tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28852385602023922742024-03-17T23:02:52.573-04:00Twelve Bees HandmadeTwelve Bees is me, making and teaching quilting and sewing by hand in Guelph, Ontario, Canada.Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10775086067533368998noreply@blogger.comBlogger15125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2885238560202392274.post-54003520434130143362020-04-03T13:52:00.001-04:002020-04-28T13:08:22.504-04:00How to Sew a Surgical Cap - Pattern & DIY Tutorial<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://youtu.be/mNyTTA2QLlY" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlY-IT6lKFn5ioHT3IY5te4sRvPLkACeBXtZohWwzRPV9mgOSiOB6ayKV54Rpz59lFpvDzltonj5IAyqrm0NlZroFy_RADGpcLRPYtiXcw8ZpdDFpi89pNCf8-Lra5xwOpgIkjurJDlhc/s320/IMG_3638.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Our local hospital has put out a call for 1,000 surgical or scrub caps to help them respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to sewing up a storm, I made this <b>DIY Surgical Cap Tutorial</b> to help others join in this effort. Below you'll find a free printable pattern, step-by-step tutorial and YouTube demo (my first, awkward attempt at a video - which was much harder than it looks!).<br />
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If you're local to Guelph, you can join <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/217935396123538/" target="_blank">Guelph Covid19 Surgical Cap Sewists </a>on Facebook - donations are being coordinated there, and you can find out about current needs and where to drop off completed caps. I know that during this crazy time I feel better when I can do something productive, no matter how small (and the fact that it can be done at home while social distancing makes sewing the perfect way to contribute).<br />
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I've also been asked about where to buy fabric and supplies locally right now. <a href="https://www.make1.ca/" target="_blank">Make 1 Guelph</a> (where I also teach classes) is a lovely local fabric shop that is open online and has a beautiful selection of high quality quilting cotton perfect for caps and masks - they are currently offering free local no-contact delivery within Guelph (and $12 flat rate shipping Canada-wide). Highly recommended!<br />
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Here goes...<br />
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How to Sew a Surgical Cap - Step-by-Step Video Tutorial</h3>
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Note: This pattern is provided for personal use only - please do not make caps to sell or make a profit using my pattern!</div>
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You'll need:</h4>
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<li><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/191C98V9kU8gUcggJazTV8bsie8JQgV8S/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">PRINTABLE SURGICAL CAP PATTERN</a> (Click to download - print at 100% scale) </li>
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<li>*Note: If you don't have access to a printer, I have added a scale diagram of the pattern below, which will help you to draw the pattern out yourself.</li>
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<li>Quilting cotton - about 1/3 metre (13") x width of fabric (44"- 45") (pre-washed and dried)</li>
<li>Coordinating thread</li>
<li>Two buttons (optional)</li>
<li>1/4" elastic - 3" (optional)</li>
<li>Straight pins, fabric scissors or rotary cutter and mat</li>
<li>Sewing machine</li>
<li>Iron</li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQMIbaydQCncmbl2aBLXiC0JPFDzJLaz4HfZ5WQOnh_yc1XY08rUhkwFX4Mv_f5O8nad4QQOSRQygunoZMNHX9Vn2PMazddCB7DksFfsbGefXllLWQY9eni5pVyxAZ449F91zRISWNSz8/s1600/Surgical+Cap+Pattern+-+Scale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Scale Diagram of Surgical Cap Pattern" border="0" data-original-height="346" data-original-width="599" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQMIbaydQCncmbl2aBLXiC0JPFDzJLaz4HfZ5WQOnh_yc1XY08rUhkwFX4Mv_f5O8nad4QQOSRQygunoZMNHX9Vn2PMazddCB7DksFfsbGefXllLWQY9eni5pVyxAZ449F91zRISWNSz8/s400/Surgical+Cap+Pattern+-+Scale.jpg" title="Scale Diagram of Surgical Cap Pattern" width="400" /></a></div>
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Watch my YouTube tutorial above, or follow these instructions: </h4>
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<li>After printing or drawing your pattern, cut out the pattern pieces and tape Piece 1a and 1b together where indicated.<span style="font-weight: normal;"> Be sure to pre-wash and dry your fabric! This ensures your cap won't shrink the first time it's washed. Give your fabric a quick press to remove wrinkles, then fold in half so the selvedges meet. Lay out pattern pieces (being sure to place Piece 1 on the fold), and cut. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1LEE7t0pw6Zd83yi_CrSi9Y7oIXoQX_2bezJghJyPa3RoF5wRMnLDSCiiO15ljVJgeg312edCE48ZcsihrPvT2YI6DdLpLIwnedloyxlUzrjoHR8y4SLCNXJSXno7G1h5mRe_0Oxm_EM/s1600/IMG_3603.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="985" data-original-width="1600" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1LEE7t0pw6Zd83yi_CrSi9Y7oIXoQX_2bezJghJyPa3RoF5wRMnLDSCiiO15ljVJgeg312edCE48ZcsihrPvT2YI6DdLpLIwnedloyxlUzrjoHR8y4SLCNXJSXno7G1h5mRe_0Oxm_EM/s400/IMG_3603.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
If you cut with your fabric doubled (like on the black fabric, above), you will get one side piece and two top pieces. In order to cut two caps at once, just flip your side piece up and cut a second side piece (like on the green fabric, below). This lets you make two caps out of about 1/3 m of fabric.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPG7MZzcCCTfssO8GulgjHgkleHE5cl7I4elSsNzNV8qNLLFpMgQnQNzNhXivgAU9I5g90Gl0PNNbgRfM23kxurc5XeExOdnt3xXL-iCjijb81hhfQM68FyQCom6ch3DHqeQ9S0M3UBUg/s1600/IMG_3587.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1051" data-original-width="1600" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPG7MZzcCCTfssO8GulgjHgkleHE5cl7I4elSsNzNV8qNLLFpMgQnQNzNhXivgAU9I5g90Gl0PNNbgRfM23kxurc5XeExOdnt3xXL-iCjijb81hhfQM68FyQCom6ch3DHqeQ9S0M3UBUg/s400/IMG_3587.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<li style="text-align: left;">Double fold back of Cap Top (Piece 2) and sew:<span style="font-weight: normal;"> Fold over the flat edge 1/4" to the wrong side and press, then fold another 3/8" and press. Sew a straight line across this folded edge. If you are using elastic in the back for a closer fit, thread it through this opening and baste at each edge. Elastics can make for a more snug fit, but are also prone to breaking down after repeated washings in hot water (like when they are sanitized frequently for hospital use) - so you can choose whether or not to use it in yours. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6JWbqqt3c9ESGlCdo739raIeOqeg8QB6R65-kW5ts-cH0SCmkuJU67SGyrXaeI_t8msLzWHMPtHAZ3fucxhGxX2zUCz_JLlYf-RVi39MqBABBF6FsSiWb62371Xvjx06k2ABJ3KajA7Y/s1600/IMG_3604.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1135" data-original-width="1600" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6JWbqqt3c9ESGlCdo739raIeOqeg8QB6R65-kW5ts-cH0SCmkuJU67SGyrXaeI_t8msLzWHMPtHAZ3fucxhGxX2zUCz_JLlYf-RVi39MqBABBF6FsSiWb62371Xvjx06k2ABJ3KajA7Y/s400/IMG_3604.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<li style="text-align: left;">Attach Cap Top (Piece 2) to Cap Side (Piece 1):<span style="font-weight: 400;"> With right sides together, line up the centre front of both pieces and pin, then continue pinning along the curved edge of the Cap Top all the way around each side. With a 1/4"-3/8" seam allowance (it doesn't need to be precise), sew with a straight stitch all the way around, backstitching at the beginning and end of the seam. (Optional: if you have a serger, serge this edge all the way around, beginning and ending a couple of inches before and after the curved part of the side piece.) </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWEpEdwxADpp1kfZcWfnX1cApiv9WHAF6l6RT-jtgDeX8aTIPkslAhIGocwtQnLG9ySu9JHjCuAiOARSYYLK5wxoNhui6GW3Sx7yBrChmJlQ1iSbwcL-EmRufuo52IGeBpAzUswM5MNQc/s1600/IMG_3607.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-weight: 400; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1061" data-original-width="1600" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWEpEdwxADpp1kfZcWfnX1cApiv9WHAF6l6RT-jtgDeX8aTIPkslAhIGocwtQnLG9ySu9JHjCuAiOARSYYLK5wxoNhui6GW3Sx7yBrChmJlQ1iSbwcL-EmRufuo52IGeBpAzUswM5MNQc/s400/IMG_3607.jpg" width="400" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYarahfNMxPypEHmJ1FsFeiEkeH2WVi25ab5XHC1qQYyqDZUlFJKqI3F1BgUf6dVhVDByLveoX9Qm3ml9yF6nvURwyvx2blSn2wRcb44CbWVMcIjbNz3M85502KQgzt9Q2c13yHvcIoSo/s1600/IMG_3608.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-weight: 400; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1593" data-original-width="1600" height="397" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYarahfNMxPypEHmJ1FsFeiEkeH2WVi25ab5XHC1qQYyqDZUlFJKqI3F1BgUf6dVhVDByLveoX9Qm3ml9yF6nvURwyvx2blSn2wRcb44CbWVMcIjbNz3M85502KQgzt9Q2c13yHvcIoSo/s400/IMG_3608.jpg" width="400" /></a> </li>
<li>Finish this seam with a zig zag<span style="font-weight: 400;"> or overlock stitch: Start and stop sewing a few inches before and after the curved part of the side piece (shown as a blue line in the photo below). Zig zag stitch all along the edge of this seam to finish it and prevent fraying. </span></li>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3M7-ly5JYuK8M21DzBp9jGOiKWU-EwHtUyam15HWyxqt1R5HuwCQMd0mVZks6yMlkUoWKjGSJ6ySOsWsDPM-96Qvw7BFWwD8DSxZ1PGO00vGoBmAMHG8G20MnlX4mXSQiODPSvQ91VTU/s1600/IMG_3610.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3M7-ly5JYuK8M21DzBp9jGOiKWU-EwHtUyam15HWyxqt1R5HuwCQMd0mVZks6yMlkUoWKjGSJ6ySOsWsDPM-96Qvw7BFWwD8DSxZ1PGO00vGoBmAMHG8G20MnlX4mXSQiODPSvQ91VTU/s400/IMG_3610.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRT4wGmKc5P3YC7wu0JOUGbn-RTObEYId_GWJYpZ5qAuf8OYbKiR_qJO0zEWZb6Dlv-SZ_CaJALEjtyicYrnOaJR4zIGtz1DuclYneZmgijGG8S02M-PI-IVOxI-DSsESIs0HEpuP_Sf8/s1600/IMG_3591.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRT4wGmKc5P3YC7wu0JOUGbn-RTObEYId_GWJYpZ5qAuf8OYbKiR_qJO0zEWZb6Dlv-SZ_CaJALEjtyicYrnOaJR4zIGtz1DuclYneZmgijGG8S02M-PI-IVOxI-DSsESIs0HEpuP_Sf8/s400/IMG_3591.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Cap with serged edges (starting and finishing beyond the curved part of the pattern piece)</td></tr>
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<li>Starting at the curved top edge, fold over the raw edges of the side piece by 1/4" all the way around and press <span style="font-weight: normal;">(top edges with curve, bottom of cap, and ends of ties). <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmgWS7bssyFZK8g5OT5ry3Y25gfM2HIPDO_XkZzbnt5eOe_ergKP3-vSsUc_WUiGrBh-UEQ07XbUJa1jyeAgHkyg5a2UFRhfJX5HbHAlyN_WtaFyiL2yuA1ZS60kwrkH_IX3Pennb6wY0/s1600/IMG_3613.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmgWS7bssyFZK8g5OT5ry3Y25gfM2HIPDO_XkZzbnt5eOe_ergKP3-vSsUc_WUiGrBh-UEQ07XbUJa1jyeAgHkyg5a2UFRhfJX5HbHAlyN_WtaFyiL2yuA1ZS60kwrkH_IX3Pennb6wY0/s400/IMG_3613.jpg" width="400" /></a> </span> </li>
<li>Fold the bottom of the cap side piece up to meet the top folded edge, press and pin in place. <span style="font-weight: normal;">You can see below why we finished that seam in the first step - once the band is folded up, all raw edges are enclosed and the part of the curved edge left exposed is nicely finished. </span> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR6ovxzM5dtBi1-4Mptmj97ZIIYE3Yh7tVfx_mmaPUw8du2-5fzQNCoIdTe0G5VxilY8FqJG4T_7ndD3LhKK-ahoIqvR61nEzgojvz4QnhfowLQ0f4Khn-U4vk8fGPpM6MIzm1dDGPieI/s1600/IMG_3597.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-weight: 400; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR6ovxzM5dtBi1-4Mptmj97ZIIYE3Yh7tVfx_mmaPUw8du2-5fzQNCoIdTe0G5VxilY8FqJG4T_7ndD3LhKK-ahoIqvR61nEzgojvz4QnhfowLQ0f4Khn-U4vk8fGPpM6MIzm1dDGPieI/s400/IMG_3597.jpg" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7VK8V2DVzyOhEwwG53isMzxeMu6YxVDxGqCDuAe-T4iN3Py5-Iv_0ZqaZHXhn6ycR1TpO51DM5aysyEj27jTGDC3abMJNrwEavYcucsVVoRTg7Fuaz4bQJGOPcGEe2ocunmXIvj8QMdY/s1600/IMG_3614.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-weight: 400; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1052" data-original-width="1600" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7VK8V2DVzyOhEwwG53isMzxeMu6YxVDxGqCDuAe-T4iN3Py5-Iv_0ZqaZHXhn6ycR1TpO51DM5aysyEj27jTGDC3abMJNrwEavYcucsVVoRTg7Fuaz4bQJGOPcGEe2ocunmXIvj8QMdY/s400/IMG_3614.jpg" width="400" /></a></li>
<li>Beginning at the end of one tie, with the open edge facing towards you, sew<span style="font-weight: 400;"> along the open end of the tie, then along open top edge of the tie piece. </span></li>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvbciFTvdKupPhQ1r25hqEJ7JZVUo_sy6VJNTYVxF5tEUkorhjBPcp3vtr35s9QJ0EzTjW5fLzICDeXxYV4m3TpOZwVBb5xK4O5V9M_FwbYK1NhLvmeEEPP0iQV3l48phR7sgK-xH3rF0/s1600/IMG_3599.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvbciFTvdKupPhQ1r25hqEJ7JZVUo_sy6VJNTYVxF5tEUkorhjBPcp3vtr35s9QJ0EzTjW5fLzICDeXxYV4m3TpOZwVBb5xK4O5V9M_FwbYK1NhLvmeEEPP0iQV3l48phR7sgK-xH3rF0/s400/IMG_3599.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Start sewing down one open end of the tie. Continue along the open top edge of the tie until you get to the curved edge (see below).<br />
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<span style="font-size: small; text-align: left;">When you get to the curve, veer off and sew up the curve as far as the hem at the back of the top piece, then with your needle down in the fabric, pivot the cap to sew back down the curve until you meet your original stitching line (see photo with messy green arrows below). Pivot your cap (again with your needle down) and continue sewing around the entire hem of the cap until you get to the curve on the other side of the cap. Veer off again to sew this one the same way you did the first one. (See photo below and/or the video tutorial - this part will make sense when you see it!)</span><br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY-P9yPPENqAUh3q3iaHiEdPYvhMmSvhbi3jmeSCS6hV7Zu0V3-wnVErVH0FTxRAhtBaZ2xlXB2Ry3LP3fAZTy1A4PMJhMSvGGMR4ENmYwjwgwNo5Kngdv8R4HOXw26ly78VKfh5BJaVw/s1600/IMG_3640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY-P9yPPENqAUh3q3iaHiEdPYvhMmSvhbi3jmeSCS6hV7Zu0V3-wnVErVH0FTxRAhtBaZ2xlXB2Ry3LP3fAZTy1A4PMJhMSvGGMR4ENmYwjwgwNo5Kngdv8R4HOXw26ly78VKfh5BJaVw/s400/IMG_3640.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Stitch in the direction shown by the green arrows - up the curved edge as far as the hem at the back of the top piece, then make one stitch across, then turn and come back down to meet your line of top stitching, then turn to continue stitching along the bottom hem.</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcsFPnmnSkOLTOJHDQs9V8LS-UQ8jD-UE0em7Lh2UVmn2DOcEwlzZl4QGGe39qCMRo2zsbfe5UmbqMkvytwlzrq9Lm-6ZwRd0cg1OWMdVWSIAbaghV4TRDgxSUx7pcshHxA1JeWzlVak4/s1600/IMG_3639.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcsFPnmnSkOLTOJHDQs9V8LS-UQ8jD-UE0em7Lh2UVmn2DOcEwlzZl4QGGe39qCMRo2zsbfe5UmbqMkvytwlzrq9Lm-6ZwRd0cg1OWMdVWSIAbaghV4TRDgxSUx7pcshHxA1JeWzlVak4/s400/IMG_3639.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">This shows what the stitching looks like on the right side of the cap. It's not the prettiest, but it really reinforces the part of the cap that gets the most stress when it's tied up. </td></tr>
