tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40370744053809204692023-11-16T05:23:24.514-07:00K.N.A.S.S.K-eeping N-eedlearts A-live by S-haring S-titchesstitchangelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01228756405956550186noreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4037074405380920469.post-83296127217180260262015-03-08T19:17:00.000-06:002015-03-08T19:17:02.946-06:00Stitching for Literacy!<div style="text-align: justify;">
When the opportunity affords itself, the members of StitchMAP enjoy participating in philanthropic efforts that involve needlearts of one form or another. Our group Mom recently received of an opportunity that allows us to join her in Stitching for literacy, which serves a worthwhile purpose and promotes needlework. <br />
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Each of our members who wishes to participate will stitch 1 or more bookmarks in the style or technique of their choice for the Literacy Program at Mountain View Elementary School in anchorage, Alaska.</div>
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<a href="http://www.asdk12.org/aboutschools/mountainview/" target="_blank">http://www.asdk12.org/aboutschools/mountainview/</a> </blockquote>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmOlkBMQeVmREBFCUgHlzPW8BnCTBymPbjlYP45atCuUdsW53a-yGEljfCVpklME1Ttkur3GoY5T4wXtzpWG4SzGBdgEHhjJ39IGf1NVCZmy3Qk-IjQcr8okZoz_yqJrSPYBOxW8xTw2Y/s1600/Mustang-Logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmOlkBMQeVmREBFCUgHlzPW8BnCTBymPbjlYP45atCuUdsW53a-yGEljfCVpklME1Ttkur3GoY5T4wXtzpWG4SzGBdgEHhjJ39IGf1NVCZmy3Qk-IjQcr8okZoz_yqJrSPYBOxW8xTw2Y/s1600/Mustang-Logo.png" height="185" width="200" /></a></div>
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The school mascot is the Mustang and the school colors are blue and yellow if you want to make your book mark in their colors, but it is not necessary......any color combo in any technique will be appreciated.</div>
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We would like to invite our stitching friends to help the staff at Mountain View honor the students who completed their required hours of reading, by gifting them with a new bookmark. In years past they have had the help of a local EGA Chapter but their membership numbers have dwindled and they closed their chapter. The staff has depleted their available supply of bookmarks and are in desperate need. </div>
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Do you have hand-stitched bookmarks looking for homes? Would you be willing to stitch one or more? The bookmark can be of any age-appropriate, non-religious pattern. It can be made with any embroidery technique: cross stitch, needlepoint, crewel, Hardanger, or something else. </div>
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We need the finished book marks ASAP. The distribution ceremony take place in April. We need to mail them by the last day of March.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI-xSKJ7YwDucCkxgCWC6-jmQyjSWEWBVifU2msDJc7emsmDD5v3HVhZ_0KY9HDNygHUZAgNIWmtDkEjmoCEZOOhx96mEM1o8UR12rpw9iGaZHi3-BHNgeUyHlbXm3JT6iGyWhx_rO-xk/s1600/BM3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI-xSKJ7YwDucCkxgCWC6-jmQyjSWEWBVifU2msDJc7emsmDD5v3HVhZ_0KY9HDNygHUZAgNIWmtDkEjmoCEZOOhx96mEM1o8UR12rpw9iGaZHi3-BHNgeUyHlbXm3JT6iGyWhx_rO-xk/s1600/BM3.png" height="320" width="101" /></a></div>
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We would like as many people as possible to use this opportunity to share their stitching talents and reinforce to these young children how rewarding reading can be. As adults we realize it is vital to their future successin life! Yes, the timing is short but . . . you might possibly have a stitched bookmark laying around that is in good condition and not being used. The children would greatly appreciate the reward they have worked so hard to earn. If you have time to put together some bookmarks, anything done in some type of needlework, patchwork, crochet, knitting, etc. will work. Let's work together to help the kids at Mountain View Elementary.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGCJg2AoPbr8ZQMijN6cF-ykayGY44oOHgEx9J45GqwsVLNsrqMJIKlO_t_GTJcDbE4qHgdKgUydtJqYvgZ20VaIE0o1kZbLoA0jkcDM47y2MSwOEEOH1fQ57LskvLSV5J4LJ_eaodEUo/s1600/BM1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGCJg2AoPbr8ZQMijN6cF-ykayGY44oOHgEx9J45GqwsVLNsrqMJIKlO_t_GTJcDbE4qHgdKgUydtJqYvgZ20VaIE0o1kZbLoA0jkcDM47y2MSwOEEOH1fQ57LskvLSV5J4LJ_eaodEUo/s1600/BM1.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here are some links to simple bookmarks to help inspire you and get you started thinking: </div>
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<a href="http://littlebirdiesecrets.blogspot.com/2011/04/fabric-bookmark-tutorial-teacher.html" target="_blank">Fabric Bookmarks</a></div>
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<a href="http://specialsmallstuff.blogspot.com/2008/05/this-ismy-way-of-recycling.html" target="_blank">Recycled Markers</a> This is just a button and some scrap fabric...really easy. You could easily adapt it with some embroidery and/or embellishment on a solid fabric.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkpp52w-jPB9RGW_bBvyTBCbso4cnVzu-dsIFAFOkoPjH_coLtMtenAkUAivZvIbeNHeESyJg_N1shlUVYqUY9TWcHYLpXlXUoT8C_FoIADFEjMTJfGxhs6wiZYpasxr0agKWJXrAKKJc/s1600/BM2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkpp52w-jPB9RGW_bBvyTBCbso4cnVzu-dsIFAFOkoPjH_coLtMtenAkUAivZvIbeNHeESyJg_N1shlUVYqUY9TWcHYLpXlXUoT8C_FoIADFEjMTJfGxhs6wiZYpasxr0agKWJXrAKKJc/s1600/BM2.png" height="292" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.favecrafts.com/Gifts/No-Sew-Fabric-Bookmarks" target="_blank">No Sew Fabric Bookmark</a> No sewing, just iron-on interfacing, also easily embellished with stitching, buttons or beads.</div>
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<a href="http://terriesandelin.blogspot.com/2009/10/fun-and-easy-bookmarks-tutorial.html" target="_blank">Fun and Easy Bookmarks</a> For CQ fans, a link from a previous Fun Friday Tute</div>
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Or, do you enjoy crochet? <a href="http://www.crochetnmore.com/bookmarks.htm">Crocheted Bookmark</a></div>
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Bookmarks need to be received by March 28 so they can be mailed to Alaska on March 30. This will ensure they reach the school in time for their distribution ceremony.<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> <b>Are you up to the challenge?!!</b></span> If you can make a bookmark (or 2 or more) in time and you're NOT a StitchMAP member, please leave a comment with your e-mail address so mailing instructions can be sent to you.</div>
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If you have a literacy program near you that you would like us to support, let us know in the comments and we can do this again. In fact, if you have a personal favorite charity that could use some assistance from our group with needlework or the collection of something sewing/stitching related, please let us know that in the comments, as well. Projects like these are a great way to send a positive message to the communities we live in that women with needles and thread really care.</div>
Denise :)http://www.blogger.com/profile/07306906507013593208noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4037074405380920469.post-43082746284376544762015-02-28T16:37:00.000-07:002015-02-28T16:37:16.098-07:00One More Reason<div style="text-align: justify;">
Still not convinced that filling out the StitchMAP questionnaire is something you want to do? Let me clue you into one more enticing tidbit of information . . . </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDZoyevKY9yLmLyMOS2q_YIbz_a-sEfrikIbp2mo8ibBk4Huaai7drehmnQUr8oA3Y0mELSmaXFxgOmMQkiquaWAjeNpSeLsvJjgig3dqrg1GADjxLR4NUuDklJp1dUVapQh-RO5FFdyA/s1600/Prizes-Logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDZoyevKY9yLmLyMOS2q_YIbz_a-sEfrikIbp2mo8ibBk4Huaai7drehmnQUr8oA3Y0mELSmaXFxgOmMQkiquaWAjeNpSeLsvJjgig3dqrg1GADjxLR4NUuDklJp1dUVapQh-RO5FFdyA/s1600/Prizes-Logo.png" height="73" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik_q97dk_4WT7vIGT4yA6nGbn5f4_osiKuqIffkfH4-67h7Ip5mLsXdO8Kp6wRf3beM_hZvvH5ZZSQgE9_lBhiPpkfRzhkbv2Rbqs4GOAXCtpHZzZocVWDCNXX02cSSybtiKeguBhvUKg/s1600/mysterybox.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik_q97dk_4WT7vIGT4yA6nGbn5f4_osiKuqIffkfH4-67h7Ip5mLsXdO8Kp6wRf3beM_hZvvH5ZZSQgE9_lBhiPpkfRzhkbv2Rbqs4GOAXCtpHZzZocVWDCNXX02cSSybtiKeguBhvUKg/s1600/mysterybox.jpg" height="181" width="200" /></a></div>
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Those who do take the time to return the questionnaire become eligible to win prizes and surprises!! Quite often fun, stitching-related prizes are offered up for those participating in the Fun Friday Tutes, the Teasers, and other activities on StitchMAP. </div>
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Just this past week, several StitchMAP members, including myself, received a little something in the mail, for participating in the Weaving FFT:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu9J2kOYmE3q4mObsPI-coQUfUCG9GE77yjhLI8jUZWuLqAk6_ScjBQlqp0uVszmJW9fTgS39HGBmPId_u0pH5jUmEVAY5FtVVT2SYidBA3lQ7p0E3x10V01YuU5PqZs3_NzHyA73KOho/s1600/IMG_0405.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu9J2kOYmE3q4mObsPI-coQUfUCG9GE77yjhLI8jUZWuLqAk6_ScjBQlqp0uVszmJW9fTgS39HGBmPId_u0pH5jUmEVAY5FtVVT2SYidBA3lQ7p0E3x10V01YuU5PqZs3_NzHyA73KOho/s1600/IMG_0405.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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We each received a vintage set of alphabet transfers and a little something more personalized to our own needlework tastes. I'm thoroughly pleased with the contents of the envelope I received - it was right up my stitching alley! How'd the "powers that be" know what would be perfect for me? The responses I gave on my questionnaire! But guess what? No completed questionnaire, no prizes! What'cha waiting for??!</div>
Denise :)http://www.blogger.com/profile/07306906507013593208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4037074405380920469.post-14322403072511365642015-02-10T08:17:00.000-07:002015-02-10T08:17:09.098-07:00Who's Asking?<div style="text-align: justify;">
Long time members of StitchMAP all have one thing in common besides their love of needlework . . . they have completed and returned the Membership Questionnaire sent out by the group's owner when they first applied to join the group. Why is the questionnaire so important? I'm so glad you asked!</div>
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Up until January 2015, continued membership at StitchMAP was dependent upon completing and returning the questionnaire. It's not a test, nor is it terribly long or probing. The information asked for allows the group owner (Shari) to better understand the proficiencies and interests of each member. There are a few technology-related questions about internet connection and blog/photo stream ownership, as well as a some questions that provide helpful insight (like are you right or left handed) so that apprentices can be matched up with the best possible mentor. All personal contact information is kept private, stored offline rather than on the group site. It is never given out to anyone without your permission, not even your mentor! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga1pxJUoidxSUglocBNoVNtGzL8o2kHCf9goewltyxZo-Bx4izbQSvCNzDLzq2EtBeFlCydH8ELmpjV408t_OT9uxdeO1qqW8v5rep7724UZUMjzZSAg-Bz63QpA9xXgeNFhKjcrgzAtg/s1600/IMG_0068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga1pxJUoidxSUglocBNoVNtGzL8o2kHCf9goewltyxZo-Bx4izbQSvCNzDLzq2EtBeFlCydH8ELmpjV408t_OT9uxdeO1qqW8v5rep7724UZUMjzZSAg-Bz63QpA9xXgeNFhKjcrgzAtg/s1600/IMG_0068.JPG" height="400" width="378" /></a></div>
At the beginning of 2015, the decision was made to try dropping the requirement that each member of StitchMAP complete the questionnaire and return it within a certain time frame in order to remain a member. While lurking is not encouraged on this group, Shari hopes this new policy will allow more needleworkers a chance to participate in group discussions that will help them with various aspects of their stitching. In turn this should encourage them to take the actual Courses. She thinks that having additional time to enjoy the eye candy in the photo albums and having more chances to see the work that is done in the classes will help everyone realize that there is a lot to be learned by taking a mentored course at MAP. Shari believes true learning comes from actually stitching and completing the projects done in Courses, LABS and Challenges. With one-on-one mentoring you can expect to receive honest assessments of your work while being offered constructive solutions if problems arise. However, in order to participate in Courses, Swaps, LABS and Challenges (as well as to be eligible for any of the fabulous prizes for FFT's and Trivia Teasers), <i style="font-weight: bold;">you must have returned a questionnaire</i>!!</div>
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And, for all current members . . . have you moved, changed your e-mail address or phone number? Remember that this is the time of the year that we need to double check and make sure our information is current!! As any member who has taken a class at MAP knows, Shari does contact class members personally prior to making the final mentor/apprentice assignments for all classes. Often, it is by phone. How many groups do you belong to where you actually get to talk directly with the group owner to get insight about the group? It is a personal and private opportunity for members to learn more about the purpose of MAP, how classes are handled and to get any questions they might have answered by the lady who can best explain the StitchMAP philosophy. She also encourages members to call her or email her whenever they have questions about a technique or project they are currently exploring or working on. She welcomes input on the quality and content of the classes that are offered. </div>
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So, what are you waiting for?? If you haven't already done so, return that questionnaire and receive *ALL* the benefits of membership!! The only excuse to not turning in your questionnaire is if you're having a . . .<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDNnV8yyVlm21GClyP69D_JUCZpXZAeupdFAOr0IKfE0doWHsDnAI8OA3NRoh6IRNFNRJKN_7tFYSuuWeb76rY_9OYoWkwDbhtEPYGULVbYsm5fvGFSLjN7SwX_5cKFqsXPbUawWkJUsY/s1600/Bad+Hare+Day.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDNnV8yyVlm21GClyP69D_JUCZpXZAeupdFAOr0IKfE0doWHsDnAI8OA3NRoh6IRNFNRJKN_7tFYSuuWeb76rY_9OYoWkwDbhtEPYGULVbYsm5fvGFSLjN7SwX_5cKFqsXPbUawWkJUsY/s1600/Bad+Hare+Day.png" height="251" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Caroline H.'s <i>Bad Hare Day</i> bookmark - FFT project</td></tr>
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Denise :)http://www.blogger.com/profile/07306906507013593208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4037074405380920469.post-36985654419688657772015-02-01T04:57:00.000-07:002015-02-01T04:57:01.197-07:00FFT - Progress<div style="text-align: justify;">
Some amazing photographs have hit the Fun Friday Tute (FFT) 2015 photo folder over on StitchMAP! It's fun to see the results when a stitcher puts his/her own spin on a project!</div>
