tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3357703932970450692024-03-14T02:37:48.662-04:00connect the dots craftsUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger389125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-335770393297045069.post-24057703909079104852014-05-28T18:50:00.000-04:002014-05-28T18:50:25.791-04:00A New Chapter...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.caroleannpenney.com/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN7aXv7XHhrjhwz1fUHAcc9ql2pzPJ_acZxqlQLsmEXsm1m9SCBENFvBmk5HWypK5R_79uD-9NtmBCmXAVsKWLtBXXtRBqr9pvCgR5Xlxt-mNOdtIzpjAnI6fhCNnzeOYsXhxxo7PDsQM/s1600/website.tiff" height="552" width="640" /></a></div>
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After 5 (!) years of creativity and reflection here on Connect the Dots Crafts, I'm taking my work and play to a new space at <a href="http://www.caroleannpenney.com/">www.caroleannpenney.com</a>!<br />
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Please update your feed/reader, and come check out the new site to learn more about one-one-one life purpose coaching, reflective and creative workshops, and my (new) creative work.<br />
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See you over there!<br />
<a href="http://s810.photobucket.com/albums/zz23/connectthedotscrafts/?action=view&current=Signature4.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i810.photobucket.com/albums/zz23/connectthedotscrafts/Signature4.jpg" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-335770393297045069.post-67791001533678897872014-03-30T22:27:00.001-04:002014-03-30T22:27:56.994-04:00"Hope Tomorrow" Quilt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcnmMK7x1xagI6HaHL1N4aQEjuTT8l2sTvK2iM_lkT6uo54WKUUPYQTDfqKOStNDQ4cTlYXgoU3S56IAMa65OmfedGvtaZRCjFgI_bRzpavPl6emHQPt-nCDtP4DWQ8D-DyGoCx6H7seU/s1600/IMG_0666.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcnmMK7x1xagI6HaHL1N4aQEjuTT8l2sTvK2iM_lkT6uo54WKUUPYQTDfqKOStNDQ4cTlYXgoU3S56IAMa65OmfedGvtaZRCjFgI_bRzpavPl6emHQPt-nCDtP4DWQ8D-DyGoCx6H7seU/s1600/IMG_0666.JPG" height="640" width="638" /></a></div>
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I played with the scraps from <a href="http://www.connectthedotscrafts.com/2014/01/finished-wedding-quilt.html">our wedding quilt</a> and pieces of a long-time work-in-progress from quilt camp back in 2011 to create this improv lap quilt. The design was inspired by <a href="http://filminthefridge.com/2013/01/11/glimma-waterfall-giveaway/">this beautiful quilt from Film in the Fridge</a>. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDONf9r75u_i5GiH01QjY43y8A8yBRk6ll5ZiEihB0U0x_C7t7UTLgy-nahSqDoRYV136I5u2qnVRvVKCFZWhx1KF_te1t2i3AX7KBamE73dWxazw1hEn430WmtPsbfEio0Xz5isbUYG4/s1600/IMG_0665.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDONf9r75u_i5GiH01QjY43y8A8yBRk6ll5ZiEihB0U0x_C7t7UTLgy-nahSqDoRYV136I5u2qnVRvVKCFZWhx1KF_te1t2i3AX7KBamE73dWxazw1hEn430WmtPsbfEio0Xz5isbUYG4/s1600/IMG_0665.JPG" height="640" width="638" /></a></div>
My quilt guild buddies encouraged me to quilt the negative space as though the boxes and fabric patterns from the cascading section continued throughout the quilt. It was fun to try out some new free-motion patterns!<br />
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This quilt is just so...me! It has it all: my favorite colors, polka dots, a modern improv design, and of course, a back that makes me forget which way is front!<br />
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<a href="http://s810.photobucket.com/albums/zz23/connectthedotscrafts/?action=view&current=Signature4.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i810.photobucket.com/albums/zz23/connectthedotscrafts/Signature4.jpg" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-335770393297045069.post-56329555913602362302014-03-15T16:09:00.001-04:002014-03-15T16:09:15.136-04:00Blue & Orange Baby Quilt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO3PuO5ksWxf6OSe53j5MpOzL2WTkC_QLeCJtuJch8-sqY24t0rlb2aAq4TUMu8Qo2WK2my9bR6nSbTI-VSlgr3cbte4x6JTn5ABGrOM2T5gc0NOUuryi_E1lrmsj3KLxxYV3Ta2JWWjc/s1600/DSC06155.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO3PuO5ksWxf6OSe53j5MpOzL2WTkC_QLeCJtuJch8-sqY24t0rlb2aAq4TUMu8Qo2WK2my9bR6nSbTI-VSlgr3cbte4x6JTn5ABGrOM2T5gc0NOUuryi_E1lrmsj3KLxxYV3Ta2JWWjc/s1600/DSC06155.JPG" height="640" width="638" /></a></div>
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A sweet little baby quilt...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrI2GoA4yH1YuShl4WWTth2u7GyWLlvDyaAZX5egDG2KS9Bq_IbT4SAudDaVxUgB2wbVm6YNn6_pytMZCd-fz0Y4g1bUxFJXNo44MglJYH4xXkeh5AxbC8r_HooeCQ6JmaXiYFnEtToiI/s1600/DSC05382.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrI2GoA4yH1YuShl4WWTth2u7GyWLlvDyaAZX5egDG2KS9Bq_IbT4SAudDaVxUgB2wbVm6YNn6_pytMZCd-fz0Y4g1bUxFJXNo44MglJYH4xXkeh5AxbC8r_HooeCQ6JmaXiYFnEtToiI/s1600/DSC05382.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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...inspired by this brick wall that I pass on my walk to work everyday. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvbGF4FK4ccdZRJNVGGmRam3wYnPTvbjalvDXXtGF5GOH42LJnV8DpulxqwnEsauFGYy_IUeYZ5EtRdQgTPOYMQHlqRzCVj0NKEU7-gdswdLVf_IhMF_zfPLrmAV3pmmuDHoAXYSSUx8A/s1600/DSC06159.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvbGF4FK4ccdZRJNVGGmRam3wYnPTvbjalvDXXtGF5GOH42LJnV8DpulxqwnEsauFGYy_IUeYZ5EtRdQgTPOYMQHlqRzCVj0NKEU7-gdswdLVf_IhMF_zfPLrmAV3pmmuDHoAXYSSUx8A/s1600/DSC06159.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSPMkAiQlNqQyvpiovJ6gDQWNNxt4a_bub2rVrM3CMoULfodOKExOBbH6hC2EaxF0PDY3TU0m2sKA6Qtcz7raSrDDG36ukXFjMj7l_f0AEBTPw2vruEdUlt5A0PHVmcFzOX-0NDE15j60/s1600/DSC06163.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSPMkAiQlNqQyvpiovJ6gDQWNNxt4a_bub2rVrM3CMoULfodOKExOBbH6hC2EaxF0PDY3TU0m2sKA6Qtcz7raSrDDG36ukXFjMj7l_f0AEBTPw2vruEdUlt5A0PHVmcFzOX-0NDE15j60/s1600/DSC06163.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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These colors are my favorite. I could make a million more blue and orange quilts. And I probably will!<br />
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<a href="http://s810.photobucket.com/albums/zz23/connectthedotscrafts/?action=view&current=Signature4.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i810.photobucket.com/albums/zz23/connectthedotscrafts/Signature4.jpg" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-335770393297045069.post-41160587634944574002014-02-07T15:00:00.000-05:002014-02-07T15:00:00.342-05:00My Darlin' Grandma<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfMQiBNg5y_RlzpfTOw96me0Wb8IBB1U67hWJV17IAeJqgmjY5Uz_TdQVvtaPdqjaz1VrIB66t8lFp-LvcE1s1fOiotmC78yA4uCo_iSxvGnHJnXou5EzWOiRtP_VKCIsGom3sLRxGW_U/s1600/Desktop2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfMQiBNg5y_RlzpfTOw96me0Wb8IBB1U67hWJV17IAeJqgmjY5Uz_TdQVvtaPdqjaz1VrIB66t8lFp-LvcE1s1fOiotmC78yA4uCo_iSxvGnHJnXou5EzWOiRtP_VKCIsGom3sLRxGW_U/s1600/Desktop2.jpg" height="512" width="640" /></a>This week, I said goodbye to a very important person - my Grandma. I wouldn't be the crafty gal that I am without her. She taught me to sew and knit when I was very young.<br />
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She was super crafty herself, constantly making things to give away. I think everyone in her building has a little red heart pin to wear on Valentine's day and every woman in our family has a stock of her colorful crocheted dishcloths; we all received origami heart "lucky bucks" on our birthdays, and her latest craze was knitting baby hats for her great grandchildren. </div>
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<b>Grandma made things to give away so that people would have something to smile about, and they'd have a little token to think of her.</b></div>
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When I was little, whenever Grandma came to visit, she always had a project for me to work on. We started on plastic canvas, and I can remember my first project: a cluster of balloons on a blue background. She taught me to "bury it" - catch the end of the thread under my stitches - and somehow that became a joke between the two of us. <div>