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<li>Optional: Add buttons to the outside back of the cap <span style="font-weight: normal;">- this gives medical staff a place to hook their masks, which gives their ears a break. (You can see button placement below - a towards the back of the cap, a few inches from the start of the ties.) I sew a batch of caps, then use my sewing machine to sew on the buttons all at once. To attach buttons by machine, remove your presser foot (or use a button-attaching foot if you have one), switch to a zigzag stitch with your stitch length set to 0, place your button under your needle and use your flywheel to carefully determine the correct stitch width that will sew from one buttonhole to the other. Set that width, then sew! I go back and forth about 10 times, then tie off my threads a few times by hand before clipping them short to make sure the button stays on. If you have any tips for machine-sewing buttons, please share them below!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRCh_buPdXxK0_afD6m4L-_EzTY0mET2_gzXJKbwxJs4VSLrx6sbNtHBR1TYj7tb6g9dRXe6cEGRDk7JJ8h4DX4Wod_ZaDk2EoLGjrZ-zdDHIsEk99ZsC_QJQZ2N7E6j6nab7DrIIUV58/s1600/IMG_3649.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRCh_buPdXxK0_afD6m4L-_EzTY0mET2_gzXJKbwxJs4VSLrx6sbNtHBR1TYj7tb6g9dRXe6cEGRDk7JJ8h4DX4Wod_ZaDk2EoLGjrZ-zdDHIsEk99ZsC_QJQZ2N7E6j6nab7DrIIUV58/s400/IMG_3649.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<li>You're done!</li>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">I hope this tutorial is helpful! If you're making these to donate to local front line health care workers - thank you for doing your part while staying home and sewing. If you're a health care worker making one for yourself - thank you for your hard and selfless work keeping us all safe and healthy. Regardless of why you're making one, you're amazing. Stay home and stay safe out there. xo</span></div>
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Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10775086067533368998noreply@blogger.com39tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2885238560202392274.post-43062971313129801892020-04-01T21:01:00.001-04:002020-04-03T12:25:00.246-04:00Surgical Cap and Fabric Mask Sewing PatternsAfter posting on Instagram about my foray into sewing DIY scrub or surgical caps and masks for donation, I got a lot of requests to share the patterns. Rather than sending a million emails, I figured it would be easier to link to the files/tutorials I used here:<br />
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<li><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_bCqE-6kuZBsUhId_esP02Gz_kA5BG9i/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Surgical Cap Pattern pdf</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Wl15xirkaw&pbjreload=10" target="_blank">YouTube - DIY Scrub Cap Instructions (from Lea_Goes Green)</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.madeeveryday.com/fabric-face-mask-free-pattern/" target="_blank">DIY Fabric Face Mask pattern (from Made Everyday)</a></li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbiqTnYao5FdMoET91szu3SqNDQhCefBmJfSeJxss_99nlxXaZ7v8D1e22fYCgfJw2T0N7uOTjwmLSYpxruOn5Oe5ZcbC1zPoBpqBROAtndz4S8TrZhbZ1TWSLgzCJocQbe7uGZZD7vrw/s1600/IMG_3571.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbiqTnYao5FdMoET91szu3SqNDQhCefBmJfSeJxss_99nlxXaZ7v8D1e22fYCgfJw2T0N7uOTjwmLSYpxruOn5Oe5ZcbC1zPoBpqBROAtndz4S8TrZhbZ1TWSLgzCJocQbe7uGZZD7vrw/s320/IMG_3571.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Surgical Cap Pattern</h3>
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Many front line medical professionals are asking for OR or scrub caps to wear to keep their hair out of their faces during long shifts, to provide further personal protection and cleanliness while at work. Our local hospital has asked for donations of these homemade caps for use in the ER as well as other departments. Here's the pattern I've used. This surgical cap pattern was provided to me by someone locally who is coordinating the donations for our hospital: <a href="https://drive.google.com/open?id=1_bCqE-6kuZBsUhId_esP02Gz_kA5BG9i" target="_blank">OR CAP PATTERN</a>.</div>
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The pattern instructions as written out aren't super clear, so I used this YouTube tutorial to help visualize the steps involved (<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Wl15xirkaw&pbjreload=10" target="_blank">DIY Scrub Cap Instructions YouTube video</a>). I used my serger and actually serged the top to the sides prior to folding and sewing the bottom band and ties to finish the edges a bit more cleanly - but you definitely don't need a serger and could just zig zag or use an overlock stitch on a regular sewing machine (which she doesn't do in this tutorial). I've been thinking about posting my own video showing my technique (but that would require showering and changing out of my sweats which I've been wearing for about a week straight, so probably not going to happen...).</div>
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I've seen some caps with buttons sewn onto the sides to hook mask elastics around (to save tender ears), which would be a great idea. I plan on adding some buttons before I donate mine!</div>
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DIY Fabric Face Mask</h3>
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I know there is a lot of debate about whether or not fabric masks are helpful (and many places will not accept or use them), but I was asked by a local labour and delivery nurse if I could make a few for her to have for community use - for her to wear around her family and when out in the community to provide some protection (which she feels like is better than none). So I used the excellent tutorial from Dana at Made Everyday here: <a href="https://www.madeeveryday.com/fabric-face-mask-free-pattern/" target="_blank">Fabric Face Mask with Ties or Elastic</a>. I've been told that ties are preferred over elastics, because elastics don't hold up as well to repeated washing in hot water.</div>
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I hope this is helpful! Stay home (if you're able) and stay safe!</div>
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Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10775086067533368998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2885238560202392274.post-20009206361038944682015-08-20T00:32:00.005-04:002015-08-20T00:43:18.843-04:00A Purple and Green Herringbone Toddler Quilt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0tjvmgC7f84QWOEMoJoNX-OuRS3PPHCQtcQ5hccYq6l9-cM_boAmtod0CuGoe7YMoa0xx4-0BP8T1oaOLSHfCflnPB1-9lmiunknoD9r8bbkXsacLO2vNLzN4To0Ldd-TIvC-jRnBY4w/s1600/DSC_0729.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0tjvmgC7f84QWOEMoJoNX-OuRS3PPHCQtcQ5hccYq6l9-cM_boAmtod0CuGoe7YMoa0xx4-0BP8T1oaOLSHfCflnPB1-9lmiunknoD9r8bbkXsacLO2vNLzN4To0Ldd-TIvC-jRnBY4w/s640/DSC_0729.jpg" title="Herringbone Baby Quilt" width="640" /></a></div>
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Word of mouth is really the best advertising, especially when it comes to handmade quilts. A sweet client who is a friend of a friend of a friend approached me recently to ask about a quilt for her toddler. She had seen a quilt that I'd made for a friend of hers (<a href="http://twelvebees.blogspot.ca/2015/03/modern-herringbone-and-elephants.html" target="_blank">this one</a>, actually), and loved it; she'd always wanted a quilt for her daughter but hadn't known who to ask until she found out that I do custom quilts.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyStswNsMCEjKe6r2pDvp8jn9Rig1cPYyfwdOTGoLQnHlithBVikSE8tPl5YO5D_ZEWOEh8v0zXjZTrSEBW7Rgu7URIXcOXOdavJnFzINrR-Q_OQRW2M65qPp7tdf2WVvt3xS5Idc08_c/s1600/DSC_0736.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyStswNsMCEjKe6r2pDvp8jn9Rig1cPYyfwdOTGoLQnHlithBVikSE8tPl5YO5D_ZEWOEh8v0zXjZTrSEBW7Rgu7URIXcOXOdavJnFzINrR-Q_OQRW2M65qPp7tdf2WVvt3xS5Idc08_c/s640/DSC_0736.jpg" title="Herringbone Baby Quilt" width="640" /></a></div>
She had a really good idea of what she was looking for. In fact, she already had <a href="http://www.craftinessisnotoptional.com/2012/07/herringbone-baby-quilt.html" target="_blank">this picture</a> of an adorable baby quilt made by Jess of Craftiness Is Not Optional, which she loved. We brainstormed a bit about different patterns that I could do that were similar, but in the end we decided to stick pretty true to her original inspiration*.<br />
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*I did however use a different method for piecing than used for the inspiration quilt. I strip-pieced in sections and cut strips diagonally, then flipped and rearranged in sections until I found a layout that worked. Sort of like <a href="http://thesewingchick.com/2013/02/herringbone-quilt-tutorial.html/" target="_blank">this tutorial</a>. I took a few photos along the way, so I'll post more about how I did it once I get around to it.<br />
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My client requested the colour scheme based on the colours in her daughter's bedroom, and I searched high and low for purple and green fabrics that fit the bill and looked good together. The fabric hunt was harder than I anticipated. Purples are funny - even though I'm really drawn to shades of purple (especially lavender), I don't actually sew with them a lot, because I find that they can be really tricky to mix and match (well) with other colours. Which is especially ironic given that, as Fancy Nancy tells us, lavender goes well with almost anything (Anybody? No? ...Maybe I'm the only one whose reading material consists mainly of toddler lit...).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG-7q1ZDZZ7OFmwPwTL-8_Bf4JfUFepluKdox9yVwml_NVxdO2Be2OmQX_bPhvGSRIIt3B8bn-PeKEzd2N1dwtyUttBo2P79mtaYf5J9RekM9dWpapSwZmBvna4kLPZB77OgZjFnjC88E/s1600/DSC_0750.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG-7q1ZDZZ7OFmwPwTL-8_Bf4JfUFepluKdox9yVwml_NVxdO2Be2OmQX_bPhvGSRIIt3B8bn-PeKEzd2N1dwtyUttBo2P79mtaYf5J9RekM9dWpapSwZmBvna4kLPZB77OgZjFnjC88E/s640/DSC_0750.jpg" title="Herringbone Baby Quilt" width="640" /></a></div>
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I ended up going with fabrics from Joel Dewberry's classic and lovely Aviary 2 collection, as well as Feeling Groovy by Michael Miller, two older fabric collections which I managed to track down at Hawthorne Threads in the U.S. I added in some Kona Lilac and a lavender/lilac blender from Moda that I had on hand in my stash. All mixed together on a crisp background of Kona White, I think the colours are fresh and cool and girly without being too girly - I absolutely love it.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7OviU1-4XQXQeVJxloJ2YQPVScIgz2bUVbSFmUsB0W74CRRofjezRxRATOOBeBuxqXT0ouEBkf6uDZW4dR9iVHk6OTBqCNnAvRUTGkKMiw8FpgWbpnOfwKxYUy1yiUPWb_bgRtPERNNE/s1600/DSC_0741.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7OviU1-4XQXQeVJxloJ2YQPVScIgz2bUVbSFmUsB0W74CRRofjezRxRATOOBeBuxqXT0ouEBkf6uDZW4dR9iVHk6OTBqCNnAvRUTGkKMiw8FpgWbpnOfwKxYUy1yiUPWb_bgRtPERNNE/s640/DSC_0741.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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I backed it with some herringbone pieces left over from piecing the front, and a big piece of Joel Dewberry print, along with more Kona White. </div>
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<img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI2GLvAQyUucps5CUaLY1z_yfnwOM3c-dj9I2ZzaCUn2s55Sxx64cijKuVfdbdvxxgrOETG5NH42h0Z6ItObdunpi4NxMaXnVTbcZz_h_q2aQwXIK6UMi_3ZF8aj6a72c1pJ2vECDb1bc/s640/DSC_0730.jpg" title="Herringbone Baby Quilt" width="640" /><br />
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I even managed to sneak the name of the quilt's recipient into the quilting. I hope she gets years and years of cuddles under her very own quilt.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN5gZJLqfvkNPavLxcynciNN8lRQDW75sLbP0baIzE1TQMomWPAGyysn_K1l_BYpzZUZiUV1tNQzzhQm9O_xXfrOY9i41-ju4eFEsDk1aCGnfaWycVIs9cQsnLWVeTGkcB4iS7cBpoNYI/s1600/DSC_0756.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN5gZJLqfvkNPavLxcynciNN8lRQDW75sLbP0baIzE1TQMomWPAGyysn_K1l_BYpzZUZiUV1tNQzzhQm9O_xXfrOY9i41-ju4eFEsDk1aCGnfaWycVIs9cQsnLWVeTGkcB4iS7cBpoNYI/s640/DSC_0756.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
We (me, my husband, kids, dog, and quilt) took advantage of the hot, sunny weather to take a walk down to some old mill ruins near our house here in Guelph and photograph the quilt in the wild. Lots of #quiltswithfeet (look up that hashtag on Instagram, it's hilarious) but no #husbandsholdingquilts this time (another one that I get a huge kick out of)... I did the honours myself while two kids screamed in the Chariot jogging stroller that they wanted to "Seeeeeeee the quillllllllt!" and "She's eating my cheeeeeeeesestrinnnnnngggg!" Don't these photos look idyllic? Good thing there's no audio on blog photos. Ha.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp1J-QmcDEjZCRl6iYFwb2gk5DikJVZDXQa2ddYR89SsJBtcpmh0ZU0I-251Rn3svRh4uaafkCjbJnV8HIRYlmUiu1r6FRrCqkGfApHWIrqQ0-PMtOJUgkyDhJXRPFmEpQbVb7ixNgBxQ/s1600/DSC_0742.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp1J-QmcDEjZCRl6iYFwb2gk5DikJVZDXQa2ddYR89SsJBtcpmh0ZU0I-251Rn3svRh4uaafkCjbJnV8HIRYlmUiu1r6FRrCqkGfApHWIrqQ0-PMtOJUgkyDhJXRPFmEpQbVb7ixNgBxQ/s640/DSC_0742.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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This one's a keeper, and even though it's a colour scheme that I don't think I would have chosen on my own, I love it. I actually have a few more herringbone scraps left over here that I'm planning to use to make a scrappy sampler quilt with similar colours... so I don't think I'm done with purple and green yet.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6pc3ifl5gTQDAVpbcfHb7FEchtOp3KAR91iHuIy6E3AtLDrgpAFyKljafRrL-Q5EJBl0eA_6WRRyWb4K5yn98QaPJEtRCokXmkzu568DIyEEA-LiaZheAs0CMe8u1vwhC4s64VmDPuRo/s1600/DSC_0746.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6pc3ifl5gTQDAVpbcfHb7FEchtOp3KAR91iHuIy6E3AtLDrgpAFyKljafRrL-Q5EJBl0eA_6WRRyWb4K5yn98QaPJEtRCokXmkzu568DIyEEA-LiaZheAs0CMe8u1vwhC4s64VmDPuRo/s640/DSC_0746.jpg" width="640" /></a>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10775086067533368998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2885238560202392274.post-88739894014789760142015-07-19T13:50:00.001-04:002015-07-19T13:51:25.139-04:00Organic baby carrier drool pads = Etsy madness!You may recall that I posted a couple of months ago about my very first <a href="http://www.twelvebees.etsy.com/" target="_blank">Etsy</a> sale. My friend Lindsay had ordered a <a href="http://twelvebees.blogspot.ca/2015/05/how-to-make-any-size-boxy-zipper-pouch.html" target="_blank">custom essential oil zip pouch</a>, which finally gave me the motivation to get off my butt and cross off one of my 2015 goals: to open my Etsy shop. I've been sewing and selling things here and there for years, but never through any formal channels. It's always been friends or friends-of-friends who know that I quilt and sew, and ask if I can make x, y, or z for them. I've been commissioned to sew baby quilts, t-shirt quilts, memory quilts, Easter baskets, custom crib bumper pads, crib chew guards... the list goes on. If it's made from fabric, chances are I've been asked to sew it. But I've always meant to set up an Etsy shop, at least so that when people ask if I have any quilts in stock I'll have somewhere to direct them with photos, ordering info, etc.<br />
