tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6325194733823751382024-03-18T03:48:52.175-06:00Ricochet and Away!I co-host a sewing challenge every 2 months. Click the challenge button on my menu-bar for more info.Ricochethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06431838654357998094noreply@blogger.comBlogger201125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-632519473382375138.post-55333964343372152132013-05-03T09:05:00.000-06:002013-05-03T09:05:56.845-06:00Winners: Fancy Feet Sewing Challenge<div>
I almost forgot! Everyone worked SO hard meeting the Fancy Feet Challenge, and I nearly forgot to post the winners of the poll. Shame on me. So here I am at work, hustling to post this before the kids show up.... sorry about the brevity, but I'd rather not let another minute pass before I announce the projects that received the most votes in our just-for-fun poll.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Congrats to Marisa who received the most votes:</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.498039) 1px 1px 5px; background-color: white; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.498039) 1px 1px 5px; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 23px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 8px; position: relative; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><img height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH5VpmRlkv9aEmh4SaPp_DUfpHF9rDP_yCnb6W2LShoHzxDb-tO39FrTXyFmQ2ddQu84ia8JjtHk8VVtjBu9r8WBdIDsaE2NL-npINOe-y86g7uuFEowDT8y-cZ-IDrGy5pn6swPfEoJs/s400/20.gif" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 0px 0px 0px; background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: none; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 0px 0px 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 0px;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Marisa used her pintucking foot to create this beautiful table runner.<br />She blogged about her project <a href="http://passionetcouture.blogspot.com/2013/03/the-pintuck-foot_29.html" style="color: #999999; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">HERE</a>.<br />Find more of her tutorials <a href="http://passionetcouture.blogspot.com/p/tutorials.html" style="color: #999999; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">HERE</a>.<br /></span></td></tr>
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<img alt="Congrats! Gold Award!" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggoV4AsjJQ8ZrJTdvSqx4Fc1daCrSWOR07gaEszdXdCfxiAkVjcGCI-0qtEKo-w6469fvC4mROreKCSTQOMdZc6tPRVreWns2xv7jSeMkLoOb8hex_SYYVgR0sBG5JkUJYyfmgyfyNFTo/s1600/goldbutton.jpg" title="Congrats! Gold Award!" /></div>
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<a href="http://ricochetandaway.blogspot.com/2013/04/vote-fancy-feet-sewing-challenge.html" title="Congrats! Gold Award!"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggoV4AsjJQ8ZrJTdvSqx4Fc1daCrSWOR07gaEszdXdCfxiAkVjcGCI-0qtEKo-w6469fvC4mROreKCSTQOMdZc6tPRVreWns2xv7jSeMkLoOb8hex_SYYVgR0sBG5JkUJYyfmgyfyNFTo/s1600/goldbutton.jpg" alt="Congrats! Gold Award!" style="border:none;" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Congrats to Pam who received the second highest number of votes:</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.498039) 1px 1px 5px; background-color: white; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.498039) 1px 1px 5px; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 23px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 8px; position: relative; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><img height="325" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqaPGo4pXqQV1YhFgFj33_E3ig7nPfOSyrJteAcraJCL8w7bMnezgMgc61tWPEnkcXONWbH62wSh50YjpDmfmSN62Axep0cCJgdKeaIjFiP_zic4pViNLbEiyhecIAPjNve_R4bZHU1ZR7/s400/ruffled_nappy_cover.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 0px 0px 0px; background-color: transparent; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: none; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 0px 0px 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 0px;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Pam used her roll and shell hemmer foot to hem the ruffles on this nappy cover.<br />She blogged about her project <a href="http://threadingmyway.blogspot.com/2013/03/ruffled-nappy-cover.html" style="color: #999999; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">HERE</a>.<br />Pam has lots of sewing tutorials to be found <a href="http://threadingmyway.blogspot.com/p/how-to.html" style="color: #999999; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</span></td></tr>
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<img alt="Congrats! Silver Award!" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu0URKCybjyi-sDqK6FNO6V-2GryJ7r8yeEFmbzN40SgHOMQinl3cfS360K91y1K6wehK3Z8G51NxD_Vby1hediOZOf4O2uozLgzkTJR380FTuRwSy8-2XNcFkvSOpKsiF0_pYEzifS30/s1600/silverbbutton.jpg" title="Congrats! Silver Award!" /></div>
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<a href="http://ricochetandaway.blogspot.com/2013/04/vote-fancy-feet-sewing-challenge.html" title="Congrats! Silver Award!"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu0URKCybjyi-sDqK6FNO6V-2GryJ7r8yeEFmbzN40SgHOMQinl3cfS360K91y1K6wehK3Z8G51NxD_Vby1hediOZOf4O2uozLgzkTJR380FTuRwSy8-2XNcFkvSOpKsiF0_pYEzifS30/s1600/silverbbutton.jpg" alt="Congrats! Silver Award!" style="border:none;" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Congrats to our <b>2</b> bronze award winners!</span><div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Here's Kirstin's entry:</span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDKkgzqFBQmxARk0FwHaBr9CIQKG82KmWyY9UGV1qlZxt36-EbJDE_W2e1d1h-PbQ64JoxpxpxRHnCAMBjI3OcPgEKzy0C-S1HmDQLIbn8h-6jssqJ5fxVF3cZD8kbU4_nNPQtYFS6LmOG/s400/IMG_7967.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">Kristin used her free motion quilting foot to quilt this baby blanket.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">Read about her experience </span><a href="http://prittytings.blogspot.com/2013/04/woodland-baby-blanket.html" style="background-color: white; color: #999999; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">HERE</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">Here tutorial page can be found </span><a href="http://prittytings.blogspot.com/p/tutorial.html" style="background-color: white; color: #999999; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">HERE</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">.</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here's Diya's entry:</span><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><img alt="Burdastyle JJ Blouse" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNkF_CD5bCWa06TWeHLDafhI84p7QPpSSzsRsii4IsMyWVtJU-Dxy26RqTKyQbee3YOe9kTh8Lv78Tu9x9R5b2NPmZprdTBF23jq-lwqYsrkQlUEW018x9_R87AX-y2yH-cqAngRP8M3c/s400/Sewing+Gathers-2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Diya used her gathering foot to add the ruffles to her pretty blouse.<br />She blogged about her challenge <a href="http://thehobbyharbor.blogspot.com/2013/03/how-to-make-gathers-while-sewing.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>.<br />Find Diya's tutorial page <a href="http://thehobbyharbor.blogspot.com/p/ideas-galore.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</span><br />
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<img alt="Congrats! Bronze Award!" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiIsRQJkk-6bYq-z20s00Qaq3L9efcSP8dYLossZItvS1Gh3RjMFKu7JpmSBa_3DBBHemUC5xFeepButiK3yO0ZMTZX5bMyPBZxn-PhnmWJ0lxRzYhZ1kOPaIfxTh-kbHtguPNAgEy_OQ/s1600/bronzebbutton.jpg" title="Congrats! Bronze Award!" /></div>
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<a href="http://ricochetandaway.blogspot.com/2013/04/vote-fancy-feet-sewing-challenge.html" title="Congrats! Bronze Award!"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiIsRQJkk-6bYq-z20s00Qaq3L9efcSP8dYLossZItvS1Gh3RjMFKu7JpmSBa_3DBBHemUC5xFeepButiK3yO0ZMTZX5bMyPBZxn-PhnmWJ0lxRzYhZ1kOPaIfxTh-kbHtguPNAgEy_OQ/s1600/bronzebbutton.jpg" alt="Congrats! Bronze Award!" style="border:none;" /></a></div>
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Everyone did a great job and should be very proud of their projects!!!!</div>
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Thanks so much for all your hard work and for joining in my challenge!!!</div>
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If you're new to my challenges, you can see all the homepages for my past challenges by using the button on my menu bar. You can see all the finished projects for the Fancy Feet Challenge <a href="http://ricochetandaway.blogspot.com/2013/04/vote-fancy-feet-sewing-challenge.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</div>
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Happy Crafting and BIG Hugs from Montana,</div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">Thanks so much for taking the time to read Ricochet and Away!
I am so thankful for your interest and feedback!
Please let me know how I'm doing.
Before you click away, I'd like to invite to participate in my current sewing challenge. Check out the "challenge" button on my menu bar.
Best,
Rikka J.</div>Ricochethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06431838654357998094noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-632519473382375138.post-76573406307989832292013-04-18T09:13:00.000-06:002013-04-18T09:13:18.100-06:00Sorry to cancel May's sewing challengeI hate to do it, but I just can't see me finding the time to organize May's sewing challenge. The morning's I used to spend blogging are now spent at my new job. I work in the library of an alternative high school and LOVE it. I have the summer off though, so expect the challenges to resume once school's out.<br />
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I'm trying to come up with something new to do over the summer break. So stay tuned and take care!<br />
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The poll for the <a href="http://ricochetandaway.blogspot.com/2013/04/vote-fancy-feet-sewing-challenge.html" target="_blank">Fancy Feet Challenge</a> is still open and the results will be posted in May. Super-congrats to all the participants! <br />
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Best,</div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">Thanks so much for taking the time to read Ricochet and Away!
I am so thankful for your interest and feedback!
Please let me know how I'm doing.
Before you click away, I'd like to invite to participate in my current sewing challenge. Check out the "challenge" button on my menu bar.
Best,
Rikka J.</div>Ricochethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06431838654357998094noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-632519473382375138.post-47639214492684542462013-04-03T16:48:00.000-06:002013-04-03T16:48:31.991-06:00Vote: Fancy Feet Sewing Challenge<div align="center">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjswe64X54y-djKnNUq2sNBHtkd9Qg1Mvrj850sePAp4QjGyRlHijbD32eYfY6uE9h_hb4gmPRO2Oa43ZaB-WXayZqlj1MYAGi25fHIzT9jU8OjMyVBvp5J5DBZb2k6vulwQzMJBY8GWE/s1600/vote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjswe64X54y-djKnNUq2sNBHtkd9Qg1Mvrj850sePAp4QjGyRlHijbD32eYfY6uE9h_hb4gmPRO2Oa43ZaB-WXayZqlj1MYAGi25fHIzT9jU8OjMyVBvp5J5DBZb2k6vulwQzMJBY8GWE/s400/vote.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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March's challenge asked the participants to learn how to use a new foot on their sewing machines. I tried to master my rolled hem foot without very much success. You can read about my own foot misadventures <a href="http://ricochetandaway.blogspot.com/2013/03/scarf-rolled-hem-foot.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>. <br />
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A total of 10 participants were able to meet the challenge by creating finished projects using their new and/or fancy feet. It's not always easy to meet a challenge and fulfill a commitment, but 10 of you did and I think that's just so incredibly awesome!!! Thanks so much for all of your hard work and dedication. All of the challenge entries are so creative and inspiring. Please scroll down and follow the links to all the projects. <br />
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After the list of projects is a just-for-fun poll to vote for your top 3 entries. Anyone can vote once per day throughout April. The entries receiving the most votes are awarded with bragging rights and nifty badges for their blogs.<br />
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<a href="http://www.desertdesigns.biz/" title="Visit Desert Designs!"><img alt="Visit Desert Designs!" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwr8sCHtTnN4wuSKm_ap8K4SLzTflicXYWv5-DafkCUfGX-ZxRK9ZUtk7i5_V9-T2i4DiXvz0yIaxnkM3iqPvAvwNxXhk_XcgsbDxufbkLbBWx4RUFoWc_LCPc9muRj_hcm0m1I18yUKA/s640/profile+linda.jpg" style="border: none;" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="400" src="http://media-cache-ec1.pinterest.com/736x/18/b4/92/18b4926fc5af0bcf33b6944755382c96.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="300" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Linda used her bias binding foot when she turned this men's shirt into a cute apron.<br />Please visit her website and see all her beautiful smocking skills <a href="http://www.desertdesigns.biz/" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</span></td></tr>
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<a href="http://prittytings.blogspot.com.au/" title="Visit pritty tings!"><img alt="Visit pritty tings!" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlp0N18CL1PEL_G2dnVkRwzLlaPtqHa-8COiq5AagndcdfYwNDS1OqO5Qe5GeDDNL2lJ-zzSC63YmqXGMDOGqeA27D_g7NtEsoTOU0ch1X82BS1bJgMCR0nz8zXuPLNMivEtgUB4qymxU/s640/profile+kristin.jpg" style="border: none;" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDKkgzqFBQmxARk0FwHaBr9CIQKG82KmWyY9UGV1qlZxt36-EbJDE_W2e1d1h-PbQ64JoxpxpxRHnCAMBjI3OcPgEKzy0C-S1HmDQLIbn8h-6jssqJ5fxVF3cZD8kbU4_nNPQtYFS6LmOG/s400/IMG_7967.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="315" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kristin used her free motion quilting foot to quilt this baby blanket.<br />
Read about her experience <a href="http://prittytings.blogspot.com/2013/04/woodland-baby-blanket.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>.<br />
Here tutorial page can be found <a href="http://prittytings.blogspot.com/p/tutorial.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.skaberlyst.dk/" title="Visit Skaberlyst!"><img alt="Visit Skaberlyst!" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGag2uz_ZE2z8ECfYgxnBpTdddKLHYk5iGi9TpGTjnEPnDKUNU_3-VBAeJyGMX3bERGounjW5xRcCmJ5hdUad0K1c2BnW91HGSyXER0z23P8eslPiL1K2SuB9apFgTqNad-QTNBdG_Mbo/s640/profile+signe.jpg" style="border: none;" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="front" src="http://www.skaberlyst.dk/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/forside.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Signe used a piping foot to install the zipper in this e-reader pouch.<br />Find out how she did it <a href="http://www.skaberlyst.dk/fancy-feet-sewing-challenge/" target="_blank">HERE</a>.<br />Locate more of her sewing tutorials <a href="http://www.skaberlyst.dk/category/syteknik/" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</span></td></tr>
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<a href="http://celticthistlestitches.blogspot.com/" title="Visit Celtic Thistle Stitches!"><img alt="Visit Celtic Thistle Stitches!" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4r6wzzneXJcRrSumrZ9q9wHu13-_uWv-HQ7YiIGhREuFJpuntWGDGXjV8qU1m_bO2yq7cSy58HMVLgGY2dx20bLojemBEq2_HxenoL8z9HAi20PLUJMEgfeA7aZJRLiGtjP-DrXCCzEI/s640/profile+fiona.jpg" style="border: none;" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Challenge Wash Bag" height="266" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8392/8559579242_df90ea23e0_z.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Celtic Thistle made this oilcloth toiletry bag using a teflon foot, a piping foot, and her zipper foot.<br />She blogged about it <a href="http://celticthistlestitches.blogspot.com/2013/03/putting-my-best-foot-forward.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>.<br />Find her sewing tutorials page <a href="http://celticthistlestitches.blogspot.com/p/tutorials.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
<a href="http://threadingmyway.blogspot.com/" title="Visit Threading My Way!"><img alt="Visit Threading My Way!" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6bHaYUY7un60t17MgoSkguAIDBGdQVplf6SvKHDRiNeMMeDH8VOq6Y1Lm3CnAuHEy87ktSefdo_bhpqsXqUNrh0wr_K1YmaA3LwXpp26RYRK-zFQ0Yh1E1_VJq6Osm4BU9Y5v-p0-S-I/s640/profile+Pam.jpg" style="border: none;" /></a></div>
<div align="center">
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="325" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqaPGo4pXqQV1YhFgFj33_E3ig7nPfOSyrJteAcraJCL8w7bMnezgMgc61tWPEnkcXONWbH62wSh50YjpDmfmSN62Axep0cCJgdKeaIjFiP_zic4pViNLbEiyhecIAPjNve_R4bZHU1ZR7/s400/ruffled_nappy_cover.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Pam used her roll and shell hemmer foot to hem the ruffles on this nappy cover.<br />She blogged about her project <a href="http://threadingmyway.blogspot.com/2013/03/ruffled-nappy-cover.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>.<br />Pam has lots of sewing tutorials to be found <a href="http://threadingmyway.blogspot.com/p/how-to.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<a href="http://raspberrysunshine.com/" title="Visit Raspberry Sunshine"><img alt="Visit Raspberry Sunshine" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr-kgUTTJ_oTobdpQShBkJphp6YZtXsLETTig12BX3sKtt0x0Ya4ldmMkTZOVC8mIyzFqBPy1hTtPI2YA8Mlk1d6iAgkrq26fIliNRZCupjBvixw8tmZrY_DVMlhVnDgSRqJCHH2UyPnI/s640/profile+cindy.jpg" style="border: none;" /></a></div>
<div align="center">
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="photo 4" height="298" src="http://raspberrysunshine.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/photo-4-500x373.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Cindy used her ribbon/sequin foot to attach the lace to this zippered bag.<br />Read her blog post about this project <a href="http://raspberrysunshine.com/?p=1813" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</span><span style="font-size: small;">Visit her etsy shop <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/RaspberrySunshineBag" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<a href="http://www.suziestitches.blogspot.ca/" title="Visit Suzie Stitches!"><img alt="Visit Suzie Stitches!" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfD1oG4FP2ahskQFQQMGIcID48rmMLYMqiZuWIhoo0iO_LysrwivnGo-JVei69RIk24kbKQuT6HzCk-Jes-vtZ_s2TBkrxIuqw2fGTdtsD4VtUD7gwz4R0kVaZ7a9PZtcDVj2bz5SN6Uw/s640/profile+suzie.jpg" style="border: none;" /></a></div>
<div align="center">
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgCzA9j_nk7Gvd8TJEigMQDP0xAT3Ix-VqxrtAZHW1ghP0pZOTr0gVvm7J4zwlxOB14J3rxwfW4C9BQMbSne_apw4O26026Jg9ndW-XJWhg1LrV0Cp4kfc0BchVctR9xorN_7WZL_9N5g/s320/IMG_2716.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Suzie used her buttonhole foot to sew a bunch of cute bunny pouches.<br />Read her post about them <a href="http://suziestitches.blogspot.com/2013/03/fancy-easter-feet.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>.<br />Scroll through her blog archives, and you'll find she has sewn a wide variety of things.</span></td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.thehobbyharbor.blogspot.in/" title="Visit The Hobby Harbor!"><img alt="Visit The Hobby Harbor!" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFgYhzOckKb9XZZOqHz_FU2P1k0E7o0WSRf5bYxOIAaBZkLNu4LnA7QFuGJoBeGi3zk1H4FwCFvU4v2RKHGjNvERE0fIN6QGAi9XYkK5Ld2UXVNc6pi_EQEsXVu6zFqEZzUD-KsIeN2pw/s640/profile+diya.jpg" style="border: none;" /></a></div>
<div align="center">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Burdastyle JJ Blouse" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNkF_CD5bCWa06TWeHLDafhI84p7QPpSSzsRsii4IsMyWVtJU-Dxy26RqTKyQbee3YOe9kTh8Lv78Tu9x9R5b2NPmZprdTBF23jq-lwqYsrkQlUEW018x9_R87AX-y2yH-cqAngRP8M3c/s400/Sewing+Gathers-2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Diya used her gathering foot to add the ruffles to her pretty blouse.<br />She blogged about her challenge <a href="http://thehobbyharbor.blogspot.com/2013/03/how-to-make-gathers-while-sewing.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>.<br />Find Diya's tutorial page <a href="http://thehobbyharbor.blogspot.com/p/ideas-galore.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</span></td></tr>
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<br />
<a href="http://passionetcouture.blogspot.ca/" title="Visit Passion et Couture!"><img alt="Visit Passion et Couture!" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiniMNOsG4jT9sYDaY845ihmHuGwhuImV5VI8APHwhCyd9l2CZ4_xhCiT9I51L7MPCg28yWeirT25ESMqXgiQjqYYvJ4Hs_EmJwCyrb5l2s_yyOjmm_2iEUOta0R4SPPc8wJgGwXZ0K3Mo/s640/profile+marisa.jpg" style="border: none;" /></a></div>
<div align="center">
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH5VpmRlkv9aEmh4SaPp_DUfpHF9rDP_yCnb6W2LShoHzxDb-tO39FrTXyFmQ2ddQu84ia8JjtHk8VVtjBu9r8WBdIDsaE2NL-npINOe-y86g7uuFEowDT8y-cZ-IDrGy5pn6swPfEoJs/s400/20.gif" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Marisa used her pintucking foot to create this beautiful table runner.<br />She blogged about her project <a href="http://passionetcouture.blogspot.com/2013/03/the-pintuck-foot_29.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>.<br />Find more of her tutorials <a href="http://passionetcouture.blogspot.com/p/tutorials.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<a href="http://playsculptlive.blogspot.com/" title="Visit Play Sculpt Live!"><img alt="Visit Play Sculpt Live!" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP1D0eNWYs4h3KAfcLKcNhQhy2ZKMa2i4Le-hna1YYpuko1ZxkL-FY92dM8Y2w3U-E3ebj14eukD9iQ8XtUlkOKjP5tYtAnyfA9gpcg1ZLCUa0mBx_Vc2nS0w0I3ZYN4ul5ZsArHOo4mw/s640/profile+line.jpg" style="border: none;" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyKmvYnUi1gunk-W77Og7E4iOr4dgTQrlwNTQ4dyKfUnzOvuU-xJ33f6YPrSXNzRukK3e1ssbpH6CDqK4fbMrBF-TyhS-XpEJyFSnNu8RI5jGDeaYimSEGNdXEARWsP1HfrBUcpk-fuJx9/s320/rikka+foot+challenge-1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Line used her new teflon foot to sew this roomy oilcloth beach tote.<br />She blogged about it <a href="http://playsculptlive.blogspot.com/2013/03/fancy-feet-take-me-to-beach.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>.<br />Check out an online album of her work <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/105060428391627348858/Gallery#5482325687551514146" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Happy crafting and big hugs from Montana,<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/210/E706D7786FDD03A3D2F6C1D132A07495.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>
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</script><div class="blogger-post-footer">Thanks so much for taking the time to read Ricochet and Away!
I am so thankful for your interest and feedback!
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Before you click away, I'd like to invite to participate in my current sewing challenge. Check out the "challenge" button on my menu bar.