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Even recently, when she called me each Saturday, she would ask: "What are you doing little darlin?" </div>
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I'd tell her: "Sewing, of course, Grandma."</div>
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And she'd always reply: "Remember to bury it, darlin."</div>
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<br />Along with how-to's, Grandma also handed down to me some special crafting materials. My favorite is her button box, filled with colorful buttons from Grandpa's old coats, my Mother's dresses as a child, and a full range of family history. A few Christmases ago, when my Grandma handed me the box, we rifled through it together. As she picked up this one and that one, tiny glimpses into our family's story unfolded.<br /><br />I'm honored to be a part of that story, and I'm lucky to have had her as a part of mine. I miss her already, but every stitch will remind me of all of the wonderful memories we have together.<br /><br /><a href="http://s810.photobucket.com/albums/zz23/connectthedotscrafts/?action=view&current=Signature4.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEhM6ATYTjX8xLLKazRUbeszSJbzpTrYbm3zh3Mf-ISLENp_QeZzafI10_atbJxGGnhGe0kSD-o4bJziFUunO5_QrPEAJ7Comu7OIl4j-MoIK8IA1k01PJAhxbcKtk7LuAsFFfrMQ5YlLi49sY4MRUOhTZXTFVdfJGrVQ_SbyvcjKDlgPuLNqgbW7GLw=" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVCC-FgnJpyZELVwL-GnDCBv4OX_kZGRzgE1WXYMTp6wuj4U3IiYAT2Gp21orJcDGz4mK8gSZPJ8tEhTb7qeavk6iDZvAM0G7Rc7dtFJOcLiOvzyfLa0FlvtcU0tUBeBvafUMjy60Z578/s1600/DSC06096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVCC-FgnJpyZELVwL-GnDCBv4OX_kZGRzgE1WXYMTp6wuj4U3IiYAT2Gp21orJcDGz4mK8gSZPJ8tEhTb7qeavk6iDZvAM0G7Rc7dtFJOcLiOvzyfLa0FlvtcU0tUBeBvafUMjy60Z578/s1600/DSC06096.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a>I posted a few months ago about the <a href="http://www.connectthedotscrafts.com/2013/09/my-wedding-quilt.html">first steps of creating this quilt</a>. Finishing it was the challenge - I was intimidated by the large size and the idea of maneuvering it around my sewing table and my small home machine. The last few queen-sized quilts that I've made left me with sore arms and resolute that I would only make baby quilts from now on!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEL4NFrf-F-_dvqaXfh3lVUOBlHHRi1SbFhT_aBR3boJpEGF8kEQ4wm6hb6fly_LJ-FNKIme-5Cd-b2QwPOA5OA_K3nal4MhiqA_MuNP_k9XxAp5agUjH4ugunZhvgmLN5NbqNoWZJteM/s1600/DSC06087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEL4NFrf-F-_dvqaXfh3lVUOBlHHRi1SbFhT_aBR3boJpEGF8kEQ4wm6hb6fly_LJ-FNKIme-5Cd-b2QwPOA5OA_K3nal4MhiqA_MuNP_k9XxAp5agUjH4ugunZhvgmLN5NbqNoWZJteM/s1600/DSC06087.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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But I wasn't about to send this away to a long arm quilter - I had to finish it myself! With patience, it came together just fine. There were some sore arms, of course, but it was all worth it to spend so many hours lovingly stitching this together. I think part of the difference was that I'm a more seasoned quilter now - I have a better grasp on how to approach a large project like this, and stronger free-motion quilting skills. Sometimes it's hard to notice this progress because it builds up incrementally with each project. But then I pull off something like this and think, "wow, look what I can do!"<br />
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I even sewed the binding on by hand, which I wouldn't normally do on a quilt this large. But stitching the binding <a href="http://www.connectthedotscrafts.com/2011/06/in-bind.html">has long been my favorite part of the quilting process</a>, and I wanted to take the time to do right by this quilt.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtSbDg5Kv4ugiA2Y7djIiHsQRiw3ULZ1m5Um1UsPRVKiWwIpgNKrXnDISmqEl1hr1MWsal8_xa48v2mzJ6rI6MwwJQSVGA50cp8DDkgZDX2QYIGwC0TwRAZc0c9Bz-xgH3PqFcnA9cYdw/s1600/DSC06101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtSbDg5Kv4ugiA2Y7djIiHsQRiw3ULZ1m5Um1UsPRVKiWwIpgNKrXnDISmqEl1hr1MWsal8_xa48v2mzJ6rI6MwwJQSVGA50cp8DDkgZDX2QYIGwC0TwRAZc0c9Bz-xgH3PqFcnA9cYdw/s1600/DSC06101.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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I love it. It matches our bedroom perfectly, and is a wonderful reminder of the joy, coziness, and love that pervaded our wedding day. <br />
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Thanks to all of our friends and family who created squares to be a part of this quilt. It is so special, and we'll treasure it forever.<br />
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<a href="http://s810.photobucket.com/albums/zz23/connectthedotscrafts/?action=view&current=Signature4.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i810.photobucket.com/albums/zz23/connectthedotscrafts/Signature4.jpg" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-335770393297045069.post-48684782789335167202014-01-02T17:19:00.000-05:002014-01-02T17:19:04.485-05:00My Word for 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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At 11:59pm on December 31st, I felt a pang of sadness. I was sorry to say goodbye to <a href="http://www.connectthedotscrafts.com/2013/12/what-year.html">2013 - it was quite a year!</a><br />
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I spent a cozy New Year's day in my jammies dreaming and scheming about the wonders that lie in the year ahead. New Year's is the best holiday for goal-setting-loving nerds. Like me. <br />
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<a href="http://www.connectthedotscrafts.com/2013/01/my-word-for-2013.html">Like last year</a>, I came up with a guiding word for 2014:<b> MOMENTUM</b>.<br />
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In 2013, decisions were made and steps were taken to get the pieces in place in different areas of my life - I got married, completed my coaching certification and found my direction for my coaching business, and took on a new job title and responsibilities at work. <b>It's all in place, and now it's time to dive deeper, to get moving, to put it all into action. It's all about momentum.</b><br />
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I am committing to a technique developed by comedian Jerry Seinfeld: I will take one step every day, no matter how small or big, to move myself toward my goals and generate momentum. Every day when I complete my task, I'll make an X on my calendar. And I will not break the chain.<br />
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It reminds me of this passage that I came across when I read poet David Whyte's <i>Crossing the Unknown Sea: Work as a Pilgrimage of Identity:</i><br />
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Not long ago, I heard on the radio a description of a new form of propulsion for a probe that had just been launched into deep space...The scientist describing the new motor said that the amazing thing about the motor was that although the electrons were pushed out of the back of the probe at an incredible speed, the electrons were so small that the acceleration on the craft was actually only the equivalent of the weight of a piece of paper. But because that slight weight acted every moment and it occurred in a basically friction-free environment, the craft could reach speeds of hundreds of thousand of miles per hour. </blockquote>
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It is a profound metaphor for a poet, of course: just the weight of a piece of paper, a blank piece of paper, every moment, or even to begin with just once a day, every day. But it is a metaphor for any work and any person. A steadily building field of activity, laid down almost imperceptibly, layer upon layer, which creates a world and at the same time prepares us for our appearance in that world.</blockquote>
I often get frustrated with myself that my forward movement comes in spurts - I wait for the space to block off a full day for working on my business. I get grumpy when these days are few and far between, and beat myself up for "not being able" to work on the things that are closest to my heart.<br />