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So - since Lindsay lives in Toronto and I'd have to ship her bag anyway, I figured she might as well pay me through Etsy and be my first official customer. That was on May 1. Once I had my shop set up, a friend of hers ordered a similar bag: two sales! Then, I added something I'd sewn for myself and found useful, that I thought maybe a handful of other people might like, too: organic cotton drool pads for baby carriers (such as Ergobaby, Lillebaby, Tula, Beco...). And... BOOM! - commence Etsy shop madness. I listed my first set of drool pads on May 30, and just over a month later I'd averaged a sale a day. Everything I've made for my shop has sold out, and I've also had a ton of custom orders, including for organic cotton drool pads, drool bibs for Lillebaby and Beco carriers, organic cotton and wood teething rings... and I've even sold one quilt with a custom order for a second. With life getting busy this summer, I've had to put my shop on "Vacation Mode" to catch up on orders and have a bit of a break!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGSFlQyo1EDIc-VU0sQ_33JK2jMcH4UYWM5eitedZCijNykzDdV3WgEpAShqzhyphenhyphenIjdeglmw-0rbvEmenCSMU5lB9HElO3d4MKH1jrffHd8MtYxgN5etZBuBj2n5loDwf7bE8jhYnKmBDc/s1600/DSC_0375.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGSFlQyo1EDIc-VU0sQ_33JK2jMcH4UYWM5eitedZCijNykzDdV3WgEpAShqzhyphenhyphenIjdeglmw-0rbvEmenCSMU5lB9HElO3d4MKH1jrffHd8MtYxgN5etZBuBj2n5loDwf7bE8jhYnKmBDc/s640/DSC_0375.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Organic baby carrier drool pads and matching organic cotton and wood teething ring</td></tr>
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Honestly, I had zero expectations that anybody would find my shop or listings on Etsy and buy them out of the blue. As I said, I'd imagined that my Etsy shop could serve as an online storefront for people that I knew or local customers who heard about me through word-of-mouth. And I've heard that it can be really tough to break into the Etsy marketplace without doing some serious hustling, which just isn't my style. So I've been pleasantly shocked and totally humbled that anybody wants to buy things from my little shop!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrhLuNMz78ZKoSD_wUec6ESR_edL_twKapOhvrxaOwYbBZMQ-l1eD5g0lhQzlbqpYkR2AusXWbRph0UmmryeQ8st7yC11hUIcRM6uOeYdu5R3PIHcI6G5s3UBAOAtR-lGZZO9MF3lrKqQ/s1600/DSC_0337.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrhLuNMz78ZKoSD_wUec6ESR_edL_twKapOhvrxaOwYbBZMQ-l1eD5g0lhQzlbqpYkR2AusXWbRph0UmmryeQ8st7yC11hUIcRM6uOeYdu5R3PIHcI6G5s3UBAOAtR-lGZZO9MF3lrKqQ/s640/DSC_0337.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I think my favourite part of Etsy Madness 2015 has been connecting with customers from all over North America - most often mamas like myself - and helping them choose exactly what they're looking for, and then hearing that they're happy with what I've made for them. Every one of my customers has been incredibly lovely!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX8lpzPqfBVgapEa1Wjs4n-eWTw4cgtdOJtbAbLEsCKJCgQodFrwGEWQXC7LVg0Vc5EOXwU_PJOWvR1TDXZjLBn5fD_wpSo0dw0jHdW238r4vH8bZfcF_2j_NJgiluYEzw5CauSdfH0S8/s1600/IMG_3360.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX8lpzPqfBVgapEa1Wjs4n-eWTw4cgtdOJtbAbLEsCKJCgQodFrwGEWQXC7LVg0Vc5EOXwU_PJOWvR1TDXZjLBn5fD_wpSo0dw0jHdW238r4vH8bZfcF_2j_NJgiluYEzw5CauSdfH0S8/s640/IMG_3360.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Organic cotton drool pads lined with super soft unbleached organic cotton flannel</td></tr>
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In just over a month of Etsy selling I've already learned a few things (with much more still to learn). When I open up my shop again (in early August) I'm going to adjust the ratio of custom listings to ready-to-ship items. While I love offering custom listings, it also stresses me out just a bit when a custom order comes in and I have to make it right away. Even though I state a production time of 1-2 weeks, it's just my personality that if I have an order, it'll bug me until I get it done. With lots of custom orders coming in, that means a bit of stress and frantic sewing to get them all fulfilled. If I stick with more ready-to-ship items than custom, I'll get to sew when I have time and feel excited instead of stressed when I get an order.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3UPEpEZAB80ErP_W1h5AW5nKMV99rs1mQcdXt68RxISfSWW1vK0gbvnUo5OF8zOtTTMZiQIzC5EhdocUwKFDBpefs_e12kxAte8UF3yGMnusOC0rJA0t1kevJcUDE1YkUOFjxrri5MjA/s1600/DSC_0290.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3UPEpEZAB80ErP_W1h5AW5nKMV99rs1mQcdXt68RxISfSWW1vK0gbvnUo5OF8zOtTTMZiQIzC5EhdocUwKFDBpefs_e12kxAte8UF3yGMnusOC0rJA0t1kevJcUDE1YkUOFjxrri5MjA/s640/DSC_0290.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Organic drool pads in action on my Ergobaby carrier (with a sweet little curly-haired model along for the ride!)</td></tr>
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So... what are drool pads, you ask? I use mine on my Ergobaby carrier every day - they are an essential babywearing accessory, in my experience. They keep the straps of my carrier clean and protect them from the inevitable drool that comes when baby chews and sucks on them (why does <i>every</i> baby chew on their carrier straps?). When they're wet or drooly, I just snap them off and toss them in the wash, and voila - clean carrier, no need to wash it, and something fresh and clean for baby to chew on. I have two sets on the go at all times: one on my carrier and one in the wash! They give her something safe, clean, and organic to chew on, and give me peace of mind. Plus, don't they look cute? I just love the organic cotton fabrics that I've been able to buy to sew these.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4CIwAAuqjB3XujISM8n1OAQlbOd55Wvp85FUEfJjOb5XSXVDqc_E37tyKDvgPEJGCbHUP-fycVhSOweZE3USSpju4-lZcWJ73OECR6yXKX1Y2zjwBk3t6oaLPJAYq_8VeN6T87HfCeM4/s1600/IMG_3299.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4CIwAAuqjB3XujISM8n1OAQlbOd55Wvp85FUEfJjOb5XSXVDqc_E37tyKDvgPEJGCbHUP-fycVhSOweZE3USSpju4-lZcWJ73OECR6yXKX1Y2zjwBk3t6oaLPJAYq_8VeN6T87HfCeM4/s640/IMG_3299.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Organic cotton drool pads for sale in <a href="http://www.twelvebees.etsy.com/" target="_blank">my Etsy shop</a></td></tr>
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I've always said that I'll only make and sell things that I would make and use myself, and these organic drool pads are a perfect example. I love mine, and so I'm thrilled to be able to make these fun little accessories to make babywearing easier and more fun for mamas (and dads) everywhere. As Etsy Madness continues, I'll be sure to update on lessons learned and new items on offer!Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10775086067533368998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2885238560202392274.post-23717715238920136522015-06-11T21:29:00.001-04:002015-08-11T01:39:07.586-04:00Custom Interlock Baby Quilt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfG8dZSagmDSeJ_90l6OCe2MXLPovIJ6BemBNslBiEieDoVncboEzplnJ4PeesSbhonWn6aUY5TXOFIRyuJQY-ma4OWvfa4U3WpHOv0Elk1e62FRpjoTFDxzvRaAhJl_3RtfeRGQ31Yhw/s1600/DSC_0170.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Interlock Baby Quilt by Twelve Bees" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfG8dZSagmDSeJ_90l6OCe2MXLPovIJ6BemBNslBiEieDoVncboEzplnJ4PeesSbhonWn6aUY5TXOFIRyuJQY-ma4OWvfa4U3WpHOv0Elk1e62FRpjoTFDxzvRaAhJl_3RtfeRGQ31Yhw/s640/DSC_0170.jpg" title="Interlock Baby Quilt by Twelve Bees" width="640" /></a></div>
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Another day, another custom quilt to share!<br />
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My client was looking for a show-stopping custom quilt for a very close friend's baby shower. I was relieved when she told me she was able to sneak a few clues about baby boy's nursery, which always helps me decide on colours and design, especially when I'm creating for someone I've never met. Quilts can be so personal!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHvoz2nA8UZOEIqf9Hz3-KVvX9ITULc4IzggB7RHxops_2ug4nkKCqiTKYKoPazKd5q0c9cNvGrfX7TGxK9cQZOZruTqcg9Mw8nwo9YiRis-zCV8pViB-sPTGg54T8cav-xlsXjDJ8-EA/s1600/IMG_3248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHvoz2nA8UZOEIqf9Hz3-KVvX9ITULc4IzggB7RHxops_2ug4nkKCqiTKYKoPazKd5q0c9cNvGrfX7TGxK9cQZOZruTqcg9Mw8nwo9YiRis-zCV8pViB-sPTGg54T8cav-xlsXjDJ8-EA/s400/IMG_3248.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Assignment: sew a baby quilt to go with this pillow.</td></tr>
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Then, she sent me this picture. And told me that baby's nursery colours are turquoise, grey, and white. Okay, at least I got some colours! But not much to go on, really. So I had to make some extrapolations from this picture of the cushion. Hmm... from this I get geometric, classic, clean lines, with a sophisticated feel. Even the conservative tan wall colour and Burberry-esque plaid on the stool points me in a similar direction, so as long as this picture was taken in my client's friend's house, I think I have a decent starting point. (Or it was snapped in a store as she was shopping and I'm reading wayyy too much into a picture of a pillow.)<br />
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To fit with this elaborate backstory that I projected onto a single cushion, I decided on a simple geometric design with a bit of mixing up of prints and textures (my favourite). The Interlock pattern by Amy Friend of <a href="http://duringquiettime.com/" target="_blank">During Quiet Time</a> was the perfect design. It can be found in the <a href="http://www.interweavestore.com/modern-patchwork-winter-2015-grouped" target="_blank">Winter 2015 issue of Modern Patchwork and Quilting</a>, but Amy was kind enough to let me know that as of November 2015 she will be offering the pattern for sale herself as well, through her <a href="http://duringquiettime.com/product-category/pdf-patterns" target="_blank">pattern shop</a>. (This is the time for a quick side note on how kind and generous even the busiest and most well-known quilters are - within an hour of my posting this quilt on Instagram, Amy herself commented that it was lovely, and let me know that she'll have the pattern for sale in a few months. I love quilters!)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg11EgUpDT35yRJjcF0L28wmT0v423SAbLA1tTIWsgDJ3mMFayADmrp7aY-rvYnXTlt_jdmcKMJdSq7mfiFr5XRBCeFqTfIgoLLCAahgqlpiSth8bvnGqbbe4YNMeU8SCrsFjLdZ1AvQq0/s1600/DSC_0116.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Interlock Baby Quilt by Twelve Bees" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg11EgUpDT35yRJjcF0L28wmT0v423SAbLA1tTIWsgDJ3mMFayADmrp7aY-rvYnXTlt_jdmcKMJdSq7mfiFr5XRBCeFqTfIgoLLCAahgqlpiSth8bvnGqbbe4YNMeU8SCrsFjLdZ1AvQq0/s640/DSC_0116.jpg" title="Interlock Baby Quilt by Twelve Bees" width="640" /></a></div>
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The pattern is for a throw-sized quilt, so for a large baby quilt I reduced it to a 2 x 4 block layout. It ended up measuring about 45" x 48", which is an awkward width for a quilt... juuuuust too wide to fit a single piece of backing fabric. So I used the scraps leftover from the front to piece a 2.5" wide scrappy strip down the backing, which added just the right amount of width. If I were to make this as a baby quilt again, I'd scale down the width of the blocks a bit so that the quilt top would fit a single width of backing piece. I don't mind piecing backings, but with baby quilts it's nice to just get it done simply sometimes, you know? (Although I do think the pieced backing looks great on this quilt.)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6mi25BbhXZhw8BGol4Dx1QSlcBDFNRWiebrGoyuRXETUn83ssdhngKm_2MFyvHBU_7aw7rwjt91Vqj7Hlio_5L56Tjws7ed8mEfd6Shvz8127xuaY-yfCEmZyAPYmK_mLUECrIS3EaWM/s1600/DSC_0162.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Interlock Baby Quilt by Twelve Bees" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6mi25BbhXZhw8BGol4Dx1QSlcBDFNRWiebrGoyuRXETUn83ssdhngKm_2MFyvHBU_7aw7rwjt91Vqj7Hlio_5L56Tjws7ed8mEfd6Shvz8127xuaY-yfCEmZyAPYmK_mLUECrIS3EaWM/s640/DSC_0162.jpg" title="Interlock Baby Quilt by Twelve Bees" width="640" /></a></div>
