a-UjnVViFMOu2_hNNrf3QWt76v9eXptXIpRCiH7BvOWafn8sJW2OCW6EzLOgRu3d13tC2Ufcq08GBdU4rqCTvKRhahaDf_AZ4iAzfwCsGXgg4ga6vgSl/s1600/IMG_0977.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8De9Y4AtBw02w4V-9YlW2lo05a-UjnVViFMOu2_hNNrf3QWt76v9eXptXIpRCiH7BvOWafn8sJW2OCW6EzLOgRu3d13tC2Ufcq08GBdU4rqCTvKRhahaDf_AZ4iAzfwCsGXgg4ga6vgSl/s1600/IMG_0977.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eye will be reverse appliqued</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In the meantime, I wanted to share progress on the block and demonstrate a
favorite tip. Notice that the opening where Peahen's eye will appear is reverse
appliqued. I like to use a seam ripper to make a slit in the top fabric. This
does not guarantee you will not slice through the underneath fabric, but if you
are careful, its way less scary!<o:p></o:p><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4j6TlA1kI-8I3pu1t5F2-RnbZTEUmWvRdzul9A0TLc4Gd9vt7zL_4UmoN2CDwlvcoBXe4fkdJCfRH510SyYsuZaSHLk8lno6ZLYT4QjZONjT_nOiS24NKYZ4l7OO_qqoIzNIfz0BwZrn-/s1600/IMG_0985.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4j6TlA1kI-8I3pu1t5F2-RnbZTEUmWvRdzul9A0TLc4Gd9vt7zL_4UmoN2CDwlvcoBXe4fkdJCfRH510SyYsuZaSHLk8lno6ZLYT4QjZONjT_nOiS24NKYZ4l7OO_qqoIzNIfz0BwZrn-/s1600/IMG_0985.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The peahen comes to life with just a few embroidery stitches<br />
in 50wt sewing thread</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table 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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzL7wk8z_aPfMMmocprPBsXcyJinYnX6b7SyEMfdcnAW4d4tKgWCPvaMzS0WyXfB4lrBjdJPFD_f68SPzvs7ZMSX8nGhGyhkMzGvDUyRrIrNuP-gP95REsmF84qBF8DcnAArwjjaUY-T9m/s1600/IMG_0980.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzL7wk8z_aPfMMmocprPBsXcyJinYnX6b7SyEMfdcnAW4d4tKgWCPvaMzS0WyXfB4lrBjdJPFD_f68SPzvs7ZMSX8nGhGyhkMzGvDUyRrIrNuP-gP95REsmF84qBF8DcnAArwjjaUY-T9m/s1600/IMG_0980.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The eye is lifeless <br />
without embroidery</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Notice the embroidery details in the eye and how it brings the entire hen to
life. This is a wonderful technique I learned from an incredibly talented
needle artist, <a href="http://sandraleichner.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Sandra
Leichner</span></a>. If you are not familiar with her work, please take a minute to
check out her site. If you are like me, after one look at her work, you will be
so inspired your work will never be the same again! <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh08meFAYoi3d9WD1p70fmClfo37UzXDIhhUxhRWU2gj6ETaFAAVc07EUnl39xqFUJmP_HzeY_IQSeTuKM41fdkAT4c5Y5QN0vUfdAsIWuat-nRp8GOhN3Gh2fuV1chiwHCP_RNXtQ-3U_g/s1600/IMG_0992.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh08meFAYoi3d9WD1p70fmClfo37UzXDIhhUxhRWU2gj6ETaFAAVc07EUnl39xqFUJmP_HzeY_IQSeTuKM41fdkAT4c5Y5QN0vUfdAsIWuat-nRp8GOhN3Gh2fuV1chiwHCP_RNXtQ-3U_g/s1600/IMG_0992.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful fabrics hand-dyed by Sharon Schamber</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Speaking of talented needle artist, the gorgeous hand-dyed fabrics in the
hen's tail feathers and body where a gift from<a href="http://www.sharonschamber.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;"> Sharon Schamber</span></a>. I
was on the fence about whether to stitch the hen as in the original quilt or to
turn her into a peacock instead so that I could use teals and blues. But when
Sharon shared a stash of this beautiful tan, gold, and rust fabrics with me I
knew I had to use them for this project! It was simply meant to be :)<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivH1UUO8nuGjZpMNb08qQevVG7_cgHx3ryooU_v2tYtoTt3z3GxTQWWPDq_OlHznhKJSLHdL67JumJHUoCu7jJpwSadOB1Fv7Oky7FyRJYH7z_KKXwdEKMzTTWVKv4vqwv6NPaa1qXQhvP/s1600/IMG_0995.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivH1UUO8nuGjZpMNb08qQevVG7_cgHx3ryooU_v2tYtoTt3z3GxTQWWPDq_OlHznhKJSLHdL67JumJHUoCu7jJpwSadOB1Fv7Oky7FyRJYH7z_KKXwdEKMzTTWVKv4vqwv6NPaa1qXQhvP/s1600/IMG_0995.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a>Until next time....<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Best stitches <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Mercy in hot Miami<o:p></o:p><br />
