tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11306256915742684492024-03-16T02:10:33.463-07:00AlewivesGirlUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger533125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1130625691574268449.post-19603846858776591372016-09-13T05:52:00.000-07:002016-09-13T05:52:36.001-07:00Land of Magic blog tour: the crown block<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Good morning and welcome to my blog! It's been a while since I posted, but when <a href="http://kidgiddy.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Kerry</a> asked me to participate in her Land of Magic blog tour, I couldn't think of a better reason to dust off the ol' keyboard.</div>
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I was very excited to be assigned to make the crown block from Kerry's Land of Magic quilt (have you seen it? It's too cute and clever for words!), because as Kerry knows, I love to fussy cut and the crown block is a perfect candidate for some fussy cutting. </div>
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Normally, I like to do <i>English</i> paper piecing, but a fun and maybe little known fact about me is that I like to do foundation piecing as well. People are always mixing up English paper-piecing with foundation piecing (probably because they are both commonly referred to as just plain old "paper piecing"), but the two are very different. For those of you who don't know, English paper-piecing is always done by hand using paper templates whereas foundation piecing is always done by machine, sewing onto a paper foundation.</div>
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The crown block gave me all kinds of ideas and there are so many ways you could use this block. The shape of the crown would be perfect done up in solid gold with a little fur trim at the bottom and if you were to then embroider "<i>Let the wild rumpus start!</i>" you would have yourself a very cute piece of wall art for a children's room (<i>Tell me you get the reference!).</i></div>
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You could also make some yo yos and applique them onto the crown for a fairy princess crown (I could see a whole quilt done that way, with different fabrics for each crown block...oh yes!!!) and what about appliqueing a cute little frog peering out at you from behind the crown for a Princess and the Frog tribute? Soooo many possibilities for this block, I tell you!</div>
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But what immediately came to mind for me was some very regal Tula Pink fabric that I had in my stash and the idea to turn this block into a tooth fairy pillow. So, that's what I did! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwsqGWDxKFhlaFFC2RmwqYsm9YI6wMsAVPL8b-8HBSRYUgCI3MbzPsfLHvyHb4xSNSNYnegccBkFE7hF87Q6RoKEtpf7ZGdvfD91AAwXvOYy98HWyp_KdWm2S5nLpWzZEUXh0L0kc-6-8c/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwsqGWDxKFhlaFFC2RmwqYsm9YI6wMsAVPL8b-8HBSRYUgCI3MbzPsfLHvyHb4xSNSNYnegccBkFE7hF87Q6RoKEtpf7ZGdvfD91AAwXvOYy98HWyp_KdWm2S5nLpWzZEUXh0L0kc-6-8c/s320/photo+3.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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The block finishes at 8" which is ideal for little hands to hold. I added a little tiny pocket on the back for tooth-and-treasure-leaving purposes and then added a floral piping. Before I was even done, my son (who is only 3 and not quite yet in his tooth-losing years) decided this pillow was for him, which of course made my mommy heart swell. As I type, he is still asleep with the pillow beside him. Awww, they're so cute when they're sleeping ;-) </div>
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Fabrics I used were Tula Pink for Free Spirit "Elizabeth" for the crown, shot cotton in mushroom (I use this fabric waaaaaay too much) for the background, Kim Kight for Cotton+Steel "Lucky Strike" floral for the piping and Aneela Hoey for Moda "Hello Petal" tiny dot for the backing of the pillow. All were fabrics from my stash.</div>
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Thank you so much to <a href="http://kidgiddy.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Kerry</a> for asking me to create one of these blocks and thank you to <i>you</i> for stopping by the blog! Come find me on Instagram @Alewivesfabrics where I post almost every day rather than once every couple of years ;-)</div>
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~Rhea</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com81tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1130625691574268449.post-4375117439783701192014-09-01T20:25:00.001-07:002014-09-01T20:25:40.706-07:00Blog Sweet Blog<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfQ_She8GyJx1CLx_jHk25Xbq9Bl2UHlXfxXTWyyt2vfLQ_7HLkZomG2WMPNrmOPENCg_RxIrdRmegiDKlYOK774rIJcs3gJEN9O-q28ZY3I4E6oXh1WqjLg-BNT01hzmfEWV8PGToV2kJ/s1600/10427213_802161466502044_171760413249013713_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfQ_She8GyJx1CLx_jHk25Xbq9Bl2UHlXfxXTWyyt2vfLQ_7HLkZomG2WMPNrmOPENCg_RxIrdRmegiDKlYOK774rIJcs3gJEN9O-q28ZY3I4E6oXh1WqjLg-BNT01hzmfEWV8PGToV2kJ/s1600/10427213_802161466502044_171760413249013713_n.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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I do love having a blog.</div>
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I will always love the blog, and I thoroughly intend to spend more time with it in the near future. </div>
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But I am cheating on my blog with <a href="http://www.instagram.com/alewivesfabrics" target="_blank">Instagram</a>.</div>
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Until the blog and I work things out in couples therapy, I do hope you will check in on me and the shop via <a href="http://www.instagram.com/alewivesfabrics" target="_blank">Instagram</a> (and Facebook, too... I am an equal opportunity cheater).</div>
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There is some fun stuff going on over there.</div>
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XO,</div>
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Rhea</div>
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PS... </div>
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Even if you don't have an Instagram or Facebook account, you can see our latest posts by visiting the website's homepage... just click on the colorful icons at the top of the page. The one that looks like a letter "f" is Facebook and the one that looks like an old camera is Instagram!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1130625691574268449.post-48671007781185534572014-07-08T19:41:00.002-07:002014-07-08T19:41:48.267-07:00Wall of minis<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTuoCeGZpCknmQnRR0phzzC10RF2i1cosg1tTuDlYy5fD6B6bbzmd-Hhsluk0q8aVSaVk6YFYR2imJUREt9b_5lSS-z-3C68L8PyJrF6rnLYsSpjttKFZxSaiOulCXtVJY65qB5yhxQz2k/s1600/917142_692480320825376_66747487_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTuoCeGZpCknmQnRR0phzzC10RF2i1cosg1tTuDlYy5fD6B6bbzmd-Hhsluk0q8aVSaVk6YFYR2imJUREt9b_5lSS-z-3C68L8PyJrF6rnLYsSpjttKFZxSaiOulCXtVJY65qB5yhxQz2k/s1600/917142_692480320825376_66747487_n.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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We are having way too much fun here this summer.</div>
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Most days, you will find us furiously stitching mini quilts at the shop... </div>
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I've had this cockamamie idea for a while now to do a "wall of minis" in our booth at <a href="http://www.mainequilts.org/Quilt_Show/" target="_blank">Maine Quilts</a>, which is coming right up in a couple of weeks.</div>
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We will have a large display of small quilts taking up a significant portion of our display space.</div>
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In other words, a "wall of minis" (say it as you spread your hands across the sky in a most fabulous manner: <i>"wall of minis!"</i>).</div>
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The whole mini trend is so hot right now: I have drunk the Kool-Aid and the rest of the Alewives Girls are right there with me.</div>
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If you aren't going to the show, we've got lots of minis to show you at the shop.</div>
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From flying geese to teeny tiny pears. </div>
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Fun stuff, I tell you.</div>
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XO,</div>
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Rhea</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1130625691574268449.post-85131429942765523582014-07-03T09:07:00.000-07:002014-07-03T09:07:14.500-07:00Happy 4th of July!!!<div style="text-align: center;">
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We are enjoying some hot, hot weather here in Maine this week.</div>
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Ollie, Bert and I will be headed to Sprucehead for our annual 4th of July gathering with friends and I am really looking forward to watching Bert play in the surf, eating great food, drinking some fabulous libations, enjoying the company and relaxing.</div>
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There will be a giveaway this weekend, hosted by Amanda Soule on her blog <a href="http://www.soulemama.com/" target="_blank">Soulemama</a>.</div>
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Head on over there and you might win one of our <a href="http://www.alewivesfabrics.com/fabrics?cat_id=75&prod_id=7822" target="_blank">"Main Street" fat quarter bundles</a>.</div>