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I initially had a hard time finding the right shade of muted turquoise to coordinate with the cushion. And the fact that it was for a boy added another layer of challenge - there are always so many more options that involve florals or more "girly" prints. I spent the better part of an hour at my local quilt shop (the fantastic <a href="http://www.greenwoodquiltery.com/" target="_blank">Greenwood Quiltery</a>) before I settled on this combination of blues and greys from Doe by Carolyn Friedlander, with some grey Widescreen (which I also used for binding), a blue kite tails print from Lotta Jansdotter, and grey Pearl Bracelets from Lizzy House. I initially wanted to mix in some pops of yellow, but decided to be conservative based on my (fairly baseless) assumptions about the quilt's recipient. Hilary from Greenwood agreed (and we had a little too much fun inventing a backstory for these people and what they would like based on their cushion choices...), so we played it safe and stuck with blues and greys.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt3lhGuesqUBGQ5BRlJ9j0yGZl6o8_gekDeBU01tXWeJ6lm_3JFirsoOqs60xKLC3jevR6_wlocimoq1kS6d4yXes1BkWuJP-CvV8gXaPru5-e3a_yjPiq6X_7KJvJc1VIVbkhrSDW1tM/s1600/DSC_0149.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Interlock Baby Quilt by Twelve Bees" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt3lhGuesqUBGQ5BRlJ9j0yGZl6o8_gekDeBU01tXWeJ6lm_3JFirsoOqs60xKLC3jevR6_wlocimoq1kS6d4yXes1BkWuJP-CvV8gXaPru5-e3a_yjPiq6X_7KJvJc1VIVbkhrSDW1tM/s640/DSC_0149.jpg" title="Interlock Baby Quilt by Twelve Bees" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcXuJFeJflLuJ-EVFBNlw44fa_YdMDt79dOZMhmkoT_p4f7dhB1k3hPI289rjdgY0OOB2_04otVbBrmqb8WNPBnereaaLgOtD9lgRZLobk96B762kW9iH1eB9CPnj52acHoTFNq7SSP3c/s1600/DSC_0142.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcXuJFeJflLuJ-EVFBNlw44fa_YdMDt79dOZMhmkoT_p4f7dhB1k3hPI289rjdgY0OOB2_04otVbBrmqb8WNPBnereaaLgOtD9lgRZLobk96B762kW9iH1eB9CPnj52acHoTFNq7SSP3c/s640/DSC_0142.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I quilted it with a mix of free motion stippling and straight lines, to soften the strong geometric lines and emphasize the pattern. I waffled a bit on how to quilt it (I always do), but I think it turned out nicely.<br />
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The Interlock pattern was well-written, and the quilt was simple to cut and piece and fun to put together. I don't often make the same quilt twice, but I can see myself using this pattern again. With a few changes of colour and fabric, it could look like a totally different quilt... scrappy colourful background with white/grey/low volume lines, anyone? I'm pretty confident that once Amy releases it herself, this one's going to be a huge hit.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGNtTRbRy3OcmbhYP3FOoGQR7Dr73u5vJJYTjeTRLmC0vbSgKvFa27Fqzf0t1iC_igaEpzBdqd8vU0IrkePq5TC7LnEgAqCwnYRwEXtV9NPlyhy4hMRdr99akHtqFp-hSprJ3rPPDlBSE/s1600/DSC_0182.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Interlock Baby Quilt by Twelve Bees" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGNtTRbRy3OcmbhYP3FOoGQR7Dr73u5vJJYTjeTRLmC0vbSgKvFa27Fqzf0t1iC_igaEpzBdqd8vU0IrkePq5TC7LnEgAqCwnYRwEXtV9NPlyhy4hMRdr99akHtqFp-hSprJ3rPPDlBSE/s640/DSC_0182.jpg" title="Interlock Baby Quilt by Twelve Bees" width="640" /></a></div>
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Once it was all finished, I got to tie it up in a pretty package with one of my new tags and give it to a thrilled client (who assured me that her friend would love it - and that if she didn't, she'd gladly keep it for herself!). All in a day's work. :)Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10775086067533368998noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2885238560202392274.post-33903377578902884852015-05-31T22:55:00.001-04:002015-06-11T21:30:00.915-04:00Cool Modern Lines Improv Baby Quilt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip4dl3c5VFEQokxNZ_HmVaAmR5jCQo015AipYaJA0FvIraVCe06esQs4o3afNGIGCiulE9voFSXmoeY1svxarH9XUPuRfrBrXw6X8GICLa60I6-3YOVM7kBqihk9R_APW7Tj02UCXraAE/s1600/DSC_0979.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip4dl3c5VFEQokxNZ_HmVaAmR5jCQo015AipYaJA0FvIraVCe06esQs4o3afNGIGCiulE9voFSXmoeY1svxarH9XUPuRfrBrXw6X8GICLa60I6-3YOVM7kBqihk9R_APW7Tj02UCXraAE/s640/DSC_0979.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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This quilt was a spur-of-the-moment improv creation. I started digging through my scrap drawers a few months ago, and came across a pile of solids that I'd passed over time and time again. Honestly, the colours just didn't feel... current. Deep, mossy greens, grey-blue-green, and something that looked a little like hospital scrubs... not the most inspiring palette at first glance. For some reason I picked them up again, and the colours seemed to take on a new life when paired with cool moody blues and greys, on a background of winter white.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIQOzeipoLGeCC04humdx0VrakoCh05Prc4c32UhFbixAF_wLbE0KNPwgg2i97hQgmqsN4g0rgPAg9TGBCnElr75KA2XErBxw8wnwbENNMbPfc4bFloM7LKDvh4j-kZq4RFsbzTs5-z1c/s1600/DSC_0980.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIQOzeipoLGeCC04humdx0VrakoCh05Prc4c32UhFbixAF_wLbE0KNPwgg2i97hQgmqsN4g0rgPAg9TGBCnElr75KA2XErBxw8wnwbENNMbPfc4bFloM7LKDvh4j-kZq4RFsbzTs5-z1c/s640/DSC_0980.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I'm kind of in love with these colours now - the feeling of this quilt reminds me of a lake in the boreal forest, blanketed in fog. The deep green near the top is so spruce tree, and one of my favourite prints seals the deal: the birch trees from Backyard Baby by Michael Miller. I bought this fabric three and a half years ago when I was starting to sew for my daughter's nursery before she was born; I used it in her baby quilt and even had some of it in a frame on her bedroom wall. It will always have a special place in my heart, which makes it hard to part with, but it just felt right in this quilt.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheNYwoypBfoipL_UjmkKSPT25c3QDxRN_vuxLZ6mIUS2GSdDgjB8Nb_hVdMYH1zwB6sy9Md5SIUDwPj76K1EMpOyBUkvbVwuv-VW6c5U6DtCDb1XrZz9qr6KD3EKmnon-3G-FN1sM3jJw/s1600/DSC_0986.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheNYwoypBfoipL_UjmkKSPT25c3QDxRN_vuxLZ6mIUS2GSdDgjB8Nb_hVdMYH1zwB6sy9Md5SIUDwPj76K1EMpOyBUkvbVwuv-VW6c5U6DtCDb1XrZz9qr6KD3EKmnon-3G-FN1sM3jJw/s640/DSC_0986.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I didn't really have a solid plan when I started cutting, and I've been wanting to incorporate more improv into my work, so I ditched the ruler (a very scary thing for a quilter!) and started slicing and dicing the fabric and putting it back together. I could not be happier with the result... it pays to be brave! It's a good reminder to tiptoe outside my comfort zone more often.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMCPXQ1iQsQw5zVBDxuOulx87vMdxbg0qBhlwOafteV529uIi4gHCl7qycXI9xxuO7A7d-PMqScmD3relHMa2ufs0Bpm9r13-hAbt_M4OphtFW-0G51jn_Pn106Uq2FlgsTr81tkrF-Bo/s1600/DSC_0988.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMCPXQ1iQsQw5zVBDxuOulx87vMdxbg0qBhlwOafteV529uIi4gHCl7qycXI9xxuO7A7d-PMqScmD3relHMa2ufs0Bpm9r13-hAbt_M4OphtFW-0G51jn_Pn106Uq2FlgsTr81tkrF-Bo/s640/DSC_0988.jpg" width="640" /></a>I backed it in a teal print from Joel Dewberry's Botanics collection, and quilted it with organic straight lines to complement the horizontal lines in the piecing. It's bound in Widescreen by Carolyn Friedlander, one of my very favourite neutrals right now. I'm binding another quilt in it at the moment, too, which will be ready for sharing in a few days.<br />
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A random encounter with long-forgotten fabrics has turned into a quilt that I am really digging, the process of which has inspired me to flex my improv muscles more often. Don't you think this quilt would be perfect for a modern, gender neutral nursery? I'll be listing it in my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/TwelveBees" target="_blank">Etsy shop</a> tomorrow.</div>
Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10775086067533368998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2885238560202392274.post-78846779960214864362015-05-30T11:17:00.000-04:002015-05-30T11:20:34.696-04:00Another teepee!I had to share a few pictures of this custom teepee that I finished recently. On a side note, I can't believe how much spring has sprung since taking these pictures. It feels as though winter turned to summer here in an instant - the lilacs and tulips have finished blooming, and the leaves are full. It is so easy to forget that we were excited by the first green buds only a short time ago. Spring is kind of my favourite season, with each day being a bit warmer, greener, and more hopeful than the last.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjmGrItb4fn3fUPPSS3whQS0O2-K-Z-MK_sWDhCtVSfypMSoDLiiE67ConjQ8Ht6mbudlMZ3R8yzOKB-8N_WPsd8iQ9EeYdXz3yFeAnSn0mg4Zl_BtvqtLtdEBzWEGGBy770e9DUSzXY4/s1600/DSC_0945.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjmGrItb4fn3fUPPSS3whQS0O2-K-Z-MK_sWDhCtVSfypMSoDLiiE67ConjQ8Ht6mbudlMZ3R8yzOKB-8N_WPsd8iQ9EeYdXz3yFeAnSn0mg4Zl_BtvqtLtdEBzWEGGBy770e9DUSzXY4/s640/DSC_0945.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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A few weeks ago, a friend of a good friend saw my first DIY teepee on <a href="https://instagram.com/twelvebees/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> (<a href="http://twelvebees.blogspot.ca/2015/03/diy-custom-teepee.html" target="_blank">link to my first teepee post here</a>), and asked if I could make one for her daughter's second birthday. What a huge compliment! A pretty custom teepee for a sweet little girl's birthday? How could I say no?!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq8C6ptZPTpsdMz3-JK6Yoza7vTfLQe9XbfCNcHI_BQnOMqanAPOGY9g_4zshovd7sf_hY2ZyFGxLVzBWjXVvxVS86vuJcQKGuHWvLG5SqFbZF496Y6GHym9Bo4VOhhMUDosLvr0NelGU/s1600/DSC_0977.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq8C6ptZPTpsdMz3-JK6Yoza7vTfLQe9XbfCNcHI_BQnOMqanAPOGY9g_4zshovd7sf_hY2ZyFGxLVzBWjXVvxVS86vuJcQKGuHWvLG5SqFbZF496Y6GHym9Bo4VOhhMUDosLvr0NelGU/s640/DSC_0977.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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As soon as we'd decided on fabric, I excitedly set out to improve upon my first version. Having already done the thinking and measuring and troubleshooting for the first one, it was easier for me to focus on making Teepee 2.0 neat and beautiful. My client picked out a stunning combination of Cotton + Steel prints for the colourful door - not too girly, but fun and pretty enough to make a statement. I used canvas drop cloth for the panels, which I machine washed, dried and ironed before sewing with (that prep took almost as long as sewing the teepee!).<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; 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/AVvXsEi2bMAz3tc6JAdEQLdXER9Nca5lEsxD3Ey2fr96Ig5eAZjMcFtONwMgPAX5wF2xP2U1PpFQzdEtTJYJx-p1wvWLVsLZ_VondpDHbwwPbjlv4yQZURfkN-bMkVZMjuayyjNHhwHsLmTmSqQ/s1600/DSC_0956.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2bMAz3tc6JAdEQLdXER9Nca5lEsxD3Ey2fr96Ig5eAZjMcFtONwMgPAX5wF2xP2U1PpFQzdEtTJYJx-p1wvWLVsLZ_VondpDHbwwPbjlv4yQZURfkN-bMkVZMjuayyjNHhwHsLmTmSqQ/s640/DSC_0956.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of my favourite parts of the teepee!</td></tr>
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I also used a nice cotton rope to secure the top, adding an adorable pair of arrowheads to the ends of the rope to finish it off.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8MghXTl8KUFGLssk4IoQYGEtYclDeVQzgncD0jtiJxjsJCqgExwBMgf9bJXkVJJ6YnHNLDlpWOTxXYM_ilEGYkWQuD3QdjIjX5gJHJa7UzbbxM8KRkn53lStAHyQayyPibzdOJRnlw-U/s1600/DSC_0940.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8MghXTl8KUFGLssk4IoQYGEtYclDeVQzgncD0jtiJxjsJCqgExwBMgf9bJXkVJJ6YnHNLDlpWOTxXYM_ilEGYkWQuD3QdjIjX5gJHJa7UzbbxM8KRkn53lStAHyQayyPibzdOJRnlw-U/s640/DSC_0940.jpg" width="640" /></a>Doesn't that look cozy? This one turned out to be even nicer than the one I made for us. Isn't that always the way? I'm thrilled that she is happy with it, and can't wait to see pictures of her two-year old snuggled up inside.Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10775086067533368998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2885238560202392274.post-17197577322992612572015-05-12T11:29:00.002-04:002015-05-12T11:30:08.887-04:00DIY Camera Strap and CoverA couple of quick finishes this week: a camera strap (including my first foray into sewing leather) and a camera strap cover.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB9hptxyK58fEPgebFYaS-Fadt0BAr7OCVkqTNtNG_UdGnXL5eZVPPBUZCARegIDh20QP29v7FVi1esiExCKXRWzM2JTlVK9AeBJ8_uXXY2U0ejVDccON_gnycFu2ZkL5IRpjpTBkS46E/s1600/IMG_2770.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="DIY Camera Strap Cover Cotton and Steel Arrows" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB9hptxyK58fEPgebFYaS-Fadt0BAr7OCVkqTNtNG_UdGnXL5eZVPPBUZCARegIDh20QP29v7FVi1esiExCKXRWzM2JTlVK9AeBJ8_uXXY2U0ejVDccON_gnycFu2ZkL5IRpjpTBkS46E/s400/IMG_2770.jpg" title="DIY Camera Strap Cover Cotton and Steel Arrows" width="400" /></a></div>
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For the new strap, I used the <a href="http://www.ikatbag.com/2009/06/how-to-make-camera-strap.html" target="_blank">camera strap tutorial at Ikat Bag</a>. I used my favourite Cotton + Steel arrows print, which is perfect for something long and thin like a camera strap, and I thought was also just asking for some genuine leather end pieces (is there a real term for those?). So, commence my first time sewing with leather. I bought leather needles and heavyweight denim thread, armed myself with some <a href="http://nicolemdesign.blogspot.ca/2010/07/how-to-sew-leather-few-tips.html" target="_blank">tutorials</a>, and dove in.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-jXtLo63LH3KEp5kibHP6pPqViTeZLp2LoCqo4GLUUvnrFUfSSYD4jgeAclDCEqVNUzEcvjgg9b1jq47j6ZzdVAckuFoUWw2uDtEROOe5vnexEWv4IOsY0DpKDFqD9DyTGz__rQLphJM/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-jXtLo63LH3KEp5kibHP6pPqViTeZLp2LoCqo4GLUUvnrFUfSSYD4jgeAclDCEqVNUzEcvjgg9b1jq47j6ZzdVAckuFoUWw2uDtEROOe5vnexEWv4IOsY0DpKDFqD9DyTGz__rQLphJM/s400/FullSizeRender.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Right off the bat I had some major tension issues. The top looked great, but the bottom was loose and loopy. After lots of unpicking, I played with my top/needle tension (I don't remember which way) and finally got it worked out. Not perfectly, but passable. It was still hard enough that I don't think I'll be sewing with leather again any time soon, unless I get a more badass sewing machine. Despite the issues with the leather, though, I am really happy with how the final strap turned out. This one was made for a friend, and the more I look at it, the more I kind of want one for myself. So, I might be sewing with leather again sooner than I planned...<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqfaVAKpnsrm9FITSAdsNBcjWxUU7NwzE8rdFjc0RUuQJ_GPhclwHRl8woIlgaW08l1gwWmvLo46Opr_MjAzdRdb7nsv2zIkbTevw6eT1WEHBTZXKUAwZptJJyq6QNlBEkB2rSnp8_Gs0/s1600/IMG_2761.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="DIY Camera Strap Leather Cotton and Steel" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqfaVAKpnsrm9FITSAdsNBcjWxUU7NwzE8rdFjc0RUuQJ_GPhclwHRl8woIlgaW08l1gwWmvLo46Opr_MjAzdRdb7nsv2zIkbTevw6eT1WEHBTZXKUAwZptJJyq6QNlBEkB2rSnp8_Gs0/s400/IMG_2761.jpg" title="DIY Camera Strap Leather Cotton and Steel" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My first time sewing leather!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXnYfk8uzkBThkn93P1efGANvl-hjwdU-75blM4bFj1o5c6iCw967hphtnC2wR7Y8LsSwi-OE4G5-K3CdOyCWiJLqC2ygsPgoQTdEJYbNJXPZVnpEyr9H6tpqggyrSfRInzqa6ZzDgMMc/s1600/FullSizeRender_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="DIY Camera Strap Cover made with April Rhodes' Arizona Tomahawk Stripe" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXnYfk8uzkBThkn93P1efGANvl-hjwdU-75blM4bFj1o5c6iCw967hphtnC2wR7Y8LsSwi-OE4G5-K3CdOyCWiJLqC2ygsPgoQTdEJYbNJXPZVnpEyr9H6tpqggyrSfRInzqa6ZzDgMMc/s400/FullSizeRender_1.jpg" title="DIY Camera Strap Cover made with April Rhodes' Arizona Tomahawk Stripe" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">DIY Camera Strap Cover made using Cluck Cluck Sew's Tutorial</td></tr>