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This new approach will (hopefully) mean that I don't have to wait, and I don't have to be frustrated with myself. I'll break it into bite-sized chunks, keep at it, and by disciplining myself to be faithful to my biz every single day, I'll get into a groove. I'll need to be patient even if progress seems slow, and know that no matter how small a step I take each day, it is enough - the constant forward movement adds up. And who knows where I'll be a year from now.<br />
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I'm so excited to get the ball rolling!<br />
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<b>What's your word for 2014? Share it in the comments!</b><br />
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<a href="http://s810.photobucket.com/albums/zz23/connectthedotscrafts/?action=view&current=Signature4.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i810.photobucket.com/albums/zz23/connectthedotscrafts/Signature4.jpg" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-335770393297045069.post-48119376970025856022013-12-31T16:04:00.001-05:002013-12-31T16:04:35.830-05:00What a Year!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">2013 was a quite a year - I'd say it was even my favorite one yet. </span><b style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 20.796875px;">I declared it to be the Year of Love & Gratitude, and was it ever. </b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 20.796875px;">Check out some highlights in this <a href="http://flipagram.com/f/PRDhQJFo5j">fun slideshow</a>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I </span><a href="http://www.connectthedotscrafts.com/2013/01/hello-2013.html" style="font-family: inherit;">set out these goals</a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> for myself, and accomplished so much personally, professionally, and creatively:</span><br />
<ul style="background-color: white; line-height: 20.796875px;">
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Married my sweetie, and planned an amazingly fun </span><a href="http://www.connectthedotscrafts.com/2013/09/my-wedding.html" style="font-family: inherit;">wedding</a><span style="font-family: inherit;">!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Went on a dream honeymoon!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Became an </span><a href="http://www.connectthedotscrafts.com/2013/01/tiny-toes.html" style="font-family: inherit;">auntie</a><span style="font-family: inherit;">!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Became a certified Professional Life Coach!</span></li>
<li><a href="http://www.connectthedotscrafts.com/2013/01/2013-finished-quilts.html" style="font-family: inherit;">Made <i>a lot </i>of quilts</a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> and expanded my horizons in free-motion quilting techniques!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Revamp, reinvigorate, and rebrand my blog (in process - coming so soon!)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Launch my coaching business (my coaching practice is open for business and I've worked with clients throughout 2013 - but I have yet to mark it with a launch party, which will totally make it feel official - coming soon!)</span></li>
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<a href="http://www.connectthedotscrafts.com/2013/01/my-word-for-2013.html" style="line-height: 20.796875px;">My word for 2013</a><span style="line-height: 20.796875px;"> was: COURAGE. I set out to live wholeheartedly, to share myself with the world without being shy or fearful of what others will think. My mantra was: may I have the courage to show up and let myself be seen. It was a big moment for me to step into the limelight as "The Bride," to take on a new role and greater responsibility & visibility at work, and to begin showing up as a coach - at networking events and through opportunities that came my way. <b>I was courageous this year, and though at times I felt vulnerable, nothing but wonderful things have happened</b> - I've felt authentic, I've made friends with like-minded people, and opportunities have opened up to share myself and my passions with others in even more ways. It's been so exciting. </span><br />
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<b style="line-height: 20.796875px;">None of this would have been possible without the love and support of my team</b><span style="line-height: 20.796875px;"> - my husband, friends, book club gang, co-workers, family, fellow quilt guild members, and coaching colleagues. I am so fortunate to have such an amazing network of incredible people.</span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 20.796875px;">The pieces are in place. 2014 will bring everything to the next level. More on that tomorrow!</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 20.796875px;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 20.796875px;">Happy New Year!</span><br />
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<a href="http://s810.photobucket.com/albums/zz23/connectthedotscrafts/?action=view&current=Signature4.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i810.photobucket.com/albums/zz23/connectthedotscrafts/Signature4.jpg" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-335770393297045069.post-39061992204826590612013-11-13T18:06:00.000-05:002013-11-13T18:06:57.640-05:00Pastel Love Baby Quilt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This little cutie has been in my work-in-progress bin since the <a href="http://www.rimodernquiltguild.com/">RI Modern Quilt Guild</a> issued our jelly roll challenge back in...yikes...February!</div>
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This quilt was more of an experiment than anything - a way to push myself to try out some new free-motion quilting techniques. But it turned out so cute and sweet that it's a perfect quilt for a new baby girl. <br />
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This Pastel Love Baby Quilt is <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/169155150/pastel-love-baby-quilt?ref=shop_home_active">listed in my Etsy Shop</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://s810.photobucket.com/albums/zz23/connectthedotscrafts/?action=view&current=Signature4.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i810.photobucket.com/albums/zz23/connectthedotscrafts/Signature4.jpg" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-335770393297045069.post-2003189418082717112013-10-27T11:43:00.000-04:002013-10-27T11:43:00.063-04:00Another Happy House Quilt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This must be the year of buying houses, because I've made so many little housewarming mini quilts!</div>
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This one is for a co-worker who loves the color turquoise. </div>
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Tried a new quilting pattern here - wavy lines and leaves.</div>
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Headed to the housewarming party now!</div>
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<a href="http://s810.photobucket.com/albums/zz23/connectthedotscrafts/?action=view&current=Signature4.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i810.photobucket.com/albums/zz23/connectthedotscrafts/Signature4.jpg" /></a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-335770393297045069.post-20592891046407926792013-10-20T11:39:00.001-04:002013-10-20T11:39:36.667-04:00Make it Modern Challenge QuiltA few months ago, the <a href="http://www.rimodernquiltguild.com/">Rhode Island Modern Quilt Guild</a> issued a "make it modern" challenge. Our task was to take something from traditional quilting and update it for the modern aesthetic. <br />