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No stars, lots of stripes: Americana at its best.</div>
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And for those of you who aren't lucky enough to win, everyone can use the code "SOULEMAMA" to enjoy a 10% discount on your purchases now through July 13th.</div>
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To use the code online, enter "SOULEMAMA" into the promotional code field at checkout.</div>
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You know the drill: the discount won't appear in your final order total or your confirmation e-mail, but we will manually change the cost of the order on our end.</div>
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And to receive the discount in person, just mention Soulemama at the register and we will discount your purchase by 10%: easy-peasy.</div>
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Have a great holiday!!!</div>
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XO,</div>
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Rhea</div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1130625691574268449.post-778004446175193422014-06-07T14:24:00.000-07:002014-07-03T08:52:34.244-07:00Give me the Liberty and Chambray throw or give me DEATH!!! Free tutorial<div style="text-align: center;">
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The <a href="http://www.alewivesfabrics.com/fabrics?cat_id=126&prod_id=4612">velveteen throws</a> we have made in the past will always hold a special place in my heart, but lately there is a new set of fabrics here at the shop that have garnered my attention.</div>
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I am speaking, of course, about the <a href="http://www.alewivesfabrics.com/fabrics?cat_id=148">Liberty of London Tana Lawns</a> we have received that just happen to look oh-so perfect with the<a href="http://www.alewivesfabrics.com/fabrics?cat_id=151"> Union Chambray</a> by Robert Kaufman that we have also received of late.</div>
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When these two new substrates arrived at the shop, we immediately knew we had to make a throw, but we had a DICKENS of a time choosing which Liberty we wanted to use (<a href="http://www.alewivesfabrics.com/fabrics?cat_id=148">they are all so gorgeous!!!</a>) and which <a href="http://www.alewivesfabrics.com/fabrics?cat_id=151" target="_blank">Union Chambray</a> we wanted to use (regardless of which Liberty we chose, all of the chambrays seemed to match perfectly!!!)</div>
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As my friend Kristine would say, <i>this is a rich man's problem</i>.</div>
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But, we did finally make a choice and I got one of my girls on the case and within a couple of hours we had a new throw for the shop.</div>
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Do you love it? (I love it.)</div>
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If you'd like to make a Liberty and Chambray throw of your own, I have a newly revamped set of instructions for you to use. Click the links to download (<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BwAtTopkPgcKX1ZCQ0oxUnpNNm8/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Page 1</a>,<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BwAtTopkPgcKMzNzY204X2V3VXc/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank"> Page 2</a> ).</div>
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We've also listed<a href="http://www.alewivesfabrics.com/fabrics?cat_id=151&prod_id=7758"> complete kits</a> in our online shop.</div>
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For those of you out there who may not be familiar, <a href="http://www.liberty.co.uk/blog/category/the-liberty-craft-blog/" target="_blank">Liberty of London</a> is an iconic design house from merry olde England that has been producing THE most beautiful textiles for the last century or so. Lately, however, the substrate called Tana Lawn has become uber-popular with quilters: particularly those of us who like to call themselves "modern" quilters (exhibit A: Elizabeth Hartman's absolutely adorable <a href="http://www.ohfransson.com/oh_fransson/2014/05/fancy-fox-quilt.html">"Fancy Fox" quilt</a>, among others.)</div>
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Although lawn is traditionally used for garments (it's smooth and silky cotton: a lot like voile. Perfect for nightgowns, breezy blouses and dreamy pillowcases) it is great in quilts.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizwNvzyVrvhOH-Gtrm9dAfheZBJ51hZYDCzmMkfVUFHxj2CL4Y4x48QksaI56Wx1mnv-vP8aW3xYjlBLDA40mudRqc3EoRDohFVL6yqMmYqIl0_rP-jLLXaWuPGPC_7OT38eXXoDosFcWM/s1600/photo+1+copy+5.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizwNvzyVrvhOH-Gtrm9dAfheZBJ51hZYDCzmMkfVUFHxj2CL4Y4x48QksaI56Wx1mnv-vP8aW3xYjlBLDA40mudRqc3EoRDohFVL6yqMmYqIl0_rP-jLLXaWuPGPC_7OT38eXXoDosFcWM/s1600/photo+1+copy+5.jpeg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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And let me tell you about this <a href="http://www.alewivesfabrics.com/fabrics?cat_id=151">Union Chambray</a>! Such a hit here at the shop.</div>
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It's soft, sturdy, timeless, and pairs well with <i>everything</i>. EVERY. THING.</div>
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The colors in the chambray are quite subtle: they can skew from blue to gray in a heartbeat, depending on what you put next to them.</div>
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As we say here at the shop: it's a very friendly fabric and plays well with others.</div>
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We have a handful of chambrays available at the shop and have given them their own category on the website.</div>
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And even though this sounds implausible, ANY of the chambrays are a good fit with any of the Liberty prints. We haven't seen a combination yet that was less than stellar.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG9y0jCKhtNV80vPq2bK-IYSkozWkx_fwboqfyH07dPN5rdr0nG6sz0IXl3Gd3MsSxKkTQ98YfPKGqMk_0Cabd3CblIfkYxe4OsEKhFLiz4AwCtCswvaZ_3TmjYDLCErUckAUbuSNRr-D9/s1600/photo+5+copy+2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG9y0jCKhtNV80vPq2bK-IYSkozWkx_fwboqfyH07dPN5rdr0nG6sz0IXl3Gd3MsSxKkTQ98YfPKGqMk_0Cabd3CblIfkYxe4OsEKhFLiz4AwCtCswvaZ_3TmjYDLCErUckAUbuSNRr-D9/s1600/photo+5+copy+2.jpeg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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So please do go ahead and download the set of instructions for making the Liberty and Chambray throw. </div>
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Click the links to download: </div>
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<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BwAtTopkPgcKX1ZCQ0oxUnpNNm8/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Liberty Throw Page 1</a></div>
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<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BwAtTopkPgcKMzNzY204X2V3VXc/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Liberty Throw Page 2</a> </div>
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We have complete kits available on the website right <a href="http://www.alewivesfabrics.com/fabrics?cat_id=151&prod_id=7758">here</a>.</div>
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Kits include your choice of 1.5 yards of Liberty and 1.5 yards of Chambray, the Quilter's Dream wool batting (We must insist on using the wool batting! It's super light and airy: a great pairing with the lawn, and don't forget it's machine washable!), a coordinating skein of embroidery floss, and a set of instructions.</div>
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Kits are $85.95. Yes, you read that correctly! The price of the kits comes out to be just $6.00 more than our Velveteen Throw kits... even though the Liberty is a bit "dear," the Chambray is only $8.50 a yard, so it all evens out quite nicely!</div>
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Please enjoy the free tutorial, and remember to use #alewivesfabrics if you post about us in any social media.</div>
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XO,</div>
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Rhea</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwdCQqYGRLr5F7YgSXIGiVGtJnuqt77cKNf9uBRnGEZM2KftmzD4vMspSKVBfWLIfL7b_UB_rEUdRWFAbGvXM0iWwQMkFsMRpVc4BzWa_THCj2ihgjwCc2tSCsAq96uDPI3as7v-Qd1puM/s1600/photo+4+copy+4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1130625691574268449.post-9644596371187773782014-04-04T13:36:00.005-07:002014-04-04T13:36:57.623-07:00What can you do with just one fat quarter of vinyl laminate? Tutorial roundup!!!<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/AVvXsEi2whR_bW35P6wUnvM-Rry3dvwVmZ3OAP2oo7rYKvQAt7Kld86wj9s-6YUy5cCuGc2CeXEGrRQlqfDJg4gWy37BfnHXooSR2ammyKodThuH_hyEX1RQK_iq3jTEcqpu3smCajd3xoi908kf/s1600/IMG_5937.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2whR_bW35P6wUnvM-Rry3dvwVmZ3OAP2oo7rYKvQAt7Kld86wj9s-6YUy5cCuGc2CeXEGrRQlqfDJg4gWy37BfnHXooSR2ammyKodThuH_hyEX1RQK_iq3jTEcqpu3smCajd3xoi908kf/s1600/IMG_5937.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Swag Bag</td></tr>
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If you are local to our shop then you know that every year, April means one thing:</div>
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<a href="http://www.maineshophop.com/">The Maine State Quilt Shop Hop</a>.</div>
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The Shop Hop is a celebration of Spring and a chance for quilters to get out of the house and on the road, connecting with fellow hoppers and collecting swag along the way.</div>