Mercy Arrastia Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09234560841577752009noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2422039577334738332.post-34885825283826972502014-03-14T15:54:00.003-07:002014-03-14T15:54:51.046-07:00Extra Large Applique Shapes the Template Free Method<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;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeR975lXk-wFkLC1KLFQWcDDzIVRtjBqFwzPGFX7R7Wy7Gpg2Z8-HdCSUJ6rPYKfcDO6wANR7VKDPdZYJkoSmNa7E2aFtWk15aqZ6feiAY3OuX2BE3s7U2Ea0vSie3ltABsww-PMq25DCj/s1600/Bougainvillea.jpg" height="640" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="476" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Mom's front yard</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Happy Friday everyone! </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuz_Dz-EceiiJl58Q4Az42PYXLW1nmHZ2aRwcXo_l1wbazKD9ArPbBlRPnpcWNYy1Daw8I4Yyb2YN0CA3uInFFqUsFVgCqyQ76VYzEfblja-9JpU2XwYDzVag-Uux85wEEG-j-FiMzPnlW/s1600/IMG_0941.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuz_Dz-EceiiJl58Q4Az42PYXLW1nmHZ2aRwcXo_l1wbazKD9ArPbBlRPnpcWNYy1Daw8I4Yyb2YN0CA3uInFFqUsFVgCqyQ76VYzEfblja-9JpU2XwYDzVag-Uux85wEEG-j-FiMzPnlW/s1600/IMG_0941.JPG" height="300" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Large basted shape - front</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;">In honor of National Quilting Day tomorrow, March 15th, 2014, I would like to share one of my all time favorite tips for back basting very large applique shapes.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1WPzIPfDffS-EAqudULkeFQ0xvUwVemAFB-fiwIhgfCzdXa2BjRxZbDplWkFhpsFw0Z_2vdNey-oDy8kxQX9_XPB_b53aND7xMPBW8FAw-gZVryVMT3SjhUwHVBYysJ1_GgBocnV_VyH3/s1600/BastingLargeApplique.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1WPzIPfDffS-EAqudULkeFQ0xvUwVemAFB-fiwIhgfCzdXa2BjRxZbDplWkFhpsFw0Z_2vdNey-oDy8kxQX9_XPB_b53aND7xMPBW8FAw-gZVryVMT3SjhUwHVBYysJ1_GgBocnV_VyH3/s1600/BastingLargeApplique.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Large basted shape - back</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Basically, the tip is that you baste the entire shape as usual. Then, you snip a basting thread every 4 - 5 inches. This relaxes the tension on the basting thread and allows the large applique shape fabric and the background to move and shrink together in your hand at the same rate as you needle turn. Otherwise, as you needle turn you may notice that the background fabric shrinks a little more than the applique fabric as you stitch. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiROUev8oQzkSjHz1N9QdNgkLhKT8D4VGFSUnHrNcI8ZhrtezMUX3egkIh33PT30iE04cGiO_XVn-jsjWpxGnJtsgmslREozoO9IgLgRodxbrTu3evnhi_nm39fir1W6EI6oqLAQ_zhG6he/s1600/IMG_0934.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiROUev8oQzkSjHz1N9QdNgkLhKT8D4VGFSUnHrNcI8ZhrtezMUX3egkIh33PT30iE04cGiO_XVn-jsjWpxGnJtsgmslREozoO9IgLgRodxbrTu3evnhi_nm39fir1W6EI6oqLAQ_zhG6he/s1600/IMG_0934.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I use my hand to gauge where to clip to relax the basting</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOWuNvBhWkGSxx2H4cbgv3evBkpDhqoG6eIGNZ12yFQZyLozL-Hh3UUvZxG_Iq2D9-28_3dZfTseJNDgixdREgHlpnkak2QprdJMspQuN4I2dm1F8CqNhT9DdKzaY_UyLRs18T67dREiZp/s1600/ClipFromFront.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOWuNvBhWkGSxx2H4cbgv3evBkpDhqoG6eIGNZ12yFQZyLozL-Hh3UUvZxG_Iq2D9-28_3dZfTseJNDgixdREgHlpnkak2QprdJMspQuN4I2dm1F8CqNhT9DdKzaY_UyLRs18T67dREiZp/s1600/ClipFromFront.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">close up of where I have clipped the basting stitches</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Best stitches! And, Happy National Quilting Day!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Mercy in Miami</span></div>
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Mercy Arrastia Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09234560841577752009noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2422039577334738332.post-31862038984824077652014-03-10T11:39:00.003-07:002014-03-10T11:39:33.627-07:00Basket Obsesson<table 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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqr2aDXWulso1kRSnadoPD8ybWw8irSB9wR34zaZVAWBG43ZEB1WA1Vlr-MZt2mStKzDBBIcZnbxohnO9Km0UIJ87MPOEc0nAurCeZp4uvVRMDRMlwQZU-FFYsDMwWhahHn58jM7fxpLVC/s1600/Basket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqr2aDXWulso1kRSnadoPD8ybWw8irSB9wR34zaZVAWBG43ZEB1WA1Vlr-MZt2mStKzDBBIcZnbxohnO9Km0UIJ87MPOEc0nAurCeZp4uvVRMDRMlwQZU-FFYsDMwWhahHn58jM7fxpLVC/s1600/Basket.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Basket Block of Eggleston Quilt</td></tr>
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For over a year now I have been obsessed with a basket block in a quilt on display at the <a href="http://www.colonialwilliamsburg.com/do/art-museums/rockefeller-museum/quilts-in-baltimore/" target="_blank">Abby Aldrich Folk Art Museum in Colonial Williamsburg</a>. The <a href="http://emuseum.history.org/view/objects/asitem/2647/8/displayDate-desc?t:state:flow=0694763a-cf94-4d34-a3a4-373c7f5fa0e3" target="_blank">Eggleston Quilt</a> is spectacular and I plan on interpreting several of the blocks. However - this basket in particular has captured my imagination. Intellectually, I could make an argument that the simplicity of the design appeals to my artistic sensibilities - or such like nonsense. The truth is I just love it! It's like a gesture drawing of a Baltimore-style block.<br />