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Here's my project:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPLparNnql_hOhDOxb3jeu1FTrZkb1LHvDmgxhpiTsawrWBq7nkPhyD3enIRR1Q-kxIU_Qx0mA4DckcvXAUqZTOWWXVp1lyQ94_mWG4U6Df4-1kJ-TbT7zCh6Ew3GMyHjrJFc5mI49BRI/s1600/IMG_0385.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPLparNnql_hOhDOxb3jeu1FTrZkb1LHvDmgxhpiTsawrWBq7nkPhyD3enIRR1Q-kxIU_Qx0mA4DckcvXAUqZTOWWXVp1lyQ94_mWG4U6Df4-1kJ-TbT7zCh6Ew3GMyHjrJFc5mI49BRI/s640/IMG_0385.JPG" width="478" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXOnX_HM8YiQ1Eflg5-3UStvskr9Ii3ZCGThfob-T_LTUkRcSKsF0dmcu7ODNt0wlchBxfKwwpawYIJUIuRG_NR8dAHI9xlwBrW2AvHjMCvpLp3Do5-3O8qekx4yOR3sev8qlW8LMgMzg/s1600/IMG_0388.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXOnX_HM8YiQ1Eflg5-3UStvskr9Ii3ZCGThfob-T_LTUkRcSKsF0dmcu7ODNt0wlchBxfKwwpawYIJUIuRG_NR8dAHI9xlwBrW2AvHjMCvpLp3Do5-3O8qekx4yOR3sev8qlW8LMgMzg/s640/IMG_0388.JPG" width="424" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjdb4zm7KeeCYFQCJFTbFfWNk8XeOjWTvABRXOz3muMhVqbajcXOza92zZ_wLf1PYvltPulySmgiZCQcFb8vcLfwBGRRDI9Drh2kkWJBaaRxwnTQeot4C9Q5WeM9jQUvrAgEaZB35EETw/s1600/IMG_0397.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjdb4zm7KeeCYFQCJFTbFfWNk8XeOjWTvABRXOz3muMhVqbajcXOza92zZ_wLf1PYvltPulySmgiZCQcFb8vcLfwBGRRDI9Drh2kkWJBaaRxwnTQeot4C9Q5WeM9jQUvrAgEaZB35EETw/s640/IMG_0397.JPG" width="478" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQrLCiuLfya29wVV97DMDSMIqCwss3s9NN-R2P4JyKGBmSZvJ8aUqw4Tv5NhyphenhyphenqypxJ8byIOiTPLcHc6oRjNPCRsl2gd0GoxzabZXv3lIlZroaVgF4nsk4334Gd_IIaApdB5K_2U8LW1t4/s1600/IMG_0399.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQrLCiuLfya29wVV97DMDSMIqCwss3s9NN-R2P4JyKGBmSZvJ8aUqw4Tv5NhyphenhyphenqypxJ8byIOiTPLcHc6oRjNPCRsl2gd0GoxzabZXv3lIlZroaVgF4nsk4334Gd_IIaApdB5K_2U8LW1t4/s640/IMG_0399.JPG" width="478" /></a></div>
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I updated flying geese with modern colors, a wonky layout, and some punchy sass. This was my first time trying a different kind of quilting - an overall pattern with a section where something different is going on: the little rebel goose who is flying away from the pack has her own trajectory of quilting lines.<br />
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My favorite part of this quilt: definitely the black and white fabric. I love how it looks as a binding. And I have more! <br />
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<a href="http://s810.photobucket.com/albums/zz23/connectthedotscrafts/?action=view&current=Signature4.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i810.photobucket.com/albums/zz23/connectthedotscrafts/Signature4.jpg" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-335770393297045069.post-43980569601508295652013-10-05T23:53:00.000-04:002013-10-05T23:53:00.728-04:00For the first time ever...I've listed some quilts for sale in my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/connectthedotscrafts">Etsy shop</a>!<br />
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Check out listings for...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjodqEGUXn-X4JFN4jdyyHiZni4yopEHHOYdOutOphzvVLnzgu2Oe7FY75BB_cUbOCwoDjrjUit7tVvc4Iu2Agz50yQJTbSnL-y0HtG_ksrlDfkOAls-7EYzxVCE6HqoWdEg5dr3JYCeSI/s1600/DSC05796.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjodqEGUXn-X4JFN4jdyyHiZni4yopEHHOYdOutOphzvVLnzgu2Oe7FY75BB_cUbOCwoDjrjUit7tVvc4Iu2Agz50yQJTbSnL-y0HtG_ksrlDfkOAls-7EYzxVCE6HqoWdEg5dr3JYCeSI/s400/DSC05796.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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The <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/164883507/on-the-move-baby-quilt?ref=shop_home_active">"On the Move" Baby Quilt</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe5PmFs6cMtR2FIBgqTTlyQCBcFgGS9GIVUO3FkxyxI-iRbDhhVJg6r8vBaj3Szu283oJjgq916TBP2eBiH135B9eKqcZ2g79CBF1Ln4FUGktzNbqTTLUU1-HuU-JKOzeU9ArbNVw76D0/s1600/DSC06044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe5PmFs6cMtR2FIBgqTTlyQCBcFgGS9GIVUO3FkxyxI-iRbDhhVJg6r8vBaj3Szu283oJjgq916TBP2eBiH135B9eKqcZ2g79CBF1Ln4FUGktzNbqTTLUU1-HuU-JKOzeU9ArbNVw76D0/s400/DSC06044.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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And the <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/164882763/exclamation-modern-quilt-wall-hanging?ref=shop_home_active">Exclamation Point Wall Hanging</a>!</div>
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I also listed some old favorites - <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/connectthedotscrafts?section_id=7327054">aprons</a>, <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/connectthedotscrafts?section_id=7327056">luggage tags</a>, <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/connectthedotscrafts?section_id=7327071">pants purses</a>, and <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/connectthedotscrafts?section_id=7372852">milk carton coin purses</a>. <br />
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Enjoy!<br />
<a href="http://s810.photobucket.com/albums/zz23/connectthedotscrafts/?action=view&current=Signature4.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i810.photobucket.com/albums/zz23/connectthedotscrafts/Signature4.jpg" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-335770393297045069.post-51924427186996095992013-09-25T19:24:00.000-04:002013-09-25T19:24:00.228-04:00Connecting the DotsI always relish an opportunity to make a connection between my "day job" and my creative work outside the office. It feels good to not think of them as separate and mutually exclusive pursuits, but instead to see myself as a whole person with cohesive threads that run through all of the things I do.<br />
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I can be creative at an admin desk job! I can be inspired by spreadsheets, databases, and press releases!<br />
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When a team of fantastic designers unveiled a special logo for my organization's 40th anniversary celebration, it screamed out to me: "Make me into a quilt!"<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsZ9lqOYvTRWIHWbOL_adv18V5_p1osIurUvsYrBhVGb0RtjTsFy3Gz5yQOKCBry_LqCsRygwlS3QBwYG_I9hFg_DUn6AYkScBwq8QDPV2FtTZYUGAmMTL0MrG8M5vroMeCXJXv8wf7Dk/s640/blogger-image--38482845.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsZ9lqOYvTRWIHWbOL_adv18V5_p1osIurUvsYrBhVGb0RtjTsFy3Gz5yQOKCBry_LqCsRygwlS3QBwYG_I9hFg_DUn6AYkScBwq8QDPV2FtTZYUGAmMTL0MrG8M5vroMeCXJXv8wf7Dk/s320/blogger-image--38482845.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The modern colors, the triangles, the solids...it was made to be a modern quilt!<br />
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Here's the finished quilt, ready to be auctioned off at the event:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW_m67wc46GB_REynGjva-mkDB7gWHo5Fg6e49xFMEhrj7CrUtjNxFOXT36R2GZvZWQNvDG-RUNgxZdeBWi2EKcpWeUjfOnQCwFaqRXMIpDcWgwm_uorjo3LWvY26FiNyVNEUxLbjYUi4/s1600/DSC06057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW_m67wc46GB_REynGjva-mkDB7gWHo5Fg6e49xFMEhrj7CrUtjNxFOXT36R2GZvZWQNvDG-RUNgxZdeBWi2EKcpWeUjfOnQCwFaqRXMIpDcWgwm_uorjo3LWvY26FiNyVNEUxLbjYUi4/s640/DSC06057.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4XtsmgJqST-C-UxHfHbAT4H7jqhIei_BbCh2Ws1s_vzE6SWbuaunpGU4s_lTosTmN65gVy6i7iSnOa_x-7VUyjBr45cdgpH49SJxkS8ENvZLwFdeJzPz-boiTI1ae7tB4ivHQrMTp5w8/s1600/DSC06058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4XtsmgJqST-C-UxHfHbAT4H7jqhIei_BbCh2Ws1s_vzE6SWbuaunpGU4s_lTosTmN65gVy6i7iSnOa_x-7VUyjBr45cdgpH49SJxkS8ENvZLwFdeJzPz-boiTI1ae7tB4ivHQrMTp5w8/s640/DSC06058.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
I quilted the logo (three connected H's) with straight lines, and the negative space with a swirly free-motion design. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggxLmTEIineaPriWbagFaG3YOBLwZoDVs9jH9YJ_Ff24cLd_NXGzLd4PrSvjvNtmCvFI53AvirHJzqdXhvYzgooB1dd6cytvfNGbscQc5ej_V9QS1vYHhBaJRSJt38CE5QLi1Vp9B0WUs/s1600/DSC06060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggxLmTEIineaPriWbagFaG3YOBLwZoDVs9jH9YJ_Ff24cLd_NXGzLd4PrSvjvNtmCvFI53AvirHJzqdXhvYzgooB1dd6cytvfNGbscQc5ej_V9QS1vYHhBaJRSJt38CE5QLi1Vp9B0WUs/s640/DSC06060.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Hidden among the swirls are cursive words that relate to our work - context, narratives, storytelling, democracy...they're like little hidden treasures.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6zi53QfRJeFwY0Ir9UWSBO6XaOR2OiPb0Pyvx2Psur1iOjxXyTOGO0_2c-_bocNOy6kWJ-unzInHUAPscvYnJKtdKIw6ivGghrw5R-mjJpFcGp1nV0jG9tRs8yDO1OzvxxyuA1v9ci8k/s1600/DSC06064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6zi53QfRJeFwY0Ir9UWSBO6XaOR2OiPb0Pyvx2Psur1iOjxXyTOGO0_2c-_bocNOy6kWJ-unzInHUAPscvYnJKtdKIw6ivGghrw5R-mjJpFcGp1nV0jG9tRs8yDO1OzvxxyuA1v9ci8k/s640/DSC06064.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
