tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71628683980413476382024-03-13T12:14:12.440-04:00no big dillNo Big Dill http://www.blogger.com/profile/08414131508018685093noreply@blogger.comBlogger1420125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7162868398041347638.post-49148410923060271032017-12-08T07:00:00.000-05:002017-12-08T07:00:25.910-05:00Shine Bright!!<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> I had grand plans of sewing something for every one of my girls. <i>"They all need to be in on this project!"</i> I thought, because what this particular fabric tour stands for. The Simple Simon girls emailed me, asking if I'd like to participate in the <a href="https://www.simplesimonandco.com/2017/12/shine-bright-fabric-holiday-tour.html/">Shine Bright</a> fabric tour, featuring fabrics designed with daughters in mind.</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U8-0rRQVeIo/WioHp3yZg0I/AAAAAAAAcTA/fh22TBd9g28YAujxCbnEkDFbnJenT5UmQCLcBGAs/s1600/shine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U8-0rRQVeIo/WioHp3yZg0I/AAAAAAAAcTA/fh22TBd9g28YAujxCbnEkDFbnJenT5UmQCLcBGAs/s640/shine.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>"We can see the light inside them...we can feel their potential and we wanted to create something that would constantly remind them of the good that we know they are," </i>they wrote. So, yes. I felt like I wanted, no, <i>needed</i> to do something for every single one of my girls. </span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W8u92OcUBN8/WioHzIRY9GI/AAAAAAAAcTE/RyK2xXAUd6M4WI9nqEwA34FIwudwTXy3QCLcBGAs/s1600/shine2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W8u92OcUBN8/WioHzIRY9GI/AAAAAAAAcTE/RyK2xXAUd6M4WI9nqEwA34FIwudwTXy3QCLcBGAs/s640/shine2.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> I began sewing with the extraordinarily fun fabric--the main print that has sayings to remind them of their brilliance and worth, and other prints with light bulbs and diamonds to remind them that they need to shine! I got Clover's dress completed and she, of course, was thrilled.</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U7_qBHXrEHM/WioIB5InQ_I/AAAAAAAAcTI/-wFFIHn8szo3fudPD6EawS5vWQx6XBaPACLcBGAs/s1600/shine3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U7_qBHXrEHM/WioIB5InQ_I/AAAAAAAAcTI/-wFFIHn8szo3fudPD6EawS5vWQx6XBaPACLcBGAs/s640/shine3.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> As I began to move onto the other projects, one of my girls had a metaphorical raincloud envelope her. Life. Just as we, as adults, feel the burden of it, so do teenagers and tweens and even those single digits get you feeling down. I think it had been piling up for a while, but something as simple as an algebraic equation broke the camel's back. </span><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HIJ-hGz9pfc/WioImC7ddUI/AAAAAAAAcTM/cvPKazjmZDY8RB-mxKVYEgvQSPypCnsEACLcBGAs/s1600/shine4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HIJ-hGz9pfc/WioImC7ddUI/AAAAAAAAcTM/cvPKazjmZDY8RB-mxKVYEgvQSPypCnsEACLcBGAs/s640/shine4.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> So, my sewing and grand plans were pushed aside. At first, I just sat with her under an umbrella while that stormcloud sent the torrential rains, and after a while, she was able to walk around in the rain, and finally, the clouds parted just enough for me to point out that the sun was shining on her, reflecting upon her beauty. Her brilliance, though covered a bit by those clouds, was still there, but sometimes just gets shadowed by life.</span><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PPjZGcXpQtw/WioI_aT8s2I/AAAAAAAAcTQ/C7v7SX2Y6dI3zOCb2nAhcIe8OYoysRywgCLcBGAs/s1600/shine5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PPjZGcXpQtw/WioI_aT8s2I/AAAAAAAAcTQ/C7v7SX2Y6dI3zOCb2nAhcIe8OYoysRywgCLcBGAs/s640/shine5.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> I'm glad I happened to be working on this as this all transpired, so I could remind myself as well that there are so many things in life that dull our sparkle and dim our shimmer, but regardless of the trials, brought on by others, ourselves, or nobody at all, our worth never diminishes.</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tY6X9FiRgBc/WioJOXFBjLI/AAAAAAAAcTU/qNFX_x2yIoMQxg9QsgR3mIjJQZes1kdaQCLcBGAs/s1600/shine6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tY6X9FiRgBc/WioJOXFBjLI/AAAAAAAAcTU/qNFX_x2yIoMQxg9QsgR3mIjJQZes1kdaQCLcBGAs/s640/shine6.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I have a pretty little pile of "<a href="https://www.simplesimonandco.com/2017/12/shine-bright-fabric-holiday-tour.html/">Shine Bright</a>" fabric sitting on my sewing table yet. And it will slowly be incorporated into the things I sew for my girls because it's not just pretty fabric. It is a tiny way to remind them of their brilliance. </span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NskISuv9fYg/WioJdBKf3_I/AAAAAAAAcTY/a5EuVwzxcp4BQZ7jBCpradGmgOkaoEjmQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9537.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NskISuv9fYg/WioJdBKf3_I/AAAAAAAAcTY/a5EuVwzxcp4BQZ7jBCpradGmgOkaoEjmQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_9537.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">While Clover pretends to start out shy and end with a twirl, she is one that rarely feels dimmed. </span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--kT1vHXdvRE/WioJ1Ry_uJI/AAAAAAAAcTc/IDYAP2KxQE8BObhB1F8qW0fxL1khGAhYACLcBGAs/s1600/shine7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--kT1vHXdvRE/WioJ1Ry_uJI/AAAAAAAAcTc/IDYAP2KxQE8BObhB1F8qW0fxL1khGAhYACLcBGAs/s640/shine7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>Nitty gritty details: this was a self drafted pattern with plans of making a matching doll dress, which </i>does<i> have a pattern that looks similar. Doll dress to come....eventually. ;)</i></span></div>
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</script>No Big Dill http://www.blogger.com/profile/08414131508018685093noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7162868398041347638.post-86420501268860965912017-08-15T08:43:00.001-04:002017-08-15T08:43:53.454-04:00Project Run & Play Repeat!<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Project Run and Play has returned! Just a single round of past contestants, but with a twist. We are given the same fabric to work with. No theme, just our own interpretation of the same Art Gallery Fabric rayon with our choice of complementing fabric.</span><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kSaZzq3lGM8/WZLrS0OZnfI/AAAAAAAAcP8/1V16i-a0buAHoFb3a6GEPB1YnNghh43jACLcBGAs/s1600/Title.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kSaZzq3lGM8/WZLrS0OZnfI/AAAAAAAAcP8/1V16i-a0buAHoFb3a6GEPB1YnNghh43jACLcBGAs/s640/Title.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The first one is the softest rayon I've ever worked with, and comes from their latest collection. The pattern, however, wasn't one I'd pick out from the fabric store, so that was a challenge. My other fabric was my choice, which was a lightweight cherry denim, also a dream to work with </span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z9JOoglhkLA/WZLoqDmBJMI/AAAAAAAAcPw/07e07XrbIbcpV09ZPtOwwucWJ_0QAob1ACLcBGAs/s1600/fabric.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z9JOoglhkLA/WZLoqDmBJMI/AAAAAAAAcPw/07e07XrbIbcpV09ZPtOwwucWJ_0QAob1ACLcBGAs/s640/fabric.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">But, it all comes down to the details: my favorite part of most sewing projects.</span><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wmHz_3pdVNE/WZJbLs9YvQI/AAAAAAAAcPA/fCGieJFjXTc6kPQEakf_o41Vg972Y6eDACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_1389.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wmHz_3pdVNE/WZJbLs9YvQI/AAAAAAAAcPA/fCGieJFjXTc6kPQEakf_o41Vg972Y6eDACLcBGAs/s640/DSC_1389.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It's a self drafted pattern, and super easy (and according to Azure comfortable) to put on with just a ribbon for the closing because it's just a faux placket! (Read: no buttonholes necessary! ;) I added a fun little wooden button at the back and glass buttons down the front. I <i>really</i> <i>ruffled</i> the <i>rayon</i> for a different look, and then played with the colors on the dress.</span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5gu0BJPb0Uc/WZLmKz24eXI/AAAAAAAAcPU/J4lEzT_79K4vYY3lxM23drQ2wDRE6pMEACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_1392.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5gu0BJPb0Uc/WZLmKz24eXI/AAAAAAAAcPU/J4lEzT_79K4vYY3lxM23drQ2wDRE6pMEACLcBGAs/s640/DSC_1392.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TO5oswOKqaI/WZLmPVU6f0I/AAAAAAAAcPY/SxuuqmFzhI4jGbiOFVcre45DqA5S3eH7ACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_1393.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TO5oswOKqaI/WZLmPVU6f0I/AAAAAAAAcPY/SxuuqmFzhI4jGbiOFVcre45DqA5S3eH7ACLcBGAs/s640/DSC_1393.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bOF92nfntFQ/WZLmSGfE9gI/AAAAAAAAcPc/UT0okNa3vIEChw_P1KyAMYcoZDTR5XINgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_1386.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bOF92nfntFQ/WZLmSGfE9gI/AAAAAAAAcPc/UT0okNa3vIEChw_P1KyAMYcoZDTR5XINgCLcBGAs/s640/DSC_1386.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bO_61kv5reY/WZLm9cLePsI/AAAAAAAAcPk/X44yG-DmAlo76WthScn8Q1vDrEvfuuQCgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_1396.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bO_61kv5reY/WZLm9cLePsI/AAAAAAAAcPk/X44yG-DmAlo76WthScn8Q1vDrEvfuuQCgCLcBGAs/s640/DSC_1396.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So, take a look at my competitor's design and vote for your favorite <a href="http://www.projectrunplay.com/"><span style="color: red;">HERE</span></a>!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And for old time's sake, here is a tinier Olive with my winning dress from the first round of Project Run and Play...I guess I do like ruffles. :)</span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ck2IzKZoNRQ/WZLsShWfshI/AAAAAAAAcQE/fNd3FEGbWvcoYKqNn30skR3MBeB-5uvjQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0655.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ck2IzKZoNRQ/WZLsShWfshI/AAAAAAAAcQE/fNd3FEGbWvcoYKqNn30skR3MBeB-5uvjQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_0655.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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No Big Dill http://www.blogger.com/profile/08414131508018685093noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7162868398041347638.post-52750989136389625622017-08-10T10:05:00.001-04:002017-08-10T10:05:35.456-04:00Trick or Treat!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Just kidding, I'm all about the treats! It's like riding a bike, right? You get back into it and it all comes rushing back. Well, mostly.</span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1KLBHth2Om8/WYtqg2ixZsI/AAAAAAAAcOE/_I-cPWL35EM29NF-0iMOBPCdfj-ICzJzACLcBGAs/s3200/W%2BRiley%2BBlake6.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="1600" height="432" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1KLBHth2Om8/WYtqg2ixZsI/AAAAAAAAcOE/_I-cPWL35EM29NF-0iMOBPCdfj-ICzJzACLcBGAs/s640/W%2BRiley%2BBlake6.png" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.rileyblakedesigns.com/trick-or-treat-trickortreat-cottons-1/">Riley Blake</a> just came out with their new Trick or Treat collection, and I was like, a whole bunch of black, white and orange?!?! SIGN. ME. UP.</span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LzyyrP4zumM/WYtrcakGBjI/AAAAAAAAcOU/su87UKyWToMRIbaqnn7_h2KY_0mrueinQCEwYBhgL/s1600/W%2BRiley%2BBlake2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LzyyrP4zumM/WYtrcakGBjI/AAAAAAAAcOU/su87UKyWToMRIbaqnn7_h2KY_0mrueinQCEwYBhgL/s640/W%2BRiley%2BBlake2.png" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">When I first saw this fabric, I thought of UPC. Haha! One thing I've realized about my sewing self over the years is I really like to have a simple pattern or solid fabric to be able to play with and embellish, or I like to keep the design really simple if it's more of a busy pattern. This time I chose to play, of course. I made those stripes go every which way.</span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m2d6HGT_OEg/WYtq7L7gJ0I/AAAAAAAAcOM/OCIEjf_6tDcP6g9I2BbU_ssaT17ePM78wCEwYBhgL/s1600/W%2BRiley%2BBlake5.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m2d6HGT_OEg/WYtq7L7gJ0I/AAAAAAAAcOM/OCIEjf_6tDcP6g9I2BbU_ssaT17ePM78wCEwYBhgL/s640/W%2BRiley%2BBlake5.png" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">In fact, I originally cut the skirt part out going vertically and almost cried. Not really, but kind of. I had my heart on horizontal to compliment the front bodice. The sewing gods were smiling down on me because I eeked out another skirt with what I had left over.</span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mUyz3Qn8WBs/WYtq2lxabiI/AAAAAAAAcOI/1RXek1f5HDsYo8OMaWDf4fgMRc2oqjpKQCEwYBhgL/s1600/W%2BRiley%2BBlake4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mUyz3Qn8WBs/WYtq2lxabiI/AAAAAAAAcOI/1RXek1f5HDsYo8OMaWDf4fgMRc2oqjpKQCEwYBhgL/s640/W%2BRiley%2BBlake4.png" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I had just ordered 20 of those incredibly gorgeous lace zippers for another dress I made for Clover, and used a black one on this. Because it looks just like a strip of black lace. They are ridiculously priced at fabric stores <i>(I got 20 for the price of 2 or 3)</i>, and I can never find long ones, but I consulted with my best friend, Amazon, who should really be called Amazing and found <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B071WHLY3Z/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=nobidi-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B071WHLY3Z&linkId=12ec92991a7b92221fb3106d46b07a99"><span style="color: orange;">THESE</span></a>. <i>(An affiliate link if you want a buffet of lace zippers at your fingertips. You're welcome.)</i></span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OZzum47cgnI/WYtrkKGgoeI/AAAAAAAAcOY/mfOc913PdeU0tXpEiMZrl4BzZ5NlY9tvQCEwYBhgL/s1600/W%2BRiley%2BBlake.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OZzum47cgnI/WYtrkKGgoeI/AAAAAAAAcOY/mfOc913PdeU0tXpEiMZrl4BzZ5NlY9tvQCEwYBhgL/s640/W%2BRiley%2BBlake.png" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We still have a good chunk of warm weather here. Read: will the heat ever end? But you can always add a cardi or cute wrap to this one. The pattern was Simplicity 8307 that I snatched for a mere 99 cents. I pretty much sewed it up straight except I added the exterior zipper and the trim. It's kind of on the short side for those long legged ladies.</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f_yHGyCERjQ/WYtrSz-s_3I/AAAAAAAAcOQ/WSXvcEiElfAob2cynM0BV5_pJUj-AnbjgCEwYBhgL/s1600/W%2BRiley%2BBlake3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f_yHGyCERjQ/WYtrSz-s_3I/AAAAAAAAcOQ/WSXvcEiElfAob2cynM0BV5_pJUj-AnbjgCEwYBhgL/s640/W%2BRiley%2BBlake3.png" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I've got some orange Riley Blake Trick or Treat that will soon be cut up...maybe for one of my redheads. ;) Halloween sewing doesn't necessarily have to be Halloween sewing. ;) Take a look at all their fun prints <a href="https://www.rileyblakedesigns.com/trick-or-treat-trickortreat-cottons-1/"><span style="color: orange;">here</span></a>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I'll be honest. I haven't done a huge amount of sewing lately. My machine was hijacked by Pearl and her quest to have the most American Girls Doll clothes made. She's been working her way through my stash faster than I have. It's fun, though, being reminded of all the great fabrics that are awaiting my hands. ;)</span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qgi0VhjP4RA/WH1irlk-w6I/AAAAAAAAcI8/5D8OGya-lLQ2vhw1jQXGZ-gatxEmrtmMQCLcB/s1600/grayskies4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="534" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qgi0VhjP4RA/WH1irlk-w6I/AAAAAAAAcI8/5D8OGya-lLQ2vhw1jQXGZ-gatxEmrtmMQCLcB/s1600/grayskies4.jpg" width="800" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I had to kick her off the sewing machine for a bit, though, when liZ and Elizabeth from <a href="http://www.simplesimonandco.com/">Simple Simon & Co</a> asked if I'd like to participate in a blog tour for their new fabric line from Riley Blake, When Skies are Grey. When I saw it, it was like they had spent a day in my head! As my usual procrastination took over, I only made Azure an outfit, but, trust me, there is something for me in the works as well.