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This year, Alewives is giving away a goodie bag containing a free fat quarter of <a href="http://www.alewivesfabrics.com/fabrics?cat_id=45">vinyl laminate</a> fabric to all Shop Hoppers.</div>
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Our customers LOVE <a href="http://www.alewivesfabrics.com/fabrics?cat_id=45">vinyl laminate</a>.</div>
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In addition to yardage we sell it in pre-cut fat quarters here at the shop, and I can always spot someone whose never sewn with vinyl laminate before when they hold up a vinyl laminate fat quarter and ask the inevitable question:</div>
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<i>What can you do with one of these?</i></div>
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To which I always smile and respond: <i> </i></div>
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<i>What CAN'T you do with one of these???</i></div>
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To make it easier on one and all (but mostly myself), I've rounded up some tutorials from across the web that need just one fat quarter of vinyl laminate (or in some cases, you'll need to add a bit of fabric from your stash) to complete.</div>
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<b>Proceed with caution: you are about to fall into a very deep rabbit hole full of inspiration and creativity!</b></div>
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<b><a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/271881/oilcloth-crafts-lunch-bags">Lunch Bag</a>* </b></div>
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<i>*We've made this one a<u> lot</u> here at the shop, but you should note that Martha wants you to have a 29" length of oilcloth or vinyl laminate to make your lunch bag. MOST of our vinyl fat quarters are cut from 54" wide fabric, so they measure 18" by 27." For this project we just cut the fat quarter as long as we can, then follow Martha's instructions from there: no need to change anything else in the instructions except the length and your lunch bag will still work just fine!</i><b><i> </i></b></div>
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<a href="http://dodiegray.blogspot.com/2014/01/easy-snack-bag.html"><b>Reusable Snack Bag </b></a></div>
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<b><a href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/how-to-make-reusable-bowl-cove-108271">Bowl Covers</a> </b></div>
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<b><a href="http://aquiltofheather.blogspot.com/2012/06/fat-quarter-placemats.html">Placemat</a></b></div>
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<b><a href="http://www.u-createcrafts.com/2013/06/fabric-basket-tutorial-with-delia.html">Basket</a></b></div>
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<b><a href="http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=139384.0#axzz2xwnVUKyc">Knitting Needle Case </a></b></div>
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<b><a href="http://www.createcraftlove.com/2012/05/stitched-sunglasses-case.html">Sunglasses Case</a></b></div>
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<b><a href="http://crazylittleprojects.com/2012/04/diapers-and-wipes-holder.html">Diaper Clutch</a></b></div>
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<b><a href="http://heatherbailey.typepad.com/links/slobber-monkey-baby-bib-pattern.html">Baby Bib</a></b></div>
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<a href="http://lauralee-laura.blogspot.com/2012/12/life-will-be-changing-travel-changing.html"><b>Changing Pad</b></a></div>
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<b><a href="http://crazylittleprojects.com/2012/10/mary-jane-baby-girl-shoes-tutorial-and-pattern.html">Baby Shoes</a> </b></div>
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<b><a href="http://www.aestheticnest.com/2013/03/sewing-childs-reversible-fat-quarter.html">Child's Apron</a> </b></div>
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<a href="http://crazylittleprojects.com/2012/09/fabric-covered-notebook-or-binder.html"><b>Notebook Cover</b></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.erinerickson.com/2010/10/easy-iphone-sleeve-tutorial/"><b>Smartphone Case</b></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.sewmamasew.com/2009/02/february-13-fq-project-of-the-day/"><b>Mousepad</b></a></div>
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<a href="http://threebears.wordpress.com/2007/10/15/little-boxy-pouch-tutorial/"><b>Makeup Bag</b></a></div>
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<a href="http://gluegunannie.com/?p=227"><b>Pencil Case</b></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.sewmamasew.com/2010/12/jennifers-fabric-focus-pocket-tissue-pack/"><b>Tissue Holder</b></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.midwesterngirldiy.com/2012/04/summertime-walleta-tutorial.html"><b>Wallet</b></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.bhg.com/crafts/sewing/accessories/easy-to-make-wallet/?page=2"><b>Checkbook Cover</b></a></div>
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<b><a href="http://thehappyzombie.com/blog/?p=368">Totebag</a> </b></div>
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<b> </b></div>
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Some helpful website with hints and tips for working with and sewing on vinyl laminate can be found <a href="http://www.craftsy.com/article/tips-for-sewing-with-oil-cloth-vinyl-laminated-cotton">here</a>, <a href="http://swimbikequilt.com/2013/07/try-it-tuesday-5-laminate-fabrics-fusible-vinyl.html">here</a> and <a href="http://www.pinkchalkstudio.com/blog/2009/11/18/laminated-cotton-sewing-tips/">here</a>.</div>
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All of our vinyl laminates at the shop can be viewed on our website <a href="http://www.alewivesfabrics.com/fabrics?cat_id=45">here</a>. </div>
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I hope that's helpful to all those of you who are new to vinyl laminate... it really is fun stuff.</div>
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Enjoy!</div>
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XO,</div>
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Rhea</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1130625691574268449.post-29294110806634540762014-03-25T19:43:00.001-07:002014-03-25T19:43:09.581-07:00Twinkle, twinkle...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhp_zesDpM1LGKlOQaGo50I1hmtX0QRbs_i52UCmtXlncjPLcUY8OhPfDDisWTTML-i54ItrkhlH9gNH7N5itTGzgnLc1SYK2833mMnvPdc2EpmTOE9tnDOOJ7znR0qzW-ZoCr6IAlyhtv/s1600/IMG_5932.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhp_zesDpM1LGKlOQaGo50I1hmtX0QRbs_i52UCmtXlncjPLcUY8OhPfDDisWTTML-i54ItrkhlH9gNH7N5itTGzgnLc1SYK2833mMnvPdc2EpmTOE9tnDOOJ7znR0qzW-ZoCr6IAlyhtv/s1600/IMG_5932.JPG" height="400" width="306" /> </a></div>
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We're kinda in love with <a href="http://www.alewivesfabrics.com/fabrics?cat_id=114&prod_id=7483">this quilt</a>... <a href="http://www.alewivesfabrics.com/patterns_and_books?cat_id=139&prod_id=7461">Night Sky </a>by<a href="http://www.jaybirdquilts.com/"> Jaybird Quilts</a>.</div>
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More pictures to follow soon, but we need to bind this one and wrastle it outside so we can get a good photo of the whole thing (it's a queen size!). </div>
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Custom quilted by our own Tammy.</div>
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I love the ruler work she did on this one.</div>
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She knew there was no way (NO way) she was doing some ol' pantograph design on this looker.</div>
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We were so pleased when Julie (the creative mind behind Jaybird Quilts) <a href="http://www.jaybirdquilts.com/2014/03/more-fun-with-my-nightskyquilt-more.html">mentioned us on her blog</a>... what an honor!</div>
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(Makes us twinkle a little)</div>
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XO,</div>
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Rhea</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1130625691574268449.post-14418761188249389472014-03-10T19:37:00.002-07:002014-03-10T19:37:41.648-07:00Bundle up!<div style="text-align: center;">
What is it about a fat quarter bundle?</div>
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All luscious-looking and full of potential...</div>
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I just love 'em.</div>
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These are the latest fabrics from one of our favorite gals:<a href="http://www.alewivesfabrics.com/fabrics?cat_id=123"> Lotta Jansdotter</a>.</div>
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The full-spectrum bundle is from the new collection called "Mormor," and the black and white collection is called "Sylvia."</div>
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What to do, what to do with such beautiful bundles?</div>
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Something tells me I will have NO trouble figuring something out.</div>
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XO,</div>
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Rhea </div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1130625691574268449.post-86319133357829351052014-02-24T14:54:00.002-08:002014-02-24T14:54:45.758-08:00I tried...<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ1Tgs9rYsvRnNDIlXKY-4WoQsClN-Rpx9lKSrJVA_jcu-LkUWhBFoLO-c-Mhevh5_246l9oErLP2ZlNliawPan-IESUdhVvLGiZlF4ZEWHDxXBdUtOBE1OqGLXkD8I2c785afqlwz_-k1/s1600/photo+3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ1Tgs9rYsvRnNDIlXKY-4WoQsClN-Rpx9lKSrJVA_jcu-LkUWhBFoLO-c-Mhevh5_246l9oErLP2ZlNliawPan-IESUdhVvLGiZlF4ZEWHDxXBdUtOBE1OqGLXkD8I2c785afqlwz_-k1/s1600/photo+3.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a> </div>