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The cover was a relatively quick sew. I followed <a href="http://www.cluckclucksew.com/2009/01/camera-strap-cover-tutorial.html" target="_blank">Cluck Cluck Sew's camera strap cover tutorial</a>, and just adjusted the measurements a bit so that the strap was a better fit. I used April Rhodes' Arizona fabric in Tomahawk Stripe from Art Gallery Fabrics. I just noticed that both of the tutorials I used are totally old school - apparently sewing camera straps and camera strap covers is so two thousand and late (2009, actually). Oh, well - good ideas never go out of style, right?Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10775086067533368998noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2885238560202392274.post-17290208827994414232015-05-01T23:48:00.000-04:002015-05-30T10:09:49.005-04:00How to Make Any Size Boxy Zipper Pouch<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhseEHt0n8U1CBvQ122dt76-S2CqH2TAu-m9j1iSklGcAUcoy-739uOsglGpo8xGXekl4qyl_ZGE9whWm9v9z-JBcbHb6_-brdCRBO6c118crBl9QYHN4LrI8-yUqMy_if-UjS0oOjYUG4/s1600/Boxy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhseEHt0n8U1CBvQ122dt76-S2CqH2TAu-m9j1iSklGcAUcoy-739uOsglGpo8xGXekl4qyl_ZGE9whWm9v9z-JBcbHb6_-brdCRBO6c118crBl9QYHN4LrI8-yUqMy_if-UjS0oOjYUG4/s1600/Boxy.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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(Warning: it's about to get mathy up in here!)<br />
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But, before we go there, have I mentioned how much I enjoy sewing custom orders? I love the challenge of figuring out a new type of project that I haven't tackled before. I get to add some new skills to my sewing toolbox, and I get to (hopefully) make someone happy at the same time... win-win, in my books.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOhHhFkbMG80rNOSpx87TFhWUTLXHJZPoU1TmxS3Q8d0DlGF3IJs550TGsQoqXRrohEA0JHaxfK90MBfolEIVNk1rhV6cBU1CssCIF-ptItQ7q_JN1da2-ul9OSJbNmh-Y6xNAJ455BHw/s1600/DSC_0920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOhHhFkbMG80rNOSpx87TFhWUTLXHJZPoU1TmxS3Q8d0DlGF3IJs550TGsQoqXRrohEA0JHaxfK90MBfolEIVNk1rhV6cBU1CssCIF-ptItQ7q_JN1da2-ul9OSJbNmh-Y6xNAJ455BHw/s1600/DSC_0920.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This time, a friend asked me to sew a zipper pouch to hold her essential oil droppers and roller bottles. She gave me the dimensions of her bottles, asked only that the pouch be pretty and close with either a zipper or a fold, and include some sort of insert to keep the glass bottles separated and protected when she throws them in her purse.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2FNTgs_yYSQMzIatRANYxCA6RQFDSUReUGe2Ymw8q_h33Bmoc2_q12J36SCpX6knOSmQNoBC1ZicGfiz1tJjhPmpOl4LCDrn1CWbHHhXj7bMgDkMCRxSSYta4qGxmdJEuBQp4wZlypmk/s1600/DSC_0916.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2FNTgs_yYSQMzIatRANYxCA6RQFDSUReUGe2Ymw8q_h33Bmoc2_q12J36SCpX6knOSmQNoBC1ZicGfiz1tJjhPmpOl4LCDrn1CWbHHhXj7bMgDkMCRxSSYta4qGxmdJEuBQp4wZlypmk/s1600/DSC_0916.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">I found excellent tutorials for fully-lined boxy zipper pouches at </span><a href="http://prettymodern.typepad.com/its_a_pretty_modern_life/2009/08/zippered-box-pouch-pattern-and-tutorial-fully-lined-with-photos.html" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank">Pretty Modern</a><span style="text-align: justify;"> and </span><a href="http://pinkxstitches.blogspot.ca/2014/01/boxy-pouch-tutorial.html" style="text-align: justify;" target="_blank">Pink Stitches</a><span style="text-align: justify;">. I flipped back and forth between them while sewing this one, just because I found it useful to have different photos and descriptions of the steps as I went along. The only trouble I had was with figuring out how to construct the bag so that it ended up the size I wanted it to be (the tutorials were for slightly bigger pouches than I needed). After doing lots of math and sketching and reading, I came across the Magic Formula for Boxy Zip Pouches posted deep in the comments of Pretty Modern's tutorial. So, without further ado, the "magic" formula for making a boxy zipper pouch any size is:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMfRCJUA0NMOUKZfXyck9A3V-ZIPp06DNcYGtvsETkcugpIv7dBDWkwm-MV3895QvoVQ8oQ31KnNfezTWz40sI26U-852j9qGMWSkKoJSNyTr5Zccpq8T-k-XaxO1Dy5qVIvFtG4V-6vw/s1600/Finished+Zip+Pouch+(1).png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMfRCJUA0NMOUKZfXyck9A3V-ZIPp06DNcYGtvsETkcugpIv7dBDWkwm-MV3895QvoVQ8oQ31KnNfezTWz40sI26U-852j9qGMWSkKoJSNyTr5Zccpq8T-k-XaxO1Dy5qVIvFtG4V-6vw/s1600/Finished+Zip+Pouch+(1).png" width="400" /></a></div>
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Is that confusing enough? Ha. The graphic is a bit of a mess, but I wanted to share it since it took me the better part of an hour to track down the formula and then figure out how to use it to get the size of pouch I was after. Now, hopefully, you won't have to (as long as it doesn't take you an hour to figure out what I'm talking about!). Here's how I did my calculations:</div>
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I wanted my finished pouch to measure <b>7"(L) x 3"(W) x 4"(H)</b>, and I'd use a seam allowance of <b>1/2"</b>.</div>
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So, I cut my two outer and two lining pieces <b>12" x 8"</b>, which I calculated as follows:</div>
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<b>Length</b> </div>
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= L + H + 2 x seam allowance</div>
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= 7" + 4" + (2 x 1/2")</div>
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<b>= 12"</b></div>
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<b>Width</b></div>
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= H + W + 2 x seam allowance</div>
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= 4" + 3" + (2 x 1/2")</div>
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<b>= 8"</b></div>
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<b>Box Corners</b></div>
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= 1/2 H</div>
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= 1/2 (4")</div>
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<b>= 2" </b>up from corner point</div>
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Once you have your pieces cut out, you just have to follow one of many great tutorials out there for sewing a lined boxy zipper pouch, remembering to box the corners using the measurement you worked out for your size of pouch.</div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">The "magic formula" worked like a charm for me. My finished pouch measures approximately 7" long x 3" wide x 4" high, just what I was aiming for. I used a little piece of leather as a zipper pull accent, which I love alongside the Cotton + Steel fabric I used for the outside and lining of the bag. I also made three little inserts to hold the essential oil bottles, which should work well (and look cute, too). </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwxuQSLitJVouFwPK3U029844DE5jQ-mgKS-5OBETOOYIz3Yq8AnV69t9Em0SjYxy7XjrnIW_wmZJmDbNgK17C3TkDchZQJUAwhXsoGtOR7-OlQgmvsoJFCTH2wsL_mldhAm-qeEYlH58/s1600/DSC_0924.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwxuQSLitJVouFwPK3U029844DE5jQ-mgKS-5OBETOOYIz3Yq8AnV69t9Em0SjYxy7XjrnIW_wmZJmDbNgK17C3TkDchZQJUAwhXsoGtOR7-OlQgmvsoJFCTH2wsL_mldhAm-qeEYlH58/s1600/DSC_0924.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I listed it in <a href="https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/TwelveBees" target="_blank">my Etsy shop</a> for her to buy - my first Etsy listing, and my first sale! I'm aiming to get a few more things listed in the coming weeks, so hopefully it's just the first of many. Next on the learning list - product photography...</div>
Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10775086067533368998noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2885238560202392274.post-25260505137977889812015-04-18T22:42:00.000-04:002015-06-11T21:32:02.820-04:00Quilt "You": What's Your Spark?<div style="text-align: justify;">
As I quilt, I think. Without even realizing it, even with Netflix on in the background (I'm the tiniest bit ashamed/not ashamed at all to tell you that I've been binging on Dawson's Creek for the past couple of weeks), my brain is constantly cycling through ideas. Ideas about this quilt, future quilts, other projects, my family, my kids, friendships, real life, plans for the future, Dawson and Joey's on-again-off-again drama (ha). I've heard runners say that running gives them time to think; for me, quilting is the time when the noisy world goes quiet and I can focus only on what's in front of me: colour, pattern, lines, matching (or not matching) corners, and let my mind drift off to wherever it wants or needs to go.</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/AVvXsEgZrXn75BSPxp8laNaOPqCrNwPQbmJwRHt7GEhh8taZiVIh-aMxevoolx3hHOwAW2819DrDVdxh6aUU5G4W5hLOV7pNzeifKv2J8k_Z_HACKbAJaPKNV_eU663CdOftMDqkNnXN1MVYDpg/s1600/IMG_2535.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZrXn75BSPxp8laNaOPqCrNwPQbmJwRHt7GEhh8taZiVIh-aMxevoolx3hHOwAW2819DrDVdxh6aUU5G4W5hLOV7pNzeifKv2J8k_Z_HACKbAJaPKNV_eU663CdOftMDqkNnXN1MVYDpg/s1600/IMG_2535.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My first line in this post should have read that as I quilt, I <i>drink</i>. And watch Dawson's Creek. What?</td></tr>
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One of the ideas that has been swirling lately is the concept of <i>why</i> I quilt, and <i>what</i> it is that draws me in and keeps me engaged in a creative project. Is it just to have a beautiful warm blanket to wrap up in at the end of the day? For some people, maybe, but for most of us it's about a lot more than that. It's art, it's how we express ourselves, and how the quilt we end up with is the culmination of a thousand little decisions that we make over the course of its making (that colour there? which block? improv or planned? is that too wonky? is that blue too blue? not blue enough? is that value ok beside this one? stop now or make it bigger?...). And the beautiful thing is that each of us would answer those questions differently, which is what really makes our quilts our own.</div>
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<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/AVvXsEi6yLQNFOnKaa1AkUQ547zCydEE_fwkDxVRqknvQpJSy7aTIS8ADDufeBqt3lgKMnM1ri0j-qDZn7RI8Fdg9_fzT6crvJhrbwEO_5BMzygDQw4LjGVC3bJWMj4Qjdjos9Hai8jM13NHS5M/s1600/IMG_2738.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6yLQNFOnKaa1AkUQ547zCydEE_fwkDxVRqknvQpJSy7aTIS8ADDufeBqt3lgKMnM1ri0j-qDZn7RI8Fdg9_fzT6crvJhrbwEO_5BMzygDQw4LjGVC3bJWMj4Qjdjos9Hai8jM13NHS5M/s1600/IMG_2738.jpg" title="Quilt Colour Values Scrappy Plus Quilt Along by Twelve Bees" width="297" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Is that blue too blue?</td></tr>
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While I don't want to get too "Deep Thoughts" on y'all, I do believe that it's a good idea to reflect on our own creative processes once in awhile. By reflecting and "listening" to what excites us the most, and by following those sparks, we allow ourselves to develop a style that is uniquely our own and therefore make things that are truly a reflection of our creative selves. And, really, aren't the most beautiful things made when you can tell that somebody is really just doing what they love?</div>
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I feel like this process of creative reflection is especially relevant in the age of Pinterest and Instagram, through which we're constantly bombarded by images of incredible, beautiful things on a daily basis. So how can we be inspired by our quilty community while maintaining and developing a unique personal style?</div>
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With that in mind, I've tried to make a point lately of being conscious of what parts of quilting make me the most excited. My thinking is that if I can identify my "sparks", and let them lead my creative process, I will follow them down a path that is not only fun but also uniquely mine. I want to quilt "me".</div>
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While this is an ongoing and evolving process, and one that I intend to continue, so far I've noticed the following to be true for me:</div>
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<li style="text-align: justify;">I like not knowing exactly what my quilt will look like before I start. Carefully planned and executed quilts don't excite me. I have the most fun when I get to play with layout and placement, and make decisions constantly throughout the process.</li>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMSJs6YvFmBI2Uk2BMYjKggojMqiKX6BY-Zoncv9ooVZc18XvuCUkb2o-mLlHeV6EDj5sZu1wmk6FTe-9YFJqQFq1ctwKrhFHcB2HGKu3HI_p_bcCHfBivP22XadCXdXOmKwzTVwYVOL0/s1600/DSC_0039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMSJs6YvFmBI2Uk2BMYjKggojMqiKX6BY-Zoncv9ooVZc18XvuCUkb2o-mLlHeV6EDj5sZu1wmk6FTe-9YFJqQFq1ctwKrhFHcB2HGKu3HI_p_bcCHfBivP22XadCXdXOmKwzTVwYVOL0/s1600/DSC_0039.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the most fun quilts I've made - semi-planned, scrappy goodness.</td></tr>
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<li style="text-align: justify;">In a similar vein, I don't especially like following a pattern. I recently bought my first quilt pattern. Don't get me wrong: I love the quilt - it's stunning, and I know I will love the finished product. But it just doesn't feel like "me". For me, quilting is more often about the process than necessarily the finished product. I've found the repetitive process of precision piecing to be, honestly, kind of boring. I started making the blocks a bit scrappy just to liven things up a bit. I think that tells me something important about my style.</li>