</span><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d3PyBVwmilM/WH1iqAq77TI/AAAAAAAAcI4/cCbalHO1M6I4r3rAKDfNnWyHJ5rMhalcwCLcB/s1600/grayskies1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="800" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d3PyBVwmilM/WH1iqAq77TI/AAAAAAAAcI4/cCbalHO1M6I4r3rAKDfNnWyHJ5rMhalcwCLcB/s1600/grayskies1.png" width="800" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">If you're a quilter, you will have a hay day. If you're not, you can come up with coordinating outfits for your whole family...next Christmas photo? ;)</span><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kbI5sXgFofg/WH1isU7__MI/AAAAAAAAcJA/Dg_qw0WX-hEVtfIC-qbhCqZ_biDyO4IewCLcB/s1600/grayskies5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="534" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kbI5sXgFofg/WH1isU7__MI/AAAAAAAAcJA/Dg_qw0WX-hEVtfIC-qbhCqZ_biDyO4IewCLcB/s1600/grayskies5.jpg" width="800" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I didn't even use a written pattern, I just began measuring, cutting and sewing. It's especially gratifying to sew for Azure because we can never find anything that fits her (stick figure) properly. I noticed on Sunday that the dress she chose to wear was about a foot and a half too short, but it still fit her. She needed something new.</span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GtIhrkixyX8/WH1iXwjwipI/AAAAAAAAcI0/jlJFdjJ8dwgGkt6mGF5ocMRvy-dZ8g5igCLcB/s1600/grayskies2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="534" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GtIhrkixyX8/WH1iXwjwipI/AAAAAAAAcI0/jlJFdjJ8dwgGkt6mGF5ocMRvy-dZ8g5igCLcB/s1600/grayskies2.jpg" width="800" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I used glass buttons from my button stash, and added some nice, big, lined pockets for all those treasures that get gathered by little hands. </span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-baQR69q5BYY/WH1jDRMn3cI/AAAAAAAAcJI/96YbfkQXlpg_ltlHBSnRZn4Uou32bDfZwCLcB/s1600/grayskies6.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="534" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-baQR69q5BYY/WH1jDRMn3cI/AAAAAAAAcJI/96YbfkQXlpg_ltlHBSnRZn4Uou32bDfZwCLcB/s1600/grayskies6.png" width="800" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Head <a href="http://www.simplesimonandco.com/2017/01/skies-grey-fat-quarter-bundle-giveaway.html/">here</a> to see the blues and pinks as well, and to be entered into a drawing for a FQ bundle! Stay tuned to <a href="http://www.simplesimonandco.com/">Simple Simon & Co</a> for more stops on their Grey Skies fabric tour, and stay tuned here to learn how my year of no new clothes went!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">After a hurricane evacuation, darn Matthew, it was time for some normalcy, aka sewing time. ;) </span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6ovJ2CBwkeQ/WAf5JINyH8I/AAAAAAAAcEM/bHpnHKTtoDQR85sUaxt5wy8MUmyt2PCfACLcB/s1600/dollfabric.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="534" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6ovJ2CBwkeQ/WAf5JINyH8I/AAAAAAAAcEM/bHpnHKTtoDQR85sUaxt5wy8MUmyt2PCfACLcB/s1600/dollfabric.jpg" width="800" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">What is more uplifting than doing some little girl and doll sewing? Put them together and that's pure joy. If you haven't seen <a href="http://seekatesew.com/doll-fabric-photos/">See Kate Sew</a>'s fun dolls floating around, you're in for a fun surprise!</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bnKFvDR4wlI/WAf5PdJb1eI/AAAAAAAAcEg/38ylPA_AZm8D7bIhjA1yt2uXSoijtyyzgCLcB/s1600/dollfabric2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="534" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bnKFvDR4wlI/WAf5PdJb1eI/AAAAAAAAcEg/38ylPA_AZm8D7bIhjA1yt2uXSoijtyyzgCLcB/s1600/dollfabric2.jpg" width="800" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Each panel comes with a boy and girl doll with 3 different choices: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01KGFOWY8/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=nobidi-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B01KGFOWY8&linkId=8d19426cbc3984970f4cef17504bfb50"><span style="color: #f1c232;">blonde</span></a>, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01KGFOZZE/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=nobidi-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B01KGFOZZE&linkId=5e235f7d501251efa651856d873ece93"><span style="color: black;">black hair</span></a>, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01KGFOT4Q/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=nobidi-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B01KGFOT4Q&linkId=101db7930a872496430d18cc4aff8731"><span style="color: #783f04;">brunettes</span></a>. There are also several fabric patterns that coordinate! Fun, right?!</span><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wb0yf57oYSA/WAf5RKPGDfI/AAAAAAAAcEo/LcY9i7DN730J1cmmXFOwZKVDcNnPOB4iACLcB/s1600/dollfabric3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="534" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wb0yf57oYSA/WAf5RKPGDfI/AAAAAAAAcEo/LcY9i7DN730J1cmmXFOwZKVDcNnPOB4iACLcB/s1600/dollfabric3.jpg" width="800" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Each doll panel comes with 2 bows and a big ice cream cone. I made mine into two smaller cones, one for Clover's dress and one for the dolls to share. ;)</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qW03u06qXC8/WAf5RLwxNmI/AAAAAAAAcEk/cBOs6SAXk54Eh-Esnhw7D1KGRUBr8IO_gCLcB/s1600/dollfabric4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="534" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qW03u06qXC8/WAf5RLwxNmI/AAAAAAAAcEk/cBOs6SAXk54Eh-Esnhw7D1KGRUBr8IO_gCLcB/s1600/dollfabric4.jpg" width="800" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">For some interesting details, I used one of my embroidery stitches along the strap, round to match the pattern on the grey fabric. I also added a pattern of sequins to look like they're scattering down her shoulder.</span><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tQ_A06XAWk8/WAf5SHWN5JI/AAAAAAAAcEs/xtQxEimCmawa4OxSQjc6vIoIwVrEPVimQCLcB/s1600/dollfabric5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="534" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tQ_A06XAWk8/WAf5SHWN5JI/AAAAAAAAcEs/xtQxEimCmawa4OxSQjc6vIoIwVrEPVimQCLcB/s1600/dollfabric5.jpg" width="800" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Needless to say, Clover is thrilled with her new pal.</span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XCYnUQBqNAw/WAf5TzKBZQI/AAAAAAAAcEw/0fRkaSiIt14S0iDbVavTwVyTAYxrp_PVACLcB/s1600/dollfabric6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="534" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XCYnUQBqNAw/WAf5TzKBZQI/AAAAAAAAcEw/0fRkaSiIt14S0iDbVavTwVyTAYxrp_PVACLcB/s1600/dollfabric6.jpg" width="800" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I added a resin buckle to the waistband because it was just. the. right. color. I've been waiting for the perfect project. Oh. And baby piping. Because there's always room for baby piping.</span><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FyDbyKuf89g/WAf5gvl_yRI/AAAAAAAAcE8/jvoL0Td7HhAV8TpsKMK-dg3QIScdeG5-wCLcB/s1600/dollfabric7.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="534" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FyDbyKuf89g/WAf5gvl_yRI/AAAAAAAAcE8/jvoL0Td7HhAV8TpsKMK-dg3QIScdeG5-wCLcB/s1600/dollfabric7.png" width="800" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">For Goldie's ensemble, I added some silk ribbon ribbons for her shoes, embellished her skirt with bright elastic and....baby pom poms. Her sequin necklace echoes Clover's dress, and I puffed up her bow and added some silk ribbon as well.</span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7gatJ12QRjI/WAf5Vhg2jyI/AAAAAAAAcE0/v03wIiU2VS8WccNDq5w_GkSbnlgatZkswCLcB/s1600/dollfabric8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="534" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7gatJ12QRjI/WAf5Vhg2jyI/AAAAAAAAcE0/v03wIiU2VS8WccNDq5w_GkSbnlgatZkswCLcB/s1600/dollfabric8.jpg" width="800" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a-nI-OynKHU/WAf5XxxCJsI/AAAAAAAAcE4/qmNShbGQe94GXpAuLvukXRcrd3uwfJFHQCLcB/s1600/dollfabric9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="534" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a-nI-OynKHU/WAf5XxxCJsI/AAAAAAAAcE4/qmNShbGQe94GXpAuLvukXRcrd3uwfJFHQCLcB/s1600/dollfabric9.jpg" width="800" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Rmx-Ua4_nWU/WAf5JdHi76I/AAAAAAAAcEQ/PFhq8jlVWmMz0iRDGsXTHNGgj34WNCALwCLcB/s1600/dollfabric10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="534" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Rmx-Ua4_nWU/WAf5JdHi76I/AAAAAAAAcEQ/PFhq8jlVWmMz0iRDGsXTHNGgj34WNCALwCLcB/s1600/dollfabric10.jpg" width="800" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4p0f63LlxE8/WAf5Jj_fL4I/AAAAAAAAcEU/bxRohK2KZk0yAl57fznlvyFMJfuPtsvqgCLcB/s1600/dollfabric11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="534" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4p0f63LlxE8/WAf5Jj_fL4I/AAAAAAAAcEU/bxRohK2KZk0yAl57fznlvyFMJfuPtsvqgCLcB/s1600/dollfabric11.jpg" width="800" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I also made the boy doll for Drummer, and he's already been well loved. I planned to make a button up shirt for Drummer, but the dress kind of took on a life of its own as the details kept coming and coming. Soon. ;)</span><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OY3E8YKRKag/WAf5MiTx7uI/AAAAAAAAcEY/w7WGX9gAzxEiCul3d1voI_wQ4LuC3Ce_gCLcB/s1600/dollfabric12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="534" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OY3E8YKRKag/WAf5MiTx7uI/AAAAAAAAcEY/w7WGX9gAzxEiCul3d1voI_wQ4LuC3Ce_gCLcB/s1600/dollfabric12.jpg" width="800" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">And here's a little secret. The placement of the ice cream cone was intentional. I didn't quite line up the back waistband, so I sewed the ice cream on one side and I'll add a snap on the other. I think that's one of the exciting things about creating, when you have a moment that might appear to you as a mistake, it helps push your creativity a little bit further than you would normally. Turns out, I LOVE the ice cream cone flap.</span><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eUvH4bM6x1Y/WAf5NSCLNLI/AAAAAAAAcEc/8Se6JgAcPXQe1xQFvFHtAQq_pRzN4VMzQCLcB/s1600/dollfabric13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="534" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eUvH4bM6x1Y/WAf5NSCLNLI/AAAAAAAAcEc/8Se6JgAcPXQe1xQFvFHtAQq_pRzN4VMzQCLcB/s1600/dollfabric13.jpg" width="800" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">So, go and grab a panel or two of these fun dolls and a bit of fabric. The dolls are a quick, fun sew-up and the fabrics are just a delight to play with. Thanks, <a href="http://seekatesew.com/doll-fabric-photos/">Kate</a>, for the chance to join in your Doll Fabric Tour!</span></div>
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</script>No Big Dill http://www.blogger.com/profile/08414131508018685093noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7162868398041347638.post-58721985534216925462016-09-20T10:01:00.000-04:002016-09-20T10:15:06.888-04:00Ice cream, You scream, We all scream for...Boardwalk Delight!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Hello, blog! I took a bit of an unintended hiatus, but what better reason to get back on here than NATIONAL SEWING MONTH! And I'll tell you what, I have been sewing <i>ALL</i> month long for a very good reason. Although, truth be told, I don't need a reason at all to hop on a sewing machine, especially my fancy Babylocks. ;)</span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-siDnnJgSrp4/V-Cw3EulVzI/AAAAAAAAcAg/0bFm5V0NzLsctgnkfUhNTlgqUJD4nLbmwCLcB/s1600/Icecream1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="534" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-siDnnJgSrp4/V-Cw3EulVzI/AAAAAAAAcAg/0bFm5V0NzLsctgnkfUhNTlgqUJD4nLbmwCLcB/s1600/Icecream1.jpg" width="800" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">My all-talented friend, <a href="http://www.madeeveryday.com/">Dana</a>, released her first fabric line earlier this year, <a href="http://www.madeeveryday.com/2016/05/my-fabrics-are-now-in-stores-a-look-book-a-new-video.html/">Boardwalk Delight</a>, and she sent me a big ol' stack to play with!</span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x7OU4kj5XEM/V-E4PfctWCI/AAAAAAAAcCs/stD8cSXMitwNVS3JZ-bq9aKeju1rg6ZBACLcB/s1600/Boardwalk-Delight-summer-fabrics-by-Dana-Willard-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="1220" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x7OU4kj5XEM/V-E4PfctWCI/AAAAAAAAcCs/stD8cSXMitwNVS3JZ-bq9aKeju1rg6ZBACLcB/s1600/Boardwalk-Delight-summer-fabrics-by-Dana-Willard-1.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">So, fun, right?!</span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-irEAsNcEKxY/V-CxD4zGbUI/AAAAAAAAcBA/40CKjiIhWcMATwl6RkTE9j-9MLj6vdKNQCLcB/s1600/icecream2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="534" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-irEAsNcEKxY/V-CxD4zGbUI/AAAAAAAAcBA/40CKjiIhWcMATwl6RkTE9j-9MLj6vdKNQCLcB/s1600/icecream2.jpg" width="800" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large; text-align: start;">Since it's my no-new-clothes year, I told her I wanted to make something for <i>all</i> my kids, and we both laughed at how crazy I am. Then I began working my way through her bright, playful patterned fabric! I think I managed to use all the prints, except for the sprinkle print, which I'm sad about--how did I miss that one?!</span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sF0qfD7GOMs/V-CxIgA7nYI/AAAAAAAAcBQ/x8gyiRvHYeoeqmT_4IhBCvuAUaqD6pxLwCLcB/s1600/icecream4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="534" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sF0qfD7GOMs/V-CxIgA7nYI/AAAAAAAAcBQ/x8gyiRvHYeoeqmT_4IhBCvuAUaqD6pxLwCLcB/s1600/icecream4.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">These prints are much bolder than I normally use, so it was fun to do something so different.</span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J1bJSeQQ8Jk/V-CxIPl2w9I/AAAAAAAAcBM/dlzcmgx9Owok3Z0Vt2ppjgIOPWFTR66kgCLcB/s1600/icecream3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="534" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J1bJSeQQ8Jk/V-CxIPl2w9I/AAAAAAAAcBM/dlzcmgx9Owok3Z0Vt2ppjgIOPWFTR66kgCLcB/s1600/icecream3.jpg" width="800" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.madeeveryday.com/">Dana</a> also not only had her patterns printed on quilter's weight woven cotton, but there are also knits and canvas, something for everyone. </span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u2-xSjQNiEc/V-Et2QrjKmI/AAAAAAAAcCc/5ot53luzbi04utNRHfGvVahbeQ7bPh0rgCLcB/s1600/icecream5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="534" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u2-xSjQNiEc/V-Et2QrjKmI/AAAAAAAAcCc/5ot53luzbi04utNRHfGvVahbeQ7bPh0rgCLcB/s1600/icecream5.jpg" width="800" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Olive has been asking for overalls for ages, so I used the canvas weight for a pair and they worked perfectly! I found the overall clasps with the matching star grommets at Hobby Lobby under their Sewology brand, and they also seemed to be the most inexpensive.</span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7lkrbsbHFpI/V-CxMcK4nFI/AAAAAAAAcBY/_aO4zxyIbygPoXvKozI-6jqPmyDoSYkJACLcB/s1600/icecream6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="534" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7lkrbsbHFpI/V-CxMcK4nFI/AAAAAAAAcBY/_aO4zxyIbygPoXvKozI-6jqPmyDoSYkJACLcB/s1600/icecream6.jpg" width="800" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">It was hard for the kids not to be able to wear their clothes as I finished them, especially Drummer who declared his pajamas the most comfy thing ever. Haha!