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On this mini-weaving, Caroline W. pulled her colors from Scripture, and then she backed the piece with a long piece of black felt so she could use it for a bookmark in her bible!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf2b-seDZdpGtnpL-pTJ7OrNnaJ07e8MQUghvQqfN3xOVUISI-iQHl9bi9zVifl4e3pRm54Qc4rzE29soIFWctglkZk3asmhTf2hX0VBNVBVVQAE2hTvfaHCha9vXQoJ3adVOoebVnTM0/s1600/Weaving+5.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf2b-seDZdpGtnpL-pTJ7OrNnaJ07e8MQUghvQqfN3xOVUISI-iQHl9bi9zVifl4e3pRm54Qc4rzE29soIFWctglkZk3asmhTf2hX0VBNVBVVQAE2hTvfaHCha9vXQoJ3adVOoebVnTM0/s1600/Weaving+5.png" height="400" width="381" /></a></div>
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Isn't that clever? Love the color combination!</div>
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Ann S. didn't make just one . . . she got really creative and made THREE! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhyphenhyphenCnCi8Xe2mPPjh7TeEpK5yQ0VLY6u5VXAama6e8YNNp3YQUZ4AfvPul6PnYpDkGeZF-eAUWYYbh8JkecFKFL0qCRvNgTOFVm5D7MVHmutBC5pNA9VbRwhE-sBSmxXN-MnfrZ61btsFA/s1600/Weaving+3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhyphenhyphenCnCi8Xe2mPPjh7TeEpK5yQ0VLY6u5VXAama6e8YNNp3YQUZ4AfvPul6PnYpDkGeZF-eAUWYYbh8JkecFKFL0qCRvNgTOFVm5D7MVHmutBC5pNA9VbRwhE-sBSmxXN-MnfrZ61btsFA/s1600/Weaving+3.png" height="400" width="338" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY6Icxw2Eg5DwIaB4uAQyaiHJGjRYrH6d6ZWJOk3GHGlPKqKDKWdCENoqwaBlXWl1oGrFEhiESbOcTZuIT44-AW2H2CwScx5-Fy2LXPeXUKFyRctOXNms42kPB7JQKa2O8_HgelP8PrkM/s1600/Weaving+4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY6Icxw2Eg5DwIaB4uAQyaiHJGjRYrH6d6ZWJOk3GHGlPKqKDKWdCENoqwaBlXWl1oGrFEhiESbOcTZuIT44-AW2H2CwScx5-Fy2LXPeXUKFyRctOXNms42kPB7JQKa2O8_HgelP8PrkM/s1600/Weaving+4.png" height="400" width="327" /></a></div>
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Check out the detailing with the beads. Isn't that nifty embellishing and a good way to use up an odd bead or two from your stash? Ann was also very gracious to walk our members through her process, pointing out the things she did differently as she moved from piece-to-piece. It's always educational when a member shares this way. It really helps some of us to better understand an artist's process.</div>
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And speaking of process, check out this darling adaptation from Suz C.:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJqj8VKb0fLP6UsuIf5B4LYfovtrgQEvMqUnYXnkOXRJLncVGPaCyComM_yGIeLKNr_j9xoPKAtS62SXgRn8PIUFpl9edV1djAeRbSPeR3IpJQ6K3iw2h0GAvlGvjYZ9IGXkD1QoWqPo0/s1600/Weaving+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJqj8VKb0fLP6UsuIf5B4LYfovtrgQEvMqUnYXnkOXRJLncVGPaCyComM_yGIeLKNr_j9xoPKAtS62SXgRn8PIUFpl9edV1djAeRbSPeR3IpJQ6K3iw2h0GAvlGvjYZ9IGXkD1QoWqPo0/s1600/Weaving+1.png" height="400" width="312" /></a></div>
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Precious, no? The tiny tatted lace flower, the buttonhole lace edge trimming, and bullion handles make this little weaving a darling handbag for a special doll! If a chain were slipped through the handles it would even make a sweet pedant.</div>
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There's still time for <i>you</i> to make your own woven piece! The instructions can be found <a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/2011/06/06/miniature-weaving-craft-camp/" target="_blank">HERE</a>. If you're a StitchMAP member, make sure you upload a photo of your finished project to the group's FFT 2015 folder. If you're not a member of the group, send a photo of your finished project <a href="mailto:denisepanter@gmail.com" target="_blank">HERE</a> so we can feature it on the blog. Or better yet, why not click on photo of the little girl stitching on the sidebar and join us at StitchMAP?</div>
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Until next time, remember: any day spent stitching, is a good day!</div>
Denise :)http://www.blogger.com/profile/07306906507013593208noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4037074405380920469.post-5371466360438132292015-01-24T12:36:00.000-07:002015-01-24T12:40:33.223-07:00Let the Fun Begin!<div style="text-align: justify;">
A famous author once wrote, "What's in a name?" A valid question, especially if the 'name' in question is an acronym like FFT!</div>
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Fanciful Fabulous Teapots? </div>
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<a href="http://www.clipartbest.com/clipart-aTeBnyR8c" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH-g2wdTbAUB0ZiXjuRuidupsu0-L0vxM53Pd4fjemL7bd8naozvI7gCeKGoAKM2vyJGU2RkzN6VKPQHhiooHDu7No0wBqhCkOvw07KbHGkL1Tyq616xMonct2RNIXinp5iQydzZBq7Pc/s1600/Teapot-1.jpg" /></a></div>
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No.</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Frightfully Famous Terrapins? </span></div>
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<a href="http://www.findfreegraphics.com/image-15/maryland+terrapins.htm" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBchBi2OfXukDIbZ8TNri3Q16r1Rga3wZkocjkHEVViohQ0deBIdLRp9yiaOonsdnLFn-7Brgd8pfnbylSl3sfPYor_T_7lJv48fsBDUnPXP2CKmBP9mJ7if9bLwwzr4nTojicBPTjHrU/s1600/Terrapin-1.jpg" height="189" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Uh, no.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Frivolous Fortunate Terrestrials? </span></div>
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<a href="http://free.clipartof.com/94-Free-3D-Extra-Terrestrial-Smiley-Face-Clipart-Illustration.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnEd25oGkQuobH9-ZimGuwfXMlssm4J1LSPdS2JKoD5g1HRmdn8DGhpuxxdIkp8-BjNdiLHVGxde1D-C04SZ6AazO0LTinAG2qLg_QhHna3gG7kDrmZpdwUr_ZL_QzT9DqdVwON9rAQ6k/s1600/Terrestrial-+1.jpg" height="189" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">That would be a big <b>N-O</b>!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">How about <b>Fun Friday Tutes</b>?!? Yes, yes, yes! It's time for the first Fun Friday Tute of 2015!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This first FFT is a miniature weaving project and <i>everyone</i> on StitchMAP can participate in the making of the project and sharing their photos. If you are not a member of MAP, feel free to participate and share a photo of your finished project with us by emailing it <a href="mailto:denisepanter@gmail.com" target="_blank">HERE</a>. We would love to share your photos, along with those of our member's, here on the blog after the closing date. The instructions for the project can be found <a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/2011/06/06/miniature-weaving-craft-camp/" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</span></div>
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The charm of making this project is simple . . . use up some scrap floss and make a darling piece of jewelry (or a zipper pull, scissors fob or maybe even a book mark), while learning (or reviewing, as the case may be) some basic principles of weaving. It doesn't take much time or effort to make the small version demonstrated, but you could expand upon the idea and try these variations once you have done the small one:</div>
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<a href="http://etc.usf.edu/clipart/50200/50295/50295_bask_checker.htm" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ATs_tA8EtfsH2uK88gK-Z3O1SlKVSFMyx9jstOCXfUQm_RQGn4BI_9sVhTKrj9diX9pNZ0JOY3f3aRf57_op5GmS0P_lP28bwIVVOyClWRAqu5ZHuf7Frkv-XwbdeUGDB3gfJtvMudA/s1600/Weaving.gif" height="195" width="200" /></a>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Change the width and or length of the weaving</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Change the fibers to some other type - larger weaving should equal heavier fiber perhaps</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Mix the fibers up - one for the base and one or more for the weaving</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Add additional colors in the weaving</li>
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Four things Shari recommends when taking on the project (in deference to the needle-arts): </div>
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<ol>
<li>Strip your floss and lay it back together before threading your needle, so it doesn't twist and will lay fuller and smoother.</li>
<li>Specifically use a tapestry needle so you don't pierce the loom threads as you weave.</li>
<li>Whip that closing edge before adding the jump ring.</li>
<li>Use the proper jeweler's pliers to open and close the ring if you have them. Here is a wonderful <i>YouTube</i> video on opening and closing rings of all sorts:</li>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LS5I7xHvW_M" width="480"></iframe></div>
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Now that you have all the information you need, try your hand at one (or two, or three)! Closing for this FFT is February 6, 2015, so you have two weeks to upload your photos to the 2015 FFT Album located on StitchMAP.</div>
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Happy weaving!</div>
Denise :)http://www.blogger.com/profile/07306906507013593208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4037074405380920469.post-49909745228992234622015-01-19T09:20:00.000-07:002015-01-19T21:24:46.811-07:00Farewell to Tom Russell<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkYGuBqJht0WUA9ogRVNPxPd17WMEpCHDKkO3Hv9rcTZmNx_OjeAFnTClWRzwn8P01beu6TFBgkQZly12OKqDfLxVXxhF59wIF0yObeWZ05Z5U3inwuaptcCm5X7i44MEBYuJESVHmdEI/s1600/TR.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkYGuBqJht0WUA9ogRVNPxPd17WMEpCHDKkO3Hv9rcTZmNx_OjeAFnTClWRzwn8P01beu6TFBgkQZly12OKqDfLxVXxhF59wIF0yObeWZ05Z5U3inwuaptcCm5X7i44MEBYuJESVHmdEI/s1600/TR.jpeg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://tomrussellquilts.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">photo credit</a></i></td></tr>
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It is with tremendous sadness that we report the loss of StitchMAP member and mentor, Tom Russell. Tom passed away suddenly on Sunday, January 18th, in Arizona.</div>
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<i><a href="http://thequiltshow.com/daily-blog/108-in-memorial/23196-in-memoriam-tom-russell" target="_blank">The Quilt Show</a></i>, on which Tom was once featured, shared the following:</div>
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<i>Tom was a shining star in our midst, with abundant creativity and kindness.</i></blockquote>
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<i><a href="http://thequiltshow.com/watch/show-list/video/latest/show-1101-dress-your-quilts-with-buttons-and-beads?utm_source=Infusionsoft&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=2015_01_19_Newsletter_6" target="_blank">His show #1101</a> is now open for all to view this beloved artist and man. </i><i>H</i><i>e will be greatly missed.</i></blockquote>
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Tom was an active member of the StitchMAP design team, always willing to help and offer his talents. His contributions and advice will be greatly missed. His love of color, texture and the movement in his designs brought life to the projects he worked on for "his ladies". We were blessed by his generosity, imagination, kindness, inspired by his zest for needlework of all types and graced with his friendship.</div>
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Our condolences, thoughts and prayers go out to Tom's family and friends. He will be missed but never forgotten.</div>
Denise :)http://www.blogger.com/profile/07306906507013593208noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4037074405380920469.post-87743289300682402382015-01-17T09:19:00.000-07:002015-01-17T09:19:38.715-07:00A New Year<div style="text-align: justify;">
January, the first month of the year, seems to be the month for self-evaluation, resolutions, goal-working and change. I'm sure many of us have gone through (or are still going through) that process with regard to our personal lives, so it should be no surprise that some of those same processes are going on in the life of StitchMAP!</div>
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<a href="https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/stitchmap/info" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUBw3TzNo0EgBV3DeG0-kqQpoUcXwe0imjtqVS7KZIvgZV0nYvajsiq9fFRXinJF6ldRPyOogUasLszfWt2q-C7sV8sdfKMpWqzEzOIzuE0UNYsCx9GQOZr1NKpKt2P7SkBIlduhOaPqY/s1600/StitchMAPButton.jpg" /></a>First, a major change in the membership approval process. No more will new members have only ten days to complete and return the group questionnaire before having membership revoked. Settings have been changed so that completion of the questionnaire is not required for you to view group photos, participate in chats, join in with your opinion on Talk Shop Thursday topics, peruse the links, files and such. However, in order to participate in StitchMAP Classes, Challenges and Swaps, the completed questionnaire must be returned. You may also participate in Fun Friday Tutes and the Trivia Teasers (but you will NOT BE eligible for the associated prizes unless your questionnaire has been returned and your contact info is on file). Not a member of StitchMAP? It's easy -- click on the picture of the little girl stitching on the sidebar.</div>
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Change 2 comes in the way of a more complete Course Catalog! A brand new catalog has been prepared for 2015, filled with Courses, Challenges, LABS and Learning Modules -- all of which are designed to help grow and broaden your stitching skills and abilities! </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYWhK6f583-rsQv40sjycqgyKH7UL6GagfKIG4lowibzldVVdgQjIbjwd-ThvgU9G_jGF3JIa7XNrS1QRbbU8bhjzhQ91bouvTIuVkBKi_pMNBno0q66FSHFriRIxUjW6fADORPL3yy24/s1600/Weave+Class.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYWhK6f583-rsQv40sjycqgyKH7UL6GagfKIG4lowibzldVVdgQjIbjwd-ThvgU9G_jGF3JIa7XNrS1QRbbU8bhjzhQ91bouvTIuVkBKi_pMNBno0q66FSHFriRIxUjW6fADORPL3yy24/s1600/Weave+Class.png" height="127" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Connie K.'s finished journal cover<br />Fabric Weaving Course</td></tr>
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<b>Courses </b>cover the fundamentals of the technique being offered. Each course consists of multiple lessons, with several exercises built into each. With Courses, one-one-one mentoring is assigned and the apprentice submits completed exercises to their mentor prior to moving on to the next. Several StitchMAP courses are prerequisite courses, teaching foundational stitches and techniques. Courses generally last 8 - 10 weeks.</div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7jakIszzpGhsL-N6sFzob54adu4TmWeiYL9A6U1HsygOhdmbWYk-oB024Pj6vczIKjaJWpo4VwSqAUGXtFlnHwiyu8dHG6AkwyfXh_RBVNGyDE6O40qxEHtui-Qwc1fK0UMaizUwDLFE/s1600/Victorian+Pin+Cushion+Challenge.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7jakIszzpGhsL-N6sFzob54adu4TmWeiYL9A6U1HsygOhdmbWYk-oB024Pj6vczIKjaJWpo4VwSqAUGXtFlnHwiyu8dHG6AkwyfXh_RBVNGyDE6O40qxEHtui-Qwc1fK0UMaizUwDLFE/s1600/Victorian+Pin+Cushion+Challenge.png" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shari's Victorian Pin Cushion Challenge</td></tr>