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This weekend I finally had an opportunity to start my version of this block. Since the block requires about 40 inches of one quarter inch bias, I decided to snap a few photos of how I choose to make and apply bias in order to share my technique with my blog readers. There are dozens of ways to make bias and lots of gadgets. What I am sharing with you is the method I enjoy because it's totally portable - no iron, no sewing machine, and no gadgets. I can make bias anywhere that I can set up to hand stitch. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDddatRPT3nSJNGl8V6CDmDCY6uFYNDHQHEnNKEAmzs1OmPeZ3Q63JsBe21lQGW-04U1QFMEI42zO-DtjlTH-qtXpfQwHvxyEKzRbC9TO4djjVdaMWQnr-FtotLtrCoZKDMcWZ1BVRRARS/s1600/IMG_0948.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDddatRPT3nSJNGl8V6CDmDCY6uFYNDHQHEnNKEAmzs1OmPeZ3Q63JsBe21lQGW-04U1QFMEI42zO-DtjlTH-qtXpfQwHvxyEKzRbC9TO4djjVdaMWQnr-FtotLtrCoZKDMcWZ1BVRRARS/s1600/IMG_0948.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a>To make 1/4" bias I use 3/4" masking tape as a "guide" to cut strips of fabric with my scissors. Or, when cutting fabric for projects and I see fabric that is a good candidate for bias strips, I will use a rotary cutter and mat to cut and assortment of strips ranging from 1/2 " to 1" and then put them away for later use.<br />
I fold the strip of bias into thirds in my hands and baste the fold. The basting process goes very quickly and I was able to make all the bias needed for my basket in about 20 minutes while sitting in the living room with my husband watching TV.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiefrx8zl9Xlv_prsM5sdB2q30bVVoQOvCuWxX7g0HOCsGs1aUQFQTi0eAQhPRgeJ_NXYIFUe675BlwKEviAFItTTH1PH7EBmIoyY-Mn0RqVCOD1931FpWh5xXMf4k2mHJ8axD71wcu3xOS/s1600/IMG_0953.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiefrx8zl9Xlv_prsM5sdB2q30bVVoQOvCuWxX7g0HOCsGs1aUQFQTi0eAQhPRgeJ_NXYIFUe675BlwKEviAFItTTH1PH7EBmIoyY-Mn0RqVCOD1931FpWh5xXMf4k2mHJ8axD71wcu3xOS/s1600/IMG_0953.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a><br />
Yes I know I can make this same bias in a fraction of the time using my sewing machine and iron. However, I chose to do as much sewing as possible by hand and in the company of my family. For me it's relaxing and I love how soft and pliable the bias turns out.<br />
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I know the next question is going be "Do you back baste bias strips?" The answer is "kind of." I mark by entire pattern from the back in the manner of back basting. However, I only mark a single line, down the middle to mark where a bias strip needs to go. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIRDrCenYaWqJ_WTxuXo4C1V7Vnqngz3MXZhqsKzyBkbyL3whWo09mGSbYXcC0HwbYeLOHhnTVANn9FzpP6bSauIcOj9_zIJtIAtB53K-Ma8xORGoUXtSA6FCYV0HOd5Yw_eRPjTHvU7H0/s1600/MarkSingleLine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIRDrCenYaWqJ_WTxuXo4C1V7Vnqngz3MXZhqsKzyBkbyL3whWo09mGSbYXcC0HwbYeLOHhnTVANn9FzpP6bSauIcOj9_zIJtIAtB53K-Ma8xORGoUXtSA6FCYV0HOd5Yw_eRPjTHvU7H0/s1600/MarkSingleLine.jpg" height="338" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiScLrS0sipBZqtzO6syOJYsg9VNKA2MWna5R4M37em9ONeOTXoEB50ncSyeWRz6oROD_enkeLvbqtxJ9zmHD8xR0agXo964NcdOjjMZs1Ucq1AXWNX5ZrKMhxXPZuU__hyphenhyphengl7zVSD_l85/s1600/PlacementVisibleFront.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiScLrS0sipBZqtzO6syOJYsg9VNKA2MWna5R4M37em9ONeOTXoEB50ncSyeWRz6oROD_enkeLvbqtxJ9zmHD8xR0agXo964NcdOjjMZs1Ucq1AXWNX5ZrKMhxXPZuU__hyphenhyphengl7zVSD_l85/s1600/PlacementVisibleFront.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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I then baste on that pencil line from the back. The basting line shows on the front and marks where the strip needs to go. Again, yes, I know I can do this a lot faster using light box or an overlay or ... This is how I chose to do it. It's like zen stitching... just me and the fabric and a needle and a length of thread. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3RkiDsvCEigCEF3VhJaV24IIpDaQglOUNJTuG5lPynPpsB5xCGQtjvclX3wzyWZBjftRBvRD1-LAsFHuxuhdT79_kuRznsOVRkxlOKxJJSvLd0xjYQIdpZAQcnZkOGMXllNPBFp_RLaEV/s1600/LayDownBias.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3RkiDsvCEigCEF3VhJaV24IIpDaQglOUNJTuG5lPynPpsB5xCGQtjvclX3wzyWZBjftRBvRD1-LAsFHuxuhdT79_kuRznsOVRkxlOKxJJSvLd0xjYQIdpZAQcnZkOGMXllNPBFp_RLaEV/s1600/LayDownBias.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
I then basted the bias strips in place. The basket base is back basted in the usual manner. Everything is perfectly placed. I laid out and basted the bias strips on the block while enjoying the weather on the front porch. So relaxing.<br />
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Until next time,<br />