And, as I like to do, I used up all the scraps on the back. No leftovers! <br />
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<a href="http://s810.photobucket.com/albums/zz23/connectthedotscrafts/?action=view&current=Signature4.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i810.photobucket.com/albums/zz23/connectthedotscrafts/Signature4.jpg" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-335770393297045069.post-68091404140010712682013-09-22T08:58:00.000-04:002013-09-22T08:58:00.503-04:00My Wedding QuiltQuilts are at the heart of it all for me. They represent so many things - comfort, love, family, tradition, creativity, self-expression, joy, and coziness.<br />
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So naturally quilts had to have a role in my wedding.<br />
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I already posted the <a href="http://www.connectthedotscrafts.com/2013/07/hannahs-quilt.html">quilts that I created to thank my wedding party</a>. But there was another significant quilt that was part of the big wedding planning process: my own wedding quilt.<br />
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A fellow member of <a href="http://rhodeislandmodernquiltguild.blogspot.com/">my quilt guild</a> shared at a guild meeting that she made a quilt guest book for her daughter's wedding, and I filed this away in my "must do" ideas long before Ian and I were engaged. <br />
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Our guests wrote on pre-cut fabric squares backed in freezer paper (for stabilization) with fabric pens. Some wrote sweet notes, some wrote silly sayings, and some drew adorable scenes for us. Then they displayed them on clothesline for everyone to admire.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh1pXN4mEuGvmTLftr1QNpgfN5y6A2Iq966hnSO6iNgMU818wLjCk4tg_a91c2gXnqjhLU8sOLuNczoQ3tOZg85qeH1LhiTVHelykdYSanP1q4y_e7Zu_QKlXjOxVKFO-I8lox3GU0kx0/s1600/CaroleAnn&Ian_586.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh1pXN4mEuGvmTLftr1QNpgfN5y6A2Iq966hnSO6iNgMU818wLjCk4tg_a91c2gXnqjhLU8sOLuNczoQ3tOZg85qeH1LhiTVHelykdYSanP1q4y_e7Zu_QKlXjOxVKFO-I8lox3GU0kx0/s640/CaroleAnn&Ian_586.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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It was so fun to read them all once we got home, and to start thinking about how we would lay them out! I used a program called <a href="https://www.threadbias.com/quilt_design_tool">Threadbias</a> to envision some possibilities...<br />
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And once we decided on a design, it didn't take long to piece it together.<br />
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The quilt is traveling now to a few homes of loved ones who couldn't make it to the wedding, or were so busy dancing and chatting that they didn't make it over to the guest book. In the meantime, I'll work on the back and hopefully have it ready to cozy up our bed before the winter!<br />
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<a href="http://s810.photobucket.com/albums/zz23/connectthedotscrafts/?action=view&current=Signature4.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i810.photobucket.com/albums/zz23/connectthedotscrafts/Signature4.jpg" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-335770393297045069.post-29389294802208532462013-09-18T08:40:00.000-04:002013-09-18T08:40:00.942-04:00My WeddingIt's finally time to share some highlights from my wedding in May.<br />
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When Ian and I first started our wedding planning process, we talked about what words would describe what we wanted our wedding to be and came up with this description: an intimate, delicious, casual, meaningful, and whimsical celebration of love, family, and community. <br />
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We used this as our guiding statement in making the one hundred million decisions that are required in the wedding planning process, and in the end this description permeated every part of the wedding, from our incredibly perfect, unique <a href="http://www.connectthedotscrafts.com/2013/06/alyssas-quilt.html">wedding invitations</a>, to the <a href="http://web.uri.edu/wpinescc/">venue</a> (the perfect mix of Rhode Islandy & Vermonty), to the amazing photos taken by <a href="http://mattferraraphotography.com/">Matt Ferrara Photography</a>. And of course, the dots - there had to be dots!<br />
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Without further ado, I'll let those photos speak for themselves.<br />
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<a href="http://s810.photobucket.com/albums/zz23/connectthedotscrafts/?action=view&current=Signature4.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i810.photobucket.com/albums/zz23/connectthedotscrafts/Signature4.jpg" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-335770393297045069.post-46198806500020020442013-09-15T08:20:00.001-04:002013-09-15T08:20:28.394-04:00Happy House Quilt<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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Sometimes, I'm so excited to deliver a quilt that I completely forget to properly photograph it!</div>
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This quilt/wall hanging is for our friends Kelly and Nicole, to celebrate their recent wedding. When Ian and I were married a few months ago, some of the most special gifts and cards we received were a play on our wedding invitation, so I wanted to do something like that for Kelly and Nicole. </div>
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I appliquéd the buds on the invitation, and added a sweet little house to celebrate that they just settled in to a lovely new home together. These colors are so them - bright, joyful, and exuberant!</div>
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Congrats, Kelly and Nicole!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-335770393297045069.post-28349332017689153002013-07-31T16:39:00.000-04:002013-07-31T16:39:00.604-04:00Hannah's QuiltThe final quilt I made in preparation for the wedding was for Hannah, our amazing wedding officiant.<br />
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I met Hannah through my life coaching certification program - we connected right away, and it was clear to me that she is a wise and loving lady. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7EOvreuUv6uUrVxj_gXDGH1zmQOV9P_lGo2HEQh_9zPaa3RiQIWvvJ60XqyyGRvWGi91GNGNj-imhX_9bLyzFa_I_xZvOMAgswg5nNteroijofFwiXQBVFfCQ0RKhAd9Q_Yfmby8eb9o/s640/blogger-image--1443027255.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="479" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7EOvreuUv6uUrVxj_gXDGH1zmQOV9P_lGo2HEQh_9zPaa3RiQIWvvJ60XqyyGRvWGi91GNGNj-imhX_9bLyzFa_I_xZvOMAgswg5nNteroijofFwiXQBVFfCQ0RKhAd9Q_Yfmby8eb9o/s640/blogger-image--1443027255.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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So here they are, all three quilts together: <a href="http://www.connectthedotscrafts.com/2013/06/monicas-quilt.html">Monica's quilt</a>, Hannah's quilt, and <a href="http://www.connectthedotscrafts.com/2013/06/alyssas-quilt.html">Alyssa's quilt</a>!</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-335770393297045069.post-9459294499017179022013-07-24T16:33:00.000-04:002013-07-24T16:33:40.010-04:00ArtSpark Challenge QuiltA few months ago, the <a href="http://www.nwohiomqg.com/p/art-spark.html">Northwest Ohio Modern Quilt Guild</a> issued a challenge to all modern quilters: visit an art museum, and create a quilt inspired by any piece that catches your eye.<br />