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<b>Challenges </b>are mini-courses that almost always result in the completion of a fun project. They consist of no more than 5 installments, and generally last 2-4 weeks. The purpose of a Challenge is to give a bit more in-depth attention to a specific technique, overall project concept, a series of stitches or finishing methods. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2JXkSlYktbfzkd2ZCTVf5Ca2Vk5OiBCN8ujtm2dDCtFannMcBM2QkW-aXTmibxGVBMrSTXjJwQ4ajnqxbg3wk7maP9w-RBhrSGoMC57cP3GUeKfd420dCIFM10JkLT_xradPitrRaHzo/s1600/Celtic+Knots.png" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2JXkSlYktbfzkd2ZCTVf5Ca2Vk5OiBCN8ujtm2dDCtFannMcBM2QkW-aXTmibxGVBMrSTXjJwQ4ajnqxbg3wk7maP9w-RBhrSGoMC57cP3GUeKfd420dCIFM10JkLT_xradPitrRaHzo/s1600/Celtic+Knots.png" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shari's Hex LABS - Celtic Knot</td></tr>
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<b>LABS</b> stands for Learning to Build Skills. These StitchMAP offerings consist of multiple, more in-depth lessons on one or more combined techniques. Work done in LABS will result in a finished project(s). Lessons are presented one per month with subsequent lessons provide only if the prior lesson has been satisfactorily completed. LABS generally last 8-15 months.</div>
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<b>Modules</b> are a single text of instruction. They result in a finished piece of embroidery, but the project application is left up to the individual. Modules are self-paced. However, like the LABS, subsequent Modules will only be provided if the prior Module has been completed. </div>
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One-on-one mentors are not assigned for Challenges, LABS, and Modules, however, mentoring advice is is available upon request to help you through any difficulty you might encounter with the new stitches, etc..</div>
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The 2015 Course Catalog, with details of all of the incredible opportunities available through StitchMAP, is posted in the "FILES" section on the group's site. </div>
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A third change definitely worth mentioning is the blog! We plan on making weekly posts, keeping members (and would-be members) apprised on the happenings of the group and perhaps offer the occasional Teaser--and freebie--or two! We hope you'll check in often, making the most of all that StitchMAP has to offer. Your comments are always welcome -- what do <i>you</i> think of StitchMAP's changes?!</div>
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I believe it can be classified as a big success. DH and I left Colorado on Feb. 21 with plans to meet up with Glenda S.and her husband, along with Connie K. and Claudina C. in Ballinger, TX on the morning of the 22nd. <br /><br />We were able to fit everything that Glenda brought from her Texas donors into the back of the trailer we were pulling. It was a close fit but it worked, lol. Unfortunately Glenda and her DH had to return to San Angelo right away so we had very little time to visit.<br /><br />The rest of us continued on into Bastrop and arrived safely that afternoon. I called Lyn G. and Debbie H. to let them know we arrived safely and plans were made to get together the next morning for a tour of downtown Bastrop. We had a chance to meet the local quilt shop owners and the merchants who supported our effort by handing out our flyers. After a wonderful lunch we parted ways so that Lyn and I could meet with the local newspaper editor.<br /><br />The next morning Lyn picked me up and we were able to go to the Methodist Church to meet with Michele P., and check out the Fellowship Hall where the giveaway would be held on Saturday. I was delighted to see the room was large and had all the amenities we could have ever hoped for.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVHgZZHrbbud1bEepkcRN9f09B4h-nsLYyZwza62U4tVKux0vQ9-x-0JEDCexS08w4JCXy2dWqv0iaVPbNrPl5yYR9ns-4jOeB6iZszPy6doub5W_WEbP4QeFemZDDd6LdHSp5VFsONtk/s1600/IMG_8603.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVHgZZHrbbud1bEepkcRN9f09B4h-nsLYyZwza62U4tVKux0vQ9-x-0JEDCexS08w4JCXy2dWqv0iaVPbNrPl5yYR9ns-4jOeB6iZszPy6doub5W_WEbP4QeFemZDDd6LdHSp5VFsONtk/s320/IMG_8603.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725242250519138722" /></a><br />Thursday evening Debbie held a small reception for those of us from Colorado. It was an opportunity to meet many of the ladies from Lone Pine Quilters who had helped Lyn with the Christmas Stocking & Stash giveaway last winter. Debbie's home was lost in the fires and we were thrilled to be invited to tour her new home, which she had only been living in for less than 10 days. Here you see Claudina, Lyn, myself and Bobbie, an LPQ member whose family lost 3 homes to the fire, talking in Debbie's new kitchen dining area.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3g1oEY-kZifzpGrhla1T_Vj7l2QmyrzivyVOqfnrKUJPpt1hFkC_VTHRIWoCV3ajAvO-WWHSlJEJDP4I81_vYKs4epqqzScRO2I_8840JxbIoFfJhyphenhyphen5KhfZ96PUnYG9K_mCDRqdB2jMA/s1600/IMG_8582.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 237px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3g1oEY-kZifzpGrhla1T_Vj7l2QmyrzivyVOqfnrKUJPpt1hFkC_VTHRIWoCV3ajAvO-WWHSlJEJDP4I81_vYKs4epqqzScRO2I_8840JxbIoFfJhyphenhyphen5KhfZ96PUnYG9K_mCDRqdB2jMA/s320/IMG_8582.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725242258343118322" /></a><br />On Saturday morning we were met at the church by over a dozen volunteers. Many of them were Stitchmap members. They had come from Austin, Elgin, Houston, Bastrop, and Kileen. Everyone was eager to help and had brought their most cheerful attitudes. They had that trailer unloaded in record time so that they could spend more time getting things organized before the doors would open at noon. Here you can see the room from two different angles and how the ladies had their work cut out for them when it came to getting the donations out of the boxes and onto the tables. It is hard to believe that I had all this stuff in my house for the past 6 months. No wonder my daughter thought I had become a hoarder!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-o0Od6riBcm8VkRgx_VnqQrGfLaIqYqa3uSF7PpcU55d4z3mTzYmsZmDj-FFs6bq2gwVxqPZ1GeMcSZaHFQVJBlNYzdXqsv-basRUndtH95pgFwdLyLSiT6t66ZHkaOZxrvgMwYuCJZ8/s1600/IMG_8587.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-o0Od6riBcm8VkRgx_VnqQrGfLaIqYqa3uSF7PpcU55d4z3mTzYmsZmDj-FFs6bq2gwVxqPZ1GeMcSZaHFQVJBlNYzdXqsv-basRUndtH95pgFwdLyLSiT6t66ZHkaOZxrvgMwYuCJZ8/s320/IMG_8587.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725242266014040210" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXS6p5zo-x7xj32Iwtyc17HjBKfNADajXsXsHzwPepYkzEnEzgqJ7fNPOj5qpJD029d3WLIYNnPSVpxosDGK-libD9bXuOJlzYejneKhLj4RHdgXL98J9VD7IxCUEqZHiT7T5gB107wEQ/s1600/IMG_8602.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXS6p5zo-x7xj32Iwtyc17HjBKfNADajXsXsHzwPepYkzEnEzgqJ7fNPOj5qpJD029d3WLIYNnPSVpxosDGK-libD9bXuOJlzYejneKhLj4RHdgXL98J9VD7IxCUEqZHiT7T5gB107wEQ/s320/IMG_8602.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725247249907959122" /></a><br />Here you can see Debbie, Bobbie and Lyn starting on the quilting books and fabrics. We had over 400 pounds of fabric donated and Lyn managed to get every piece out onto a table or bags that she had covered the floor with to lay them on. It was a real task.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVv0CYxMOmYOpiA6QhXEE5uwv0TjYKe-9xy8xcfkpfuerzARhDk6HGJ21iEm4MQfGp6jijBtIcgEyQhpiMagqovhXGBSIqG-GaZAEhKkcO-osfM7JKmkWn_CWCAhB1iKyd_DLIfkWnQVU/s1600/IMG_8593.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVv0CYxMOmYOpiA6QhXEE5uwv0TjYKe-9xy8xcfkpfuerzARhDk6HGJ21iEm4MQfGp6jijBtIcgEyQhpiMagqovhXGBSIqG-GaZAEhKkcO-osfM7JKmkWn_CWCAhB1iKyd_DLIfkWnQVU/s320/IMG_8593.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725242280743581442" /></a><br />In this picture you can see Renee G. (the beautiful redhead in the center)talking with someone about what to do next. I have to commend Renee for the great job she did getting the 2000 pattern books and magazines organized by subject matter and technique. She kept working those boxes of books over all day. She helped so many people find what they were looking for.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvywkUhVl7MK9Sgzdie_kQoQso9rLtRWno3NJnyEN7k9rlYi3GM6J2hFPH6ogzF9rkd9RazGJdwQQugAFuxtDbEA8jx2d40oltehtuEZItLmgZ1iPuygiNnr3uigkmckz-2A7EunnfT5A/s1600/IMG_8606.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvywkUhVl7MK9Sgzdie_kQoQso9rLtRWno3NJnyEN7k9rlYi3GM6J2hFPH6ogzF9rkd9RazGJdwQQugAFuxtDbEA8jx2d40oltehtuEZItLmgZ1iPuygiNnr3uigkmckz-2A7EunnfT5A/s320/IMG_8606.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725247262691361586" /></a><br />Once the doors were opened at noon, Claudina and Connie were there to welcome our guests. They had each person sign in and gave each person 5 door prize drawing tickets. They also gave each person a drawstring bag full of basic sewing supplies. I must say that they were our "first impression" and they did a great job making everyone feel welcome and important.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqNCC1srusWEmn87LGWjI5a7XJ4h54KMMxDJy8EaB5RYvHh6xvsb0Z-pmkpQAKbcnKHDBnq4CWwM3HmkA2Skz_jbKY-trwjnvgBcFgi_FEjyBVCl7RRN3jX2EmKCncWOTawVE7X-ksN74/s1600/IMG_8615.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 279px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqNCC1srusWEmn87LGWjI5a7XJ4h54KMMxDJy8EaB5RYvHh6xvsb0Z-pmkpQAKbcnKHDBnq4CWwM3HmkA2Skz_jbKY-trwjnvgBcFgi_FEjyBVCl7RRN3jX2EmKCncWOTawVE7X-ksN74/s320/IMG_8615.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725248916690936738" /></a><br />Here are some of the guests making their selections. Each person was greeted by a volunteer who explained to them that they were welcome to whatever they needed and they explained to them how to use their door prize drawing tickets.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSR1qyEyxAz0SeMSlWni_kDaqroPnVGHogREq6n1UKocmOYF7YO7G150avGhJCpuuAL3aFvcBIK56tuymKNPa0EIyMBJ767nFji9ZG-i6Q_cvd6uBTo2VhyphenhyphenXapRJmqb3UWC5f8RKd89u4/s1600/IMG_8604.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSR1qyEyxAz0SeMSlWni_kDaqroPnVGHogREq6n1UKocmOYF7YO7G150avGhJCpuuAL3aFvcBIK56tuymKNPa0EIyMBJ767nFji9ZG-i6Q_cvd6uBTo2VhyphenhyphenXapRJmqb3UWC5f8RKd89u4/s320/IMG_8604.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725257915053833458" /></a><br /> <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxDbqOppqi-_qa6YAJiREk684Ljf8HyKrVX6WrWk-sj3nm7QASduToNB0WHbpdMoMZpkdCCsXDdfVdv526SqkmqW1O6djJVwf8RP1Z17iM2s5neDSDey_9ZikKU7MufRU5lBOlZAEmcdQ/s1600/IMG_8614.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxDbqOppqi-_qa6YAJiREk684Ljf8HyKrVX6WrWk-sj3nm7QASduToNB0WHbpdMoMZpkdCCsXDdfVdv526SqkmqW1O6djJVwf8RP1Z17iM2s5neDSDey_9ZikKU7MufRU5lBOlZAEmcdQ/s320/IMG_8614.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725247270551632354" /></a><br />At 3 o'clock we held our drawing for the gift baskets and totes and the 5 sewing machines. This picture is cut off a bit on one side, missing some baskets but it is a good representation of the door prizes offered.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpoWzUnplIkZTZxJGHp8u8SE218SvZhJbJv-CKCftU4UK65Yn67ukDSYO445LbFvoeraukNg2M48L0xOEC3ntz6icufeAJLDzn-WsLtVJSSlbHei1J3feKhcPOHIjlguwNmLeSFMwMp_I/s1600/IMG_8633.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 82px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpoWzUnplIkZTZxJGHp8u8SE218SvZhJbJv-CKCftU4UK65Yn67ukDSYO445LbFvoeraukNg2M48L0xOEC3ntz6icufeAJLDzn-WsLtVJSSlbHei1J3feKhcPOHIjlguwNmLeSFMwMp_I/s320/IMG_8633.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725259098109457202" /></a><br />We had a gift basket for almost every technique - cross stitch, CQ, traditional quilting, knitting, crochet, beading, needlepoint, embroidery, and we even had one for a Christmas Stitcher There was a lap loom, a scroll frame and an Anchor floss cabinet donated also. We had 2 used sewing machines, 2 more used machines but they were in cabinets (one even had a stool), and 1 brand new sewing machine to give away. Here are some of our door prize drawing winners and a little bit about a few of them.<br /><br />The winner of our Cross Stitcher's tote was a very sweet gal.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB2spNZ6Lz_8PEA1sLqt3GRUKrfa_TIfs5sNeAjOVeiSuGjTDw0fq9edRv83c8Aofg2clQhnEPgZaUGqVBPE8Lu3XuW_q3Temv_7UyYLVfdnu0Jv1NlGYcVv-ZoIrwjGsZhc67Yt2U3CY/s1600/IMG_8638.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 259px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB2spNZ6Lz_8PEA1sLqt3GRUKrfa_TIfs5sNeAjOVeiSuGjTDw0fq9edRv83c8Aofg2clQhnEPgZaUGqVBPE8Lu3XuW_q3Temv_7UyYLVfdnu0Jv1NlGYcVv-ZoIrwjGsZhc67Yt2U3CY/s320/IMG_8638.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725248945951771234" /></a><br />This young lady and her husband were volunteer firefighters who spent the first 2 days of the September fires helping others to save their homes. They came home the second day to find their own home burned to the ground. I was touched at how lovingly she stroked the cabinet of this sewing machine while she told me she would use it to make new curtains for their new home. She also was serving as a volunteer for collection of clothing for fire victims.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUivQpngeqfRCTdIfjS_Pvti7iXPu98xO8TbR2P9iIu4S69Ht9VkxAR8mPl-SCZsYXqKseJnpIeLIW_Ce3Wdho888fB-rzyWfQx3FqeQPQinULGSPDHs4eytVmrilFdnj6z4yRAaLHa0c/s1600/IMG_8645.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 251px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUivQpngeqfRCTdIfjS_Pvti7iXPu98xO8TbR2P9iIu4S69Ht9VkxAR8mPl-SCZsYXqKseJnpIeLIW_Ce3Wdho888fB-rzyWfQx3FqeQPQinULGSPDHs4eytVmrilFdnj6z4yRAaLHa0c/s320/IMG_8645.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725253450901761746" /></a><br />This lady is a very happy quilter now that she has a sewing machine again.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY-mqX7IbSRgqdQ44vNvIm8_D5VMNUQ-BJ3N_2Dcf0g31KDtCwgM7fhCAiZM9P2uY5HgY7aAzCVZjtkQeGAe92BgT2HhUBZM_triGLJ1Oudm0tMJqST-RmX-WzeuK_IrZsoEepOQbKaKI/s1600/IMG_8644.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY-mqX7IbSRgqdQ44vNvIm8_D5VMNUQ-BJ3N_2Dcf0g31KDtCwgM7fhCAiZM9P2uY5HgY7aAzCVZjtkQeGAe92BgT2HhUBZM_triGLJ1Oudm0tMJqST-RmX-WzeuK_IrZsoEepOQbKaKI/s320/IMG_8644.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725253442461943170" /></a><br />This woman loves Christmas and making gifts of her needlework for others. She was delighted to win our Christmas Stitcher's Basket.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicrlVmd1cxYeXj37E-qhociCi9M9O3nle600H-nJdo_oV6DjqXp-HrZR6CYBpU3oDe76-KVR8BreB3S_bp_77BxhCXQN7rDwpcmX5Ib7f_KqTV9bzh0itqoELL2Yguh-DRDSBt2SmzWm0/s1600/IMG_8642.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 271px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicrlVmd1cxYeXj37E-qhociCi9M9O3nle600H-nJdo_oV6DjqXp-HrZR6CYBpU3oDe76-KVR8BreB3S_bp_77BxhCXQN7rDwpcmX5Ib7f_KqTV9bzh0itqoELL2Yguh-DRDSBt2SmzWm0/s320/IMG_8642.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725253433000907474" /></a><br />A happy knitter with her prize.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWm3ZSiuAYa4hgQkzBIUomk-r746ONSehX_36JbYMCIDpLQUF_01D-nZ9UQOMOaznxTrdPdvnSY4i8EgRLu9OrFjMi7Pzt-S4mKLEaPP0M8W190y7EgEHXX8JO2jd3KzAuKfEpm4uY9Ds/s1600/IMG_8641.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 232px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWm3ZSiuAYa4hgQkzBIUomk-r746ONSehX_36JbYMCIDpLQUF_01D-nZ9UQOMOaznxTrdPdvnSY4i8EgRLu9OrFjMi7Pzt-S4mKLEaPP0M8W190y7EgEHXX8JO2jd3KzAuKfEpm4uY9Ds/s320/IMG_8641.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725253426969709138" /></a><br />Dad and the boys came to pick up stitching supplies for mom who was having chemo therapy treatments that afternoon. How delighted they were when they won the tote bag of quilting supplies with the iron for her also. Dad stayed after to help take the leftover items to the Ladies of Charity because my husband had sold the trailer that afternoon and we had no way to get the stuff to the thrift store without help.