</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9w5eOec_lXo/V-CxNWBa0tI/AAAAAAAAcBc/e0EnF1j6WZow9b-njeFTRmY1jb6ATxOogCLcB/s1600/icecream7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="534" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9w5eOec_lXo/V-CxNWBa0tI/AAAAAAAAcBc/e0EnF1j6WZow9b-njeFTRmY1jb6ATxOogCLcB/s1600/icecream7.jpg" width="800" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Lowdown on the patterns I used, from left to right: Drummers Pajamas--Ottobre Issue 6/2013, Olive's Overalls--Ottobre Issue 3/2014, Olive's shirt--Ottobre Issue 6/2015, Clover's dress--Ottobre Issue 1/2013, Pearl's tunic--Ottobre Issue 4/2010, Pearl's pants--MIA, still looking for that one!, Azure's dress--Ottobre Issue 1/2015, Divine's shirt--Ottobre Issue 4/2013, Divine's skirt--self drafted.</span><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IjaIiSz78e4/V-CxO2SzSdI/AAAAAAAAcBg/Bin1rx_6ze8-ngS7iUTN-KW4GTRGmhIRgCLcB/s1600/icecream8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="534" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IjaIiSz78e4/V-CxO2SzSdI/AAAAAAAAcBg/Bin1rx_6ze8-ngS7iUTN-KW4GTRGmhIRgCLcB/s1600/icecream8.jpg" width="800" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">As you can see, I got some good use out of my Ottobre issues! What they lack in pictorial instructions, they make up in quality patterns. ;) I only had 2 issues when I couldn't figure out what they wanted me to do, but that might also have been those couple of nights where I stayed up to 3 or 4 in the morning and instructions for brushing my teeth would have been indecipherable. </span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7bYFWqkkQqs/V-CxPDNQjKI/AAAAAAAAcBk/3UTbO1wDZ9Q3JL2-22_UaGtIbKXBI-7-wCLcB/s1600/icecream9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="534" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7bYFWqkkQqs/V-CxPDNQjKI/AAAAAAAAcBk/3UTbO1wDZ9Q3JL2-22_UaGtIbKXBI-7-wCLcB/s1600/icecream9.jpg" width="800" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I don't usually utilize the decorative stitches on my sewing machines, but I had so much fun going through the options on my Babylock Crescendo when deciding what to do for the pocket and back detail pleats. I might have "wasted" quite a bit of time experimenting. ;) I think they add the perfect touch when used judiciously. </span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lSfD0ywWLAc/V-Cw_-usKII/AAAAAAAAcA4/aMM8fQR7pYUvj0gYWFnf19f9ZnIskTV4gCLcB/s1600/icecream18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="534" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lSfD0ywWLAc/V-Cw_-usKII/AAAAAAAAcA4/aMM8fQR7pYUvj0gYWFnf19f9ZnIskTV4gCLcB/s1600/icecream18.jpg" width="800" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">And Pearl really lucked out in the pocket department with pockets on her tunic AND her pants. She's all about comfort and utility. ;)</span><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qaegsE4GZY0/V-C2-1JajeI/AAAAAAAAcCI/lRhPdm-wmW8nO6qQScIN_S4BsE73tHVjACLcB/s1600/icecream26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="534" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qaegsE4GZY0/V-C2-1JajeI/AAAAAAAAcCI/lRhPdm-wmW8nO6qQScIN_S4BsE73tHVjACLcB/s1600/icecream26.jpg" width="800" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I loved the detail on Azure's dress. Using Dana's fun contrasting and coordinating fabric, it gave it the perfect touch, like a giant scoop of ice cream! </span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KzWeM2j3Uc8/V-Cw2CB5NjI/AAAAAAAAcAc/t-DJ4OZ7gAsP5lxugaGtsVefT42l6DfsACLcB/s1600/icecream10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="534" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KzWeM2j3Uc8/V-Cw2CB5NjI/AAAAAAAAcAc/t-DJ4OZ7gAsP5lxugaGtsVefT42l6DfsACLcB/s1600/icecream10.jpg" width="800" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I also altered the pattern to include an exposed zipper, because more is more in this case, right?!</span><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T-7eOmudM1w/V-Cw5Xzaj4I/AAAAAAAAcAk/3MXbW-g5u4wEYT4CpX1OOZfya6VgAbJEgCLcB/s1600/icecream11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="534" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T-7eOmudM1w/V-Cw5Xzaj4I/AAAAAAAAcAk/3MXbW-g5u4wEYT4CpX1OOZfya6VgAbJEgCLcB/s1600/icecream11.jpg" width="800" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Also. I deserve an award and ceremony for the amount of buttonholes and buttons I sewed. Or a certificate of achievement at the very least. It was close to 40, and most of them are glass. </span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Sq3j6xsJ70Q/V-E_1voMTzI/AAAAAAAAcC8/-JH5qjyHwvsDcptvWCVX89TnpJ3B_LHvACLcB/s1600/buttons10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="800" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Sq3j6xsJ70Q/V-E_1voMTzI/AAAAAAAAcC8/-JH5qjyHwvsDcptvWCVX89TnpJ3B_LHvACLcB/s1600/buttons10.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Some came from Korea when we visited my parents there many years ago. Surprisingly enough, I wanted to do just plain, white, plastic buttons on Divine's shirt so she could wear it with anything, and I didn't have any. What. Oh, well. I guess that's a good problem to have...too many exotic, fancy buttons. Haha!</span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xFTz0xb_EA4/V-Cw7B1m5CI/AAAAAAAAcAo/uuwIVT_74dwC2cWCY9ns9cOD-Y4LWxKrgCLcB/s1600/icecream12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="534" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xFTz0xb_EA4/V-Cw7B1m5CI/AAAAAAAAcAo/uuwIVT_74dwC2cWCY9ns9cOD-Y4LWxKrgCLcB/s1600/icecream12.jpg" width="800" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I was telling Ryan that I enjoy Ottobre patterns because they don't dumb down patterns like so many pattern companies do. I don't mind a few extra pattern pieces to achieve a professionally looking article, like these overalls. </span><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UPs-BeDVJqg/V-Cw7gIIk7I/AAAAAAAAcAs/R9szpjMa9h04ruOSo_FuFFvdzzQGM2blQCLcB/s1600/icecream14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="534" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UPs-BeDVJqg/V-Cw7gIIk7I/AAAAAAAAcAs/R9szpjMa9h04ruOSo_FuFFvdzzQGM2blQCLcB/s1600/icecream14.jpg" width="800" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">And I couldn't leave Scout out, of course. Some might argue that I should have sewn her some pants or perhaps a skirt after the latest clip I gave her, but I think she's enjoying her new air conditioned bottom. ;)</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yfwq8zWcPbM/V-Cw_UJrHMI/AAAAAAAAcA0/vlNpG8Bk6tE4weoCkCk-o2t6jKHrjTOVwCLcB/s1600/icecream16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="534" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yfwq8zWcPbM/V-Cw_UJrHMI/AAAAAAAAcA0/vlNpG8Bk6tE4weoCkCk-o2t6jKHrjTOVwCLcB/s1600/icecream16.jpg" width="800" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OF3SpMyjUWU/V-Cw_C4IzMI/AAAAAAAAcAw/xPcIeDQgFnI0gtHQzEr2TUG4v0_MQhElQCLcB/s1600/icecream17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="534" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OF3SpMyjUWU/V-Cw_C4IzMI/AAAAAAAAcAw/xPcIeDQgFnI0gtHQzEr2TUG4v0_MQhElQCLcB/s1600/icecream17.jpg" width="800" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e9eqeeoF30I/V-CxDB_zrDI/AAAAAAAAcA8/hzAl1Z_zDHMQyEJiLA5NOxoBI3cEtzXLQCLcB/s1600/icecream19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="534" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e9eqeeoF30I/V-CxDB_zrDI/AAAAAAAAcA8/hzAl1Z_zDHMQyEJiLA5NOxoBI3cEtzXLQCLcB/s1600/icecream19.jpg" width="800" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U4RPNhwHTLA/V-CxEOryeSI/AAAAAAAAcBE/gYMqEEAU3pAj6skt4PxYH5jT_r1NqeCkgCLcB/s1600/icecream20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="534" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U4RPNhwHTLA/V-CxEOryeSI/AAAAAAAAcBE/gYMqEEAU3pAj6skt4PxYH5jT_r1NqeCkgCLcB/s1600/icecream20.jpg" width="800" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Thanks for letting me play with your fun <a href="http://www.madeeveryday.com/2016/05/my-fabrics-are-now-in-stores-a-look-book-a-new-video.html/">fabric</a>, <a href="http://www.madeeveryday.com/">Dana</a>! They really are a delight! (The kids thank you, too!)</span><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OaUQSLBUECE/V-CxGcRjvpI/AAAAAAAAcBI/FNG-fgclxdIlfby4SLBD-f-T82TUE7wDwCLcB/s1600/icecream21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="534" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OaUQSLBUECE/V-CxGcRjvpI/AAAAAAAAcBI/FNG-fgclxdIlfby4SLBD-f-T82TUE7wDwCLcB/s1600/icecream21.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Summer here isn't the same as summer everywhere else. There are pretty much only 2 options: you're in air conditioning or in the water. There's only so much you can do inside and the kids start to get bored going to the pool, despite all the pool toys we've tried out.</span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZoGNXAqfem0/V4_CmDsWCgI/AAAAAAAAb9Q/3mEtA6neWyIbAXYLCNyrwLqyoWDtKK9cgCLcB/s1600/suntails3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="534" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZoGNXAqfem0/V4_CmDsWCgI/AAAAAAAAb9Q/3mEtA6neWyIbAXYLCNyrwLqyoWDtKK9cgCLcB/s1600/suntails3.jpg" width="800" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">When I heard about <a href="http://www.suntailmermaid.com/">Suntails</a>, I knew that they would take our summer to a whole new level of fun and imagination. My girls, even my older ones, love to fantasize that they're part of the under water world, and these go right along with their imaginative play.</span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KGT44P9CbfU/V4_Cn0ohAeI/AAAAAAAAb9Y/rnsJYKWN4Iw-PNWoyIiUpOpFlTUx6XZVQCLcB/s1600/suntails.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="534" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KGT44P9CbfU/V4_Cn0ohAeI/AAAAAAAAb9Y/rnsJYKWN4Iw-PNWoyIiUpOpFlTUx6XZVQCLcB/s1600/suntails.jpg" width="800" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I know there are a whole bunch of different kinds of mermaid tails out there, but I have been impressed with <a href="http://www.suntailmermaid.com/">these</a>. The actual fins (monofin) are super high quality, no made of cheap plastic the second your child tries to jump around in them. They are flexible and will withstand some decent playtime and rugged swimming. ;)</span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ezsjAKiYy-U/V4_CmCLISjI/AAAAAAAAb9U/TQEMZQSshK0A1EMRH9TnH9LddAtw5oz_ACLcB/s1600/suntails2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="534" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ezsjAKiYy-U/V4_CmCLISjI/AAAAAAAAb9U/TQEMZQSshK0A1EMRH9TnH9LddAtw5oz_ACLcB/s1600/suntails2.jpg" width="800" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">There are two different sizes, some for the littler kids (Drummer even wanted one--and I've heard rumors of a more manly merman model coming out!) and the larger ones for my older girls and...yes, I even got one for myself (orange, of course!)</span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PV3C32OkLbQ/V4_Cu6ugvcI/AAAAAAAAb9c/9rcU0xASWnoC0Vtf_jNSeu8zfdhpaEpqQCLcB/s1600/suntails7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="534" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PV3C32OkLbQ/V4_Cu6ugvcI/AAAAAAAAb9c/9rcU0xASWnoC0Vtf_jNSeu8zfdhpaEpqQCLcB/s1600/suntails7.jpg" width="800" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">You really do feel like a mermaid when you have them on! You can choose from their colors of <a href="http://www.suntailmermaid.com/nunui-teen-adult-size-monofin/">fins</a> as well as the mermaid <a href="http://www.suntailmermaid.com/mermaid-tail-skins/">skins</a> that go over the fin, so everyone can get exactly what their little hearts desire. You could even get a change of skins to transform your mermaid to a different color if you want.</span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dxaCWP_rv30/V4_CuzQygJI/AAAAAAAAb9g/dLTrLAnaW9YdnJw4Z16898Kan5ikWtN0gCLcB/s1600/suntails5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="534" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dxaCWP_rv30/V4_CuzQygJI/AAAAAAAAb9g/dLTrLAnaW9YdnJw4Z16898Kan5ikWtN0gCLcB/s1600/suntails5.jpg" width="800" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">We drew a crowd from the condominium building, people coming out on their decks to watch my little mermaids slap their tails against the water and glide back and forth. It's really a lot of fun.</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VOe7C2SfC84/V4_CvjaaxOI/AAAAAAAAb9k/SWiFaKVZQvQternN3Fb8Zu6AO7eOlcS_wCLcB/s1600/suntails6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="534" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VOe7C2SfC84/V4_CvjaaxOI/AAAAAAAAb9k/SWiFaKVZQvQternN3Fb8Zu6AO7eOlcS_wCLcB/s1600/suntails6.jpg" width="800" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">AND! <a href="http://www.suntailmermaid.com/">Suntail</a> mermaids is offering a 15% discount code to my readers! NOBIGDILL15 will get you that 15% off all your orders until the end of August. Spice up your summer, or, rather cool it down with a <a href="http://www.suntailmermaid.com/">Suntail</a> Mermaid Fin!</span><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_tv7qaQMm9Q/V4_C24B_SfI/AAAAAAAAb9o/EY9dvXEO8mgoRVOF1FcoA94vIQPlFW-wQCLcB/s1600/suntails8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="534" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_tv7qaQMm9Q/V4_C24B_SfI/AAAAAAAAb9o/EY9dvXEO8mgoRVOF1FcoA94vIQPlFW-wQCLcB/s1600/suntails8.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">A few weeks ago, I travelled (ALL BY MYSELF!) to St. Louis for a Babylock convention (more on that later). I only took a carry-on suitcase and my regular purse, thinking I could just hold my books, and snacks while everything that I needed/wanted to use on the plane would fit in my purse. Turns out, not such a good idea. Idea fail. <b>X</b> </span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M7BEmpWqEWY/V4z-VEUzX2I/AAAAAAAAb7o/lw-Ku6ivCngQUHhF9EBPJf_31cU80-xcgCLcB/s1600/babycubby2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="534" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M7BEmpWqEWY/V4z-VEUzX2I/AAAAAAAAb7o/lw-Ku6ivCngQUHhF9EBPJf_31cU80-xcgCLcB/s1600/babycubby2.jpg" width="800" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I like to keep my purses on the smaller side, but found that while my shoulder thanks me on a day-to-day basis, it did NOT work for my traveling self. Both the plane ride there and back, I wished I had something bigger, but not as big as my carry-on suitcase, you know, that perfect Goldie Locks middle size. Imagine my pleased amusement when I returned to find an email from <a href="http://www.babycubby.com/">The Baby Cubby</a> people. Initially, I thought nothing of it, since I no longer have a baby (boo hoo!), thus I no longer <i>carry</i> a diaper bag, but as I was looking through their bags, I thought, these don't even <i>LOOK</i> like diaper bags! I stumbled upon this one, the <a href="http://www.babycubby.com/ju-ju-be-be-prepared-diaper-bag.html">Ju Ju Be</a>, and knew I needed it. Black and white with pockets all over.</span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QJvfomD4O4A/V4z-WWtvBfI/AAAAAAAAb7s/AuzG8AB4qMwpbO7-JpySLOFIMMmWJPClgCLcB/s1600/babycubby3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="534" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QJvfomD4O4A/V4z-WWtvBfI/AAAAAAAAb7s/AuzG8AB4qMwpbO7-JpySLOFIMMmWJPClgCLcB/s1600/babycubby3.jpg" width="800" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">With about a million kajillion pockets and compartments, there's a place for everything. So. It came in the mail, and <i>JUST</i> before our family reunion to CA (more on THAT later, too). I was so excited to give it a legit test. We had two flights to get there and I brought this stuffed full of plane treats, books, you name it, it was in there to get us through. Turns out: It was THE perfect size. It fit right under the seat in front of me, so I didn't have to store it in the overhead compartments, and it held everything I wanted at my fingertips.