Best stitches from Mercy in sunny Miami<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnsKRiKQvafY4C4yELJagtA3OklMkrJBcOs171IScfL7omeTIOCyhbF7SYKa2FU1ByapzNNPvLVTTdx4uoFBpN6nJG6XPOD3tr3t4n8Lr3uVsW8GCG90FKXHGidfVpB_bVtrZaoME25eYz/s1600/IMG_0964.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnsKRiKQvafY4C4yELJagtA3OklMkrJBcOs171IScfL7omeTIOCyhbF7SYKa2FU1ByapzNNPvLVTTdx4uoFBpN6nJG6XPOD3tr3t4n8Lr3uVsW8GCG90FKXHGidfVpB_bVtrZaoME25eYz/s1600/IMG_0964.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a>Mercy Arrastia Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09234560841577752009noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2422039577334738332.post-80248655656637643192014-03-03T15:34:00.002-08:002014-03-03T15:34:42.405-08:00I Dyed and Went to Heaven <br />
I took this wonderful class on Saturday on <a href="http://www.dharmatrading.com/home/learn-how-to-ice-dye.html" target="_blank">Ice Dyeing</a>. It was fabulous. The process is VERY easy and the results very dramatic!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm1OctpsrttmPNOKpvrx6VAJl3WFZ0bqtxjkRnHHQT0x4dnuDekjG5X6XYzeHYrbA0iamPsQgZlzPALJwrgmAH2gtEL4IBKYOyHUqd54uUwS0QwZCGZIUThiUEFm6n1KlUc0-QDDonvzOh/s1600/PinkBlue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm1OctpsrttmPNOKpvrx6VAJl3WFZ0bqtxjkRnHHQT0x4dnuDekjG5X6XYzeHYrbA0iamPsQgZlzPALJwrgmAH2gtEL4IBKYOyHUqd54uUwS0QwZCGZIUThiUEFm6n1KlUc0-QDDonvzOh/s1600/PinkBlue.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of my first attemps. A single 2 yard cut that graduates from <br />
pink to orange to purple to blue and back to pink</td></tr>
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Basically, you soak fabric in a water and Soda Ash solution to prepare the fabric to receive the dye. Then you wring out the fabric and scrunch into interesting hills and valleys. Cover the fabric with ice cubes. Sprinkle <a href="http://www.dharmatrading.com/dyes/dharma-fiber-reactive-procion-dyes.html" target="_blank">Fiber Reactive Procion Dyes</a> over the ice cubes. As the cubes melt and soak into the fabric they, they transport the dye into the weave.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz15xNlt1fYXft5-0Ou7WaVNbUBc8bqfr8Ms-ouFOi5iPRkZQRFUKcn5OjvXwMjXBlaJxeB0pC8sLnLaSFt9yXibTCKo2UNOY7VKnsliRwP-NS1JmQ65zmfjRzTTzi_hq78L0EhM796lBO/s1600/OneTray.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz15xNlt1fYXft5-0Ou7WaVNbUBc8bqfr8Ms-ouFOi5iPRkZQRFUKcn5OjvXwMjXBlaJxeB0pC8sLnLaSFt9yXibTCKo2UNOY7VKnsliRwP-NS1JmQ65zmfjRzTTzi_hq78L0EhM796lBO/s1600/OneTray.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfpaGd6qal3zzNEuPmBiNtj4mLJNXhXdcQVMcVQ2QvtfqCGpJ6W2_OU0ZvsTe7856v0GKDW4b10q_Ft5xWBnDL75e6nXwr3DqxrHHlOoZcbMgDz_JGc9EceUg_Y1YnECQl7mozfJ7UoLtO/s1600/GreenOverDye.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfpaGd6qal3zzNEuPmBiNtj4mLJNXhXdcQVMcVQ2QvtfqCGpJ6W2_OU0ZvsTe7856v0GKDW4b10q_Ft5xWBnDL75e6nXwr3DqxrHHlOoZcbMgDz_JGc9EceUg_Y1YnECQl7mozfJ7UoLtO/s1600/GreenOverDye.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><br />
When the ice cubes are clear, you are done. Rinse the whole mess under cold water until the water runs clear. Then, throw into the washing machine with a cap full of <a href="http://www.dharmatrading.com/chemicals/synthrapol-detergent.html" target="_blank">synthrapol</a>.<br />
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I love the results! I can't wait to try this out at home in the comfort of my own backyard where I can take my time and really play with the colors.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1W3TkphG_6NizuMoVSSWBq2aBduO8Debkonmtu5WOq2tvrDbuGOqHbQxUtcIPOCRx0lhrbo4UXf416SIC27c85JSQ90Ct93UpdG5Ia6FmbmF2O9iQcm2DZrtzim7sYr8oCNnEysdZu_GK/s1600/Green.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1W3TkphG_6NizuMoVSSWBq2aBduO8Debkonmtu5WOq2tvrDbuGOqHbQxUtcIPOCRx0lhrbo4UXf416SIC27c85JSQ90Ct93UpdG5Ia6FmbmF2O9iQcm2DZrtzim7sYr8oCNnEysdZu_GK/s1600/Green.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Over dyed a hideous piece of commercial fabric.<br />
The photo does not do justice to the beautiful <br />
greens I was able to achieve. I love it now.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPiaoDxSyT_nK7oQbykAS3eyVFXnu2H-C3gpscjYU08VmGblR97CNZDdfoyApOgiMZRpO3-KuXROFznp07T86qfx_Sdsby5rs1yonamEX7PS8A3FdOhKiELUQtq1nTblHNFLtUOWdrIH7k/s1600/SubtleGreys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPiaoDxSyT_nK7oQbykAS3eyVFXnu2H-C3gpscjYU08VmGblR97CNZDdfoyApOgiMZRpO3-KuXROFznp07T86qfx_Sdsby5rs1yonamEX7PS8A3FdOhKiELUQtq1nTblHNFLtUOWdrIH7k/s1600/SubtleGreys.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">50 shades of grey. Love it!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWOC15g4dBxezSzblTwyGqpXh1NqmZ9v9ijdTzY8nQfQv_nhe4sa3lSxlBwgdZbk0zjWXMuE1ezGUfbswxQ_1OS3UGonQ2Ffm07HE6a_UEO0Dl77OyrNo7LuFrXmQZKCyT86fygkNyqD0Q/s1600/Blue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWOC15g4dBxezSzblTwyGqpXh1NqmZ9v9ijdTzY8nQfQv_nhe4sa3lSxlBwgdZbk0zjWXMuE1ezGUfbswxQ_1OS3UGonQ2Ffm07HE6a_UEO0Dl77OyrNo7LuFrXmQZKCyT86fygkNyqD0Q/s1600/Blue.