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju4VVK4hp4ld8B5k6LPY6GAwhCWZ3Zl_YuK1Z7vZpVQ69EnYMTLxGLp-AkEHC5p0V3TadYxIY9J8JZbwuB7Q4BDRoNc8EljvU2qF7NhNeNrbNZxQ6qiy_m43KO7rdyY5bwruqEMRk4SlA/s1600/IMG_8646.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 234px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju4VVK4hp4ld8B5k6LPY6GAwhCWZ3Zl_YuK1Z7vZpVQ69EnYMTLxGLp-AkEHC5p0V3TadYxIY9J8JZbwuB7Q4BDRoNc8EljvU2qF7NhNeNrbNZxQ6qiy_m43KO7rdyY5bwruqEMRk4SlA/s320/IMG_8646.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725260532374255938" /></a><br />Each person who came left with a generous amount of stash to help them get back to their favorite form of stitching. <br /> <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj7M-bS9vQDIh-Sv2nO1uKg7isEaQYS4IsNNdoslaEyWSzcUfDXUJ441Z4qtUaYxvV1xxoM0bgjYtn-qQvDo6HWYcB3e2YXOPpclO1tIkTMwVeaPo9MojSZuhFevYdCRrfo46ulalUvQM/s1600/IMG_8634.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj7M-bS9vQDIh-Sv2nO1uKg7isEaQYS4IsNNdoslaEyWSzcUfDXUJ441Z4qtUaYxvV1xxoM0bgjYtn-qQvDo6HWYcB3e2YXOPpclO1tIkTMwVeaPo9MojSZuhFevYdCRrfo46ulalUvQM/s320/IMG_8634.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725254819187538626" /></a><br />We had given away about 90% of what had been donated. The remaining 10% was donated to the Ladies of Charity Thrift Shop in Bastrop per the recommendation of Lyn and Michele. Even though they closed on Saturdays at noon They had agreed to send a volunteer back to the shop to receive our donation that evening because they understood that we had no place to store it even overnight and that we would be leaving town the next morning. They also assured us that any money made from the sale of the items would go to help the fire victims who needed assistance with utility or rent deposits. <br /><br />If you are reading this and were one of the many generous persons from all over the world who donated to this effort......THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART. It was AWESOME! Thank you for trusting me to get the job done and I hope you approve of the results. <br /><br />Hugs, ShariSharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06756180452191304667noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4037074405380920469.post-86064478110193140022012-02-26T09:53:00.006-07:002012-03-02T17:02:34.028-07:00Fire Relief Giveaway<div align="center"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:180%;"><strong>A Stitch In Time</strong></span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Friday, February 24, 2012 Eric Betts</span></div><br /><div align="left"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM8vg9jmVleduTJtoLfODQ8F_OFlhFfbXbF1lM3u69FkabqQW4YnbCEEvVj3tzmIZe_rogdolYFEr8Rv349lGUkgaaNdFopi89oqqxkerWR1DOiTsz8LfbWzVizLqU_T55A44PSuwj_HzK/s1600/L+and+M+in+front+of+trailer.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 131px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713490111875308130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM8vg9jmVleduTJtoLfODQ8F_OFlhFfbXbF1lM3u69FkabqQW4YnbCEEvVj3tzmIZe_rogdolYFEr8Rv349lGUkgaaNdFopi89oqqxkerWR1DOiTsz8LfbWzVizLqU_T55A44PSuwj_HzK/s320/L+and+M+in+front+of+trailer.jpg" /></a></span></div><br /><div align="left"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">A group of women who use the Internet to share their passion for needlework with one another have come together to make sure that like-minded hobbyists in the Bastrop area have access to supplies after the Labor Day wildfires.<br />The members of Stitchmap, an online group, have collected materials to be distributed today to fire victims, says co-owner Shari Jensen. The materials, and members, come from nearly every state and several foreign countries, all of whom found the group at its Yahoo home and identified with its motto, “Keeping Needlearts Alive by Sharing Stitches.”<br />“Women all over the world share a needle and thread,” Jensen said. Stitchmap helps them share ideas and experience. Lessons are sent to members who sign up, with photos and instructions to follow. They’re encouraged to take pictures and share them with their mentors, who can help them with troublesome spots or make sure the final product was completed correctly.<br />The group encompasses nearly 30 kinds of needlework, including embroidery, cross-stitching and both crazy and traditional quilting.<br />“Anything done with a needle that has an eye,” said Jensen.<br />They also had some firsthand experience with the devastation of the fires. Co-owner Lyn Gaskill lives in Bastrop, and the group has seven members throughout the county, some of whom lost their homes and their stash of needlework supplies in the fire. Originally, Stitchmap had planned to help just its members, but as the donations continued pouring in they realized they could do something more significant and help a lot more people.<br />After months of collecting materials, Jensen and her husband drove down from their home in Colorado with a truck and trailer full of donated materials – yarns, threads and needles, thousands of magazines and pattern books and what she estimates to be 500 to 600 pounds of fabric. Jensen says they’ve got something for everyone, an array of tools and materials that test the boundaries of the all-inclusive “fibercraft” term.<br />The highlight of the giveaways are the five sewing machines that will be allocated via a drawing, including both new and used models and one vintage one with its cabinet. Jensen said to enter the drawing, a person would have to provide a FEMA number proving they were affected by the fire. Other materials will be available to anyone who lost supplies in the fire, charitable groups making items to be donated and anyone who would like to learn about needlearts.<br />The giveaway will be held today at First United Methodist Church in Bastrop, 1201 Main Street, in the Fellowship Hall from noon to 4 p.m. The first 100 people through the door will receive a free small sewing kit. The drawings for the sewing machines will take place at 3 p.m., and winners must be present to receive their prize.<br />Volunteers will also be available to help teach needlework to anyone who wishes to learn. The group is asking for help unloading the trailer at 8:45 a.m. Saturday morning; anyone who volunteers will have first run at the materials. </span></div><br />That is the article that appeared in Bastrop's newspaper regarding the giveaway.<br /><br />Shari would like to thank these people:<br /><br />Lyn G.<br />Connie K.<br />Glenda S.<br />Michele P.<br />Renee G.<br />Debbie H.<br />Patricia H.<br />Josie T.<br />Dorothy M.<br />Claudina H.<br />Rocky Mountain Crazy Quilt Group<br />And all the ladies of the Lost Pines Quilt Group, In Stitches Group and the Ladies of Charity from Bastrop for all their help and encouragement.<br /><br />The trailer was absolutely full as you can see from the photo above. We gave away 5 sewing machines and roughly 8 gift baskets. Everone was thrilled. There was a line waiting at the door to get in that morning. Over 14 volunteers were on the floor at all times to help people with their choices. Michele P. made a wonderful taco soup for the volunteers lunch. Renee G. helped finish organizing the books and magazines with great detail. Connie K. and Claudina H. manned the welcome table. They made sure everyone recieved a Basic Sewing Kit and their drawing tickets. We served over 75 families. The little bit that was remaining was donated to the Ladies of Charity of St. Vincent De Paul Society. They were chosen because the sale of the remaining stash supplies monies will go to the fire victims to help pay utilities and rent deposits.stitchangelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01228756405956550186noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4037074405380920469.post-33486600202364799692012-02-01T01:50:00.000-07:002012-02-02T02:09:56.694-07:00Basic Sewing Kits GaloreWhat a busy day last Sunday was. Members of the Rocky Mountain Crazy Quilters showed up in force at the Holly Quilt Shop in Centennial, Colorado for what can best be described as a Sew-A-Thon. The purpose was to help make at least 100 drawstring bags for holding Basic Sewing Kit supplies that had been donated to the Texas Fire Relief Effort. We also needed to make additional needlebooks and prepare some of the items we planned on putting into the BSK's by dividing them into small containers that could easily be slipped into the bags when they are filled. <br /><br />Connie K. (MAP moderator and mentor) and I spent the past few weeks sorting the donations and pulling out all the needles, pincushions, needle books, measuring tapes, marking tools, buttons, spools of thread, floss, seam rippers, scissors and other cutting tools, etc. Anything that could be used in a BSK. We had separated all the fabrics into cotton and fancy types, then sorted them by color. While we were at it we pulled out many pieces that were sized right for making the BSK drawstring bags. We cut velcro into strips, we gathered charms and packages of lace strips and many other items that could be put into the bags. We set it all aside to take to Centennial when the time came.<br /><br />There were a dozen ladies and 2 gentlemen who showed up to help make the bags and fill them with the BSK supplies. Some brought sewing machines, one gal brought her serger. The guys brought their patience and ability to count endless numbers of buttons, charms and spools of thread. It was amazing that as much as we thought we had it all ready to go we soon found that there was much more to do.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT56w-_Ou_KU7vnmXcvwdE6IRQlHHFQP5O7d0cIngDeeIn8sxWMavIzQZ-zV6qBGU8Xzd5wDsFjibM-8sC8JSbQvFGVM4c0XYSdAwJ9-q39Gk_LUQdCG0KEw2O9nLy0mwLvTB1FFflXImm/s1600/IMAG0533.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 192px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT56w-_Ou_KU7vnmXcvwdE6IRQlHHFQP5O7d0cIngDeeIn8sxWMavIzQZ-zV6qBGU8Xzd5wDsFjibM-8sC8JSbQvFGVM4c0XYSdAwJ9-q39Gk_LUQdCG0KEw2O9nLy0mwLvTB1FFflXImm/s320/IMAG0533.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704087049776309618" /></a><br />Here Richard, facing the camera, and Louie, are counting buttons into film canisters.<br /><br />Pins that were all mixed together had to be sorted into types: plain straight pins, those with beaded tops, and safety pins. Then equal numbers of each were put into over 100 pincushions by MAP member Sandy B. and her young friend Cheyenne. That's Liz standing at the end of the table. She was cutting felt for the needlebooks.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaYQjaIcVDrffzB3WnnMkfhgCQO1Dch0JYnKYHWos8U7FeAGM_Qi37IrE-S19RGa8gFgHlsBwhLvo66-pjMhNQHwPrP6tQEc4C8AcmlyDCHWcERUjhcz9WEB66wKoV5aHaMnCko7w5MD0O/s1600/IMAG0532.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 192px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaYQjaIcVDrffzB3WnnMkfhgCQO1Dch0JYnKYHWos8U7FeAGM_Qi37IrE-S19RGa8gFgHlsBwhLvo66-pjMhNQHwPrP6tQEc4C8AcmlyDCHWcERUjhcz9WEB66wKoV5aHaMnCko7w5MD0O/s320/IMAG0532.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704087044847648642" /></a><br />The safety pins were sorted again by the fellas, according to size, before being sealed into small plastic baggies.<br /><br />This picture shows the table area where volunteers (Diana and Claudina) were setting up their sewing machines early on. The table was as busy as a beehive about 10 minutes later when everyone else arrived.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxjfa3AmKncEQPa8JbHfMrjvLubHkaDv_FCOnhoTgJYbjFKbO-DWpwXn9qSI9cuues6xNon17C09t1A6kiAnHu56reqfpUFHEczArv5S3vt3CSJtyT3NWDfLqRWSVl1-BwNVbLn_kWikS5/s1600/IMAG0531.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 192px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxjfa3AmKncEQPa8JbHfMrjvLubHkaDv_FCOnhoTgJYbjFKbO-DWpwXn9qSI9cuues6xNon17C09t1A6kiAnHu56reqfpUFHEczArv5S3vt3CSJtyT3NWDfLqRWSVl1-BwNVbLn_kWikS5/s320/IMAG0531.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704087041290199058" /></a><br />We had ladies ironing the fabric, others were cutting/trimming the fabric to size for bags and/or additional needlebooks, one was cutting cords for the drawstring, another cutting felt for the middle of the needlebooks, another sewing the felt into the books, another serging the edges of the needle books, one or two were turning the bags and a some were putting the cords through the casings. Henry Ford would have been proud of our assembly line.<br /><br />Almost every lady who attended also brought a box or two of additional donations. Customers of the quilt shop stopped in every once in a while to find out if we were holding a class. We would explain our mission and cause...many offered to bring even more donations to the store and drop them off. A volunteer stepped forward, said she would pick them up on a certain date and bring them to me.<br /><br />I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the effort that the ladies of RMCQ put into this project. It was so wonderful to see how much they really wanted to help and how hard they were willing to work to get the job done. At the end of the day we were still shy of our goal of 100 bags and there were still a bazillion needles to be sorted into sizes and then put into the needlebooks. Volunteers stepped forward to take the tasks on. Those ladies took the materials home and will deliver them to me at some point in time after the Thursday night stitching session that they have planned for tonorrow. <br /><br />When it came time to clean up the room and pack the car with all that we had brought with us and the additional donations we had received, they did not shirk. Everyone carried boxes out to the car, helped my dear husband load it in (He had to drop 2 more seats in the Suburban to accommodate it all). Then they found the energy to come back to straighten up the room. I don't know how they managed the energy to go shopping in the store but they did! This day I was proud to be associated with such inspirational and giving women...and,of course, the two wonderful fellas.stitchangelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01228756405956550186noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4037074405380920469.post-63556333012105646142011-12-05T23:21:00.000-07:002011-12-19T14:02:17.556-07:00Texas Christmas Stocking Giveaway HeldThe first phase of our Texas Fire Relief Effort took place on Saturday, December 3 in Bastrop, Texas. The members of the Lost Pines Quilters set up the distribution site and played Santa's Helpers during the giveaway from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0IxYRChDDt_y8sXySSuR8da0gwJbCxwjIW9GYj_tTl6SRQkhqNlqHE_GL7aOysK7FUq-ErNHSb-dQFc4gziEW0aJalVsE2ncqtBIFcAgVAHoV3VLc9PepTyZmw8srLbCT4oVfmwbUii9X/s1600/P1010188.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 237px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0IxYRChDDt_y8sXySSuR8da0gwJbCxwjIW9GYj_tTl6SRQkhqNlqHE_GL7aOysK7FUq-ErNHSb-dQFc4gziEW0aJalVsE2ncqtBIFcAgVAHoV3VLc9PepTyZmw8srLbCT4oVfmwbUii9X/s320/P1010188.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682897869835408306" /></a><br />SANTA'S HELPERS: Back Row from left to right: Judy Harvell, Stephanie Gaskill, Lyn Gaskill, Debbie Higgins and Renee Gray. In the front is Judy Harding. All are members of Lost Pines Quilters. Lyn, Debbie and Renee are also Stitchmap members. Stephanie and Debbie lost their homes to the fires. Debbie is currently rebuilding. Stephanie moved into a new home and was evacuated out of that in a matter of days. She is now resettled.