Best,
Rikka J.</div>Ricochethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06431838654357998094noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-632519473382375138.post-61330163887311594052013-03-24T14:26:00.000-06:002013-03-24T14:26:42.239-06:00I Painted My Vinyl Floor<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmQak_x-csCKXrn-cLzCtayzQUVTgFWrzkZFQKtc_Jf7eCZM2Nv-SQVm9ueq9fIQuvdWXrMScWkJAPry7673KCcMCX6eCYKrXh_CMcvgPGt5a5OtE0I7w1oohZwCpj7UMJ9kEAon0mJTU/s1600/title2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="594" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmQak_x-csCKXrn-cLzCtayzQUVTgFWrzkZFQKtc_Jf7eCZM2Nv-SQVm9ueq9fIQuvdWXrMScWkJAPry7673KCcMCX6eCYKrXh_CMcvgPGt5a5OtE0I7w1oohZwCpj7UMJ9kEAon0mJTU/s640/title2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Can you paint a vinyl kitchen floor? Should you paint a kitchen floor? How do you paint a kitchen floor? Would painting the floor be worth the effort and time?</div>
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I struggled with answering those questions. I came to 2 conclusions: </div>
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1. I really couldn't make it any uglier!</div>
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2. Eventually we're going to install real tile anyway.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYCgURsL_xrrsczFe5p7KfM18G07Bq0UVvHuwaFsa-vUsCrX2ZzRXb74468QpJMBDhhFFRPKLmB8VmYOVu7jY21ioD4LDhFpCBG31YEZRDM-RItdM4iA7-h746IK_IQOPsvwACkgRrpHo/s1600/floor+plan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYCgURsL_xrrsczFe5p7KfM18G07Bq0UVvHuwaFsa-vUsCrX2ZzRXb74468QpJMBDhhFFRPKLmB8VmYOVu7jY21ioD4LDhFpCBG31YEZRDM-RItdM4iA7-h746IK_IQOPsvwACkgRrpHo/s400/floor+plan.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Just to give you an idea of my kitchen/dining-room floor plan, I made this simple diagram.<br />The black represents floor covered in counter-tops, fridges, etc.<br />The yellow is my ugly vinyl flooring.<br />The grey is carpeting (yuck!).<br />Eventually, we're going to rip everything out and tile the whole thing, <br />but that project is possibly years away.</span></td></tr>
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So you can see that I really didn't have a ton of vinyl flooring to paint. Considering the back-breaking and mind-numbing work required in painting the small area of flooring I DID paint, I would never consider painting and stenciling a large area. I have a new found respect for all you crafty people who painted and stenciled entire rooms. Wow! What a lot of work!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="289" src="http://annabellea.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/shabby-coast-cottage-painted-wood-floor1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">My inspiration! Check out this fab <a href="http://annabellea.com/blog/2011/09/28/shabby-coast-cottage-painted-floor/" target="_blank">post</a> by <a href="http://annabellea.com/blog" target="_blank">Shabby Coast Cottage</a>!</span><br />
[Photo by Shabby Coast Cottage]</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="painting wallpaper lines" height="212" src="http://cdn.jonesdesigncompany.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/IMG_4384_thumb.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I got my stencil and learned the technique from this lovely <a href="http://jonesdesigncompany.com/decorate/painted-wallpaper-a-tutorial/" target="_blank">post</a> by <a href="http://jonesdesigncompany.com/" target="_blank">JDC</a>. </span><br />
[Photo by JDC]</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMjtReabvePavkR19_XvPO2myh_1BA0w1hyphenhyphen8LZ7WUw0vdgbAnbkhAOA9_FeMBiKEGpstQrzgBKqKOFllqYq5KDNDIh8yS5io3vrCSKNusuIh6Lt4JJ5PW3X-Q_bTwpPQJMsPaVOc-dL8c/s1600/stepscollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMjtReabvePavkR19_XvPO2myh_1BA0w1hyphenhyphen8LZ7WUw0vdgbAnbkhAOA9_FeMBiKEGpstQrzgBKqKOFllqYq5KDNDIh8yS5io3vrCSKNusuIh6Lt4JJ5PW3X-Q_bTwpPQJMsPaVOc-dL8c/s640/stepscollage.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">TL: Primer | TR: Floor paint<br />BL: Tracing stencil | BR: Painting stencil</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Here are the steps I followed to paint my floor:</b></span></div>
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<ol>
<li style="text-align: left;">Removed drawer under my stove. (mine's not a broiler)</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Cleaned the floor with ammonia and rinsed it well.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Sanded the floor with 150 grit sandpaper.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Vacuumed and wiped up all sanding residue.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Taped off edges, trim, and bottom of fridge.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Painted on a layer of <span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.acehomecenters.net/products/easy-liquid-sander-qt%7C1259381.html" target="_blank">KLEAN-STRIP EASY LIQUID SANDER</a></span></span>.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Painted on <span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.kilz.com/primer/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=ef4c693378683210VgnVCM1000006b0910acRCRD" target="_blank">KILZ 2® Latex Primer</a></span>.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Painted on <span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://www.behrpro.com/pro-dsm-ext/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=807c59978f9c0210VgnVCM100000516310acRCRD" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">BEHR PREMIUM® Porch & Floor Paint</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">--</span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">2 coats.</span></span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Traced stencil guidelines with gel pen.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Stenciled in <a href="http://www.behrpro.com/pro-dsm-ext/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=1e2859978f9c0210VgnVCM100000516310acRCRD&vgnextfmt=default#channel=PROJECT_CENTER;view=17;vgnextoid=30c859978f9c0210VgnVCM100000516310acRCRD" target="_blank">BEHR PREMIUM PLUS ULTRA® Semi-Gloss Enamel</a>.--2 coats. </li>
</ol>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I bought some clear varnish to use as a top-coat but have yet to apply it. It's been several months since I've painted the floor and it's holding up so nicely, I doubt I'll ever paint on the vanish. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Here's a couple more "afters": </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHWl_tTNptpxgdz2BiRaUe9z84ZFCRZghWoYT3eT_nP6A4vFJVBx9YHbHb56QBJyiDDSx04udW8-CHWFl3mW5LKEdTcWTqe7Kl_fBXlyExNZkuJxhtcgPZm7bGp-PzrNw7mzXIii5zRUE/s1600/afters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHWl_tTNptpxgdz2BiRaUe9z84ZFCRZghWoYT3eT_nP6A4vFJVBx9YHbHb56QBJyiDDSx04udW8-CHWFl3mW5LKEdTcWTqe7Kl_fBXlyExNZkuJxhtcgPZm7bGp-PzrNw7mzXIii5zRUE/s640/afters.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The texture of the floor is still evident, but I like it soooooo much better. I mostly clean the floor with warm water. When that isn't enough, I have a swiffer thingy that I use and it works great. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
How about you all? Would you ever consider painting your kitchen floor?</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Happy crafting and big hugs from Montana,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/210/E706D7786FDD03A3D2F6C1D132A07495.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>
</div>
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Before you click away, I'd like to invite you to join in my current <a href="http://ricochetandaway.blogspot.com/p/challenges-i-co-host.html" target="_blank">sewing/craft challenge</a>. </div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">Thanks so much for taking the time to read Ricochet and Away!
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Rikka J.</div>Ricochethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06431838654357998094noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-632519473382375138.post-31327761915405856742013-03-15T07:00:00.000-06:002013-03-17T10:39:09.845-06:00Plaid Stencils and Folk Art Craft Paint Review<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://on.socialchorus.com/asset_microsites/1924f-18779-29407-3q7vwloo2u7" target="_blank" title="paint, stencils, handmade charlotte, plaid, folk art">FolkArt stencils</a> rock!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9aoiX-QltZLrYo_XDONYR5JdpS0b8VU3TOztihaiOMK1rA6vN4yuvAuLnID1TUiUAImywufM6xgi_0mtkHoMS1FQKDWZuPL04viTKWkUUYOvlSsx1BWrT3p7XMVZtTnda3Lq0ZkKrcdo/s1600/atitleIMG_2151.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9aoiX-QltZLrYo_XDONYR5JdpS0b8VU3TOztihaiOMK1rA6vN4yuvAuLnID1TUiUAImywufM6xgi_0mtkHoMS1FQKDWZuPL04viTKWkUUYOvlSsx1BWrT3p7XMVZtTnda3Lq0ZkKrcdo/s640/atitleIMG_2151.jpg" width="552" /></a></div>
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Besides connecting with amazingly creative people from all over the world, the second best thing about being a blogger is getting opportunities to review craft products. This post is about my experience with <a href="http://on.socialchorus.com/asset_microsites/1924f-18779-29407-3q7vwloo2u7" target="_blank" title="paint, stencils, handmade charlotte, plaid, folk art">FolkArt stencils</a>. I've been a big fan of Plaid brand products even before I began blogging. You see, I'm a Mod-Podger from waaaaay back!</div>
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These are all my projects featuring Plaid products:</div>
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<a href="http://ricochetandaway.blogspot.com/2011/08/envelope-wristlet.html" target="_blank">The Envelope Wristlet</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Lc4U7CLd22fBjfouNsGHKdehi1EgRqYvd6n-YY3Hj1SSHVYSl9VQfZg6Bg5rtYaLAL9mtFnV5JdT15STmuDoxV6Wlkxfbwx1AZ-PvaajcESbPgFl0vgFUAncSGUER8WsbXH6ZJwYdWjN/s1600/title+and+after+pics.jpg" target="_blank">Wallet Upcycle</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCFBRYQFQFUkHuDVB1zlXfGVcXDBwgv1oYLSPclj3de6xWrZtWhNLomGhZw1XqbnA3zG_6sIEyARM7jfVCiwrAoK7KdiLNIk9QyrrDb2HHrbhlcAvyuOJF5s1zxUBQgd6FbNkiaCMrvDmi/s1600/2title.jpg" target="_blank">Another Mod Podge Upcycle</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV8Xo772OLA3nF1CFbc09QEKghC-DmCA_33Kc8p3zUMbtTwOcT8NZ1m39XnAiy1cVOq0hm0vHFQZ2qO-4gdbY8tmy59AYvQDLVuFoXhmHjGlvp2yWsTYLo5LdP1P12K3Bd_73QF7Oh26dt/s1600/Picnik+collagey.jpg" target="_blank">Naughty Notions Clutch</a></div>
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<a href="http://ricochetandaway.blogspot.com/2011/09/paper-weaving-tutorial.html" target="_blank">Purse of Paper</a></div>
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<a href="http://ricochetandaway.blogspot.com/2012/03/clutch-makeover-diy.html" target="_blank">Clutch Makeover</a></div>
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<a href="http://ricochetandaway.blogspot.com/2012/04/painted-patches-cool-project-for-boys.html" target="_blank">Painted Patches for Boys</a></div>
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<a href="http://ricochetandaway.blogspot.com/2013/02/knee-patches-for-girls.html" target="_blank">Patches for Girls</a></div>
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<a href="http://ricochetandaway.blogspot.com/2011/09/100-feet-of-satin-ribbon.html" target="_blank">Tag-making</a></div>
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<a href="http://ricochetandaway.blogspot.com/2012/06/diy-no-dye-tie-dye.html" target="_blank">No-Dye-Tie-Dye</a></div>
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<a href="http://ricochetandaway.blogspot.com/2012/04/egg-kabobsa-new-way-to-color-eggs.html" target="_blank">Egg-Kabobs</a></div>
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<a href="http://ricochetandaway.blogspot.com/2012/12/diy-foam-ball-ornaments.html" target="_blank">UFO Ornaments</a></div>
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Most of those tutorials feature projects using either Mod Podge or various brands of acrylic craft paint.</div>
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Besides the <a href="http://ricochetandaway.blogspot.com/2013/02/knee-patches-for-girls.html" target="_blank">Patches for Girls</a> post, I haven't worked much with stencils...until NOW!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmpiUqtFBDS_HAVF-Y-s_6_DfPETsoEkEzh1bVFj7ztOGebOmqZiV3AbEfoS06iaW_WDmxpsSaPtygskIiJ1_LafcGfqa1y3y7_FZmUFWZ4nmjtNy2XBFsnTz3CGIPxS1dAzcmXhsVZlg/s1600/a+the+loot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmpiUqtFBDS_HAVF-Y-s_6_DfPETsoEkEzh1bVFj7ztOGebOmqZiV3AbEfoS06iaW_WDmxpsSaPtygskIiJ1_LafcGfqa1y3y7_FZmUFWZ4nmjtNy2XBFsnTz3CGIPxS1dAzcmXhsVZlg/s320/a+the+loot.jpg" width="278" /></a></div>
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The folks at Plaid, being the generous folks that they are, sent me another bundle of crafty loot! This time around I received some Folk Art craft paint, a foam paint roller, a tub of chalkboard paint, a durable plastic <a href="http://on.socialchorus.com/asset_microsites/1924f-18779-29407-3q7vwloo2u7" target="_blank" title="paint, stencils, handmade charlotte, plaid, folk art">FolkArt stencil</a>, and a couple types of stencil brushes. I decided to give the plain white step in my daughter's room a make-over.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDFRzLXq3noLWM9woTKw-WiFMenB-PlUuy0lVcjY7rdrmFPy7-Faye0cCw2vbqkwTYVQEgEtaZWMgw4c61Ef8Ci8WoOl-9XX92PiLX9mbf-UV4pIePE97mskXrhZIpMm29z3WesQ8TrYA/s1600/1-4collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDFRzLXq3noLWM9woTKw-WiFMenB-PlUuy0lVcjY7rdrmFPy7-Faye0cCw2vbqkwTYVQEgEtaZWMgw4c61Ef8Ci8WoOl-9XX92PiLX9mbf-UV4pIePE97mskXrhZIpMm29z3WesQ8TrYA/s400/1-4collage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<ol>
<li>After cleaning the surface of the step and taping off the area that I wanted to paint, I rolled on a layer of pale pink paint. </li>
<li>I used one of the foam stencil brushes and stippled along the taped edges in a darker teal.</li>
<li>I taped the stencil down to keep it from wiggling and used a foam stencil brush to stamp on more teal paint.</li>
<li>I learned the hard way that if you don't clean the stencil every time you move it, you'll have some messy areas. </li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYi3KTgAB-S9_8Ri8xJFKJ20a91Rchk_C9xC-I7isZLALTeuTk_47Zl0UHlPVm7i7WC5MkLOMjYG-Af5soT6CL28Mh02j4w2XUp7ztCbp0h3eOzO3UDQRlaVCaE4PBhMBn1pTWqj95hAM/s1600/1modpodge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYi3KTgAB-S9_8Ri8xJFKJ20a91Rchk_C9xC-I7isZLALTeuTk_47Zl0UHlPVm7i7WC5MkLOMjYG-Af5soT6CL28Mh02j4w2XUp7ztCbp0h3eOzO3UDQRlaVCaE4PBhMBn1pTWqj95hAM/s400/1modpodge.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I sealed the paint with glitter Mod Podge. The grains of glitter are very fine and the resulting "glitz" is like a pretty iridescent shimmer. It is very hard to photograph, so you'll just have to take my word for it that the finished step is totally glam! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6SOgKNLKd58NHm3U2-qQmvqiHH-J7E2vAjEoMPwvL7C3xmVQjIonMIMhPZ4QEqwtfENVq3SK4Kv-C7lWDnMRaQ4SqA4aMfsHy8z1fs4W4PkkZTJ8aRYW5fvc8fOeKZ_KRdk-CV9yzxU0/s1600/aIMG_2149.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6SOgKNLKd58NHm3U2-qQmvqiHH-J7E2vAjEoMPwvL7C3xmVQjIonMIMhPZ4QEqwtfENVq3SK4Kv-C7lWDnMRaQ4SqA4aMfsHy8z1fs4W4PkkZTJ8aRYW5fvc8fOeKZ_KRdk-CV9yzxU0/s400/aIMG_2149.jpg" width="397" /></a></div>
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The step was once used in our bathroom to aid little kids in reaching the sink. After we started using a collapsible stool in the bathroom, the step found a home in my 6 y.o. daughter's room. She thought it looked like a "baby step" before, but is pleased with it's big-girl transformation. The chevrons are fun and decidedly "not baby-ish" design element. What do you think?</div>
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Check out this dresser transformation done with the same chevron stencil:</div>
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<a href="http://on.socialchorus.com/asset_microsites/19283-18779-29407-3q7w12nbztv"><img alt="paint, stencils, handmade charlotte, plaid, folk art" src="https://activator-production.s3.amazonaws.com/asset/images/images/3044/original/3044.jpg" title="Chevron Dresser" /></a><img src="http://t.socialchorus.com/t.gif?guid=19283-18779-29407-3q7w12nbztv&u=6c67a716-d140-42a0-9ec2-26d1ea49c541&src=bl&btype=ot" style="visibility: hidden;" /><br />
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I just got some more stencils in the mail. I'm hoping to use them in a new project soon, along with the chalkboard paint. What about you all? Any luck with stencils lately?</div>
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Happy crafting and big hugs from Montana,</div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/210/E706D7786FDD03A3D2F6C1D132A07495.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a></div>
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Connect with Plaid via these social media links:<br />
<a href="http://on.socialchorus.com/asset_microsites/1924b-18779-29407-3q7vzpoijek" target="_blank" title="paint, stencils, handmade charlotte, plaid, folk art">Plaid on Facebook</a><br />
<a href="http://on.socialchorus.com/asset_microsites/1924c-18779-29407-df6ss9li5e" target="_blank" title="paint, stencils, handmade charlotte, plaid, folk art">Plaid on Twitter</a><br />
<a href="http://on.socialchorus.com/asset_microsites/1924d-18779-29407-3q7vzyxo9b0" target="_blank" title="paint, stencils, handmade charlotte, plaid, folk art">Follow Plaid on Pinterest</a><img src="http://t.socialchorus.com/t.gif?guid=1924d-18779-29407-3q7vzyxo9b0&u=13f97f93-9075-4057-8c85-d1697bced9e4&src=bl&btype=ot" style="visibility: hidden;" /><br />
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I wrote this post as part of a sponsored campaign with Plaid and The Blueprint Social. </div>
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All opinions in this post are my own.<br />
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Before you click away, I'd like to invite you to join in my current <a href="http://ricochetandaway.blogspot.com/p/challenges-i-co-host.html" target="_blank">sewing/craft challenge</a>.<br />
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I wasn't the only one who got cool stencils in the mail. Check out what my bloggy friends made as well:</div>
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<!--inlinkz code end--><div class="blogger-post-footer">Thanks so much for taking the time to read Ricochet and Away!
I am so thankful for your interest and feedback!
Please let me know how I'm doing.
Before you click away, I'd like to invite to participate in my current sewing challenge. Check out the "challenge" button on my menu bar.
Best,
Rikka J.</div>Ricochethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06431838654357998094noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-632519473382375138.post-6916788407388172982013-03-10T11:45:00.000-06:002013-03-13T09:06:08.493-06:00Scarf: Rolled Hem Foot<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgynNkaQDdAHbQnpZrkJXH_ozfFziJnzYIFh1fh6mpAFH3dw75d_mF-8EGkAUoSEk-sp8PD-bBJx7GQSaJHZh-rPHBTfneqwk_TYJ8ft_VZQ-uVQp0Z81FTOnA2fvGtAx1LSU73gIoqcoI/s1600/bIMG_2191.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgynNkaQDdAHbQnpZrkJXH_ozfFziJnzYIFh1fh6mpAFH3dw75d_mF-8EGkAUoSEk-sp8PD-bBJx7GQSaJHZh-rPHBTfneqwk_TYJ8ft_VZQ-uVQp0Z81FTOnA2fvGtAx1LSU73gIoqcoI/s320/bIMG_2191.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This month's <a href="http://ricochetandaway.blogspot.com/p/challenges-i-co-host.html" target="_blank">sewing challenge</a> is kicking my butt! The rolled hem foot I chose to work with is a tricky little thing that I can't seem to get a handle on. Plus, my photography skills...well please accept my usual apologies. I think I'm loosing my blogging mojo! Not that I had much to brag about in the first place!</div>
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Anyway, <a href="http://ricochetandaway.blogspot.com/2013/02/fancy-feet-sewing-challenge-march-2013.html" target="_blank">March's sewing challenge</a> is to try a new sewing machine foot. I choose the rolled hem foot. I took it out once many years ago and it was a disaster. So I decided to do a bit more research and really try to master the foot. I started out practicing on a thin cotton print. You may recognize it, I used it to make my <a href="http://ricochetandaway.blogspot.com/2012/05/diy-paternless-maxi-dress.html" target="_blank">maxi dress</a>. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFVuo809KEy3Q1QDf0Hnxkfm32qcOzCTfum6-e_clqzi3Okzy0ghNQZRnal1Q1AaPD1pZ9M-_4eo770Vszh2BVn3RsIgZvx0dAYT6hJ7rN9Cn0nbGbaH0oqrQqrGaUoqzrnz1plUssIq4/s1600/aIMG_2169.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFVuo809KEy3Q1QDf0Hnxkfm32qcOzCTfum6-e_clqzi3Okzy0ghNQZRnal1Q1AaPD1pZ9M-_4eo770Vszh2BVn3RsIgZvx0dAYT6hJ7rN9Cn0nbGbaH0oqrQqrGaUoqzrnz1plUssIq4/s320/aIMG_2169.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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After stitching about 5 inches, I was really getting the hang on it.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx3U2YKrdunlY8Oo4tlmlD9W0PllcWSlFi7gQznBjrR61sChECAyuXitgYLWvclr3P7Ked6sqy6ixGL6QawBg3hlS5pcppDxnqLGd7FL36UMnttV8d5sLlQxmNt9-dZnvyZWrWS-9IfL0/s1600/aIMG_2178.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx3U2YKrdunlY8Oo4tlmlD9W0PllcWSlFi7gQznBjrR61sChECAyuXitgYLWvclr3P7Ked6sqy6ixGL6QawBg3hlS5pcppDxnqLGd7FL36UMnttV8d5sLlQxmNt9-dZnvyZWrWS-9IfL0/s320/aIMG_2178.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I stitched the length of the scrap of fabric and proclaimed myself a master!</div>
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What went wrong so many years ago when I first used this lovely foot?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgou_7PSqpkIwjnvv748xhEeHeF80R6V75U1S93BKGe2AIAiUJDH9Uv-VixIImfQEaBxELkqp6xb0uzx8OogPhGBQ41Bbpcplj-kDbHvMrIQaCvemLnegpFLlcy_jTJF69W2d0cI351hXs/s1600/aIMG_2183.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgou_7PSqpkIwjnvv748xhEeHeF80R6V75U1S93BKGe2AIAiUJDH9Uv-VixIImfQEaBxELkqp6xb0uzx8OogPhGBQ41Bbpcplj-kDbHvMrIQaCvemLnegpFLlcy_jTJF69W2d0cI351hXs/s320/aIMG_2183.jpg" width="319" /></a></div>
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So, enter the scarf fabric. I bought this Red Tag (clearance sale) fabric at JoAnn's a couple weeks ago with making a scarf in mind. At $3 a yard and me only buying 18 inches, it was a bargain!</div>
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The fabric itself is red and green paisley on a navy blue background with thin stripes of gold metallic thread. You can see it draped over my sewing machine below and notice how sheer it is.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4jdDiGIBDm4pgrsRWUGaJXcXYt6Ee9O-EpsZG8jcWwmgbhwgqglWn3ApdxZ0eO-x7oInD8kX507sNlvBQ5cpI27JMhN-BEP8Rl-MXFQrM95kjadI9EipR3wri79R6R9EdJp-sfLuOIuQ/s1600/aIMG_2184.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4jdDiGIBDm4pgrsRWUGaJXcXYt6Ee9O-EpsZG8jcWwmgbhwgqglWn3ApdxZ0eO-x7oInD8kX507sNlvBQ5cpI27JMhN-BEP8Rl-MXFQrM95kjadI9EipR3wri79R6R9EdJp-sfLuOIuQ/s320/aIMG_2184.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Once I squared up the fabric (not an easy task with this thin fabric) I pressed a 3/8 inch hem along the edges. Then, using my trusty rolled hem foot, I started stitching. The results were less than stellar. Only about 20% of the hem was a perfect double fold. The rest was only a single fold. Maybe you can see in the photo below how the second fold didn't catch.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtQelMi4YVOm7vZrCxnhWlbF8Ms1juNKhmVaMV10pQWxJPhmU4En0YAK9TJPtC_Ilv8jU85vNKDDHUeJZ1C3Q_z49U1KWd4PN59l9cprsT3WiMDepkgH_bJOXPki_UF3RZYHQ0vYEWI2E/s1600/aIMG_2198.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtQelMi4YVOm7vZrCxnhWlbF8Ms1juNKhmVaMV10pQWxJPhmU4En0YAK9TJPtC_Ilv8jU85vNKDDHUeJZ1C3Q_z49U1KWd4PN59l9cprsT3WiMDepkgH_bJOXPki_UF3RZYHQ0vYEWI2E/s320/aIMG_2198.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I considered trimming off the offending hem and trying again, but in the end just decided to live with it. I got out my lighter and singed the fraying edges that didn't get folded into the hem. I don't know how it will hold up in the long run, but for now I'm not too worried about the hem coming undone and the fabric unraveling all over the place. Here's a look at the length of the scarf. You can also see how I rounded the corner on the end:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhotv1S4nwEnImkYk7IpuLgwjKq2x_bEIEPz0U7uakF8RsII_72Irr1g5TmyhjmU3BnlDdA_g5N0wUs8vfa_Y5TfHNZjpUGH_JuM9rAlCZYDe0eNDAWlugMi_Q4CO_Et68lvk-lJeDdn2k/s1600/aIMG_2210.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhotv1S4nwEnImkYk7IpuLgwjKq2x_bEIEPz0U7uakF8RsII_72Irr1g5TmyhjmU3BnlDdA_g5N0wUs8vfa_Y5TfHNZjpUGH_JuM9rAlCZYDe0eNDAWlugMi_Q4CO_Et68lvk-lJeDdn2k/s320/aIMG_2210.jpg" width="181" /></a></div>
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I had both my kids take a crack at photographing me wearing the scarf. While I'm sure they did their best, the results were pretty blurry. Here's the well-edited best of the bunch:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSz0VnPPoYwCOz085nc0jU0BqhvKwLwshtEup5y2jWxtC6fPde1UGPV4C2xGdiRmt8xf3OAOROGWCssA2E741sdVF0_IeC0FcFxdfbvsqa2rt6oROBRHBU_CELmg5XK8Fh0NVUrsqDlgs/s1600/aRibbet+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSz0VnPPoYwCOz085nc0jU0BqhvKwLwshtEup5y2jWxtC6fPde1UGPV4C2xGdiRmt8xf3OAOROGWCssA2E741sdVF0_IeC0FcFxdfbvsqa2rt6oROBRHBU_CELmg5XK8Fh0NVUrsqDlgs/s320/aRibbet+collage.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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In conclusion, I believe that my rolled hem foot has limitations when it comes to fine, sheer fabrics. I have some thin jersey that would make a great scarf as well....but I'm not sure if I'll try to hem it or just leave the raw edges. Hmmmm, decision, decisions!</div>
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What is your experience with rolled hem feet? Any tips on working with sheer fabrics? </div>
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Visit March's sewing challenge homepage here:</div>
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Happy crafting and big hugs from Montana,</div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">Thanks so much for taking the time to read Ricochet and Away!