</span><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0T1uE365rnI/V4z-YCB2qpI/AAAAAAAAb70/bm6Sn8wQQ8sRlxE11k0n9sACi23Sc3O9wCLcB/s1600/babycubby4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="534" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0T1uE365rnI/V4z-YCB2qpI/AAAAAAAAb70/bm6Sn8wQQ8sRlxE11k0n9sACi23Sc3O9wCLcB/s1600/babycubby4.jpg" width="800" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">But, <a href="http://www.babycubby.com/">Baby Cubby</a>'s awesomeness doesn't stop at bags (seriously, there are some cuter than most purses out there). They have toys:</span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QR8OuOMraDg/V40D2IspojI/AAAAAAAAb8E/2D_kB0jR3XsvQrIQcMKYkF-LUvt9odWogCLcB/s1600/cubbybaby5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QR8OuOMraDg/V40D2IspojI/AAAAAAAAb8E/2D_kB0jR3XsvQrIQcMKYkF-LUvt9odWogCLcB/s640/cubbybaby5.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">the most beautiful baby gear (almost beautiful enough to consider having another baby...maybe grandkids? ;),</span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-80Ir6tUbkUs/V40D6h_XXNI/AAAAAAAAb8I/f6L8v8_2ztMghSuw7GlODrPUGAWU4palQCLcB/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-07-18%2Bat%2B12.19.39%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-80Ir6tUbkUs/V40D6h_XXNI/AAAAAAAAb8I/f6L8v8_2ztMghSuw7GlODrPUGAWU4palQCLcB/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-07-18%2Bat%2B12.19.39%2BPM.png" width="596" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">and even more beautiful-ness.</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fkcwoq-RLlE/V40D7FzLYhI/AAAAAAAAb8M/AvtXPID3_-cjtULXyV0stIavJJU8QgtogCLcB/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-07-18%2Bat%2B12.22.26%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="468" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fkcwoq-RLlE/V40D7FzLYhI/AAAAAAAAb8M/AvtXPID3_-cjtULXyV0stIavJJU8QgtogCLcB/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-07-18%2Bat%2B12.22.26%2BPM.png" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So! I am giving away a $50 gift certificate to one of you lucky people! All you have to do is leave a comment. What would you get? And if you're the kind of person that likes to up your odds, you can sign up for their <a href="http://www.babycubby.com/">newsletter</a> and come back here to comment you did so for an additional entry. Easy peasy. Meanwhile, this <a href="http://www.babycubby.com/ju-ju-be-be-prepared-diaper-bag.html">Ju Ju Be</a> and are will be planning more travels just because. Good luck!</span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--gBH2KZhXdY/V4z-WdgHgeI/AAAAAAAAb7w/B4r48JpRIP4W9mjv5O-OTt4U4JzaQ1bYACLcB/s1600/babycubby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="534" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--gBH2KZhXdY/V4z-WdgHgeI/AAAAAAAAb7w/B4r48JpRIP4W9mjv5O-OTt4U4JzaQ1bYACLcB/s1600/babycubby.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OcMD_DlmVKQ/V0Rx9XaP3dI/AAAAAAAAb48/n-HrGBd3mIo_MQewN3hGLxwiWFZeH7toQCLcB/s1600/Disney%2BCircle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="534" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OcMD_DlmVKQ/V0Rx9XaP3dI/AAAAAAAAb48/n-HrGBd3mIo_MQewN3hGLxwiWFZeH7toQCLcB/s1600/Disney%2BCircle.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It doesn't look like much, does it. But it is a <i>game</i> <i>changer</i> when there are more electronic devices and children in your household than you can keep an eye on every second of the day. I know I've posted about this previously, but the Circle™ really puts the control of the internet back in the hands of parents. You can turn off the internet, so no devices are snuck into bed "after hours" where you don't know what's going on. You can "pause" the internet when it's time to come and eat, or go outside, or just plain be together as a family to play tangible, roll-the-dice board games. You can put limits on your children's favorite time-suckers, er, I mean apps. You can read about it more on my other post, <a href="http://www.nobigdill.com/2015/11/the-best-mom-gift-ever-circle.html">here</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Uv058oT3A2c/V0R4pKE2bfI/AAAAAAAAb5Q/gIYC_1FmhoIurDGz2HN-WrG8v90V2yREQCK4B/s1600/circlego-landing-detail.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Uv058oT3A2c/V0R4pKE2bfI/AAAAAAAAb5Q/gIYC_1FmhoIurDGz2HN-WrG8v90V2yREQCK4B/s640/circlego-landing-detail.jpg" width="572" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">But here's the update: They've just announced that Circle™ is now available on Android! Now everyone can enjoy the same peace of mind. And if that wasn't enough, they've also rolled out Circle Go™, which means you can take your peace of mind <i>anywhere</i> you (or your child) are! If you still don't have a Circle ™, go <a href="http://mbsy.co/cZLJS">here</a>.</span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1xmhdSCyXNg/VyvZIukJNkI/AAAAAAAAb4A/SQgQSAAzUWwX8PIQhdA0BbRHahwQkLdGQCLcB/s1600/pillows2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="534" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1xmhdSCyXNg/VyvZIukJNkI/AAAAAAAAb4A/SQgQSAAzUWwX8PIQhdA0BbRHahwQkLdGQCLcB/s1600/pillows2.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This is a really big, deep couch. I feel like a little girl when I sit all the way back, my feet dangle, and it's hard to take someone seriously when their feet don't touch the ground. I loaded it like a baked potato, except I used rainbowtized pillows instead of broccoli and cheese. I used my easy pillow sham tutorial <a href="http://www.nobigdill.com/2012/02/simple-pillow-sham-tutorial.html"><span style="color: orange;">here</span></a>, but you can also make them with snaps or velcro so you don't even have to do buttonholes! I love how a fresh set of pillow shams makes you feel like you gave the whole room a makeover for the price of nothing, well, if you have a stash of fabric like one ought to. ;) I am really trying to simplify and get rid of the detritus of life. I know I recently posted about less toys and "things" for our kids, but doing this "no new clothes" for a year has really opened my eyes. I'll post an update of how that's going soon. In the meantime, I second guess every purchase I make. <i>Do I really need this? Do I already have something that I can use? Will I still love this next week, month, year?</i> I find that I'm able to talk myself out of a lot of things, ha! How do you declutter most effectively?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Gone are the days where we have to settle. And by settle, I mean, you can picture the perfect fabric for a project, but you scour your local big-box stores and you search your fingers off online without success. No more.</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jbQkk_9whl4/VyEgN1MaXgI/AAAAAAAAb2g/OvfeaEPfPYMR2ttg5VgXu1Q3RfXt-2wOwCLcB/s1600/Floral%2BRadiograph2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="800" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jbQkk_9whl4/VyEgN1MaXgI/AAAAAAAAb2g/OvfeaEPfPYMR2ttg5VgXu1Q3RfXt-2wOwCLcB/s1600/Floral%2BRadiograph2.jpg" width="800" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We have the option of creating a our very own prints on fabric! </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This is just what Audrey of </span><a href="http://www.skirtfixation.com/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Skirt Fixation</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> did with this stunning fabric. Audrey took a floral radiograph print, and turned it into a design to be printed on fabric.</span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SptuEOpE85M/VyEgQxdIZbI/AAAAAAAAb2o/MCMUdKYyNWIBnu7q-GIqTTk80nW7XbQsgCLcB/s1600/Floral%2BRadiograph5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="534" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SptuEOpE85M/VyEgQxdIZbI/AAAAAAAAb2o/MCMUdKYyNWIBnu7q-GIqTTk80nW7XbQsgCLcB/s1600/Floral%2BRadiograph5.jpg" width="800" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">There was an option to choose from 26 kinds of fabric, including what I chose, a <a href="https://www.myfabricdesigns.com/fabrics-silkcrinklelinen.html">linen/silk</a> blend! It was like nothing I've ever worked with before, so it was fun to try something new.</span><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qoPvB3IsT0E/VyEgORyf96I/AAAAAAAAb2k/tmR3RWHHH-wmXv-1X5mtp9qyJ598NVGggCLcB/s1600/Floral%2BRadiograph3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="534" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qoPvB3IsT0E/VyEgORyf96I/AAAAAAAAb2k/tmR3RWHHH-wmXv-1X5mtp9qyJ598NVGggCLcB/s1600/Floral%2BRadiograph3.jpg" width="800" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.skirtfixation.com/">Audrey</a> also had the option of different colors...but who needs options when you have black and white. ;) I finally had the perfect project for this lace-cut zipper, since it was more of a cream color than white, I pulled this out to do an external zipper.</span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y7ccr3ecZvI/VyEgbHtKnoI/AAAAAAAAb24/uqP46VTEYzw9MfaRGpJOFvqSg6q35xCFwCLcB/s1600/Flower%2BSkirt4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="534" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y7ccr3ecZvI/VyEgbHtKnoI/AAAAAAAAb24/uqP46VTEYzw9MfaRGpJOFvqSg6q35xCFwCLcB/s1600/Flower%2BSkirt4.jpg" width="800" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I felt like it needed a little bit of a border, and had this romantic-esque ruffled lace that was up to the task of border patrol. I didn't use a pattern, just gathered up that beautiful fabric, added a nice, wide waistband, and voilá!</span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U4XQPRr3Z10/VyEgUeb2CAI/AAAAAAAAb2s/AaGllgo7RTYjfrfgtybb8zW_AsKAzK_jwCLcB/s1600/floral%2BRadiograph4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="534" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U4XQPRr3Z10/VyEgUeb2CAI/AAAAAAAAb2s/AaGllgo7RTYjfrfgtybb8zW_AsKAzK_jwCLcB/s1600/floral%2BRadiograph4.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Of course I wore a petticoat underneath for a bit of oomph.</span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qi6-kceOyAw/VyEgWBRZcgI/AAAAAAAAb2w/WjbhS5UJ2zo74IxO8_qEA-BlUPDseAKJwCLcB/s1600/Floral%2BRadiograph6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="534" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qi6-kceOyAw/VyEgWBRZcgI/AAAAAAAAb2w/WjbhS5UJ2zo74IxO8_qEA-BlUPDseAKJwCLcB/s1600/Floral%2BRadiograph6.jpg" width="800" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1jRa3baDWr8/VyFvlkMJ2mI/AAAAAAAAb3Q/LCvYCNph0L8oDOks4Gw5FlRP1OjYfkxgwCLcB/s1600/unnamed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="440" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1jRa3baDWr8/VyFvlkMJ2mI/AAAAAAAAb3Q/LCvYCNph0L8oDOks4Gw5FlRP1OjYfkxgwCLcB/s640/unnamed.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">You'll want to take a look at what everyone else is creating on this fun <a href="http://www.skirtfixation.com/">Floral Radiograph Blog</a> tour over at Audrey's (plus there's a giveaway going on!</span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BgmuAlu-GG0/VyEgXt5t35I/AAAAAAAAb20/80ZcT5L36k0PTY6SUqbO8CNm3-iVok70gCLcB/s1600/floral%2Bradiograph.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="534" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BgmuAlu-GG0/VyEgXt5t35I/AAAAAAAAb20/80ZcT5L36k0PTY6SUqbO8CNm3-iVok70gCLcB/s1600/floral%2Bradiograph.jpg" width="800" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And with that, I will curtsy and Scout will go out with a flare.</span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-US-CvNy3QBk/VyEgbVM3NRI/AAAAAAAAb28/Wa-f4aHrK_sL6dAeQ5cA-i-1gKFZ_rbvACLcB/s1600/IMG_5489.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="534" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-US-CvNy3QBk/VyEgbVM3NRI/AAAAAAAAb28/Wa-f4aHrK_sL6dAeQ5cA-i-1gKFZ_rbvACLcB/s1600/IMG_5489.JPG" width="800" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Do you ever feel like you should be more creative with your kids, help promote thinking outside the box in their little brains? Forget googling and wading through "kid-friendly art activities" links, or checking out a million pins on pinterest.</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DeTA2U35K7A/VxrkKyoc-zI/AAAAAAAAb1E/LVxIRlS8o1s7StEPJJrEQ4vQ93U1NqgUACLcB/s1600/IMG_2162%2B%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DeTA2U35K7A/VxrkKyoc-zI/AAAAAAAAb1E/LVxIRlS8o1s7StEPJJrEQ4vQ93U1NqgUACLcB/s640/IMG_2162%2B%25281%2529.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">My sister-in-law, Krisanne, used to teach art classes in an art museum to little kids!! Perfect, right? I'm pretty sure she even had waiting lists for her classes because both parents and their children wanted in.</span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KeQxeltR1YI/VxriCAzXjeI/AAAAAAAAb0k/1j4iPCQMlnUEpmKtBKvPh-pScZFtxMoEACLcB/s1600/IMG_1650%2B%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KeQxeltR1YI/VxriCAzXjeI/AAAAAAAAb0k/1j4iPCQMlnUEpmKtBKvPh-pScZFtxMoEACLcB/s640/IMG_1650%2B%25281%2529.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Lucky for us, she posts these fun ideas on instagram: @makingtable. I love it because it's a quick, simple way to get ideas. She also gives suggestions like, "Target has chalkboard paper in their dollar section right now!"</span><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--KKKHawp7WI/VxriBk8SFNI/AAAAAAAAb0g/Dwd7gJhHA9g0_nrHQUVKtwQcjG3J4eO6gCLcB/s1600/IMG_2272.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--KKKHawp7WI/VxriBk8SFNI/AAAAAAAAb0g/Dwd7gJhHA9g0_nrHQUVKtwQcjG3J4eO6gCLcB/s640/IMG_2272.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">So, of course, I go to Target and get my little people some chalkboard paper!</span><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VTwlF_ScFHU/VxriYX-_HgI/AAAAAAAAb0o/CJ-DXxiG_4Q3D8DXz4IeE7YsNQrr9wqywCLcB/s1600/IMG_2832.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VTwlF_ScFHU/VxriYX-_HgI/AAAAAAAAb0o/CJ-DXxiG_4Q3D8DXz4IeE7YsNQrr9wqywCLcB/s640/IMG_2832.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Check out these self-portrait collages of her two boys. Aren't they fantastic?! I love every single element they chose to include. Sometimes she does the art with Ezra, and sometimes she just sets the supplies out for him to go at it. The great thing is, they're fun for all ages. Even kids-at-heart types of people. ;)</span><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_9UepnMMnWs/Vxrko7G43kI/AAAAAAAAb1I/pHY4qz1GcvM6FSW7Hb5SoD8HYJMLU_KHwCLcB/s1600/IMG_2831.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_9UepnMMnWs/Vxrko7G43kI/AAAAAAAAb1I/pHY4qz1GcvM6FSW7Hb5SoD8HYJMLU_KHwCLcB/s640/IMG_2831.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Sometimes there are themes, such as focusing on a type of art, or the style of a particular artist (see, she does the teaching!) and sometimes there is free reign. I loved how she described this one, "<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Ezra is taking a walk with his paintbrush. He "hops" "walks backwards" "walks in circles" and "runs" with his paintbrush."</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hEjk_MV3RLY/VxribnsNVDI/AAAAAAAAb0s/9U6K9tj_gugAwNIuw2S_wR2HekSnjjhCQCLcB/s1600/IMG_9574%2B%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hEjk_MV3RLY/VxribnsNVDI/AAAAAAAAb0s/9U6K9tj_gugAwNIuw2S_wR2HekSnjjhCQCLcB/s640/IMG_9574%2B%25281%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Go check it out (@makingtable on instagram) and I wouldn't be surprised one bit if you accidentally "get lost" in her posts. Also, it's okay if you bust out the art supplies without your kids. I won't tell. ;)</span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BL9UDL2pQbk/VxjFZO9kVuI/AAAAAAAAb0I/_NjJbXV4JKYLPpXvaMR48M7YXo7yHFpigCLcB/s1600/81AhJsk6wuL._SL1500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BL9UDL2pQbk/VxjFZO9kVuI/AAAAAAAAb0I/_NjJbXV4JKYLPpXvaMR48M7YXo7yHFpigCLcB/s640/81AhJsk6wuL._SL1500_.jpg" width="428" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I recently received an email from my younger sister, Ann. Ann served the people of Ecuador for a year and a half through a church mission when she was 21. She learned to love the people of Ecuador and made life-long memories while serving. The devastation Ecuador has recently seen from the 7.8 magnitude earthquake Saturday is heartbreaking. People who hardly had anything to begin with, now have nothing. With 570 dead, 155 still missing, and over 7,000 injured, the whole country is hurting.