<br /> <br />There were stockings of all sizes (over 100 were sent down), bags of ornaments for each stocking recipient and extra ornaments set out on the tables for those who didn't want a stocking. The ladies set all the kits and patterns and books out at the far end of the table and let everyone choose what they would like to work on during the pre-holiday season.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkeBRGJuU6qEa8JYjU0MpFXa-dFRSoRNsfLmlndMj8yYx41h0KwGNjp7NHzk5A6cdW0FFKB3qmAF_a0lyBh51OZV_j8FbYDJxXBAHmy_QMYHGFVBml9Bddw23gkhl1VxPEv-T_fTgNX_jM/s1600/P1010184.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 224px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkeBRGJuU6qEa8JYjU0MpFXa-dFRSoRNsfLmlndMj8yYx41h0KwGNjp7NHzk5A6cdW0FFKB3qmAF_a0lyBh51OZV_j8FbYDJxXBAHmy_QMYHGFVBml9Bddw23gkhl1VxPEv-T_fTgNX_jM/s320/P1010184.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684003258370895666" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxat1voz4BM1mUpELU0yOt4cVKgSVPZ1M9i8MyW7jxGHrrNP_RBSx41b6PatNFrc4j6NrYOyXKZZqQG6dVLVvjppUhy215jiLolrs-_FrtgQ-jczqQw194GSMA78gHcDIo3RFbDs9OJajd/s1600/P1010193.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 235px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxat1voz4BM1mUpELU0yOt4cVKgSVPZ1M9i8MyW7jxGHrrNP_RBSx41b6PatNFrc4j6NrYOyXKZZqQG6dVLVvjppUhy215jiLolrs-_FrtgQ-jczqQw194GSMA78gHcDIo3RFbDs9OJajd/s320/P1010193.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682898202666336482" /></a><br />Lyn shared with me that there were 20 families who were represented that day, for a combined total of over 50 people given help. More than 100 stockings were donated. Several people opted not to take a stocking at all, taking only a few of the 282 donated ornaments or a couple of the 100+ Christmas kits and patterns. There seemed to be a sense of wanting to make sure there was enough left for everyone else who might come after them.<br /><br />Mothers brought in their children to choose their own stockings and you could tell it was a MAJOR decision for each child. Very important stuff...had to make sure the stocking was just the right size, style, and color. Afterall, it had to be able to hold all the stuff Santa would bring. The first stocking chosen was a candy cotton pink cotton with a full lace overlay held down with strategically placed sequins tacked down with seed beads. The cuff was a quilted white fabric. The young lady who chose it.....Sugar was her name...was speechless because she couldn't believe someone had made something so perfect...just for her.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihYA3ULNdRb4ClByQ47C045T7MjJbKDq5jUMT5Vwr6ONexcS3l3wIprMicv2-GM2VsJ9iMvc_JZiGnsEvd7ahyOpwl41CiJAbtq4IXyRJ6gT8EiFt5gA0VuomiUa0aGleJ-QOxp4A0sKQw/s1600/P1010191.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 228px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihYA3ULNdRb4ClByQ47C045T7MjJbKDq5jUMT5Vwr6ONexcS3l3wIprMicv2-GM2VsJ9iMvc_JZiGnsEvd7ahyOpwl41CiJAbtq4IXyRJ6gT8EiFt5gA0VuomiUa0aGleJ-QOxp4A0sKQw/s320/P1010191.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682897893373621890" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxesmhEMkEcqonJH3r4zz1ID5_DQqkmNf9AhybnwVz13mg2C5tjWhrI2SzaHULTKBnV_ZqVwvFHUCNQmXmp5RRfJBEDai2U7BgsZjqcQGnwtNdY_1Zwnp4p7J06al2jjUFTLbvYUaFVCI2/s1600/P1010192.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 229px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxesmhEMkEcqonJH3r4zz1ID5_DQqkmNf9AhybnwVz13mg2C5tjWhrI2SzaHULTKBnV_ZqVwvFHUCNQmXmp5RRfJBEDai2U7BgsZjqcQGnwtNdY_1Zwnp4p7J06al2jjUFTLbvYUaFVCI2/s320/P1010192.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682898179572830002" /></a><br />Stitchmap member, Debbie H., who lost her home to the fires of Bastrop, is helping a young mother and her children find something to brighten their day, too! <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIqhrALS1f5KLxPcwNnLdJJJK_YVu8Df9L4rcME3i2wVz38uXpWaf1og5Mf4x1CRRaC4XR9oNwSo-Pb1AnGjtybycXW4SvFlIMB6zhr9n0aq59AVi0WFTEI-ptSLFHV4A6UOSC11OD8eUl/s1600/P1010212.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 232px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIqhrALS1f5KLxPcwNnLdJJJK_YVu8Df9L4rcME3i2wVz38uXpWaf1og5Mf4x1CRRaC4XR9oNwSo-Pb1AnGjtybycXW4SvFlIMB6zhr9n0aq59AVi0WFTEI-ptSLFHV4A6UOSC11OD8eUl/s320/P1010212.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682898166789281586" /></a><br />One lady, mother of a 3 yr. old, hugged a volunteer, broke down and cried, "I didn't know there were people like all of you in this world. Thank you so much!" She had watched as the first day of fires took the home of her neighbor, but spared hers. Then, her home was burned to the ground when the fire turned with the wind and roared through the same area again. She has been slowly trying to recover while living with family. <br /><br /> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQn6v_QpR_-bxyDrVpePmzuPVpiVk27_q46AsAmrUKewi7p_DvlYy9sUvCUNLjU1n8MuL9Ni-KxSWZT_qIAdJJMNK4pnYjseODznj83KSVGww5Y3Egt8xDx9D9iJHSwhhqJiTTueodG5AF/s1600/P1010200.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 230px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQn6v_QpR_-bxyDrVpePmzuPVpiVk27_q46AsAmrUKewi7p_DvlYy9sUvCUNLjU1n8MuL9Ni-KxSWZT_qIAdJJMNK4pnYjseODznj83KSVGww5Y3Egt8xDx9D9iJHSwhhqJiTTueodG5AF/s320/P1010200.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684003279868988978" /></a><br />Even the grandmothers were there, choosing stockings and/or ornaments for their grandkids so that they would be able to give them "a little something" this year in spite of the expense it is going to take to rebuild. It was an emotional day for everyone. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhzWCvPLrpSQUCNX8H4bUxP-0RtmOrw0VnaexOFNs1Pz4f6BP_XmkWjZpB4VoOdbdcBXbjdev0YICPJH75HohwEFDAYl6NMRqkr98hkrnZ33SZVP-8IazzD_dYUCm19UMtUz1wRMjE9YvE/s1600/P1010202.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 226px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhzWCvPLrpSQUCNX8H4bUxP-0RtmOrw0VnaexOFNs1Pz4f6BP_XmkWjZpB4VoOdbdcBXbjdev0YICPJH75HohwEFDAYl6NMRqkr98hkrnZ33SZVP-8IazzD_dYUCm19UMtUz1wRMjE9YvE/s320/P1010202.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684003284654565314" /></a><br />Another lady confided that she was reluctant to remain in the room when she first got there. It all seemed too overwhelming to think that they could be getting the help from perfect strangers. But Lyn and the crew talked her into coming in and choosing something. She was immediately drawn to the large stockings made from an old patchwork quilt. She broke down and sobbed while telling the ladies that her grandmother had been a quilter and she had lost her grandmother's quilts in the fire. These stockings reminded her so much of those quilts. She had to leave the room due to the emotion. Lyn wrapped up the stockings, went out into the hall and tucked them under the lady's arm. They are going to a home where they will be very much loved and cherished.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj07gVRLVzB1yOc-yknUtUZhxxbwIKavDDWfuvQZ8c4wMq5B-GHPOO8T-4v6cxcpStpKRrQh9n6tMohbTKIUtHEt3xbJYnUn3JrJNyVL1s3VcvwjcxXkbihNCMRFiogjpN7l5ZLkuCLII9_/s1600/P1010189.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 238px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj07gVRLVzB1yOc-yknUtUZhxxbwIKavDDWfuvQZ8c4wMq5B-GHPOO8T-4v6cxcpStpKRrQh9n6tMohbTKIUtHEt3xbJYnUn3JrJNyVL1s3VcvwjcxXkbihNCMRFiogjpN7l5ZLkuCLII9_/s320/P1010189.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682897877365748690" /></a><br />Sugar and her mother perusing the stockings. Note the old patchwork quilt stockings on the right side of the table, bordered in a red binding mentioned above. <br /><br />Since the distribution Lyn has received additional calls from ladies who were away from the area on the day of distribution or who had heard about it from friends. She is allowing them to come and pick out things at her house until the supply is gone. The final figures on the number of people who were helped might not be in until after Christmas. The Bastrop advertiser sent a reporter and a photographer to cover the event and the story appeared in the paper this past Wednesday. Hopefully, more people will get the news and contact Lyn for some of what is still available.<br /><br />There were two special drawings held. Each person who attended got an opportunity ticket to put into the drawing box. At the end of the day two names were drawn for the special prizes. The blackwork wall hanging banner of the Three Wisemen was won by Annette H. and the beautiful hostess apron done in a cross stitched holiday design was won by Bobbie P. Both of these ladies were thrilled.<br /><br />There was a lot of sharing going on in that room. Sharing of stories about the fire, the recovery process and the healing. Sharing of stash and stitching news. Many of the ladies asked about information on how to join Stitchmap and the Lost Pines Quilters. New friends were made and hope was renewed.<br /><br />Everyone who attended will be invited back to the Phase 2 distribution of general stash in February. We have asked to tell their friends about the event. In talking with the attendees we discovered that many of the ladies who came to this event were not members of quilt groups, guilds or formal needlework groups. The majority were homemakers who loved to stitch for family and friends but had not had time to join with others for workshops, etc. They didn't shop at the local fabric or quilt shops, didn't attend the guilds. They were calling themselves "crafters" and bought most of their stitching supplies at hobby shops like Michael's and Hobby Lobby. Most of them were looking for kits that were complete so that they could stitch right away and get back to something that brought them relaxation and pleasure after a busy day. Many thought it would be a much longer time before they could have afforded kits and patterns like they had to choose from in that room that day. <br /><br />The smiles on their faces as they left made it all worth the effort! Thanks to everyone who sent stockings, fabric, kits, books, patterns, ornaments and anything else that we sent down there for the Christmas Giveaway. May your holidays be as full of hope and cheer as that which you gave to these ladies and their families!!!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN87z_GwtELlF0lSaBOnP-DaYPT4eeXV7VfBwyGMKyT5dkj8eKQAcPG4d2-Y-HbNausiW3-Rb-F9NMxNfn5xIeBE3XqySTzelPz6a3_uhagZEeeJM5LB37CSXyV-VYKX0iOcIukG8TITu-/s1600/P1010197.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 238px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN87z_GwtELlF0lSaBOnP-DaYPT4eeXV7VfBwyGMKyT5dkj8eKQAcPG4d2-Y-HbNausiW3-Rb-F9NMxNfn5xIeBE3XqySTzelPz6a3_uhagZEeeJM5LB37CSXyV-VYKX0iOcIukG8TITu-/s320/P1010197.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5684003264969149538" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgONzUxdSAG_91eqvVTvUemvFO8oNa_0o11e34ZhZyGTfoJo5tP7bcYxplJk95bTk6etp97nxt2s_D9N7snTUbjkVgKb63koKUv8T_aHK3qLahesgcqKQ9pBL6XnnlXJ4-WOXsyf6sRn1Xz/s1600/P1010209.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgONzUxdSAG_91eqvVTvUemvFO8oNa_0o11e34ZhZyGTfoJo5tP7bcYxplJk95bTk6etp97nxt2s_D9N7snTUbjkVgKb63koKUv8T_aHK3qLahesgcqKQ9pBL6XnnlXJ4-WOXsyf6sRn1Xz/s320/P1010209.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682897907978780994" /></a><br />This is Michele Pittman, a member of Stitchmap and Lost Pines Quilters. She also lost her home in the fires. Here she is making a selection of a crazy quilt kit and ornaments for tree as she starts over again and begins stitching in her new apartment.<br /><br />Many thanks to those families that allowed us to use their pictures in this post. They made it possible to put a face to the story. We wish you all a Blessed Holiday Season.<br /><br />Hugs, Sharistitchangelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01228756405956550186noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4037074405380920469.post-54563631543450810322011-11-24T13:10:00.001-07:002011-11-25T00:24:40.651-07:00Texas Christmas Ornaments ShippedThe Christmas Stockings and Ornaments from the first phase of our Texas Fire Relief Effort have been shipped and are due to arrive in Texas on this coming Tuesday. Lyn and her committee from the Lone Pine Quilters in Bastrop have secured a distribution site for Saturday, December 3, 2011. The local newspaper ran a nice article about the distribution, flyers have been put around town and word of mouth is spreading the news that help is on the way. The list of those contacting Lyn for help in the way of stockings, ornaments, kits and Christmas decorations is beginning to grow. <br /><br />Here is a breakdown of what was sent in the boxes for Phase I:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEnOXfVN3t5QbfYN3dvJo6cwN_AAOELK4Fw4tRMdLY8YZ49eaUjXzcDBlPk-bBZ7EVgw5J6GqlqkArYzC3P4tAqA4bKWoKr30KfeUYuXX0XGaejbgxLkrh0Li2WqAZtwTuJYwP4-Ras2A/s1600/StitchMAP+X-mas+Ornament+Relief+007.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 306px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEnOXfVN3t5QbfYN3dvJo6cwN_AAOELK4Fw4tRMdLY8YZ49eaUjXzcDBlPk-bBZ7EVgw5J6GqlqkArYzC3P4tAqA4bKWoKr30KfeUYuXX0XGaejbgxLkrh0Li2WqAZtwTuJYwP4-Ras2A/s320/StitchMAP+X-mas+Ornament+Relief+007.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678814598079603186" /></a><br />104 Christmas Stockings - small gift card size to full traditional size.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4C0qrNOA1UrKE2PB0Z-UGDmL-7m5ABcPY4LMpzKH-1oJZFtMaixelVuCvjr7LxEJjFM6vofgfs2vyazqHYHiEImWA-7m2zYxyezGjK3ncJcjs_TKbgJM1eyn7E8jYaCaRtfM-uz2Ko8w/s1600/StitchMAP+X-mas+Ornament+Relief+002.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4C0qrNOA1UrKE2PB0Z-UGDmL-7m5ABcPY4LMpzKH-1oJZFtMaixelVuCvjr7LxEJjFM6vofgfs2vyazqHYHiEImWA-7m2zYxyezGjK3ncJcjs_TKbgJM1eyn7E8jYaCaRtfM-uz2Ko8w/s320/StitchMAP+X-mas+Ornament+Relief+002.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678814337305817602" /></a><br />282 Tree Ornaments that were received from all over the world. <br /> <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdmJQi6FjIMjhdWmQgOt5eSEfWrbZeTZyHmsvhYPtm3Imcv51M3x6E2di5xNRJ5EXcBxMlifWEg_MMHBLZmY8ySIsCweEc5Mp1sxA3FdxH3uOjTAkXVIH9uRnOTVcTCJ7mwy3LG-th22A/s1600/StitchMAP+X-mas+Ornament+Relief+018.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 289px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdmJQi6FjIMjhdWmQgOt5eSEfWrbZeTZyHmsvhYPtm3Imcv51M3x6E2di5xNRJ5EXcBxMlifWEg_MMHBLZmY8ySIsCweEc5Mp1sxA3FdxH3uOjTAkXVIH9uRnOTVcTCJ7mwy3LG-th22A/s320/StitchMAP+X-mas+Ornament+Relief+018.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678815387924313522" /></a><br />Some were from family collections of antique glass ornaments.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXI890SeC2OkMVtyNqZTL519vBEfrHRJStdNkNxsGDCLYRJOB0yiy6IWRL_NsmzxufQp3rPHNdVrpUwnUodmZgA_QwcswQ6LpCWhdd31o2BU-iLozRfKUQ7lUTgkTrVGz55AMcRts_l3U/s1600/038.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 270px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXI890SeC2OkMVtyNqZTL519vBEfrHRJStdNkNxsGDCLYRJOB0yiy6IWRL_NsmzxufQp3rPHNdVrpUwnUodmZgA_QwcswQ6LpCWhdd31o2BU-iLozRfKUQ7lUTgkTrVGz55AMcRts_l3U/s320/038.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678815381856207074" /></a><br />Some were done in ethnic techniques like huckweaving.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAByxiPaVcHsrE3w69pUGEFezHsYNRRMPZWSJ3USxjdLbufoOyrqodI88uu5r-0GB07GXw9S5mhn6sFTfNsXUS-izOjxCYsouyt4ecX2KVKn4If4v_jJHQW12HQ3c8uANGlxTTi6KnyPo/s1600/StitchMAP+X-mas+Ornament+Relief+063.