I am so thankful for your interest and feedback!
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Before you click away, I'd like to invite to participate in my current sewing challenge. Check out the "challenge" button on my menu bar.
Best,
Rikka J.</div>Ricochethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06431838654357998094noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-632519473382375138.post-83368059404379523142013-03-03T01:00:00.001-07:002013-03-03T01:00:54.113-07:00Gift Idea: Potted Tulip Bulbs
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<p>This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of <a rel='nofollow' href='http://app.socialspark.com/disclosure_clicks?oid=9149049'>iBulb</a> for <a rel='nofollow' href='http://izea.in/r1Fdr'>SocialSpark</a>. All opinions are 100% mine.</p>
<p style='text-align: center;'> <img style='width: 267px; height: 400px;' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq4nd8P1Or43SnKNogPn-BAx4MorNqKy5PI3rQH373_W_8TsPXxXqpq4QwUNMAxbA7J0jQwI05B_NP_hRuT7gD09k63zZmUhkm-Ci8yA0qzyY1ft1eYUjmxS88p1-vOoj4Z606IiwLo8k/s400/IMG_7583a.jpg' alt=''/></p>
<p style='text-align: center;'> Spring does not come early in Montana. Here we are in March and there's not a crocus to be seen much less a daffodil. Tulips won't be around until May, and the lilies won't show until June. And before we know it, September's here and the leaves on the trees are turning. Those are the reasons why Montanans are such big fans of forcing bulbs indoors. That is the only way we can enjoy traditional spring blooms in March. </p>
<p style='text-align: center;'> Don't get me wrong though, we love all bulbs and rhizomes outdoors as well. They are so tolerant of our extreme climate. The are perennials, meaning they come back year after year. Plus they are so pretty. Right?</p>
<p style='text-align: center;'> My favorites for forcing indoors or planting in beds are tulips. They come in every hue from the brightest white to the deepest, nearly black, purples. Bulbs are readily available at hardware and grocery stores, as well as garden centers and flower shops. I can't resist the <a rel='nofollow' href='http://app.socialspark.com/clicks?lid=25341&oid=9149049'>potted bulbs</a> they set out near the cash registers at my local grocery store. </p>
<p style='text-align: center;'> Tulip bulbs make great gifts. They are very easy to grow. The reason being because of the hardy nature of bulbs in general. A bulb contains all the nutrients it needs to stay alive underground throughout the winter. So a potted bulb just needs a little water an non-freezing temps to sprout and bloom. No fertilizing or strategically placed windows required. I've seen <a rel='nofollow' href='http://app.socialspark.com/clicks?lid=25341&oid=9149049'>potted bulbs</a> blooming in interior office cubicles and bathrooms with teeny-tiny windows.</p>
<p style='text-align: center;'> Check out this cute gift idea I found on Pinterest:</p>
<div style='padding-bottom: 2px; line-height: 0px;'> <a target='_blank' href='http://pinterest.com/pin/44050902575556541/'><img width='300' src='http://media-cache-ec7.pinterest.com/550x/dd/26/98/dd269855c8ca28acae4210f86db89a61.jpg' height='334' border='0'/></a></div>
<div style='float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px;'> <p style='font-size: 10px; color: rgb(118, 131, 139); text-align: center;'> Source: <a style='text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;' href=''>Uploaded by user</a> via <a target='_blank' style='text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;' href='http://pinterest.com/digdropdone/'>Dig Drop Done</a> on <a target='_blank' style='text-decoration: underline; color: #76838b;' href='http://pinterest.com'>Pinterest</a></p></div>
<p> </p>
<p> I would love this type of gift for Mother's Day! (hint-hint) A pair of stylish galoshes filled with bulbs and gardening tools would make a great present for anyone with a spring birthday. How about you? What's your favorite spring flower? Your favorite color of tulip?</p>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">Thanks so much for taking the time to read Ricochet and Away!
I am so thankful for your interest and feedback!
Please let me know how I'm doing.
Before you click away, I'd like to invite to participate in my current sewing challenge. Check out the "challenge" button on my menu bar.
Best,
Rikka J.</div>Ricochethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06431838654357998094noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-632519473382375138.post-33065828712103862222013-02-28T10:08:00.000-07:002013-02-28T10:22:58.697-07:00Winners: Curved Seams Challenge!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy4-eZDPu3QZZj1qoxbIkqYvX_y_54yIr-mhhrqXF5TqQHbeQXADcoQdhGUfGBF88ogIvEd0qKXLCHxZDOBA_ZXcB-4JJSTN8tM0dK5pqA5lZ5-XdqomN4bHebjT_50EXeU99od_sGHrU/s1600/bluebuttonwinners+title.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy4-eZDPu3QZZj1qoxbIkqYvX_y_54yIr-mhhrqXF5TqQHbeQXADcoQdhGUfGBF88ogIvEd0qKXLCHxZDOBA_ZXcB-4JJSTN8tM0dK5pqA5lZ5-XdqomN4bHebjT_50EXeU99od_sGHrU/s400/bluebuttonwinners+title.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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We spent the month of January working on projects that include curved flat seams. And we spent the month of February voting on our favorite projects. Please visit the <a href="http://ricochetandaway.blogspot.com/2013/02/vote-curved-seams-sewing-challenge.html" target="_blank">voting page</a> and check out the finished projects. You'll see that choosing a favorite was very difficult considering the high quality of the entries.<br />
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I'd like to take a minute to thank all the participants who make these challenges so darn fun. Everyone has always been such a good sport and so open to new concepts and techniques. Everyone has been so forgiving of my screw-ups and patient when I'm not able to stay right on top of things. You all inspire me so much and make this whole sewing/blogging experience more rewarding than I ever imagined.</div>
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Thank you!!!!</div>
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Without further ado, let's hear a round of applause for the entry that received the most votes:</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEPi_rXDFJ3y4GFpN5DXTqtm5ZQILLy3lmszd_K8vsEu1XEuv0-JRdylpdOCT87PdjRJeuOx3PfKkhrP3UDQnFOlnCwmjeU_J5D0iC7eaR_OYaGV4LSLLcSzbfJCH-45lUSRvfkgeOulaD/s320/curved_seams_dress.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">Pam from </span><a href="http://threadingmyway.blogspot.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #999999; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Threading My Way</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"> made a dress featuring wavy curved seams in the skirt.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">She blogged about it </span><a href="http://threadingmyway.blogspot.com/2013/01/curved-seams-dress.html" style="background-color: white; color: #e69138; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;" target="_blank">HERE</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">.<br />Congrats on winning the gold badge.<br />Your bragging rights are fully instated! </span></td></tr>
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<img alt="Congrats on winning the GOLD!" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhomg9IbQmLnJoZBbSHQxHNuQZA1CwjbuaK1IdKb6QD2LN3gR2KyCSMrJmTC66Rd4m6GF0bdZp6zMR_WBzl7nX5BFJAStKdSTNRNRi_8GrwN8vack8uZMDiWiNFcfNw8k-mFz2zfBAVH1s/s1600/gold.jpg" title="Congrats on winning the GOLD!" /></div>
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<a href="http://ricochetandaway.blogspot.com/2013/02/winners-curved-seams-challenge.html" title="Congrats on winning the GOLD!"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhomg9IbQmLnJoZBbSHQxHNuQZA1CwjbuaK1IdKb6QD2LN3gR2KyCSMrJmTC66Rd4m6GF0bdZp6zMR_WBzl7nX5BFJAStKdSTNRNRi_8GrwN8vack8uZMDiWiNFcfNw8k-mFz2zfBAVH1s/s1600/gold.jpg" alt="Congrats on winning the GOLD!" style="border:none;" /></a></div>
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The silver badge goes to:</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ruzrvC8DcijmmdShLWcRX1jAUNxHzzxmu5fyapggc52Pl-naKYeT7nbnzD-qBeco_N3CQ6jRui2ORG3mgzhKAsz3ZtyLrgmZeVsDuIk7m7MsudHqJ66IqRsnmjZ1oXC2xmTXzUBA5Ds/s400/Curved+Seam+summer+quilt+front.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">Fiona from </span><a href="http://celticthistlestitches.blogspot.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #999999; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Celtic Thistle Stitches</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"> completed a two-sided tablecloth.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">I attempted to brighten/lighten this photo, so the colors aren't true--apologies!</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">See the original photos in Fiona's blog post </span><a href="http://celticthistlestitches.blogspot.com/2013/01/a-steep-learning-curve.html" style="background-color: white; color: #999999; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">HERE</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">.<br />Congrats on winning the silver badge.<br />Feel free to brag away!</span></td></tr>
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<img alt="Congrats on winning the SILVER!" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfLCfYMm2Hz_916ydRnbpbnTWssd46OE7YmtzKDr1mB2LTQzPSQ9cqUZMZ_nz0QcDPC-xKIPMrV29ryci41nCGVsEneTUZ5dcyvAgExwzRED3Rgrog6w_5vtcxm2VwTvbzTwwRO52V6Lo/s1600/bluebuttonsilver+winner.jpg" title="Congrats on winning the SILVER!" /></div>
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<a href="http://ricochetandaway.blogspot.com/2013/02/winners-curved-seams-challenge.html" title="Congrats on winning the SILVER!"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfLCfYMm2Hz_916ydRnbpbnTWssd46OE7YmtzKDr1mB2LTQzPSQ9cqUZMZ_nz0QcDPC-xKIPMrV29ryci41nCGVsEneTUZ5dcyvAgExwzRED3Rgrog6w_5vtcxm2VwTvbzTwwRO52V6Lo/s1600/bluebuttonsilver+winner.jpg" alt="Congrats on winning the SILVER!" style="border:none;" /></a></div>
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And our bronze badge goes to:</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihVeZ26j_PCr-2KsBtcO_Z3sy3Ht7fTQSTHM-ABBuTLrsgqhWBofoEjs22ixp9rk_pkLpqENgAgSAydmJ-_H4brSOTPvvobLWSlZ-TaM8p2SfXgPbRTqag2bEkP_x04rci8V2Ef08ZxhA/s400/IMG_2053.tiff" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">Caroline at </span><a href="http://www.artfullycaroline.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #999999; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Artfully Caroline</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"> was able to finish 2 curved seams projects. She blogged about them </span><a href="http://www.artfullycaroline.com/2013/01/challenge-curves.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+AtelierCaroline+%28Artfully+Caroline%29" style="background-color: white; color: #999999; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">HERE</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">The first project was this pretty pillow using the drunkard's path quilt block. </span></span><br /><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">Congrats on winning the bronze badge.<br />Bragging rights are yours!</span></span></span></td></tr>
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<img alt="Congrats on winning the BRONZE!" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxudKjvkPOO1YdgKZwycTLpzNUePGfv2sXAnjFNZIQ9vAMphXOWpw9qCEZNG0ilpmVlgOKoakJ9ozasd-_sRQuJzGzXdBZ0XGph1K3ZX4ofUqt3dy5ws8OQ46TqDpoOsy_dzq-rxNHVmk/s1600/bluebuttonbronze+winner.jpg" title="Congrats on winning the BRONZE!" /></div>
<textarea style="background: #f0f0f0; border: solid 1px #cccccc; color: #777777; display: block; font-size: 100%; height: 50px; margin: auto; padding: 2px 0 2px 5px; text-align: left; width: 90%;"><div align="center">
<a href="http://ricochetandaway.blogspot.com/2013/02/winners-curved-seams-challenge.html" title="Congrats on winning the BRONZE!"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxudKjvkPOO1YdgKZwycTLpzNUePGfv2sXAnjFNZIQ9vAMphXOWpw9qCEZNG0ilpmVlgOKoakJ9ozasd-_sRQuJzGzXdBZ0XGph1K3ZX4ofUqt3dy5ws8OQ46TqDpoOsy_dzq-rxNHVmk/s1600/bluebuttonbronze+winner.jpg" alt="Congrats on winning the BRONZE!" style="border:none;" /></a></div>
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If you're interested in honing your sewing skills, meeting crafty folks from all over the world, and/or trying sewing new, please consider joining March's challenge:<br />
<br />
<div align="center">
<a href="http://ricochetandaway.blogspot.com/2013/02/fancy-feet-sewing-challenge-march-2013.html" title="Visit Fancy Feet Homepage"><img alt="Visit Fancy Feet Homepage" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGSY8ja03O5_v15Ftx3AvKOxgVeZYJSYpi5OjXmsbMsT1fhx93gJ_KS7dzB4u5uEs7MXflHNvlLJnCdKnR7M5AP2f9QGSiU0wL_YYkABYkmWhyj2KyQVymcp-qZc2SgmO4cp2tPv5OX9E/s1600/63502665bbutton.jpg" style="border: none;" /></a></div>
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Happy crafting big hugs from Montana,<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/210/E706D7786FDD03A3D2F6C1D132A07495.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">Thanks so much for taking the time to read Ricochet and Away!
I am so thankful for your interest and feedback!
Please let me know how I'm doing.
Before you click away, I'd like to invite to participate in my current sewing challenge. Check out the "challenge" button on my menu bar.
Best,
Rikka J.</div>Ricochethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06431838654357998094noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-632519473382375138.post-13823362664429943372013-02-26T14:35:00.000-07:002013-02-26T14:35:16.386-07:00Mini Tudor Rose<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVmjuCWh_I-G7szgsk0YXtrQ97_MvXvhhVt4dGr4iOOC3s3_0Ttr6A61jDhf4E_Z6cxwz36lKZLILL4f6pg3YLtPUA5IFAPqsUGqGiwPGoM5XjM5Ro-QdDTQWZ9C0dkPOXy_xZgv1FgUA/s1600/BeFunky_IMG_2060a.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVmjuCWh_I-G7szgsk0YXtrQ97_MvXvhhVt4dGr4iOOC3s3_0Ttr6A61jDhf4E_Z6cxwz36lKZLILL4f6pg3YLtPUA5IFAPqsUGqGiwPGoM5XjM5Ro-QdDTQWZ9C0dkPOXy_xZgv1FgUA/s400/BeFunky_IMG_2060a.jpg.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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It's been too long since I've posted! Truth be told, I've been looking for a job (besides wifing and momming and blogging) pretty diligently since the beginning of the year. I am pretty picky about when and where I work, so it has been a tedious and time-consuming process. I managed to get a position in the school system as a paraeducator substitute which I'm fairly pleased with. I'm hoping for a permanent para position in the future. I'm on call starting this week, and I'm so excited to try something in the "outside world".</div>
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I've haven't been sewing much, but I did find the time to create this little girl's handbag. I got a special request for mother daughter matching Tudor rose purses and couldn't pass it up. The mother's version is going to be a bit more chic with a zebra print paired with the red velvet.</div>
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If you're interested, I have several posts about this Tudor rose pattern which you can find under the tag "tudor rose" in the side bar. Or you can go directly to my tutorial <a href="http://ricochetandaway.blogspot.com/2011/12/savvyseamscoms-tudor-rose-tutorial.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJJuHbW06r9ridi0vGQwYDYoJNBrLIDaRGBnxNBb8e2Rzb8f984BsWQUKWV174_VBnRxRcBvaIdvvqIb0R8MSLzjfVDaSYgpsmrqqqbTZCYs19KgxguFcoaVRmULDYgE1P5E9Iq6AZ10s/s1600/IMG_2064a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJJuHbW06r9ridi0vGQwYDYoJNBrLIDaRGBnxNBb8e2Rzb8f984BsWQUKWV174_VBnRxRcBvaIdvvqIb0R8MSLzjfVDaSYgpsmrqqqbTZCYs19KgxguFcoaVRmULDYgE1P5E9Iq6AZ10s/s640/IMG_2064a.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
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I deviated from the original design by omitting the inner leaves and adding some heart-shaped quilting to the inner petals. The center is created with canadian smocking. I've finally used that particular method of smocking enough that I don't have to refer to the instructions any longer!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSCOYDNySWlBYbnsf-C2tm0GJJVO5GagWmIgO_bodU0_2f6s1JQMwAyRquNmjPd9Tc-hbvWcJdXJ1N9K9DqIfm3ePa82g9mUUZu8I2bFrzMNbFDjXHW4Lw6lJAUbHqPI_DRPRmDwDdric/s1600/IMG_2070a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSCOYDNySWlBYbnsf-C2tm0GJJVO5GagWmIgO_bodU0_2f6s1JQMwAyRquNmjPd9Tc-hbvWcJdXJ1N9K9DqIfm3ePa82g9mUUZu8I2bFrzMNbFDjXHW4Lw6lJAUbHqPI_DRPRmDwDdric/s400/IMG_2070a.jpg" width="398" /></a></div>
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I made the flower and the front and back of the bag first. Next, I stitched the flower to the front. Then, I stitched together the front and back panel, right sides together. Last, I finished the seams with bias tape.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG6-9btzS6OCTeo0qxKoXCZmu5Mg2gh86kve8SBYjg77IGHTFGaWARuKpqeudkh3pgsKRnNtWzJ5BgRiKtVF14eB4_jEC5H5_hbPsXVznSJQlDKOdvc9XV78xtExjvZzhLEqFbfM_dRI4/s1600/IMG_2067a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG6-9btzS6OCTeo0qxKoXCZmu5Mg2gh86kve8SBYjg77IGHTFGaWARuKpqeudkh3pgsKRnNtWzJ5BgRiKtVF14eB4_jEC5H5_hbPsXVznSJQlDKOdvc9XV78xtExjvZzhLEqFbfM_dRI4/s400/IMG_2067a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The back and lining are just plain jane simple, but with all the fuss and muss of the rose, I didn't want to overly tax myself!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO588OfsnaQgTKybYjPNkIFCrmHdaFR9niIGCF5ZS9Kkt4No0AbjMllmr7uCVuhDm0qR-M-eB_LLTFBAabvta9F5vura4NdJyRkw7Eab_3qJPu8nvFH9tXG0bjhXluw3M4vpxT8b5F5GE/s1600/IMG_2033a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="397" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO588OfsnaQgTKybYjPNkIFCrmHdaFR9niIGCF5ZS9Kkt4No0AbjMllmr7uCVuhDm0qR-M-eB_LLTFBAabvta9F5vura4NdJyRkw7Eab_3qJPu8nvFH9tXG0bjhXluw3M4vpxT8b5F5GE/s400/IMG_2033a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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What have you been sewing lately?</div>
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Happy crafting and big hugs from Montana,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/210/E706D7786FDD03A3D2F6C1D132A07495.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>
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Before you click away, I'd like to invite you to join in my current <a href="http://ricochetandaway.blogspot.com/p/challenges-i-co-host.html" target="_blank">sewing/craft challenge</a>. </div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">Thanks so much for taking the time to read Ricochet and Away!
I am so thankful for your interest and feedback!
Please let me know how I'm doing.
Before you click away, I'd like to invite to participate in my current sewing challenge. Check out the "challenge" button on my menu bar.