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And boy, do I love a good challenge! I visited the <a href="http://risdmuseum.org/notes/artist_rebel_dandy_men_of_fashion">RISD Museum's Artist/Rebel/Dandy: Men of Fashion</a>, and this photograph immediately jumped out at me:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvVapGR9nTcvhpFPqaBmUPr6mHAtwYaguLx_tHbCkfzfzIgjKERGsVuBDa-DsdnpzQCBRbh8tzXNqoQWMdCQ0oJhyphenhyphenCR5PQ648hr70D48_-9ymyo5tXfPdttywzHCl26LRWHob00M1wjs4/s1600/Tamagni-Willy+Covari,+Brazzaville.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvVapGR9nTcvhpFPqaBmUPr6mHAtwYaguLx_tHbCkfzfzIgjKERGsVuBDa-DsdnpzQCBRbh8tzXNqoQWMdCQ0oJhyphenhyphenCR5PQ648hr70D48_-9ymyo5tXfPdttywzHCl26LRWHob00M1wjs4/s640/Tamagni-Willy+Covari,+Brazzaville.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Tamagni-Willy Covari, Brazzaville (<a href="http://cosmicvowels.tumblr.com/post/3624880788/willy-covari-brazzaville-daniele-tamagni-2008">source</a>)</div>
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Here is my finished quilt:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu0ZAgDqZCpPOXe7VihpcaKyEA_ECDwfcakYkuim5YqnuOlwcjSqsqB8rUGn4JHyJaSI8fQBuERgXtSLrUqgyWPqDJOSsNnB8GLT5ROUKFsI6hPbQ0U5p_EsJTSNhtKsWakjEsgz5tH3s/s1600/DSC06047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu0ZAgDqZCpPOXe7VihpcaKyEA_ECDwfcakYkuim5YqnuOlwcjSqsqB8rUGn4JHyJaSI8fQBuERgXtSLrUqgyWPqDJOSsNnB8GLT5ROUKFsI6hPbQ0U5p_EsJTSNhtKsWakjEsgz5tH3s/s640/DSC06047.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSa-klauexMfDz6kxGb_WxMvmWXrWYFmjBXUPNBGlSrRUa_p59aCNLz5ANDS_STlqEe0R_2aVV3Of5HWzXZ3up71TbODdS3IIx-1h8BUqPGM7HnTBT5GHvcOgZEolR8ccvqhuHIh3lFqY/s1600/DSC06051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSa-klauexMfDz6kxGb_WxMvmWXrWYFmjBXUPNBGlSrRUa_p59aCNLz5ANDS_STlqEe0R_2aVV3Of5HWzXZ3up71TbODdS3IIx-1h8BUqPGM7HnTBT5GHvcOgZEolR8ccvqhuHIh3lFqY/s640/DSC06051.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe5PmFs6cMtR2FIBgqTTlyQCBcFgGS9GIVUO3FkxyxI-iRbDhhVJg6r8vBaj3Szu283oJjgq916TBP2eBiH135B9eKqcZ2g79CBF1Ln4FUGktzNbqTTLUU1-HuU-JKOzeU9ArbNVw76D0/s1600/DSC06044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe5PmFs6cMtR2FIBgqTTlyQCBcFgGS9GIVUO3FkxyxI-iRbDhhVJg6r8vBaj3Szu283oJjgq916TBP2eBiH135B9eKqcZ2g79CBF1Ln4FUGktzNbqTTLUU1-HuU-JKOzeU9ArbNVw76D0/s640/DSC06044.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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This quilt was so fun to make!<br />
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<a href="http://s810.photobucket.com/albums/zz23/connectthedotscrafts/?action=view&current=Signature4.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i810.photobucket.com/albums/zz23/connectthedotscrafts/Signature4.jpg" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-335770393297045069.post-15001873925198141662013-06-23T19:51:00.001-04:002013-06-23T19:51:31.308-04:00Alyssa's QuiltThe second bridesmaid quilt that I made was for <a href="http://www.alyssahollandshort.com/">Alyssa</a>. <br />
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She is a fantastically talented illustrator, and was so generous to create THE CUTEST illustration of us for our wedding invitation:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUE7WaEMpJcmMeY0GdxeIE9C6kCPPEFGs8BqXVGKvZpvriJxWKEX-SrwoYMPIV8ug9Ln7rvCbgzZBkmA8_xEhZ3SeQlB_KRqbTdUyyolQCGwUdXLR7hKQ4XlGZT-mXqSKjVhu2GSJ3ARU/s1600/Carole+Ann_Dance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUE7WaEMpJcmMeY0GdxeIE9C6kCPPEFGs8BqXVGKvZpvriJxWKEX-SrwoYMPIV8ug9Ln7rvCbgzZBkmA8_xEhZ3SeQlB_KRqbTdUyyolQCGwUdXLR7hKQ4XlGZT-mXqSKjVhu2GSJ3ARU/s640/Carole+Ann_Dance.jpg" width="470" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">It perfectly summed up the joyful and whimsical vibe of our wedding. And it looks exactly like us! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFB31LD5S2MB1J7N01dgVKLDhCok3-3cFqVVx7bFWx-PTv-e2XmYJzWTda34wYG55DJePQWRfJowkWMxL8F4RQjFA3aznqiEh_9LkoLWGaU_WKq6MMgMqwJ2NZetIVkL1NboLJ7C5zGJk/s1600/Alyssa+with+CA+Ian+Illustration.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFB31LD5S2MB1J7N01dgVKLDhCok3-3cFqVVx7bFWx-PTv-e2XmYJzWTda34wYG55DJePQWRfJowkWMxL8F4RQjFA3aznqiEh_9LkoLWGaU_WKq6MMgMqwJ2NZetIVkL1NboLJ7C5zGJk/s640/Alyssa+with+CA+Ian+Illustration.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Alyssa creates custom illustrations for baby and wedding gifts, and she has an array of playful and poignant greeting cards. Check out some of her adorable designs in her <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/AlyssaHollandShort">Etsy Shop</a>.<br />
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This is the quilt that I made to thank her for the illustration and everything else she did to support us and our wedding.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Z3bcltP5_Cbw7oVrZj8bcKu_pucF8WaBcHls189WYTKHkCcoSrf-YFhz0yJcsdrh4PBscDrMF82ETOoxNU4UJvB3hd116XFjYCcvlVzi1oNv1SHVZS1ddiPa-ORVWgfbZZg6Op-i56Y/s640/blogger-image-956054687.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Z3bcltP5_Cbw7oVrZj8bcKu_pucF8WaBcHls189WYTKHkCcoSrf-YFhz0yJcsdrh4PBscDrMF82ETOoxNU4UJvB3hd116XFjYCcvlVzi1oNv1SHVZS1ddiPa-ORVWgfbZZg6Op-i56Y/s640/blogger-image-956054687.jpg" /></a></div>
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I <a href="http://www.connectthedotscrafts.com/2013/01/madrona-road-challenge-quilt.html">revealed this quilt</a> earlier this year, since it was part of the Madrona Road Challenge through the Modern Quilt Guild. But I designed it from the beginning for Alyssa - the colors are so beautiful and serene, and the layout so simple and clean. It reminds me of Alyssa's living room.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqmCMKYjPD5Juird9gGoLULyOCj2zrpnfhIFHEK_Aqth3bmhCxx9LQ9Cppb_qiwAcjRmlzshGAoUd0qcV9G6fefPZnTMo_Sig3LMFIR4TnI7zwhyphenhyphenzD49u-UD3PpnlksAkg0GX19JiPmkk/s640/blogger-image-1346667823.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqmCMKYjPD5Juird9gGoLULyOCj2zrpnfhIFHEK_Aqth3bmhCxx9LQ9Cppb_qiwAcjRmlzshGAoUd0qcV9G6fefPZnTMo_Sig3LMFIR4TnI7zwhyphenhyphenzD49u-UD3PpnlksAkg0GX19JiPmkk/s640/blogger-image-1346667823.jpg" /></a></div>
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More fun free-motion quilting here: pebbles and boxes.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj50Z-AQQmfAS_JRf87mrhd1a_RQjBA0sKR_CjnbosRdchJ6CJR1C4y1i8SSP9ejKxXzn-4t0epN-xL2Qb9ow9z_0BAv1HpUzTQbhknxL8XAMczxYtX1uDTzwm-Eap4czbndH-SRRE8sGM/s640/blogger-image--906159659.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj50Z-AQQmfAS_JRf87mrhd1a_RQjBA0sKR_CjnbosRdchJ6CJR1C4y1i8SSP9ejKxXzn-4t0epN-xL2Qb9ow9z_0BAv1HpUzTQbhknxL8XAMczxYtX1uDTzwm-Eap4czbndH-SRRE8sGM/s640/blogger-image--906159659.jpg" /></a></div>
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The back might be my favorite. The chevron print that I echoed on the front holds it all down.<br />
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Alyssa was so calming throughout the wedding planning process. She always helped me stay focused on what it's all about.</div>
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Here's hoping this quilt brings her the same comfort that she generously gave to me. Love you, Alyssa! Thank you so much!</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-335770393297045069.post-9264153168312224892013-06-15T09:41:00.001-04:002013-06-15T09:41:41.573-04:00Monica's Quilt<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
I wrote a few months ago about how I came to realize during the wedding planning process that <a href="http://www.connectthedotscrafts.com/2013/02/back-in-studio.html">I needed to carve out the time to be in my studio</a> - that it is essential to my process of recharging and reinvigorating myself.</div>
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So what better way to build it in to my life than to add quilting to the ginormous wedding to do list?</div>
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Sundays were my sacred day: no tea dates, grocery shopping, or even leaving the house. Just wide open studio time, and countless episodes of Gossip Girl.</div>