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another 2 yard piece. Blue to violet to magenta to pink and back</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy8XpIbfDOPUEEivbnjO2ROyYdNmhNp12iEa_iqU6mech82_LHF1enFFQOyLYyx4VWyPjPhZxrHXZUmpahYwtItU0yO7fxeaTRJ12_x9Jr0jDwkC4lVYw2kautzm_TRZkNZu7cWnk-qdon/s1600/Pink.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy8XpIbfDOPUEEivbnjO2ROyYdNmhNp12iEa_iqU6mech82_LHF1enFFQOyLYyx4VWyPjPhZxrHXZUmpahYwtItU0yO7fxeaTRJ12_x9Jr0jDwkC4lVYw2kautzm_TRZkNZu7cWnk-qdon/s1600/Pink.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Very soft grey blue in the center surrounded by hot pink and orange. And I have <br />
2 yards to play with! Yay me!</td></tr>
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Right now, I'm thinking that these fabrics are candidates for Hawaiian-style applique. I'm thinking the pink/orange has a bird of paradise in it's future. The blue some type of trumpet flower. I'm still waiting for the soft grey to speak to me.<br />
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Until next time,<br />
Mercy in warm and sunny MiamiMercy Arrastia Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09234560841577752009noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2422039577334738332.post-1485762038069609982014-02-26T11:59:00.000-08:002014-02-26T11:59:09.010-08:00Priceless<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh82mAXGsnPy4ZIwkGglW1gWno8fk7igSSoSqG7kVS2LevzRvQ5SsIHFgbjYjmpG31NcPe4j2L6lBoHUH0lmVVBuruEMgZEy5oKs9uATh3r9sq-JEzdK8fYZoLap79Tdf31i3kEOd-xWK-q/s1600/7686a710-eb31-49ed-aa37-1af20fbe2ce7.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSkMwMLfMBbnOb8E3_mhVuPeEy1LujLfPPKeyAHh196FjG8wUSrjP16o6eIEM0tuXHDnie086lfOnTxob9fqaFWcoBHGZXpumcvsLXoB9FcHS3QLRjAlFgzzPGpMMayiO_Q1T8qsMvH3lB/s1600/618.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSkMwMLfMBbnOb8E3_mhVuPeEy1LujLfPPKeyAHh196FjG8wUSrjP16o6eIEM0tuXHDnie086lfOnTxob9fqaFWcoBHGZXpumcvsLXoB9FcHS3QLRjAlFgzzPGpMMayiO_Q1T8qsMvH3lB/s1600/618.JPG" height="180" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Artist Studio space at TESAA</td></tr>
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<em><strong>TESAA Tuition - $975</strong></em><br />
<em><strong>Lodging - $1850</strong></em><br />
<em><strong>Travel - $475</strong></em><br />
<em><strong>One Perfect Berry - Priceless</strong></em><br />
<em><strong>One Perfect Experience - Beyond Priceless</strong></em><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipLB1gDBtNmGt6QwrjPpGpBPpVH7hQ_S_ZCts8fGxtT4g8CwTkknZm4-gFYlogcFA5aDDucoTfn3a8j7bG79sPgdMRua4KexhYzDfI9zZy8ACkLV7IMZyVTRDZE9MEmdJMCCJZ4-BHdelu/s1600/134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipLB1gDBtNmGt6QwrjPpGpBPpVH7hQ_S_ZCts8fGxtT4g8CwTkknZm4-gFYlogcFA5aDDucoTfn3a8j7bG79sPgdMRua4KexhYzDfI9zZy8ACkLV7IMZyVTRDZE9MEmdJMCCJZ4-BHdelu/s1600/134.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Closeup of Santa Maria block <br />
drafted and stitched by Mercy Savage</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLu3a7mfWl6BLTHHNj6tH_0ekbGs7wIEyNAsvQwmhnoVHJpcMjemAYWSReEhIezrkdB550793Xk1-vMIAUWDpGyVJw1EfvmJQ7QQ1C0zQKgjORlm6mpABxXERW3p2M7mQAk8aYe9gIBE-k/s1600/794.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLu3a7mfWl6BLTHHNj6tH_0ekbGs7wIEyNAsvQwmhnoVHJpcMjemAYWSReEhIezrkdB550793Xk1-vMIAUWDpGyVJw1EfvmJQ7QQ1C0zQKgjORlm6mpABxXERW3p2M7mQAk8aYe9gIBE-k/s1600/794.JPG" height="200" width="173" /></a><strong><em>I just returned from</em></strong> the19th Annual <a href="http://www.ellysienkiewicz.com/" target="_blank">Elly Sienkiewicz Applique Academy</a> in Williamsburg, VA where I was honored to serve as Guest Artist. This honor included the privilege of teaching a one day class for a large group of enthusiastic needle artist.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpPkwt9kNRJaRARzIztAnWN9W8j6cF9XbMaj-ibGg04WGea1KkQhfPjpBbiF5r0H4Y8xbxdpMs06rVRD9oSXFSEs67hjOpOyFvNPRitk29sljZfDURMJ0kFIW2pzG-o238LDDhPrb9yHsM/s1600/1507755_750450058300926_1938664428_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpPkwt9kNRJaRARzIztAnWN9W8j6cF9XbMaj-ibGg04WGea1KkQhfPjpBbiF5r0H4Y8xbxdpMs06rVRD9oSXFSEs67hjOpOyFvNPRitk29sljZfDURMJ0kFIW2pzG-o238LDDhPrb9yHsM/s1600/1507755_750450058300926_1938664428_n.jpg" height="312" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me teaching on 2/20/2014<br />