Best,
Rikka J.</div>Ricochethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06431838654357998094noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-632519473382375138.post-16482928094638281972013-02-18T12:33:00.002-07:002013-04-02T13:09:12.477-06:00Fancy Feet Sewing Challenge: March 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPKVqU-XELY2yT2PHIohAvpZxbvQSPw-18WZa1YVW4jcq4WarDwM_Xu5YIenyKQdZs6R41NCABIMrhyphenhyphen9MhFQ2r9Jo4kV4txR0Vael13_yFn9B2aVSiaXf8keJ7Yf9fsRS62NaYeGOJAK0/s1600/63502665b.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPKVqU-XELY2yT2PHIohAvpZxbvQSPw-18WZa1YVW4jcq4WarDwM_Xu5YIenyKQdZs6R41NCABIMrhyphenhyphen9MhFQ2r9Jo4kV4txR0Vael13_yFn9B2aVSiaXf8keJ7Yf9fsRS62NaYeGOJAK0/s400/63502665b.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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March's challenge is all about those tricky sewing machine feet that sit in our sewing boxes and never get used. Come on, you know you're guilty! Every machine comes with a variety of feet, but few sewists do anything more than switch between the zig-zag and zipper feet. Here's your chance! <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="200" src="http://c965839.r39.cf2.rackcdn.com/55642.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">[<a href="http://www.sewingpartsonline.com/ruffler-foot-high-shank-55642.aspx" target="_blank">source</a>]<br />
Check out this Bad-boy!<br />
A Ruffler Foot</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="200" src="http://c965839.r39.cf2.rackcdn.com/940860000.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">[<a href="http://www.sewingpartsonline.com/binder-foot-high-shank-940860000.aspx" target="_blank">source</a>]<br />
This one has a lovely conch shell spiral!<br />
Binder Foot</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="200" src="http://c965839.r39.cf2.rackcdn.com/P60437.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">[<a href="http://www.sewingpartsonline.com/open-toe-darning-foot-janome-p60437.aspx" target="_blank">source</a>]<br />
Looks like a FMQ foot, right?<br />
Wrong!<br />
Open Toe Darning Foot</td></tr>
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Dr. Suess's <a href="http://books.google.com/books/about/The_Foot_Book.html?id=VY6iAAAACAAJ" target="_blank">Foot Book</a> comes to mind while I'm writing this post. My, what a lot of funny feet there are!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Ommrqt9CRuo4M4V89Jr3eibJNnV3B_pT7E2R_8vgqkGE38rydL5NAT9FB5OMTFS5iPoR5VyosQQSuWbmJlB5eV6KK9rySTmjRpW4aAXNHKgHlfH8DVrDkswceF7-LnrQiIygCcZYgTA/s1600/81601174b200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Ommrqt9CRuo4M4V89Jr3eibJNnV3B_pT7E2R_8vgqkGE38rydL5NAT9FB5OMTFS5iPoR5VyosQQSuWbmJlB5eV6KK9rySTmjRpW4aAXNHKgHlfH8DVrDkswceF7-LnrQiIygCcZYgTA/s1600/81601174b200.jpg" /></a></div>
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Hello and welcome to the Fancy Feet Sewing Challenge! This sewing challenge is open to everyone whether you publish a blog or not. This will be the 10th sewing challenge I've hosted. The first 4 challenges were co-hosted with Keren from <a href="http://www.sewlavie.com/" target="_blank">sew la vie!</a> Keren and I began these sewing events with the purpose of creating a collective learning experience for a group of kindred spirits. We wanted the challenges to be about inspiration and improvement of sewing skills rather than a competition. Those ideals hold true today.</div>
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You'll probably enjoy these challenges if you can answer yes to a few of these questions:</div>
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Does the theme of the challenge appeal to you?</div>
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Do you have a free afternoon (or 2) during the month of the challenge?</div>
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Do you want to improve your sewing skills or expand your sewing knowledge?</div>
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Would you like to connect with other participants from all over the world?</div>
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Are you more apt to finish a project if you have a deadline?</div>
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Please read the simple challenge guidelines:</div>
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<ol>
<li>Choose a sewing machine foot that puts you out of your sewing comfort zone and learn how to use it.</li>
<li>Complete a small project utilizing said foot. Don't shoot yourself in the foot (ha!) by choosing a difficult, time-consuming project. Your challenge won't be met if you can't complete it by the deadline.</li>
<li>Photograph your project. Bloggers submit their entry by writing a post about their experience. Non-bloggers submit their entry by emailing me their photos and I'll post on their behalf. </li>
<li>A just for fun poll will be conducted concerning the finished projects. Winners of the poll with receive bragging rights and fancy blog badges.</li>
</ol>
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Here's the challenge timeline:</div>
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<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><b>Now through March 31st.</b></span> All projects must be submitted. That means bloggers will have posted and non-bloggers will have emailed me.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><b>April 1-30th.</b> </span> Just-for-fun poll takes place.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><b>Mid April.</b></span> A new challenge for May will be announced.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><b>The beginning of May.</b></span> Poll winners announced and bragging rights established.</li>
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Visit my FAQ page <a href="http://ricochetandaway.blogspot.com/2011/10/sewing-challenge-faqs.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">I like to make a Pinterest inspiration board for every challenge.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">All the challenge participants can be added as contributors. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">It's an easy way to share links, techniques, and ideas.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">March's challenge board:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/rikkaw/fancy-feet-challenge-march-2013/" target="_blank">Fancy Seams Sewing Challenge</a></span></div>
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<div style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 23px; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;">Previous challenge pinboards:</span></div>
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<li style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: medium; line-height: 23px;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/rikkaw/curved-seams-challenge-jan-2013/" style="text-decoration: initial;" target="_blank">Curved Seams Challenge</a></span></li>
<li style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small; line-height: 23px; text-decoration: initial;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/rikkaw/ring-you-neck-inspiration-motherboard/" style="line-height: 23px; text-decoration: initial;" target="_blank">Ring You Neck Inspiration Motherboard!</a></span></li>
<li style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/rikkaw/fab-folds-sewing-challenge-sept-12/" style="text-decoration: initial;" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Fab Folds Sewing Challenge</span></a></li>
<li style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/rikkaw/2-in-1-challenge/" style="text-decoration: initial;" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">2-in-1 Sewing Challenge</span></a></li>
<li style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/rikkaw/garment-sewing-challenge-may-2012/" style="text-decoration: initial;" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Garment Sewing Challenge</span></a></li>
<li style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/rikkaandkeren/solids-only-tote-challenge-nov-2011/" style="text-decoration: initial;" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Solids-Only Tote Challenge</span></a></li>
<li style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/rikkaandkeren/naughty-notions-challenge-jan-2012/" style="text-decoration: initial;" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Naughty Notions Challenge</span></a></li>
<li style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/rikkaw/typography-challenge-march-2012/" style="text-decoration: initial;" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Typography Challenge</span></a></li>
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Happy crafting and big hugs from Montana,</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyrRqYUZ_uM4yHgFxMsOhyHbOKisqlbWVih_y2GajmnZ1BASAF5ZiYomN7n7hMNmLjm0qxHLkuoTHekLUDtEM0YpsWYm5Qk7JSVvnGzpQ2iNat7fdAeACUDm42M3rrlS5K1SPktjTLa78/s1600/IMG_2016a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyrRqYUZ_uM4yHgFxMsOhyHbOKisqlbWVih_y2GajmnZ1BASAF5ZiYomN7n7hMNmLjm0qxHLkuoTHekLUDtEM0YpsWYm5Qk7JSVvnGzpQ2iNat7fdAeACUDm42M3rrlS5K1SPktjTLa78/s400/IMG_2016a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Sometimes my mama-plans backfire on me. I purchased several pairs of jeans for my first grade daughter last fall. My mama-brain told me to buy the larger size so they would last the entire school year. Here we are in February, 6 months after purchasing the jeans and they are just now starting to fit her! And of course she has 3 pairs with holes in the knees! In 3 months my daughter will only want to wear capris and skirts to school. After that, it's shorts and bathing suits all summer. In an effort to avoid buying new jeans, I decided it was time for some patchwork magic.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2uzWg2bTKimp7i3jgkVUittmoGtXvOH6kZktit50uFdPw_Rs_71N1erM1KCalmxHF4oD3HtAQGscOkgjdT1HjMy4qtwMEneGOQ-nXOYVVu4Zs1b-VmX2oQYtC3wqnjzD8oRhY7CxGynY/s1600/IMG_8259a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2uzWg2bTKimp7i3jgkVUittmoGtXvOH6kZktit50uFdPw_Rs_71N1erM1KCalmxHF4oD3HtAQGscOkgjdT1HjMy4qtwMEneGOQ-nXOYVVu4Zs1b-VmX2oQYtC3wqnjzD8oRhY7CxGynY/s200/IMG_8259a.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I posted about the painted patches<br />I made for my son's jeans <a href="http://ricochetandaway.blogspot.com/2012/04/painted-patches-cool-project-for-boys.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</td></tr>
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Like I did with my son's jeans, I used an iron-on denim patch to cover the hole. I've never had any luck with the iron-on patches staying in place without some extra stitching to secure them down. I find it easiest to open up the side seam near the hole so I can machine sew the patch. I find little kids' pant legs just too narrow to maneuver through my sewing machine so I make the opening in the side seam large enough to slide over my sewing machine base. Here's what the first set of patches looked like: </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlD4Aaah9T5KxTQ0IUolfm9MVsulfe_nRAziKISeDaYMpE59YD-ivV4FrhmAg6Jd_hqug1E-VAzSQ5Z_nSEAJzuDkwOvAq_5D_02nh7ysDXGGfWCVBS4w9EQDlC6hoDd7ajYyS4gRDnfU/s1600/IMG_2012a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlD4Aaah9T5KxTQ0IUolfm9MVsulfe_nRAziKISeDaYMpE59YD-ivV4FrhmAg6Jd_hqug1E-VAzSQ5Z_nSEAJzuDkwOvAq_5D_02nh7ysDXGGfWCVBS4w9EQDlC6hoDd7ajYyS4gRDnfU/s320/IMG_2012a.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After securing the patch, I used a stencil and an Sharpie marker<br />to trace the butterfly over the patch. I used some acrylic craft<br />paint to fill in the stencil, and then touched up the edges with<br />Sharpie once again. You see from the photo that the paint has<br />a glittery shimmer. I think it's very girly! This photo was taken<br />after one machine washing. The paint and marker hold up really well.</td></tr>
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And here's what the second pair of patches looked like:</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8QZtql-6xElTAS6vwX3r9HPBazNacnQuRZ8IOyUNmynvnoRxelx4PGiDHUALQkqq_Lm2zVsJu-WMMdAiXDo2RkdKt4rkA_lvE_eaNRGj-s5Q0zqC_nNfRZstcs8c99ehZ2UuB3H0UMmI/s1600/IMG_2007a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8QZtql-6xElTAS6vwX3r9HPBazNacnQuRZ8IOyUNmynvnoRxelx4PGiDHUALQkqq_Lm2zVsJu-WMMdAiXDo2RkdKt4rkA_lvE_eaNRGj-s5Q0zqC_nNfRZstcs8c99ehZ2UuB3H0UMmI/s320/IMG_2007a.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Using the same method, this time I used 3 various shaped stars.<br />I didn't have patches to match the color of the jeans. By extending<br />the stenciled designs beyond the edges of the actual patch, your<br />eye first picks up the stars and butterflies and not the patches.</td></tr>
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I haven't started the 3rd pair yet, but have plans for some pink bows on the knees of those.</div>
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How about you all? What's your experience with iron-on patches? How much mending of clothes do you do? Would you send your kid to school with patched jeans?</div>
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Happy crafting and big hugs from Montana,</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirgcuupPe7JCqb47l2x7BPIgrZetoG1X9HBs3wgsWBCRV2JN2hWFhg54v0iR6djutnnDWAkWHptcjuF6OvQUgNl_DvUhtlSl7UKrOByYycmZbSmY3d6KoMVsjT_hdsGj-s12aKEk1YKsU/s1600/pink+buttonvotetitle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirgcuupPe7JCqb47l2x7BPIgrZetoG1X9HBs3wgsWBCRV2JN2hWFhg54v0iR6djutnnDWAkWHptcjuF6OvQUgNl_DvUhtlSl7UKrOByYycmZbSmY3d6KoMVsjT_hdsGj-s12aKEk1YKsU/s320/pink+buttonvotetitle.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Flat, curved seams ended up being trickier than I ever imagined. I read some tutorials, watched a video, practiced on my own, and STILL don't feel super confident sewing curved seams! I love the effect though, so I doubt I'll be hanging up my curved-seams-hat anytime soon. </div>
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Big thanks and super big hugs to all the challenge particicpants! The participants represent a wide variety of skill levels and come from all over the world. The finished projects are just as uniquely creative as the artists who made them. Take a look:<br />
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<a href="http://www.artfullycaroline.com/" title="Visit Artfully Caroline!"><img alt="Visit Artfully Caroline!" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1UBEGj46iqiELZFBc3ONhKPZll8QcxOz8knm6TqNqHEI0Ignz9X8_SBKYRHvQAIUOdF0JJjmRRzNct_ShvMs39wC1K_Ll4qjPD4pbkmQzOJkP4ZDJd0i1LRZCHDQFsjtusFiFyAOVXW4/s640/blank+profile+caroline.jpg" style="border: none;" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihVeZ26j_PCr-2KsBtcO_Z3sy3Ht7fTQSTHM-ABBuTLrsgqhWBofoEjs22ixp9rk_pkLpqENgAgSAydmJ-_H4brSOTPvvobLWSlZ-TaM8p2SfXgPbRTqag2bEkP_x04rci8V2Ef08ZxhA/s400/IMG_2053.tiff" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Caroline at <a href="http://www.artfullycaroline.com/" target="_blank">Artfully Caroline</a> was able to finish 2 curved seams projects. She blogged about the m <a href="http://www.artfullycaroline.com/2013/01/challenge-curves.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+AtelierCaroline+%28Artfully+Caroline%29" target="_blank">HERE</a>.<br />
The first project was this pretty pillow using the drunkard's path quilt block. </td></tr>
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgawCHG6_ewitQDWpVFnKO5WtbNBjoOLv5XlOWZl8gP-7IJOW5ESDj1pb-vSqeKvMGNOueucl2ecFRKQhGoz4LMXxNwEX7u-nZzjgVNpKqEMwBmCe7r72Ywxor0FnUR-Z7tMLLQsqLpv_I/s400/IMG_2058.tiff" /><br />
Caroline's second project was this small table runner. <br />
The abstract design is set off with some wiggly free motion quilting.<br />
You can find Caroline's tutorial pager <a href="http://www.artfullycaroline.com/p/index-of-tutorials.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</div>
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<a href="http://celticthistlestitches.blogspot.com/" title="Visit Celtic Thistle Stitches!"><img alt="Visit Celtic Thistle Stitches!" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipyefKhE6g1w_Z56muUWfN5HikiTgaxD5d0DXrM2jXhfiUM6g_61tkrppSWoivDr5gyGrOt_7qBsQ6P1UKiwb0G-miUux_nIAqSDNQ2aa9uGj_cgDKOlpOjgw-sTHYL5CkuFDaCO9n_70/s640/blank+profile+fiona.jpg" style="border: none;" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ruzrvC8DcijmmdShLWcRX1jAUNxHzzxmu5fyapggc52Pl-naKYeT7nbnzD-qBeco_N3CQ6jRui2ORG3mgzhKAsz3ZtyLrgmZeVsDuIk7m7MsudHqJ66IqRsnmjZ1oXC2xmTXzUBA5Ds/s1600/Curved+Seam+summer+quilt+front.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ruzrvC8DcijmmdShLWcRX1jAUNxHzzxmu5fyapggc52Pl-naKYeT7nbnzD-qBeco_N3CQ6jRui2ORG3mgzhKAsz3ZtyLrgmZeVsDuIk7m7MsudHqJ66IqRsnmjZ1oXC2xmTXzUBA5Ds/s400/Curved+Seam+summer+quilt+front.JPG" width="250" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fiona from <a href="http://celticthistlestitches.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Celtic Thistle Stitches</a> completed a two-sided tablecloth.<br />
I attempted to brighten/lighten this photo, so the colors aren't true--apologies!<br />
See the original photos in Fiona's blog post <a href="http://celticthistlestitches.blogspot.com/2013/01/a-steep-learning-curve.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWERCmnUKUbB63sbm0AaOA7MXS6nPu5TwIk3BdaqF4p7TSkiu8ufe4B2yrcovOBEZEpfUS6_j0yPSB5ZS6HKuxM7vByYHoAq2JzLtqw9VmFy7JNLba75kxanovQnIqlUlT1BWUd6A1bfw/s1600/Curved+Seams+summer+quilt+back.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWERCmnUKUbB63sbm0AaOA7MXS6nPu5TwIk3BdaqF4p7TSkiu8ufe4B2yrcovOBEZEpfUS6_j0yPSB5ZS6HKuxM7vByYHoAq2JzLtqw9VmFy7JNLba75kxanovQnIqlUlT1BWUd6A1bfw/s320/Curved+Seams+summer+quilt+back.JPG" width="206" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fiona used the scraps from the front to applique a flower onto the back side of the tablecloth.<br />
Visit Celtic Thistle's tutorial page <a href="http://celticthistlestitches.blogspot.com/p/tutorials.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="http://playsculptlive.blogspot.com/" title="Visit PLAY SCULPT LIVE!"><img alt="Visit PLAY SCULPT LIVE!" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQNVIhesNA5DBXELRT7Sro1iTWBTH3_Ql1Li3mjGHf5AZVodGBufQDObWSuUOpkrrWGUHIjHxCXoK5JoKce-F-Rj03UtlxyKRpvj3x_lSv8bHC4fIlkNxQ021boGop8pnr1mqoszmi-ew/s640/blank+profile+line.jpg" style="border: none;" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGCFwgXnhIJwBuWSfwv1dK-X5sEFesTBEpvGnKxaEHdsiYUFqCMODReMGvlCzyWRdk1Fy7qzrAVLTsj2RcRcYStF_hURThKtlCgF7Gf_OppyfGTvx_KnMXhSrYzJXjzj8O-tKAh7l3bz5N/s320/beware+women+who+read-2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Line from <a href="http://playsculptlive.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">PLAY SCULPT LIVE</a> included curved stitching on one side of a small tote.<br />
She blogged about it <a href="http://playsculptlive.blogspot.com/2013/01/my-reading-lady-curved-seams-challenge.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO5GBb5rcOnSbZEB_vir02hMQqwcN5HKhK5cn_biqatdOpFYFwl8ElS6FGhcMkqFsfs_5Z_mMP9VOWDID-P-6GjM_3jgD6N0IMK_ukbMESbTGHlDvXou9PjJrzhzTXDnj0bzuZHHiMRd8w/s320/curved+seams+rikka+challenge-2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The other side side Line's tote is just as creative as the front.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div align="center">
<a href="http://threadingmyway.blogspot.com/" title="Visit Threading My Way!"><img alt="Visit Threading My Way!" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtAeuuEKMlSut9giWhgUZFa3mMemjQNQCafzTakIyd7mJsGhgskPfghRDD5pMQ2UvjUTdjLoL9THR8F28NxiBkpliqhRciotGVJP_2HKg0xShp__38x7gxIUk44VAjhgfQ7jWnd6MoyIA/s640/blank+profile+pam.jpg" style="border: none;" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEPi_rXDFJ3y4GFpN5DXTqtm5ZQILLy3lmszd_K8vsEu1XEuv0-JRdylpdOCT87PdjRJeuOx3PfKkhrP3UDQnFOlnCwmjeU_J5D0iC7eaR_OYaGV4LSLLcSzbfJCH-45lUSRvfkgeOulaD/s320/curved_seams_dress.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pam from <a href="http://threadingmyway.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Threading My Way</a> made a dress featuring wavy curved seams in the skirt.<br />
She blogged about it <a href="http://threadingmyway.blogspot.com/2013/01/curved-seams-dress.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkfvzeq5NanHl4Cw1Kyj8kinQytmqW_w7_yu05J7Wi30f2f7v-2RkuJKzChARzu-Nwrpj97byRvZbNu_yy-EAsC8YK8vmpZmX3CeHAWH2_qOj2Jv1nMlRWgweLsqNLXJ3Ehc73CFzivkgA/s320/curved_seams_03.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's a close-up of those curved seams.<br />
Check out Pam's tutorial page <a href="http://threadingmyway.blogspot.com/p/how-to.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpf3iKDHmUw_OGA4RGfMd887lUcsMcv7IZotHPidRkPuWQkeKhmlHxU7CKn6aE_tOBrNGfo4zFJocb2TFrKmY_MSUmepSkedBprbp_ZgkC07Hl4KUdKlqLdesmT9RoI2SwvBqAvjryCG4/s1600/blank+profilepri.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpf3iKDHmUw_OGA4RGfMd887lUcsMcv7IZotHPidRkPuWQkeKhmlHxU7CKn6aE_tOBrNGfo4zFJocb2TFrKmY_MSUmepSkedBprbp_ZgkC07Hl4KUdKlqLdesmT9RoI2SwvBqAvjryCG4/s640/blank+profilepri.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU3ssEO7-8-yj5yZZl9IwywREPemc9aHV5lB7yOPvKvukSdNPv4nYQPXRkmxkScZ7PMCDxKQN_o9Xt9Ifc5iVvOdJLT8GE5BETHSTfu7AZHwtTSBRc8iFGO-JTaO65oM6FXalh7jcfWRE/s1600/IMG_0141.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pri from Sri Lanka made this lovely cushion with an inset circle.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBVV2LCSn6ZjgctYpuNsOlTaTnvs9jJIQNKCRLb1vi-35JWSO2UhOKFEW2ykp-bsZTGb5p1dJMyOCjfXYlUp6XG8NnqDt2jFdDu0rthEdN23-TC4SO3C0yUQ4YgG6fud3-xgcCKyaolqc/s1600/IMG_0140.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pri doesn't have a blog so I posted on her behalf <a href="http://ricochetandaway.blogspot.com/2013/01/pris-curved-seams-challenge-entry.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjexp52wGFgG7Cj_0Ow4Ak-xSUqdKPrQ002x93YvkqQ1k2lWXr3OUyiubrbUqOhmm3SVVJMlUTnWDMGyt2oi8PfKAFCHAeEZolaDZczXpsMXP1u6Gw0yozjgTb_ovJPooTAGhX4uvbg60/s1600/blank+profile+rikka.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjexp52wGFgG7Cj_0Ow4Ak-xSUqdKPrQ002x93YvkqQ1k2lWXr3OUyiubrbUqOhmm3SVVJMlUTnWDMGyt2oi8PfKAFCHAeEZolaDZczXpsMXP1u6Gw0yozjgTb_ovJPooTAGhX4uvbg60/s640/blank+profile+rikka.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQVcWk2ngitSTifgQMXW0TQtfT01FDao4847vlx6zo-EzyhW_tHCGzng7tsO8wMJoAIhgnk5sfIasnp96WgBb_9k6UB3a5lYcA_hvHlvNou7-_bQSUo6ZFQmDcXKckNSWh46zyRXa6u1s/s1600/aIMG_1978.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQVcWk2ngitSTifgQMXW0TQtfT01FDao4847vlx6zo-EzyhW_tHCGzng7tsO8wMJoAIhgnk5sfIasnp96WgBb_9k6UB3a5lYcA_hvHlvNou7-_bQSUo6ZFQmDcXKckNSWh46zyRXa6u1s/s320/aIMG_1978.jpg" width="319" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I used the drunkard's path quilt block to make this quilted tote.<br />
I blogged about it <a href="http://ricochetandaway.blogspot.com/2013/01/quilted-tote-bag-tutorial.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd_A_O96rpZXCwjLphBI-SXOyOyv58_aNRHT2RB8s47aKvUbhE5dVjMunNruUjfPL2aSF9kbtOEgEeD-gySZBYDsOF_HeEPPoBtH_3PPAM1EbKQVcpPnsqSdl3UfVqogNBYF6GZIF-ycA/s1600/aIMG_1981.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd_A_O96rpZXCwjLphBI-SXOyOyv58_aNRHT2RB8s47aKvUbhE5dVjMunNruUjfPL2aSF9kbtOEgEeD-gySZBYDsOF_HeEPPoBtH_3PPAM1EbKQVcpPnsqSdl3UfVqogNBYF6GZIF-ycA/s320/aIMG_1981.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's a side view. I quilted the whole thing in concentric circles.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>And now it's time to vote! Please note the following:</b></span></div>
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Happy crafting and big hugs from Montana,<br />
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Before you click away, I'd like to invite you to join in my current <a href="http://ricochetandaway.blogspot.com/p/challenges-i-co-host.html" target="_blank">sewing/craft challenge</a>. </div>
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</script><div class="blogger-post-footer">Thanks so much for taking the time to read Ricochet and Away!