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I really did try so hard to do the "low-volume" thing...</div>
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It's such a hot trend in the quilting world right now and every time I see a low-volume quilt on Pinterest I know I've just got to make one.</div>
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But my first attempt may have the dial cranked up just a click or two.</div>
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I wouldn't call <a href="http://www.alewivesfabrics.com/fabrics?cat_id=114&prod_id=7377">this the lowest of low-volume fat quarter bundles</a>, but it's what I was feeling the other day, and I do love how the fabrics work together.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXHgDdpqUWsqWJdlxFOLc6hXjpK7MJahUmJce7sVp4YBcb8r5JRw1_FKFU3RHh0mNr1lJFSZbnw17K25b5BU2N3K6jKLocFANF56gwbx7QnRPXUuPNIYceZcQWRbPcLM1D4xERuDCPDk5v/s1600/photo+4%281%29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXHgDdpqUWsqWJdlxFOLc6hXjpK7MJahUmJce7sVp4YBcb8r5JRw1_FKFU3RHh0mNr1lJFSZbnw17K25b5BU2N3K6jKLocFANF56gwbx7QnRPXUuPNIYceZcQWRbPcLM1D4xERuDCPDk5v/s1600/photo+4(1).jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a> </div>
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I would do something simple and keep the blocks fairly small with this bundle: like a pinwheel block or even a half-square triangle, somewhere in the 3"-5" finished range.</div>
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And of course you know how I feel about a simple grid of patchwork squares.</div>
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Like a Chanel suit, it will never go out of style.</div>
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So, try as I might, this bundle is <a href="http://www.alewivesfabrics.com/fabrics?cat_id=114&prod_id=7377">"low volume-<i>ish</i>,"</a> at best. </div>
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But I do love it so.</div>
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XO,</div>
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Rhea</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ1Tgs9rYsvRnNDIlXKY-4WoQsClN-Rpx9lKSrJVA_jcu-LkUWhBFoLO-c-Mhevh5_246l9oErLP2ZlNliawPan-IESUdhVvLGiZlF4ZEWHDxXBdUtOBE1OqGLXkD8I2c785afqlwz_-k1/s1600/photo+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoH5bZzSEAhMjwvFudcFcA9biKbGOXq65hRodG2n0113g7jiid0vAaI1ZkukbiARyRJ7xizwGsNCT64oEXzsb0BCgN8FHyLShYA7WMoeVNeAhyphenhyphen0__ZYHVPs6USTJ5O21fbmYhZD6OwGPoN/s1600/photo+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoH5bZzSEAhMjwvFudcFcA9biKbGOXq65hRodG2n0113g7jiid0vAaI1ZkukbiARyRJ7xizwGsNCT64oEXzsb0BCgN8FHyLShYA7WMoeVNeAhyphenhyphen0__ZYHVPs6USTJ5O21fbmYhZD6OwGPoN/s1600/photo+4.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1130625691574268449.post-3603032460854271982014-02-11T19:36:00.000-08:002014-02-11T19:36:10.114-08:00Snapshots...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8KeKwsKkC_UPI9ZEvyYJMHUHwNdPVZJtJKB3shKg_BLYmmS8Hu4o5ARndNgTdyzBbSEXDQehn_M19a00IpXxsuoZDX_2bPZV2jt8dHV3vnPRC7xfGUdM7pwpWIB0s3qlgXwxKL6KQ_L25/s1600/P2110041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8KeKwsKkC_UPI9ZEvyYJMHUHwNdPVZJtJKB3shKg_BLYmmS8Hu4o5ARndNgTdyzBbSEXDQehn_M19a00IpXxsuoZDX_2bPZV2jt8dHV3vnPRC7xfGUdM7pwpWIB0s3qlgXwxKL6KQ_L25/s1600/P2110041.JPG" height="400" width="300" /> </a></div>
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A snapshot of my knitting basket shows a sweater in progress for Bert (<a href="http://www.alewivesfabrics.com/fabrics?cat_id=68">all our yarn is 40% off, by the way...</a>)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGTeo6I15-PswEFJBqEdk-UfyEG11OBjatAFjl1hvDNkoC_iAh2yAGu46uBHwy5JImhip6jl24mTo669JLKObWlcuqLtuz5CvPfwtMHNe_SM7uti6q2i9wljCMKm2X98hyphenhyphent2tHoyy-E0TO/s1600/P2110043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGTeo6I15-PswEFJBqEdk-UfyEG11OBjatAFjl1hvDNkoC_iAh2yAGu46uBHwy5JImhip6jl24mTo669JLKObWlcuqLtuz5CvPfwtMHNe_SM7uti6q2i9wljCMKm2X98hyphenhyphent2tHoyy-E0TO/s1600/P2110043.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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A quick glimpse into my messy, messy bag will reveal bills, random pieces of fabric and a seed catalog... no money or anything fun like that.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib2ZPl6iDAOtjGHDgVjWzJ1qweR7SH6fTCKbuvL2FQkBUO2PEeYqDsx3awKp1NEUBlGQkSzgXIM9b_zuKkc0KUbCipLuUgiQ-A2RwfpOCcmg8DABqFGfYDRPy9E_nmt7Mr9KU7pb7gQarV/s1600/P2110044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib2ZPl6iDAOtjGHDgVjWzJ1qweR7SH6fTCKbuvL2FQkBUO2PEeYqDsx3awKp1NEUBlGQkSzgXIM9b_zuKkc0KUbCipLuUgiQ-A2RwfpOCcmg8DABqFGfYDRPy9E_nmt7Mr9KU7pb7gQarV/s1600/P2110044.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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A snapshot from our bedroom shows a tea towel Ollie put in my Christmas stocking that I promptly turned into a cover for a throw pillow (I am nothing if not an equal opportunity textile junkie).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLusOYJXVZ0iDf9W7gfjRFgr9OsqcfYo-0ewRcdSCBdzwx-2Ku53sQ9eRC3PSCWLS0Y3lw54PPmmNAqeHOiLK9UvvUotHN9-3UOIxp3js8sV7xAouUsXFa84AMCEVz0KfSuUW1-CnN1IB3/s1600/P2110049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLusOYJXVZ0iDf9W7gfjRFgr9OsqcfYo-0ewRcdSCBdzwx-2Ku53sQ9eRC3PSCWLS0Y3lw54PPmmNAqeHOiLK9UvvUotHN9-3UOIxp3js8sV7xAouUsXFa84AMCEVz0KfSuUW1-CnN1IB3/s1600/P2110049.JPG" height="240" width="320" /> </a></div>
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In the sewing room, among other things are some miniature paper-pieced baskets (these are just 2" square) that I thoroughly intend to do something with one of these days...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0d6-5VVPxx5s4Xq3ApcdkDQy8TU-X7qUPHG9AnT9eIvh-8VAZNtn-IVQldMHWXMXbfBz0MxM_cyIYVbAsRV11GlZ06ULXECqKLmyFGFYG0VclxPybvIFW1VUTs-TZrWfhs2Cq8uNxHdyk/s1600/P2110047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0d6-5VVPxx5s4Xq3ApcdkDQy8TU-X7qUPHG9AnT9eIvh-8VAZNtn-IVQldMHWXMXbfBz0MxM_cyIYVbAsRV11GlZ06ULXECqKLmyFGFYG0VclxPybvIFW1VUTs-TZrWfhs2Cq8uNxHdyk/s1600/P2110047.JPG" height="400" width="300" /> </a></div>
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And how could I not include a snapshot of this little guy who is oh-so close to walking and had the cutest little cowlick today?</div>
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XO,</div>
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Rhea</div>
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PS</div>
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Just in case you don't follow us on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/alewives.fabrics">Facebook</a> or receive our <a href="http://www.alewivesfabrics.com/newsletter">newsletter</a>, we have a <a href="http://www.alewivesfabrics.com/fabrics?cat_id=68">huge new clearance section</a> on our website. It's something I've been meaning to do for a long time and I think you're all gonna like it! </div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1130625691574268449.post-11786205628518591342014-02-05T15:56:00.003-08:002014-02-05T15:56:46.507-08:00Snow Day!!!<div style="text-align: center;">
Are you still reading my blog?</div>
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Oh, good.</div>
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We had a nice snow day here today.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitz8dsiZdoNRHwNdZmaniR709eFOZJAGZhIdO78pe8ehlF17sCrwTLwj2JtV4IlZxyZ9uZlQjNmTF-096X2auF6M0LsOWKAOqKC7YHPnMslGEQJCAayguvF8JazA4gdj2KgQ5e6MlkfArX/s1600/P2050163.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitz8dsiZdoNRHwNdZmaniR709eFOZJAGZhIdO78pe8ehlF17sCrwTLwj2JtV4IlZxyZ9uZlQjNmTF-096X2auF6M0LsOWKAOqKC7YHPnMslGEQJCAayguvF8JazA4gdj2KgQ5e6MlkfArX/s1600/P2050163.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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Fish totes, quilts, new books, knitting, naps and snacks.</div>
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Hope you had a good day, too.</div>
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XO,</div>
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Rhea</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1130625691574268449.post-52737005304240357652014-01-16T19:24:00.000-08:002014-01-16T19:24:20.017-08:00Big sale starts Saturday!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAThdueFovMaz0Pyl1HinZ-ytgUO_zTA24Xk8IgAPgB3cNw13QhhkpR2NZ5l86xT7ONIquyet6ERHezP0SSDoLCIRylxcl79Zqktq_52RKDOasb7_EXCFUjXLrrSzPbZOkUQtc8f5zbTaK/s1600/1525160_675997155785143_2033404261_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAThdueFovMaz0Pyl1HinZ-ytgUO_zTA24Xk8IgAPgB3cNw13QhhkpR2NZ5l86xT7ONIquyet6ERHezP0SSDoLCIRylxcl79Zqktq_52RKDOasb7_EXCFUjXLrrSzPbZOkUQtc8f5zbTaK/s1600/1525160_675997155785143_2033404261_n.jpg" height="400" width="300" /> </a></div>
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Pam and I gave the classroom what I like to call an "extreme makeover" the other day in anticipation of our giant clearance sale that starts this Saturday.</div>
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We've schlepped a lot of fabrics, etc. downstairs to turn the classroom into a sale-room, and there's lots of great stuff down there at 40% off.</div>
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Sometimes I am a bit stubborn about fabric... meaning I love it, I have big plans for it, I can see the finished projects in my mind's eye, but the reality is, there's just not enough time in the day to pull the trigger on all the sewing projects I would like to execute and there's only so much room in our little shop and some things have been around a bit too long.</div>