My Aqua Album in progress in the background</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDFJSt8kk_uxIir52qCJNazhse0HNz0JtDnlYx2V5Mo5O-0CrfrGwTOLA9eCa9oMCOZAULQ2iB-Rkm2BNt3C86lThbkgFdtKAiqD21pSi4fN1IgcLzUkHjTYX01Ojq8TFoAb60jeAsDnV2/s1600/c4823b9a-1e18-45e7-80f0-128f9ec7a6c8.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDFJSt8kk_uxIir52qCJNazhse0HNz0JtDnlYx2V5Mo5O-0CrfrGwTOLA9eCa9oMCOZAULQ2iB-Rkm2BNt3C86lThbkgFdtKAiqD21pSi4fN1IgcLzUkHjTYX01Ojq8TFoAb60jeAsDnV2/s1600/c4823b9a-1e18-45e7-80f0-128f9ec7a6c8.png" height="200" width="200" /></a>I was also given a beautiful space in the center of all the activities to display my work and chat with Academy attendees as they strolled from class to class and vendor to vendor.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh82mAXGsnPy4ZIwkGglW1gWno8fk7igSSoSqG7kVS2LevzRvQ5SsIHFgbjYjmpG31NcPe4j2L6lBoHUH0lmVVBuruEMgZEy5oKs9uATh3r9sq-JEzdK8fYZoLap79Tdf31i3kEOd-xWK-q/s1600/7686a710-eb31-49ed-aa37-1af20fbe2ce7.png" height="200" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My perfect berry in Sandra Leichner's class</td></tr>
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As if this honor was not special enough, I also had another dream come true when took a 3 day class from <a href="http://sandraleichner.com/" target="_blank">Sandra Leichner</a>. That is where I was able to stitch my PERFECT BERRY. I loved Sandra's class. It is just you, the fabric, the needle, and the thread. Yes, there are freezer paper templates and an overlay but no glue, no starch, no burned finger tips, no kindergarten craft-type work, etc. My favorite prep method is still Template Free (Back Basting) but we share the love of needle turn and her instructions and generosity of spirit were, again, priceless!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilfG4kTLBnC2dU0mHQz-BRVgL-s0b7x1c4njffvMBqKo0laHrrxBX14DRFoxILsfZOGpLxaeguWQIDQs1uh0Lf9I_MVWq5Z2eXcsnUHm4ZPtfnia9MDi4VpmeW_P4isjYFQ8MWHIvPRpUR/s1600/c7ecd4a8-0547-4899-bdbd-dade3387e43d.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilfG4kTLBnC2dU0mHQz-BRVgL-s0b7x1c4njffvMBqKo0laHrrxBX14DRFoxILsfZOGpLxaeguWQIDQs1uh0Lf9I_MVWq5Z2eXcsnUHm4ZPtfnia9MDi4VpmeW_P4isjYFQ8MWHIvPRpUR/s1600/c7ecd4a8-0547-4899-bdbd-dade3387e43d.png" height="200" width="200" /></a><br />
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My Main Conference Class was with <a href="http://www.ellysienkiewicz.com/" target="_blank">Elly Sienkiewicz</a>. As always, Elly was delightful. In a few minutes, as she lectured on the class topic, she twisted a yard of silk ribbon into this beautiful rose. Elly wrote the book - both literally and figuratively - on manipulating silk and cotton into gorgeous bouquets and is responsible for this Golden Age of high style applique that we are now enjoying. She is currently working on book number 21.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxcjAyPZRqhMW-HvzzLGkr3rZhBrI8Alagjomcm8lDrJPsbgC0jKmfzkapFSr23lpgN6Hu4YmZiVOeacU75GQR2RHnsiYuADahxxeRV_TatLsWqLCaGxZj_kXY-GCxyuUUJpqicTY6fEgQ/s1600/793.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxcjAyPZRqhMW-HvzzLGkr3rZhBrI8Alagjomcm8lDrJPsbgC0jKmfzkapFSr23lpgN6Hu4YmZiVOeacU75GQR2RHnsiYuADahxxeRV_TatLsWqLCaGxZj_kXY-GCxyuUUJpqicTY6fEgQ/s1600/793.JPG" height="233" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From left to right, Faye Labanaris, Elly Sienkiewicz, Mercy Savage<br />
A chance meeting in Faye's room and captured by my husband on his iPhone.</td></tr>
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Here I am on the right, Elly is in the center, and <a href="http://www.fayelabanaris.com/" target="_blank">Faye Labanaris</a> is on the left. Faye, a vendor and teacher at the event, is a talented, award-winning needle artist known for 3-D flowers fashioned from silk and Ultrasuede that can be applied to quilted projects or clothing. The fact that she has been my dear friend for many years, is once more, priceless.<br />
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I was able to spend one afternoon at the <a href="http://www.colonialwilliamsburg.com/do/art-museums/rockefeller-museum/quilts-in-baltimore/" target="_blank">Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum visiting the Quilts in the Baltimore Manner</a> show. I feel a powerful connection to these quilts and they has invaded by artistic sensibilities. I can see their influence in everything I am currently stitching and sketching. Here are a few of my favorites from the show.<br />
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Stay tuned for more quilts and photos in coming blog entries.<br />
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Until next time,<br />
best stitches from sunny, warm Miami, Florida<br />
Mercy
