tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75931146447851411872024-03-17T11:47:18.354-06:00Dining Room EmpireCheryl Arkisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13552721454371060936noreply@blogger.comBlogger1121125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7593114644785141187.post-77951616796275773572016-03-01T07:57:00.002-07:002016-03-01T07:57:21.792-07:00New Blog is Here!Oy!<br />
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So much going on.<br />
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Most importantly, I have a new website and blog! First post is up today and it is all about my time <a href="http://www.cherylarkison.com/diningroomempire/2016/3/1/from-a-judges-perspective-quiltcon-2016">judging the quilts at Quiltcon</a>.<br />
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Just so you know, that is where I will be blogging from now on. I will put a redirect on this site shortly, after I migrate all the content to the new blog. I still want everyone to be able to find all the things. Hopefully the new site helps with that too.<br />
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<a href="http://www.cherylarkison.com/">Come join me</a>!Cheryl Arkisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13552721454371060936noreply@blogger.com313tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7593114644785141187.post-39665882813028572872016-02-11T12:28:00.002-07:002016-02-11T12:28:54.839-07:00The Splendid Sampler Sew Along<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mwC7QCTK24U/Vrzdy29esgI/AAAAAAAARSk/V_PtWFD6LMw/s1600/The%2BSplendid%2BSampler%2BSew%2BAlong%2Bbig%2Bbutton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mwC7QCTK24U/Vrzdy29esgI/AAAAAAAARSk/V_PtWFD6LMw/s640/The%2BSplendid%2BSampler%2BSew%2BAlong%2Bbig%2Bbutton.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Have you heard of <a href="http://www.thesplendidsampler.com/">The Splendid Sampler Sew Along</a> yet? Don't worry if you haven't, I'm here to share all the details.<br />
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Pat Sloan and Jane Davidson put together a group of quilt designers to showcase their skills on some small blocks. Put all the blocks together and you have 100 blocks for a refreshing sampler! Every week for a year two block patterns will be released. You can make as few or as many as you want. Use any fabric you want.<br />
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Bonus - it is ALL FREE!<br />
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To the designers Pat and Jane asked us to design a block that reflected happiness in our quilting. Such sweet directions. And boy, does happiness in quilting mean different things to different people! For example, my block has some low volume, some improv, some appliqué. Other blocks have tiny piecing, some have paper piecing and embroidery. There is basically every technique under the sun in the sampler. I'm not sure the tiny piecing will make me happy, but I'll certainly try it!<br />
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Each block ends up at 6 1/2'' square. A manageable size to get two done a week, or a few in an afternoon. I've started making my blocks out of my scrap bins. So far I've stuck with yellows plus black and whites. We'll see if I stick with that. I'm totally open to seeing where this goes.<br />
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If you are interested in joining along, or even just following progress, the first block pattern releases this Sunday, on the 14th. And it is a perfect Valentine's Day block! You can get all the info on <a href="http://www.thesplendidsampler.com/">The Splendid Sampler website</a> and join the fun on the Facebook page for the group. Loads of inspiration there!<br />
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I will keep you posted - like I do with all my quilts under construction - on my blocks as I go. I may not keep up, but I'm challenging myself to make all 100. This is definitely a year for working outside my comfort zone. Why not?!<br />
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Oh, and if you are wondering, my block is one of the last ones! So you are going to have to hang on for a while to see it.Cheryl Arkisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13552721454371060936noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7593114644785141187.post-2591482013683558332016-02-04T14:20:00.001-07:002016-02-04T14:20:53.623-07:00Park Quilt Update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RNwAQI-Ucn4/VrO_Om2Gy-I/AAAAAAAAQ80/CPzzGC4poUQ/s1600/IMG_7945.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RNwAQI-Ucn4/VrO_Om2Gy-I/AAAAAAAAQ80/CPzzGC4poUQ/s640/IMG_7945.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Up to 11 now. I want to make 25. I have a way to go...<br />
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The good thing is that these blocks don't actually take that long to make. I should time it, but I would say a few hours each from fabric selection, cutting, <a href="http://naptimequilter.blogspot.ca/2015/09/13-reasons-to-hand-baste-with-needle.html">basting</a>, and then stitching. So, not fast, but not really that slow either.<br />
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If I only made one more it would actually be a perfect lap quilt but I have this in mind as a potential wedding present down the line, for a couple that aren't even engaged yet! That's why I want it bigger, bed size.<br />
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Thankfully, I am not getting tired of appliqué at all.<br />
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Pattern: <a href="http://carolynfriedlander.com/products/slow-sewing-studio/park/">Park Quilt by Carolyn Friedlander</a><br />
<br />Cheryl Arkisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13552721454371060936noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7593114644785141187.post-25409633279468655262016-02-02T13:21:00.001-07:002016-02-02T13:21:22.383-07:00Hand Pieced Diamonds Ready for Layout<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yeo_JUjCzFg/VrEOn9Om8gI/AAAAAAAAQ5A/LmMsjk26Pho/s1600/IMG_7885.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="464" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yeo_JUjCzFg/VrEOn9Om8gI/AAAAAAAAQ5A/LmMsjk26Pho/s640/IMG_7885.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This is an old one!<br />
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<a href="http://naptimequilter.blogspot.ca/2011/08/fireside.html">I started these hand pieced diamonds back in 2011</a>. Woah. For a few years it was my go-to hand project. Never a complaint about doing them at all. Then handwork fell to the side as my baby boy got bigger. Then I discovered appliqué. I'm sure I haven't sewn a stitch on this in at least 3 years.<br />
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In my <a href="http://naptimequilter.blogspot.ca/2016/01/storing-quilts-under-construction.html">recent clean-up of Quilts Under Construction</a> I pulled these out for closer inspection. I even pressed them for the first time. Oy. There is a lot of mismatched seams. Oh well. And clearly I kept cutting them bigger because the more recent section does not match the original section at all. That's because I didn't use the same template throughout. I just grabbed a random diamond every time I needed to make more. Oh well.<br />
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Now I think it might be time to turn these into something. I did quite enjoy the hand piecing so I am going to continue with that. But first I have to decide on a layout.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nSOuZiGtQww/VrEOns2S2II/AAAAAAAAQ44/e3Yiq9uI2ZQ/s1600/IMG_7867.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="578" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nSOuZiGtQww/VrEOns2S2II/AAAAAAAAQ44/e3Yiq9uI2ZQ/s640/IMG_7867.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Something like was my first instinct. That way it doesn't matter if the diamonds don't line up. Or maybe pull that small section out a bit further? And do something with those extra bits currently just pinned to the wall on the left.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FAgMbWbe9Bw/VrEOn7mVOlI/AAAAAAAAQ48/PfAYCOzFw80/s1600/IMG_7889.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FAgMbWbe9Bw/VrEOn7mVOlI/AAAAAAAAQ48/PfAYCOzFw80/s640/IMG_7889.jpg" width="614" /></a><br />
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Then I thought of doing something like this. Quite different. And now those extra bits could find a home. Or not.<br />
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I'll let them sit for a bit, but hopefully not five more years!Cheryl Arkisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13552721454371060936noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7593114644785141187.post-32540661876076982742016-01-28T07:52:00.002-07:002016-01-28T07:52:59.038-07:00My Favourite Crafty PodcastsWhen I'm in the sewing room I often like to have something on to listen to. Not watch, listen. If I'm watching something I get too distracted. A lot of the time it is music that I love, but when I have cutting or binding or something where I'm not using the machine too much I like to listen to podcasts.<br />
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There are a tonne of great podcasts out there, on all sorts of subjects. Of course, my go to ones are crafty! Here is a list of my favourite crafty podcasts.<br />
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<a href="http://www.modernsewciety.com/">Modern Sewciety</a><br />
Stephanie Kendron hosts interviews with your favourite sewing celebrities. And I really like that you get to know a lot about her in the preambles to the show as well as the interviews.<br />
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<a href="http://toginet.com/shows/americanpatchworkandquiltingradio">American Patchwork and Quilting Radio</a><br />
Pat Sloan is an icon in this industry. Her unabashed enthusiasm for all things quilting and sewing shines on the show.<br />
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<a href="http://craftyplanner.com/">Crafty Planner</a><br />
Sandi Hazelwood's conversations with her guests are so thoughtful, yet it feels like a relaxed conversation. I always look forward to new episodes.<br />
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<a href="http://whileshenaps.com/category/the-podcast/episodes">While She Naps</a><br />
Abby Glassenberg covers far more than sewing in her podcast, but it is wonderful to get some different perspectives from similar industries.<br />
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<a href="https://www.seamwork.com/radio">Seamwork Radio</a><br />
A tie in to the Seamwork magazine by Colette patterns, Seamwork Radio tackles storytelling in a very different way when it comes to sewers. It always has me thinking.<br />
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<a href="http://www.slowstitching.com/podcasts.html">Slow Stitching</a><br />
Mark Lipinski has been quite sick so there aren't any new episodes, but the archives are worth a listen. It is so inspirational, regardless of the stitch craft on the art and necessity of slowing down.<br />
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<a href="http://craftsanity.com/">Craftsanity</a><br />
Jennifer Ackerman has a huge library of podcasts with crafting stars. It is about much more than sewing so I find continued inspiration among people I might never have encountered before.<br />
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<a href="http://www.meighanotoole.com/podcast">What's Your Story</a><br />
Meighan O'Toole is no longer recording shows, but definitely take a look at her archive. Some unexpected treasures in her interviews.<br />
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There are more podcasts out there, so if you listen to other ones, please share them in the comments. I would love to know what you listen to!<br />
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<br />Cheryl Arkisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13552721454371060936noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7593114644785141187.post-32111703573451403352016-01-26T07:21:00.001-07:002016-01-26T07:22:19.971-07:00Sewing Machine Quilt Pattern Launch!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jGBcdWjt3iw/Vqd8PuBDoPI/AAAAAAAAQq8/PpANKMa2-d4/s1600/sewing%2Bmachine%2Bpattern%2Bcover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jGBcdWjt3iw/Vqd8PuBDoPI/AAAAAAAAQq8/PpANKMa2-d4/s640/sewing%2Bmachine%2Bpattern%2Bcover.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
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Announcing my latest pattern - <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/262777705/sewing-machine-quilt-pattern-pdf?ref=shop_home_active_3">The Sewing Machine Quilt</a>!</div>
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This one was a long time coming. But it is finally here and I'm excited to share it with you. It includes:</div>
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- Improv and Precision Piecing instructions</div>
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- Two blocks sizes: 10'' and 20'' (finished)</div>
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- Quilt layout suggestions</div>
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- Fabric requirements for quilts from Mini to King</div>