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Ann's friend happens to be going to Ecuador on Monday to provide any help she can offer to those 25,000 in shelters without a house to go home to. She was told that the most critical thing at the moment is clean water. Obviously she can't take enough carry-ons full of water to make a difference, but they recommended bringing straws that act like filters called <a href="http://www.amazon.com/LifeStraw-LSPHF017-Personal-Water-Filter/dp/B006QF3TW4">Life Straws</a>. These can be handed out without worry that the water they drink will make them sick and wreak even more havoc. Originally, she was having people purchase them through Amazon and send them to her address to take, but she contacted eartheasy.com and they are now going to be able purchase them at wholesale price to get as many as possible to the humble people of Ecuador. You can send her a donation through paypal and she will purchase as many straws she is able to through that channel. It's a small and simple thing that just might make all the difference to one person across the world!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">To send a paypal donation:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">dmarieweiss@gmail.com</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Once upon a time there was a woman who loved to quilt. Each quilt she made was quilted by hand, stitch by stitch. Up and down her needle would go. She loved the thread-space-thread-space-thread-space pattern that she created, sometimes evenly spaced, and sometimes not so even. She was married to a man who loved her very much. He didn't mind her fabric scraps lying around, or the bits of thread he would find on his jacket when he went out. They reminded him of his love. By and by the couple grew older. Their bodies didn't work quite as well as they once did, and the woman found that she was unable to quilt by hand like she used to. Her mind didn't stop creating quilts, but her hands couldn't make them happen. This made the man sad, to see his wife deprived of such joy. He decided to invent a machine that would replicate that stitch-space-stitch-space-stitch pattern his wife loved so well. And he did. And they lived happily ever after.</span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mrg87k0vOSI/VwaalPRfTvI/AAAAAAAAbyo/pGnnWYEG4YIsS3WAydNsarE6esXGa3C2Q/s1600/Sashiko1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="540" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mrg87k0vOSI/VwaalPRfTvI/AAAAAAAAbyo/pGnnWYEG4YIsS3WAydNsarE6esXGa3C2Q/s1600/Sashiko1.jpg" width="800" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Isn't that just the most romantic love story you've ever heard? </i> I may have taken liberties in embellishing, but that is the gist of how the Baby Lock <a href="http://babylock.com/sewing/sashiko2/"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Sashiko</span></a> came to be. </span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wJ_WE6a2IsU/VwaamCsos_I/AAAAAAAAbys/z7LVWtTP3uMkz5BsGBaZdrng_RjeUDiwg/s1600/Sashiko4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="540" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wJ_WE6a2IsU/VwaamCsos_I/AAAAAAAAbys/z7LVWtTP3uMkz5BsGBaZdrng_RjeUDiwg/s1600/Sashiko4.jpg" width="800" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">When I first witnessed what it did, I could not believe my eyes! But...wait...what...how...in the world? Right?!</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w7Ysa1dMyKM/VwaajzMhriI/AAAAAAAAbyg/lax2zy3OoeMJzYu2LNRTNfcH14emKNiJA/s1600/Sashiko2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="540" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w7Ysa1dMyKM/VwaajzMhriI/AAAAAAAAbyg/lax2zy3OoeMJzYu2LNRTNfcH14emKNiJA/s1600/Sashiko2.jpg" width="800" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">But it's true! Take a look-see for yourself!</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TZc4METZWM8/VwaauF-BstI/AAAAAAAAby8/m8P7sRyqYMAZg2ToKIxcrk0gOnSPhJclQ/s1600/Sashiko8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="540" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TZc4METZWM8/VwaauF-BstI/AAAAAAAAby8/m8P7sRyqYMAZg2ToKIxcrk0gOnSPhJclQ/s1600/Sashiko8.jpg" width="800" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">You can adjust the space between the stitches and the length of the stitches to get just the right look for your project.</span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8LeJ-sLRmyM/Vwaak0U9HrI/AAAAAAAAbyk/FMUZh5mhz8Qx4NMFAR5Pt46BdBcG66EqQ/s1600/Sashiko3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="540" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8LeJ-sLRmyM/Vwaak0U9HrI/AAAAAAAAbyk/FMUZh5mhz8Qx4NMFAR5Pt46BdBcG66EqQ/s1600/Sashiko3.jpg" width="800" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And! Get this. There. Is. Only. A. Bobbin thread. Just a bobbin! No top thread to change out when you want to change colors!</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_D_PsWuwW0s/VwaarAkw9iI/AAAAAAAAbyw/X0Rk_4XfiBUJ5mkTeCVOSoDpf8FENUg8Q/s1600/Sashiko5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="540" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_D_PsWuwW0s/VwaarAkw9iI/AAAAAAAAbyw/X0Rk_4XfiBUJ5mkTeCVOSoDpf8FENUg8Q/s1600/Sashiko5.jpg" width="800" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Has your mind starting turning with all the projects you could make with this? </span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zYd6D1CxAaw/VwaatLHoiII/AAAAAAAAby4/Zi6NJrFhPtQwgfV0xnr3brl4LAxNQ90ig/s1600/Sashiko6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="540" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zYd6D1CxAaw/VwaatLHoiII/AAAAAAAAby4/Zi6NJrFhPtQwgfV0xnr3brl4LAxNQ90ig/s1600/Sashiko6.jpg" width="800" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I can't wait to share with you what I've made with my <a href="http://babylock.com/sewing/sashiko2/"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Sashiko</span></a> so far. All your sewing friends will want to come over to your house when you have a <a href="http://babylock.com/sewing/sashiko2/"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Sashiko</span></a> sitting in your sewing room. ;)</span><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UAtO5WJscUE/Vwaasqd_HeI/AAAAAAAAby0/Q7VDTs5TNnQ-VqV8w7w9tXpjmy3nG0-EA/s1600/Sashiko7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="540" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UAtO5WJscUE/Vwaasqd_HeI/AAAAAAAAby0/Q7VDTs5TNnQ-VqV8w7w9tXpjmy3nG0-EA/s1600/Sashiko7.jpg" width="800" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">ps this is what the back looks like...</span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uTQGOr1NmA4/Vv1zZuSBAmI/AAAAAAAAbx4/A0SKvbxjSTEmlwDwivONJDZUmMTOwjSYw/s1600/IMG_5057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uTQGOr1NmA4/Vv1zZuSBAmI/AAAAAAAAbx4/A0SKvbxjSTEmlwDwivONJDZUmMTOwjSYw/s640/IMG_5057.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I loved the part about less fighting. I'm hoping that one really works. :) I'll keep you posted.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Adults aren't an exception, by the way. I think we also need to learn to do more with less. It exercises our creativity. This commitment to not buying any new clothes is much easier than I thought. Of course it's only been 3 months, but there have been very few wants and needs. Ryan accidentally bought some Easter clothes for the kids and he had to return them without me looking so I wouldn't be tempted to keep them, haha.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Ever since I can remember I have struggled with my skin. Break outs. Bleck. I thought once I reached 20 that they would stop. Nope. Then I thought once I started having kids they would stop. Uh-uh. Then I thought once the wrinkles started, they couldn't possibly coexist. Wrong. My new wrinkles and old blemishes are fast friends. Quite content to be neighbors. So rude. It got to the point where I was wearing so much foundation. And to make things worse, I couldn't ever get the exact right shade. I finally broke down and went to a cosmetic store that will scan your skin and the computer will match you up with the correct shade. So, the woman doing the scan showed me how to apply said foundation. First, you apply moisturizer. Then comes the pre-foundation serum to fill in fine lines, followed by the foundation. Next comes the powder, and then you like like a flat, 2-dimensional doll, so she added some shading around my face. I looked flawless. But I was wearing a mask.</span></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PACyVWJAYgY/Vuw0OjDrD2I/AAAAAAAAbwA/ju0ljD8oTL0y039WjF8K58BQDCQOZbh_w/s1600/Rodan%2526Fields.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="534" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PACyVWJAYgY/Vuw0OjDrD2I/AAAAAAAAbwA/ju0ljD8oTL0y039WjF8K58BQDCQOZbh_w/s1600/Rodan%2526Fields.jpg" width="800" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I was so disheartened at the thought of putting all that on each morning that it started to prevent me from getting ready at <i>all</i>. And we know if you don't get ready, the day is usually not very productive. Plus, there aren't any groceries for dinner or the children's lunches. ;) This was my state of mind when I started looking into Rodan & Fields because I had a friend, Candace, I followed on Instagram who was a consultant. I contacted her and was immediately impressed with the company. It was started by the 2 female dermatologists who created Proactiv, and since they made their fortune with that, all the profits go to charities to help inner city children to have a brighter future. Originally I just wanted to use the product. I'm not a fan of multi-level marketing and didn't want to get involved further than just making my skin look better. But, as I talked with Candace, I realized this was a chance to help others who may have tried all the other products out there, both over-the-counter and prescription, without seeing any success. One morning, as I was putting on my mask of make-up, Pearl came in and asked, "Do you think people who tell you you're beautiful because of all the make-up you put on?" That's when I knew I needed to set a better example to my girls.</span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kuQaiv5emHA/Vuw0tlY1kjI/AAAAAAAAbwU/jtYW7DIQ9QI_xSVeSzcMlZY4H-JQMSVDA/s1600/Rodan%2526Fields4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="534" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kuQaiv5emHA/Vuw0tlY1kjI/AAAAAAAAbwU/jtYW7DIQ9QI_xSVeSzcMlZY4H-JQMSVDA/s1600/Rodan%2526Fields4.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kuQaiv5emHA/Vuw0tlY1kjI/AAAAAAAAbwU/jtYW7DIQ9QI_xSVeSzcMlZY4H-JQMSVDA/s1600/Rodan%2526Fields4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Now, I have only been using the products for 5 days, so I will not share my before and after photos with you...yet. But, I will tell you that my skin is already feeling and looking better. I even ventured out in public without foundation to go to lunch with some friends! </span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vCmwOTng7Xc/Vuw0fw7zdaI/AAAAAAAAbwQ/tqJRDosS67MEABHOyF6SHDBaGOd0Bychw/s1600/Rodan%2526Fields2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="1200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vCmwOTng7Xc/Vuw0fw7zdaI/AAAAAAAAbwQ/tqJRDosS67MEABHOyF6SHDBaGOd0Bychw/s1600/Rodan%2526Fields2.jpg" width="800" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Basically, there are 4 different regimens to target four types of skin: <a href="https://katydill.myrandf.com/Shop/Reverse"><span style="color: #f1c232;">Reverse</span></a>-for dark marks, <a href="https://katydill.myrandf.com/Shop/Unblemish"><span style="color: #674ea7;">Unblemish</span></a>-for clearing blemishes, <a href="https://katydill.myrandf.com/Shop/Soothe"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Soothe</span></a>-for sensitive skin, and the flagship regimen <a href="https://katydill.myrandf.com/Shop/REDEFINE"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Redefine</span></a>-for wrinkles/fine lines. </span><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GlR9wxcmsL0/Vuw0t9d6lhI/AAAAAAAAbwc/0pLniEX6s54Y-T28talNF2n209fS6692w/s1600/Rodan%2526Fields5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="534" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GlR9wxcmsL0/Vuw0t9d6lhI/AAAAAAAAbwc/0pLniEX6s54Y-T28talNF2n209fS6692w/s1600/Rodan%2526Fields5.jpg" width="800" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">If you feel like you could fit into more than one category, you can take the little quiz <a href="https://katydill.myrandf.com/Pages/OurProducts/GetAdvice/SolutionsTool">here</a> for a recommendation of which one(s) would be most beneficial for make your skin look years younger and give you that glow that people will wonder what you're up to. ;)</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JoUZLldyG8o/Vuw0186d-RI/AAAAAAAAbwg/SAsLVJTOgTQ4ask5TJHDPgmwhyBWadNlw/s1600/Rodan%2526Fields6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="534" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JoUZLldyG8o/Vuw0186d-RI/AAAAAAAAbwg/SAsLVJTOgTQ4ask5TJHDPgmwhyBWadNlw/s1600/Rodan%2526Fields6.jpg" width="800" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">(If you didn't notice, I let the girls choose what they wanted to do for their individual poses ;) I want these beautiful girls to have a mom who is happy in her own skin. Pun intended. They have seen how excited I am about these products already, and that they have a "business mom". Haha! I just started one of them on <a href="https://katydill.myrandf.com/Shop/Unblemish"><span style="color: #674ea7;">Unblemish</span></a>, as she unfortunately inherited my skin. But the <a href="https://katydill.myrandf.com/Shop/Soothe"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Soothe</span></a> line can be used on children as well, for those with sensitivities, or after those days at the beach when the wind interfered with that spray-on sunscreen. ;)</span><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vi0XvLqNaQM/Vuw03Nvj1uI/AAAAAAAAbwk/SAby3Q1OGcwwjExX0Cd9LWVowPP_46YSQ/s1600/Rodan%2526Fields7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="534" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vi0XvLqNaQM/Vuw03Nvj1uI/AAAAAAAAbwk/SAby3Q1OGcwwjExX0Cd9LWVowPP_46YSQ/s1600/Rodan%2526Fields7.jpg" width="800" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">What was a little confusing to me at first were the tools that will boost your results, kind of like a fast-forward button, to get to that happy ending sooner.</span><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Prt1nfG5E8M/Vuw03hCwZMI/AAAAAAAAbwo/iJfhQrAHsVoA8SGoj8ZvI9QljFuIbkUlw/s1600/Rodan%2526Fields8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="534" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Prt1nfG5E8M/Vuw03hCwZMI/AAAAAAAAbwo/iJfhQrAHsVoA8SGoj8ZvI9QljFuIbkUlw/s1600/Rodan%2526Fields8.jpg" width="800" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">First is the <a href="https://katydill.myrandf.com/Shop/Product/AAAPS01"><span style="color: cyan;">Amp MD</span></a>. It's a roller for your face with teeny-tiny needles around it. My girls were especially intrigued by this one and I let them all feel it. It's kind of like when your foot falls asleep and then tingles as the blood begins to recirculate. It allows the product to get to deeper levels of skin instead of applying everything to that top layer that is dying or dead.