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I made three quilts: two for my bridesmaids and one for our wonderful officiant. It was such a natural way for me to express my gratitude to these wise, loving ladies who supported us all along the way. <b>When I give someone a quilt, it feels like I'm giving them a piece of my heart.</b> It was the perfect way to take a step back, make space for reflection, and feel all of the love surrounding Ian and me.</div>
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Here's the first one: Monica's quilt. </div>
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She is such a warm, optimistic, and passionate person - bright, sunny colors and patterns always make me think of her.</div>
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I had some fun with my new Angela Walters books - trying out some fun quilting patterns..loops, cobblestones, and connected boxes.</div>
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This quilt is the perfect size for curling up on the couch with a good book.</div>
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Just a simple large print on the back.<br />
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Monica is the creative genius behind <a href="http://monicakesbakery.com/">Monicakes Bakery</a>. She was SO generous to make Monicakes as our wedding favors - a perfect and unique tasty treat for everyone!</div>
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Enjoy Monica! I love you so much!</div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-335770393297045069.post-31825893649068886192013-06-09T09:52:00.002-04:002013-06-09T09:52:55.963-04:00Happy Birthday to the RI Modern Quilt Guild!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizUVosiier6-qaAzRQ1lCPzt5nyIXKn1XDPYEqvDavbp52yq_l1poafXbOPfk3CCk57gl7ZabvA0Mq8xNjxdLw7VXPl_k1B-bZSML59X0h6Zj8MmndX177H1becPKq65TlEzwmH2wEnj8/s1600/blogger-image--1092623604.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizUVosiier6-qaAzRQ1lCPzt5nyIXKn1XDPYEqvDavbp52yq_l1poafXbOPfk3CCk57gl7ZabvA0Mq8xNjxdLw7VXPl_k1B-bZSML59X0h6Zj8MmndX177H1becPKq65TlEzwmH2wEnj8/s640/blogger-image--1092623604.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I had an excuse to break in my beautiful new Kitchen Aid Stand Mixer this weekend (isn't she a beaut in green apple?):<br />
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<b>The <a href="http://rhodeislandmodernquiltguild.blogspot.com/">Rhode Island Modern Quilt Guild</a> celebrated our first birthday!</b> <a href="http://www.connectthedotscrafts.com/2012/03/rhode-island-modern-quilt-guild.html">When I started the group last year</a>, I wondered "Could there be one or two other people in Rhode Island who are interested in modern quilting?" Now, we have a mailing list of nearly 100 members, and draw about 20 people to each of our monthly meetings. Even on gloriously beautiful beach days. In Rhode Island, that's really saying something.<br />
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Convening with a creative community is so powerful. I have grown so much this year as a quilter because of the inspiration, resources, and accountability that are available to me as a member of this group. <br />
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As a thank you, the guild's co-leader (Tara) and I baked us a fancy birthday cake!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizUVosiier6-qaAzRQ1lCPzt5nyIXKn1XDPYEqvDavbp52yq_l1poafXbOPfk3CCk57gl7ZabvA0Mq8xNjxdLw7VXPl_k1B-bZSML59X0h6Zj8MmndX177H1becPKq65TlEzwmH2wEnj8/s640/blogger-image--1092623604.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHoXUcIkMduXm81dHLODPdypPJ9NYAeWOHbc18H_O8Tkbmd5wuMxBAhBTpaB1qIy9KmNFn3ypQ9HH1MGmNik-RwlHnk0pJau1wvRt5DUFpG5jwfP3SwWRxkWHi_yzYpaHw0djYgq0e3tM/s640/blogger-image-542021162.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPAQQgbWQOHaCob3io13P6rD-RyZTU2S0UCKi9Uz_RxHzE4ohZ3ARs-3lK6oclzxmJYmK7FRNnApRJeQKR54qIkQPcX_d90w4O9o6sHroBaWipCQ3zFxxbAawYfJOhl2z5GLfa7wpnGHM/s640/blogger-image-1307513615.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPAQQgbWQOHaCob3io13P6rD-RyZTU2S0UCKi9Uz_RxHzE4ohZ3ARs-3lK6oclzxmJYmK7FRNnApRJeQKR54qIkQPcX_d90w4O9o6sHroBaWipCQ3zFxxbAawYfJOhl2z5GLfa7wpnGHM/s640/blogger-image-1307513615.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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And would you believe it? Those sweet, thoughtful members made me a surprise wedding gift! A collaborative quilt! Members made blocks, <a href="http://seaside-stitches.blogspot.com/">Tina</a> pieced them together, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Ponaganset-Quiltery/249880491735086">Sue</a> quilted it, and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/EweHaveMeInStitches">Tara</a> did the binding.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidYzao-uYg828c7_2Sy0EgjFVitHmN5A2QQTrI36GtyMpGHLcvOxvQjf-mXpxODsSNqMj8jhxs3W3CP-xs-9p8vFTvfuhVjQnvSjima51VOmCnHVPQ74ROYDzDEzO_b_yGA5Jt9E9-zCk/s1600/DSC06039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidYzao-uYg828c7_2Sy0EgjFVitHmN5A2QQTrI36GtyMpGHLcvOxvQjf-mXpxODsSNqMj8jhxs3W3CP-xs-9p8vFTvfuhVjQnvSjima51VOmCnHVPQ74ROYDzDEzO_b_yGA5Jt9E9-zCk/s1600/DSC06039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidYzao-uYg828c7_2Sy0EgjFVitHmN5A2QQTrI36GtyMpGHLcvOxvQjf-mXpxODsSNqMj8jhxs3W3CP-xs-9p8vFTvfuhVjQnvSjima51VOmCnHVPQ74ROYDzDEzO_b_yGA5Jt9E9-zCk/s640/DSC06039.JPG" width="640" /> </a></div>
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Not only does this community bring me all kinds of creative inspiration - it also helped me find my new friend Tara. It's been a long time since I've made a new friend. Tara came to one of our meetings, and we immediately hit it off. She makes the most incredible custom quilts through her creative business, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/EweHaveMeInStitches">Ewe Have Me in Stitches</a> - you dream it, and she makes it a reality. Check out her fabulous <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/EweHaveMeInStitches">Etsy Shop here</a>. </div>
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Happy Birthday, RI Modern Quilt Guild! May year two be even more fruitful and amazing than year one!</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-335770393297045069.post-71161922006465150042013-06-02T18:24:00.001-04:002013-06-02T18:25:02.871-04:00It's been a while...<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
It's been a while since my studio looked like this:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNJe_ECTCpO4OxqtFC9wf-M8e7PQcXDlew3UibEMvD3cAjhsz6dY2g3WI-jjhXqU5ToD7xd5Rv5ybMCCwoc7nRfPugF9utL9THkQ0R5wt0gug-Wv97XA-S9XJvv2HgeFZBZxL-ni5yxU4/s640/blogger-image--246201955.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNJe_ECTCpO4OxqtFC9wf-M8e7PQcXDlew3UibEMvD3cAjhsz6dY2g3WI-jjhXqU5ToD7xd5Rv5ybMCCwoc7nRfPugF9utL9THkQ0R5wt0gug-Wv97XA-S9XJvv2HgeFZBZxL-ni5yxU4/s640/blogger-image--246201955.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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It's been an exciting, busy few months of wedding planning. We're on the other side of it now, coming down off of the huge wave of excitement, love, and gratitude for an incredible celebration with friends and family. </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-335770393297045069.post-46734213256046876882013-02-24T21:52:00.000-05:002013-02-24T21:52:56.586-05:00back in the studio<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEL_P9asCCSiM4P2mGRhgxe8KUcuRxpqt63WURkbhFX9jBNiPU9it1jh8Y27hgBQWRDSoNtN8CqThiNzICljjFh02mH-1DG9w502zjo6p-QqScPppvtWgAsp_XEub6EFtGltvOd-pM79U/s640/blogger-image--2124027788.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEL_P9asCCSiM4P2mGRhgxe8KUcuRxpqt63WURkbhFX9jBNiPU9it1jh8Y27hgBQWRDSoNtN8CqThiNzICljjFh02mH-1DG9w502zjo6p-QqScPppvtWgAsp_XEub6EFtGltvOd-pM79U/s640/blogger-image--2124027788.jpg" /></a></div>
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Today was my first day spent in the studio in a long time. <i>Too</i> long! </div>
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In the middle of last week,<b> I took a look at my to-do list and all of the exciting projects I have going on, and my head started spinning</b>: finishing up my coaching certification and launching my business, revamping and revitalizing this blog, cultivating the awesome <a href="http://rhodeislandmodernquiltguild.blogspot.com/">Rhode Island Modern Quilt Guild</a>, oh yeah, and planning my wedding!</div>