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It is available in print and PDF. <a href="mailto:cheryl@cherylarkison.com">Contact me for wholesale orders</a>.</div>
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This was the quilt that brought me out of a big creative slump. I was struggling to get going and find joy in my piecing, I was burnt out. A teaching gig came along and changed everything. It was an Improv class at Quilt Canada, a most traditional of shows. My students came with open minds and a spirit of adventure. They completely changed everything for me. At one point in the class I always have them throw out ideas for shapes we could piece improvisationally. Just like an improv comedy show! Someone suggested sewing machine. Yes, a sewing machine. I got so excited by the idea that the day I came home I think I made a half dozen of them. It was game on after that. I got excited to create again. </div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/262777705/sewing-machine-quilt-pattern-pdf?ref=shop_home_active_3">Buy the pattern here.</a></div>
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If you would like some guidance with Improv or more on the thought process on a pattern like this check out my Creative Live classes on <a href="https://www.creativelive.com/courses/improv-quilting-basics-cheryl-arkison">Improv Basics</a> and <a href="https://www.creativelive.com/courses/translating-inspiration-quilting-cheryl-arkison">Translating Inspiration</a>.</div>
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With piecing options and all the directions to get you going any which way you like this pattern acts like a guide. It is a love letter to the main tool in our quilting arsenal. </div>
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Cheryl Arkisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13552721454371060936noreply@blogger.com48tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7593114644785141187.post-67774878235478850032016-01-21T08:27:00.000-07:002016-01-21T08:27:18.375-07:00Storing Quilts Under Construction<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
When you have <a href="http://naptimequilter.blogspot.ca/2016/01/quilts-under-construction-2015-in-review.html">almost 40 quilts on the go</a> you have to find a way to store them before they become quilts. And my sewing room is far too small to let them take over. And I am not one to thrive in a messy work space. So here are my storage solutions.</div>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9VfZfMyeEYE/VqDzyNF2ZOI/AAAAAAAAIOA/9OjOEStGcSc/s1600/IMG_7654.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9VfZfMyeEYE/VqDzyNF2ZOI/AAAAAAAAIOA/9OjOEStGcSc/s640/IMG_7654.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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My cutting table was purchased with all the storage in mind. The top shelf contains bins with active projects. If I need to grab something or only have a few minutes to play this is where I go.<br />
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The bottom shelf contains all my scraps, colour sorted in bins - the pattern is the quilted storage box from <i>Sunday Morning Quilts</i>.<br />
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On the floor (usually tucked under the shelf) are plastic bins with class samples and other projects. I recently labelled them and this was an awesome move on my part. No more guessing!<br />
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In front there, but usually tucked to the side are some straw bag my mom once picked up on a trip to Acapulco. They are perfect for storing projects. Plus, they look cool and can be moved around the room as necessary.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bB4rny8T8_0/VqDz1q0IYKI/AAAAAAAAIOM/ICNJ-ZDdsLI/s1600/IMG_7673.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="516" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bB4rny8T8_0/VqDz1q0IYKI/AAAAAAAAIOM/ICNJ-ZDdsLI/s640/IMG_7673.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I am lucky enough to have two full size closets in the room. One has my stash. The other has batting (all those messy scraps on the bottom right), garment sewing stash, my patterns (not visible) and then projects. On the top shelf there are the quilt tops (with their backs or fabric for backs) folded. I have no hanging space otherwise I would hang them. Then it is all projects sorted into piles - for bigger and more active ones, bags, and bins. I recently sorted through them all and this is actually quite neat and organized, even if it may not appear so.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w39NtDqTlJk/VqDz1H_De7I/AAAAAAAAIOI/KuTGgqozk7A/s1600/IMG_7686.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="454" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w39NtDqTlJk/VqDz1H_De7I/AAAAAAAAIOI/KuTGgqozk7A/s640/IMG_7686.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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One little spot in the closet holds some particularly small scraps and a stack of Liberty circles. I keep them front and centre just because they are pretty. And hopefully will motivate me to play with them a bit more.<div>
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It's a small room, but it is all mine! I've had to get disciplined about storage or else I would never actually get anything done. And now, no matter the mood nor the time, I have easy access to anything I could want to work on.<br /><br /></div>
Cheryl Arkisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13552721454371060936noreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7593114644785141187.post-35863392093078414292016-01-18T23:00:00.000-07:002016-01-18T23:00:01.639-07:00Flying Geese for Small Wonders<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6vhdu53TlP8/Vp2NpSp7BBI/AAAAAAAAINo/iu3k_CVUUas/s1600/IMG_7637.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6vhdu53TlP8/Vp2NpSp7BBI/AAAAAAAAINo/iu3k_CVUUas/s640/IMG_7637.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Between studio clean up, the holidays, and obsession to finish and not start things I've managed to not start in on much. I made an exception - finally - for my <a href="http://naptimequilter.blogspot.ca/2015/11/small-wonders-by-mary-fons-new-quilt-in.html">Small Wonders fabric</a>. You may recall that I was sent this fabric around Quilt Market in October to play with. I made a plan and now I'm going for it.<br />
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By going for it, I mean experimenting. Based on the sketch below you can see I was aiming for some flying geese of varying sizes. I've played around with it and not done much in the way of planning.<br />
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(There comes a point where that approach can bite you in the butt, but hey! That's the joy of improv.)<br />
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Based on my sketch I picked five of the fabrics to work with and paired them with a pale blue Essex Linen. Then I drafted out and cut a few different sizes of rectangles. Just putting the rectangles on the design wall had me changing things. That's design on the fly!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZyouhUdIRks/Vp2NqF43d6I/AAAAAAAAINw/MJWDpmjiGoo/s1600/IMG_7643.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="442" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZyouhUdIRks/Vp2NqF43d6I/AAAAAAAAINw/MJWDpmjiGoo/s640/IMG_7643.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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At this point I'm realizing it isn't going to end up exactly like my sketch. My triangles are simply too big. There isn't going to be that much negative space. So be it. I will play a bit more and see what it can be.<br />
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See, improv doesn't just mean wonky and no measuring. This is precision piecing and I only started with a rough sketch. It is totally improvised because I really don't know what it will be in the end.<br />
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To see more about my process on this quilt make sure to follow along on Periscope. You can catch my previous scopes <a href="https://katch.me/Cheryl_Arkison">here on Katch.me</a>.Cheryl Arkisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13552721454371060936noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7593114644785141187.post-50942484886653557452016-01-12T14:45:00.002-07:002016-01-12T14:45:40.707-07:002016 Goals<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-seT7wd62UYQ/VpVy0qy7DwI/AAAAAAAAINE/6sFxFitgPeU/s1600/IMG_6619.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-seT7wd62UYQ/VpVy0qy7DwI/AAAAAAAAINE/6sFxFitgPeU/s640/IMG_6619.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This year I've worked really hard on goal setting. It's taken a lot of reflection, letting go, focus, and reality checks. I went from hard core enthusiasm to awful pessimism in one day. Then back again. Not fun.<br />
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It's not a fine line between optimism and reality, it's a thick black one.<br />
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When I realized that it depressed me. I spent some days being awfully grumpy, ready to give up my professional work. Family first. But we all know I'm better, the family is better when I work, I was really struggling to see how I could be happy in both my business and my family life. But then MY reality showed through.<br />
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First, I spent some time talking with other professional quilty friends. They calmed me down, reminded me that I'm not the only one struggling with this, and encouraged me to still set high goals. They all agreed that the goals should be very specific. I've done that in the past, but I drilled down even more this year.<br />
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Second, I delivered a trunk show. Now, I give about 10-15 trunk shows a year. I absolutely love trunk shows. Not because I get to share my quilts and stories, but because I see audience reactions and talk to people about inspiration. It's amazing to know you inspire people to try new things.<br />
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To get to this trunk show last week I worked with my husband to get the kids to school. I turned to a friend with a day home to watch my boy. And no one got upset or cranky about it. We worked together to make it happen. Totally doable. A good reminder.<br />
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Third, I read <a href="http://www.flaxandtwine.com/2016/01/believe-in-bountiful/">this post from Anne Weil</a>. And boom, it made me see that what I was doing was focusing on the hard stuff, the things I didn't do. Nowhere in there was I paying attention to the things I did accomplish and can do quite well. Talk about a glass half empty approach.<br />
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So I took my dog for a walk on a sunny winter day and found some clarity. With a bit more work I have 2016 goals. This year I broke them into categories and made them pretty specific.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3OMjB7rP9sM/VpVvXeWM3fI/AAAAAAAAIMg/QEwj4l4fJUA/s1600/IMG_4482.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="440" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3OMjB7rP9sM/VpVvXeWM3fI/AAAAAAAAIMg/QEwj4l4fJUA/s640/IMG_4482.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<b>Professional</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
1 Secure contract and write 4th quilting book.<br />
2 Finish and launch new website and blog.<br />
3 Teach at least one 3-day workshop.<br />
4 Sell more local classes, potentially self hosted.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RR0eRSRdzHw/VpVvXYy1LRI/AAAAAAAAIMc/C0aD_bNskqo/s1600/IMG_5085.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="474" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RR0eRSRdzHw/VpVvXYy1LRI/AAAAAAAAIMc/C0aD_bNskqo/s640/IMG_5085.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<b>Personal</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
1 Try climbing and Crossfit and maybe Muay Thai again.<br />
2 Leash train our dog, Roo.<br />
3 Remember and celebrate friends' birthdays.<br />
4 Relearn bread making.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eeeo1NNc32c/VpVwpDa8BqI/AAAAAAAAIM0/QPAZ6IFT2dA/s1600/DSCN3275.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eeeo1NNc32c/VpVwpDa8BqI/AAAAAAAAIM0/QPAZ6IFT2dA/s640/DSCN3275.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<b>Creative</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
1 Learn to English Paper Piece.<br />
2 Finish 10 quilts from the <a href="http://naptimequilter.blogspot.ca/2016/01/quilts-under-construction-2015-in-review.html">Quilts Under Construction List</a>.<br />
3 Keep a weekly writing date.<br />
4 Label all the quilts.<br />
<br />
To get all this done I'm taking the advice from a few people about creating monthly breakdowns of the tasks that will get me to these goals. This Master List will keep me more accountable to myself and help me stay on track.<br />
<br />