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Rikka J.</div>Ricochethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06431838654357998094noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-632519473382375138.post-44721922076976306962013-01-30T12:35:00.000-07:002013-01-30T12:35:02.886-07:00Pri's Curved Seams Challenge entry!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBVV2LCSn6ZjgctYpuNsOlTaTnvs9jJIQNKCRLb1vi-35JWSO2UhOKFEW2ykp-bsZTGb5p1dJMyOCjfXYlUp6XG8NnqDt2jFdDu0rthEdN23-TC4SO3C0yUQ4YgG6fud3-xgcCKyaolqc/s1600/IMG_0140.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBVV2LCSn6ZjgctYpuNsOlTaTnvs9jJIQNKCRLb1vi-35JWSO2UhOKFEW2ykp-bsZTGb5p1dJMyOCjfXYlUp6XG8NnqDt2jFdDu0rthEdN23-TC4SO3C0yUQ4YgG6fud3-xgcCKyaolqc/s1600/IMG_0140.JPG" /></a></div>
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Guess who signed up for my Curved Seams Challenge on January 29th and finished the next day?</div>
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Pri from Sri Lanka!!!!</div>
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Congrats on meeting the challenge!!!</div>
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Pri doesn't have blog, so I'm happy to host her project today. </div>
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I'll give you some quotes from her email to me:</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>" <span style="background-color: white; color: #2a2a2a; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 17px;">I was so excited with the curved challenge & as you'll see burned the midnight oil to complete just one cushion cover. My intention is to do 2 for my sister whose color scheme is green."</span></i></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>"<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: Segoe UI, Tahoma, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 17px;">I'm really thrilled I was able to do those curves & get my circle ( it wasn't easy, much unpicking :) ) . 'Cos I was so pressed for time I think it all became really hard. I added the trim but also hope to add some sequins as the dull green needs some bling but I just don't have time to do it for the challenge."</span></span></span></i></blockquote>
Many kudos to Pri who stuck with the challenge even when time was short and the going got tough. I applaud your effort and commitment! I also love your cushion. Those curved seams are tricky and to try a new technique and finish a project all in one day is quite an acomplishment! Thanks so much for giving it go and I hope you won't be a stranger. Go-getters like yourself are very inspirational for procrastinators like myself. Here's another pic of your lovely cushion:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU3ssEO7-8-yj5yZZl9IwywREPemc9aHV5lB7yOPvKvukSdNPv4nYQPXRkmxkScZ7PMCDxKQN_o9Xt9Ifc5iVvOdJLT8GE5BETHSTfu7AZHwtTSBRc8iFGO-JTaO65oM6FXalh7jcfWRE/s1600/IMG_0141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU3ssEO7-8-yj5yZZl9IwywREPemc9aHV5lB7yOPvKvukSdNPv4nYQPXRkmxkScZ7PMCDxKQN_o9Xt9Ifc5iVvOdJLT8GE5BETHSTfu7AZHwtTSBRc8iFGO-JTaO65oM6FXalh7jcfWRE/s1600/IMG_0141.JPG" /></a></div>
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Click this button to learn more about this challenge:</div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">Thanks so much for taking the time to read Ricochet and Away!
I am so thankful for your interest and feedback!
Please let me know how I'm doing.
Before you click away, I'd like to invite to participate in my current sewing challenge. Check out the "challenge" button on my menu bar.
Best,
Rikka J.</div>Ricochethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06431838654357998094noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-632519473382375138.post-19540000564053090272013-01-25T13:56:00.000-07:002013-01-29T09:24:55.490-07:00Quilted Tote Bag Tutorial<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgprTBW_l7ZzEI0SK0M671o5ha7fiDHYK6n0Tqsyjju_r4114keZ_Nxy0r47Guk11f4RPq3t7lEQeUpCHHleJ38c9iAXYQb8Qi4J188eF6cp8suH9BCxFtn5QGEmc7i5lZMjWLGaAZkO30/s1600/aIMG_1976.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgprTBW_l7ZzEI0SK0M671o5ha7fiDHYK6n0Tqsyjju_r4114keZ_Nxy0r47Guk11f4RPq3t7lEQeUpCHHleJ38c9iAXYQb8Qi4J188eF6cp8suH9BCxFtn5QGEmc7i5lZMjWLGaAZkO30/s400/aIMG_1976.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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My Curved Seams Challenge project is finally done! I posted about the beginning stages of my project <a href="http://ricochetandaway.blogspot.com/2013/01/curved-seams-challenge-wip-update.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>. I used a great <a href="http://shecanquilt.blogspot.com/2011/12/sewing-curves-is-not-hard-seriously.html" target="_blank">tutorial</a> by Leanne at She Can Quilt. Leanne also includes a video--how nice is that!!!</div>
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So I made my own template, followed Leanne's instructions, made 8 drunkard's path blocks, sewed them into 2 big blocks, and then bordered the blocks with 4 inches of grey fabric. Here's a pic of my 2 panels:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ9YMpnefHLyOXkOt9Hsdfcx2tyqxLpJ9fV7aI8QPViEr9q3I3mSIIlzlqB2OtEkD6kRoHG8SRfoh-hWvf4RdVqYSX5ZjIxsaXlkmV_LpNL9M0qha_qZcxUulYuTTUTrgD9CdjBdLmWGU/s1600/aIMG_1883.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ9YMpnefHLyOXkOt9Hsdfcx2tyqxLpJ9fV7aI8QPViEr9q3I3mSIIlzlqB2OtEkD6kRoHG8SRfoh-hWvf4RdVqYSX5ZjIxsaXlkmV_LpNL9M0qha_qZcxUulYuTTUTrgD9CdjBdLmWGU/s320/aIMG_1883.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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They were rather large 20" square panels, one for each side of my tote. </div>
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Now, I have blogged about quilted totes before <a href="http://ricochetandaway.blogspot.com/2012/06/diy-quilted-tote-bags.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>. I gave pretty good instructions on how to assemble the totes, but I came up with some new tricks in constructing this newest tote, so I thought I'd share them with you. </div>
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If you'd like to have a flat bottom on a tote without adding a separate gusset, you have to match the side seams to the bottom center and stitch through the corners. I explained this step in detail on my previous quilted tote <a href="http://ricochetandaway.blogspot.com/2012/06/diy-quilted-tote-bags.html" target="_blank">tutorial</a>. You can see from the pic below that the overall shape of the bag changes drastically according to how much corner you cut off:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXdW5aYPRjg0QsRDHO2LdCLHTbgNVc0VN7jBfOV_xo4QwKOdx4o0pt8Bvpslrbr-a7kxa3drtRBZZ8Q1bxt6oyQl35S0vgi_o2ak5DtijjGhScIL2sBTnnqSFX6EGrRALjpCQ1pG-HFNI/s1600/bottomscollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXdW5aYPRjg0QsRDHO2LdCLHTbgNVc0VN7jBfOV_xo4QwKOdx4o0pt8Bvpslrbr-a7kxa3drtRBZZ8Q1bxt6oyQl35S0vgi_o2ak5DtijjGhScIL2sBTnnqSFX6EGrRALjpCQ1pG-HFNI/s640/bottomscollage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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When you start with square or rectangle front and back panels, the resulting shape of the bag is no longer square or rectangular after you create the bottom this way. The top opening will always be wider than the width of the bottom. HOWEVER, if you start with a trapezoidal (triangle with it's head chopped off) you can end up with a rectangular tote bag with a nice flat bottom!</div>
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So, I trimmed each of my panels so the top width was 4 inches shorter than the bottom width. Or more simply put, I cut from the bottom corner to a mark 2 in. from the top corner on each side. Was that simpler? Perhaps this picture will be more helpful: </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz4Tm1JUwBUGjUOjY6N6kopIaTX06AuBCltFD95zvobM85scmBvTn-rjJjl8mwt483r9rv69f5A9ZicHDamym_1bwSuJ60G9EZwd80d4b_W4LeSorL-OL4mn6LjyeYrL6hULH-4wx-f_g/s1600/aIMG_1888.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz4Tm1JUwBUGjUOjY6N6kopIaTX06AuBCltFD95zvobM85scmBvTn-rjJjl8mwt483r9rv69f5A9ZicHDamym_1bwSuJ60G9EZwd80d4b_W4LeSorL-OL4mn6LjyeYrL6hULH-4wx-f_g/s320/aIMG_1888.jpg" width="318" /></a></div>
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I made the sandwich of the top panel, the batting, and the lining panel for each side, and then I machine quilted through all the layers. The first panel I quilted in concentric circles. I loved the effect, but all the stopping and starting was tedious. On the other side I made one big spiral instead. The effect was just as good and the quilting went much faster:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9U2lG52mLR9SSoJxDlpZoT3jA3F9UuT7Perbc_LDZJ8eWiPvs5nSHBFDwTShfGHhOrffV0LyGzOKorqM1npzwzFVj-emOJl6zCSSAQStP02429qAT2o5M4zOK3oB80dHlX7fEmJ5Q7qg/s1600/acollage2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9U2lG52mLR9SSoJxDlpZoT3jA3F9UuT7Perbc_LDZJ8eWiPvs5nSHBFDwTShfGHhOrffV0LyGzOKorqM1npzwzFVj-emOJl6zCSSAQStP02429qAT2o5M4zOK3oB80dHlX7fEmJ5Q7qg/s640/acollage2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Another something new I tried with this tote was to add an interior pocket. You can see the stitching on the outside of the bag, but I didn't think it was too distracting. The alternative was to stitch it in by hand and I wasn't up for that. Here's a couple pics of the pocket:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQLIB0zsP5UsXSWhkhSlqoOiTThCLOAeeULPPTnrZUFyNGirkE_2EBlsq-zUUH4O4l6V0omUHWoZM5LaMwIKnBcIoxjOGYQh-81i8sa3XIgSosPNw5oOLvEG3ASlQ3Xrugb77tN2wDjxI/s1600/acollage3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQLIB0zsP5UsXSWhkhSlqoOiTThCLOAeeULPPTnrZUFyNGirkE_2EBlsq-zUUH4O4l6V0omUHWoZM5LaMwIKnBcIoxjOGYQh-81i8sa3XIgSosPNw5oOLvEG3ASlQ3Xrugb77tN2wDjxI/s640/acollage3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Next, I trimmed up the panels and attached them right sides together with bias tape. I finished the top edge of each panel first, and then placed the panels together and finished the side and bottom seams. I didn't bother with neat finishes on the bottom corners because I was just going to cut them off later anyway:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi704Yjvtij-1YR85Hspv02t6cNYjrTpBJaN2hm1Stwwx0PT_EHDdwMUqNScqdgyR5M0hiAVEHuDsGm-5hk7zl1AV1Hxv-TWUMzMZHHyzzfKn-LyzNLhAwxufIRNFMCGQKyT6-ueg1snqs/s1600/acollage4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi704Yjvtij-1YR85Hspv02t6cNYjrTpBJaN2hm1Stwwx0PT_EHDdwMUqNScqdgyR5M0hiAVEHuDsGm-5hk7zl1AV1Hxv-TWUMzMZHHyzzfKn-LyzNLhAwxufIRNFMCGQKyT6-ueg1snqs/s640/acollage4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here's some pics of how finished the corner seams. Let me know if you have questions:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDN473X1gCnwj3tyE2xh-EALNvmh37vM5rqka1IODw6yQ5fmvByQ2Ar6IzAYivuXqiRACNHEwsQZJVHeRhS5mLV-zbzMVHozZXzn_BTukbhyphenhyphenayGXDd5VqD6A5in-QwadN5eDpaejI1VwM/s1600/acollage1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDN473X1gCnwj3tyE2xh-EALNvmh37vM5rqka1IODw6yQ5fmvByQ2Ar6IzAYivuXqiRACNHEwsQZJVHeRhS5mLV-zbzMVHozZXzn_BTukbhyphenhyphenayGXDd5VqD6A5in-QwadN5eDpaejI1VwM/s640/acollage1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I added the handles, and the tote was done! The most trying part was the quilting. I have no patience for quilting and it ruins my back. The best part was finally getting to try out some curved seams! So here are the glamour shots of the finished tote. I even pulled it inside out so you could see the inside. I love the pallet and the mix of patterns. I was into black and browns for a while, but grey is definitely my new favorite neutral. I just love it with everything!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw6Vt4JX1pZjaGSUgg0_tSznsqZkStcDvp3edqQDEDQHOaH2ZvTaesWkC2UYdq1ETgerWJ5ZYFeF5ePG8ZMhI-BkYvwAau5aF0OWy-N4HsKczt6fP_vvfsIlXuhl2QM2z7I5xZWdWxJqc/s1600/acollage5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw6Vt4JX1pZjaGSUgg0_tSznsqZkStcDvp3edqQDEDQHOaH2ZvTaesWkC2UYdq1ETgerWJ5ZYFeF5ePG8ZMhI-BkYvwAau5aF0OWy-N4HsKczt6fP_vvfsIlXuhl2QM2z7I5xZWdWxJqc/s640/acollage5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuRY3SC3Pc9nTVD9NeuLnUsWoRyvnQbfUQy2b8j_ypcK7LTm8Ex3v_-fEaWCR9ucODgTiHstAKqIeK45V5JpGUgXLpERYPsgRHy5_zYZDAHocrHFLPVcv1PNXcEpz3NPcLCK2HH83FhkY/s1600/aIMG_1978.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuRY3SC3Pc9nTVD9NeuLnUsWoRyvnQbfUQy2b8j_ypcK7LTm8Ex3v_-fEaWCR9ucODgTiHstAKqIeK45V5JpGUgXLpERYPsgRHy5_zYZDAHocrHFLPVcv1PNXcEpz3NPcLCK2HH83FhkY/s400/aIMG_1978.jpg" width="398" /></a></div>
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Here's a good shot taken by Mr. Ricochet. You can see that starting with the trapezoidal shaped front and back panels resulted in a very rectangular-shaped bag:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidRl_xQ_Ot7ybBdcbYXkttS3HglxOQIJBZJnjuved6jCWCXEFqep7a0ABUb9vcV0Gb2CkZgT1pamv0yv32mfVTTL2e_hZDHhCqMuuYcvoTC00Hz_4SS7pES1Zhiif4hmhDGmWs6Nv_J8o/s1600/aIMG_1998.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidRl_xQ_Ot7ybBdcbYXkttS3HglxOQIJBZJnjuved6jCWCXEFqep7a0ABUb9vcV0Gb2CkZgT1pamv0yv32mfVTTL2e_hZDHhCqMuuYcvoTC00Hz_4SS7pES1Zhiif4hmhDGmWs6Nv_J8o/s400/aIMG_1998.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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You can learn about the Curved Seams Sewing Challenge here:</div>
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<a href="http://ricochetandaway.blogspot.com/2012/12/curved-seams-sewing-challenge-jan-2013.html" target="_blank" title="Curved Seams Challenge Homepage"><img alt="Curved Seams Challenge Homepage" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMMQps6uLfEu_BcEk9aW3SRIv-v46ylOOjnvHf7J8mFFG42AAMH3mTi0hUW-aT3iBzuHmfHHaBQ9PtGcZ-gF4BCVG3tpR81WfMtuBRjdL_e0J8uIX2WR2YJ5FK_7mpEHPWwqkvQZHnnYs/s1600/pink+button.jpg" style="border: none;" /></a><br />
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Happy crafting and big hugs from Montana,</div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">Thanks so much for taking the time to read Ricochet and Away!
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Rikka J.</div>Ricochethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06431838654357998094noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-632519473382375138.post-74728367345200207452013-01-18T15:37:00.000-07:002013-01-29T09:35:12.801-07:00Cleaning the dirtiest iron<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibn5oYUedqpUBI4tjGubzeUZ6l_idCU8qAI8yIv-L16JoukXtUxNNqonb50NLYnYxXQsdQ9a0kfj9iyR1SmX8ZuCnvfkAH0I9zFvIIx-EV9TY5NF778E7DzZSiEqicSq3BQpEZPOlyF0c/s1600/aIMG_1814.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibn5oYUedqpUBI4tjGubzeUZ6l_idCU8qAI8yIv-L16JoukXtUxNNqonb50NLYnYxXQsdQ9a0kfj9iyR1SmX8ZuCnvfkAH0I9zFvIIx-EV9TY5NF778E7DzZSiEqicSq3BQpEZPOlyF0c/s400/aIMG_1814.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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How dirty is your iron? When was the last time you cleaned your iron?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqqzhAOxTV737nG8mlnUsbGK3C0JIivMpdYI4k8jqmtGNdFUs6qHInBA7ib8DoJ4Oqd5JcLcyuikC4RNPOQIQdsJ9lJuw2Lz9zrzpluYlDBYxd4kSL6ZmtMvx_loWs4huKsSQgx4isioc/s1600/aIMG_1827.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqqzhAOxTV737nG8mlnUsbGK3C0JIivMpdYI4k8jqmtGNdFUs6qHInBA7ib8DoJ4Oqd5JcLcyuikC4RNPOQIQdsJ9lJuw2Lz9zrzpluYlDBYxd4kSL6ZmtMvx_loWs4huKsSQgx4isioc/s400/aIMG_1827.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Yikes! This iron came with my husband who got it over a decade ago. As far as I know, I'm the first person to clean it. Sad, right? I have no excuses. I'm just a lazy procrastinator. Yes, I am.</div>
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I have been pinning various iron cleaning methods, and decided it was time to try some out.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">First up is salt:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI5IEQyGgpzb557SMYFU8rmw3uvdYlmFkP1FkjwxScm0-bBch4OgEbKAoC4E-98etExO0_YDMm11-6wDszF-TmqliKdZJATP7VHKTYrx0mVqo8Zx8dEqag3bvJet41ZsTQrP9jdVwsd2w/s1600/aIMG_1826.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI5IEQyGgpzb557SMYFU8rmw3uvdYlmFkP1FkjwxScm0-bBch4OgEbKAoC4E-98etExO0_YDMm11-6wDszF-TmqliKdZJATP7VHKTYrx0mVqo8Zx8dEqag3bvJet41ZsTQrP9jdVwsd2w/s320/aIMG_1826.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I poured some salt on a towel and ironed over it on a medium heat setting for several minutes. I noticed some cleaning was occurring, but the results were less than satisfying.</div>
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It was working though. You can see how dirty the salt got:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGz_BOQUdB3r0XeVt6cl-sX8KILo2ZuhI57k4qvSizLVpQLtjv0RxqLWwrmoRI_hcvnhpAKulm-al1pJ8zR6komsILmwxQcGkYydPtPGOFXG4PWrUECgb7GtKLF3jihJFv6gcDrAvuj6o/s1600/aIMG_1831.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGz_BOQUdB3r0XeVt6cl-sX8KILo2ZuhI57k4qvSizLVpQLtjv0RxqLWwrmoRI_hcvnhpAKulm-al1pJ8zR6komsILmwxQcGkYydPtPGOFXG4PWrUECgb7GtKLF3jihJFv6gcDrAvuj6o/s320/aIMG_1831.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Next up was dryer sheets:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8MEHV4pQRQYVwXHRCwy3fsZ7GqK4Ykg2Lr80menklYZgwxU-xoIDlSrRdG7SPZW7Idn5J-GmrZzxE-43eO7m5v6eqp7EY0q9L8cKzaZ4eOEOZAJgWyGiO_YSM7UcoquNYyizf69k1SP0/s1600/aIMG_1841.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8MEHV4pQRQYVwXHRCwy3fsZ7GqK4Ykg2Lr80menklYZgwxU-xoIDlSrRdG7SPZW7Idn5J-GmrZzxE-43eO7m5v6eqp7EY0q9L8cKzaZ4eOEOZAJgWyGiO_YSM7UcoquNYyizf69k1SP0/s320/aIMG_1841.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I tried both new and used dryer sheets with the heat setting on low to medium. I put a white piece of paper between my ironing board and the dryer sheet. As you can see, some grime was eventually transferred to the dryer sheets:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg80C2mB7zti2m0bwDnl5JzUO_ib3K5zfvwWt8PCBA-y-PoKe9RZ_bIQyfYf0dH_NQBEDxOlppFJ7Yc3t3ZtSaGTn7RaPqGByXssWLTaqo_qZnT_AlENq6Qtcpic4_lQKF72O_LvwzM2DI/s1600/aIMG_1842.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg80C2mB7zti2m0bwDnl5JzUO_ib3K5zfvwWt8PCBA-y-PoKe9RZ_bIQyfYf0dH_NQBEDxOlppFJ7Yc3t3ZtSaGTn7RaPqGByXssWLTaqo_qZnT_AlENq6Qtcpic4_lQKF72O_LvwzM2DI/s320/aIMG_1842.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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However, after griming up 4 dryer sheets, I couldn't see much of a difference in the surface of my iron.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3RdWIC69p3NEOnQ67Y5ATI2-iL9-OnRCAeg9Kltwv7eb6W8TDvXUJzbUD0kER8xi8Jyi682V5Ywtv6LvvcvO4eUWwjPQCIiDvqBSvDEAEhj4IUIATGkeoxf-ZbPbT99T2GgiOvtHseCQ/s1600/aIMG_1840.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3RdWIC69p3NEOnQ67Y5ATI2-iL9-OnRCAeg9Kltwv7eb6W8TDvXUJzbUD0kER8xi8Jyi682V5Ywtv6LvvcvO4eUWwjPQCIiDvqBSvDEAEhj4IUIATGkeoxf-ZbPbT99T2GgiOvtHseCQ/s320/aIMG_1840.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Next was steel wool:</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">I didn't find a pin using steel wool, but I figured I needed something abrasive to get this junk off. I just spread out a thin layer of steel wool on a sheet of paper and ironed over it, rubbing back and forth and in circles. This method showed the most significant cleaning power, but my arm was getting tired by this time and the going was so slow.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhITQLeoyV7S8-_8X99RqCbjBr8WWFiduqo6wd6KVikxXtZMHMSee4dYl_N7s0ZH39yFYwyXctADUX9Rbv2p69sukAOjtB-NiPvvDnQ5DOVLEYqJr_EIAXeSBr_8EosuDpq8SA8WRuxa0U/s1600/aIMG_1845.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhITQLeoyV7S8-_8X99RqCbjBr8WWFiduqo6wd6KVikxXtZMHMSee4dYl_N7s0ZH39yFYwyXctADUX9Rbv2p69sukAOjtB-NiPvvDnQ5DOVLEYqJr_EIAXeSBr_8EosuDpq8SA8WRuxa0U/s320/aIMG_1845.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>What worked?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>MAGIC ERASER:</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-uWPQgfCKwHlMDOzoiGgxVa8L3prENRYzqvUxYVEswH5_wQ_yDKCU5MI7IRNATxoItqoNahIsBCnO5rznUjnVf6444ZQG4BUUDD7f3nWEGCGHd-SICXliKWsmK37d4D6SbAKMav_E9jM/s1600/aIMG_1858.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-uWPQgfCKwHlMDOzoiGgxVa8L3prENRYzqvUxYVEswH5_wQ_yDKCU5MI7IRNATxoItqoNahIsBCnO5rznUjnVf6444ZQG4BUUDD7f3nWEGCGHd-SICXliKWsmK37d4D6SbAKMav_E9jM/s400/aIMG_1858.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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2 minutes with a damp Magic Eraser on a cool iron and the whole stinkin' thing was shiny and clean!</div>
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I used up half an eraser, but it was much faster and easier than any other method. </div>
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Just look at the difference:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCem9Z9sAwCADyllQfFG1_pqZe_zgBKrW8yi7URqJslgwqAz2bBfT-_t8UYYQosZYrXcnH6Zc7rinm7TwJIUay_jjKOBkxio1Wyt52589pClXyZB8Ywz5Noi-kahIP9O_aURVAWGLmz1o/s1600/aIMG_1815.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCem9Z9sAwCADyllQfFG1_pqZe_zgBKrW8yi7URqJslgwqAz2bBfT-_t8UYYQosZYrXcnH6Zc7rinm7TwJIUay_jjKOBkxio1Wyt52589pClXyZB8Ywz5Noi-kahIP9O_aURVAWGLmz1o/s400/aIMG_1815.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOpdZ_UvN4V5Nij73kSUjlknxFTrBeoor8OCPltRBITwW66QQloc5npMAq0NTryDyST_3awswjda3y-mgyPxoGj4K34QbhyZC7pvYGTLUVL9NW8A8DvRl7HZnEwTODQuHfiH3h3jvljuM/s1600/aIMG_1868.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOpdZ_UvN4V5Nij73kSUjlknxFTrBeoor8OCPltRBITwW66QQloc5npMAq0NTryDyST_3awswjda3y-mgyPxoGj4K34QbhyZC7pvYGTLUVL9NW8A8DvRl7HZnEwTODQuHfiH3h3jvljuM/s400/aIMG_1868.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I promise I won't allow my iron to get this dirty EVER AGAIN!!!</div>
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How about you guys? How dirty is your iron?</div>
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Happy crafting and big hugs from Montana,</div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">Thanks so much for taking the time to read Ricochet and Away!