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<li style="text-align: justify;">I prefer using scraps. Scraps feel liberating to me; I feel pressure or a need for some sort of perfection when cutting into brand new beautiful fabric! Of course it's a Catch 22 - you can't have scraps without starting with new fabric. So I'll have to force myself to buy new fabric once in awhile, I suppose. (Oh woe is me!)</li>
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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/AVvXsEgea5Wrz3J5eaDPs9dapD5MqvW241bBEky_IfSCxRxch-l2_0JHWNAcdzDEIvyfWLGEN3_U7pSC95-a-L0xb81rC-P-9Tcpqt1EOqri_k8DTIWO4DBkN_Q5KSbpIAMQW0ol1ZMOvZJeHX0/s1600/IMG_2145.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgea5Wrz3J5eaDPs9dapD5MqvW241bBEky_IfSCxRxch-l2_0JHWNAcdzDEIvyfWLGEN3_U7pSC95-a-L0xb81rC-P-9Tcpqt1EOqri_k8DTIWO4DBkN_Q5KSbpIAMQW0ol1ZMOvZJeHX0/s1600/IMG_2145.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scraps, glorious scraps</td></tr>
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<li style="text-align: justify;">While I consider myself a "modern" quilter, I am drawn to many traditional blocks, especially stars and flying geese. I love me some flying geese! Note to self: more geese. </li>
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While there's definitely something to be said about trying things outside your comfort zone (and thereby possibly extending it), with limited time to sew I think I'm going to notice with the things that excite me right now and just go with it. Upon reflection, it seems I need to try more improv quilting, non? (Improv geese, perhaps?)</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/AVvXsEi45acB8ZP42iKSgv97wbV7vabu3dvFMsr56e6lrYXP7IljCPu94DP1d3Z5ReyBdhJZUUUE1SQKhk6Tt1UNra3Vb4d-651wrsRMpXVTH-kDJtc-0aqRF096DPorY7O-kvX6hKLgMvbZ0V8/s1600/IMG_2144.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi45acB8ZP42iKSgv97wbV7vabu3dvFMsr56e6lrYXP7IljCPu94DP1d3Z5ReyBdhJZUUUE1SQKhk6Tt1UNra3Vb4d-651wrsRMpXVTH-kDJtc-0aqRF096DPorY7O-kvX6hKLgMvbZ0V8/s1600/IMG_2144.jpg" width="275" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some random piecing up on the design wall. Note to self: more improv!</td></tr>
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Listen to your creative voice while you work. If you find something tedious, take note: why? is there a different way of doing it that would be more exciting? If your heart skips a beat, take note! A colour combo you love? A cool new technique? Curved piecing? Low volume? What is it that makes you excited? Do more of that! </div>
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What are your sparks? What excites you the most about the creative process of quilting? How can you quilt "you"?</div>
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Now I just have to learn to take my own advice.</div>
Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10775086067533368998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2885238560202392274.post-65549925253232109682015-04-08T23:20:00.000-04:002015-04-08T23:23:24.520-04:00Tiny Projects: Custom Epi-Pen Zipper Pouch<div style="text-align: justify;">
I've been busy sewing up some small - but useful - projects over the past week or so. First up, a friend asked me if I could make a little pouch that her son could wear to carry his Epi-Pen under his clothing while he's at school (her sweet boy has a severe egg allergy). They are moving to a different city this week, and hence a new school, and while he's settling in to his new Kindergarten class the safest place for his Epi-Pen is right with him at all times.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzi9VNW-tZwa_0K_hyphenhyphen-FPeM-JDePNw5eNEApl3o31gtVJhyUXs2659K7XzkEu9s0IUtAcZhw-AMNiiVUyAfVDKdND31P1El7q1eaMh2OSFxmeRnlBMeUdDISj6BV_3_StvoUGEWlzSGVU/s1600/IMG_2639.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Epi-Pen Allerject Case Pouch Belt from Twelve Bees" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzi9VNW-tZwa_0K_hyphenhyphen-FPeM-JDePNw5eNEApl3o31gtVJhyUXs2659K7XzkEu9s0IUtAcZhw-AMNiiVUyAfVDKdND31P1El7q1eaMh2OSFxmeRnlBMeUdDISj6BV_3_StvoUGEWlzSGVU/s1600/IMG_2639.JPG" height="400" title="Epi-Pen Allerject Case Pouch Belt from Twelve Bees" width="400" /></a></div>
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I'd heard of anaphylaxis before, but I'd never known anyone who suffered from it until my friend's son was diagnosed as a toddler. And, man oh man, has it been a difficult road for them. On top of the terrifying physical realities of a severe allergy (in his case, being exposed to eggs - raw or cooked - causes a life-threatening reaction), there are all kinds of day-to-day challenges, such as figuring out how he can attend school and eat lunch safely each day, and dealing with the acceptance of his needs (and, sadly, sometimes lack of acceptance) from the school, other kids and parents. </div>
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One of the major social challenges for kids who live with life-threatening allergies is coping with the feeling of being "different", whether it's due to perception or actual exclusion from fun events (i.e. food-sharing or classroom celebrations involving food). Imagine: you're 6-years old, and it's Valentine's Day. Your teacher hands out delicious heart-shaped suckers to every kid in the class, except you. You're left wondering why your teacher likes all the other kids more than you, why you're different from all the other kids, or what you did wrong to warrant being left out. Ugh.</div>
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All of this is a long way of saying that even though he needs to carry and Epi-Pen, he doesn't want to stand out any more than he has to. My friend's request for the case was that it be as small and discreet as possible, buckle around his waist so that he can wear it under his shirt, and be blue (his favourite colour). She also gave me a "trainer" Epi-Pen (the brand name is actually Allerject) to make sure it fit.</div>
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I absolutely love the challenge of figuring something out that I've never made before! Especially when it's for such a wonderful kid.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi52FWFcTKFdW1aA5XeP6qxq_vvhNQhoPO5OqWMK_iwacevl1U9CrDEb117xvFSl3GaPgFgm1p3BKI2C9IbJevJ0vyHV5RN__CMNB6AztfKzuvqQ4VdQ_TXClrYRTBCj5fp7VHt172Nayg/s1600/IMG_2629.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi52FWFcTKFdW1aA5XeP6qxq_vvhNQhoPO5OqWMK_iwacevl1U9CrDEb117xvFSl3GaPgFgm1p3BKI2C9IbJevJ0vyHV5RN__CMNB6AztfKzuvqQ4VdQ_TXClrYRTBCj5fp7VHt172Nayg/s1600/IMG_2629.JPG" height="400" title="Epi-Pen Allerject Case Pouch Belt from Twelve Bees" width="400" /></a></div>
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So, I started with a standard lined zipper pouch. I used <a href="http://www.craftsy.com/lecture/zipper-pouch-front/1543.html" target="_blank">this free Craftsy zip pouch tutorial</a>, and adjusted the dimensions to fit the Allerject pen. The finished pouch measures just 4.5" x 3". I added a double layer sleeve to the back of the pouch for the belt to slide through. I used 3/4" nylon webbing, and plastic buckle and slide to make the belt adjustable. The only thing I'd do differently next time is to make the sleeve a little wider so that the buckle can slide through it (I made it so that it's only wide enough for the strap to feed through, so the pouch can't be taken off the belt if need be, which I think would make it more versatile).</div>
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Since the pouch is going to be worn against the skin, I used the softest organic cotton I could find, which ended up being <a href="http://cloud9fabrics.com/fabrics/cirrus-solids/" target="_blank">Cloud9's Cirrus Solids</a>. This fabric is yarn-dyed, which gives it a great look. Honestly, I loved working with this fabric! I'll definitely be buying it again. And those cute little fishies inside add just the perfect hint of cuteness, non?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgukMun2ltjCGie7dbx_Hv4QOOT0bw41V6gcZDAs9D3A-W3TR0dp1FQ6CWue27f1-oYlXn5JGlP9Ufl8_FIghSyKM7QYWPjMjSuYtFXrfyfh6m1p3FhAe8QNJnsJYUfTYVrPov8zC0Yx7o/s1600/IMG_2633.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgukMun2ltjCGie7dbx_Hv4QOOT0bw41V6gcZDAs9D3A-W3TR0dp1FQ6CWue27f1-oYlXn5JGlP9Ufl8_FIghSyKM7QYWPjMjSuYtFXrfyfh6m1p3FhAe8QNJnsJYUfTYVrPov8zC0Yx7o/s1600/IMG_2633.JPG" height="400" title="Epi-Pen Allerject Case Pouch Belt from Twelve Bees" width="400" /></a></div>
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The end result turned out as well as I'd hoped. And I loved doing all the math and figuring out how to get the perfect fit. Once I refine the pattern, I think I'll add it as a "Made to Order" item in my Etsy shop. Not because it'll be a huge seller, but because the best part of being a maker is having the opportunity to create things that make somebody else's life a little easier and a bit more beautiful.</div>
Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10775086067533368998noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2885238560202392274.post-9810745265219622202015-03-14T22:21:00.000-04:002015-05-02T20:47:12.322-04:00DIY Custom Teepee<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirVPSCo9Mx0xyO5DdRyHzfHMWqwHdsI5_Lc9kqcFw29ZYdZlJhw3SI3IEzR3lVPGcs10lqhG3J_tH89-L4ycC9NbyYeWXpzJKwIORd3sPmo6xOUBgOLUGSlZL4THyoS8lwr2sdj52Br7Q/s1600/DIYTeepeeGraphic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirVPSCo9Mx0xyO5DdRyHzfHMWqwHdsI5_Lc9kqcFw29ZYdZlJhw3SI3IEzR3lVPGcs10lqhG3J_tH89-L4ycC9NbyYeWXpzJKwIORd3sPmo6xOUBgOLUGSlZL4THyoS8lwr2sdj52Br7Q/s1600/DIYTeepeeGraphic.jpg" height="640" title="DIY Custom Teepee Tutorial from Twelve Bees" width="640" /></a></div>
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I know, I know. Somebody alert the internet: a blogger has made... wait for it... a teepee. I know what you're thinking: I've never seen anything like <i>that</i> on Pinterest before...</div>
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But, I really don't care that the teepee trend has been done and done again; after seeing a bunch of toddlers go crazy over one at a very cool friend's house a few weeks ago (like seriously, her whole house could be a Pinterest page), I decided to try my hand at DIYing one of my own. Now we're not nearly as cool as they are, but at the very least I figured it would give us something new to play with while we wait for this frigid winter to end (and give me a new project to work on).</div>
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I'm really happy with how it turned out. It feels tidy and well-made, since all the seams are enclosed. I made it over a weekend, during naptimes and after bedtime one evening, so it's a relatively quick project. And inexpensive, too - I think it cost about $50 total when all was said and done. Not too shabby, especially compared to the $150+ that a custom made one goes for on Etsy. That said, I happened to luck out and find some incredibly cheap khaki fabric at Fabricland ($3/metre) - it would have cost more had my fabric been more expensive. Other tutorials call for using canvas drop cloth from Home Depot (which cost about $27 each), so that would probably be a good option if you can't find inexpensive fabric.</div>
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I found about a million tutorials and blog posts for making slightly different variations of the classic teepee, but in the end I decided to base mine on <a href="http://mypoppet.com.au/2012/03/how-to-diy-tee-pee-tent-part-1.html" target="_blank">this tutorial from My Poppet</a>. I'm sure the bright Australian sunshine in the photos subconsciously helped my decision. (Can you tell it's been a long winter here in Ontario?) I also got some useful tips from <a href="http://www.strawberryswingandthings.com/2013/07/sew-fun-diy-teepee-tutorial.html" target="_blank">Strawberry Swing and Things'</a>, who also used My Poppet's tutorial to sew her teepee. So check out those sites for a more in-depth, step-by-step tutorial, but here's a quick how-to based on what I did (including my modifications to their pattern):</div>
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DIY TEEPEE TUTORIAL</h3>
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<b>Supplies:</b></div>
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<li style="text-align: justify;">Five wooden dowels 5/8" diameter x 6' long (we bought ours at Rona for $3.99 each)</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">At least 3 1/4 yards (or 2 m) of canvas or medium weight fabric (I used some sort of sport weight khaki on clearance at Fabricland). You'll need a bit more if you want to use scraps of canvas for the door front (3 1/2 yards should do).</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Approx. one metre of quilting cotton for decorative doorway panel (I used three fat quarters and a 1/4 metre cut of Cotton + Steel)</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">One package of wide double fold bias binding</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Ribbon for door ties (or you can just use leftover bias binding)</li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Ud1OfE56dhnvzb0hunTi1MyjiNwf_LfxhLlR5o9sBShoeByE_Dh_O-9JBjk9MOw-DyqVOvVNNjHYoks3M1_1Se1drb6LX3bg08FGlrCqr3Lve99pbDC_ZzZtzmPhKf9LQG0jtYbIwRY/s1600/IMG_2460.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Ud1OfE56dhnvzb0hunTi1MyjiNwf_LfxhLlR5o9sBShoeByE_Dh_O-9JBjk9MOw-DyqVOvVNNjHYoks3M1_1Se1drb6LX3bg08FGlrCqr3Lve99pbDC_ZzZtzmPhKf9LQG0jtYbIwRY/s1600/IMG_2460.JPG" height="640" title="DIY Custom Teepee Tutorial from Twelve Bees" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="text-align: center;">Cutting:</span></b></div>
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<li style="text-align: justify;">The teepee is made up of five triangular panels. I cut four panels out of khaki fabric, and then pieced together the fifth panel (the one with the door) using four fat quarters and a scrap piece of khaki.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">If your main teepee fabric is 45"- 60" wide, you can get away with only buying 3 1/4 yards, or 2 metres of fabric. Using the cutting diagram below, you'll have two whole panels (cut on the fold) and two panels that will have to be sewn together down the middle (four pieces cut out). </li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd6y3PY6Kk9ctlqGY9Asp_Jw3paSioJciyLNdivcM-ZU35NTzu7pP4uvZr5ETvmeHlWlYYQsnAC4UKYNsfz2Pk2VDyCrSUg5AJP7VRgQ1t_fpdctFHlwJTiCexej4ATMVpiaP8dVn1ZPY/s1600/Teepee+Cutting+Diagram+-+Twelve+Bees+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd6y3PY6Kk9ctlqGY9Asp_Jw3paSioJciyLNdivcM-ZU35NTzu7pP4uvZr5ETvmeHlWlYYQsnAC4UKYNsfz2Pk2VDyCrSUg5AJP7VRgQ1t_fpdctFHlwJTiCexej4ATMVpiaP8dVn1ZPY/s1600/Teepee+Cutting+Diagram+-+Twelve+Bees+(1).jpg" height="280" title="DIY Teepee Tutorial - Fabric Cutting Diagram from Twelve Bees" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Sewing:</b></div>