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Therefore, 40% off.</div>
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Out with the old and in with the new (and there is so. much.<a href="http://www.alewivesfabrics.com/fabrics?cat_id=114"> new</a>).</div>
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The sale starts this Saturday, January 18th (we're hosting an Open House that day, as well) and runs through Saturday, January 25th.</div>
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We don't do sales like this very often, so if you are local, or even local-ish, you should make the journey and score yourself a bargain.</div>
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I will be back again soon... we've got lots to talk about.</div>
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XO,</div>
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Rhea </div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1130625691574268449.post-54732741018512131052014-01-06T19:42:00.001-08:002014-01-06T19:42:58.809-08:002013 ramblings...<div style="text-align: center;">
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2013 was a good year for me.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixhWlju_fPSV-sTRaGceHqewvTfrEtZzoO2DduEVbTpgC5QH6oXqwR8w6ARWgs6ER5OpiBk6D3SqyVH0OVtvSe6KQp255ecBKlynt4O8_ZGMSb71otT5OrC4taXLM2-q_z4W7VeJJHiibf/s1600/P9180051.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixhWlju_fPSV-sTRaGceHqewvTfrEtZzoO2DduEVbTpgC5QH6oXqwR8w6ARWgs6ER5OpiBk6D3SqyVH0OVtvSe6KQp255ecBKlynt4O8_ZGMSb71otT5OrC4taXLM2-q_z4W7VeJJHiibf/s1600/P9180051.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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We picked peaches from our neighbors tree and ate them 'til we were covered in juice.</div>
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We went to Acadia National Park and rode our bikes around Witch Hole Pond: Ollie in the front towing Bert in the bike trailer... me bringing up the rear, watching Bertie's head bobbing around, enjoying the ride.</div>
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We went on lots of boat rides in our little red boat on Damariscotta Lake: Ollie brought the "daddy" things like gas and ropes and spare oars, I brought the "mommy" things like sunblock and sweaters and snacks.</div>
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My favorite fabric of the past year was "Specimen" in the color "struck" from the "Field Study" collection by Anna Maria Horner (That came out in 2013, right? Even if it didn't, it's still my favorite fabric of the past year...)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPExcZHl67mH9bqIOuT1ETsBebXGp1ygGkhg35aJiSl4XYDBOddEfozQc8-L1cz4cBla2zNb4nlqReHo4uR9zr-9KbFbLRMiLl57X3sMS28ut73m7fOZtIWgWj2lDEzoJV2pt824oyIQP8/s1600/PWAH052.Struck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPExcZHl67mH9bqIOuT1ETsBebXGp1ygGkhg35aJiSl4XYDBOddEfozQc8-L1cz4cBla2zNb4nlqReHo4uR9zr-9KbFbLRMiLl57X3sMS28ut73m7fOZtIWgWj2lDEzoJV2pt824oyIQP8/s1600/PWAH052.Struck.jpg" height="320" width="245" /></a></div>
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My favorite thing I sewed in 2013 was Elise's "Baby in the Hood" jacket from the book <u>Handmade Beginnings</u> by Anna Maria Horner. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijHpCagO2BLPu4_t9cCn-rsyOEGp3rwQH5UcKB2tKFmxW8ST63ujS7YwoYm-VJ0qE8tboOsRIedz1IUmq7be9gh50GEj-pLDlJdIHA94j12athihX5jwxhS0Q1a5DZURCNh1d-7-dR5vud/s1600/994066_641661059218753_561209962_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijHpCagO2BLPu4_t9cCn-rsyOEGp3rwQH5UcKB2tKFmxW8ST63ujS7YwoYm-VJ0qE8tboOsRIedz1IUmq7be9gh50GEj-pLDlJdIHA94j12athihX5jwxhS0Q1a5DZURCNh1d-7-dR5vud/s1600/994066_641661059218753_561209962_n.jpg" height="400" width="300" /> </a></div>
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The biggest lesson I learned in 2013 was that you will never have enough time to do all the things you want to do: just pick the most important things and do them really well.</div>
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The scariest thing that happened in 2013 was hearing that my Grandmother had had a stroke.</div>
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And when a bat flew into our living room while I was watching TV alone late at night.</div>
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The happiest thing that happened in 2013 was my Grandmother's complete recovery from a stroke.</div>
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And watching Bert grow up into a one year old.</div>
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The happiest "fabric" thing that happened in 2013 was receiving a package full of out of print Heather Ross fabrics (can you say VW buses and gnomes?) from my friend Suzanne.</div>
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My biggest accomplishment in 2013 was to pull off the re-arrange of the century: every single bolt in the shop was methodically moved over the course of five days 'til we had a whole new energy in the place.</div>
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I'm still looking for fabric in the old places sometimes.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnENFIuD1_i2C2lVdbB78au8tr1-aAatFOXWtVmRjI15ItJ_xWDH9_nMHkxh7wB_SsoDuE9WK6s8oH1YqgpFTZKBoIL-6ASWOfzQwICpkwG2POke_GiMxjJnpo_oCQfa6aZhwo9iJVI7nW/s1600/PC070090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnENFIuD1_i2C2lVdbB78au8tr1-aAatFOXWtVmRjI15ItJ_xWDH9_nMHkxh7wB_SsoDuE9WK6s8oH1YqgpFTZKBoIL-6ASWOfzQwICpkwG2POke_GiMxjJnpo_oCQfa6aZhwo9iJVI7nW/s1600/PC070090.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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And my goal for 2014 is to be healthy, happy and safe.</div>
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I wish you and yours the same!</div>
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XO,</div>
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Rhea</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1130625691574268449.post-36799021880563822372013-12-26T13:49:00.001-08:002013-12-26T13:51:32.596-08:00A Quilt for Christmas<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8AYrFoW0E3GQz0MRKKKj273cfR7HBizDbVwQzk3Bv0MYcqtTaZOqutqJ7Nc3ZinwRbwGuu1Ff3Yr8IBq6_j5bA4GGkeMj0g-IpOLGfZK_Mx1iUYiOZxIQHI0XCEWtGRGSfv5UpLBYHkuC/s1600/PC240053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi27dB7G9VTV1zcwAHE86WO5P4oGuEMGy6D6uEericCznrnehyLCjm9iTlsPGdIb6HxpSFFiFVSsCUdG5H2msNzZBcLrRewgSUg_moVVQxOIomUerHPk57i93rsQSuxS0upd30WXpL0jqlB/s1600/1506037_10202075560123404_1461478144_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi27dB7G9VTV1zcwAHE86WO5P4oGuEMGy6D6uEericCznrnehyLCjm9iTlsPGdIb6HxpSFFiFVSsCUdG5H2msNzZBcLrRewgSUg_moVVQxOIomUerHPk57i93rsQSuxS0upd30WXpL0jqlB/s400/1506037_10202075560123404_1461478144_n.jpg" width="300" /></a><br />
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As some of you know, Bert did <i>not</i> arrive on his due date, nor anywhere <i>near</i> his due date, but instead was born thirteen days <i>past</i> his due date, which meant he was born on December 25th: also known as <span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;">C</span><span style="color: #38761d;">h</span><span style="color: red;">r</span><span style="color: #38761d;">i</span><span style="color: red;">s</span><span style="color: #38761d;">t</span><span style="color: red;">m</span><span style="color: #38761d;">a</span><span style="color: red;">s</span></span>.</div>
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For
the record, I don't think they should give you a "due date," because fixating on one day
makes you completely psychotic at a time in your life when you don't need <u>any</u>
help in that department, especially when every time you leave the house,
someone inevitably says to you "You STILL haven't had that baby yet?!?"</div>
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May I propose instead that we all have due "<i>time frames?</i>"</div>
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(...And that no one <u>ever</u> be allowed to utter the phrase "You STILL haven't had that baby yet?!?") </div>
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The further and further (and <i>further</i>) I went past my due date, people would see me sans baby, and still very much with belly, and say one of two things:</div>
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<i>"Maybe you'll have him on Christmas!"</i></div>
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Or the more frequent advice (as if I had some control in the matter):</div>
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<i>"Whatever you do, DON'T have him on Christmas!"</i></div>
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My response was always "I don't care when he comes as long as he comes on his own."</div>
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I
was lucky to have a midwife who supported my decision to "wait it out,"
and I'm so glad I did, because Bert did come on his own, and I
personally think it is very cool to have a baby born on Christmas.</div>
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My memories of the time Ollie and I spent in the hospital with our newborn baby are probably my favorite ever...</div>
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I remember <i>finally</i>
making the phone calls to our friends and family that baby Bert was
here, my mother and sister driving over at 3 in the morning for Bert's
first snuggles, my father arriving at 5 in the morning with tears in his
eyes, my three best friends sneaking away from their own families for a
visit in the afternoon, joking that the baby Jesus may have had three
wise men come visit him, but Bert had three wise <i>women</i>!</div>