<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-AzxTPRX9Vms%2FUw44xHeK-6I%2FAAAAAAAACGw%2FBh6sP-fhS0U%2Fs1600%2F794.JPG&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLu3a7mfWl6BLTHHNj6tH_0ekbGs7wIEyNAsvQwmhnoVHJpcMjemAYWSReEhIezrkdB550793Xk1-vMIAUWDpGyVJw1EfvmJQ7QQ1C0zQKgjORlm6mpABxXERW3p2M7mQAk8aYe9gIBE-k/s1600/794.JPG" -->Mercy Arrastia Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09234560841577752009noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2422039577334738332.post-52663681326672031342014-01-06T05:52:00.002-08:002014-01-20T13:32:15.975-08:00Tropical Inspiration - The Esperanza Rose Block<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSDc8s2YHBIta0hM5MFwXWFmumiGlCqmmb0ahVoIhfmrOzPv3NddAto-997dIHjdMVkLMqMLKbXKtA7DQTC7Heez4cIg4gRsTEfqkMjYj6xcnJRTNMyk7VDdqLj_3hla7IKlfLnAfG_Suu/s1600/RoseTile1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSDc8s2YHBIta0hM5MFwXWFmumiGlCqmmb0ahVoIhfmrOzPv3NddAto-997dIHjdMVkLMqMLKbXKtA7DQTC7Heez4cIg4gRsTEfqkMjYj6xcnJRTNMyk7VDdqLj_3hla7IKlfLnAfG_Suu/s1600/RoseTile1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSDc8s2YHBIta0hM5MFwXWFmumiGlCqmmb0ahVoIhfmrOzPv3NddAto-997dIHjdMVkLMqMLKbXKtA7DQTC7Heez4cIg4gRsTEfqkMjYj6xcnJRTNMyk7VDdqLj_3hla7IKlfLnAfG_Suu/s1600/RoseTile1.jpg" height="400" width="354" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">A while back I remember reading a statistic that stated the vast majority (over 90%) of flowers for sale in the US enter via the ports in Miami, Florida. So, apart from the warm weather, one of the benefits of living in South Florida is an abundance of inexpensive flowers for sale all year round. Every Friday morning, a flower vendor comes to the office building where I work, to sell the most spectacular roses - 24 roses for $15 US. These are the roses I purchased Friday. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZQibGQXAv7OfqmKFGyVJde5YVK5-Epw8iNdkIA9P3qHWAnpxb90k_hxEnRdb7UYnlAkXRPNvydrT703dRUIQXKUT2p1tGpedjuaMjkzuKvdQwdMHmJTPzndc7nQpdKl4EShu_lnwAOs1d/s1600/RoseTile2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZQibGQXAv7OfqmKFGyVJde5YVK5-Epw8iNdkIA9P3qHWAnpxb90k_hxEnRdb7UYnlAkXRPNvydrT703dRUIQXKUT2p1tGpedjuaMjkzuKvdQwdMHmJTPzndc7nQpdKl4EShu_lnwAOs1d/s1600/RoseTile2.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBmX2qkZsDAdNd_xK8A8_woM-k9WcfjgITY6wnxS_TaZyt40G720DCSImXU-YOVJNcyc-ppP4EDFI0LXI-DD77tLpE3UPdpYQnyF67JK4Vf9WXkDZugq0LUWFqZbrGWV_2OwOMxywUwskF/s1600/RoseTile3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBmX2qkZsDAdNd_xK8A8_woM-k9WcfjgITY6wnxS_TaZyt40G720DCSImXU-YOVJNcyc-ppP4EDFI0LXI-DD77tLpE3UPdpYQnyF67JK4Vf9WXkDZugq0LUWFqZbrGWV_2OwOMxywUwskF/s1600/RoseTile3.jpg" height="313" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">The variety is called Esperanza (Hope in Spanish). They are so beautiful I knew that they would be the inspiration for my next block. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA9j4L6NSomnXcnXxLH5_0j_Kd72ut-nAyAlObSb9ijqh1zuH8KFxfXce8IwqNJvGuu_MnUj8GH4kOsNEzpuslV4-dCIFBBhfMhbaaFe7GdPCY15C80-8rdKBOZRHsgpL6iICsaWO5aOlq/s1600/RoseTile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA9j4L6NSomnXcnXxLH5_0j_Kd72ut-nAyAlObSb9ijqh1zuH8KFxfXce8IwqNJvGuu_MnUj8GH4kOsNEzpuslV4-dCIFBBhfMhbaaFe7GdPCY15C80-8rdKBOZRHsgpL6iICsaWO5aOlq/s1600/RoseTile.jpg" height="400" width="382" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">The tile I am holding in my hand is from a visit last February to the <a href="http://www.colonialwilliamsburg.com/do/art-museums/rockefeller-museum/quilts-in-baltimore/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum</span></a>. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE6hKtWzhnXRa_UzP4CeFLN2hvIH4yNeEeZe15cgfXtwXqTA4V_0MHf1XX8JVZyfTmnLCw5sb7YHk2eg-a6mIa1dm8tWk7yzkheg3kH7ev_i9rAzC84eHf1rFC3rOejo9w_4L8T8Tcewl3/s1600/RoseTileBlockPattern.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE6hKtWzhnXRa_UzP4CeFLN2hvIH4yNeEeZe15cgfXtwXqTA4V_0MHf1XX8JVZyfTmnLCw5sb7YHk2eg-a6mIa1dm8tWk7yzkheg3kH7ev_i9rAzC84eHf1rFC3rOejo9w_4L8T8Tcewl3/s1600/RoseTileBlockPattern.png" height="292" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">Here is the result - the Esperanza Rose Block. I am still refining the drawing and making notes. Let's face it, the New World Rose block is a tough act to follow. My Esperanza roses will be the color inspiration as well.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3QsUBHS_a9VQ3QuiOmBHEWHTwVCTtlaZ6GMAYFLz34DsOW0TpRtcZNDP_SH_cFqoscNJ52B3jqJLOwhp_VIfVYZyBK5g48h4jbmBsM0VVLChI3T-RH4-2Wwol8vLBT7SD39WiUlbhNVn4/s1600/TropicalOfOld.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3QsUBHS_a9VQ3QuiOmBHEWHTwVCTtlaZ6GMAYFLz34DsOW0TpRtcZNDP_SH_cFqoscNJ52B3jqJLOwhp_VIfVYZyBK5g48h4jbmBsM0VVLChI3T-RH4-2Wwol8vLBT7SD39WiUlbhNVn4/s1600/TropicalOfOld.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">Here is another block from a quilt in the same show at the museum that has just been haunting my creative mind. I just love how prominent the needle artist chose to depict the leaves. I suspect it is supposed to be Heliconia. The quilt belonged to a <span style="font-family: Times-Roman;">Rev. George Eggleston and his wife Frances Muse Eggleston.