And in all of this I need to keep room for new adventures and possibilities!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Oey2ycQGxLk/VpVvXX84ndI/AAAAAAAAIMY/U54CGkQvn9Y/s1600/IMG_7233.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Oey2ycQGxLk/VpVvXX84ndI/AAAAAAAAIMY/U54CGkQvn9Y/s640/IMG_7233.jpg" width="640" /></a>Cheryl Arkisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13552721454371060936noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7593114644785141187.post-41511962874816870302016-01-06T13:29:00.000-07:002016-01-06T13:29:00.853-07:00Absolutely Legendary Sasquatch Quilt Top<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7PlpO07hswk/Vo1zdx4hJoI/AAAAAAAAIL0/OjJ1Ot59Cnk/s1600/IMG_7466.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7PlpO07hswk/Vo1zdx4hJoI/AAAAAAAAIL0/OjJ1Ot59Cnk/s640/IMG_7466.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This quilt is legend... wait for it... dary.</div>
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Based on <a href="http://ohfransson.bigcartel.com/product/legendary-pdf-quilt-pattern">Elizabeth Hartman's Legendary quilt pattern</a>, launched recently, but totally supersized. The moment I saw the pattern on Instagram I knew I had to do this. The sasquatch itself originally finishes at 18'' in the pattern. With a little quilt math I made it 5 times the size. Or, if you are so inclined to believe, life size. That made the sasquatch over 90'' tall and nearly 60'' wide.</div>
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The idea of trees on the side was improvised and added because we wanted this quilt to be big enough for the entire family. Now it comes in around 90'' square. Plus, the sasquatch has context now.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5WzdU7NzJKE/Vo1zfHkVi9I/AAAAAAAAIMA/H9r0e160FOw/s1600/bigfoot%2Bcollage%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5WzdU7NzJKE/Vo1zfHkVi9I/AAAAAAAAIMA/H9r0e160FOw/s640/bigfoot%2Bcollage%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The making of this quilt was a family project over the holiday break. I knew that if I was going to get any sewing in I had to expect the kids in there with me. Rather than get frustrated by that, I decided to invite them in for this group project.</div>
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You see, we are a family addicted to Bigfoot shows. None of us actually believe in the legend, but the shows are fun to watch and it's become a family joke to observe squatchy landscapes and conjecture about samsquanch (as we oddly refer to it).</div>
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So the kids were actually quite excited to make this quilt. After I did the match we sorted through my brown stash (small) and scrap bins (smaller) and whites/creams/greys for the right fabrics. I cut everything - discovering that a transcription error was my only mistake!. As a team we sewed. </div>
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It was the first time I let the girls use my Bernina. A bit confusing at first with no presser foot lever, but they were amazing. Can I just say? Thank goodness for adjustable speeds! We got into a rhythm with me prepping, one sewing, one pressing. Sure, there were times when their attention died out and wrestling matches were started - and quickly stopped because we were in the sewing room. Overall, I was pretty impressed with how engaged they were in the project.</div>
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My son sewed for the first time. You should have seen his excitement! He sat on my lap and covered my hands with his and we sewed together. He even admonished me if my fingers got too close to the presser foot. </div>
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Unfortunately, my husband was quite sick the last week of the break. So his contribution, other than feeble encouragement, was to shout design ideas or selections from the sofa in the next room. That, and keeping us on a steady diet of <a href="http://www.animalplanet.com/tv-shows/finding-bigfoot/">Finding Bigfoot</a> for the kiddos when their energy for sewing changed.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3OPkKaDDkBg/Vo1zekjHRmI/AAAAAAAAIL8/UsUeEQ6h964/s1600/Bigfoot%2Bcollage%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3OPkKaDDkBg/Vo1zekjHRmI/AAAAAAAAIL8/UsUeEQ6h964/s640/Bigfoot%2Bcollage%2B1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Everyone is on me to get this quilted ASAP. My Evil Genius voted for the backing to be a scrappy green one, which I think is a good idea. It will work with brown, white, and green thread on the front. I just hope I can get them all involved with floor washing and basting if they want it done quickly.</div>
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<br />Cheryl Arkisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13552721454371060936noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7593114644785141187.post-63150434620643733522016-01-04T12:07:00.001-07:002016-01-04T12:07:23.033-07:00Quilts Under Construction - 2015 in Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IACDWj55Sj4/VorBeS8MumI/AAAAAAAAILg/fLFasbufKG0/s1600/IMG_6986.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IACDWj55Sj4/VorBeS8MumI/AAAAAAAAILg/fLFasbufKG0/s640/IMG_6986.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
It seems I missed the last quarter's summary. Oops! Although, if I'm being honest, there wasn't much to report in terms of movement on this list in the 3rd quarter. But with a new year it is time to start fresh.<br />
<br />
I cleaned out my one closet that stores a lot of the Quilts Under Construction. Only because I was looking for something specific and couldn't find it. It was a good thing to do. I resorted, reevaluated, and restocked the shelves. Some things are now off this list because I know I will NEVER get to them. So I started a pile for a quilty garage sale in the spring. Some quilt tops, sets of blocks, and fabric. It's good to let go.<br />
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The other difference is that I truly separated out class samples. In time they may make it on this list, but if they never make it out of the class bin then there is no point to them being here.<br />
<br />
So, the number looks different. I am still totally okay with this number. In fact, I don't give a poop what the number is. I care that the projects are still interesting to me.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Quilts Being Quilted</b><br />
<br />
1. <a href="http://naptimequilter.blogspot.ca/2010/10/conquering-my-fear.html">Low Volume Circles</a><br />
This might be the winter I embrace hand quilting. Maybe.<br />
2. <a href="http://naptimequilter.blogspot.ca/2013/10/plus-quilt-top.html">Antonio's Quilt</a><br />
It is half done and I've pulled it out of the closet. It is the first one up for January. I swear.<br />
<b><br /></b><b>Quilt Tops Ready for Quilting</b><br />
<br />
3. A giant version of the Legendary Quilt by Elizabeth Hartman. We finished it yesterday so look for it here in the coming days.<br />
4. <a href="http://naptimequilter.blogspot.ca/2009/08/woohoo-announcment.html">Improv Sampler</a><br />
5. <a href="http://naptimequilter.blogspot.ca/2014/01/checkerboard-chillin.html">Checkerboard</a> from Sunday Morning Quilts<br />
6. <a href="http://naptimequilter.blogspot.ca/2010/03/fabric-with-weight.html">Slaveship Quilt</a><br />
7. The Evil Genius' <a href="http://naptimequilter.blogspot.ca/2013/12/triangles.html">Triangle Quilt</a><br />
8. <a href="http://naptimequilter.blogspot.ca/2014/10/a-giant-hexagon-top.html">Giant Hexagons</a><br />
In a recent clean-up I found a block from my bee that missed getting in the quilt. So yes, I do plan on inserting it into the finished quilt.<br />
9. <a href="http://naptimequilter.blogspot.ca/2015/06/lilac-lovely-improv-curves.html">Lilac Lovely</a><br />
10. <a href="http://naptimequilter.blogspot.ca/2014/10/cirrus-solids-at-play.html">Cirrus Solids Pinwheel top</a><br />
11. <a href="http://naptimequilter.blogspot.ca/2015/03/solid-sunday-morning-top.html">Solid Sunday Morning</a><br />
12. <a href="http://naptimequilter.blogspot.ca/2015/06/oh-canada-quilt-in-red.html">Oh Canada Quilt in Red</a><br />
13. <a href="http://naptimequilter.blogspot.ca/2015/11/orange-log-cabin-variations-for-my-son.html">Orange Is For Nerds</a><br />
Just waiting for Carkai to be available in my LQS as I am stuck on a certain print being the backing for this quilt.<br />
14. A mini/small quilt in a low volume rainbow. Geez, get it done already!<br />
15.<a href="http://naptimequilter.blogspot.ca/2015/10/sanity-sewing.html"> Shh...</a><br />
My low volume Shoeman's Puzzle quilt top. So excited about this one.<br />
16. <a href="http://naptimequilter.blogspot.ca/2015/09/circle-lattice-quilt-top-complete.html">Circle Lattice</a><br />
17. <a href="http://naptimequilter.blogspot.ca/2015/12/mod-christmas-tree-take-2-in-modern.html">Mod Christmas Tree Take 2</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Blocks and Process</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
18. <a href="http://naptimequilter.blogspot.ca/2014/10/beach-days-in-fabric.html">Beach Grass Take 2</a><br />
19. The <a href="http://naptimequilter.blogspot.ca/2015/03/what-i-made-at-quiltcon.html">girls' clothes turned into a quilt</a> with the Gee's Bend quilters.<br />20. <a href="http://naptimequilter.blogspot.ca/2012/01/handwork-update-january.html">Hand Pieced Diamonds</a><br />
21. A <a href="http://naptimequilter.blogspot.ca/2010/12/valuable-finish.html">values quilt</a> in neutrals<br />
There are more than enough blocks after teaching this class a half dozen times that it needs to be turned into a quilt now.<br />
22. <a href="http://naptimequilter.blogspot.ca/2013/11/just-playing.html">Edges/Studio Stash Play</a><br />
This is one that has been on my mind lately... It may be a few months before I get to it though.<br />
23. <a href="http://naptimequilter.blogspot.ca/2015/05/some-crazy-vintage-quilt-top.html">A found quilt top</a> that I would like to overdye in Indigo as an experiment.<br />
Risky? Absolutely. When the weather is warm enough to try it outside I have it on the agenda. So, in 6 months.<br />
24. <a href="http://midmodbee.blogspot.ca/search/label/Cheryl%27s%20Quilt">Mid Mod Bee</a><br />
25. <a href="http://naptimequilter.blogspot.ca/2015/05/a-lot-of-snippets-on-dates-lot.html">Snippets on Dates</a><br />
Technically this could be a finished quilt top, but the snippets never end. And I have that issue with not making small quilts.<br />
26. <a href="http://naptimequilter.blogspot.ca/2015/03/quilting-with-low-volume-fabrics-on.html">The X-Plus blocks</a> I used in the <a href="https://www.creativelive.com/courses/quilting-low-volume-fabrics-cheryl-arkison">Creative Live Quilting with Low Volume Fabrics</a> class.<br />
Periodically I pull out fabric and make one more. I like the break of precision piecing.<br />
27. Respite - a project started in a <a href="http://www.funquilts.com/index.html">Bill Kerr</a> design workshop<br />
28. Chandelier quilt<br />
This one might get some attention this year. It was always one with a certain recipient in mind and she could probably use it one of these days.<br />
29. <a href="http://naptimequilter.blogspot.ca/2010/10/her-name-big.html">Name quilt for my daughter</a><br />
30. <a href="http://naptimequilter.blogspot.ca/2015/07/park-blocks.html">Park blocks</a><br />
Up to 10 right now. Again, could finish at a decent size, but I will likely make many more.<br />
31. A whole bunch of pinwheels that I'm playing with. Started as prep for my <a href="https://www.creativelive.com/courses/playing-pinwheels-quilting-cheryl-arkison">CreativeLive Pinwheel Play</a> class.<br />
32. <a href="http://naptimequilter.blogspot.ca/2015/10/peacemakerspiecemakers.html">Piecemakers/Peacemakers </a><br />
My <a href="http://naptimequilter.blogspot.ca/2014/11/corduroy-marching-inspired-by-gees-bend.html">Gee's Bend inspired blocks</a> after <a href="http://naptimequilter.blogspot.ca/2014/10/a-canadian-quilter-visits-gees-bend.html">my trip to Alabama</a> are coming together, slowly. Definitely a project for the right kind of time.<br />
33. <a href="http://naptimequilter.blogspot.ca/2015/11/small-wonders-by-mary-fons-new-quilt-in.html">Small Wonders</a><br />
Some test panels of Flying Geese are made and I've shared a few Periscope broadcasts on this project.<br />
34. <a href="http://naptimequilter.blogspot.ca/2012/07/full-circle-announcement.html">Liberty Circles</a><br />
35. <a href="http://naptimequilter.blogspot.ca/2014/05/playing-with-stars.html">Pieced Stars</a> - in recent weeks I've made a few more stars. Crazy precision piecing kick I've been on.<br />
27. <a href="http://naptimequilter.blogspot.ca/2009/09/water-version-8.html">The Water Quilt</a><br />
I know I said I wasn't counting class blocks, but I now have enough blocks to turn this into a quilt. Maybe very soon.<br />
30. <a href="http://naptimequilter.blogspot.ca/2014/09/y2k-charms-as-leaders-and-enders.html">Y2K quilt</a><br />
31. Another leaders and enders project, intended to be like Up, Up, and Away from Sunday Morning Quilts<br />
32. <a href="http://naptimequilter.blogspot.ca/2014/09/round-and-round.html">Round and Round</a> blocks - <a href="http://naptimequilter.blogspot.ca/2015/04/round-and-round-update.html">Up to 16</a> of these now.<br />
34. Leftovers from <a href="http://naptimequilter.blogspot.ca/2014/03/modern-paris.html">Modern Paris</a><br />
These almost got put into the garage sale pile. They may still end up there.<br />
36. <a href="http://naptimequilter.blogspot.ca/2015/03/what-i-made-at-quiltcon.html">Paperless paper piecing block</a> from my class with Cristy Flincher. I once thought it needed to be the start of a medallion quilt, but I've dug into my solids stash and the same colours are long gone. So, we'll see what happens.<br />
<br />
+ one bit of secret sewing that is in the quilting phase.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W9UdiTyqkYA/VorBedLtAPI/AAAAAAAAILc/enLX6KO6Qb0/s1600/DSCN4175%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W9UdiTyqkYA/VorBedLtAPI/AAAAAAAAILc/enLX6KO6Qb0/s640/DSCN4175%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />
<b>2015 Finishes</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://naptimequilter.blogspot.ca/2015/01/vintage-french-quilt.html">Vintage French Quilt</a><br />
<a href="http://naptimequilter.blogspot.ca/2015/01/a-year-in-quilt-alturas-is-done.html">Alturas</a><br />
<a href="http://naptimequilter.blogspot.ca/2015/02/caterpillar-from-sherbet-in-month-of.html">Caterpillar</a><br />
<a href="http://naptimequilter.blogspot.ca/2015/02/quiltcon-quilt-keeping-me-warm.html">QuiltCon Quilt</a><br />
<a href="http://naptimequilter.blogspot.ca/2015/04/values-plus-quilt.html">Values Plus</a><br />
<a href="http://naptimequilter.blogspot.ca/2015/04/my-precious-all-voile-quilt.html">Precious</a><br />
<a href="http://naptimequilter.blogspot.ca/2015/07/argyle-i-and-ii.html">Argyle I and II</a><br />
<a href="http://naptimequilter.blogspot.ca/2015/08/glitter-pen-new-pattern-in-modern.html">Glitter Pen</a><br />
<a href="http://naptimequilter.blogspot.ca/2015/08/aloha-kakou-tropical-version-of-vintage.html">Aloha Kakou</a><br />
<a href="http://naptimequilter.blogspot.ca/2015/12/smooch-using-half-circles-in-quilt.html">Smooch</a><br />
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+ two more bits of secret sewing that will be revealed in a month or so.<br />
<br />
Most of those finishes were in the early part of the year. Not much sewing over the summer and fall as the family demanded more time. I feel more in control of my time and reactions to time. And I am committed to some more finishes before more starts. Although really, I didn't start much last year either!<br />
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This year, like all others will be busy. There will be more secret sewing (!!), unexpected inspiration that HAS to be acted on, and a very indelicate balance between life, work, and fun. I'm glad you are along for the ride.</div>
Cheryl Arkisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13552721454371060936noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7593114644785141187.post-80492695251774778522015-12-31T09:34:00.000-07:002015-12-31T09:34:48.361-07:002015 Goals - A Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8LOHdnbv8dQ/VoVYSHuOHzI/AAAAAAAAILM/y95TwVeyDss/s1600/IMG_4963.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="434" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8LOHdnbv8dQ/VoVYSHuOHzI/AAAAAAAAILM/y95TwVeyDss/s640/IMG_4963.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />
The last day of the year. I can safely say that this year hasn't gone like I expected. Then again, I'm not sure what I expected? Setting goals are a good way to find some focus and keep on track. But when the world does not cooperate with you it is also important to be flexible.<br />
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I did not meet all my goals. A part of me is certainly sad about that, no doubt. But being able to respond to changes in family conditions is important too. And no matter what, my family does come first. So, for example, if I have to back away from something I don't see it as a failure because I didn't meet my goal. It can be frustrating, but it isn't a failure.<br />
<br />
Here goes. How did I do?<br />
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<b>1. Start, and possibly complete, the next two quilts in my Alberta series.</b><br />
<br />
<i>This one is never far from my brain. I would really like to get on this. My <a href="http://naptimequilter.blogspot.ca/2014/11/modern-meadows-quilt.html">Mountain Meadows</a> quilt is one of my favourites and it is received so well when I show it. These quilts would be the closest I get to Art Quilts too. That, in and of itself, is a personal challenge I like. It is always good to get out of my comfort zone.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Working with a local shop, My Sewing Room, I designed the background for their <a href="http://www.mysewingroom.ca/events/index.php?pageref=row_by_row">Row by Row Experience</a>. We went with a Prairie sky/landscape. This is one I definitely want to expand upon. And a recent winter drive had me thinking about snow on the Prairies a lot too.</i><br />
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<i>It is quite likely that this goal will carry forward, with some more focus.</i><br />
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<b>2. Record at least 1 new online class or set of classes.</b><br />
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<i>Finished this in the first quarter.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>My <a href="https://www.creativelive.com/catalog/category/craft?qt=tags&price=0&sort=1&page=1&upcoming=0&qd=cheryl%20arkison">CreativeLive classes</a> are available and so much fun. </i><br />
<i><a href="https://www.creativelive.com/courses/improv-quilting-basics-cheryl-arkison">Improv Quilting Basics</a></i><br />
<a href="https://www.creativelive.com/courses/quilting-low-volume-fabrics-cheryl-arkison">Quilting With Low-Volume Fabrics</a><br />
<a href="https://www.creativelive.com/courses/translating-inspiration-quilting-cheryl-arkison">Translating Inspiration in Quilting</a><br />
<a href="https://www.creativelive.com/courses/playing-pinwheels-quilting-cheryl-arkison">Playing With Pinwheels in Quilting</a><br />
<br />
<i>Online classes are a great way for me to reach more students with teaching. I cannot teach in the US right now, as much as I would love to, so this way more people can have access to me.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>And coming up is an entirely new experience. <a href="http://naptimequilter.blogspot.ca/2015/12/introducing-mighty-lucky-quilting-club.html">The Mighty Lucky Club</a> is a monthly challenge and I'm thrilled to be a part of it. The first month is about to come out. I've seen a sneak peak and it is awesome!</i><br />
<br />
<b>3. Launch 2 more print patterns.</b><br />
<br />
<i>The <a href="http://naptimequilter.blogspot.ca/2014/07/sewing-machine-quilt-reveal.html">Sewing Machine Quilt</a> will launch next week!</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>I will fully admit to this being a tough one for me. Not designing patterns. That, I can do. It is the step to printing that I seem to procrastinate on. I'm still deciding whether this is something I will pursue further. But I committed to this pattern and the work is done. Look for the launch.</i><br />
<br />
<b>4. Attend 1-2 quilting retreats as a guest and not a teacher.</b><br />
<br />
<i>Nope. And I'm pretty sad about it. I can't even squeeze out the time for a guild sew day. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Thankfully, I am finding time to retreat into myself for some creative inspiration. I've been stealing mornings and taking advantage of the inconsistent naps my son takes. A few days or whole days would be awesome, but I will take every moment I get. It is amazing who one can recharge in only 15 minutes when sewing is involved.</i><br />
<br />
<b>5. Pick up 3 new freelance clients.</b><br />
<br />
<i>This was one of the ones that had to change. I love freelancing - the constant creative challenge of new articles, the editors I work with, the ability to inspire and educate. It does, however, take time. And my time to work was drastically reduced this year. I had to pick and choose and this is one thing that had to scale back significantly.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>I am going to be writing for another publication in 2016 so it is good to add another magazine to my portfolio. It should be a great experience. </i><br />
<br />
<b>6. Celebrate the launch of <i>You Inspire Me to Quilt</i>, because I never did that for <i>A Month of Sundays</i> and I missed that.</b><br />
<br />
<i>Well, there was never a big party and that's okay (You only turn 40 once). I am, however, still totally celebrating </i>You Inspire Me to Quilt<i>.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Right now I have a promotional giveaway going on. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><i>Share a photo of the person or people in your life who bring you to the sewing table to create. Tell us why too. It may be your partner, your kid, your grandmother. It might also be someone famous who inspired you or another quilter. Share it all. Tell us, who inspires you to quilt?</i></span><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: small;">Post your photo on Instagram or Twitter, using the </span><span style="font-family: "cambria";">hashtag</span><span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: small;"> #youinspiremetoquilt. All posts will be </span><span style="font-family: "cambria";">entered to <a href="http://naptimequilter.blogspot.ca/2015/12/you-inspire-me-to-quilt-giveaway.html">win one of these amazing prizes</a>.</span></i><br />
<br />
<b>7. Explore print and pattern making through regular sketching, play, and learning design programs.</b><br />
<br />
<i>Oh my goodness! So much fun. I haven't shared much of anything about this on the blog, but this creative play is amazing. And there are some fun things coming on this front in 2016. And still so much more I want to do.</i><br />
<br />
<b>8. Lose 20 pounds. Actually, closer to 25 if we count the holiday weight. I lost 20 pounds last year and want to continue on the road to health.</b><br />
<br />
<i>Not. Even. Close. In fact, I am nothing if not consistent in my weight.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>I will say that I think I've mostly succeeded in adding exercise to a regular schedule for me. It isn't as much as I would like, but I have to realistic with the demands on my time. There is just too much to do in the time I have. But I do carve out 20-45 minutes most days now. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>So the weight isn't changing. If I got real serious about my eating I'm sure it will come. But seriously? I love cookies so much.</i><br />
<br />
<b>9. Find an agent/publisher for the children's books I wrote.</b><br />
<br />
<i>It's probably too early to report, but there is definite movement on this particular goal. And I am ridiculously excited by that. Not only that, it has inspired new possibilities and ideas in this genre. Too. Much. Fun.</i><br />
<br />
<b>10, Spend at least 1-2 hours a week working on one, any one, of the outstanding <a href="http://naptimequilter.blogspot.ca/2014/12/quilts-under-construction-december-2014.html">Quilts Under Construction</a>. Focused, steady progress should move some of those through the list, even when I'm starting new quilts all the time.</b><br />
<i><br />Okay, so it didn't happen every week, but I definitely moved some of these quilts through the piles. Then others stayed exactly where they were with nothing more than a sideways glance of guilt. Oh well.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Yes, oh well. I am not going to get hung up on the number of quilts in the pile. every single one represents creativity and the pursuit of joy at different times and in different ways. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
Overall, I am pleased with 2015. It was a good year for me personally and professionally. I responded to challenges instead of cowering. New things are always tough, but I truly believe it is worth facing new stuff to keep ourselves going forward. Like an ever changing river, not a stagnant pond. Sure, the pond can look pretty (but probably won't smell great) but it doesn't have the power and energy of the river.<br />
<br />
Having defined goals kept me on track professionally and I will definitely be gathering my imagination for the year ahead. Watch for the 2016 post.Cheryl Arkisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13552721454371060936noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7593114644785141187.post-65011747143441503792015-12-17T07:45:00.000-07:002015-12-17T07:45:00.974-07:00Mod Christmas Tree Take 2 - In Modern Patchwork<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KvsBS0wu6xc/VnLERgL0loI/AAAAAAAAIKc/2_qaw-hBVY4/s1600/IMG_7013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="490" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KvsBS0wu6xc/VnLERgL0loI/AAAAAAAAIKc/2_qaw-hBVY4/s640/IMG_7013.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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It's that time of year! Snow and Christmas trees and frenzied making. Cookies and cocoa and stress. It's all there. In the midst of it I hope everyone gets at least one moment to step back and appreciate their favourite parts.<br />
<br />
My favourite part, as long time readers know, is the tree. Not so much the tree up and all sparkly and covered in handmade ornaments, but <a href="http://naptimequilter.blogspot.ca/2007/12/mayhem-and-peace.html">the getting of the tree</a>. Last year I celebrated that <a href="http://naptimequilter.blogspot.ca/2014/12/christmas-tree-quilt.html">with a quilt</a>. A fun, modern quilt honouring the tree and my son's new found obsession with Christmas. The obsession with Christmas and the quilt hasn't changed.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.interweavestore.com/modern-patchwork-winter-2016"><i>Modern Patchwork</i></a>, a lovely magazine, asked me to contribute the quilt to their latest Winter issue. I was happy to oblige. I offered them an alternate colour way, but they chose the original. I still made the other colour way though. In this great line from <a href="http://dearstelladesign.com/store/index.php?route=product/category&path=156">Dear Stella, Mount Snow</a>. Mittens and trees and bikes. It really is super sweet.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HhvLp4lyrEM/VnLERV7TEvI/AAAAAAAAIKY/yQTH8OCI1wU/s1600/IMG_7005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="608" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HhvLp4lyrEM/VnLERV7TEvI/AAAAAAAAIKY/yQTH8OCI1wU/s640/IMG_7005.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