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Start by sewing the four half-panel pieces together in pairs to make two complete panels. I added a 3/4" seam allowance to each of the half pieces (as you can see in the cutting diagram above). Sew them together using a French seam so that there are no raw edges visible. If you've never done one, here's a good <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1IKzP65czM8" target="_blank">French seam video tutorial</a>. First, place the two halves <b>wrong sides together</b> and sew along the straight side with a 1/4" seam allowance. Press seam open (it doesn't have to be perfect), then fold over along the seam so that the right sides are together. Sew along the same edge with a 3/8" seam allowance, so that the raw edges are encased within the seam allowance. Then, press the French seam to one side and sew it down flat to the panel close to the edge of the seam allowance. This gives it a nice, tidy finish on both sides.</div>
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Then piece together the front panel using quilting cotton or other decorative fabric (and I used a scrap of khaki at the top). I laid out my fabric pieces on top of one of the side panels to make sure that when pieced together it would be big enough. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCGuO0vUPLS27YXF5qvsEsxAJARGX_cmoJa6q15BjADdVq-ctsyoewr6uLThgOF8YVZMPXJz7u7zEZXKdCGryk2MKW0mQ3_WT-hYGiqeiwk_v6H0t9H5rdOYfgQOiwVPcvOMG-Ju0kKsk/s1600/IMG_2461.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCGuO0vUPLS27YXF5qvsEsxAJARGX_cmoJa6q15BjADdVq-ctsyoewr6uLThgOF8YVZMPXJz7u7zEZXKdCGryk2MKW0mQ3_WT-hYGiqeiwk_v6H0t9H5rdOYfgQOiwVPcvOMG-Ju0kKsk/s1600/IMG_2461.JPG" height="640" title="DIY Custom Teepee Tutorial from Twelve Bees" width="480" /></a></div>
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Then, I sewed the pieces together, again using French seams so there weren't any raw edges inside the teepee. I didn't sew the blue floral and yellow pieces together side by side, because I knew I'd be cutting a slit up the centre for a door anyway. So I overlapped the two pieces by about an inch exactly in the centre (I used the crease in the panel I was using below them for sizing to determine the exact centre) and pinned them together, treating them like one piece of fabric when I sewed the navy below and red above. (I hope that make sense?)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8OrZNau1zCUdo0wvmTi3RFYjdvazVQ7cAm3qC9FUQdwdPLOEIVQaWkGHhdBxs4Pcex4v__vMbqnZ7FvvKPgTj1ooGSzEQFkEaQrhOCNDB8WrPT64xLlJCAqVnnWzvZ9CADJtCvefPhk4/s1600/IMG_2463.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8OrZNau1zCUdo0wvmTi3RFYjdvazVQ7cAm3qC9FUQdwdPLOEIVQaWkGHhdBxs4Pcex4v__vMbqnZ7FvvKPgTj1ooGSzEQFkEaQrhOCNDB8WrPT64xLlJCAqVnnWzvZ9CADJtCvefPhk4/s1600/IMG_2463.JPG" height="640" title="DIY Custom Teepee Tutorial from Twelve Bees" width="480" /></a></div>
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Once the pieces were all sewn together and pressed, I laid a side panel on top and traced it, then cut it out along the lines using my rotary cutter and acrylic ruler. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK73BRJQvpsM9MAPuvVzuVx4tQ1IPMV5yNJ7tJqpznj8aJEwO3uOVqHXudhO2gcn1e6Blt2GZhtAL3zEFF7bd19kpz_wGwdgSdFLWU_er1L83KIvWDcd-2g8Y7DfiiHE2k8txAmTUotbY/s1600/IMG_2464.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK73BRJQvpsM9MAPuvVzuVx4tQ1IPMV5yNJ7tJqpznj8aJEwO3uOVqHXudhO2gcn1e6Blt2GZhtAL3zEFF7bd19kpz_wGwdgSdFLWU_er1L83KIvWDcd-2g8Y7DfiiHE2k8txAmTUotbY/s1600/IMG_2464.JPG" height="640" title="DIY Custom Teepee Tutorial from Twelve Bees" width="480" /></a></div>
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I didn't take any photos of the next steps, but they are clearly described in <a href="http://www.strawberryswingandthings.com/2013/07/sew-fun-diy-teepee-tutorial.html" target="_blank">Strawberry Swing and Things' teepee tutorial</a> if you need to see pictures (it helps!). But in the interest of completeness, I'll describe quickly what I did here.</div>
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Next is to cut the door slit in the door panel. I used my rotary cutter to cut a slit in the centre of the panel up 38" from the bottom. I then attached the bias binding along the edges of the door opening (up one side, around the corner at the top, then down to the bottom).</div>
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Once the door panel is finished, it's time to sew all the panels together. It's done basically using big French seams to make sleeves for the poles that are finished on the inside. First, sew the panels wrong sides together with a scant 1/2" seam allowance. </div>
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Then hem the top of the teepee by folding the edge under 1/2" (toward the outside of the teepee) and then another 1/2" so that the raw edge is folded under. Sew.</div>
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Turn the whole thing inside out, and then sew 1 1/4" away from each seam as though you are sewing a French seam. This will create an open sleeve at each seam which will hold a pole. Before you sew the sleeves on either side of the door panel, pin two 16" pieces of ribbon about half way up the door opening. Tuck the end of one inside the sleeve seam, and lay the other on top of where the seam will be sewn, so that the seam will catch the ribbon and attach them at the same point. One will be inside the teepee, and one will be on the outside, and they can be used to tie back the door.</div>
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When all the sleeves are sewn, double fold hem the base of the teepee as you did the top, closing up the bottom of each sleeve. It's a bit awkward, but I found that pressing, pinning and tucking the excess fabric at each sleeve made the job easier and neater.</div>
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Drill holes in the dowels approximately 10" from the top. Slide a dowel down into each of the sleeves in the cover. Thread the twine or string through the holes, and bring the tops together, wrapping the twine around the dowels and tying in a secure knot once you've spread the dowels out to your satisfaction. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1T8s0zvJfDL-moM3ANx0UrRl2_EsQUxz_2LOIvj5Jom0QOErY_JLTy-q1YwSbOfmc0D-c3SbN_rtrqo9442drFeBqX1rCeSV0L4euFo4Gq5UZdPGURDS4XBQqgJ0bQUjo3ygurZ5Qdrg/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1T8s0zvJfDL-moM3ANx0UrRl2_EsQUxz_2LOIvj5Jom0QOErY_JLTy-q1YwSbOfmc0D-c3SbN_rtrqo9442drFeBqX1rCeSV0L4euFo4Gq5UZdPGURDS4XBQqgJ0bQUjo3ygurZ5Qdrg/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" height="640" title="DIY Custom Teepee Tutorial from Twelve Bees" width="640" /></a></div>
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If you've followed all of those steps, you now have a seriously hip teepee, just like us! It's so far become a cozy place to curl up and read, a dark place for dolls to nap, and a favourite hiding place. And once all this snow melts, I can't wait to bring it out to the backyard for picnics and play camping. But for now, we'll have to curl up in it and dream about spring.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzHkXL2QnBqvh3-6SzjZnuE-024k4qqhIeKYVsjHC_N_FR7Ao3VJsJSDbdelEI4GKsq4Cd4ezk5Uo2ov-Y2FF7SJi3sI_DLpGmcelvmKeJuujCWJNBOmbbIBDCZ7zLju3I-P6UcxIVpdQ/s1600/EasterBasketGraphic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzHkXL2QnBqvh3-6SzjZnuE-024k4qqhIeKYVsjHC_N_FR7Ao3VJsJSDbdelEI4GKsq4Cd4ezk5Uo2ov-Y2FF7SJi3sI_DLpGmcelvmKeJuujCWJNBOmbbIBDCZ7zLju3I-P6UcxIVpdQ/s1600/EasterBasketGraphic.jpg" height="426" title="Making a Monogrammed Easter Basket by Twelve Bees" width="640" /></a></div>
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I've been making these cute little baskets for years. They're quick and make great gifts - fill with little books or craft supplies for a birthday gift, use Christmas fabric for the holidays, or leave them out for the Bunny to fill with chocolate and other goodies at Easter!</div>
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Funny enough, as often happens with these things, my own kids have yet to receive their own baskets... I've made about ten of these as gifts or for special orders, while my daughter is the proud owner of one of my first "experimental" versions (which is kind of ugly and floppy because I was trying to figure out the best kind of interfacing to use). What is it they say about the shoemaker's children going barefoot? I haven't even gotten around to making my youngest daughter her baby quilt yet, but that's a whole other can of second child guilt for another time. So, let's talk baskets.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIaG9vQ7gub89EVN5il_lUMFUO7FSRUaKfr6p3ipTpb9HKDT5O1CR-IsxW2T_kVvS6k1CPd6wx_6WPLeNEmDkb3XCWbzwU1U1qDW-n4ZIAtCKPNt4z8xh6x79nELoUUx2wDDQhIOTiZRE/s1600/DSC_0591.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIaG9vQ7gub89EVN5il_lUMFUO7FSRUaKfr6p3ipTpb9HKDT5O1CR-IsxW2T_kVvS6k1CPd6wx_6WPLeNEmDkb3XCWbzwU1U1qDW-n4ZIAtCKPNt4z8xh6x79nELoUUx2wDDQhIOTiZRE/s1600/DSC_0591.jpg" height="640" title="Monogrammed Easter Basket Tutorial from Twelve Bees" width="640" /></a></div>
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The construction of this simple basket is based on <a href="http://ayumills.blogspot.ca/2008/05/tutorial-fabric-basket.html" target="_blank">this tutorial from Pink Penguin</a>. I modified the pattern to make the finished basket a bit bigger and to use patchwork strips as opposed to squares, which makes it easier to add a monogram.<br />
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Every time I go to make one, I have to search for my scrawled notes, so I decided to post it here mostly so that I'll remember how for next time. I'll show you what I did differently, and then refer you to the other tutorial to finish off constructing the basket - she really explains things so well, there's no point in me duplicating it!</div>
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The finished basket measures approximately 4" x 6" wide, and 4" tall.</div>
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<u>For body of basket:</u><br />
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Five 2.5" x 8" coordinating strips for patchwork basket sides</div>
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Base fabric (solid grey, in my case): one 6.5" x 10.5" rectangle</div>
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Lining fabric (light blue, in my case): one 10.5" x 13.5" rectangle</div>
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Batting and heavyweight interfacing: cut a piece of each slightly larger than the lining piece</div>
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<u>For handles:</u><br />
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One 2.25" x 16" strip from base fabric and a coordinating print (one from each)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnhifHDZiLnIYhpcZhUdY4KHaYAJjbXdUp0DK7cnCCmiaP4wJF6DcDkAngsasJIGUMz87_GbJxV3AE-HGR_g6tSaGN_aeh_Jn9C59TH6OSRTB2delGbCvZhGvSA2V9S2H6RmYqRnovtOE/s1600/DSC_0491.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnhifHDZiLnIYhpcZhUdY4KHaYAJjbXdUp0DK7cnCCmiaP4wJF6DcDkAngsasJIGUMz87_GbJxV3AE-HGR_g6tSaGN_aeh_Jn9C59TH6OSRTB2delGbCvZhGvSA2V9S2H6RmYqRnovtOE/s1600/DSC_0491.jpg" title="Monogrammed Easter Basket Tutorial from Twelve Bees" /></a></div>
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Using a 1/4" seam allowance, sew the five 2.5" x 8" strips together width-wise. Press seams to one side. Square up and trim the length so that the finished piece measures 7.5" wide (it should be approx. 10.5" long).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKQafvWH6EL0ySF0H0YeQSTYYJ19LNz8E5vx4kK8FN-8agi2yGWTCo19uIf3fB2hAGFMFGW5aZpkBeBo12jv40qVi5rqz_eZNoF5p_YnbjfEZACro3PgcGMAKALzl-pQz6e1ICMd1YBYs/s1600/DSC_0494.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKQafvWH6EL0ySF0H0YeQSTYYJ19LNz8E5vx4kK8FN-8agi2yGWTCo19uIf3fB2hAGFMFGW5aZpkBeBo12jv40qVi5rqz_eZNoF5p_YnbjfEZACro3PgcGMAKALzl-pQz6e1ICMd1YBYs/s1600/DSC_0494.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Slice the piece down the middle, so that you have two identical pieces each measuring 10.5" x 3.75".</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1b9HPCqoQXpoiB0_Dwh9dhlI-5uykpMvcrfOD5hS17nId9BPpF10oDGHRDZltQaVsM7zkj1bcPqQaJJB6E7SbXC96f4KbWAvy6CfDPztuBJdE8q-mVEsIsXyHyW7Eo5SUp8gojDW5SpA/s1600/DSC_0496.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1b9HPCqoQXpoiB0_Dwh9dhlI-5uykpMvcrfOD5hS17nId9BPpF10oDGHRDZltQaVsM7zkj1bcPqQaJJB6E7SbXC96f4KbWAvy6CfDPztuBJdE8q-mVEsIsXyHyW7Eo5SUp8gojDW5SpA/s1600/DSC_0496.jpg" height="426" title="Monogrammed Easter Basket Tutorial from Twelve Bees" width="640" /></a></div>
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Now is the time to applique your monogram on to the centre strip of one side of the basket. I ironed a scrap of Heat'N'Bond Featherlite to a roughly 1" x 2" scrap of fabric, then drew and cut out the letter. I then ironed it on right in the middle of the strip and finished it off with a zig zag stitch around the outside of the letter.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9ezWbpx0lIGjRV29gmjGZMT0yD4fji8-mYd1S6LAxXVfo3rZjJBe3FUYhbGldgzxpRdCD_XgdvKAn18-Fc1xbXaes5uhPoMw1x2wXHNUvpfiZTv854g0W6G9zdQeTnccbKFEWpsOkrkY/s1600/DSC_0498.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9ezWbpx0lIGjRV29gmjGZMT0yD4fji8-mYd1S6LAxXVfo3rZjJBe3FUYhbGldgzxpRdCD_XgdvKAn18-Fc1xbXaes5uhPoMw1x2wXHNUvpfiZTv854g0W6G9zdQeTnccbKFEWpsOkrkY/s1600/DSC_0498.jpg" height="426" title="Monogrammed Easter Basket Tutorial from Twelve Bees" width="640" /></a>Sew the patchwork strips to each side of the base rectangle, being careful to align the letter right side up (with the base of the letter close to the base of the basket). Also make sure to flip one of the patchwork strips so that the fabrics are opposite one another (see how I have orange at the top of one side and at the bottom of the other?). This way, once the basket is assembled, the colours will alternate rather than repeat on the ends. (You'll see what I mean once the basket is put together.)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgclsWf5S0FS4seA_pxdvJChRpPIngSFPknkakcBDPShWAjtl-j9RxeI-i78zZHyYOkZT3MHht9ri1WwQ-OTpIJ2d29X21wwajHxzthYsrLhDA9LLBvRFyJ4dC-DOOSNHk-jKLVQUY_x2c/s1600/DSC_0500.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/AVvXsEgclsWf5S0FS4seA_pxdvJChRpPIngSFPknkakcBDPShWAjtl-j9RxeI-i78zZHyYOkZT3MHht9ri1WwQ-OTpIJ2d29X21wwajHxzthYsrLhDA9LLBvRFyJ4dC-DOOSNHk-jKLVQUY_x2c/s1600/DSC_0500.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a>Layer the outer basket piece, batting, and heavyweight interfacing. </div>