</span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6P74qqZn2xQ/Vuw04edzgDI/AAAAAAAAbws/-Jj5A-ULCrAPbwoCoFtJhSzXsl76f0yvw/s1600/Rodan%2526Fields9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="534" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6P74qqZn2xQ/Vuw04edzgDI/AAAAAAAAbws/-Jj5A-ULCrAPbwoCoFtJhSzXsl76f0yvw/s1600/Rodan%2526Fields9.jpg" width="800" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The second tool, I haven't used yet, and won't until I get my face completely clear, is the <a href="https://katydill.myrandf.com/Shop/Product/AAMEX01"><span style="color: #999999;">Macro Exfoliator</span></a>. You only use this once a week, but you get professional results. (The proof is in the filter, full of your dull, dead skin cells! Bleck!)</span><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5c304kIs5W0/Vuw0MVd6bRI/AAAAAAAAbv8/64j6R68vrhUayyNoBsOpwHHOMvZkLm-xg/s1600/Rodan%2526Fields10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="534" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5c304kIs5W0/Vuw0MVd6bRI/AAAAAAAAbv8/64j6R68vrhUayyNoBsOpwHHOMvZkLm-xg/s1600/Rodan%2526Fields10.jpg" width="800" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Last night, as I was getting ready for bed, Ryan asked if it was too much to do. I laughed and told him I had been looking forward to doing my regimen all day. Properly caring for your skin, and knowing that what you're doing is actually making a difference makes it enjoyable...actually fun!</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tGanCIAaEJo/Vuw0RYao6EI/AAAAAAAAbwE/_-UyH8bn008bbfxJMtxhc4GorBkICWDgQ/s1600/Rodan%2526Fields11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="534" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tGanCIAaEJo/Vuw0RYao6EI/AAAAAAAAbwE/_-UyH8bn008bbfxJMtxhc4GorBkICWDgQ/s1600/Rodan%2526Fields11.jpg" width="800" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">My mom was concerned that I wouldn't have time for sewing. I assured her that I do! In fact, I had to sew Olive a bright green skirt for this photo shoot, so thus far, it's forced me to squeeze in some time at my sewing machine!</span><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q-6HeYpF6d4/Vuw0cyOBQ9I/AAAAAAAAbwI/VabeU8o9NdAU0V8WtRt7Oy1omAMpaW5NQ/s1600/Rodan%2526Fields12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="534" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q-6HeYpF6d4/Vuw0cyOBQ9I/AAAAAAAAbwI/VabeU8o9NdAU0V8WtRt7Oy1omAMpaW5NQ/s1600/Rodan%2526Fields12.jpg" width="800" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">You want to see before and afters, though, don't you? <a href="https://katydill.myrandf.com/Pages/OurProducts/RealResults"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Here</span></a> are just a few.</span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nZXGbqM608U/Vuw0ebhMUsI/AAAAAAAAbwM/dawo7a4W0cU5cBsQ6zhup7i8Ek5BHo0WQ/s1600/Rodan%2526Fields13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="534" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nZXGbqM608U/Vuw0ebhMUsI/AAAAAAAAbwM/dawo7a4W0cU5cBsQ6zhup7i8Ek5BHo0WQ/s1600/Rodan%2526Fields13.jpg" width="800" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Oh! I almost forgot to tell you! You can try <i>any</i> of the products (including the tools!!) for 60 days and if you don't see a difference, you can return the empty bottles for a full refund! Amazing, right? I can't wait to share my own before and after photos. Give me just a few more weeks. ;) Email me (nobigdillblog {at} gmail {d0t} com) if you want to try out any of the products, or if you're interested in joining Rodan & Fields. I'd be happy to chat with you either way! Here's to happy skin! :)</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WuosWbvN1mA/Vuw0tam956I/AAAAAAAAbwY/7gBXFCo6yucYOhWtXjJI8EOMTPI9Ec1ug/s1600/Rodan%2526Fields3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="534" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WuosWbvN1mA/Vuw0tam956I/AAAAAAAAbwY/7gBXFCo6yucYOhWtXjJI8EOMTPI9Ec1ug/s1600/Rodan%2526Fields3.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It was a sad, sad day a few weeks ago when my beloved orange iron gave out. Perhaps not so sad to someone who doesn't sew, but you seamstresses out there can feel my pain, right? And getting a new iron isn't as simple as just picking one up "while you're out". There needs to be comparison shopping of price and functions and reviews to read. This is something that should <i>not</i> be taken lightly. But, what about the sewing? Sewing shouldn't have to suffer because of an iron malfunction. That's like not driving because the garage doesn't work. Or something like that.</span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cqWF5hufCmI/VuL7UaAKS-I/AAAAAAAAbvE/AzVs15oGb_4hILDUEeNhldKZutGmF6yAQ/s1600/Maven2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="534" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cqWF5hufCmI/VuL7UaAKS-I/AAAAAAAAbvE/AzVs15oGb_4hILDUEeNhldKZutGmF6yAQ/s1600/Maven2.jpg" width="800" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">As you can see, I was in a pickle. And when you're in a pickle such as this, you text your mother-in-law and ask to borrow hers. And when she doesn't respond, you decide that you'll just stop by and pick it up. And when you stop by, and she's fast asleep in bed, you tip-toe through her bedroom, into her closet and steal hers. This was the only logical thing to do. It comes down to breaking and entering in such a crisis as this.</span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OOcUHI5EygU/VuL7T5rj4KI/AAAAAAAAbu8/cRPbj5kZY8AAidO0jZrwQDX20BK5W6kew/s1600/Maven1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="534" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OOcUHI5EygU/VuL7T5rj4KI/AAAAAAAAbu8/cRPbj5kZY8AAidO0jZrwQDX20BK5W6kew/s1800/Maven1.jpg" width="800" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I've become a hardened criminal over my orange iron. Now, I'm not such a fool as to think she wouldn't not notice. So, I immediately contacted my iron people. Do you have iron people? Specifically Kim, from <a href="http://www.reliablecorporation.com/Products/Home-Irons/Maven-100IS-Home-Ironing-Station">Reliable</a>. Sadly, my orange one was out of stock, but she said she would send me their <a href="http://www.reliablecorporation.com/Products/Home-Irons/Maven-100IS-Home-Ironing-Station">Maven</a>. Just the name alone calmed my wrinkled nerves. It was going to be okay. I confessed of my crime, and she was positive that the sewing and ironing community would muster and pay bail, or even break me out of prison if it came to that. I was satisfied.</span><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6N4HOegYaMw/VuL7UVadPXI/AAAAAAAAbvA/L4j_Qx7EvlEchXF38rs_HOO6xNGzC5alg/s1600/Maven3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="534" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6N4HOegYaMw/VuL7UVadPXI/AAAAAAAAbvA/L4j_Qx7EvlEchXF38rs_HOO6xNGzC5alg/s1800/Maven3.jpg" width="800" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Then the iron arrived. In. An. ORANGE. BOX! It was like this was all meant to be. I took that shiny, sleek beauty out of her orange home and placed her on my ironing board. (Possibly <i>after</i> I caressed and spoke sweet nothings to her. I won't say.) </span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kpCNu1kkFJY/VuL7VhgC7yI/AAAAAAAAbvI/QT7dwX4gUHQZ6MeXNP1FIUo0hePZ3bDtw/s1600/Maven4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="534" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kpCNu1kkFJY/VuL7VhgC7yI/AAAAAAAAbvI/QT7dwX4gUHQZ6MeXNP1FIUo0hePZ3bDtw/s1600/Maven4.jpg" width="800" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I pulled out the owner's manual and read it from front to back, and if you know me, you'll know that I do not do owner's manuals. But, as they say, to know someone is to love someone. The real magic happened when I filled her tub with water and waited for the right amount of pressure and STEAM! Glorious steam! Not just a little 6 oz container within the iron, but many, many shirt's worth of steam! </span><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8RqixewsgPU/VuL7XbzWtJI/AAAAAAAAbvM/nG-6-BQnGxw_EuFHRL9Zpl5jewwgGOydg/s1600/Maven5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="534" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8RqixewsgPU/VuL7XbzWtJI/AAAAAAAAbvM/nG-6-BQnGxw_EuFHRL9Zpl5jewwgGOydg/s1800/Maven5.jpg" width="800" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I eventually paid my debt to society, returned the stolen iron, and no small appliances were harmed in the improvement of my sewing studio. But, have you ever had that feeling of joy while ironing. No? Then you, my friend, are using the <i>wrong</i> iron. She's not heavy, but she's <i>heavy-duty.</i> Those wrinkles don't stand a chance. Plus. That woven cord and cork handle! I don't know of any husband who would complain about his wife happily ironing. Worth every cent. ;) </span><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rI1bzheWPac/VuL7XophN0I/AAAAAAAAbvQ/7AeMNUwyf2YwH_34z5ZlRzk8mXkfW1KnQ/s1600/Maven6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="534" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rI1bzheWPac/VuL7XophN0I/AAAAAAAAbvQ/7AeMNUwyf2YwH_34z5ZlRzk8mXkfW1KnQ/s1800/Maven6.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AkAa3f4E6Go/VuD3f33C6HI/AAAAAAAAbug/hF2xiw2JEFY/s1600/popovers5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="534" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AkAa3f4E6Go/VuD3f33C6HI/AAAAAAAAbug/hF2xiw2JEFY/s1600/popovers5.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">There were SO many great suggestions for my year of no-buying-new-clothes post. I don't know how I'm going to pick! Drawing out of a hat is becoming more and more alluring. ;) Meanwhile, I had some requests for my popovers I posted on instagram. They're pretty much a regular breakfast around here, because they're a nice vehicle for any sort of saucy goodness you want to put in them.</span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pl6siIVARo8/VuDjtMltV2I/AAAAAAAAbuE/7JT_a6593FQ/s1600/Popovers1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="534" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pl6siIVARo8/VuDjtMltV2I/AAAAAAAAbuE/7JT_a6593FQ/s1600/Popovers1.jpg" width="800" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">A while back, something got one of our chickens. Grrr. We have played detective...or, I just asked my friend who also has chickens. She said since there weren't any feathers, or remains, it was probably a fox. And we've seen a fox around here before, so now they're enclosed with some heavy duty netting during the day, and in their fancy coop at night. Maybe the chickens should get their own post, silly girls. All I was <i>really</i> getting at was that we <i>still</i> have plenty of eggs with one less hen. We did have a funny tiny egg, the size of a quail egg, for a couple of days. I guess one of them was taking some time off. </span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AzgwEgUsGVA/VuDjtgnnEuI/AAAAAAAAbuI/qp6nwNPYC_g/s1600/popovers2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="534" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AzgwEgUsGVA/VuDjtgnnEuI/AAAAAAAAbuI/qp6nwNPYC_g/s1600/popovers2.jpg" width="800" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Back to the popovers. I have tried many pans, both popover and muffin, I even tried to use ramekins, and I always come back to Nordic Ware pans. If you want one piece of advice about making popovers, it's this: It will deflate all the joy out of making them if you have to scrape, rip and pry them out of the pan. Seriously. Then you're left with a pan that has to soak for 258 days so you don't want to make them ever again. <b><i>Invest in a good pan.</i></b> Period. I got my</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0055FSMCS/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0055FSMCS&linkCode=as2&tag=nobidi-20&linkId=QHIK6KQMTWWKS4L4"><span style="color: #93c47d;">popover pans</span></a> (I normally bake two at a time) from Amazon, which seemed to be the best price, but as I was looking, I also noticed that they have a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AW4FGZ8/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00AW4FGZ8&linkCode=as2&tag=nobidi-20&linkId=A2SIOE7YIXPBH3VC"><span style="color: #93c47d;">mini popover pan</span></a>! How cute would that be! Bite size popovers! I might have to put that on my list for Santa this year.</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KLfMD9sk1wI/VuDjtpXhG6I/AAAAAAAAbuM/pTcE4Kz9XwE/s1600/popovers3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="534" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KLfMD9sk1wI/VuDjtpXhG6I/AAAAAAAAbuM/pTcE4Kz9XwE/s1600/popovers3.jpg" width="800" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I have fiddled around with different recipes and ways of greasing the pans, and my favorite recipe is Julia Child's:</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">3 eggs, room temperature</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">1 cup milk, room temperature</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">1 cup flour</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">1/2 tsp salt (I add a couple more pinches)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">2 tablespoons melted butter (I use coconut oil sometimes), plus more for pans</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Preheat oven to 425ºF. Grease popover pan(s) with butter, coconut oil, or shortening with lots of generosity. ;) Place all ingredients in a blender and pulse until smooth. Evenly distribute the batter between 6 cups, it should fill them slightly more than halfway. Bake for 20-25 minutes <i>without opening the oven</i>. If you want a less doughy center, you can then reduce the temperature to 350º and bake for another 10 minutes, but I like a crispy outer with the soft center.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Notes: if you don't want to wait for your milk and eggs to be room temperature, pop the milk in the microwave for a few seconds and put your eggs in a bowl of warm water. Voilá!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">What next? Pearl will usually make honey butter. I like my homemade peach jam that never sets up and is more of a sauce than jam. Maybe I subconsciously purposely sabotage my jam so I can have sauce for these breakfast instances. We will go with that. I also like our homemade orange sauce, which I though I had posted on here in the past, but I couldn't find it, so I'll have to share soon, too. One night I brought home a rotisserie chicken and made these, and Ryan put chicken <i>in</i> his! It's better than chicken and waffles because it's a built-in pocket! It's a favorite around here, as you can see. One day I'd like to open up a popover restaurant and have a different butter or sauce for each season or month. One day.</span><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y8McbIvUW5Y/VuDjvDtGngI/AAAAAAAAbuQ/wzi2JeuKQVQ/s1600/popovers4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="534" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y8McbIvUW5Y/VuDjvDtGngI/AAAAAAAAbuQ/wzi2JeuKQVQ/s1600/popovers4.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">First of all, thank you for the great response to my first pattern. It's one thing to sew something up for one of my kids, but it's a whole 'nother bucket of ice cream for you guys to want to sew something I've created. So, thank you.</span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CTOWKPxsQAo/VsSBavyjv3I/AAAAAAAAbrc/uQZvHvM2qdc/s1600/Valentines4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="534" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CTOWKPxsQAo/VsSBavyjv3I/AAAAAAAAbrc/uQZvHvM2qdc/s1600/Valentines4.jpg" width="800" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I promised my big announcement, and then sat here in silence. Well, not silence, because it's never silent around here except when everyone is asleep. I guess I've been hesitant to announce it because once you tell someone, they'll hold you to it, ha. There really is power in support groups.</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PtQ2LyFZTRA/VsSBZlDrsbI/AAAAAAAAbrU/FeTsJiaVZY4/s1600/Valentines2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="534" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PtQ2LyFZTRA/VsSBZlDrsbI/AAAAAAAAbrU/FeTsJiaVZY4/s1600/Valentines2.jpg" width="800" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I've decided to give up a year of buying new clothes for myself and my children! You read that right. I even just spent a weekend in New York and didn't give in to buying a single thing for them or myself. What got me through is Grayline Linen. Hands down my favorite fabric place in New York, because linen.