For this version I picked out the low volume, soft prints from the line and paired them with a few random, coordinating prints from my stash. Originally, my plan was to make the whole thing low volume, with soft contrast for the trees. But that felt too soft. So I grabbed the red Net print, also from Dear Stella, for the background. I love, love, love low volume paired with red.<br />
<br />
The pattern itself is quite simple. The hardest part being the cutting of the angles for the background pieces around the trees. Last year I went from start to finish on this quilt in a few days. This year I have this top done but it won't get quilted, unfortunately.<br />
<br />
Now is the time to slow down and celebrate, to make the cookies and take in special moments with the kids. I hope you have the chance to do the same.<br />
<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ce7BIrdLjb8/VnLER-fMfmI/AAAAAAAAIKg/Sg675zkwBto/s1600/IMG_7019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ce7BIrdLjb8/VnLER-fMfmI/AAAAAAAAIKg/Sg675zkwBto/s640/IMG_7019.jpg" width="636" /></a></div>
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Pick up a copy of <i>Modern Patchwork</i> at your local quilt shop, magazine rack, or <a href="http://www.interweavestore.com/modern-patchwork-winter-2016">online</a>.Cheryl Arkisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13552721454371060936noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7593114644785141187.post-7545273882486000312015-12-15T13:47:00.003-07:002015-12-31T09:03:38.227-07:00You Inspire Me To Quilt Giveaway<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HKklzVa-PlY/VnLKhqhHxiI/AAAAAAAAIK4/gk9Xei0TLfc/s1600/Arkison_blog_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HKklzVa-PlY/VnLKhqhHxiI/AAAAAAAAIK4/gk9Xei0TLfc/s640/Arkison_blog_3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<!--StartFragment--><span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The holiday season is upon us. We are surrounded by so many of the
people we love, the people who inspire us to quilt. Share a photo of the person
or people in your life who bring you to the sewing table to create. Tell us why
too. It may be your partner, your kid, your grandmother. It might also be someone famous who inspired you or another quilter. Share it all. Tell us, who inspires you to quilt?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: small;">Post your photo on Instagram or Twitter, using the </span><span style="font-family: "cambria";">hashtag</span><span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: small;"> #youinspiremetoquilt. All posts will be </span><span style="font-family: "cambria";">entered to win one of these amazing prizes.</span><!--EndFragment--><br />
<span style="font-family: "cambria";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "cambria";"><b>Prize 1</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "cambria";">A 1-2 hour Skype session with me to discuss quilting. We can workshop an idea you have, take a mini class, or simply just chat. Let me help you make your quilt design dreams a reality.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "cambria";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "cambria";"><b>Prize 2</b></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal">
A copy of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">You Inspire Me to
Quilt</i>, <a href="http://www.ctpub.com/sunday-morning-quilts-eco-pouch-set/">Eco-Pouch set</a>, and <a href="http://www.ctpub.com/fast2clean-2-piece-modern-pop-mini-microfiber-static-cling-cleaners/">Micro-fiber wipes</a> (Donated by C&T Publishing). *US residents only</div>
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<b>Prize 3</b></div>
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<a href="http://www.connectingthreads.com/collections/Good_Neighbors_Quilting_Fabrics__L243.html?intmedid=CollectionBox-243">Good Neighbours fabric Bundle</a> and a <a href="http://www.connectingthreads.com/collections/Zephyr_Quilting_Fabrics__L245.html?intmedid=CollectionBox-245">Zephyr (Cotton andSteel)</a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>bundle (Donated by
Connecting Threads)</div>
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All posts shared between December 15 and <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>January 15 will be eligible for prizes.
Post and share often! Every post is a chance to win.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you aren't on Instagram or Twitter, now is the time to sign up! Here is a <a href="http://www.craftsy.com/blog/2013/05/quilting-fun-on-instagram/">quick tutorial on Instagram</a>. It is probably the perfect social media for quilters as it is so visual and responsive. Follow me there too! I am @cheryl_arkison.</div>
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I can't wait to see all the inspiring people in your lives!</div>
Cheryl Arkisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13552721454371060936noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7593114644785141187.post-77423080045978004562015-12-09T07:14:00.004-07:002015-12-09T07:14:47.972-07:00Introducing the Mighty Lucky Quilting Club<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B28Cuc8NgMY/VmgzfRqZUvI/AAAAAAAAIJ0/jQ_BQg_shEw/s1600/MightyLucky_logo_final_cmyk.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B28Cuc8NgMY/VmgzfRqZUvI/AAAAAAAAIJ0/jQ_BQg_shEw/s640/MightyLucky_logo_final_cmyk.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Have you seen the news about the Mighty Lucky Quilting Club? <a href="http://luckyspool.com/collections/patterns/products/mighty-lucky-quilting-club">The Mighty Lucky Quilting Club</a> is the first monthly subscription club of its kind that focuses on challenging quilters with different aspects of the quilting process. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Each month a new challenge is delivered to your inbox via PDF. The challenges are put together by twelve different quilters so you get twelve unique design skills. From piecing to quilting, from physical design to colour work... and everything in-between, you will learn something new each time. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To take part in the <a href="http://luckyspool.com/collections/patterns/products/mighty-lucky-quilting-club">Mighty Lucky Quilting Club</a> you need to subscribe. You can sign up monthly or take on the whole year. Subscriptions are $5 per month or $50 for the year (that is US$). Think of it like a gym membership for your quilting skills.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Check out the trainers!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">January - Krista Fleckenstein</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">February - Season Evans</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">March - Rossie Hutchinson</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">April - Alison Glass</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">May - Amy Gibson</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">July - Cheryl Arkison (That's me!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">August - Sarah Fielke</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">September - Jacquie Gering</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">October - Nicole Vogelsinger</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">November - Amanda Jean Nyberg</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">December - Carolyn Friedlander</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Each designer/trainer will also be featured on a <a href="http://craftyplanner.com/">Crafty Planner</a> podcast during their month. During the podcast they'll discuss the challenge and talk in depth about their design process with hot and producer, Sandi Hazelwood.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As quilters work through each month's challenge in the Mighty Lucky Quilting Club you'll be supported by the designer/trainers - who will provide tips and encouragement with a mid-month email. You'll be able to share your work and watch fellow quilters using the #mightylucky hashtag on Instagram. Also, there will be randomly selected giveaways in
the form of fabric, books, patterns, and more!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Quilters will learn and share a new and exciting design concept each month through the <a href="http://luckyspool.com/collections/patterns/products/mighty-lucky-quilting-club">MightyLucky Quilting Club</a><span style="font-weight: 700;">, </span>and by the end of the year, you’ll be amazed with where your new
quilting skills have taken you! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Oh, and there is a guild option too, don't forget to check that out.</span><br />
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Cheryl Arkisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13552721454371060936noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7593114644785141187.post-38187521490155084022015-12-02T12:45:00.000-07:002015-12-02T12:45:14.248-07:00Smooch - Using Half Circles in Quilt Design<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IgY1mC6QxvE/Vl9IqGLhAzI/AAAAAAAAIJI/X4pWgGCdiI8/s1600/IMG_6829.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IgY1mC6QxvE/Vl9IqGLhAzI/AAAAAAAAIJI/X4pWgGCdiI8/s640/IMG_6829.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Smooch</b></span></div>
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<b>74'' x 53''</b></div>
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Depending on how you look at, it is hearts or lips. I choose to see lips. Big, juicy lips heading towards a kiss. Whether that is the first kiss of a married couple, the slobbery attempts of a toddler attempting to kiss Mama, tentative lip locks of teenagers, a son kissing his mother goodbye.<br />
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This entire quilt started as a plan to show quilters that you can use half circles just as easily as two quarter circles. Just that, in a fun design. But now I have grand plans for this quilt. But first, the details.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C_ufnHExUvs/Vl9Io-6vTZI/AAAAAAAAIJA/rHV4NapnL98/s1600/IMG_6826.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="456" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C_ufnHExUvs/Vl9Io-6vTZI/AAAAAAAAIJA/rHV4NapnL98/s640/IMG_6826.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I used only 5 fabrics in total. Absolutely shocking for me! The lips are Cloud 9 Cirrus Solids, the background is a print from Cotton and Steel. The backing fabric is a gorgeous voile designed by Bari J. for Art Gallery. Finally, the binding is an older one I found in my stash, I think it is from Birch Organics.<br />
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Quilting was done on my Bernina 820. My Stitch Regulator is not working properly so I turned it off and just free motioned the hearts inside the lips. I used a variegated pink, then a red from Wonderful for the lips. The background is quilted with straight lines using Aurifil. There was a lot of stopping and starting on those lines, but it was totally worth it for the finished impact and texture.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hHz7lV3scM0/Vl9IuDthiKI/AAAAAAAAIJg/e14QKk9vIBw/s1600/IMG_6846.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hHz7lV3scM0/Vl9IuDthiKI/AAAAAAAAIJg/e14QKk9vIBw/s640/IMG_6846.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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It is fairly densely quilted, but with the voile backing and Quilters' Dream Cotton batting it is quite soft. Gloriously soft.<br />
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Perfect for snuggles. Because if there ever was a quilt that invited snuggles...<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TGZgS9nlRV4/Vl9Is2htsBI/AAAAAAAAIJY/1WmP6JXCk4I/s1600/IMG_6843.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="464" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TGZgS9nlRV4/Vl9Is2htsBI/AAAAAAAAIJY/1WmP6JXCk4I/s640/IMG_6843.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />Cheryl Arkisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13552721454371060936noreply@blogger.com672tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7593114644785141187.post-67693440339016950682015-11-17T09:16:00.001-07:002015-11-17T09:16:13.054-07:00Small Wonders by Mary Fons - New Quilt in the Works<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2ZVmuojVsaI/VktQzpE4i9I/AAAAAAAAIIY/vgF9O8o4rS8/s1600/small%2Bwonders%2Bstack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2ZVmuojVsaI/VktQzpE4i9I/AAAAAAAAIIY/vgF9O8o4rS8/s640/small%2Bwonders%2Bstack.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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It isn't often that I get asked to make something with a designer's fabric. And it is less often that I say yes to the request. But when <a href="http://www.maryfons.com/">Mary Fons</a> asked I was more than happy to respond in the positive. Mary has been tremendously supportive of my career through our relationship at <i>Quilty</i> and I'm happy to return the favour.<br />