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I remember the OB had to give me a few stitches and me asking him exactly what<i> kind</i> of stitch was he using, because I was a quilter and liked to know such things...</div>
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(Too much information?)</div>
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I remember most of all a <i>very</i> round head and two <i>huge</i>
eyes blinking up at me when we finally saw each other for the first
time: not so much with the look of "instant love" you always see in the
movies, but more with a look of "what the hell just happened to us?" </div>
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And
I remember my midwife kissing me on the forehead, telling me I had done
a good job, then looking at the clock and saying: "He was born on
Christmas: you get to take home the quilt!"</div>
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Say what???</div>
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What I did <i>not</i>
know about having a Christmas baby at Miles Memorial Hospital in little
Damariscotta, Maine, was that there was a quilt-y tradition involved...</div>
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Of course, had I known, I would have been gunning for a Christmas baby all along!</div>
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The tradition began in 1995, when a local lady, Julie Stegna, (who also happens to be a FABULOUS quilter) had a Christmas baby of her own.</div>
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She
made a small quilt and brought it back to the hospital to be given to
the next Christmas baby, and she wrote her good wishes for that baby and
their family on the back of the quilt.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvqM5yybVjUU9YEotDbLWezEsCyOgrs3Cbu5alSmeAR58MTr5R20yrn4NvQTiYe6S7vgeykF6ZJYz0MlrR8ojMdEMdybk2wV7whNXXD4iWXzblXK0h5KkPVn0Snm5uoTXlD-c1kjTcsAu0/s1600/PC240045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvqM5yybVjUU9YEotDbLWezEsCyOgrs3Cbu5alSmeAR58MTr5R20yrn4NvQTiYe6S7vgeykF6ZJYz0MlrR8ojMdEMdybk2wV7whNXXD4iWXzblXK0h5KkPVn0Snm5uoTXlD-c1kjTcsAu0/s400/PC240045.JPG" width="356" /></a></div>
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Instead
of keeping that quilt for themselves, the family who had the 1996
Christmas baby kept it for one year, then wrote their own good wishes on
the back of the quilt, and returned it to the hospital in the hopes of
continuing the tradition for all future Christmas babies.</div>
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When
I received the quilt in 2012, it had gone to 7 families total, and each
of those families had kept the quilt for one year, written their
sentiments with a fabric marker on the back of the quilt, then brought
it back to the hospital.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9CN5DaFI6wVElWigMlLwbNMa7vGoKvrCWhyphenhyphenlHiHGU3nPHLyxW3BYcWdCnvQgR2oFQgqxedyvWH1Os56KubLNldSWjRzxrdJ2M_o3_Tvglt7mpnfxBk7GI_My8___DKlz34LhyphenhyphenrKXc5lCA/s1600/PC240046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9CN5DaFI6wVElWigMlLwbNMa7vGoKvrCWhyphenhyphenlHiHGU3nPHLyxW3BYcWdCnvQgR2oFQgqxedyvWH1Os56KubLNldSWjRzxrdJ2M_o3_Tvglt7mpnfxBk7GI_My8___DKlz34LhyphenhyphenrKXc5lCA/s400/PC240046.JPG" width="326" /></a></div>
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The
quilt is in amazing shape for something that has been well-loved and
passed between 7 different families (<i><u>8</u></i> including ours) for the past 18
years, but here's where the line between coincidence and divine
intervention gets a bit blurry:</div>
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<br /></div>
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When it came to us, there was only enough room on the quilt's backing <i>for one more family</i> to write their wishes and memories.</div>
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<i>Does this qualify as a Christmas miracle, or what?</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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That
the quilt should come to me (someone who happens to have made a quilt
or two in her day), when the tradition may have come to a close had it
gone to a non-crafty mom, is beyond priceless: if I read this in a story
or saw it in a movie, I wouldn't believe it.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Perhaps
even less plausible is the fact that over the past few weeks I was able
to piece and quilt a new Christmas Baby Quilt for the hospital.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGDHFLAIKUcBHojaiv8I4CWBJOOVvxDpGu2_zR22pZkIveN3v-4TAS8s86cLoH9TDVCfB1Jx_lzVSra8tkzVbSLEZHKUWc9VIOcPqXrBh-W_zwh0UN_Ka1lN-ALRyvy_xHs8hJ-GSYXzqf/s1600/PC240048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGDHFLAIKUcBHojaiv8I4CWBJOOVvxDpGu2_zR22pZkIveN3v-4TAS8s86cLoH9TDVCfB1Jx_lzVSra8tkzVbSLEZHKUWc9VIOcPqXrBh-W_zwh0UN_Ka1lN-ALRyvy_xHs8hJ-GSYXzqf/s400/PC240048.JPG" width="313" /></a></div>
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Although
my quilt could never have as much love as the original (I confess it
never would have occurred to me to make a quilt for future Christmas
babies if this local lady hadn't done so first), </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm
honored and blessed to bring the Christmas Baby Quilt tradition full
circle, and I look forward to a future full of new traditions, quilt-y
and otherwise, with my own Christmas baby.</div>
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Wishing you and yours a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, from the Alewives MOM!</div>
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XO,</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Rhea<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8AYrFoW0E3GQz0MRKKKj273cfR7HBizDbVwQzk3Bv0MYcqtTaZOqutqJ7Nc3ZinwRbwGuu1Ff3Yr8IBq6_j5bA4GGkeMj0g-IpOLGfZK_Mx1iUYiOZxIQHI0XCEWtGRGSfv5UpLBYHkuC/s1600/PC240053.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8AYrFoW0E3GQz0MRKKKj273cfR7HBizDbVwQzk3Bv0MYcqtTaZOqutqJ7Nc3ZinwRbwGuu1Ff3Yr8IBq6_j5bA4GGkeMj0g-IpOLGfZK_Mx1iUYiOZxIQHI0XCEWtGRGSfv5UpLBYHkuC/s400/PC240053.JPG" width="371" /></a> </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1130625691574268449.post-25139738793693748912013-12-04T10:30:00.000-08:002013-12-04T10:30:08.394-08:00For Elise...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivowQFE-fyFFVVkur-2XeX5gbU_-1qvUfj_4dYqFHgZXTjH1Ka44oOfno3H8mfzojvRrJTDT4D2QMUAKhlZpdckrOXUp1dVxDeyrdV105OwrXvrYMuVyptkm6yFCdZbrBwCOY3zH3Zh7xV/s1600/994066_641661059218753_561209962_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivowQFE-fyFFVVkur-2XeX5gbU_-1qvUfj_4dYqFHgZXTjH1Ka44oOfno3H8mfzojvRrJTDT4D2QMUAKhlZpdckrOXUp1dVxDeyrdV105OwrXvrYMuVyptkm6yFCdZbrBwCOY3zH3Zh7xV/s400/994066_641661059218753_561209962_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Bert has a little best friend, Miss Elise.</div>
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They've had a playdate together every Wednesday afternoon since they were born.</div>
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Sewing for a little boy is all well and fine, but I have to admit when Elise's first birthday rolled around I was totally jazzed to make something girly.</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
I've been wanting to make the <a href="https://www.flickr.com/search/?q=baby%20in%20the%20hood%20jacket">Baby In The Hood Jacket</a> from Anna Maria Horner's <a href="http://www.alewivesfabrics.com/patterns_and_books?cat_id=55&prod_id=1537"><u>Handmade Beginnings</u></a> book ever since the pre-baby days, so that is just what I did for Elise.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQVZ1j4fmEeTDjR6TBLYkLRSNhX3AMUT5SI13mkAzrdqvqzXCHY_KDdik8lirQO4sZqR5Qrv7c6xeEJc2xwIuQ8kdQ8xBD3kk_rdeQK8PmoyCnjNXsq28Y2rM4nCHadCA-BtuBviELeE14/s1600/1441284_641661072552085_983782881_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQVZ1j4fmEeTDjR6TBLYkLRSNhX3AMUT5SI13mkAzrdqvqzXCHY_KDdik8lirQO4sZqR5Qrv7c6xeEJc2xwIuQ8kdQ8xBD3kk_rdeQK8PmoyCnjNXsq28Y2rM4nCHadCA-BtuBviELeE14/s400/1441284_641661072552085_983782881_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Little by little, stitch by stitch, stolen moment by stolen moment, I finally finished her jacket.</div>
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I used an out of print Denyse Schmidt canvas weight for the jacket's exterior, an organic Cloud 9 flannel for the lining, and I fussy cut an Anna Maria Horner print from her "Good Folks" line for the detail-y bits (along the button placket and down the middle of the hood).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_IMlAbhUn6DZMToJc9oQ_wetuuScYT5QTsU1HNW9knlCe4a8kFHUdjcwUbdfCZM6R9suiLylbLdZGgB6BLiW_JVhxoJ3BJdkTChCRjX8kql2up2zBIY5gcduRth8Bz6g8bYKIYvtIzk2H/s1600/555950_641663455885180_2081835055_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_IMlAbhUn6DZMToJc9oQ_wetuuScYT5QTsU1HNW9knlCe4a8kFHUdjcwUbdfCZM6R9suiLylbLdZGgB6BLiW_JVhxoJ3BJdkTChCRjX8kql2up2zBIY5gcduRth8Bz6g8bYKIYvtIzk2H/s400/555950_641663455885180_2081835055_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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As you can see, Elise has the most gorgeous hair, skin and eyes, so a lot of thought went into colors that would be just right for her, but with the added challenge of using what I had in my stash.</div>
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I also wanted to satisfy my craving to sew something girly but didn't want to make the jacket too "pink." I never thought buying clothes for a boy would be easier than buying clothes for a girl, but if you aren't into pink it can be VERY hard to find something for a little girl to wear. </div>
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I love how it turned out, and it was a pleasure (I repeat: a PLEASURE!) to stitch up this jacket.</div>