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 217px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAByxiPaVcHsrE3w69pUGEFezHsYNRRMPZWSJ3USxjdLbufoOyrqodI88uu5r-0GB07GXw9S5mhn6sFTfNsXUS-izOjxCYsouyt4ecX2KVKn4If4v_jJHQW12HQ3c8uANGlxTTi6KnyPo/s320/StitchMAP+X-mas+Ornament+Relief+063.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678814632023855138" /></a><br />Many were sent in sets of multiiples like these smocked fans. Others were in silk ribbon and even iron on applique. Many were done in machine embroidery.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_NjV1RT6kUhma5khet9dzO486zWS0wja9hPc5YwSqYTlUhJlRrMxJ2_b_ivqZ5dkNh9VStREtcceWoBJNggt_GfNqFxcck8oJm4UnM5xD_-XGzykzy-ZM02xW5SXZDOrTmGicmNLjCtw/s1600/StitchMAP+X-mas+Ornament+Relief+030.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 198px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_NjV1RT6kUhma5khet9dzO486zWS0wja9hPc5YwSqYTlUhJlRrMxJ2_b_ivqZ5dkNh9VStREtcceWoBJNggt_GfNqFxcck8oJm4UnM5xD_-XGzykzy-ZM02xW5SXZDOrTmGicmNLjCtw/s320/StitchMAP+X-mas+Ornament+Relief+030.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678814623600322898" /></a><br />There were store bought ornaments of all types- ceramic, wood, and even feathers.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGnEVFzt1KmpMUj7wDadgvkZ85rFcQzaQ8loHa944_h2tzrYFx64mySun1yWC0BC6JZmrP7RmtI_GhoHcIzEAJSvBT4SQlKyq2u_M0yS9_nwE98bDCZ1Am8Os1GeFIsAHAEVQLVwaSlvM/s1600/StitchMAP+X-mas+Ornament+Relief+015.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 314px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGnEVFzt1KmpMUj7wDadgvkZ85rFcQzaQ8loHa944_h2tzrYFx64mySun1yWC0BC6JZmrP7RmtI_GhoHcIzEAJSvBT4SQlKyq2u_M0yS9_nwE98bDCZ1Am8Os1GeFIsAHAEVQLVwaSlvM/s320/StitchMAP+X-mas+Ornament+Relief+015.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678814603112295938" /></a><br />The majority of those received were handcrafted and/or hand stitched ornaments. There were a wide variety of techniques represented - feltwork, beading, cross stitch, needlepoint, quilting and plastic canvas, to name a few.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHqU-lufvVM2XP6_Z29-ASnb5vSHvAnCx7QMdPkBXsaQWxXUmTIB6fsv84j04DzeU8qb_WbD8-iVONpNgTHkr8VeB6yydfgPqzLI7UWq-yWn7LualknO0-P5gLm68auHwCgeo0w93nS1U/s1600/X-mas+Fire+Relief+018.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 196px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHqU-lufvVM2XP6_Z29-ASnb5vSHvAnCx7QMdPkBXsaQWxXUmTIB6fsv84j04DzeU8qb_WbD8-iVONpNgTHkr8VeB6yydfgPqzLI7UWq-yWn7LualknO0-P5gLm68auHwCgeo0w93nS1U/s320/X-mas+Fire+Relief+018.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678814320729782514" /></a><br />Many tatted, crocheted and knitted ornaments also were included in the donations.<br /><br />Other Christmas related items were received and sent in the shipment to Bastrop. They include:<br /><br />-- 7 Holiday Decor Items for around the house and even tinsel for some trees<br />-- 18 Christmas Pattern Sheets for cross stitch and candlewicking<br />-- 84 Complete Cross Stitch Ornament Kits<br />-- Crazy Quilt Ornament Kits: 7<br />-- 1 Needlepoint kit of a Jewish Menorrah Applique Kit<br />-- 1 T-shirt Iron On Kit<br />-- There were several cuts of red and green 14 ct. Aida cloth<br />-- Multiple packages of Plastic Beads for stringing garland<br />-- 2 Already Beaded Garlands<br />-- A wide variety of Christmas Cotton Fabric pieces - from scrap size to yardage.<br />-- 40+ Christmas Pattern Books & Magazines for cross stitch, candlewicking, crochet, knitting and needlepoint<br /><br />There were also some one-of-a-kind specialty items that were donated. The committee has decided to use these for special drawings throughout the distribution day. They include:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTAzPDo0EYE7_Zfw1n-EkbtF_0sPqwsn4QQpWMKsQ_tSNG-kpZSodMazQlsBJi7m0Sz47j1em9ePEGKfyT07QwadZdQ8PdZY5HPrMd3za6r3xlrVqT9mMyIuGmjhH_lT4FlKvciA0xZuM/s1600/001.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 224px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTAzPDo0EYE7_Zfw1n-EkbtF_0sPqwsn4QQpWMKsQ_tSNG-kpZSodMazQlsBJi7m0Sz47j1em9ePEGKfyT07QwadZdQ8PdZY5HPrMd3za6r3xlrVqT9mMyIuGmjhH_lT4FlKvciA0xZuM/s320/001.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678814317373311682" /></a><br />A Beautiful Cross Stitched Hostess Apron<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCawu8j8XTKG7Ijo7Ff4y1Be6IWMjOz-Yr8Q0sbfCznnOPgD2AGXpV-x8sj_jqC5m_bHmQauvrhiAiUHhsOZJU9h3TOOBo8vA3hUDpoFCKJj0u_tCSuBH2m3Z2s55tP0Qede9xfPPoRPM/s1600/StitchMAP+X-mas+Ornament+Relief+075.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 190px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCawu8j8XTKG7Ijo7Ff4y1Be6IWMjOz-Yr8Q0sbfCznnOPgD2AGXpV-x8sj_jqC5m_bHmQauvrhiAiUHhsOZJU9h3TOOBo8vA3hUDpoFCKJj0u_tCSuBH2m3Z2s55tP0Qede9xfPPoRPM/s320/StitchMAP+X-mas+Ornament+Relief+075.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678814613329677490" /></a><br />A Blackwork Wall Hanging of the Three Wisemen <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzjNEZ2EDZdofcvcww8gd_F5o9bki8JAE3-OO14gceRmKHuFqAsfzMsmvRzUTO0pxjqY40peaFUKZD8_oBfEqRG78tsxeDtfOCqTLCy_WtJpzUuJSbbkduHdyYRxU7zESsw2vlA-eMKcQ/s1600/028.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 171px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzjNEZ2EDZdofcvcww8gd_F5o9bki8JAE3-OO14gceRmKHuFqAsfzMsmvRzUTO0pxjqY40peaFUKZD8_oBfEqRG78tsxeDtfOCqTLCy_WtJpzUuJSbbkduHdyYRxU7zESsw2vlA-eMKcQ/s320/028.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678814332867166082" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge3GSpkhaT7Bj4WG5NczGh2ICxrbxi99JKNAm8CO3BOmCla43H-sA16PYUtSivHcCGXUpULzOtGyieYHuMyl8q-9dNW936Jkli2M-rxYHqUoylpaa_WxHHFwojI8MnDEn3ZYm9qlbqS3E/s1600/032.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge3GSpkhaT7Bj4WG5NczGh2ICxrbxi99JKNAm8CO3BOmCla43H-sA16PYUtSivHcCGXUpULzOtGyieYHuMyl8q-9dNW936Jkli2M-rxYHqUoylpaa_WxHHFwojI8MnDEn3ZYm9qlbqS3E/s320/032.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5678814324841578850" /></a><br />And several of the Beaded Ornaments will be included in the drawings.<br /><br />If I left an item off the list, it is not for want of trying to remember, lol. I have been told that there are more packages on their way and if they get here in time I will ship them overnight to Texas. If they arrive late, I will include them in what is taken down in February, for it is never too early to begin planning for next Christmas. <br /><br />I want to thank everyone who sent items for Phase I. There really aren't words to tell you how special everything really was. Lyn has promised to take pictures on the day of distribution. I will post again right after the distribution to let you know how it went.<br /><br />ShariSharihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06756180452191304667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4037074405380920469.post-34053240125404108272011-09-30T23:38:00.001-06:002011-10-27T20:44:08.112-06:00Fabric Yardage & ToolsWe have really begun to receive some wonderful donations for the Texas Fire Relief Effort. I am going to post pictures over the next few days of some of the goodies that have been received and that will be taken to Bastrop for delivery in February.<br /><br />Here are some of the very first books that came in. They are from MAP member Carolyn W. and her friend who donated the applique books.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbnbvnA5DjAVciTHA8xWurhVSprl_Pj6Qs6zeUOEBCgvhhI4HGNHigdQXZmPwcgPe2-D-jTmuQCqAnonHICA05DAXXFn5EvrvSWacK6tM3TFXFJNpM2ab36DNzboglHGWPOI27FsB5U5M3/s1600/011.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbnbvnA5DjAVciTHA8xWurhVSprl_Pj6Qs6zeUOEBCgvhhI4HGNHigdQXZmPwcgPe2-D-jTmuQCqAnonHICA05DAXXFn5EvrvSWacK6tM3TFXFJNpM2ab36DNzboglHGWPOI27FsB5U5M3/s320/011.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5658394616011593810" /></a><br /><br />Melissa H. of Japanesque Accents sent a very large package of wonderful stitching supplies, a part of which are shown in the pictures below:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio8n2usIqEZXr01rbbT_O8Mgts-Mn2J9qKSNZsWFjtnfcIAEIg2BFkBXqJT_GEFPJb4Er7vHAxcC5_DWyjcX9y7IIeuo05UYZouMgLtHzspvdNFP3VTaIaU9VKw67_lm0eK4xQh_265fRk/s1600/003.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 247px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio8n2usIqEZXr01rbbT_O8Mgts-Mn2J9qKSNZsWFjtnfcIAEIg2BFkBXqJT_GEFPJb4Er7vHAxcC5_DWyjcX9y7IIeuo05UYZouMgLtHzspvdNFP3VTaIaU9VKw67_lm0eK4xQh_265fRk/s320/003.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5658394617709164594" /></a><br />A great book on sweatshirt embellishment ideas.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj40uoHaPHqquBaZiTzkuSZcfql-HLo3thkx_JdHMh3y8PkrGCdD0X3KYf1Chz09vanK2sXDIkLJ3ToMWrqP-hS2FRvi_0QmzDrEGiCqhYaxPrBq88wgQ99KUe0eRqnW4-oDhbhzFC1L0b6/s1600/007.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj40uoHaPHqquBaZiTzkuSZcfql-HLo3thkx_JdHMh3y8PkrGCdD0X3KYf1Chz09vanK2sXDIkLJ3ToMWrqP-hS2FRvi_0QmzDrEGiCqhYaxPrBq88wgQ99KUe0eRqnW4-oDhbhzFC1L0b6/s320/007.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5658394611506524322" /></a><br />Needles and various other tools and sewing notions.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtJ7wE6Hyd2aU3zbsyqkOeUr_o3vXKgUCqwTZosWAQS8RBDI9eGjeG4YjKBjo1YyUuG7VhEegKezxVKCijBHP21bK3zxM0ds1I3NEPEwV2aDi7xi9Nuql3eD_Mcpv2Y_qqoUZDBPRROKjW/s1600/006.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtJ7wE6Hyd2aU3zbsyqkOeUr_o3vXKgUCqwTZosWAQS8RBDI9eGjeG4YjKBjo1YyUuG7VhEegKezxVKCijBHP21bK3zxM0ds1I3NEPEwV2aDi7xi9Nuql3eD_Mcpv2Y_qqoUZDBPRROKjW/s320/006.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5658394424700291106" /></a><br />Flexible lights which will surely bring a smile to someone's face.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigqfglMriKH2vi6P1Gj1ityR5_-EW-SJjc0jZHjUKa6qNEUdSzACxorUbusWNpenMyOXAeIQDnvGRLGOs7oVUdFS_TiwtSybnj5HtpK6-jL7hfWREFM9QDtlaNzHJIKe0i9JPDcttcrP_e/s1600/001.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigqfglMriKH2vi6P1Gj1ityR5_-EW-SJjc0jZHjUKa6qNEUdSzACxorUbusWNpenMyOXAeIQDnvGRLGOs7oVUdFS_TiwtSybnj5HtpK6-jL7hfWREFM9QDtlaNzHJIKe0i9JPDcttcrP_e/s320/001.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5658394094942405186" /></a><br />Wonderful fabrics for quilting, sewing and embroidery.<br /><br />Thanks go out to these ladies for helping to get the ball rolling. My daughter, Moon and my DH have also just returned from Michigan. While they were there they stopped by Karol's - a StitchMap member - house and picked up some wonderful stash that I will share pictures of as soon as we get it unloaded from the trailer.<br /><br />Hugs, Sharistitchangelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01228756405956550186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4037074405380920469.post-14976780544828452082011-09-30T23:36:00.001-06:002011-10-28T20:34:15.005-06:00OrnamentsPhase One of our fire Relief Effort is the donating of Christmas Ornaments and stockings. We have asked that the donations be received in Colorado no later than the weekend of November 19. Today I want to show you some of the first ornaments we received.<br /><br /> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJCn7JBqrl3BBDiyGQgW08VdSVY0F9nrjFQsGp1TETrQ93idLwGegd3b6axjTH0HojxYQR9Kvuu0Iiw2QnL9rfzC2E7yI5LRdLED_Ml8KLilm6_KGqyd3G5YfxLKxS0CZp29vS77b86b7j/s1600/013.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 226px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJCn7JBqrl3BBDiyGQgW08VdSVY0F9nrjFQsGp1TETrQ93idLwGegd3b6axjTH0HojxYQR9Kvuu0Iiw2QnL9rfzC2E7yI5LRdLED_Ml8KLilm6_KGqyd3G5YfxLKxS0CZp29vS77b86b7j/s320/013.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5658393733499160866" /></a><br />Various types of hand crafted ornaments made by Stitchmap member Annette A. of Virginia.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrLLeh1Baj46L1hcTpr7g2z_NqV-DlePa1rLMD-gQ4GcIJoYHPKjWghLC_FQbH4X822sg9Tr7Ufq0bn5FcuPfcwa5ywXCgA45aml55j7Qrr9WjsFXcPG3wJvctKnT6JfVisenVMH4DEZ7u/s1600/005.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrLLeh1Baj46L1hcTpr7g2z_NqV-DlePa1rLMD-gQ4GcIJoYHPKjWghLC_FQbH4X822sg9Tr7Ufq0bn5FcuPfcwa5ywXCgA45aml55j7Qrr9WjsFXcPG3wJvctKnT6JfVisenVMH4DEZ7u/s320/005.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5658393732298261506" /></a><br />Marjorie H. made these darling appliqued wool mittens. She also sent some Christmas Kits. Marjorie shares that she actually intended to deoorate these mittens for Christmas last year but never got around to it. She says it is just proof that they were intended for the families in Texas. This is one of those times she is glad she procrastinated. I have to say, "So are we!" These are so cute in person! <br /><br />Hugs, Sharistitchangelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01228756405956550186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4037074405380920469.post-58283046305585035242011-09-20T15:45:00.000-06:002011-09-21T02:46:34.966-06:00And So It Begins.....Donations have begun to arrive for our Fire Relief Effort. The first donation that came was from a MAP member in Alabama. It contained some really great books<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-IAzJ50draLgOTX4DcvFNAz1Jh_ARLQaBPCrJl3DL6y66wFUB-ykjYFTDsa3fsBataSjbu98dYbwhcn3RRyJJTtA44z9nVRIk2fzskQkYcdNME8cNNOWH1xDDQu0DlP0NfInqLDiDCIAh/s1600/005.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 309px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-IAzJ50draLgOTX4DcvFNAz1Jh_ARLQaBPCrJl3DL6y66wFUB-ykjYFTDsa3fsBataSjbu98dYbwhcn3RRyJJTtA44z9nVRIk2fzskQkYcdNME8cNNOWH1xDDQu0DlP0NfInqLDiDCIAh/s320/005.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654725651542030114" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga5WOTwpJ7koU4mIRSSD2kiZm7Zjx52WpqgUJ0onrmUaVaPnY3ZgpgsU5mzJSfMd4qsIh1RgPdDfBGCT10fnxlV6cL_mdUaKW-P-HY267Cx1i0OgzM2CyzzaaMeEkk8LPvzcaSTpVMpmmo/s1600/002.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 248px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga5WOTwpJ7koU4mIRSSD2kiZm7Zjx52WpqgUJ0onrmUaVaPnY3ZgpgsU5mzJSfMd4qsIh1RgPdDfBGCT10fnxlV6cL_mdUaKW-P-HY267Cx1i0OgzM2CyzzaaMeEkk8LPvzcaSTpVMpmmo/s320/002.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654561633361334722" /></a><br />.......and a wonderful assortment of perle cotton threads.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb9D4Be11hIPFPPdI-tTyHbGOIYdWy52inThKriLOzmwcUjz5IQpHiC5v8yiUX_maDLqf_grFg_M3sv6-SM63UO5p9-tB5ExSKzH5wSRKbqtNQn9nSFkjiDXGltDOh_eNdiRt6JKnozbT2/s1600/007.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 310px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb9D4Be11hIPFPPdI-tTyHbGOIYdWy52inThKriLOzmwcUjz5IQpHiC5v8yiUX_maDLqf_grFg_M3sv6-SM63UO5p9-tB5ExSKzH5wSRKbqtNQn9nSFkjiDXGltDOh_eNdiRt6JKnozbT2/s320/007.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654561640617308274" /></a><br />Later in the week my husband graciously agreed to drive me to Denver to pick up a large donation from a member of the Rocky Mountain Crazy Quilter's Association. The lady helped to fill the backend of our Suburban with 7 large boxes and 15 very large black garbage bags. Let me tell you that there isn't any garbage in those bags! <br /><br /> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq-kQNw9b8znJsk71TixiyjnDMdUKp-jJqJ68ADGlH5aJwFUAdM4rd5RdgH0weF7PzjEK2eMGwALeaRh3DZvRInU6MteYwZoeUoC49ajmXzF7cejaK2G_26N8JGgA4Wj8xUiEEIbW1xZC-/s1600/008.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 229px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq-kQNw9b8znJsk71TixiyjnDMdUKp-jJqJ68ADGlH5aJwFUAdM4rd5RdgH0weF7PzjEK2eMGwALeaRh3DZvRInU6MteYwZoeUoC49ajmXzF7cejaK2G_26N8JGgA4Wj8xUiEEIbW1xZC-/s320/008.