</span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--fQiQnPNMcI/VsSHQ3O04kI/AAAAAAAAbsA/ryZ50VDyZus/s1600/Valentines14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="534" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--fQiQnPNMcI/VsSHQ3O04kI/AAAAAAAAbsA/ryZ50VDyZus/s1600/Valentines14.jpg" width="800" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">So, what does this entail? I will be altering existing clothes and making new clothes, and I haven't decided if I'll permit clothes from Second hand shops. Thoughts? I have received some clothes given by a friend that my girls have picked a few things out. I've decided donated clothes are okay. I'm also thinking of excluding underwear...and socks, of course. </span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dR7Hpd4M3ck/VsSBaxcWCuI/AAAAAAAAbrg/0zKfTeyYPuk/s1600/Valentines5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="534" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dR7Hpd4M3ck/VsSBaxcWCuI/AAAAAAAAbrg/0zKfTeyYPuk/s1600/Valentines5.jpg" width="800" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">So far, almost two months in, I've made a few things. Drummer needed some pants (that kid is getting taller by the second!) and this Valentine outfit for Clover. I asked her if she'd like something out of this striped knit and she got busy drawing me what she wanted. Very particular, down to the directionality of the stripes: she wanted stripes going up and down for the dress and sideways for the leggings. Never short of opinions around here.</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bQGIDr20uWk/VsSBaWqm2CI/AAAAAAAAbrY/gEPP1Fodcx4/s1600/Valentines3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="534" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bQGIDr20uWk/VsSBaWqm2CI/AAAAAAAAbrY/gEPP1Fodcx4/s1600/Valentines3.jpg" width="800" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I decided to do "knee patches" up the side and one tucked in the pocket just for fun. I used a Megan Nielsen <a href="http://megannielsen.com/collections/sewing-patterns/products/mini-virginia-leggings"><span style="color: #ea9999;">pattern</span></a>, which I've never used before and they came out perrrrrrrrfectly! </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">(pst...they're on </span><a href="http://megannielsen.com/collections/sewing-patterns/products/mini-virginia-leggings" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #ea9999;">sale</span></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">, too!) </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">So many times leggings will be baggy on my girls, but these were just right. There were very clear instructions and they were so simple. I serged the whole pair up in minutes on my lovely <a href="http://babylock.com/sergers/"><span style="color: #ea9999;">Babylock</span></a> serger, which I've yet to properly introduce, so stay tuned for that one. She's such a beauty!</span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZXd_OoS_8rs/VsSBgPqybuI/AAAAAAAAbrw/vjf65FjunyA/s1600/Valentines9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="534" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZXd_OoS_8rs/VsSBgPqybuI/AAAAAAAAbrw/vjf65FjunyA/s1600/Valentines9.jpg" width="800" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The top pattern came from the summer issue of Ottobre 2014. Instead of doing ribbing around the neck, I found some lacy-like elastic and used my <a href="http://www.nobigdill.com/2012/01/double-needle.html"><span style="color: #ea9999;">double needle</span></a> to attach it. Instructions without pictures makes my mind work harder than it normally does, but I'm pleased with how they came out. And so is Clover, which is more important. </span><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yWy5HbVXN2w/VsSBcLvcgiI/AAAAAAAAbro/2Ouh1NIa82E/s1600/Valentines7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="534" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yWy5HbVXN2w/VsSBcLvcgiI/AAAAAAAAbro/2Ouh1NIa82E/s1600/Valentines7.jpg" width="800" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">For the patches, since it's a bit tricky to work with knit on knit, I used an iron-on adhesive that provides stability to everything doesn't try to pucker up like a mouth full of lemon juice. ;)</span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c0Qs_HtW7q0/VsSBZISMaJI/AAAAAAAAbrM/hOaJip4KR1U/s1600/Valentines10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="534" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c0Qs_HtW7q0/VsSBZISMaJI/AAAAAAAAbrM/hOaJip4KR1U/s1600/Valentines10.jpg" width="800" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Want to join my no-buy year?</span></div>
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<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Commit to covering your eyes when you walk past the clothing section at Target. You can't buy what you can't see...unless you have some sort of super power.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Take an inventory of the clothes you and your children (and your husband, if he's willing to join) and alter or repair what is worth saving.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Since you will be making everything for the year, you will more likely only make what is <i>truly</i> needed, instead of buying something because it was on sale.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Get your kids involved to make it more fun. Use their designs. Add messages or interactive elements to some of the items.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Get out of your comfort zone. If you normally only sew with woven fabric, try knit! Learn something you've always been hesitant to try, a new method like a welted pocket or an invisible zipper. Maybe grommets or <a href="http://www.nobigdill.com/2012/04/snappy-tutorial.html"><span style="color: #ea9999;">snaps</span></a>! </span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Begin to whittle down that fabric stash...so you can buy more! I've realized that my tastes change over time, and that once coveted piece of fabric isn't my style anymore. I was afraid ever to cut into it, but then I didn't really care for it anymore. So, use it up: cut, cut, cut! sew, sew, sew! </span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Tag me on instagram (@nobigdillkaty) on things you've made this year for a chance to be featured...maybe with some prize benefits. ;)</span></li>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7cdslpJBhaE/VsSBZJfrwXI/AAAAAAAAbrQ/HOWFCafkLZQ/s1600/Valentines11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="534" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7cdslpJBhaE/VsSBZJfrwXI/AAAAAAAAbrQ/HOWFCafkLZQ/s1600/Valentines11.jpg" width="800" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">What else? This series needs a name and a hashtag, of course ;). I thought it would be fun to open it up to you for your ideas.</span><br />
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Either email me at nobigdillblog | at | gmail | dot | com (some people have mentioned they aren't able to leave comments, and I'll work on that) or leave a comment of your ideas for a title and/or hashtag. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">If you've got some design skills, budding or developed, email me a logo along with it.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I'll choose a name as soon as something appeals to me, or perhaps I'll narrow it down to a few and put it for a vote.</span></li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CaIdKVQrEl8/VsSBd0wTBiI/AAAAAAAAbrs/HBO7spU2kM8/s1600/Valentines8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="534" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CaIdKVQrEl8/VsSBd0wTBiI/AAAAAAAAbrs/HBO7spU2kM8/s1600/Valentines8.jpg" width="800" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Are we crazy excited like Clover?! Or am I just crazy? Just as we have become so removed from our food, I think so many people don't realize how involved it is to sew something to wear. You'll have photos of your kids wearing something you made! I don't think I've ever heard someone say, "Look at this photo of me, wearing a t-shirt from Target my mom bought me." Haha!</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lWZ1PvKZbmg/VsSBXEFIw5I/AAAAAAAAbrE/W0hsAoVlYOM/s1600/Valentines12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="534" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lWZ1PvKZbmg/VsSBXEFIw5I/AAAAAAAAbrE/W0hsAoVlYOM/s1600/Valentines12.jpg" width="800" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I am really looking forward to this. A challenge I'm hoping to follow through for the whole year. Reassure me that I'm not crazy. Pearl has already asked for a pair of jeans. Yikes. We have the darndest time finding jeans that fit her properly, usually the length. </span><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qoB3NRJ4SU0/VsSBSnofpWI/AAAAAAAAbrA/UevjlAgQQ3M/s1600/Valentines.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="1245" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qoB3NRJ4SU0/VsSBSnofpWI/AAAAAAAAbrA/UevjlAgQQ3M/s1600/Valentines.jpg" width="800" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XN6_TKQyZbI/VsSBY5HcjfI/AAAAAAAAbrI/Yq2yIt8zxpE/s1600/Valentines13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="534" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XN6_TKQyZbI/VsSBY5HcjfI/AAAAAAAAbrI/Yq2yIt8zxpE/s1600/Valentines13.jpg" width="800" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Also, I never realized how long Clover's tongue was until now.</span><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KA8Ij5gOcjQ/VsSBbit9CjI/AAAAAAAAbrk/v0zHTGyS3_0/s1600/Valentines6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="534" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KA8Ij5gOcjQ/VsSBbit9CjI/AAAAAAAAbrk/v0zHTGyS3_0/s1600/Valentines6.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TyC7rx00hwg/VryiXRY7vAI/AAAAAAAAbqo/iGD4_n4ZSzc/s1600/Nightbefore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TyC7rx00hwg/VryiXRY7vAI/AAAAAAAAbqo/iGD4_n4ZSzc/s640/Nightbefore.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>The Night Before Nightgown pattern is now available for single purchase!</i></b> I wanted to wait until I had a picture of all the girls in their nightgowns, because, well, how cool would that be. But with three different school times, various practices, games, and classes on Saturday, it's just never happened. Maybe this week. (Although I've said that every week since the beginning of January.) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">To kick off my first pattern, I'm selling it for $5 for the rest of the day. After that it will stay at $8. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Where? I dusted off the old Etsy shop and refreshed my listings skills <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/267779871/night-before-nightgown-pdf-pattern"><span style="color: #f4cccc;">here</span></a>. Go me. ;) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Meanwhile, I've been doing some more sewing and even <i>more</i> thinking and have...a challenging proposal for tomorrow's post, so come back to find out what I plan to do and if you're brave (or crazy) enough to join me. Happy sewing!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">PS The double gauze I used comes from Imagine Gnat's shop, <a href="http://imaginegnats.com/?s=double+gauze&submit=Search&post_type=product&paged=5&post_type=product"><span style="color: #f4cccc;">here</span></a>, and is so much fun to sew with. It would make the most amazing receiving blankets, or burp cloths, or lounging pants, or maxi skirts....you get the idea. :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">It's been chilly here. You northern, snow-dwelling people might laugh, but I think my blood is as thin as water, having lived in warmer climates for almost 15 years now. </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MjHz8abyAJk/VqJfRfLXsOI/AAAAAAAAbl0/ujIJLWS7v5Y/s1600/IMG_3732.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MjHz8abyAJk/VqJfRfLXsOI/AAAAAAAAbl0/ujIJLWS7v5Y/s640/IMG_3732.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">photo: Ashley Baker</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">We received a down comforter for our wedding, almost 16 years ago, and we pull it out for a few night's sleep each year, and that's only because we don't turn the master room heat on. At all.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c8hwZWo86G4/VqJei_9KssI/AAAAAAAAblo/NMSzNyEWcf8/s1600/IMG_5824.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c8hwZWo86G4/VqJei_9KssI/AAAAAAAAblo/NMSzNyEWcf8/s640/IMG_5824.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">photo: Olivia Knudsen</i></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">It's mainly my feet that have such a hard time warming up, which wasn't a problem when I could just warm them up on Ryan's legs in bed. But the thing is, Ryan got us a "number" bed, and so we have to sleep on our sides because of the two different settings. I know. Boo hoo, Katy. </span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FEE7wvXpwGA/VqJfRxzY7yI/AAAAAAAAbl4/rwRQLAlcQb4/s1600/IMG_3733.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FEE7wvXpwGA/VqJfRxzY7yI/AAAAAAAAbl4/rwRQLAlcQb4/s640/IMG_3733.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">photo: Ashley Baker</i></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">So! I went to Pearl's closet and found one of the corn bags I made years ago. I warmed it up in the microwave and enjoyed that radiating heat through all of <i>Madam Secretary</i> and beyond, into sweet slumber. </span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qxvyRC4B270/VqJiRc4CtmI/AAAAAAAAbmQ/TUcjcUh2a0Q/s1600/DSC_0011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qxvyRC4B270/VqJiRc4CtmI/AAAAAAAAbmQ/TUcjcUh2a0Q/s640/DSC_0011.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I just thought I'd tell those preparing for the cold weekend, you may want to whip some up for those little limbs that come in from making snowmen, and to pre-warm those cold beds. <span style="color: orange;"><a href="http://www.nobigdill.com/2010/12/bit-corny.html"><span style="color: orange;">Here's</span></a> </span>my post for bags with corn, and <a href="http://www.nobigdill.com/2010/06/hot-piping.html"><span style="color: orange;">here's</span></a> my original tutorial for the little hand warmers with rice.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fi_kDgbSplQ/VqJfT5ZEUwI/AAAAAAAAbmE/ME9vx9QYvqY/s1600/IMG_3734.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="800" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fi_kDgbSplQ/VqJfT5ZEUwI/AAAAAAAAbmE/ME9vx9QYvqY/s640/IMG_3734.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>photo: Ashley Baker</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Stay warm!!</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3bKNcNevpAY/VqKCgXya_TI/AAAAAAAAbmg/jlx46U88MmY/s1600/IMG_3737.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3bKNcNevpAY/VqKCgXya_TI/AAAAAAAAbmg/jlx46U88MmY/s640/IMG_3737.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>photo: Krisanne Knudsen</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The older kids ask every single year if we can change it up and get in line oldest to youngest for Christmas morning entrance to see what Santa brought (I call them in one by one.) I laugh and tell them that it will never change. They will always have had more Christmases than their younger siblings.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rUu_RH75tdI/VpfCidT6CBI/AAAAAAAAbjI/6p4RY47oAp0/s1600/CHristmas2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="534" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rUu_RH75tdI/VpfCidT6CBI/AAAAAAAAbjI/6p4RY47oAp0/s1600/CHristmas2015.jpg" width="800" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I'm not sure why it matters so much to them, but even more puzzling, why it matters so much for me. It's because how I did it growing up. Perhaps it's me holding onto my childhood. Or <i>their</i> childhood.