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At the risk of sounding like a broken record, the <a href="http://www.alewivesfabrics.com/patterns_and_books?cat_id=55&prod_id=1537"><u>Handmade Beginnings</u></a> book is just phenomenal.</div>
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I've yet to encounter a single mistake or poorly written direction, and I return to this book over and over and over again for all my baby sewing needs.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRhu93ZkJYi8S2bLrfjQelC8BoN0RkL_ILMpXy-QE23R5omfivEJqD35qCDWYOPVwChiRLalpSguyNX9XPqKMpFy0bZlJfehQAt5iUeHD5nwe9te-ecrk30oWjtBzR-SghHh7jGW44QqoG/s1600/1424583_641661109218748_2071716959_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRhu93ZkJYi8S2bLrfjQelC8BoN0RkL_ILMpXy-QE23R5omfivEJqD35qCDWYOPVwChiRLalpSguyNX9XPqKMpFy0bZlJfehQAt5iUeHD5nwe9te-ecrk30oWjtBzR-SghHh7jGW44QqoG/s400/1424583_641661109218748_2071716959_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I have some Christmas/birthday sewing I'd like to do for Bert, not the least of which is his very own Baby In The Hood Jacket.</div>
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Don't you think he needs one, too?</div>
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XO,</div>
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Rhea</div>
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<i><span style="color: red;">PS</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: red;">I've received some insider information that it may be getting hard/impossible to find a copy of <a href="http://www.alewivesfabrics.com/patterns_and_books?cat_id=55&prod_id=1537">Handmade Beginnings</a> at your local quilt shop. Once I got wind of the story behind the story (from Miss Anna Maria herself), I stockpiled copies for the shop. If you're one of the few people who still doesn't have a copy and would like one, let me know and I'll set one aside for you before they are gone for good!</span></i></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1130625691574268449.post-39642992020297115292013-11-14T19:11:00.000-08:002013-11-14T19:11:08.406-08:00I see your true colors<div style="text-align: center;">
New fabrics have arrived... </div>
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The proverbial Boatload with a capital "B".</div>
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"True Colors" (a line of modern basics, some of you old timers out there might call these "blenders"). </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMnHd4ER2Zi8kw-bYq5HPNrBfxpHjmsONMugjsaIfq3Lgeod7YH5cBpvm02tIgbAymaUiAEmmAzUI0uaIpHua6Cvx0s-S_Yv5BO5Ife6tKUKzXSCvjKOUmNtzdF0RbGE9P_LHmzjkkWC8k/s1600/10857323076_f5702013f9_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMnHd4ER2Zi8kw-bYq5HPNrBfxpHjmsONMugjsaIfq3Lgeod7YH5cBpvm02tIgbAymaUiAEmmAzUI0uaIpHua6Cvx0s-S_Yv5BO5Ife6tKUKzXSCvjKOUmNtzdF0RbGE9P_LHmzjkkWC8k/s1600/10857323076_f5702013f9_o.jpg" height="400" width="283" /></a></div>
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Also <a href="http://freespiritfabric.com/core-pages/gallery.php?gal_id=553">Dowry</a>, some gorgeous V&A prints, and so much fabric-y goodness I think my head's gonna 'splode.</div>
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We're uploading them as fast as our fingers can go, but if you're local you can come and see them in person. Did you see the super-cute free pants pattern from <a href="http://annamariahorner.blogspot.com/2013/11/true-colors.html">Anna Maria</a>? She's awfully nice to share.</div>
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XO,</div>
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Rhea </div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1130625691574268449.post-68540854568394407472013-10-30T20:29:00.000-07:002013-10-30T20:29:02.364-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoyWyNUOXzrBTfCQ5pDTyTnbjUnNWVMf4cTvt1JMUDbaqj_V_OMALVw_6WxJBne1kdPCrNHrg-7E0nFxW3q_EaZkTcl91FABrCMoya-YSwEs6QgFuLmi0So8s8EAP-OOs6Cf8T2NGOTUP_/s1600/992852_695368260475210_455802300_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoyWyNUOXzrBTfCQ5pDTyTnbjUnNWVMf4cTvt1JMUDbaqj_V_OMALVw_6WxJBne1kdPCrNHrg-7E0nFxW3q_EaZkTcl91FABrCMoya-YSwEs6QgFuLmi0So8s8EAP-OOs6Cf8T2NGOTUP_/s1600/992852_695368260475210_455802300_n.jpg" height="280" width="400" /></a></div>
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Yay!!!</div>
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XO,</div>
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Rhea</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1130625691574268449.post-35134170864360475542013-10-26T19:07:00.001-07:002013-10-26T19:07:11.026-07:00Oh no she din't!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPhm6VXu2dzJsa3K7KFZ_T1cF8oK90GXTz27y_WzytKF0EiWRq2nJJOzMbMiEW6n-AYDGP63ApWn6cQSTrWgqQB32DR3sgMXzzpacN8g5rzGSTbGajoVuqtX54MkFjehtGfecJWlcM_6HE/s1600/P8050059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPhm6VXu2dzJsa3K7KFZ_T1cF8oK90GXTz27y_WzytKF0EiWRq2nJJOzMbMiEW6n-AYDGP63ApWn6cQSTrWgqQB32DR3sgMXzzpacN8g5rzGSTbGajoVuqtX54MkFjehtGfecJWlcM_6HE/s1600/P8050059.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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Oh yes she did.</div>
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But in my defense I was defense-<i>less</i> against these fabrics.</div>
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I simply had to have them.</div>
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Thank you, JoAnn's, for putting your <a href="http://www.joann.com/search?q=juliana%20horner">best cheese</a> on sale for 30% off.</div>
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No skin off my nose.</div>
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XO,</div>
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Rhea</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1130625691574268449.post-74584569584749621792013-10-22T20:32:00.001-07:002013-10-22T20:32:55.260-07:003 years ago...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHspX0hHC2h-U9d2AbKH2g25XD0uJ8onSgKFXr_8jiny_oT-pVx1NaQU9MUxBLpylsL8yjlNSRbKUxWI7_fG1SCjgb6mfGGmPUgCKiogEipFLy6UFHt1L9AGUDgHFY9d6ulj1-feEWovnQ/s1600/DSC_0110.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHspX0hHC2h-U9d2AbKH2g25XD0uJ8onSgKFXr_8jiny_oT-pVx1NaQU9MUxBLpylsL8yjlNSRbKUxWI7_fG1SCjgb6mfGGmPUgCKiogEipFLy6UFHt1L9AGUDgHFY9d6ulj1-feEWovnQ/s1600/DSC_0110.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
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It was sunny and windy and a great day to get married.</div>
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I want to thank you, Mike McD, for breaking my heart in 2005.</div>
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Things have worked out pretty well for me since then ;-)</div>
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XO,</div>
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Rhea </div>
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PS</div>
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Speaking of such things, congratulations to my dear friend <a href="http://lilyshousestonington.blogspot.com/2013/10/this-pumpkin-was-grown-and-carved-by.html">Kyra</a>. I'm honored to share an anniversary week with you!</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1130625691574268449.post-23994347614733971832013-09-26T17:43:00.000-07:002013-09-26T17:43:16.610-07:00From the archives...<i><span style="color: #741b47;">I was dusting off dusty things the other day... including my computer.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #741b47;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="color: #741b47;">I came across this old blog post and thought it would be fun to re-visit.</span></i><br />
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<i><span style="color: #741b47;">Enjoy! </span></i><br />
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<h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name">
Love Letter (originally posted February, 2009)</h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOdB6DqOcgWzyH_drDOLiKoNaH0Y2qp2mx4g9BJ-H_IR6pVhGaGIe5l-_I9hUk8V6s_ZodMsypozy4yLCPsdxnHZt2bILF_Bq6OK6ChwjW6PJv_oyvLzbdcyoQ179Wcb2o0X52ZOYftqU/s1600-h/kaffewithbag1.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301547749244028530" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOdB6DqOcgWzyH_drDOLiKoNaH0Y2qp2mx4g9BJ-H_IR6pVhGaGIe5l-_I9hUk8V6s_ZodMsypozy4yLCPsdxnHZt2bILF_Bq6OK6ChwjW6PJv_oyvLzbdcyoQ179Wcb2o0X52ZOYftqU/s400/kaffewithbag1.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; height: 399px; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; width: 301px;" /></a><br />Seeing as its almost Valentine's Day I thought I should write a letter publicly declaring my undying devotion to...<br /><br />Kaffe Fassett.<br /><br />"Eh???" I hear you say.<br /><br />You were expecting someone else's name?<br /><br />Something that begins with "O" and ends with "liver"?<br /><br />Weeeeellllllll......<br /><br />Allow me to explain.<br /><br />Let me count the ways that I love Kaffe Fassett<br /><br />(Sorry, Ollie...)<br /><br />1) I love that when I met Kaffe at a workshop he taught a couple years ago he was <span style="font-style: italic;">exactly</span> what I expected: 1 part diva, 1 part <span style="font-style: italic;">artiste</span>,
1 part brutally honest, all parts fabulous. I loved that Kaffe would
come around and look at my quilt in progress and it would make me so
nervous, like I was in school again, and he would suggest something to
me. But he wouldn't just <span style="font-style: italic;">suggest</span>.
Even his comments were works of art. I remember one comment almost
verbatim: He said to me, of a pink fabric I had put on my design wall,<br /><br />
"Alright, love. Now that you've gotten that horrible lipstick color
out of your system let's take it down and put up something even better.