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggTYJcDoOb0odXtD7U4wJ5lUsdqDu9M0DQ4A37X57-1epB6g5Fwki4yifBAVoEwoJq79Du6Nhn7Ri4jzo6EUBYB7Gwgb9lQ5mZcLJJhgfCP10tEiTRe81tuYjhyhUNd-KL6Hav5jCcstP8/s1600/TropicalInspiration2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggTYJcDoOb0odXtD7U4wJ5lUsdqDu9M0DQ4A37X57-1epB6g5Fwki4yifBAVoEwoJq79Du6Nhn7Ri4jzo6EUBYB7Gwgb9lQ5mZcLJJhgfCP10tEiTRe81tuYjhyhUNd-KL6Hav5jCcstP8/s1600/TropicalInspiration2.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisrxSKr8V_3-tLOWW8QqCBpWe7KYZO_lFklKSG-bMZnqTpyDG5mfIT2OoFtHX7CISTKryWA59juJrexMEaU99qivIlpA3kvXNRTfTfuHccH5EuFmIrSvn19LzbI9-vjkNbW1bS48P9BIaW/s1600/TropicalCrop2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisrxSKr8V_3-tLOWW8QqCBpWe7KYZO_lFklKSG-bMZnqTpyDG5mfIT2OoFtHX7CISTKryWA59juJrexMEaU99qivIlpA3kvXNRTfTfuHccH5EuFmIrSvn19LzbI9-vjkNbW1bS48P9BIaW/s1600/TropicalCrop2.jpg" height="400" width="338" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">However, I just saw this beauty blooming in my Mom's yard this weekend. I have no idea what type of flower or bush it is but I love it! Notice that the flower petals are really distressed leaves. The ideas are percolating and I already started some sketches. Hmmm.....</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I wish all readers a happy, healthy, New Year. May your 2014 be filled with laughter, friendship, and creative pursuits!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Best stitches,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Mercy in Miami</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDLxdu2wC-gtAdn017lC3pDCShXneQ2ZSVCaBrAz7-Ttkbu2j5UPHe3v_o8Mz2gN5vI0_l9-KJB4iE_1uQuhxpQDO3YBrjg4ktLaYKXe8FfxO-MgP3J3LUOFdi9BqjCVUA7cEZiYOTE051/s1600/NWR2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDLxdu2wC-gtAdn017lC3pDCShXneQ2ZSVCaBrAz7-Ttkbu2j5UPHe3v_o8Mz2gN5vI0_l9-KJB4iE_1uQuhxpQDO3YBrjg4ktLaYKXe8FfxO-MgP3J3LUOFdi9BqjCVUA7cEZiYOTE051/s320/NWR2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New World Rose Designed and Executed by Mercy A Savage</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I hope this blog finds all of you enjoying a wonderful holiday season surrounded by those you love. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I know it's been a long while since I last reached out to all of you and my apologies. As some of you know I also have a "9 to 5" corporate job that keeps me on my toes. In addition I have been working diligently to create a better version of my original Santa Maria block using the exact same materials, fabrics, ribbons, threads, etc. that will be going into the kits for the <a href="http://www.ellysienkiewicz.com/Webpages/2014brochure/AClassdescriptions/1Addclassesthurs.html" target="_blank">Elly Sienkiewicz Applique Academy workshop</a>. I finished the block sample last night - phew! As you can see the fabrics are all batiks and hand- dyes. I used 6 strand embroidery floss. hand applique 50 wt cotton thread, and hand-dyed 4mm silk ribbon for all the embroidery. I am much happier with this block because I think the design is more cohesive. The ship is Columbus' Santa Maria and the flowers are the typical varieties on the islands the ship visited. Enjoy the eye candy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Merry Christmas and Happy, Healthy New Year from sunny Miami,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Best stitches!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Mercy</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIGwi12oXycNIVfTyVmF8QEoTesKeQm1yMx_tW4rnZbZj1VO8693ePsyVfy5IiAHdK4D6ayYq0k-053XqcQ36tNGHgGyQ9Kg8lQXcyaMwkiudMTChIhNR4ikvJq2wfpW78cxkhqL-G_bKh/s400/NWR2Left.jpg.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="312" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close up of New World Rose Block</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguxZoVfaOAl80RtqHPO-7Rn4DBO5wlf7QxQOokb7IkxB0jphiFm7kAwM6g1Ibud6vwFsiiCkVSfHFX-fR2o5Y_ql0Gf9SxOEWuClPGt7OOzs3So61dJIGo3RkmngQp100HEds05fE3vG1w/s1600/NWRRose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguxZoVfaOAl80RtqHPO-7Rn4DBO5wlf7QxQOokb7IkxB0jphiFm7kAwM6g1Ibud6vwFsiiCkVSfHFX-fR2o5Y_ql0Gf9SxOEWuClPGt7OOzs3So61dJIGo3RkmngQp100HEds05fE3vG1w/s400/NWRRose.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close up of New World Rose Block</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfydpZHnRF6SEdD5rNu2bc0Av2GrNT_Tx8n36Ao4oXgXtgdJIPTFpYwrpZ0QSWOpuRp-eyvoOewFF1U22MEQUgCMHPJt7a1xEc4aYJSKIJ9v9Q-Ige515pbGpMNxBlr5B7KIdLzt2PsLZe/s1600/SantaMaria.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfydpZHnRF6SEdD5rNu2bc0Av2GrNT_Tx8n36Ao4oXgXtgdJIPTFpYwrpZ0QSWOpuRp-eyvoOewFF1U22MEQUgCMHPJt7a1xEc4aYJSKIJ9v9Q-Ige515pbGpMNxBlr5B7KIdLzt2PsLZe/s400/SantaMaria.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close up of New World Rose Block</td></tr>
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Mercy Arrastia Savagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09234560841577752009noreply@blogger.com6