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2ZRxzodz4Oc/VpfCjULAnzI/AAAAAAAAbjQ/ZdU12_fWIjs/s1600/CHristmas20152.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="534" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2ZRxzodz4Oc/VpfCjULAnzI/AAAAAAAAbjQ/ZdU12_fWIjs/s1600/CHristmas20152.jpg" width="800" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Because it happens. Ever so quickly. Painfully quick. That blink of an eye they talk about. You're living it right now, the moments they will lock into their mind as their childhood.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ictAmu4SAh4/VpfCwhjYGnI/AAAAAAAAbkI/3tjQ_F8zpPw/s1600/Christmas20153.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="534" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ictAmu4SAh4/VpfCwhjYGnI/AAAAAAAAbkI/3tjQ_F8zpPw/s1600/Christmas20153.jpg" width="800" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And now I suddenly find myself panicking.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GHUC0vzS_-Q/VpfC0o9ypGI/AAAAAAAAbkQ/PVQ-3CMaW5A/s1600/Christmas20154.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="534" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GHUC0vzS_-Q/VpfC0o9ypGI/AAAAAAAAbkQ/PVQ-3CMaW5A/s1600/Christmas20154.jpg" width="800" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Was it memorable enough?</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LV3D1mlBcgU/VpfC5Z8adyI/AAAAAAAAbkc/OnBD1VrUrJg/s1600/Christmas20155.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="534" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LV3D1mlBcgU/VpfC5Z8adyI/AAAAAAAAbkc/OnBD1VrUrJg/s1600/Christmas20155.jpg" width="800" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Was it happy enough?</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8F9iAFJ5kjw/VpfC5YkVk2I/AAAAAAAAbkk/R8ziHTw581U/s1600/Christmas20156.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="534" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8F9iAFJ5kjw/VpfC5YkVk2I/AAAAAAAAbkk/R8ziHTw581U/s1600/Christmas20156.jpg" width="800" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Was there too much discipline?</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mIXBrKmrzJU/VpfC5E0HqTI/AAAAAAAAbkY/sC2xzE7qQfY/s1600/Christmas20157.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="534" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mIXBrKmrzJU/VpfC5E0HqTI/AAAAAAAAbkY/sC2xzE7qQfY/s1600/Christmas20157.jpg" width="800" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Not enough?</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IaqHzpcCI2A/VpfC8ExfK_I/AAAAAAAAbkw/PDvpSqDUSew/s1600/Christmas20158.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="534" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IaqHzpcCI2A/VpfC8ExfK_I/AAAAAAAAbkw/PDvpSqDUSew/s1600/Christmas20158.jpg" width="800" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Have they learned what they need to survive?</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QXr9clUT5dY/VpfC8gSVf3I/AAAAAAAAbk0/KdcR_tpMCZ0/s1600/Christmas20159.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="534" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QXr9clUT5dY/VpfC8gSVf3I/AAAAAAAAbk0/KdcR_tpMCZ0/s1600/Christmas20159.jpg" width="800" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">(latke making: a new tradition we started after reading a Hanukkah book about latkes, they're better than most things you'll put in your mouth!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Do they have good manners?</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nWQtDMXkvgI/VpfCk5FrGWI/AAAAAAAAbjY/qGz5an9h1Oo/s1600/Christmas201510.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="534" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nWQtDMXkvgI/VpfCk5FrGWI/AAAAAAAAbjY/qGz5an9h1Oo/s1600/Christmas201510.jpg" width="800" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Are they caring?</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-POsydC4srD8/VpfCqLBDiQI/AAAAAAAAbjk/rCAghCUp4Mo/s1600/Christmas201511.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="534" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-POsydC4srD8/VpfCqLBDiQI/AAAAAAAAbjk/rCAghCUp4Mo/s1600/Christmas201511.jpg" width="800" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">But, it dawns on me as I write this.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wRCQABbXsMI/VpfCo7KZgmI/AAAAAAAAbjg/2RXItMOUHjY/s1600/Christmas201512.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="534" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wRCQABbXsMI/VpfCo7KZgmI/AAAAAAAAbjg/2RXItMOUHjY/s1600/Christmas201512.jpg" width="800" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Those are superfluous questions.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--kv96Rz8DcA/VpfCqcWYjEI/AAAAAAAAbjo/-txgcU_eU1M/s1600/Christmas201513.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="534" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--kv96Rz8DcA/VpfCqcWYjEI/AAAAAAAAbjo/-txgcU_eU1M/s1600/Christmas201513.jpg" width="800" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The real question is:</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rMesuuWYU9c/VpfCt44xRfI/AAAAAAAAbj4/Z0sbOUVO9gA/s1600/Christmas201514.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="534" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rMesuuWYU9c/VpfCt44xRfI/AAAAAAAAbj4/Z0sbOUVO9gA/s1600/Christmas201514.jpg" width="800" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Am <i>I</i>?</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M2nzVF_3AOo/VpfCutbe_sI/AAAAAAAAbj8/qSC3xa0BF88/s1600/Christmas201515.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="534" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M2nzVF_3AOo/VpfCutbe_sI/AAAAAAAAbj8/qSC3xa0BF88/s1600/Christmas201515.jpg" width="800" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Because <i>that</i> is how being a marvelous human being is truly learned. Not by lectures or lessons. Not through extravagant vacations and costly gifts.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2HZzbnvb9J8/VpfJWwR5Q4I/AAAAAAAAblI/k6gBYiIWCFo/s1600/IMG_4966.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="534" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2HZzbnvb9J8/VpfJWwR5Q4I/AAAAAAAAblI/k6gBYiIWCFo/s1600/IMG_4966.JPG" width="800" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It's the example of those who love them most and best of all.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I'm still pinching myself that I have an actual pattern! From my head, to your computer! When <a href="https://so259.isrefer.com/go/NBD/katydill/">Kelly</a> asked if I would do a Christmas nightgown for my month of <a href="https://so259.isrefer.com/go/NBD/katydill/">The Sew What Club</a>, I was so excited. Because. 5 girls. </span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mATzyK51kGk/Vm-Q8yLL0NI/AAAAAAAAbiY/VJcuD6248bM/s1600/Nightbefore2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="534" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mATzyK51kGk/Vm-Q8yLL0NI/AAAAAAAAbiY/VJcuD6248bM/s1600/Nightbefore2.jpg" width="800" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I picture in my head what I wanted: something simple (no closures!), classy, timeless, girly, but not too frilly, and, of course, comfy.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OTVifWJD7lU/Vm-Pxeffl1I/AAAAAAAAbiQ/laWltynIFhQ/s1600/sowhatforweb.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OTVifWJD7lU/Vm-Pxeffl1I/AAAAAAAAbiQ/laWltynIFhQ/s1600/sowhatforweb.png" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Then I found THE perfect fabric. Polka-dotty double gauze! If you've never been to <a href="http://imaginegnats.com/?s=double+gauze&submit=Search&post_type=product&paged=1&post_type=product">Imagine Gnats</a>, you are in for a treat. She has so many amazing double gauzes. I want them all. They would also make great, unique swaddling blankets...but I digress. </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G6K9uxYjjdw/Vm-Hgu6qKUI/AAAAAAAAbhc/mkaFgLtvew4/s1600/Nightbefore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="534" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G6K9uxYjjdw/Vm-Hgu6qKUI/AAAAAAAAbhc/mkaFgLtvew4/s1600/Nightbefore.jpg" width="800" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The reverse side is the inverse of the front. I wanted to highlight both, so I used the reverse for the accent design element down the front, on the sleeve casings and the bottom ruffle. I love it so much.</span><br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lcgjUFqfgfc/Vm-NOCnLtkI/AAAAAAAAbh4/z0OH9fUqThY/s1600/nightbefore5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="534" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lcgjUFqfgfc/Vm-NOCnLtkI/AAAAAAAAbh4/z0OH9fUqThY/s1600/nightbefore5.jpg" width="800" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It's a super easy sew-up. You can leave the front detail off, simplifying it even more. One of the testers cropped it and made matching shorts with the tunic. The pattern comes with the option of shorts sleeves and you can leave off the ruffle for a shorter version.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YiOHn2LzS-4/Vm-NCY6bMgI/AAAAAAAAbhw/3cpfj98ouWk/s1600/nightbefore3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="534" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YiOHn2LzS-4/Vm-NCY6bMgI/AAAAAAAAbhw/3cpfj98ouWk/s1600/nightbefore3.jpg" width="800" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The tester nightgown I made first for Clover was a HUGE hit with her. She twirled and danced and loved it, so I knew little girls everywhere would love this mommy-made nightgown. Since it's so simple, you still have time to sew it up before Christmas. Wink, wink, nudge, nudge. All my girls will be getting one in their favorite colors...stay tuned for <i>that</i> photo op. ;)</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Yn87-wiC9HQ/Vm-M84vZDkI/AAAAAAAAbho/c8casEshRxs/s1600/nightbefore4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="534" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Yn87-wiC9HQ/Vm-M84vZDkI/AAAAAAAAbho/c8casEshRxs/s1600/nightbefore4.jpg" width="800" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">When we were finished with our shoot, Clover wanted to take a selfie with my giant, brick-like camera, haha! I held the strap and she selfied away. This generation. ;) And yes, the weather is really as amazing as it looks right now. It's deceived me to think that Christmas isn't just around the corner. </span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y47K8ZGG4D8/Vm-NQunihtI/AAAAAAAAbiA/PKGcSYSPJD8/s1600/nightbefore6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="534" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y47K8ZGG4D8/Vm-NQunihtI/AAAAAAAAbiA/PKGcSYSPJD8/s1600/nightbefore6.jpg" width="800" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">How can you get your pattern? I'm so glad you asked! Check out <a href="https://so259.isrefer.com/go/NBD/katydill/">The Sew What Club</a>. It's a monthly subscription of digital patterns right to your inbox. The kind that you want to sew up every one, in all the various options. Kind of like your very own Christmas present each month. I am consistently impressed with the patterns that the designers come up with each month. It's like those cd clubs I used to belong to, only way better (and probably way cheaper ;) </span></div>
No Big Dill http://www.blogger.com/profile/08414131508018685093noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7162868398041347638.post-56610565599320601292015-12-02T09:17:00.001-05:002015-12-02T09:20:42.977-05:00Sage, Rosemary, and Thyme<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KJmcTaJICjk/Vl74Upn3IsI/AAAAAAAAbgo/BNqFrrvIBtI/s1600/IMG_3111.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KJmcTaJICjk/Vl74Upn3IsI/AAAAAAAAbgo/BNqFrrvIBtI/s640/IMG_3111.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The thyme is scraggly, the rosemary is hanging in there, but the (purple!) sage is thriving! I think I take a picture of the dew every time I walk by the sage and the furry fennel. I just can't help myself. I spent a good 5 hours at the hospital with Azure yesterday. She tripped and hit her nose on a bench in the backyard and the way it swelled up, it looked broken, in addition to the laceration on top and blood coming from all directions. Ryan wasn't home and I just had Drummer and Clover. Fortunately Ryan's mom came rushing over while I took Azure to urgent care (who said she needed stitches) and then the children's hospital.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">5 hours sitting and waiting, waiting and sitting gives one ample time to clean one's purse. But there are only so many receipts to throw away and only so many forgotten snacks one can eat (we were starving!) before you're just left with time. Time to ponder. Life is funny how we get thrown these curveballs. And more importantly, how we handle said curveballs. I've been asking for inspiration on how to love Azure more fully. She came feisty, and she came with the urge to right all the wrongs of the world...and to tell me about them. I don't know if she feels I don't worry enough, or punish frequently or severely enough, but she wants justice and equality to the nth degree. You'd think this mentality would wear down such a small human being, but it doesn't. Ever. On the other hand, it wears me down like the largest, grittiest sandpaper manufactured. I suppose I was praying for her to change. Or, rather, how we could <i>help</i> her change. But as I sat with her little body next to mine in the waiting room, I realized that perhaps it was a tender mercy, this whole hospital thing. My heart was softened. This time we spent together, hardly a word of complaint uttered, we mostly sat in silence. The sage advice that came to my mind was that we can't change others. Not even our children. We will only drive ourselves mad trying to do so. I found myself giving these same words to Olive this morning about a girl who is mean to her at school. We will not be judged by other's actions toward us, only our actions towards them. It's so simple, isn't it? Simple but sage.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Oh. And her nose wasn't broken. Just a bit of glue and we went on our way. ;)</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TrgoFurDYRs/Vl3KcbCewaI/AAAAAAAAbgQ/pHcGjXQ7TVU/s1600/IMG_3041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TrgoFurDYRs/Vl3KcbCewaI/AAAAAAAAbgQ/pHcGjXQ7TVU/s640/IMG_3041.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Meanwhile, back in the sewing studio, I'm giving this little sparkly number a make-over. Well, not so much of a make-over as a needed alteration. It was an inexpensive dress I bought a few years ago that is just a bit too short--both in the waist and the hem. I thought of adding a layer of fabric below the hem, but decided it would look more cohesive to remove the skirt and add a shimmery black elastic in the middle, which is a whole lot more work, but I brought it with me on our Thanksgiving trip and had several hours leftover after I finished the unpicking. ;) We will see if it turns out. </span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w7-Nbny3mwc/Vl3KdG_V5_I/AAAAAAAAbgY/-Ex0ct5ygWM/s1600/FullSizeRender%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w7-Nbny3mwc/Vl3KdG_V5_I/AAAAAAAAbgY/-Ex0ct5ygWM/s640/FullSizeRender%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">One more thing, my <a href="http://www.nobigdill.com/2015/11/the-best-mom-gift-ever-circle.html">post</a> from yesterday still has active links until the 18th. The sale isn't on any longer, but $99 for peace of mind is a pretty small price tag. My very own <a href="http://mbsy.co/circlemedia/20363281">Circle</a>™ is on the way and I'll do a full review once I get it in my hands and have a chance to play around with it. Make that two more things. ;) Don't forget about the $100 giveaway <a href="http://www.nobigdill.com/2015/11/sesame-streetspiration.html">here</a>. You can click through all the posts online and enter them all!!</span></div>
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