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<a href="http://springscreative.com/maryfons/">Small Wonders is her new fabric line with Springs Creative</a>. She dove through their archives and worked with them to produce a dramatic and graphic line. The colours are out of my personal norm, but so rich. Sure to be a hit with many different audiences.<br />
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I have a plan worked out for the fabric and look forward to cutting into it this weekend. I see some playtime in my future.<br />
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Keep up with my work on this project on <a href="https://www.periscope.tv/">Periscope</a>. Haven't heard of Periscope yet? It is the latest social media app - allowing for live broadcasts to be streamed from my phone to your phone or computer. I am enjoying it for sharing snippets from my sewing room and process posts about quilt projects. If you don't have the app you can still watch my broadcasts on <a href="https://katch.me/Cheryl_Arkison">Katch</a>. My first post on this series is up there now.Cheryl Arkisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13552721454371060936noreply@blogger.com56tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7593114644785141187.post-64026882341350905542015-11-06T05:36:00.001-07:002015-11-06T05:36:54.295-07:00Quilt Local (Weekend Reads)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M2jEYPOsjU4/VjydjVnwLVI/AAAAAAAAIHw/MLbEA3YntME/s1600/QuiltLocal91768JF-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M2jEYPOsjU4/VjydjVnwLVI/AAAAAAAAIHw/MLbEA3YntME/s640/QuiltLocal91768JF-2.jpg" width="574" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; text-align: center;">One of the most common questions I get asked is "Where do you find your inspiration?" I'll admit, it is a frustrating question. Partly, because the answer - everywhere! - seems trite. But mostly because the answer itself frustrates many. So many of us seem to think that inspiration is some magical creature that touches only a select few. Like the Greeks and their Muses, that is comes from something else and not within. Poppycock!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">If you open your eyes and your heart to seeing the world around you, if you listen to the people talk and the love you feel, the inspiration is right there. </span>And</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"> if you get your butt in the sew it can come to life in a quilt.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><b>Quilt Local</b>, by Heather Jones, is a book that walks the reader through noticing the world around and capturing it in a quilt. It takes you through her thought process on everything from colour, capturing inspiration, designing a quilt, and decision making. For a quilter wondering how it goes from planks on a dock to a quilt, this is it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Heather is a lovely woman, a quiet and reflective soul. I've known her through the industry for a few years now. She was gracious enough to contribute to <b>You Inspire Me to Quilt</b>. Her quilts are bold, even if their colour schemes are usually more muted. It is her emphasis on line, translated with large scale piecing, that gives her a unique voice in quilt design.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Where Heather is restrained and focused in her palettes, I am all over the place. Neither is better or worse, just different. In many ways I am drawn to her quilts because of this contrast. Only a handful of fabrics, muted colour ways and straightforward constructions. Not my usual more is more mentality when it comes to fabric selection!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">In </span><b style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">Quilt Local</b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"> I was particularly drawn to her quilt Indian Hill. I loved the bright colours she used in both versions of the quilt. A difference for her and probably what made it more appealing to me. I also quite liked the angles of the design. What I found interesting is that when I read her construction method I was </span>surprised<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">. It isn't how I would have put the quilt together. Now I'm not saying her way is wrong, not at all. It is more about noticing and remembering that each of us approach a design challenge and pattern making differently, from our own experiences. It is the same with </span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">inspiration - we see the world through our own lens and what we find fascinated, another might be bored. Where we see a quilt, someone else just sees a misty mountain. The important thing is to see.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">This is one of the final stops on the blog tour for Quilt Local. Check out the other posts for more inspiration and insight.</span></div>
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<b style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: medium;">10/5: <a href="https://www.creativebug.com/" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">Creative Bug</a></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><b>10/6: <a href="http://stccraft.com/" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">STC Craft Blog</a></b></span><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><b> </b></span><b style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: medium;"> </b></div>
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<b style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: medium;">10/8: <a href="http://www.robertkaufman.com/" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">Robert Kaufman</a></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><b>10/9: <a href="http://www.melaniefalick.com/" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">Melanie Falick</a></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><b>10/10: <a href="http://www.sewmamasew.com/" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">Sew Mama Sew</a></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><b>10/12: <a href="http://theplaidportico.com/" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">Plaid Portico</a></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><b>10/14: <a href="http://www.modernsewciety.com/" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">Modern Sewciety</a></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><b>10/16: <a href="http://blog.pellonprojects.com/" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">Pellon</a></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><b>10/19: <a href="http://www.thetattooedquilter.com/blog/" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">The Tattooed Quilter</a></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><b>10/21: <a href="http://amyscreativeside.com/blog/" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">Amy’s Creative Side</a></b></span><b style="font-family: Calibri;"> </b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><b>10/23: <a href="http://www.diaryofaquilter.com/" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">Diary of a Quilter</a></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><b>10/26: <a href="http://filminthefridge.com/" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">Film in the Fridge</a></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><b>10/28: <a href="http://tallgrassprairiestudio.blogspot.com/" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">Tall Grass Prairie Studio</a></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><b>10/29: <a href="https://okanarts.com/blogs/" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">Okan Arts</a></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><b>10/30: <a href="http://karasews.blogspot.com/" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">Kara Sews</a></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><b>11/2: <a href="http://blog.crimsontate.com/" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">Crimson Tate</a></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><b>11/4: <a href="http://daintytime.net/" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">Dainty Time</a></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><b>11/6: <a href="http://naptimequilter.blogspot.com/" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">Nap Time Quilter</a></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><b>11/9: <a href="http://blog.spoonflower.com/" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">Spoonflower</a></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><b>11/11: <a href="https://auribuzz.wordpress.com/" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">Aurifil</a></b></span><b style="font-family: Calibri; text-indent: -2in;"> </b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"><b>11/13: <a href="http://agatheringofstitches.com/" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">A Gathering of Stitches</a><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">A few details about the book. Heather runs through an extensive colour discussion. She also details her approach to design. It really is like sitting with her as she explains a quilt from start to finish. The photography is beautiful. My one issue is that the original inspiration image is not all that large. It is included, as are Heather's sketches, but I would have liked to have seen more of them.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;">One of my favourite things about the book is that Heather made two versions of each project. That means you see two different </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">colour ways. This makes a huge difference for the reader because we are less likely to get hung up on making <i>that</i> quilt, or dismissing a quilt simply because we don't see the colours. It also shows us the power of fabric selection in quilt making.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My camera and phone are filled with images that may one day become the basis for a quilt. I can't stop seeing the potential. Once you open up you will indeed see that inspiration is everywhere.</span></div>
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Cheryl Arkisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13552721454371060936noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7593114644785141187.post-15983584480106527232015-11-03T10:13:00.000-07:002015-11-03T10:13:07.477-07:00Orange Log Cabin Variations For My Son<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QJjsbcvc5z8/VjjgUh8poJI/AAAAAAAAIHM/YSJXIqSYq1s/s1600/IMG_6696.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="464" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QJjsbcvc5z8/VjjgUh8poJI/AAAAAAAAIHM/YSJXIqSYq1s/s640/IMG_6696.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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A certain 3 year old boy is very, very excited for this quilt. I finished the top last week and his impatience for a finished quilt may not outlast my desire to wait for a certain fabric to be released in a few weeks, a fabric I want for the back of this. (Hoping for the large scale print from <a href="http://carolynfriedlander.com/fabric-collection-4-carkai/">Carkai</a>.)<br />
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His impatience for the quilt is only slightly above his impatience for enough snow to go sledding. If he can't ride his bike then that is an acceptable alternative. With the first snow only arriving yesterday and days staying below freezing it is an odd limbo that is tantamount to torture. But he has both the quilt and the snow to look forward to, right?<br />
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If you want to be a really good blogger, I recommend never making quilts with orange or red in them. So damn hard to photograph! Well, at least with my skills it is. But his favourite colour is orange and so orange the quilt must be. This is was the best I can do with the shot. Oy.<br />
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My plan for quilting is either an organic grid or something all over. It's a busy quilt top, so the quilting provides texture more than anything. Just need to get that fabric and wash my floors.Cheryl Arkisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13552721454371060936noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7593114644785141187.post-18462693317035609362015-10-25T14:28:00.003-06:002015-10-25T14:28:53.413-06:00The Super Awesome Coloring Book (Weekend Reads)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C1_m8ODn57E/Vi0vk3lmptI/AAAAAAAAIG8/s1amMF8Gf68/s1600/super%2Bawesome%2Bcolouring%2Bbook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C1_m8ODn57E/Vi0vk3lmptI/AAAAAAAAIG8/s1amMF8Gf68/s640/super%2Bawesome%2Bcolouring%2Bbook.jpg" width="534" /></a></div>
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If you haven't heard about the colouring book trend for adults then you are probably living like a hermit with no internet or TV and never a trip to a book store. Colouring books are HUGE. There are articles about the trend and research on the stress reducing aspects. </div>
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When it first burst out I kind of shook my head and rolled my eyes, if I'm being totally honest. They're just colouring books after all. And it isn't like anyone who is a parent hasn't sat down to colour a million times in their life already! But, I have to admit now, I'm enjoying them. If only for the visuals.</div>