I am so thankful for your interest and feedback!
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Rikka J.</div>Ricochethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06431838654357998094noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-632519473382375138.post-76404163917797335562013-01-15T11:15:00.002-07:002013-01-15T11:15:47.551-07:00Curved Seams Challenge WIP Update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibTa665FLXSFkRbqgTUr7XEEedOjAexAPAr5uEKoxwL9sS34cIg1Xvzj-4jFR4ROCtsPH6VznqnCcKqNfo6vpZUesNMQBRx68Zz6QITLXW-AALb6WtBMe3XlqtP6snhiJB_NKQjvC3toA/s1600/aIMG_1813.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="371" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibTa665FLXSFkRbqgTUr7XEEedOjAexAPAr5uEKoxwL9sS34cIg1Xvzj-4jFR4ROCtsPH6VznqnCcKqNfo6vpZUesNMQBRx68Zz6QITLXW-AALb6WtBMe3XlqtP6snhiJB_NKQjvC3toA/s640/aIMG_1813.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I gave myself the deadline of Jan. 15th to come up with a project for my Curved Seams Challenge. Yesterday, Jan. 14th (one whole day early!), I decided to make a quilted tote bag. I even finished the front and back panels. They turned out pretty funky. They will not be everyone's cup of tea, but they sure are mine! If you've been reading for a while, you know how much I love the color green, and how I love to experiment with mixing prints. I'm already excited about this tote and I probably still have 2 more afternoons of work to do on it.<br />
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I've been so obsessed with the drunkard's path quilt block that I just had to try it out for myself. I experimented a bit with scrap fabrics, trying to find the easiest way to create the template myself. I figured it out eventually, made these:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI77s7Nc4JK2aYkOiqzJGbga9X8J4YzGGHINzaCyIvapTgokBbMewECsvumZf6DlLnlST5bk05-YdL0_feuT9B4UkUND4wMY4OUlFXWR0n6lKmiz8EdilndgyHWaf3ljmLKIAxbrnNGwc/s1600/aIMG_1799.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI77s7Nc4JK2aYkOiqzJGbga9X8J4YzGGHINzaCyIvapTgokBbMewECsvumZf6DlLnlST5bk05-YdL0_feuT9B4UkUND4wMY4OUlFXWR0n6lKmiz8EdilndgyHWaf3ljmLKIAxbrnNGwc/s320/aIMG_1799.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Then came time to pick out the fabrics. I had some nice quilting fabric in a rich solid green so I started with that. I added a stripey green pillowcase, some shiny/slinky polyester in a '70s print, and a bright yellow solid that used to be the curtains in my son's nursery. Hindsight is 20/20 and I never should have added the silky print. I don't know what I was thinking. OK, I know what I was thinking! The print was so retro and cool and the colors were perfect.....I figured I could MAKE it work. I tied it all together with a heavy weight grey cotton fabric. Green is my favorite color, but grey is my favorite neutral! I'll use the grey for the bottom, sides and handles. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxU7x_LZM6bf371Iv1KW55K0F7QS-fvOjc_Y8L_mVx3xT5LFfC2YPH4LZS2mjuN6Ivzphv86vvvMmibbHTOF_wlhfyLW38hfgL3J-rt4hzET3k4eCvZ01xHNuOKJJ8dD4y_HOZ1LwnQCM/s1600/aIMG_1795.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxU7x_LZM6bf371Iv1KW55K0F7QS-fvOjc_Y8L_mVx3xT5LFfC2YPH4LZS2mjuN6Ivzphv86vvvMmibbHTOF_wlhfyLW38hfgL3J-rt4hzET3k4eCvZ01xHNuOKJJ8dD4y_HOZ1LwnQCM/s400/aIMG_1795.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The first thing I did to MAKE the silky fabric work, was to add some lightweight fusible interfacing. My reasoning was that it would then only have one slippery side. My logic was faulty, of course. Sewing is all about placing <i>right</i> sides together, and the slippery side is <i>right</i> in this instance. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj69hLyrBoBTegwIyaU9O4E3mA1SFYHIO5ZFzmFONTqaqTLJnPWdgQeB947UArLgx8z83J3Nffpv9yyA63ji-PFkdYdMJuIFyTEq7sXm_MGDkBMXjbQJPeuqnAs_r2ps3EA99hMCvPHI_w/s1600/aIMG_1801.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj69hLyrBoBTegwIyaU9O4E3mA1SFYHIO5ZFzmFONTqaqTLJnPWdgQeB947UArLgx8z83J3Nffpv9yyA63ji-PFkdYdMJuIFyTEq7sXm_MGDkBMXjbQJPeuqnAs_r2ps3EA99hMCvPHI_w/s400/aIMG_1801.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The silky fabric is synthetic and doesn't like the hot iron I needed to press the cotton fabrics down. It also got all bunchy and puckered up on the curved seams. I'm guessing this was because the top and bottom fabrics weren't feeding at the same rates. Probably I should have used my walking foot.... Again, hindsight is 20/20.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcNrPOWYpJfZ1RoX8dWgzuczGWbOKhYrgtt_RYDpZYAliDpr08dvkd5hl6qsiLvCEMjTTadBvfVoon8wzZI2dhe2LIUVch_2zicWGM-7JXGAFS4PGuk5gDOF-8Sqib_GfkC6k1pu2YjkQ/s1600/aIMG_1810.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="529" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcNrPOWYpJfZ1RoX8dWgzuczGWbOKhYrgtt_RYDpZYAliDpr08dvkd5hl6qsiLvCEMjTTadBvfVoon8wzZI2dhe2LIUVch_2zicWGM-7JXGAFS4PGuk5gDOF-8Sqib_GfkC6k1pu2YjkQ/s640/aIMG_1810.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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In spite of the wonky seams, I pressed on and finished two 16 inch square panels that will make up the front and back of my tote. The puckering won't be so noticeable once the panels have been quilted. I hope....<br />
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I'm going right to the sewing room after I post this, so I can start on the quilting. I'm thinking concentric circles....but I'm apt to change my mind.</div>
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Happy crafting and big hugs from Montana,</div>
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Before you click away, I'd like to invite you to join in my current <a href="http://ricochetandaway.blogspot.com/p/challenges-i-co-host.html" target="_blank">sewing/craft challenge</a>. </div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">Thanks so much for taking the time to read Ricochet and Away!
I am so thankful for your interest and feedback!
Please let me know how I'm doing.
Before you click away, I'd like to invite to participate in my current sewing challenge. Check out the "challenge" button on my menu bar.
Best,
Rikka J.</div>Ricochethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06431838654357998094noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-632519473382375138.post-29782080039872730352013-01-07T13:07:00.000-07:002013-01-07T19:49:23.174-07:00Freezer Paper Printed Placemats<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXJqCHYIYejR6C8LT0qEm909I0Td0W0STrnjpz8_6r-hUqYKiZvYV2xC-aki8QRKBHtPNYQU3VdlJaPL-kUbecwv_KioTqFk2Xkrkw0IrbHhIKUEay9GFIaXyFMyS1OVP6f4qGUsk_Bnk/s1600/aIMG_96491.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXJqCHYIYejR6C8LT0qEm909I0Td0W0STrnjpz8_6r-hUqYKiZvYV2xC-aki8QRKBHtPNYQU3VdlJaPL-kUbecwv_KioTqFk2Xkrkw0IrbHhIKUEay9GFIaXyFMyS1OVP6f4qGUsk_Bnk/s400/aIMG_96491.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Way back last summer, I started some quilted placemats for our table. I started 8 placemats and finished 2 which I proudly gifted away to our dear cousins. I called the 2-sided mats Mullet Mats:</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhracYtFb9WUpSpeOUChN-pbPcimM7FNG-UGSbUdXRgd_zxK73t6cUfmsREYS9PgLFPLfzswKsqJVz7S9rhlRnVKeO7OXkzM2eNlVNlarNQSne69zzTniBz4RuguqTI73S3CHvjBvbw50A/s1600/title.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhracYtFb9WUpSpeOUChN-pbPcimM7FNG-UGSbUdXRgd_zxK73t6cUfmsREYS9PgLFPLfzswKsqJVz7S9rhlRnVKeO7OXkzM2eNlVNlarNQSne69zzTniBz4RuguqTI73S3CHvjBvbw50A/s320/title.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">[<a href="http://ricochetandaway.blogspot.com/2012/07/mullet-mats-my-2-in-1-challenge-entry.html" target="_blank">read this post</a>]</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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So I finally finished the last 6 placemats!!!! It only took about 6 months!!!</div>
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The mats are reversible with one "fancy" side comprised of patchwork:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyY67RFVj-ipjSQiMfQ915TUvYBBYS-cOfMzFCQP1dGBRPDtaIEPlB7Qend6SjHGo2T61Jj40CXOln98-RzVjdPFywmhQEtggElUcaFHoWRXABhcNh6xasBrt9gd3ju2U6TPCyfpFA3B0/s1600/aIMG_1649.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyY67RFVj-ipjSQiMfQ915TUvYBBYS-cOfMzFCQP1dGBRPDtaIEPlB7Qend6SjHGo2T61Jj40CXOln98-RzVjdPFywmhQEtggElUcaFHoWRXABhcNh6xasBrt9gd3ju2U6TPCyfpFA3B0/s320/aIMG_1649.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The other, "utilitarian", side is printed with a place setting:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSSgWVn3WPOwwgCGTaOESlUMiEhyQ8bnSdFDfJHs3j1gety9C9KBc-oWG4OMe4796trzpdB18RoTd8bTy3WjVOWXbFCpBxS2zEDf7Zbs4yaMiqaV468L8SFXNgJnwVdF7SuXbM3OBiIAk/s1600/aIMG_1011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSSgWVn3WPOwwgCGTaOESlUMiEhyQ8bnSdFDfJHs3j1gety9C9KBc-oWG4OMe4796trzpdB18RoTd8bTy3WjVOWXbFCpBxS2zEDf7Zbs4yaMiqaV468L8SFXNgJnwVdF7SuXbM3OBiIAk/s320/aIMG_1011.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Growing up, the proper placement of silverware and napkins on the dining room table was not enforced. In fact, I remember most of our meals were self-serve from the kitchen stove, and we brought our plates and forks to the table or to the couch in front of the TV. My first encounter with place settings was at Girl Scout Camp, where I thought the whole ordeal was a pointless ritual. </div>
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It wasn't until I was grown, married, and had my first child that I committed to eating all meals at the table. Why the change of routine? Being a new mom, I was reading everything I could get my hands on about raising kids. I noticed that nearly every source recommended eating together as a family every day. So I did. (Mr. Ricochet was less than keen about missing his dinnertime show, but he eventually came around to my way of thinking.) </div>
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After 8 years of this routine, I can tell you my 8 and 6 year olds have excellent table manners. They are deft at buttering their own bread and cutting their own meat. Plus, we can rarely go out to dinner anywhere without someone coming up to our table and commenting on how well mannered and polite our kids are. The biggest benefit by far is maintaining a connection with each other. We love dinner and not just because it's a prelude to dessert! </div>
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The kids have been setting the table for some time now, and these new printed place mats have injected a little fun into the chore. They remind the kids to cut with their right hands too--something that tends to slip their minds from time to time. </div>
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I made printed on these mats using a freezer paper stencil, something I'm sure you've all heard of before. <span style="text-align: center;">Used to be freezer paper was for wrapping up your meats. </span><span style="text-align: center;">But some brilliant (seriously clever) individual found out one could iron freezer paper to fabric (and use it over and over again!), it moved from the kitchen drawer to the craft room in a hurry!</span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="94" src="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQDq-Cmd_9fOBoovEH1Q2_CzNNPuYiFfGtQulvyN_p9eacHccpZ" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">[<a href="http://www.riodesigns.co.uk/BJSandFP.html#Freezer Paper" target="_blank">source</a>]</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<iframe bordercolor="#000000" frameborder="0" height="320" hspace="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://ad.doubleclick.net/adi/N7433.148119.BLOGGEREN/B6536000.566;sz=320x320;ord=[timestamp]?;lid=41000613802464048;pid=21867570;usg=AFHzDLvtgrII2kY0jIYwgSRqiZN8pqbSvw;adurl=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.officemax.com%252Foffice-supplies%252Fshipping-mailing-supplies%252Fexpanded-mailroom-assortment%252Fpacking-peanuts-filler-expanded-selection%252Fproduct-prod2570942%253Fcm_mmc%253DPerformics-_-Office%252520Supplies-_-Shipping%252520and%252520Mailing%252520Supplies-_-Expanded%252520Mailroom%252520Assortment%2526ci_src%253D14110944%2526ci_sku%253D21867570;pubid=589892;imgsrc=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.officemax.com%2Fcatalog%2Fimages%2F397x353%2F21867570i_01.jpg;width=320;height=284" vspace="0" width="320"></iframe><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
I have never used fabric paint, so I can't comment on whether or not acrylic craft is better or worse for printing on fabrics. I can say that my results are wonderful, and the print still looks great after a few machine washes. The paint I used was a pearl variety by Martha Stewart:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqmy_2Ro501E2MfSbEUoFNG2_oQaSLyl13VN_8mocDRV80IZAPGji73EoRGreUEK6E_hzL9Os9pmsnktQWb5NwlU_dZoMPhJTVCR6ZWltr_QQspyBNL-4vUhFb3UxVmBChKVei8Zs4k2U/s1600/aIMG_7771.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqmy_2Ro501E2MfSbEUoFNG2_oQaSLyl13VN_8mocDRV80IZAPGji73EoRGreUEK6E_hzL9Os9pmsnktQWb5NwlU_dZoMPhJTVCR6ZWltr_QQspyBNL-4vUhFb3UxVmBChKVei8Zs4k2U/s400/aIMG_7771.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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It used to be acrylic craft paint was for painting birdhouses and the like,but nowadays I'm finding all sorts of alternative uses for craft paints. Maybe you've read my tutorial on <a href="http://ricochetandaway.blogspot.com/2012/06/diy-no-dye-tie-dye.html" target="_blank">No Dye Tie Dye</a>?</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="paint your own birdhouse" height="200" src="http://www.chasing-fireflies.com/images/36238_p.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="174" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">[<a href="http://www.chasing-fireflies.com/paint-your-own-birdhouse/productinfo/36238/" target="_blank">source</a>]</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I started this project by drawing out my place setting on a sheet of freezer paper:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVqiuirDqS5QEPHU4qUM_gzJ_AYHI7J_X0o8gF5dmULP8JQOT_cDUrFpRkYC5ifwHKOu-HTAcd9SaS-GqJeVpWS-Hjmt1_nEJ_hbMvQQq1ApI4SxqUAbq0ICVd4dF3m04DlrLjqZHJNfo/s1600/aIMG_9644.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVqiuirDqS5QEPHU4qUM_gzJ_AYHI7J_X0o8gF5dmULP8JQOT_cDUrFpRkYC5ifwHKOu-HTAcd9SaS-GqJeVpWS-Hjmt1_nEJ_hbMvQQq1ApI4SxqUAbq0ICVd4dF3m04DlrLjqZHJNfo/s400/aIMG_9644.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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After carefully cutting out all the shapes, I ironed the paper to some fabric. </div>
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Note how I treated the fork and napkin differently than the rest of the flatware.</div>
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I also added a circle within the plate just to save paint:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Qm3UB5_zVkJLdt709cd29atj6iIAkU2CIVckDU_zyZxl0vWVdRFE69P_A1URj4-tu2trHiv9wRMvvOjw05Z3DSqp2GA8gjjeoGUlPlPUTah1BjGKlWqI8twFOyzKtUsDCNDsDInXu_U/s1600/aIMG_9647.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Qm3UB5_zVkJLdt709cd29atj6iIAkU2CIVckDU_zyZxl0vWVdRFE69P_A1URj4-tu2trHiv9wRMvvOjw05Z3DSqp2GA8gjjeoGUlPlPUTah1BjGKlWqI8twFOyzKtUsDCNDsDInXu_U/s400/aIMG_9647.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
And here's what I ended up with after pulling off the freezer paper:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2IFMhvYbLtsJ4j9vPS2sFThPsVBg1jzUD-JsW2RfEsodwBrc2k3LcbuWVs7Cnc_0MT0andPRQrpVtxIW2sH7t43RxgOtp7wYBcjPUtUVpIXW9iIEiCPhUeeZqNh_HiODrgwd8019bWQM/s1600/aIMG_9649.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2IFMhvYbLtsJ4j9vPS2sFThPsVBg1jzUD-JsW2RfEsodwBrc2k3LcbuWVs7Cnc_0MT0andPRQrpVtxIW2sH7t43RxgOtp7wYBcjPUtUVpIXW9iIEiCPhUeeZqNh_HiODrgwd8019bWQM/s400/aIMG_9649.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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And here's 4 mats that are complete:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSSgWVn3WPOwwgCGTaOESlUMiEhyQ8bnSdFDfJHs3j1gety9C9KBc-oWG4OMe4796trzpdB18RoTd8bTy3WjVOWXbFCpBxS2zEDf7Zbs4yaMiqaV468L8SFXNgJnwVdF7SuXbM3OBiIAk/s1600/aIMG_1011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSSgWVn3WPOwwgCGTaOESlUMiEhyQ8bnSdFDfJHs3j1gety9C9KBc-oWG4OMe4796trzpdB18RoTd8bTy3WjVOWXbFCpBxS2zEDf7Zbs4yaMiqaV468L8SFXNgJnwVdF7SuXbM3OBiIAk/s400/aIMG_1011.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Here's a better photo taken in natural light so the colors are true:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgccYKJehdWqOZ2XfItucNYLaCxyhi0Q3tsSCyA6RE4G2rv-vwY1trg0PGSCG_nt4n_DZJAHL2qAHHN_36GtWIJl1MoZ4-6iIkJO5hqwyRLmxprirSuoFj4zWgx0HARMegj2rWR6pdpZrs/s1600/aIMG_1663.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgccYKJehdWqOZ2XfItucNYLaCxyhi0Q3tsSCyA6RE4G2rv-vwY1trg0PGSCG_nt4n_DZJAHL2qAHHN_36GtWIJl1MoZ4-6iIkJO5hqwyRLmxprirSuoFj4zWgx0HARMegj2rWR6pdpZrs/s400/aIMG_1663.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The "pearl" of the paint is subtle. It has an almost reflective metallic quality when the light hits it just right. I'm pleased with the results. I'm excited to show off the "fancy" patchwork sides next time I have my friends over for coffee. </div>
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How about you all:</div>
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Where did you eat meals as a kid compared to now?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Have you ever tried the freezer paper stencil method for printing on fabric?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I love freezer paper for drafting sewing pattern. What do you use it for?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Happy crafting and big hugs from Montana,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/210/E706D7786FDD03A3D2F6C1D132A07495.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>
</div>
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<a href="javascript:void((function(){var%20e=document.createElement('script');e.setAttribute('type','text/javascript');e.setAttribute('charset','UTF-8');e.setAttribute('src','http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinmarklet.js?r='+Math.random()*99999999);document.body.appendChild(e)})());"><img alt="Pin It" class="aligncenter" src="http://www.clickinmoms.com/cmprodaily/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/pinit.jpg" /></a></div>
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Before you click away, I'd like to invite you to join in my current <a href="http://ricochetandaway.blogspot.com/p/challenges-i-co-host.html" target="_blank">sewing/craft challenge</a>. <br />
<br />
linking up here:<br />
<a href="http://www.salttree.net/2013/01/open-call-tuesday-36.html">http://www.salttree.net/2013/01/open-call-tuesday-36.html</a></div>
</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Thanks so much for taking the time to read Ricochet and Away!
I am so thankful for your interest and feedback!
Please let me know how I'm doing.
Before you click away, I'd like to invite to participate in my current sewing challenge. Check out the "challenge" button on my menu bar.