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It's such an exciting time of ideas, energy, and abundance. The kicker is that everything on my list is <a href="http://www.connectthedotscrafts.com/2010/02/want-tos-and-have-tos.html">a want-to, not a have-to</a>. Ideal! But I want to do it all, and I want to do it now!</div>
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<b>I know it can't all be done at once. But I also know that they will all get done.</b></div>
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Two important things I came to realize this week:</div>
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<li><b>I need to trust myself.</b> I know that my projects will move forward even if I'm not plowing ahead full force. I am a person who naturally leans into the future (for better and worse!), and thrives off of moving forward. </li>
<li><b>I need to carve out studio time. </b> I've marked off all of my Sundays between now and the wedding as "QUILTING DAY," and I'm treating them as sacred time to ground myself. </li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP3u3St6Hu3t2foQgj3Yc12i2uikkzCjhJe7mQ_Iu6-1nKtmlcyskhRF_rNkfCBcQr99qkaI4e3WgmfhaAz971j6tDtmpAry8UD8A67rNq7M-kQ9l4aIVIH9BmC2uRS9N4nMfabehiKeM/s1600/Signature2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP3u3St6Hu3t2foQgj3Yc12i2uikkzCjhJe7mQ_Iu6-1nKtmlcyskhRF_rNkfCBcQr99qkaI4e3WgmfhaAz971j6tDtmpAry8UD8A67rNq7M-kQ9l4aIVIH9BmC2uRS9N4nMfabehiKeM/s1600/Signature2.jpg" /></a></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-335770393297045069.post-32521232506648381292013-02-04T09:30:00.000-05:002013-02-04T09:30:05.227-05:00to start the week<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9KC2mAzOvWY9-ejTLJx5NDi6BPInklhafff6Iw3KNkzLbPEpfFyuiFUNMhEtkFrkA53DHmB1GD2D_5ozC3XJT-HqYJbgurzyiJJpgUJ7x9pDP0w_hRu7iNW1xUEuFwtNEUoiVvAdS_t8/s1600/first+step+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9KC2mAzOvWY9-ejTLJx5NDi6BPInklhafff6Iw3KNkzLbPEpfFyuiFUNMhEtkFrkA53DHmB1GD2D_5ozC3XJT-HqYJbgurzyiJJpgUJ7x9pDP0w_hRu7iNW1xUEuFwtNEUoiVvAdS_t8/s640/first+step+2.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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via <a href="http://yogachocolatelove.com/post/22327156504">yogachocolatelove</a></div>
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<a href="http://s810.photobucket.com/albums/zz23/connectthedotscrafts/?action=view&current=Signature4.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i810.photobucket.com/albums/zz23/connectthedotscrafts/Signature4.jpg" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-335770393297045069.post-43793288539755675742013-01-30T07:30:00.000-05:002013-01-30T07:30:00.031-05:00Madrona Road Challenge Quilt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A couple of months ago, the <a href="http://themodernquiltguild.com/2012/11/01/announcing-winter-2012-fabric-challenge/">Modern Quilt Guild issued a challenge</a> to its members: create a quilt using only the Madrona Road fabric line from Michael Miller, along with solid fabrics. Here's my answer to the call:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWSRd9HOel-EnoVz6LaBjVut68PCe43ja4aRRqU6zXJWhqQUHvleMv93Gye0EshoXTIu28mcILjjmyMQprYddsNCRXrVb0a4TLVu9vNkwY8ghGwA6ZnqvhT0lLdtXffFGdRc_p6jhxvGg/s1600/DSC05923.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWSRd9HOel-EnoVz6LaBjVut68PCe43ja4aRRqU6zXJWhqQUHvleMv93Gye0EshoXTIu28mcILjjmyMQprYddsNCRXrVb0a4TLVu9vNkwY8ghGwA6ZnqvhT0lLdtXffFGdRc_p6jhxvGg/s640/DSC05923.JPG" width="478" /></a></div>
I was inspired by one of the prints in the line to create a large herringbone design. This is part of my attempt to make my quilt fronts more like my quilt backs...since my quilt backs are usually everyone's favorite! I love the cleanness of how this design came out. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigrjdkVLipgBU25HH1n-HcVqsf4huiPC6p5STWeFK93SepDpckXk9vHITnDPADhziTooOlVwTXLNPRXavzq5CKdZVcezPcTSHjNzRP_WZTpnXVEadATv9CBzQXb1pR06mqmB8H33mK6pw/s1600/DSC05930.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigrjdkVLipgBU25HH1n-HcVqsf4huiPC6p5STWeFK93SepDpckXk9vHITnDPADhziTooOlVwTXLNPRXavzq5CKdZVcezPcTSHjNzRP_WZTpnXVEadATv9CBzQXb1pR06mqmB8H33mK6pw/s640/DSC05930.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Here's the back - an improvised design using the leftover fabrics. You might recognize the prints, since I used them in the <a href="http://www.connectthedotscrafts.com/2013/01/tiny-quilt-5-house-warming-quilt.html">tiny house quilt</a> that I made a few weeks back for my brother and sister-in-law's housewarming gift. I love how these colors go together!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNnpwnJkaXELopj5JF30cW2M19nSLUH-fMJJ4kqN-I6noIvG7njvsQyG1CDv0HTDB6SLo8J0nfPl0yJHV34sGvKnNYJacF7eX-hZbpem1m08wF-mmuYldMUz5LWPCzN3zCtu4Sl0StRsY/s1600/DSC05933.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNnpwnJkaXELopj5JF30cW2M19nSLUH-fMJJ4kqN-I6noIvG7njvsQyG1CDv0HTDB6SLo8J0nfPl0yJHV34sGvKnNYJacF7eX-hZbpem1m08wF-mmuYldMUz5LWPCzN3zCtu4Sl0StRsY/s640/DSC05933.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
This quilt gave me the opportunity to try out some of the new free-motion quilting designs from the books I got at Christmas. I used pebbles in the sashing, and allover boxes for the rest of the quilt. It was fun!<br />
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Thanks to my girlio Monica for helping out with this photo shoot!<br />
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<a href="http://s810.photobucket.com/albums/zz23/connectthedotscrafts/?action=view&current=Signature4.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i810.photobucket.com/albums/zz23/connectthedotscrafts/Signature4.jpg" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-335770393297045069.post-74617081423315623122013-01-28T08:00:00.000-05:002013-01-28T08:00:01.319-05:00Couraging<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN7v5v1KqwEvF-FuQX6aPGboPmTtc3cQ8CtB7h0NpWncwA0Mz2ctckKHOcbL5MQMAjB_iPvhXQsygkAmUmVG1oHrL1SURvpLhnjUuJDu6BdQglfStufhj5RMH1ZLTgInKYh04TqI4KnRU/s1600/Courage3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN7v5v1KqwEvF-FuQX6aPGboPmTtc3cQ8CtB7h0NpWncwA0Mz2ctckKHOcbL5MQMAjB_iPvhXQsygkAmUmVG1oHrL1SURvpLhnjUuJDu6BdQglfStufhj5RMH1ZLTgInKYh04TqI4KnRU/s400/Courage3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Last week, I shared that <a href="http://www.connectthedotscrafts.com/2013/01/my-word-for-2013.html">my word for 2013</a> is <b>COURAGE</b>. Since then, it's been coming at me from all different directions - in what I'm reading, in my email inbox, in my conversations with friends. I'm totally tuned it to it. <br />
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I love this quote from Mary Daly. It's a reminder that <b>courage isn't something you either have or don't have - but a <i>practice</i>, a habit.</b> Something that needs constant tending. <br />
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So I started something I'm calling my Courage Journal. I write down each time that I do something courageous, no matter how small it seems - speaking up at a meeting, stepping up to do something that scares me, letting myself be seen for who I truly am. <br />
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I wasn't sure how it would feel to be keeping this journal...cheesy, maybe? Or silly? But actually, I'm having a lot of fun with it. <b>When the moment comes when I have the choice to either stay hidden or be visible, I think to myself, "Ooo! I can write this in my journal."</b> It helps me make decisions that support my couraging practice.<br />
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What's your word for 2013? Start your own journal to log how you are practicing your word.<br />
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<a href="http://s810.photobucket.com/albums/zz23/connectthedotscrafts/?action=view&current=Signature4.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i810.photobucket.com/albums/zz23/connectthedotscrafts/Signature4.jpg" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0