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654561645982265266" /></a><br />I have just begun to sort out what is there and it will take me several more days to finish. So far I have discovered that she has donated quilting patterns, magazines, fabric, q-snaps, buttons, quilting templates, and some specialty yarns. There is stuff that I haven't even been able to get to yet.<br /><br />In these pictures you can see my hubby and I are unloading the first bags once we got home. To tell the truth, I took that one bag in the house and then Moon helped him unload the remaining bags and boxes while I held the front door open! They are real troopers!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBl0s_TBZQQ_33ys7e7YElR8UmsB3eXtQLLvt1NrxXQs_aAqJ2hEecvHR_tn38bRlX-bjx0AY372y7FnYG1xjTRPr1TthgWVn2o-Gjfejtf1LrR_t50mY5-R79Uhzw3iJSJ1BztOIGEc_f/s1600/019.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 278px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBl0s_TBZQQ_33ys7e7YElR8UmsB3eXtQLLvt1NrxXQs_aAqJ2hEecvHR_tn38bRlX-bjx0AY372y7FnYG1xjTRPr1TthgWVn2o-Gjfejtf1LrR_t50mY5-R79Uhzw3iJSJ1BztOIGEc_f/s320/019.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654561882133697282" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8GB4Jz-zoJ7zieocwfSZcXllaaeugDCmHffW8h53ydCQqb7FCsysG980G7L_Xv_XYENMvwEkuqqIwZLu_9rQQt0YW_l2yX19kUVRRj3-t4SVUsJLm43OV1oM41Jzoc4grXBLmNlGn_PEA/s1600/018.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 309px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8GB4Jz-zoJ7zieocwfSZcXllaaeugDCmHffW8h53ydCQqb7FCsysG980G7L_Xv_XYENMvwEkuqqIwZLu_9rQQt0YW_l2yX19kUVRRj3-t4SVUsJLm43OV1oM41Jzoc4grXBLmNlGn_PEA/s320/018.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5654561875383192866" /></a><br />If you have extra stash items that you would like to donate to the ladies of Batrop and the surrounding communities, please email me at ladyjspice@aol.com I will be keeping everyone updated through this blog from now until we deliver in early February. We are accepting donations of Christmas ornaments and stockings up until the weekend before Thanksgiving (Nov. 19-20). These will given to the ladies who lost their cherished holiday items when their house burned to the ground. Email me for details.<br /><br />Hugs, Sharistitchangelshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01228756405956550186noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4037074405380920469.post-2917590359754938922011-09-11T11:10:00.000-06:002011-09-12T10:30:34.205-06:00Texas Fire Victim's Relief Effort<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB5n7RWw4jD89KL0kxZ-ijW7Tk4KOJ49a7me7HHNmgNE2iPcXR8wLEjgXRRhAiIhiy6ca_jUmBKUs9scHyoDfuqAVRAXY8raEGMG_eXoduF1ANiDpzzFcpaUtPR-XoVYhaUImfTbH2jhrw/s1600/bastropfire4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB5n7RWw4jD89KL0kxZ-ijW7Tk4KOJ49a7me7HHNmgNE2iPcXR8wLEjgXRRhAiIhiy6ca_jUmBKUs9scHyoDfuqAVRAXY8raEGMG_eXoduF1ANiDpzzFcpaUtPR-XoVYhaUImfTbH2jhrw/s320/bastropfire4.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651510825991528434" /></a><em><strong>Relief effort is underway.</strong></em> We have several members who have been directly involved in the most recent devastating fires that ravaged East Texas. Some have lost their homes and everything in them. Others have suffered smoke damage. The community there is full of women and men who were avid needleworkers. You can see photos and read a personal account of the fire experience on Lyn's blog at http://quiltinglion.blogspot.com/<br /><br />The moderators of MAP have decided to launch a relief effort to try and help the people in this community with needlework stash replacement. This will be done as part of the outreach associated with our Stash Angel Program.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbN2W8JmvIu4cVTwtoT9zVsEiciPaxYSdZykVmB0xrtZl0gFtYT5PyVUQgfViyqy2TRz-WM_YSJuVAOcZDNy8Tp8z2gkCFtFTVR69UWZ_Aw1i4n97OM-On_gEQf9709lfdY4ajXzq-wz_N/s1600/bastropfire.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 232px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbN2W8JmvIu4cVTwtoT9zVsEiciPaxYSdZykVmB0xrtZl0gFtYT5PyVUQgfViyqy2TRz-WM_YSJuVAOcZDNy8Tp8z2gkCFtFTVR69UWZ_Aw1i4n97OM-On_gEQf9709lfdY4ajXzq-wz_N/s320/bastropfire.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651510780157377682" /></a><br />The following letter is being sent to several needlework sites and organizations. We are hoping we can get a response that will rock the socks off of the Bastrop community!<br /><br /><em>We are all aware of the devastating fires that recently shook eastern Texas. We know several ladies who have been affected by these fires. For instance, Michele P., and Debbie H. both of Bastrop have lost their homes comletely to the fires there this past week as have several other of our stitching friends. Even Lyn Gaskill, who is also from Bastrop, has her home still standing but she was totally without power/electricity for several days. Frannie S. and Kay F. of nearby Cedar Creek have their homes still standing but they had been evacuated. All three of these last ladies have suffered a great deal of smoke damage to everything in their homes, including their stash.</em><br /><br /><em>The members of Stitchmap are working on coordinating donations for helping to replace the stash of the ladies who lost everything and those who may have suffered smoke damage beyond repair. We are accepting donations of all types of stash from scissors, floss, fabric, mags/books, needles, etc. If you use it in CQ, embroidery, quilting or other types of needlework, they can definitely use it to replace what has been lost. We have also had a suggestion that a donation of gift cards for the local needlework supply stores - such as the local quilt shop, Joanns, Hobby Lobby, etc. - might be a good idea so that they can replace those items like cutting mats, etc. that are awkward to mail. Whatever we can do to help will be done.</em><br /><br /><em>It is our intention to collect the donations at one central location here in Colorado. Then we will personally transport a delivery as soon as we hear that they have had a chance to regroup, talk with their insurance agents and that they have decided whether to rebuild or move into some already built place. Some are living in 5th wheelers right now. We are coordinating with one of our Austin members (just 30 miles away) who will help oversee the distribution of the Christmas ornament donations. Without a place to store the needlework stash donations, and with the holidays soon approaching, it seems senseless to send that to them right now. I am sure they have more important things to worry about at the moment than where to put a new donation of stash. We have had a watertight, covered 8 'x 12' trailer offered for hauling the things down to Texas (can we say Road Trip!) and to deliver the stuff to these stitchers personally. Several of us from Colorado will be going down at the time so there will be a complete accounting for all donations. </em><br /><br /><em>Here is the plan: Once the fire victims who have lost everything have had an opportunity to take what they can use we will arrange for the members of their local quilting group (who were also affected but not to the degree of losing everything) to have an opportunity to take what they can use. If there is anything left at that point we will offer it to the local community to help replace what may have been lost by any stitchers in the area. We are working on establishing a site to set the donations out so that these needlwoman can come and see what is offered/donated. We are working on a method of advertising this opportunity to the community beforehand. It is our intention to come home with an empty trailer.</em><br /><br /><em>In the meantime, we have agreed to work on helping to replace precious handmade Christmas ornaments for these fire victims. We would be more than willing to include your ornaments among the donations if you are inclined to make some for them. Everyone will be credited on a list of donors that will be given to the recipients. We are targeting the week of Thanksgiving as the completion date for Christmas ornaments so that we can get them to Texas before Christmas. We will take stash donations between now and the end of the year, to be delivered in person right after the first of the year, hopefully. Exact delivery date will depend on their ability to receive something at the time.</em><br /><br /><em>If you would like to help in this effort please contact me privately (if you haven't already) at ladyjspice@aol.com or call me at 719-392-6303. I will be in touch with you right away with more information and details.</em><br /><br />We will post photos and information about the delivery in a future blog post. Please feel free to share our appeal letter with others who might be able to help.<br /><br />Hugs, ShariMoon_Childhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08540808008617188690noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4037074405380920469.post-18776490218136971012011-06-18T12:28:00.000-06:002011-06-18T12:28:18.210-06:00Christmas In July & Mug Rugs<div>On StitchMap we have some wondeful swaps several times during the year. Connie, our Swap Coodinator, makes sure that they run smoothly. With all of the very talented and generous stitchers on StitchMap we are never disappointed with the items we receive in the swaps.<br />
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One of our most popular annual swaps, Christmas in July, is coming up soon and we hset up a poll this time to find out exactly what type of Christmas/Holiday item the members are interested in swapping this year. The Christmas in July swap is always fun. Last year we swapped Christmas ornaments done in our own favorite technique. There were ornaments done in Hardanger, cross stitch, needlepoint, blackwork, silk ribbon embroidery and crazy quilt. There were even some Chinese Dragon Boats swapped......very unusual and soooo beautiful. I still get excited remembering all the beautiful ornaments everyone made for each other!<br />
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This year our members got to choose between making Christmas ornaments again or Mug Rugs or swapping both items. Oh.... the agony of having choices! I have been dreaming about possibly making or receiving a Christmas Mug Rug. Perhaps a Mug Rug that could be used all year round would be best? Personally, I believe I would use my Christmas mug rug all year around! I just love the choices this year!<br />
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The poll results showed 58% in favor of swapping just Mug Rugs, 29% in favor of swapping both and just 19% in favor of doing a holiday ornament. So, Mug Rugs it will be. I suppose I can always stick in some Christmas cocoas or a special little hand stitched item. That is the fun of a swap....giving the unexpected too.<br />
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<div>The mentors of MAP recently had a Mug Rug Swap of their own. Each mentor could make and swap as many as 3 of these little beauties. Here are some pictures of a few that were done. </div><br />
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</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj35I0srpQ9znffHGjgm0ykkjXAhEN8iupjLNUcwEo4zz2Ymfywbc28funeA3kRdc-9MAs_zuIoCrAwpEZsAk91m5we5ViTA39wFco5_IKEnhLxeqDM9Vk7XprWBhFGydcAnCnRtCClJ44N/s1600/SusieMugRugfromRuby.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607534311745882258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj35I0srpQ9znffHGjgm0ykkjXAhEN8iupjLNUcwEo4zz2Ymfywbc28funeA3kRdc-9MAs_zuIoCrAwpEZsAk91m5we5ViTA39wFco5_IKEnhLxeqDM9Vk7XprWBhFGydcAnCnRtCClJ44N/s320/SusieMugRugfromRuby.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
This quilted mug rug was made by Ruby R. for Susie J. Loving the Christmas colors here.<br />
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<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiepiNAmzAcbM1lvIQSPQvsYIr-KAq7rWlRRAd4BIamLzUv-6v2USQW_rGDTUuIwdDeMxCiSQ-1CAM05SWTfnfPXyISbTSfl3tOX4dZj9cZGuyGxH86bY57405GOopFGP5AphbCFVJJ0m-G/s1600/001.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607534306588407730" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiepiNAmzAcbM1lvIQSPQvsYIr-KAq7rWlRRAd4BIamLzUv-6v2USQW_rGDTUuIwdDeMxCiSQ-1CAM05SWTfnfPXyISbTSfl3tOX4dZj9cZGuyGxH86bY57405GOopFGP5AphbCFVJJ0m-G/s320/001.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 320px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 310px;" /></a><br />
This reversible mug rug with the matching snack bowl and tea caddy case was made for List Mom Shari by Amber R. Isn't that a clever little bowl for Shari to put her jelly beans in?<br />
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<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCrDLbhh0fC3yw6KhKcFxjID9hjKuQtBotx76d4G6Otv5l9SVS7N9xOgovtdj_6cBeIi_peelkUp_TFKSvfV1lnglos3lEDlDQBeKeezDNWu8bW2VfAJG8iH6LTdDfFokplgvetzGserhU/s1600/CoffeeCupMugRug.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607534310811663938" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCrDLbhh0fC3yw6KhKcFxjID9hjKuQtBotx76d4G6Otv5l9SVS7N9xOgovtdj_6cBeIi_peelkUp_TFKSvfV1lnglos3lEDlDQBeKeezDNWu8bW2VfAJG8iH6LTdDfFokplgvetzGserhU/s320/CoffeeCupMugRug.JPG" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 251px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
This cozy mug rug was made using selvages and a simple coffee cup embroidery of redwork stitches done in brown. It was made by Shari for Mona D. She also included a variety of teas in the package.<br />
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See you on StitchMap.<br />
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Lyn G.<br />
aka;Ms Mischief</div></div></div>quiltlionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07797308044192830182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4037074405380920469.post-69924069137040470502011-05-16T18:01:00.000-06:002011-05-16T18:01:28.837-06:00Mischief On Map<div>Every once in a while we have an activity on MAP that does not seem to be really stitching related. These little Off Topic Events are much enjoyed by the membership as they are usually done at the expense of our List Mom's embarassment. They mostly occur when I, fondly called Ms. Mischief by the members, come up with something a bit sticky to get into. This past week I came up with the idea of having a contest for which I would offer a skein of floss as the prize for everyone with the right answer. The idea came to me while I was watching a late night movie starring several classic western heros.</div><br />
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<div>One of the actors in the movie I was watching was someone I knew that our List Mom, Shari, had a big crush on when she was younger. So, I devised a way to let the ladies tease her while trying to win the floss. I am sure we have all had similar crushes on movie stars or musicians, etc. My own crush was a rock singer who gave my mother the fits....David Lee Roth. I remember I had a great poster of him that my mother really did not like! But, back to torturing Shari.......<br />
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The next day I posted an email to the members that contained a list of characters in the movie. They were to guess the name of the movie. Whoever guessed the name of the movie right would win a skein of DMC floss which would be sent in the mail. Can you guess the movie?? Here are the characters:<br />