Best,
Rikka J.</div>Ricochethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06431838654357998094noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-632519473382375138.post-33583725501986028402013-01-04T02:00:00.001-07:002013-01-04T02:00:40.583-07:00Conquering my Fear of Tights and Leggings
<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>
<p>This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of <a rel='nofollow' href='http://app.socialspark.com/disclosure_clicks?oid=8972143'>No nonsense</a> for <a rel='nofollow' href='http://izea.in/r1Fdr'>SocialSpark</a>. All opinions are 100% mine.</p>
<p> Every woman has body issues. I know I'm not alone. My biggest body peeve is my legs. I'm really pear-shaped, carrying most of my excess body weight between my naval and knees. I'm predisposed to varicose and spider veins that show up brilliantly on my pale skin as well. Needless to say, I rarely wear shorts in public, and never short skirts or skinny jeans.</p>
<p> When I was offered free pairs of <a rel='nofollow' href='http://app.socialspark.com/clicks?lid=24965&oid=8972143'>No nonsense tights and leggings</a>, I was dubious as to whether I'd get any use out them. Why would a gal who wears capris all summer and pants all winter ever need tights or leggings? Then I think to the side of my closet housing my meager collection of long skirts and dresses that I rarely ever wear. Maybe some tights or leggings are just what I need to bring a couple more outfits into my wearable rotation. Maybe.</p>
<p> I received some basic black leggings and a pair of burgundy tights with a subtle pattern. I had no choice in the colors, so I felt rather fortunate I didn't get the red leggings or the yellow tights. Lucky me! </p>
<p> The leggings fit well and were very comfortable to wear. They were thankfully opaque--not remotely resembling the footless tights I see some ladies wearing. This is the outfit I came up with for the leggings:</p>
<p> <img style='width: 123px; height: 400px;' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi58Fa0ogcu6KSiUnBH3iyhGlVwvIu5q8H5nQnI2XVlatjRHPE5JYvSeJHihEzeXan4l4t057NpllSfD1_ldStaL6hSjCOKRAlf0D1ls5ulm7wOBrZtlrDBHGH1mUqO5MKxyv6rU6oSQzU/s400/IMG_1780a.jpg' alt=''/></p>
<p> The tights were very easy to slide on, fit great, and I loved the subtle pattern on them. I've never worn anything like them and am pleasantly surprised at how feminine they make me feel. This is the outfit I come up with for the tights:</p>
<p> <img style='width: 138px; height: 400px;' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXSpHsOEbujj7GzpQ7_duB16wtSqpAjjBP_B27gtmLzjjHesSz2b7LaxLTuWVopyvILrYwMRpkhIHa9cou4IoSWwarquWJPIMQrxp-j89OluNdYBT4c6bZbYIsoBlyhSoHuxTH-s-KzmU/s400/IMG_1768a.jpg' alt=''/></p>
<p> <a rel='nofollow' href='http://app.socialspark.com/clicks?lid=24965&oid=8972143'>No nonsense tights and leggings</a> are super cheap, high quality, and can be found at all the department stores as well as food and drug stores. Style icon, Jill Martin, has partnered with No nonsense and tells about her love of <a rel='nofollow' href='http://app.socialspark.com/clicks?lid=24965&oid=8972143'>No nonsense tights</a> in this one minute video:</p>
<p> <span class='placeholder'><iframe allowfullscreen='' mozallowfullscreen='' webkitallowfullscreen='' frameborder='0' height='281' width='500' src='http://player.vimeo.com/video/49024245'> </iframe></span></p>
<p> Jill Martin literally wrote the book on fashion for the everyday woman: "I Have Nothing to Wear!" was co-authored by Martin and was on the NY Times bestsellers list. She looks familiar too, right? She's the Emmy-winning NY Correspondent for Access Hollywood, so that's where you've likely seen her before. I love how she calls the colored tights "lipstick for your legs"!!! </p>
<p> In the video, none of the tights are patterned. My pair of tights look like this close-up:</p>
<p> <img style='width: 200px; height: 200px;' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmRiuSkH89iGCKEjrKWnywQwS6uXixlJSyfmLriXP9BGRzTuOe8NlWYSO4UYYoW-buhDhBmUbkOAr1CLvKStEncSBP3yHmTJMS1L6KgP2TGT0d5hIxLuAi_wMWeOcOmsBMFv4nsQB8ufo/s200/IMG_1794a.jpg' alt=''/></p>
<p> The diamond crosshatching pattern is a cool effect. It gives your legs some curvy dimension like fishnet stockings do, but without the vampy-sexy effect. </p>
<p> You can find <a rel='nofollow' href='http://app.socialspark.com/clicks?lid=24967&oid=8972143'>No nonsense on Facebook</a> and like their page. It's a great place to see all the colors and styles available. It's worth checking out to see the latest giveaways and coupons. The <a href='http://twitter.com/benononsense'>No nonsense twitter page</a> will keep you up to date on fashion trends and special offers as well. </p>
<p>
<a rel='nofollow' href='http://app.socialspark.com/disclosure_clicks?oid=8972143'>
<img style='border:none;' src='http://app.socialspark.com/views?oid=8972143' border='0' alt='Visit Sponsor's Site'/>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">Thanks so much for taking the time to read Ricochet and Away!
I am so thankful for your interest and feedback!
Please let me know how I'm doing.
Before you click away, I'd like to invite to participate in my current sewing challenge. Check out the "challenge" button on my menu bar.
Best,
Rikka J.</div>Ricochethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06431838654357998094noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-632519473382375138.post-56748132025904894552013-01-02T11:10:00.000-07:002013-01-02T11:10:04.057-07:00Winners: Ring Your Neck Scarf Challenge!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA34XHnSwDz0sfmws-0xnJzA-dG0lpXP00Qx9kPDiffx85nsYzB4TZGrEnxk4UNTux97cSJKlRJSrE9uYl0Hyky3VqaSL6tj0YZIKm_dw4nr-20NiJ5fGnkRjHk9fYUf7lQdyDoiWseAw/s1600/pub+button2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA34XHnSwDz0sfmws-0xnJzA-dG0lpXP00Qx9kPDiffx85nsYzB4TZGrEnxk4UNTux97cSJKlRJSrE9uYl0Hyky3VqaSL6tj0YZIKm_dw4nr-20NiJ5fGnkRjHk9fYUf7lQdyDoiWseAw/s400/pub+button2.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">And the winners are......</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
November was a busy month for everyone, but that didn't stop 19 people from signing up for my challenge and giving it go. Sending big hugs and thank yous to everyone who signed up! You all make these challenges fun and engaging, and I just love you for it!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I challenged you to make a scarf and trying something new in the process. 15 lovely participants were able to meet the challenge! Congratulations to the 15 who met the challenge! We ended up with 15 unique and wonderful scarves to enter into the voting portion of the challenge. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Without further ado, the results are:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In first place, receiving the most votes, is Marisa from<span style="font-family: inherit;"> <span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 27px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><a href="http://passionetcouture.blogspot.com/" style="background-color: white; line-height: 27px;" target="_blank">Passion et Couture</a><span style="line-height: 27px;"> with her striking scarf made with a technique using water soluble stabilizer. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 27px;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjaYlaOmwDqUPD5pT9P9BKT8jcxMqibQAKNCD4tV7psH7k1_j874UmIrjv6MFqV2FOW8hddkCAYp31EeGDpYucT0aZOgE719g4OC1BGSAhTnDj5gW4wyZqImmRn5m_-NgMeLxYcrkHSTs/s400/scarf+marisa3.jpg" /></div>
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Congrats Marisa! Your bragging rights have been activated!</div>
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Here's a shiny new badge for your blog:</div>
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<img alt="Congrats Marisa!" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn3X7XBiGqQ_jk1I2chMxxkoeaGTc6Ues9GY6XmG4xMlQNubAzIxT3opLqlfLOr4NsKz4TiI66qCkkpxUx2QTfr3oXzmI1uMjYhdzGxvpcE5vC5bQIp-X83-43Hfr1hk1mQVJhz7Un7Dw/s1600/agold.jpg" title="Congrats Marisa!" /></div>
<textarea style="background: #f0f0f0; border: solid 1px #cccccc; color: #777777; display: block; font-size: 100%; height: 50px; margin: auto; padding: 2px 0 2px 5px; text-align: left; width: 90%;"><div align="center">
<a href="http://ricochetandaway.blogspot.com/2012/12/vote-ring-your-neck-scarf-challenge.html" title="Congrats Marisa!"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn3X7XBiGqQ_jk1I2chMxxkoeaGTc6Ues9GY6XmG4xMlQNubAzIxT3opLqlfLOr4NsKz4TiI66qCkkpxUx2QTfr3oXzmI1uMjYhdzGxvpcE5vC5bQIp-X83-43Hfr1hk1mQVJhz7Un7Dw/s1600/agold.jpg" alt="Congrats Marisa!" style="border:none;" /></a></div>
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In second place, we have a tie! </div>
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Linda from <a href="http://desertdesigns.biz/" style="background-color: white; line-height: 27px;" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">Desert Designs</span></a> with her chenille scarf and Fiona from <a href="http://celticthistlestitches.blogspot.com/" style="background-color: white; line-height: 27px;" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">Celtic Thistle Stitches</span></a> receive second place honors!</div>
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9MtPhCTr7ZkdQdHoF-bUp-TJBZ4qVreSoaCkANZ9YAqdGiVR_8atN9m_oxYIxe5p-J8ercxCWgGd25b293AmQchhtVCDOwRkbMMT1sKWiJ-aB1Sq7unY6FCvqZqXl1m4xM08XrJqWeEk/s400/scarf+lindacollage.jpg" /></div>
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Congrats Linda! Your bragging rights have been activated!</div>
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You might not have a blog to show it off, but here's your shiny badge all the same:</div>
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<img alt="Congrats Linda!" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTUIfGV6sDDnfiwkRF7parW5_xWRo93HRg6wJL3xPS55_1elH3qb4GD8CY-3HT6W6rWvkooi-UXMU7_vT8NQ1ya5fJ0c7CPftCrOCG2St5A_IHtQIQ3RUMk4CRVDyxBUZcuHHitNOkSTg/s1600/asilver.jpg" title="Congrats Linda!" /></div>
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<a href="http://ricochetandaway.blogspot.com/2012/12/vote-ring-your-neck-scarf-challenge.html" title="Congrats Linda!"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTUIfGV6sDDnfiwkRF7parW5_xWRo93HRg6wJL3xPS55_1elH3qb4GD8CY-3HT6W6rWvkooi-UXMU7_vT8NQ1ya5fJ0c7CPftCrOCG2St5A_IHtQIQ3RUMk4CRVDyxBUZcuHHitNOkSTg/s1600/asilver.jpg" alt="Congrats Linda!" style="border:none;" /></a></div>
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinJO9TVnd-mp7Ds5Sm7ZHbL86vMexG94HmXDDsKN9ET7dMZQx6usXVj2oEK8KByEkpYGDCu_dAavTsMF9svgHiUwoL0YSgM6smHihOcqsWi2zLzLvFq9Q_iY-N9UPF3MHCErEaetzG4Jo/s400/scarf+fiona1.JPG" /></div>
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Congrats Fiona! Your bragging rights have been activated!</div>
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If you wish, you may display this shiny new badge on your blog:</div>
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<img alt="Congrats Fiona!" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTUIfGV6sDDnfiwkRF7parW5_xWRo93HRg6wJL3xPS55_1elH3qb4GD8CY-3HT6W6rWvkooi-UXMU7_vT8NQ1ya5fJ0c7CPftCrOCG2St5A_IHtQIQ3RUMk4CRVDyxBUZcuHHitNOkSTg/s1600/asilver.jpg" title="Congrats Fiona!" /></div>
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<a href="http://ricochetandaway.blogspot.com/2012/12/vote-ring-your-neck-scarf-challenge.html" title="Congrats Fiona!"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTUIfGV6sDDnfiwkRF7parW5_xWRo93HRg6wJL3xPS55_1elH3qb4GD8CY-3HT6W6rWvkooi-UXMU7_vT8NQ1ya5fJ0c7CPftCrOCG2St5A_IHtQIQ3RUMk4CRVDyxBUZcuHHitNOkSTg/s1600/asilver.jpg" alt="Congrats Fiona!" style="border:none;" /></a></div>
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In third place we have Signe from <span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.skaberlyst.dk/" style="background-color: white; line-height: 27px;" target="_blank">Skaberlyst</a> </span>with her collage-style scarf!</div>
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWjrmXLWPenZjxUrG9xYmDHEFKLZjcYoC6gJyw1gVd8R9LO7XRbPNyypjSq4DCGo1C95itx9TyrUXkq0A1UD1uX3UbVFKDAkf7fUvl_Nsfd5T8UyKg3o2oTlgq9P1vrD9UDxu-qk8IgQM/s400/scarf+singe4.jpg" /></div>
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Congrats Signe! Your bragging rights have been activated!</div>
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Here's a shiny new badge just for you:</div>
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<img alt="Congrats Signe!" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo4UPKF5c2WaSAsxdD18XhiZ1vvBFw2HH81Dq9USQEdS3a0Nv-WOvoDlQ8zYoXK1p5KXX9sJRTg2BnZWGgrh89E0Qz6w2w9BHadr4v5RrtiDdxZIyJT2n1Nr7QB5FonEapMqEBg3S0JDM/s1600/abronze.jpg" title="Congrats Signe!" /></div>
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<a href="http://ricochetandaway.blogspot.com/2012/12/vote-ring-your-neck-scarf-challenge.html" title="Congrats Signe!"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo4UPKF5c2WaSAsxdD18XhiZ1vvBFw2HH81Dq9USQEdS3a0Nv-WOvoDlQ8zYoXK1p5KXX9sJRTg2BnZWGgrh89E0Qz6w2w9BHadr4v5RrtiDdxZIyJT2n1Nr7QB5FonEapMqEBg3S0JDM/s1600/abronze.jpg" alt="Congrats Signe!" style="border:none;" /></a></div>
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Challenging ourselves to learn new skills and to meet our commitments are noble and admirable qualities. I applaud all the participants for all their hard work and dedication during a super busy time of year. Everyone was stretched thin, that I was getting pretty worried near the end of November. But with 15 finished projects, we have so many reasons to be proud! Congrats and thank you again!</div>
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Happy crafting and big hugs from frosty Montana,</div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/210/E706D7786FDD03A3D2F6C1D132A07495.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>
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<a href="javascript:void((function(){var%20e=document.createElement('script');e.setAttribute('type','text/javascript');e.setAttribute('charset','UTF-8');e.setAttribute('src','http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinmarklet.js?r='+Math.random()*99999999);document.body.appendChild(e)})());"><img alt="Pin It" class="aligncenter" src="http://www.clickinmoms.com/cmprodaily/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/pinit.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Before you click away, I'd like to invite you to join in my current <a href="http://ricochetandaway.blogspot.com/p/challenges-i-co-host.html" target="_blank">sewing/craft challenge</a>. </div>
</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Thanks so much for taking the time to read Ricochet and Away!
I am so thankful for your interest and feedback!
Please let me know how I'm doing.
Before you click away, I'd like to invite to participate in my current sewing challenge. Check out the "challenge" button on my menu bar.
Best,
Rikka J.</div>Ricochethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06431838654357998094noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-632519473382375138.post-31326344475981076022012-12-24T00:00:00.000-07:002012-12-24T00:00:04.630-07:00A Holiday Gift to my Readers:<div style="text-align: center;">
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My kids are 6 and 8 now. They are very smart and creative and beautiful. They are goofy and silly and funny. They constantly remind me to be patient and kind and consistent. I recorded this video when they were 3 and 5. Danika had just begun talking like a big girl and I so enjoyed hearing her philosophical perspective on the world. Riley was (and still is!) all boy. He was (and still is!) a noisy little imp who loved to entertain a crowd with his goofy antics. </div>
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I wanted to share this video with you because I believe it epitomizes life in our home. We talk and listen. We laugh and play. We foster creativity and encourage fantastic storytelling. We are often ridiculous and sometimes witty. I can't give you all a physical Christmas gift this year, so I decided to give you something personal and share a slice of my life.</div>
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It's a long video, but I encourage you watch it all the way through because there are lots of funny and sweet moments throughout. I dare you to watch it and not smile. </div>
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I hope you enjoyed this!</div>
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Merry Christmas!</div>
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Happy Hanukkah!</div>
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Happy New Year!</div>
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Big Hugs from Montana,</div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/210/E706D7786FDD03A3D2F6C1D132A07495.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>
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<a href="javascript:void((function(){var%20e=document.createElement('script');e.setAttribute('type','text/javascript');e.setAttribute('charset','UTF-8');e.setAttribute('src','http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinmarklet.js?r='+Math.random()*99999999);document.body.appendChild(e)})());"><img alt="Pin It" class="aligncenter" src="http://www.clickinmoms.com/cmprodaily/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/pinit.jpg" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Thanks so much for taking the time to read Ricochet and Away!
I am so thankful for your interest and feedback!
Please let me know how I'm doing.
Before you click away, I'd like to invite to participate in my current sewing challenge. Check out the "challenge" button on my menu bar.
Best,
Rikka J.</div>Ricochethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06431838654357998094noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-632519473382375138.post-54724527655908206672012-12-19T11:21:00.002-07:002012-12-19T11:21:15.237-07:00Scrappy Chenille Scarf<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivE5CFsbgwUSjgnt2VZz-MtgSyQX-9Uw9sxXGlPsIO-fpFI2baCcKE9Km6Ho5N7AGfIbNBwdH1nPZl89NE7JonH3S_rMJSqv3daTx6BIptxQvtt68bRZzLakU7dbBNfH3ygp6xpwGJ6MI/s1600/aIMG_1636.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivE5CFsbgwUSjgnt2VZz-MtgSyQX-9Uw9sxXGlPsIO-fpFI2baCcKE9Km6Ho5N7AGfIbNBwdH1nPZl89NE7JonH3S_rMJSqv3daTx6BIptxQvtt68bRZzLakU7dbBNfH3ygp6xpwGJ6MI/s640/aIMG_1636.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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One of the participants from my <a href="http://ricochetandaway.blogspot.com/2012/12/vote-ring-your-neck-scarf-challenge.html" target="_blank">scarf-making challenge</a> made a chenille scarf that I really liked. Her name is Linda and she wrote a great tutorial for her scarf that you can find <a href="http://ricochetandaway.blogspot.com/2012/11/2-12-hour-chenille-scarf-tutorial-by.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZjiI3l9TeaL3v8vzby0D-cZtkCpYEaPXtiilzslJPUAFQHADQFr1yxsa-CvACdQnK8chrngu0x7E3epLr4jG6GL2Q_FMwoWWjIAHfRSA1R54oUy1uxqlY-xCnz4vylFKXKiyPVE42GY0/s1600/aIMG_1605.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZjiI3l9TeaL3v8vzby0D-cZtkCpYEaPXtiilzslJPUAFQHADQFr1yxsa-CvACdQnK8chrngu0x7E3epLr4jG6GL2Q_FMwoWWjIAHfRSA1R54oUy1uxqlY-xCnz4vylFKXKiyPVE42GY0/s400/aIMG_1605.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Linda's scarf is made up of 7 layers of fabric. The center layer of fabric is never cut and serves as a background color (black, in Linda's case) for both sides of the scarf. After I got 6 pieces of fabric cut, I thought my scarf was already looking very thick. It's hard to tie and twist a really thick scarf, so I figured out a slightly different method to cut the scarf using only 6 layers of fabric. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiXu0E2BnNqYtmLMvrCEq6XWvtHsykEho5a8NW1y5LMbNAKziufn8D7T_RVMLWaDZgieBHtp49vtjknlHWbkj3bwWZMi2gFQzuq_s_D79S6WonZKbJIRD9UYkBo8DyTe633muEYeW4fh4/s1600/diagram.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiXu0E2BnNqYtmLMvrCEq6XWvtHsykEho5a8NW1y5LMbNAKziufn8D7T_RVMLWaDZgieBHtp49vtjknlHWbkj3bwWZMi2gFQzuq_s_D79S6WonZKbJIRD9UYkBo8DyTe633muEYeW4fh4/s320/diagram.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">This is a diagram of a cross section of my scarf.<br />The center layers are grey flannel.<br />The white vertical lines show the stitching which goes through all 6 layers of fabric.<br />The black vertical lines show where I cut through 2 and sometimes 3 layers of fabric.<br />This is how I got away with using an even number of fabric layers.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3y4zEk9vOHrl4hTSB7QnfPxlCr9m8S0jBpsNKiiACyW1VYBKOAuuGpgl_5_cbgejDT4v40DIwGMQLLxO8Kbx0pxauaiigpCopaH46DAqkzuNrPPFE9MKS1Bxxja5CRia5trTiY_sxTi8/s1600/collage2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3y4zEk9vOHrl4hTSB7QnfPxlCr9m8S0jBpsNKiiACyW1VYBKOAuuGpgl_5_cbgejDT4v40DIwGMQLLxO8Kbx0pxauaiigpCopaH46DAqkzuNrPPFE9MKS1Bxxja5CRia5trTiY_sxTi8/s400/collage2.jpg" width="277" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The center layers were grey flannel. The outer most layers were a blue/violet tie-dye pattern. <br />The top photo shows the royal purple I used under the tie-dye on one side.<br />The bottom photo shows the bright blue I used on the other side.<br />The sides are different, but the difference is very subtle.<br />Next time I try this I'm going to make the 2 sides <i>much</i> more different.</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkybzllB_WVvKYBHiJEbIHPvrtUZPjeYVI-692J74XjtHBNpYZTEhAiuiHxfZ1ddxb6VKfjEy20mDx1hCGOWCs1wChSRFwjlXoYulZXt_gF1dtvB4NEI4FmsFakccvQMuU9eTr-OM7wDw/s1600/aIMG_1589.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkybzllB_WVvKYBHiJEbIHPvrtUZPjeYVI-692J74XjtHBNpYZTEhAiuiHxfZ1ddxb6VKfjEy20mDx1hCGOWCs1wChSRFwjlXoYulZXt_gF1dtvB4NEI4FmsFakccvQMuU9eTr-OM7wDw/s400/aIMG_1589.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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As you might be able to guess, I spent almost as much time taking photos of the scarf as I did making it! I'm trying really hard to learn the manual settings on my camera. I took a few photography courses in college, but those were years ago and we used real film. I remember just <i><b>knowing</b></i> which adjustments to make to change the focal length and shutterspeed to use to get the photo I wanted. Now it's a lot of hit and miss, referring back to my manual a million times, and head-scratching. My biggest trouble now is with focusing. Maybe my up-close vision is deteriorating as I approach 40.....? I can't see well enough through my little camera view finder to know if my image is sharp or not. </div>
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Linda said she made her scarf in 2.5 hours. It took me more like 4 hours. But I was dealing with very odd-shaped pieces of fabric and had some trouble finding the bias. The grey flannel is from a set of sheets I bought at the thrift store. That was a rather large piece of material to deal with. The other fabrics were in small enough pieces that I had to piece it together to make them long enough. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwZNYk1pz06cLDjlxmJ1-BJfUelYz_RrNer-4w0iEHCF-gzkKd9MLNt2PuzRMp2GwUkQNCHv0TcwwK-ovM0DuKPTC_fn_SGV3SIM6jOY1NmtfkuWVwHN8-mDC3SB8pjBCT2BEuODETcvY/s1600/aIMG_1574.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwZNYk1pz06cLDjlxmJ1-BJfUelYz_RrNer-4w0iEHCF-gzkKd9MLNt2PuzRMp2GwUkQNCHv0TcwwK-ovM0DuKPTC_fn_SGV3SIM6jOY1NmtfkuWVwHN8-mDC3SB8pjBCT2BEuODETcvY/s400/aIMG_1574.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Overall I am very pleased with this scarf. I love the softness and warmth provided by both the chenille effect and the flannel. I spent no money making the scarf either. I love to be able to finish a project without having to run to the store to buy supplies. I chose not to make the tassels on the ends, opting for a simpler look. But I love the way Linda's tassels look like twisty little caterpillars.....I may slice in some tassels down the road!</div>
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I'm curious to hear your comments on this post. What do you think of this technique? Would you ever try it? Any tips on switching your camera over to manual settings would be greatly appreciated as well!</div>
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Happy crafting and big hugs from Montana,</div>
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Please let me know how I'm doing.