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Using your walking foot, topstitch along the edges of the base just below the patchwork on either side. Then, quilt as desired along the sides. I used my walking foot to add a few wavy and diagonal lines.</div>
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Trim the edges and square up the finished outer basket piece.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio7xXqyLpHAHyxjQvDnTTWn4D3waTFk7PtpqcaYZLCuK7lsQZT_hF_KBJn42rWurf0mir3EIA89g_bf7sV3n2OT9WcT9VsNVpWEqHESguLG3QQgGmYU65orBp0F8oJBTBSHNrtEx9YTvU/s1600/DSC_0502.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio7xXqyLpHAHyxjQvDnTTWn4D3waTFk7PtpqcaYZLCuK7lsQZT_hF_KBJn42rWurf0mir3EIA89g_bf7sV3n2OT9WcT9VsNVpWEqHESguLG3QQgGmYU65orBp0F8oJBTBSHNrtEx9YTvU/s1600/DSC_0502.jpg" height="426" title="Monogrammed Easter Basket Tutorial from Twelve Bees" width="640" /></a>Then, follow the steps in <a href="http://ayumills.blogspot.ca/2008/05/tutorial-fabric-basket.html" target="_blank">Pink Penguin's basket tutorial</a> for finishing your basket, <u>noting the following exceptions</u>:</div>
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<li>If using my dimensions, sew the seam for the box corners <b>2"</b> from the pointy edge (rather than 1 3/4", as she does). </li>
<li>I've found it works best to cut the lining piece down to 1/4" smaller in each dimension than your outer basket piece before assembling it. E.g., if your finished outer piece measures 10.5" x 13.5", trim your lining to 10.25" x 13.25". This way it won't be baggy inside your basket.</li>
<li>I sewed my handles as one piece and then just cut it in half to make two (she sews both separately). </li>
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Fill your finished basket with delicious things and enjoy! </div>
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And please, make some nice ones for your own kids before you go giving them all away to the neighbours. Or, if you must give them away... at least take some cute pictures to <a href="https://instagram.com/twelvebees/" target="_blank">show me</a> first.</div>
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I've been hoarding a fat quarter bundle of <a href="http://sarahjanestudios.com/blog/2013/11/introducing-wee-wander/" target="_blank">Wee Wander fabric</a> for my daughter's "big girl bed" quilt for almost a year. Have you ever had fabric that was almost too pretty to cut into? (You're reading a quilt blog. Of course you have.) Wee Wander is one of those lines that is <i>that</i> pretty. Wild horses, blossoms, children exploring, fireflies... it really doesn't get much more adorable. It's such perfect fabric that I was petrified to cut into it until I had just the right pattern.<br />
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After months of searching, I finally settled on the <a href="http://thimbleblossoms.bigcartel.com/product/fireworks-pattern-155-pdf-pattern" target="_blank">Fireworks pattern</a> by <a href="http://www.camilleroskelley.typepad.com/" target="_blank">Thimble Blossoms</a>. I love their patterns, and this one had everything I wanted: vintage-modern style, lots of white to make the bright colours pop, and blocks big enough to show off fussy cuts of the whimsical illustrations by Sarah Jane.<br />
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However once I read through the pattern, I started to panic when I saw the amount of fabric that would be wasted if I followed the cutting and sewing instructions exactly. My treasured Wee Wander! I couldn't bear to waste even the tiniest bit of it (regardless of the fact that scraps are always put to good use around here). There had to be a better way.</div>
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A quick Google search told me I wasn't the first quilter to think so. I came across two great tutorials by <a href="http://www.twofeetfirst.net/" target="_blank">Two Feet First</a> for parts of the Fireworks block: <a href="http://www.twofeetfirst.net/2014/01/no-waste-flying-geese-tutorial.html" target="_blank">No Waste Flying Geese</a> and <a href="http://www.twofeetfirst.net/2014/01/no-waste-long-half-triangle-tutorial.html" target="_blank">No Waste Long Half Triangles</a>. I used them both, and then figured out my own "no waste" method for piecing the remaining part of the block.<br />
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(Edited to add: I changed the "No Waste Long Half Triangles" method a bit by cutting my pieces 1/4" longer than she calls for - I cut the white piece 7.25" x 2.5" and the print 3.25" x 2.5". This way you get a full 1/4" seam allowance when you cut the pieces apart. You'll see what I mean if you read it.)</div>
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Using these three tutorials, along with the <a href="http://thimbleblossoms.bigcartel.com/product/fireworks-pattern-155-pdf-pattern" target="_blank">Fireworks Quilt pattern</a>, you will be able to make a beautiful Fireworks quilt a bit more quickly and using less of your precious fabric than the pattern calls for!</div>
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Fireworks Quilt "No Waste" Corner Block Tutorial</u></h3>
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This method makes the four "corner blocks" required for one Fireworks quilt block. (I've outlined what I mean by "corner block" in the bottom right of the block pictured above.)</div>
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CUT:</h4>
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From "accent" fabric (pink, in my case): Two 4.5" x 5.25" rectangles<br />
From white fabric: Four 2.5" x 3.25" rectangles<br />
From "main" fabric (green, in my case): Four 2.5" x 2.5" squares<br />
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(Please ignore the four smaller white squares beside the pink pieces in the photo. They are for another part of the block, and I forgot to move them!)<br />
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SEW:</h4>
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Start by chain-piecing the 4 main-coloured squares onto each of the 4 white rectangles, right sides together, matching the 2.5" sides. Press seams open.</div>
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Arrange the pieces in two sets of two as shown below, with the coloured squares at opposite ends from one another. Place RST and sew each set together. Press seams open. You will have two rectangles that look like this (but sewn together in the middle):</div>
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On the wrong side of each piece, use your clear ruler to draw two lines. Align your ruler through one corner of the rectangle, right next to the corner of the coloured square, and 0.5" from the opposite corner, as pictured below, and draw a line using a pencil or water soluble marker.</div>
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Repeat to draw the second line 0.5" away from the first, through the other corner of the rectangle and passing just beside the corner of the other coloured square. You should now have two blocks that look like this:</div>
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With right sides together, lay this block <u>on top of</u> the "accent" fabric rectangle. They should be exactly the same size (which is why you can't see it in this picture). </div>
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Sew a seam along each of the lines you've drawn. </div>
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Then, line up your clear ruler in between the two lines, leaving a 1/4" seam allowance on either side.</div>
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Cut using your rotary cutter, and press seams open.</div>
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Repeat with the other set of blocks, and you will have made four corner blocks - with no waste!</div>
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I hope this is helpful to someone else! Please feel free to comment or email if you have questions, and I will do my best to help out. </div>
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I still have a few blocks left to sew before I can share my finished quilt top (each one is taking me about an hour to piece). In the meantime I'll likely post some WIP photos to <a href="https://instagram.com/twelvebees/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, and you can drool over <a href="http://www.twofeetfirst.net/2014/08/king-fireworks-quilt-finished.html" target="_blank">Megan's stunning king-sized Fireworks quilt</a> for inspiration. </div>
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Happy Firework-ing!</div>
Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10775086067533368998noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2885238560202392274.post-79852746591819858352015-03-01T23:25:00.000-05:002015-06-11T21:33:23.618-04:00Modern herringbone baby quilt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3vNLsMhQNmYxcJdUdoA8DPiZUVYkQxuqaGh38vLZzG451V91OAajiIXuhO9Ok8nfCtOS7m15pxTLUBeh8uwszXjztD1ojKMBYoLVj2jEKoGLoumHEbH99pp_sMTEdO0cGrzlYOnMX3Kk/s1600/DSC_0511.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3vNLsMhQNmYxcJdUdoA8DPiZUVYkQxuqaGh38vLZzG451V91OAajiIXuhO9Ok8nfCtOS7m15pxTLUBeh8uwszXjztD1ojKMBYoLVj2jEKoGLoumHEbH99pp_sMTEdO0cGrzlYOnMX3Kk/s1600/DSC_0511.JPG" title="Modern herringbone baby quilt" width="640" /></a><span id="goog_2020872481"></span></div>
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My second finish of 2015! This one is a sweet little baby quilt commissioned by a dear friend and longtime patron of the arts (my quilting art, that is) as a gift for her sister-in-law's baby shower. She always gives me free rein ("Whatever you make will be beautiful!" ...did I mention she's awesome?), but as inspiration for this one she showed me the shower invitation, which matches the soon-to-arrive little's nursery.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfYSL35VO8A9XkA3KvU07BdOlSsESjh6vJkVSvqXE4ulZz3srsyPYy-CUSLO6xiVqt-xuIG_0OETjTbbNBDgpByzx1jHnjJc5XL90j_VAcclpAIGwThbgqTu722k1IQGhidNv3REO2PCM/s1600/Shower+Invitation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfYSL35VO8A9XkA3KvU07BdOlSsESjh6vJkVSvqXE4ulZz3srsyPYy-CUSLO6xiVqt-xuIG_0OETjTbbNBDgpByzx1jHnjJc5XL90j_VAcclpAIGwThbgqTu722k1IQGhidNv3REO2PCM/s400/Shower+Invitation.jpg" width="293" /></a></div>
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So, we have: gender neutral, chevrons, polkadots, soft grey and buttery yellow, and one cute little elephant. The design I decided on was inspired by this gorgeous <a href="http://filminthefridge.com/2014/10/23/long-time-2/" target="_blank">minimalist herringbone quilt</a> made by Ashley at <a href="http://filminthefridge.com/" target="_blank">Film in the Fridge</a>, which I think captures the <i>idea</i> of chevrons but is less obvious and more modern than your traditional chevron quilt.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh27SknTH6qO0yeqtEigpb_0qnOY_raes90jjyarhypSOAkhGaQ14fDKTCgi4coVi6vcvRD7QeR-34Ff3clntI5pVcP2RdTbz4T_PpOGgfRk3bKcKqfqENHCkShfoFSKgPcJa__HkMWwsI/s1600/DSC_0541.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh27SknTH6qO0yeqtEigpb_0qnOY_raes90jjyarhypSOAkhGaQ14fDKTCgi4coVi6vcvRD7QeR-34Ff3clntI5pVcP2RdTbz4T_PpOGgfRk3bKcKqfqENHCkShfoFSKgPcJa__HkMWwsI/s1600/DSC_0541.JPG" title="Modern herringbone baby quilt closeup" width="640" /></a></div>
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The fabrics are a mix of stash and some new ones picked up from my LQS (the fabulous <a href="http://www.greenwoodquiltery.com/" target="_blank">Greenwood Quiltery</a>). I love guilt-free fabric shopping (custom order, baby)! And the ladies at Greenwood are always excited to help pick out just the right thing - in this case, the perfect buttery yellows to complement my greys and whites. I mixed in some Doe and Widescreen by Carolyn Friedlander with Kona Snow and Ash along with that cute grey check from Happy Go Lucky by Bonnie & Camille (which I also used on the pieced back). And while I'm firmly of the camp that baby quilts don't have to be "babyish" to be beautiful, I couldn't resist tucking in some sun-coloured Birch Organics Mod Basics elephants to tie the whole thing together.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikmYOwG50OUBjICVqXrvznuRBGih4Y9dT17iSScf8Sk4DnfxwEpE78nu89UpnXKpjW7-55HCzXqOWS4fn8SBPCG-mN37we8uZtvuy7hMPQ_k2KN9aqZaXpBPu5d4cnO9H5qhXIkj7gFxg/s1600/DSC_0525.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikmYOwG50OUBjICVqXrvznuRBGih4Y9dT17iSScf8Sk4DnfxwEpE78nu89UpnXKpjW7-55HCzXqOWS4fn8SBPCG-mN37we8uZtvuy7hMPQ_k2KN9aqZaXpBPu5d4cnO9H5qhXIkj7gFxg/s1600/DSC_0525.JPG" title="Modern baby quilt pieced back" width="640" /></a></div>
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My first instinct for quilting was vertical straight lines, but my friend specifically requested some handwriting be quilted on, so instead I got to practice my free motion skills. I've been working on improving over the past year or so, but I'm still not brave enough to try anything other than stippling on a quilt for someone else. Especially one that someone is paying for! So, an all-over stipple it is (along with some special writing). </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD5Ja6jPln819UyRk55GyfdkWxolp-K5iSCDxnOHeF5JcFIfaKiR9hp7NwwbKjxDg95XjrwCQi6GFZ_M6C8L2JyVQMrt0bkVyHaWU16p_cSyjH_h1x-tXBC80s7wT6FV5FX_HpphjANDs/s1600/DSC_0546.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD5Ja6jPln819UyRk55GyfdkWxolp-K5iSCDxnOHeF5JcFIfaKiR9hp7NwwbKjxDg95XjrwCQi6GFZ_M6C8L2JyVQMrt0bkVyHaWU16p_cSyjH_h1x-tXBC80s7wT6FV5FX_HpphjANDs/s1600/DSC_0546.JPG" title="Modern baby quilt closeup" width="640" /></a></div>
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I think the result is a sweet combination of modern and just a tiny bit edgy (asymmetrical! Carolyn Friedlander!) with cute and playful (polkadots! elephants!) ...perfect for a baby who's bound to be just as cool as the family he or she is about to join.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDVSwkPGqNLodUiCYp64BKkvgmNYUr1C0zF1BruVeAW4xXGzPwhvZiJb3DrMh87U_b1bIanhtxdeAQ1WWS6bGJhC1-iRRlVjYUbeP8ZuMAstH-RuNvlWN7q0pXfoTi5tuGCGrm7Bz2uoo/s1600/DSC_0732.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDVSwkPGqNLodUiCYp64BKkvgmNYUr1C0zF1BruVeAW4xXGzPwhvZiJb3DrMh87U_b1bIanhtxdeAQ1WWS6bGJhC1-iRRlVjYUbeP8ZuMAstH-RuNvlWN7q0pXfoTi5tuGCGrm7Bz2uoo/s1600/DSC_0732.jpg" title="Modern herringbone quilt - Twelve Bees" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span id="goog_111976395"></span>Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10775086067533368998noreply@blogger.com0