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In fact, I bet a bunch of people are buying them and not even colouring because they look so good! For quilters and other surface pattern lovers this is a boon for us probably more than anyone. We get another way to enjoy the design sensibilities of our favourite artists. </div>
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<a href="http://www.markces.com/">Mark Cesarik</a> is once such artist. He's designed some lovely fabric on top of having <a href="https://instagram.com/p/9Mr_G4P4eJ/?taken-by=markcesy">the cutest baby</a>. I've enjoyed working with Mark in the past so I was happy to share his new colouring book when he asked.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1yIDSRZj0wc/Vi0vjkHU4mI/AAAAAAAAIG0/CU7nwtU3eR4/s1600/super%2Bawesome%2Bcolouring%2Bbook%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1yIDSRZj0wc/Vi0vjkHU4mI/AAAAAAAAIG0/CU7nwtU3eR4/s640/super%2Bawesome%2Bcolouring%2Bbook%2B2.jpg" width="580" /></a></div>
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Not all colouring books are created equal. Some are quite detailed, requiring super sharp pencil crayons or fine tip markers. Not to mention the patience of Job to colour them in! Many are designed around a theme - gardens, cities, mandalas, architecture styles. You name it, you can find it.<br />
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Two things I particularly like about <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Super-Awesome-Coloring-Book-Enthusiast/dp/0692525793/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1445803623&sr=1-1&keywords=mark+cesarik">The Super Awesome Coloring Book</a> are, one, the varied imagery. There is no theme, just fun drawings. Some are in repeat, some are not. (The first page I went to was the mid mod chairs, of course.) And two, that the sheets are single sided. It's a small thing, but especially when you are colouring with markers that is a really nice feature.<br />
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<a href="http://jeneanmorrison.net/">Jenean Morrison</a>, another wonderful artist with fabric, actually published the book. She's published her own, but is now licensing designers.<br />
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This colouring book trend has already lasted longer than I expected it to. Now that I've had some moments to sit quietly I get it. Plus, colour!<br />
<br />Cheryl Arkisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13552721454371060936noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7593114644785141187.post-62248563948036294222015-10-21T13:07:00.001-06:002015-10-21T13:25:13.396-06:00What Really Counts as Improv Quilting?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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After a recent Improv with Intent class a student came up to me with deep concerns. Each student did their own project, with their own inspiration and their own execution. At the end of the day all the projects on the design wall displayed a wide range of styles and approaches. My wonderful student wondered just how much of it, however, was really Improv.<br />
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She looked around the room at people who had made triangles, strip sets, cut and resewed fabric, created specific shapes. When we came together at the end of the day people it no longer looked like our warm up exercises of random piecing. So was it still Improv?<br />
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There is a belief that unless you are picking your fabric blindly, not using a ruler, or making everything wonky it doesn't count as Improv.<br />
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So not true.<br />
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That is what I, and some others, might refer to as <i>Pure Improv</i>. It totally encompasses the true spirit of improvised quilting. But it is far from the only way to do it.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3F6SW9q0oeg/VifgOCnVqeI/AAAAAAAAIGk/9aijlmcQqbQ/s1600/IMG_0311.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3F6SW9q0oeg/VifgOCnVqeI/AAAAAAAAIGk/9aijlmcQqbQ/s640/IMG_0311.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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To clarify further, Improv is...<br />
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... taking a traditional pattern and making it without measuring pieces or worrying about perfect points. This often makes it wonky.<br />
... sewing together random bits of fabric to become bigger pieces of fabric. These can be used on their own or as part of something else.<br />
... taking a certain cut of fabric and sewing it to another with no preplanning about what goes next to what. Free form piecing.<br />
... changing course midway - once, twice, or thrice (or more) - because you can.<br />
... an attitude that allows you to not freak out when something goes wrong or off track while piecing a quilt top.<br />
... being open to the direction your quilt takes or being okay with scrapping it when you hate it.<br />
... as much about the process as the product.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wPbnDs_KcYs/VifgKpISNMI/AAAAAAAAIGU/qgdi1xx5Aqw/s1600/improv%2Bclass%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="578" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wPbnDs_KcYs/VifgKpISNMI/AAAAAAAAIGU/qgdi1xx5Aqw/s640/improv%2Bclass%2B4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WGbbz6ITgrE/VifgMUXO5mI/AAAAAAAAIGc/Z61qO9wSO44/s1600/antonio%2527s%2Bblock%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WGbbz6ITgrE/VifgMUXO5mI/AAAAAAAAIGc/Z61qO9wSO44/s640/antonio%2527s%2Bblock%2B1.jpg" width="628" /></a><br />
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You will automatically be bringing <i>Intention</i> to your work. Your intention can be a shape, a colour story, an image, a feeling, a place, a word, a symbol, a time. Even with Pure Improv there is an intention. It may be to use up all your scraps or you choose a specific colour way, but that is still intention.<br />
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When using an Improv approach to your project it is perfectly fine to bring order, square up, and otherwise define the components you are making. If you don't do this at some point you are asking for a bumpy quilt with puckers. I always tell my students that there is a time to bring back the ruler and rotary cutter, but go as far as you can without it. If you want to make a flat, squared quilt with the Improv pieces then you still need to follow those basic tenets of quilting - 1/4'' seam allowances, pressing, and squaring up (or, at the very least, shaping). For many people this then makes the Improv feel fake. Not real Improv.<br />
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So not true.<br />
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Improv is an approach, a technique that starts with simply starting. You begin without knowing what the end product will look like. You are improvising the design as you go. Exactly how you do that will vary among quilters. It varies according to the skill level of the quilter, their comfort with improvising, and the intention they are bringing to the project.<br />
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As an example. If you've never worked without a pattern or a kit, simply sewing strip sets together without planning it all out may be enough to give you heart palpitations. People want to know every single step it takes to go from a pile of fabric to a quilt top. With Improv that is impossible to do. My strip set will look different than yours than your neighbour's. Improv for each quilter is as unique as your handwriting. We develop a rhythm and style that is all our own.<br />
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Improv provides insights to each quilter. We build confidence, curiosity, and authenticity in our work. That's on top of making a quilt that is distinctly unique. At the end of the day, if you felt like you were improvising then you were, no matter what anyone else says. As a teacher I often push my students out of the comfort zone. It isn't an accident either. I want you to challenge your own perceptions of how a quilt should be made or what colours can go together or how a block gets made. I might steer you away from the literal or towards it. Heck, we could even all start with the same Intention but will execute it differently!<br />
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For my student that day I went around the room and reviewed how each student took Improv as an approach and adapted it to the Intention they had. To be honest, I'm not sure she was totally convinced. Improv is a different mind set and so many of us have been trained in black or white on piecing techniques. What I, and any improv teacher can do, is teach you the general idea and give you confidence to do your own thing.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aI97tNFZ7HA/VifgFqMD6cI/AAAAAAAAIGM/USM0EVluf-w/s1600/anna%2527s%2Bpillow%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aI97tNFZ7HA/VifgFqMD6cI/AAAAAAAAIGM/USM0EVluf-w/s640/anna%2527s%2Bpillow%2B2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>(Top photo, as well as the second and third from the bottom, are student work from my recent workshop with <a href="http://www.mqgvictoria.com/">Victoria Modern Quilt Guild</a>. The rest are my own projects.)</i><br />
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To learn even more about Improv quilting may I suggest <a href="https://www.creativelive.com/courses/improv-quilting-basics-cheryl-arkison">my Creative Live class on the subject</a>?</div>
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Cheryl Arkisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13552721454371060936noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7593114644785141187.post-31688659668009645342015-10-15T14:13:00.002-06:002015-10-15T14:13:33.493-06:00More Scrap Sorting By Colour<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Sorting scraps is a constant thing. You can't just do it once and expect it to perfectly maintain itself. Unless, of course, you are awesome and put every single scrap away the second it becomes a scrap.<br />
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I will always advocate sorting by colour. It is what <a href="http://crazymomquilts.blogspot.ca/">Amanda Jean</a> and I encourage you to do in <b>Sunday Morning Quilts</b>. By far, it is the easiest method not to mention the most inspiring. We also talk about having a special category or 3 for uniquely sized pieces like strips, little snippets, or triangles.<br />
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While teaching a <a href="http://naptimequilter.blogspot.ca/2015/04/values-plus-quilt.html">Values Plus</a> class recently I, with my students, decided to try piecing based on colour as well as value. I was so excited by the results I took my scrap sorting to the next level. I took my big bag of strips and started sorting them by colour too.<br />
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The process started on the front steps, while the kids rode their bikes in the evening light. My little guy decided to stop his maniacal ride to help me. But he was so, so tired that he had to do it laying down. Hence the piles of colour radiating around him. Awesome kid.<br />
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And now I have one more section of scraps all sorted by colour. It really is a good thing.Cheryl Arkisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13552721454371060936noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7593114644785141187.post-68506263188071474632015-10-13T10:47:00.001-06:002015-10-13T10:47:31.565-06:00Peacemakers/Piecemakers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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"Mom? Who was the lady on the bus again?"<br />
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We're driving down the road to get to swimming. I've felt busy all day long with wonderfully middle class privileges of baking snacks from scratch, walking the dog, and trying to get some work done at home. The kids, picked up from school and play dates, are in the back of our large wagon and we are chatting about their days. The Monster is telling me about the unit they are doing on Peacemakers. There is Craig Kielburger from <a href="http://www.freethechildren.com/">Free the Children</a>, Malala, and the lady on the bus. She just can't remember her name. Or, frankly, why she is a peacemaker.<br />
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This one bit of information is all she gives me but I know exactly who she is speaking of: Rosa Parks.<br />
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For the rest of the drive we talk about segregation, racism, The Civil Rights movement, the role of children, all their friends of many colours, and just why Rosa Parks is a peacemaker. The girls thought about their school and imagined life without some of their friends, without learning about the places we've all come from. I thought about the same thing. We were all very sad. I had to explain that despite all the work that there are still ugly people doing ugly things to people just because of the way they look or who they love. Again, we were sad.<br />