Something like a dirty, dishwater lilac perhaps."<br /><br />You can't see it via the computer but I am shaking with laughter as I type this. Honest.<br /><br />But
the best part was (and I'm not making this up), ten minutes later,
Kaffe's partner, Brandon came by and said "That's nice but I liked the
pink color better..."<br /><br />Now, <span style="font-style: italic;">that's</span> entertainment.<br /><br />2) Having said that, I love that Kaffe was <span style="font-style: italic;">nice</span> to me. He had a couple of suggestions, but on the whole, he really liked my colors. He said I had <span style="font-style: italic;">"the most fabulous fabrics in the world at my finger-tips."</span> (He was talking about his own collection, by the way).<br /><br /> Was it cheating to go to a workshop hosted by Kaffe and use Kaffe Fassett fabrics? Was it just <span style="font-style: italic;">too</span>
easy? Nah. In my defense, I used a lot of other fabrics. And all the
other kids were doing it, too. But for the record, if he <span style="font-style: italic;">had</span> been <span style="font-style: italic;">mean</span>
to me and not liked my colors I probably would have had to change
professions and wouldn't be able to show my face in this town again.<br />Luckily it all turned out okay.<br /><br />3)
I love that he uses Color. That's right, Color with a capital "C"
because so many palettes these days are playing it safe and Kaffe would
certainly never be accused of that. They call it "Glorious" for a
reason.<br /><br />4) I love that every time he comes out with a new
collection, the store makes all kinds of money. Interesting side note:
If I ever get to meet Amy Butler, I'm going to tell her the exact same
thing.<br /><br />5) Last but not least, and on a completely serious note, I
love that "Kaffe" is his own genre. Know what I mean? When you walk
into a quilt shop, they usually have everything sectioned off: Batiks
over here, Reproduction prints over here, Asian prints over here, and if
the shop carries Kaffe Fassett fabrics, they always say "And the
Kaffe's are over here..."<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">He has his own flippin' section!<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">How cool is that?</span></span><br />There
really is no one else who has done that. Nobody knocks off Kaffe,
because nobody comes close. He does his own thang and he does it well.<br /><br />Shouldn't we all be so lucky, no matter what we are doing with our lives?<br /><br />So, that's why I love Kaffe Fassett so much.<br /><br />And by the way, dearies, it rhymes with "Safe Asset."<br /><br />As in, "You have a Safe Asset with Kaffe Fassett."<br /><br />And that is straight from the man himself.<br /><br />Love comes in all shapes and ways, you know...<br /><br />Happy Valentine's Day to you, no matter who you Love!<br /><br />XOXO<br /><br />RheaUnknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1130625691574268449.post-66687571300094290422013-08-14T09:28:00.001-07:002013-08-14T09:28:22.192-07:00Finish line<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi72gI6vJfJ18COsB2TUE3Ct1XD-4ayjFWtwiIMRhIlfZhq-bx-8J8nBf4Ljsg88m4qLieSS5Wq4_0eBNOd5gE4cU-WZce8ItjDpXa59xCOcRQyM2tkyKnUA3IWEgEy4FLbKfO1mr5n3Bq-/s1600/P8070044.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi72gI6vJfJ18COsB2TUE3Ct1XD-4ayjFWtwiIMRhIlfZhq-bx-8J8nBf4Ljsg88m4qLieSS5Wq4_0eBNOd5gE4cU-WZce8ItjDpXa59xCOcRQyM2tkyKnUA3IWEgEy4FLbKfO1mr5n3Bq-/s1600/P8070044.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a> </div>
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Whewie!</div>
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That was a crazy last three weeks.</div>
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Between the Quilt Show, the in-store clearance sale and the online clearance sale and the craziness that is August in Maine I am wiped out.</div>
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Bert, Ollie and I wanted to wish you all a happy end of summer and hope you take some time to enjoy it all, even if things are a bit hectic. </div>
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I'll be back soon!</div>
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XO,</div>
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Rhea</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1130625691574268449.post-25640667449868994572013-08-10T05:01:00.002-07:002013-08-10T05:01:39.727-07:00Online Midsummer Clearance Sale has begun!<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/AVvXsEiD97EDfSsgYXW9TK0_YaWFqja_KXta4NsT5OFdYwRUdVOQCjTZMNfjWEbXRVlLnwQxr61hCYySHQWKvqMpk3Us3Ks5R6fRLK-7kpmelUhgH81XFXGDPkHlpT2aT6yY8M4-2RO3Z5WA8HLK/s1600/P6140006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD97EDfSsgYXW9TK0_YaWFqja_KXta4NsT5OFdYwRUdVOQCjTZMNfjWEbXRVlLnwQxr61hCYySHQWKvqMpk3Us3Ks5R6fRLK-7kpmelUhgH81XFXGDPkHlpT2aT6yY8M4-2RO3Z5WA8HLK/s1600/P6140006.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The fabric store at the end of the rainbow!</td></tr>
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Head over to <a href="http://www.alewivesfabrics.com/">alewivesfabrics.com</a>... all online orders 20% off through tomorrow, Sunday August 11th. Sale ends at midnight EST. Discount does not apply to shipping charges and won't show up in your final order or confirmation e-mail, but we will manually change the price on our end, you can count on that!</div>
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If you're local you can place your order online and leave us a note saying you'd like to pick your fabric up in person... we'll give you a call when your order is ready.</div>
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Have fun, dearies!</div>
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XO,</div>
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Rhea </div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1130625691574268449.post-9036486859530459492013-08-05T12:22:00.000-07:002013-08-05T12:22:24.780-07:00Heard and seen at Maine Quilts 2013<div style="text-align: center;">
I feel like a gossip columnist! </div>
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I snapped a very few photos at <a href="http://www.mainequilts.org/Quilt_Show/index.html">Maine Quilts</a> this year: nothing that will get me sued, I hope. </div>
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Of particular interest was this lovely Tidal Tote handbag made with a Tula Pink "Saltwater" print, paired with batiks, made by a customer of ours.</div>
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I also loved this straw handbag embellished with fabric strips. Got my wheels turnin'.</div>
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On the fashion front, we have Miss MaryBeth in the<a href="http://www.alewivesfabrics.com/patterns_and_books?cat_id=59&prod_id=5723">Washi Dress</a> she made in my class.</div>
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She's rockin' this look and <i>literally</i> left a trail of inspired onlookers in her wake, whom she promptly sent to our booth to purchase the pattern.</div>
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Thanks, MaryBeth... I'll give you your commission later!</div>
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And we wanted to make a "splash" with our booth this year, so we brought some vintage garden fixtures including a little free standing fountain.</div>
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It was also Bert's first Quilt Show.</div>
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He was our best helper at set-up time, but Baba had the best job of all, don't you think?</div>
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XO,</div>
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Rhea </div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1130625691574268449.post-4744327942531499162013-07-16T08:29:00.000-07:002013-07-16T08:29:09.684-07:00SEAM Block Party!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<h5 class="uiStreamMessage userContentWrapper" data-ft="{"type":1,"tn":"K"}" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent"> </span></span></span></span></span></h5>
<h5 class="uiStreamMessage userContentWrapper" data-ft="{"type":1,"tn":"K"}" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent"><a href="http://www.seammaine.blogspot.com/">SEAM</a>
is celebrating summer at Alewives Fabrics with a BLOCK PARTY! Free
and open to all! Sunday,
August 4th from 1:00 to 4:00 we'll be making "St. Louis Sixteen Patch"
blocks. The Sixteen Patch is a very easy block, even for a beginner.
If you've never sewn up a quilt block before, but always wanted to try,
we'll help you get a couple made at the meeting. Bring two fat quarters
with you (one red and one white) and
we'll stitch up these blocks for a charity quilt (or two... or three!).
Bring your own
machine or use one of ours here at the shop. Rotary cutters, mats,
rulers and irons will be available to use, but feel free to bring your
own tools, too. We'll be serving
refreshments, and it's also the last day of Alewives' 20% off Midsummer
Clearance Sale. See you there!</span></span></span></span></span></span></h5>
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</span><h5 class="uiStreamMessage userContentWrapper" data-ft="{"type":1,"tn":"K"}" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent"><span style="font-size: small;"> <span style="color: #741b47;">PS...
Don't forget that we'll be doing show and tell, too! Bring your latest
project, a favorite fabric, a handy tool... anything you'd like to
share with your fellow sewing enthusiasts and artists of Maine! </span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></h5>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1130625691574268449.post-74344774188764894592013-07-10T13:57:00.000-07:002013-07-10T13:57:44.835-07:00Quick post while he's napping...<div style="text-align: center;">
Bert has just recently (and I mean <i>"within the last two weeks recently"</i>) begun to sleep and nap on his own, in his crib, without being held.</div>
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It's a whole new ball game and it does mean I have a bit more time for internet endeavors and sewing.</div>
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I've *almost* got not one, but TWO washi dresses ready to share with you, but I also wanted to show you something I managed to sew in those first few months when Bert was literally a handful.</div>
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It's a pincushion that was given away at the Pincushion Swap we held a few weeks back...</div>
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Don't cry for me, Argentina, but I was up until 3 o'clock in the morning finishing this pincushion the night before the swap.</div>
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It's made up of 1/2" hexies and completely sewn by hand.</div>
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It's not that I'm a glutton for punishment, it's just that I do love to sew hexies... and I do love a bit of hand-sewing and some late night TV.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcqa3gSbUjkEBYXAaH9-L2wdKzTYbPwqkX9qVi6cTxTwMTq0pQejDkf6ZmrtSjsrpHsk8_CF-WHPiH7HTO_7momv8ecSO_sWn7hgeFSqzwRCIVlA6-q6ECRLBEJV651VwdY0MSJyMsWr6b/s1600/P4280049.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcqa3gSbUjkEBYXAaH9-L2wdKzTYbPwqkX9qVi6cTxTwMTq0pQejDkf6ZmrtSjsrpHsk8_CF-WHPiH7HTO_7momv8ecSO_sWn7hgeFSqzwRCIVlA6-q6ECRLBEJV651VwdY0MSJyMsWr6b/s1600/P4280049.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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That's a vintage Bakelite button in the center.</div>
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Gotta love the Bakelite. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC0jiCHG8KMU475e2DEqE5cnpeQPmrql_eTtamGV1S8-znRo3Cfzv0CNCdlajNixgQHmXa8U2S0FMH6BCxocTl27y7J9BSBHh6pv-Y1Yp2wNxgiPlHRi0p7-z1plX80oNnqMdFsqyGRoDN/s1600/P6030062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC0jiCHG8KMU475e2DEqE5cnpeQPmrql_eTtamGV1S8-znRo3Cfzv0CNCdlajNixgQHmXa8U2S0FMH6BCxocTl27y7J9BSBHh6pv-Y1Yp2wNxgiPlHRi0p7-z1plX80oNnqMdFsqyGRoDN/s1600/P6030062.JPG" height="400" width="300" /> </a></div>
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And this one little block was another late night endeavor.</div>
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Just five stolen minutes of sewing and a bit of finger pressing and it was done.</div>
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Maybe it will become something some day, but it felt good just to sew something without an agenda... just making for the sake of making.</div>
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I don't know how other Moms out there do it.</div>
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(Get things done, I mean)</div>
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I can barely keep up with the dishes, but it is getting easier all the time.</div>
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And it's so, so much fun to be Bert's mom.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJh5hcKFIkzs8QSZimMROgqCUjEZqKPgLY__W38LUIjMG6-XPR_2AqGoTgt80Kh8-PqpXcUAhGA0OI_GTWprP6nbVeaDwKUd6lOe3_6eCqBZozrlSoZmCGtAYPuIheux41PdlLC5OwV04n/s1600/P6030058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJh5hcKFIkzs8QSZimMROgqCUjEZqKPgLY__W38LUIjMG6-XPR_2AqGoTgt80Kh8-PqpXcUAhGA0OI_GTWprP6nbVeaDwKUd6lOe3_6eCqBZozrlSoZmCGtAYPuIheux41PdlLC5OwV04n/s1600/P6030058.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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He's still the best thing I ever made.</div>
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Gotta go... hope you had a happy 4th!</div>
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XO,</div>
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Rhea </div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5