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Rikka J.</div>Ricochethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06431838654357998094noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-632519473382375138.post-11818110586755384132012-12-17T10:57:00.003-07:002012-12-17T10:57:57.463-07:00300,000 PAGEVIEWS!!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Before you click away, I'd like to invite you to join in my current <a href="http://ricochetandaway.blogspot.com/p/challenges-i-co-host.html" target="_blank">sewing/craft challenge</a>. </div>
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I am so thankful for your interest and feedback!
Please let me know how I'm doing.
Before you click away, I'd like to invite to participate in my current sewing challenge. Check out the "challenge" button on my menu bar.
Best,
Rikka J.</div>Ricochethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06431838654357998094noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-632519473382375138.post-31556057151725597922012-12-16T12:27:00.000-07:002013-01-30T12:14:31.195-07:00Curved Seams Sewing Challenge Jan 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaEqisXIH-1HO5xQ8NvtW4szaTuf1GS4u-Ryqg0cKC59qkdfEIfBYJpRxT_PO8Sn39iM7PogFxKmxs6SLxs9c5iqSH6GFpCt9f4aSxHcO-i0AMSxRI0u1u15JPQem-iqFsZoJkcxH8uC8/s1600/86349777b.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaEqisXIH-1HO5xQ8NvtW4szaTuf1GS4u-Ryqg0cKC59qkdfEIfBYJpRxT_PO8Sn39iM7PogFxKmxs6SLxs9c5iqSH6GFpCt9f4aSxHcO-i0AMSxRI0u1u15JPQem-iqFsZoJkcxH8uC8/s400/86349777b.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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Curved seams.</div>
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I've never tried them before, but I've been wanting to ever since I first saw the popular </div>
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<i>drunkard's path</i> quilt block. Here's a beautiful example of the drunkard's path block in action:</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbNaNm2Hcgg4KXfvtA2hHAIG7PqqCc0UE7zQbY4D6dPkOaJzK_JYdEcGESWbim0e1ts1raNYTGRJNtY5f4PfDWxVi38toH7-4L9728S-jepp8veaqnaeN06AkzTyHKds_N1-7Yqvk1kNQB/s200/a-pillow-2.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">[<a href="http://momstreet.blogspot.com/2011/10/drunkards-path.html" target="_blank">I found this pillow at Made On Main Street</a>]</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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And here's another way to arrange the blocks:</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="5 x 4 Modern Bee - Block for Megan - Hive 12" height="198" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6154/6189780406_c19d66aa15.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">[<a href="http://shecanquilt.blogspot.com/2011/09/here-are-all-6-of-blocks-i-made-for-my.html" target="_blank">I found this block at She Can Quilt</a>]</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I'm excited and eager to add this technique to my bag of tricks. I hope you are too!</div>
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If you're new to my sewing challenges, you can visit my <a href="http://ricochetandaway.blogspot.com/p/challenges-i-co-host.html" target="_blank">challenge page</a> and visit all my previous challenge homepages. Basically, I provide a challenge and participants attempt to meet it. </div>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
The focus is on:<br />
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<li style="text-align: left;">committing ourselves to learn/try something new,</li>
</ul>
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<li style="text-align: left;">to step outside our sewing boxes, and </li>
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<li style="text-align: left;">to meet a reasonable deadline </li>
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It's always fun and inspiring, and it's a great opportunity to meet other creative and crafty people. After the challenge is over, we vote on the finished projects and the winners receive bragging rights and a fancy blog button. You think this might be something you'd be interested in? Keep reading!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggmKoJHOt2FRalOPC2U6vj3x2GkcpsaYNcoPkSkbvv7l5l-09iyVb0WqQuB4aRt95JVr2v329qZO3T364wSr7b1wcRseB_riWaD4EsnFgQlFfRi8P0gQyU9nqPOt8BvDdQBPShzhvgXe0/s1600/47539756b.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggmKoJHOt2FRalOPC2U6vj3x2GkcpsaYNcoPkSkbvv7l5l-09iyVb0WqQuB4aRt95JVr2v329qZO3T364wSr7b1wcRseB_riWaD4EsnFgQlFfRi8P0gQyU9nqPOt8BvDdQBPShzhvgXe0/s200/47539756b.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: #76a5af; font-size: x-large;">Rule #1</span></b></div>
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Make a something new with curved seams and finish it by Jan . 31, 2013. <br />
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<b><span style="color: #76a5af; font-size: x-large;">Rule #2</span></b></div>
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By curved seams, I'm referring to <i>flat</i> curved seams like you would see in a drunkard's path quilt block.</div>
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I presented the drunkard's path quilt block as inspiration, </div>
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but as long as your project has one or more curved seams, it qualifies.<br />
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<span style="color: #76a5af; font-size: x-large;"><b>Rule #3</b></span></div>
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If you're already an expert on curved seams, please challenge yourself to use this technique in a new way. </div>
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This is a great opportunity to go crazy and get really crafty--so go for it!</div>
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<span style="color: #76a5af; font-size: x-large;"><b>Now thru January 31, 2013</b></span></div>
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Time to sign fill out out the sign-up form below and finish your project.</div>
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<span style="color: #76a5af; font-size: x-large;"><b>February 1-28, 2013</b></span></div>
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Our just-for-fun poll takes place.</div>
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<span style="color: #76a5af; font-size: x-large;"><b>Mid February, 2013</b></span></div>
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A new challenge for March will be announced.</div>
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<span style="color: #76a5af; font-size: x-large;"><b>First week of March, 2013</b></span></div>
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Winners of the poll are announced and will receive bragging rights and fancy blog buttons.</div>
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Sign-up for March's challenge begins.</div>
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Visit my FAQ page <a href="http://ricochetandaway.blogspot.com/2011/10/sewing-challenge-faqs.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</div>
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I like to make a Pinterest inspiration board for every challenge.</div>
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All the challenge participants can be added as contributors. </div>
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It's an easy way to share links, techniques, and ideas.</div>
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January's challenge board:</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="background-color: #d0e0e3;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/rikkaw/curved-seams-challenge-jan-2013/" target="_blank">Curved Seams Challenge</a></b></span></div>
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Previous challenge pinboards:</div>
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<li style="line-height: 21px; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/rikkaw/ring-you-neck-inspiration-motherboard/" style="line-height: 23px;" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Ring You Neck Inspiration Motherboard!</span></a></li>
<li style="line-height: 21px; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/rikkaw/fab-folds-sewing-challenge-sept-12/" style="text-decoration: initial;" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Fab Folds Sewing Challenge</span></a></li>
<li style="line-height: 21px; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/rikkaw/2-in-1-challenge/" style="text-decoration: initial;" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">2-in-1 Sewing Challenge</span></a></li>
<li style="line-height: 21px; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/rikkaw/garment-sewing-challenge-may-2012/" style="text-decoration: initial;" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Garment Sewing Challenge</span></a></li>
<li style="line-height: 21px; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/rikkaandkeren/solids-only-tote-challenge-nov-2011/" style="text-decoration: initial;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Solids-Only Tote Challenge</span></a></span></li>
<li style="line-height: 21px; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/rikkaandkeren/naughty-notions-challenge-jan-2012/" style="text-decoration: initial;" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Naughty Notions Challenge</span></a></li>
<li style="line-height: 21px; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/rikkaw/typography-challenge-march-2012/" style="text-decoration: initial;" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Typography Challenge</span></a></li>
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Happy crafting and big hugs from Montana,</div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/210/E706D7786FDD03A3D2F6C1D132A07495.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>
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<a href="javascript:void((function(){var%20e=document.createElement('script');e.setAttribute('type','text/javascript');e.setAttribute('charset','UTF-8');e.setAttribute('src','http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinmarklet.js?r='+Math.random()*99999999);document.body.appendChild(e)})());"><img alt="Pin It" class="aligncenter" src="http://www.clickinmoms.com/cmprodaily/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/pinit.jpg" /></a><br />
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">Thanks so much for taking the time to read Ricochet and Away!
I am so thankful for your interest and feedback!
Please let me know how I'm doing.
Before you click away, I'd like to invite to participate in my current sewing challenge. Check out the "challenge" button on my menu bar.
Best,
Rikka J.</div>Ricochethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06431838654357998094noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-632519473382375138.post-79328097443543022892012-12-16T06:00:00.000-07:002012-12-17T10:36:20.713-07:00A Christmas card & giveaway to my readers:<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLvNuzEHxOhlN1s7vf3xNHutAssG6DfOvmnU56z4K1HRt4q_o7UlooZEcRNEQKJN-0CShie14LqrhukFuX2K5-D_NVCGabACnL5l9k64QA1-PCGZEuyPtjPprdO0zjssfqVHckHbRJSrI/s1600/blogcard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLvNuzEHxOhlN1s7vf3xNHutAssG6DfOvmnU56z4K1HRt4q_o7UlooZEcRNEQKJN-0CShie14LqrhukFuX2K5-D_NVCGabACnL5l9k64QA1-PCGZEuyPtjPprdO0zjssfqVHckHbRJSrI/s1600/blogcard.jpg" /></a></div>
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Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!</div>
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Yes. This is the Christmas card I mailed out this year. I saw something similar somewhere online and had to give it a try. Those are my precious children under the duct tape. My son is 8, my daughter 6. They were super good sports in modeling for this photo. I had to take a gazillion pictures because the lighting was so tricky. I'm still not totally pleased with the quality of the photo, but the message comes across loud and clear! Hopefully you all got a good laugh!</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mymemories.com/digital_scrapbooking_software" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="120" src="http://www.mymemories.com/images/stm/Funnest-500x120.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #e9edec; color: #205947; font-family: Syncopate; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;">My code: STMMMS47859</span></td></tr>
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I made my card using my new digital scrapbooking software called <a href="http://www.mymemories.com/digital_scrapbooking_software" target="_blank">My Memories Suite</a>.</div>
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I'll be giving away a <a href="http://www.mymemories.com/digital_scrapbooking_software" target="_blank">My Memories Suite</a> for free in the near future.</div>
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Happy crafting and big hugs from Montana,</div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/210/E706D7786FDD03A3D2F6C1D132A07495.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>
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<a href="javascript:void((function(){var%20e=document.createElement('script');e.setAttribute('type','text/javascript');e.setAttribute('charset','UTF-8');e.setAttribute('src','http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinmarklet.js?r='+Math.random()*99999999);document.body.appendChild(e)})());"><img alt="Pin It" class="aligncenter" src="http://www.clickinmoms.com/cmprodaily/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/pinit.jpg" /></a></div>
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Before you click away, I'd like to invite you to join in my current <a href="http://ricochetandaway.blogspot.com/p/challenges-i-co-host.html" target="_blank">sewing/craft challenge</a>. </div>
</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Thanks so much for taking the time to read Ricochet and Away!
I am so thankful for your interest and feedback!
Please let me know how I'm doing.
Before you click away, I'd like to invite to participate in my current sewing challenge. Check out the "challenge" button on my menu bar.
Best,
Rikka J.</div>Ricochethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06431838654357998094noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-632519473382375138.post-34100269417951127582012-12-14T06:00:00.000-07:002013-01-17T14:21:02.605-07:00E-reader, Nook, ipad stand tutorial<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjneez_5WPOt9t-yaPvgjld3mmqUx32PYhDoiqHTcGsuYsicHB4756uRFYAYD_folhHnh5HUTM_oBZDoWJgMrSDqcxTsg7c10lf5r0wj0ZUGzVo1Vu-UNbdUc_21asyiR75L68NRwh4cfM/s1600/IMG_1728atitle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjneez_5WPOt9t-yaPvgjld3mmqUx32PYhDoiqHTcGsuYsicHB4756uRFYAYD_folhHnh5HUTM_oBZDoWJgMrSDqcxTsg7c10lf5r0wj0ZUGzVo1Vu-UNbdUc_21asyiR75L68NRwh4cfM/s400/IMG_1728atitle.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Mr. Ricochet gave me a Nook e-reader for Christmas a couple years ago, and it's really been the best gift ever. I use it everyday, several times a day. Besides reading, I check my email, facebook, pinterest, twitter, blog comments, etc. If I could edit blog posts from it, I'd be in heaven! But realistically, I'd never get any sleep if I could blog in bed!</div>
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When I'm sitting at the kitchen table, I usually prop my Nook up against the napkin holder. That gives a suitable angle from which to read and type. Then I saw this baby on pinterest:</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="PodPillow for Kindle / Reading Device" height="200" src="http://img1.etsystatic.com/000/0/5208195/il_570xN.212462469.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="200" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">[<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/66958582/podpillow-for-kindle-reading-device" target="_blank">source</a>]<br />
This was found at <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/dognamedbanjo?ref=top_trail" target="_blank">DogNamedBanjo's esty store.</a></td></tr>
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And then I saw this <a href="http://mypatchwork.wordpress.com/2011/09/17/ipad-e-book-reader-beanbag/" target="_blank">charm pack tutorial</a> at <a href="http://mypatchwork.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Sewn Up</a> by TeresaDownUnder. It's basically the same shape, but it's a patchwork design. The tute is lovely and well written, please check it out.</div>
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Thanks to TeresaDownUnder, I understood the basic concept on how to achieve the pyramid shape. Here's my easy-peasy tutorial:</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt-Vb2yqv3CjIqB3GmfDD1pdNySKGV5sFHNiK98g5gIg_9gzSZyMIr082CHs7O3FxDU213HbIzPpvcZgxEcN1JoNoLRt-5DBwa6SIEB-eqMPd4RHF6xSua3Benm3azKbwPZd7ddi3Tvuk/s1600/IMG_1667a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt-Vb2yqv3CjIqB3GmfDD1pdNySKGV5sFHNiK98g5gIg_9gzSZyMIr082CHs7O3FxDU213HbIzPpvcZgxEcN1JoNoLRt-5DBwa6SIEB-eqMPd4RHF6xSua3Benm3azKbwPZd7ddi3Tvuk/s400/IMG_1667a.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Start with an 11"x15" rectangle of fabric. <br />You can 2 such rectangles from a fat quarter.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPx33GbSwnwBh5aY0hoH3i_v4tESe1o_JTDCJX7p8W0hACDxJ8LGXzHnAcwPw7j7iNVm4YA2EKlPUpp3a8U3Y89W81h3HGHmrwYS2PRlnwtnHdVnzqUO5soC4Ns03KZOyh9_ltn5cI7pQ/s1600/IMG_1668a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPx33GbSwnwBh5aY0hoH3i_v4tESe1o_JTDCJX7p8W0hACDxJ8LGXzHnAcwPw7j7iNVm4YA2EKlPUpp3a8U3Y89W81h3HGHmrwYS2PRlnwtnHdVnzqUO5soC4Ns03KZOyh9_ltn5cI7pQ/s400/IMG_1668a.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Fold the rectangle in half, right-sides-together.<br />stitch along 2 sides, creating a small bag.</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9qrBEyr8APSUn3fW7hEz1705smI0zeIZxye53JQyENdvErjNkU5BezNiLADoyXj1xk8UpGI2atBruKSEKbPT78gsy-YBEF1bujGnQ_CtNq5u1E0649Ig117vZPlHhFN-vxL3tl9dxFXw/s1600/IMG_1673a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9qrBEyr8APSUn3fW7hEz1705smI0zeIZxye53JQyENdvErjNkU5BezNiLADoyXj1xk8UpGI2atBruKSEKbPT78gsy-YBEF1bujGnQ_CtNq5u1E0649Ig117vZPlHhFN-vxL3tl9dxFXw/s400/IMG_1673a.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Open and arrange the bag as shown in this picture.<br />The longest side seam is in the center on the underside of the bag.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVkTUvQ9GEylrXXwAxlj683UpNBgLmkV8v-uGAgGKEZ3cQCiJLiYJPmh6GpF_svYlrLtNVm17vk1oaqRv-dH3TtDWT8aTQI5YcuGZR7HyUtr-HU7QoIynlcuXglDxQv4EkIRN5g_9F1cE/s1600/IMG_1679a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="397" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVkTUvQ9GEylrXXwAxlj683UpNBgLmkV8v-uGAgGKEZ3cQCiJLiYJPmh6GpF_svYlrLtNVm17vk1oaqRv-dH3TtDWT8aTQI5YcuGZR7HyUtr-HU7QoIynlcuXglDxQv4EkIRN5g_9F1cE/s400/IMG_1679a.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I folded down the top point until it reached the center of the square/diamond.<br />I pressed it down, opened it up, and stitched along the crease.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizhiJIK604P492ka_GGhLQ43qcfoESsBM2-TEDflyzym20pvPNb48HsT_siEf-ZW_1UjWWo0ZuqIkItTmHUfrXfnvtde9yQDgbIELiMi1EZOwAC8hO92EzF8rwoZeXx6c1BUyPOmSGzXQ/s1600/IMG_1681a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizhiJIK604P492ka_GGhLQ43qcfoESsBM2-TEDflyzym20pvPNb48HsT_siEf-ZW_1UjWWo0ZuqIkItTmHUfrXfnvtde9yQDgbIELiMi1EZOwAC8hO92EzF8rwoZeXx6c1BUyPOmSGzXQ/s400/IMG_1681a.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I trimmed the corners and turned the bag right-side-out.<br />I stuffed about 4 grocery bags into the cavity.</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2o9Q2yBCxiWF9CoNkg_cineOXLZ_f6JQ26KDqDRvlUDUjyz-3VsAPr0-WwJXtYfN_ZG7RSmuASugqpLTV4DFcbCKjsTNxEPNSHhr1h6wr_efsOmJly65iIyX8VmZa22-8S1wd-L8aOaA/s1600/IMG_1684a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2o9Q2yBCxiWF9CoNkg_cineOXLZ_f6JQ26KDqDRvlUDUjyz-3VsAPr0-WwJXtYfN_ZG7RSmuASugqpLTV4DFcbCKjsTNxEPNSHhr1h6wr_efsOmJly65iIyX8VmZa22-8S1wd-L8aOaA/s400/IMG_1684a.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Then I added a cup of dried beans for weight.<br />TeresaDownUnder uses a cardboard insert and a weight.</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIiL8FGIQqmvxod7m-tbUafKf2bgHx6k6OSMWAqO9jHMGqVMPfy_r7Z68DN1xEKlKTNwZAWhy7S92DeHvz9lk0F0Bj94AMONGhmYJbp-sVqjrC2NwYZYjyzvYG4F5xz1Y4Di7g4at4Ym0/s1600/IMG_1685a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIiL8FGIQqmvxod7m-tbUafKf2bgHx6k6OSMWAqO9jHMGqVMPfy_r7Z68DN1xEKlKTNwZAWhy7S92DeHvz9lk0F0Bj94AMONGhmYJbp-sVqjrC2NwYZYjyzvYG4F5xz1Y4Di7g4at4Ym0/s400/IMG_1685a.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I pushed all the stuffing about 3" away from the opening.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM6ONC2jUXCxlBpVa9muDIAi7maUQu6XaJiSwYL9bOZedvswMYoQTZBXdhsDa_nZjbqu2hHD8TgwdkaaLrzkZPnmymwUsbi6BIAoIh5sJAgkttcp5T8SHNhslhS0Mm-Sqdj7n5LpJpdZo/s1600/IMG_1691a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM6ONC2jUXCxlBpVa9muDIAi7maUQu6XaJiSwYL9bOZedvswMYoQTZBXdhsDa_nZjbqu2hHD8TgwdkaaLrzkZPnmymwUsbi6BIAoIh5sJAgkttcp5T8SHNhslhS0Mm-Sqdj7n5LpJpdZo/s400/IMG_1691a.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I folded over the end twice and pressed it down.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg17lCw8ErqRkmRawbJP8gTR4eNjl7jTb6rziJE0u0BZFUD5KiiTqGgH50e0WBKeHXulT_HFK5Ji_x_XEyG1hyvj3G2raxc-xzMP3ELXohjaVWM04LMn3Q_7J6n0yHVEo4ORlWWHPxUT5Y/s1600/IMG_1695a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg17lCw8ErqRkmRawbJP8gTR4eNjl7jTb6rziJE0u0BZFUD5KiiTqGgH50e0WBKeHXulT_HFK5Ji_x_XEyG1hyvj3G2raxc-xzMP3ELXohjaVWM04LMn3Q_7J6n0yHVEo4ORlWWHPxUT5Y/s400/IMG_1695a.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">I sewed two rows of stitches, leaving a channel.<br />It's the perfect size for an unsharpened pencil.<br />Other e-reader bean bags fill a a slightly larger channel with polyfill. </span></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
I keep my nook in a book-like cover at all times. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The e-reader stand works great with the cover on, or without. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am so pleased, and will most likely make a 100 more. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
They are so incredibly fast and easy to make. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtrU-LrfgZ7MDhsuUYDp5h0rMi5pZ4WoNSudjuansRVLztlm_O08xSfk76C_eoFT8pHCi_HTacqlfNbheTQmuF63JEi8CDGEytX3TnX-MiIhfXqOHgM4pRt2cOp2Ro967vPgw0GBlSilY/s1600/collagenook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtrU-LrfgZ7MDhsuUYDp5h0rMi5pZ4WoNSudjuansRVLztlm_O08xSfk76C_eoFT8pHCi_HTacqlfNbheTQmuF63JEi8CDGEytX3TnX-MiIhfXqOHgM4pRt2cOp2Ro967vPgw0GBlSilY/s640/collagenook.jpg" width="614" /></a></div>
I'm finding I really like having my Nood in the stand, displaying a recipe while I cook. Do you all enjoy your e-readers? What's your brand? What was the last book you read? I just read the latest Spellman book by Lisa Lutz. <br />
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Happy crafting and big hugs from Montana,</div>
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Before you click away, I'd like to invite you to join in my current <a href="http://ricochetandaway.blogspot.com/p/challenges-i-co-host.html" target="_blank">sewing/craft challenge</a>. <br />
I shared this post here:<br />
<a href="http://www.blissfulanddomestic.com/2012/12/feature-friday-linky-party-60-features.html">http://www.blissfulanddomestic.com/2012/12/feature-friday-linky-party-60-features.html</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.bearrabbitbear.com/2012/12/things-ive-done-thursday-66.html">http://www.bearrabbitbear.com/2012/12/things-ive-done-thursday-66.html</a><br />
<a href="http://www.seven-alive.com/2012/12/link-it-up-thursday-50.html">http://www.seven-alive.com/2012/12/link-it-up-thursday-50.html</a><br />
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