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But then we talked about the peacemakers. The people who were willing to stand up for the good and the right and the just. The people who fought for those who couldn't fight. And I was proud. Proud of them for understanding the importance of that action, for getting exactly what injustices they were/are fighting, and for wanting to fight themselves.<br />
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A quilt can be a statement. It isn't a call to arms nor is it going to change the world. It really might only be for me to process and remember the peacemakers. Regardless, it needs to be made. I need to make it. And I will share it with my kids and you, for the lady on the bus.<br />
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<i>... I went back to these blocks a few weeks ago, on the anniversary of the 16th Street Church bombing in Birmingham. I added skirts, I changed directions. Now I think I know where I will take it. There will be, appropriately, a Courthouse Steps final layout. There will be some peace with my piecing.</i>Cheryl Arkisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13552721454371060936noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7593114644785141187.post-25313560454205193082015-10-09T21:00:00.002-06:002015-10-09T21:00:50.691-06:00Sanity Sewing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Sometimes you just have to get 'er done.<br />
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This quilt has been in the works for a few years now... And I got on top of finishing it a few months ago (well, finishing the top). I was making good progress with some commitment when I hit a snag. I'd made a mistake. My very last block in the very last row was the wrong one. There are two block styles in this quilt and I used the wrong one in this spot. And all I had to do at that point was sew the rows together to finish the top. Annoyed with myself and frustrated, the quilt top sat for weeks at that juncture. Because all I had to do was make a slab, draw a foundation, sew a new block, remove the old one, attach it, and then sew the rows together. It sounds like a lot of work, but it wasn't. I was just in a mood about it.<br />
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This week I found myself in a real need to sew. After a few weeks of a bad cold that wouldn't go away I longed to get to the machine. Those are the moments when I usually start something new or default to random improv. Instead I forced myself to make that last block. And it took me about 30 minutes, if that. Not counting a break for Hot Wheels with my boy.<br />
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Then I was struggling to get the rows sewn together. With all those slabs, the angles, and some skinny bits on the edges each row is bulky and lining things up was tough. Not to mention that I kept the freezer paper foundation on each block because of the crazy amount of bias edges. Then I caught <a href="https://www.periscope.tv/barij">Bari J. Ackerman</a> on a Periscope broadcast extolling the virtues of glue basting (a la <a href="http://purpledaisiesquilting.com/">Christie Fincher</a>). Bingo!<br />
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I've used glue basting before for Paperless Paper Piecing in a class with Christie. And I've heard of other people glue basting for regular piecing. It did not occur to me to use it this way. I'm so happy I saw that Scope because it totally made it easy to get this top together. A thin line of glue in the seam allowance instead of pinning (or hoping for the best) holds the fabric in place, once heat set. Then you can go ahead and sew your seam.<br />
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And get the quilt top done.<br />
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Right now this top has the temporary name of Shh....<br />
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<br />Cheryl Arkisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13552721454371060936noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7593114644785141187.post-11314234948501406562015-10-02T10:58:00.000-06:002015-10-02T10:58:13.867-06:00Quilts Under Construction - 3Q Update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The quarterly check-in. I'll be honest, I had hopes of moving things through this list a lot more. I didn't really start any quilts. But there was summer, frustrations with my machine, a wasp nest, a new school year, and being sick. Excuses, excuses.<br />
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It is what it is.<br />
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We no longer have a babysitter two days a week. That is really making a difference. Not because I quilted when we had the babysitter, but because it meant I got all the other stuff done so I could quilt once the kids went to bed. Now that time is spent returning emails from the day and planning for the next one. Mornings are for the creative work and my one early riser. We've also entered that time where the kids' activities take up a lot more time. And with a maniac for a 3 yo there is little sitting and watching time while the girls do their thing.<br />
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As I said, it is what it is.<br />
<b><br /></b><b>Quilt Tops Ready for Quilting</b><br />
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1. <a href="http://naptimequilter.blogspot.ca/2012/09/cosmos-blocks.html">Cosmos Blocks</a><br />
2. <a href="http://naptimequilter.blogspot.ca/2009/08/woohoo-announcment.html">Improv Sampler</a><br />
3. <a href="http://naptimequilter.blogspot.ca/2014/01/checkerboard-chillin.html">Checkerboard</a> from Sunday Morning Quilts<br />
4. <a href="http://naptimequilter.blogspot.ca/2010/03/fabric-with-weight.html">Slaveship Quilt</a><br />
5. The Evil Genius' <a href="http://naptimequilter.blogspot.ca/2013/12/triangles.html">Triangle Quilt</a><br />
7. <a href="http://naptimequilter.blogspot.ca/2014/10/a-giant-hexagon-top.html">Giant Hexagons</a><br />
8. <a href="http://naptimequilter.blogspot.ca/2015/06/lilac-lovely-improv-curves.html">Lilac Lovely</a> - hanging at <a href="http://www.mysewingroom.ca/">My Sewing Room</a> as a sample for my Improv Curves class.<br />
9. <a href="http://naptimequilter.blogspot.ca/2014/10/cirrus-solids-at-play.html">Cirrus Solids Pinwheel top</a><br />
10. <a href="http://naptimequilter.blogspot.ca/2015/03/solid-sunday-morning-top.html">Solid Sunday Morning</a><br />
11. <a href="http://naptimequilter.blogspot.ca/2015/06/oh-canada-quilt-in-red.html">Oh Canada Quilt in Red</a><br />
12. <a href="http://naptimequilter.blogspot.ca/2015/09/circle-lattice-quilt-top-complete.html">Circle Lattice</a><br />
13. Low Volume Rainbow Mini - I don't think I've ever shared this, but I came across it this summer.<br />
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I'm really hoping to find a day or two on a long arm to get some of these done. Or a friend to help me baste because that holds me up more than anything.<br />
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<b>Quilts Being Quilted</b><br />
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14. <a href="http://naptimequilter.blogspot.ca/2010/10/conquering-my-fear.html">Low Volume Circles</a> - Ugh, hand quilting holding me up. Maybe this winter?<br />
15. <a href="http://naptimequilter.blogspot.ca/2013/10/plus-quilt-top.html">Antonio's Quilt</a> - So close, yet I don't finish it.<br />
16. <a href="http://naptimequilter.blogspot.ca/2015/04/playing-with-circles-in-quilting-for.html">Smooch</a> - on the machine right now and about half done.<br />
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<b>Waiting for Binding</b><br />
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Nothing in this pile.<br />
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<b>Blocks and Process</b><br />
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17. <a href="http://naptimequilter.blogspot.ca/2013/11/slabs-meet-low-volume.html">Low Volume Shoeman's Puzzle/Slab blocks</a> - So, so close on this one. I was all set to sew the last rows together and I saw a mistake I made. Just haven't been motivated to fix it.<br />
18. A <a href="http://naptimequilter.blogspot.ca/2010/12/valuable-finish.html">values quilt</a> in neutrals - I know I said I wasn't counting class blocks, but I now have enough blocks to turn this into a quilt.<br />
19. <a href="http://naptimequilter.blogspot.ca/2015/04/sarcasm-and-orange.html">Green/Yellow/Orange Improv blocks</a> - These have turned into an almost full set of blocks. About 8 more to go then I can put the top together.<br />
20. <a href="http://midmodbee.blogspot.ca/search/label/Cheryl%27s%20Quilt">Mid Mod Bee</a> - Still wishing for a day or two to get this together.<br />
21. <a href="http://naptimequilter.blogspot.ca/2012/01/handwork-update-january.html">Hand Pieced Diamonds</a> - Is it crazy that I feel the whole top needs to be hand pieced together?<br />
22. More <a href="http://naptimequilter.blogspot.ca/2012/03/cosmic-burst-play-part-2.html">Cosmic Burst blocks</a><br />
23. <a href="http://naptimequilter.blogspot.ca/2010/10/her-name-big.html">Name quilt for my daughter</a> - I think this become a backing more than anything...<br />
24. Chandelier quilt - requires some unsewing and I'm just not motivated to do this.<br />
25. <a href="http://naptimequilter.blogspot.ca/2012/07/full-circle-announcement.html">Liberty Circles</a><br />
26. Respite - a project started in a <a href="http://www.funquilts.com/index.html">Bill Kerr</a> design workshop<br />
27. <a href="http://naptimequilter.blogspot.ca/2014/05/playing-with-stars.html">Pieced Stars</a><br />
28. <a href="http://naptimequilter.blogspot.ca/2009/09/water-version-8.html">The Water Quilt</a><br />
29. <a href="http://naptimequilter.blogspot.ca/2013/11/just-playing.html">Edges/Studio Stash Play</a><br />
30. <a href="http://naptimequilter.blogspot.ca/2014/10/beach-days-in-fabric.html">Beach Grass Take 2</a><br />
31. <a href="http://naptimequilter.blogspot.ca/2014/09/y2k-charms-as-leaders-and-enders.html">Y2K quilt</a> - Maybe up to 20 rows now.<br />
32. Another leaders and enders project, intended to be like Up, Up, and Away from Sunday Morning Quilts<br />
33. <a href="http://naptimequilter.blogspot.ca/2014/09/round-and-round.html">Round and Round</a> blocks - <a href="http://naptimequilter.blogspot.ca/2015/04/round-and-round-update.html">Up to 16</a> of these now. Still here.<br />
34. <a href="http://naptimequilter.blogspot.ca/2015/05/a-lot-of-snippets-on-dates-lot.html">Snippets on Dates</a> - Haven't touched these since the last time, but I have sewn pairs together randomly..<br />
35. Leftovers from <a href="http://naptimequilter.blogspot.ca/2014/03/modern-paris.html">Modern Paris</a><br />
36. <a href="http://naptimequilter.blogspot.ca/2014/11/corduroy-marching-inspired-by-gees-bend.html">Gee's Bend inspired blocks</a> after <a href="http://naptimequilter.blogspot.ca/2014/10/a-canadian-quilter-visits-gees-bend.html">my trip to Alabama</a> - I worked on a pile more of these blocks, but now debating final layout options before I make more.<br />
37. <a href="http://naptimequilter.blogspot.ca/2015/03/what-i-made-at-quiltcon.html">Paperless paper piecing block</a> from my class with Cristy Flincher. I think it needs to be the start of a medallion quilt.<br />
38. The <a href="http://naptimequilter.blogspot.ca/2015/03/what-i-made-at-quiltcon.html">girls' clothes turned into a quilt</a> with the Gee's Bend quilters.<br />
39. Improv work with Cotton and Steel Fabrics that I started for my <a href="https://www.creativelive.com/courses/improv-quilting-basics-cheryl-arkison">CreativeLive Improv Quilting Basics</a> class.<br />
40. Blue Improv - pulled out some class sample I've used over the years and played with them for <a href="https://www.creativelive.com/courses/improv-quilting-basics-cheryl-arkison">CreativeLive Improv Quilting Basics</a>. Now I think I have a plan for them.<br />
42. <a href="http://naptimequilter.blogspot.ca/2015/03/quilting-with-low-volume-fabrics-on.html">The X-Plus blocks</a> I used in the <a href="https://www.creativelive.com/courses/quilting-low-volume-fabrics-cheryl-arkison">Creative Live Quilting with Low Volume Fabrics</a> class.<br />
43. A whole bunch of pinwheels that I'm playing with. Started as prep for my <a href="https://www.creativelive.com/courses/playing-pinwheels-quilting-cheryl-arkison">CreativeLive Pinwheel Play</a> class.<br />
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<b>Finished</b><br />
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<a href="http://naptimequilter.blogspot.ca/2015/08/glitter-pen-new-pattern-in-modern.html">Glitter Pen</a> - technically it was finished months and months ago, but it was just published in the summer issue of Modern Patchwork so I couldn't share it earlier.<br />
<a href="http://naptimequilter.blogspot.ca/2015/08/aloha-kakou-tropical-version-of-vintage.html">Aloha Kakou</a> - a fun baby and mama quilt that was a secret project finally finished and revealed.<br />
<a href="http://naptimequilter.blogspot.ca/2015/09/pincushion-party-for-good-neighbors.html">One awesome pincushion</a>.<br />
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I am pleased that I didn't start anything new, well nothing new that isn't a class sample. But I was hoping for some finishes. I want to get things done, but there just isn't enough time in the day. You can't beat yourself up over that though, just do what you can, when you can. As long as you are enjoying it when you do it then you need not want for anything else.<br />
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Cheryl Arkisonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13552721454371060936noreply@blogger.com4