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John Wayne<br />
Dean Martin<br />
Walter Brennen<br />
Ward Bond<br />
Angie Dickenson<br />
Claude Akins<br />
Ricky Nelson.<br />
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Of course, I had to ask them who they thought she had a crush on and why they chose that particular person. In the end everyone had so much fun teasing her about her crush that they lost sight of the movie title. Like Mischief sometimes does, it took on a life of its own and became more of a contest for guessing her crush guy than the movie. Shari, with great humor, regaled us with stories about this fellow. In the end I sent everyone who even responded a skein of floss (everyone became a winner!) because I so enjoyed the hilarious comments they made about the fellow and Shari. Could you have guessed the name of the movie? What about her crush guy?</div><br />
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<div>Let this be a lesson to everyone......it can all be brought back to needle and thread somehow. Don't miss a chance to play with Ms. Mischief on MAP from time to time.</div><br />
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<div>H'mmmm.....Can anyone remember a David Lee Roth song? (Shhh.....don't get me started!)<br />
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Have a great day!<br />
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Lyn G.<br />
aka; Ms Mischief</div>quiltlionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07797308044192830182noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4037074405380920469.post-86725928021898127172011-04-30T17:06:00.000-06:002011-04-30T17:06:22.943-06:00Pins - Get It StraightPINS! Have you ever contemplated this seemingly simple little thing that you probably use every day when stitching or sewing? Where was it made? How was it made? What is its story? Am I the only one who does this? I don't think so. However, I like to peak the intrest of those who don't wonder about these things. I want to urge people think about this stuff.<br />
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Happily, I run the StitchMap Teaser which is run in the even numbered months. I get to exercise my desire to make the members think about the small stuff associated with needlework. Most of the time the subject is more currently relative, like a certain designer or quilt pattern names, etc. But, sometimes I do pick some off the wall/crazy subjects for the Teaser. You learn so much from researching them! This month, April , I chose the topic of Pins for the StitchMap Teaser. The ordinary little straight pin.<br />
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Everyone uses pins for sewing and other things. Pins are an everyday object used in sewing of all kinds and Quilting. Have you ever wondered how such a useful item came into use? What were the first pins made of? Did you know that in some early cultures they used thorns for pins? Here in Texas with all the mesquite trees we would have had an endless supply of those pins!<br />
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My own intrest in pins was sparked by a TV show on the History channel called <em>The Worst Jobs In History.</em> The particular episode was on <em>The Tudor Times</em>. In this episode they had a segment on manufacturing pins. Did you know that in Tudor Times pins were made in little dank rooms with no light? The hours were long for the pin makers and they only made pennies a day. Just enough to buy a loaf of bread, maybe. It got even worse when King Henry VIII put in effect this law: "No pin should be sold unless they be dauble-headed and have the headdes soundered faste to the shanke of the pynne."<br />
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Would you be surprised to learn that they needed pins in those times to literally stay dressed? Yes, all those ruffles were held onto the wearer by -- you guessed it -- pins!<br />
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That is where the saying "pin money" came into our language. People had to set aside an allowance to buy the little pins just so they could stay dressed! It also did not help that those pins were expensive.<br />
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We learned in this month's Teaser that at one time the USA was a major producer of straight pins. Now there are only a few US manufacturers. Most of the pins made today are made in Asia. One pin factory can produce 3 million or more pins a day. We also learned how the metal is made into a long wire, how it is cut and treated. There is more to that little pin than most of us ever thought about.<br />
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Have I caught your intrest yet? Did you learn something new? I hope so! I also hope that you will be able to participate in the next StitchMap Teaser. If you are not a member you need to join now......we have so much fun learning together!<br />
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Congratulations to MAP members Theresa E. and Angela W. They were our Teaser winners this month. Great research skills, ladies! Each of you will receive a stitching related prize for your efforts.<br />
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Lyn G.<br />
aka: Ms Mischief.quiltlionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07797308044192830182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4037074405380920469.post-53084724178821766042011-03-15T08:43:00.001-06:002011-03-20T00:28:19.740-06:00The Art of RepurposingIn these times of having to stretch the dollar everyone everywhere is probably stepping back and taking a long hard look at the objects that they are getting ready to throw away. They are most likely asking themselves, "Can I reuse this? Is it worth repurposing?"<br /><br />If you spent any amount of time with your grandparents while you were growing up you might have seen lots of repurposing going on. I picked up the habit of keeping and finding new uses for butter tubs. Both<strong> </strong>of my grandmothers did this all the time. It drives my husband a bit crazy but it does save him money when compared to my buying lots of Tupperware or bead storage containers.<br /><br />Keeping in step with the times, StitchMap recently had a repurposing contest. The ladies of StitchMap were asked to send from 1-3 pictures of items that they had repurposed. They were to tell the original function or use of the item and then share how they converted it to use for needle work. There were 20 ladies that answered this challenge. Between them they shared 39 great ideas for repurposing everything from tape rolls and ice cream cartons to rain gutter sections and furniture pieces. Many of the ideas were truly inspired!<br /><br />All of the ideas were so great that we took the names of the ladies who so generously shared and put them into a drawing to win some great prizes. <strong>We had two winners</strong>:<br /><br /><strong>Erica C.</strong> - who shared how she repurposed some silverware divider trays for storing sewing supplies in her drawers. They held everything from pins & needles to knitting needles, scissors to rotary cutters and so much more.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYWtOrYEDekXfiVWY7sUathlZvAXkdcMzyGFhqG5rokLfDe69UJo2rvFRPasbsnsRqR3fttbIUDuL4ntNrNfSHzEAffDFx3eCSZqkOb0WbCijVdPxCoVsZg7XSEyALsCZOqhVrm6sWRNGw/s1600/SDC12366+Erica%2527s.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586032841396797826" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYWtOrYEDekXfiVWY7sUathlZvAXkdcMzyGFhqG5rokLfDe69UJo2rvFRPasbsnsRqR3fttbIUDuL4ntNrNfSHzEAffDFx3eCSZqkOb0WbCijVdPxCoVsZg7XSEyALsCZOqhVrm6sWRNGw/s320/SDC12366+Erica%2527s.jpg" /></a><br /><strong>Ginny M.</strong> - who shared how she took a walk in closet and converted it to a place for her computer and sewing supplies. The shelf was lined in storage containers for beads and supplies and there were plenty of peg boards filled with spools of thread mounted on the walls. There was even room for her computer! This was less expensive than adding on a new addition!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6VfrycwCRnY94AWodmSGRimT4-TIzimVveXc21zK0a4S4UvuIK623y0sAUEbWxL9AhiH1lhdsQLadaZcGdvtdIUbO2JdTOXN397Q2X0NM0SgbdjWfewbJwHGT7rTedqhH7C8mM5flk6vD/s1600/alcove1+Ginny+M.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 242px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586032837165855026" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6VfrycwCRnY94AWodmSGRimT4-TIzimVveXc21zK0a4S4UvuIK623y0sAUEbWxL9AhiH1lhdsQLadaZcGdvtdIUbO2JdTOXN397Q2X0NM0SgbdjWfewbJwHGT7rTedqhH7C8mM5flk6vD/s320/alcove1+Ginny+M.jpg" /></a><br /><div>Another idea shared was from Merle R. of Australia. She used a half gallon ice cream carton and repurposed it as a current project box. She simply cleaned it well and then added a decorative fabric covering. She carries her current project and supplies around without worry.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhucHTCvkszP_5AKHH9roQ8GIn8JtgMBYZocpHXNrcc8psdVoTeDQ4VTERVEnQ7k22Oc9shdo1-bOSfSp3FJvELd43VL06SkH1M7gQVHiXqD7RCBn-7wJBmuDePrZpPN_CTvrsD-ZV_KV6h/s1600/recycle01+merle+R+ice+creamcarton.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586032839509039378" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhucHTCvkszP_5AKHH9roQ8GIn8JtgMBYZocpHXNrcc8psdVoTeDQ4VTERVEnQ7k22Oc9shdo1-bOSfSp3FJvELd43VL06SkH1M7gQVHiXqD7RCBn-7wJBmuDePrZpPN_CTvrsD-ZV_KV6h/s320/recycle01+merle+R+ice+creamcarton.jpg" /></a><br />Theresa E. showed us how she uses peg style clothes pins as bobbins for her silk ribbon and her laces. Here is a picture of her silk ribbon wound on the newly repurposed "bobbins".<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijgJv-G8_zaAInvY7rFp3m7JNMw1VduHT2eofFOK-Jfa6XS_Kwm1sw4ko5ZaJjDM4ALD8z2B_8trNowQGj1UakAPmAx7bia8z5OhiSL52cdXpDkZeEtcG7IRUSAGqhSW49GJSR9rtOojHz/s1600/Cloths%252BPin%252BBobbin%252Bfor%252BSilk%252BRibbon+TElnes.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586032847650090562" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijgJv-G8_zaAInvY7rFp3m7JNMw1VduHT2eofFOK-Jfa6XS_Kwm1sw4ko5ZaJjDM4ALD8z2B_8trNowQGj1UakAPmAx7bia8z5OhiSL52cdXpDkZeEtcG7IRUSAGqhSW49GJSR9rtOojHz/s320/Cloths%252BPin%252BBobbin%252Bfor%252BSilk%252BRibbon+TElnes.jpg" /></a><br />The final idea we would like to share with you is from Rhonda P. She loves to keep her spools of satin, wired & novelty ribbons stored in some repurposed rain gutters that her husband cut and capped the ends of for her. He then mounted them on the wall in her sewing room. This keeps everything fairly tidy and within easy reach.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj96yWXaBHXWPtXleA89zBtULyW91kDV1U-gCrsmjoft2Vk1xu53NZZBJnAFkAgGu3QgW6Jcb0oNwwACUHIhsUj57LxqdJYe8VitrxXOGaAHGW45TxP4XKMRmT2bKzB0mzr89dDYLjQIleO/s1600/gutters+Rhonda%2527s+ribbon+storage.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 256px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586032841783578370" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj96yWXaBHXWPtXleA89zBtULyW91kDV1U-gCrsmjoft2Vk1xu53NZZBJnAFkAgGu3QgW6Jcb0oNwwACUHIhsUj57LxqdJYe8VitrxXOGaAHGW45TxP4XKMRmT2bKzB0mzr89dDYLjQIleO/s320/gutters+Rhonda%2527s+ribbon+storage.jpg" /></a><br />If you would like to know all the other great ideas that were shared during this contest just join StitchMAP and check out the Photos in the Repurposing Album. We learn so much from each other it is amazing!<br /><br /><div>Lyn G.........Ms Mischief.</div></div></div></div></div>quiltlionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07797308044192830182noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4037074405380920469.post-18712567463095913402011-01-13T10:22:00.000-07:002011-01-14T21:34:13.835-07:00A New Year & No Knots<div align="left">Welcome to the New Year! StitchMap is gearing up for a year of excitement and great stitching opportunities. We will have many new classes and other learning opportunites to offer in 2011. There will be GREAT new Challenges, Trivia Teasers and Courses that will be free to all members. Our first course of the year already began this week. We have 9 mentors working with 23 apprentices on Color Theory. The waiting list is filling up for the April Color Theory Class as you are reading this. March will see us beginning a new group of apprentices in the Basic Crazy Quilting Course. There will be some new to MAP courses beginning after that.<br /><br />We asked our members to give us an idea of the types of things they would like to see shared on this blog. Tutorials was a popular answer. So, in keeping with the spirit of StitchMap and all the sharing that we do on our group, we are going to share one of our picture tutorials with the cyber world. We hope it helps everyone who has a problem with twisted threads .<br /><br />We have a bunch of short picture tutorials on MAP that cover a myriad of useful things a good needlewoman should know how to do. This one is for those who are tired of dealing with twisted threads while they are stitching. If you will take the time to separate the floss into single plies and then set them back together side by side before threading your needle it will make a world of difference. Your floss will be less likely to twist around itself and snarl while you are stitching. Many stitchers are reluctant to separate their floss because they don't like the tangles and knots that are so frequently the result when they tackle the job. This is a simple and very effective method that will almost always avoid causing knots if done correctly.</div><br /><div align="center"><br /><strong>HOW TO SEPARATE YOUR FLOSS</strong><br />© A StitchMap Tutorial</div><br /><div align="left"><br />Cut a strand of 6 ply DMC floss into a length of 24 - 30”.<br /><br />Using your left hand, hold the floss in a semitight pinch about 3/8” from the top so that all of the floss ends are exposed and the freshly cut ends are hanging down below your fingers. (Left handed people can just reverse the instructions)<br /><br />Using your right index finger, tap the ends of the floss lightly until the plies begin to separate.<br /><br /><a style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioMuo6cTVYNJQafV30maOx6AmPr3w69EdQ-v6X1MorpVwRDBi2Ojf8TZYO9zvNqGj47zT5CNkaXCX_WWqo3eYogSLETe01wVlMjhxsU7I8ENyqZpCpB_5Z6f0vPY3JAtkZwzNb1ieMyF_l/s1600/tn.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioMuo6cTVYNJQafV30maOx6AmPr3w69EdQ-v6X1MorpVwRDBi2Ojf8TZYO9zvNqGj47zT5CNkaXCX_WWqo3eYogSLETe01wVlMjhxsU7I8ENyqZpCpB_5Z6f0vPY3JAtkZwzNb1ieMyF_l/s1600/tn.jpg" n4="true" /></a><br /><br />Grasp one of the separated plies of thread with your right index finger and thumb. Pinch it securely and pull it slowly upward and away from your left hand moving slightly to the right. </div><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left"></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left; CLEAR: both" class="separator" align="left"><a style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjNXv-uOR0RkKziK1-rmUQeN7mi4Eyz3ICY9gCb1Cm-rCYsseI8rq2JbnH3Wo3dxeZcyi8iCKqMiYZGLGN9XxrzlRQTjuhmMC8UeR4nHnTw1CL2pLrtJuesElSFHtZminuI5PedrgpW_B-/s1600/tnb.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjNXv-uOR0RkKziK1-rmUQeN7mi4Eyz3ICY9gCb1Cm-rCYsseI8rq2JbnH3Wo3dxeZcyi8iCKqMiYZGLGN9XxrzlRQTjuhmMC8UeR4nHnTw1CL2pLrtJuesElSFHtZminuI5PedrgpW_B-/s1600/tnb.jpg" n4="true" /></a></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><br />The excess floss in your left hand will bunch up somewhat behind your fingers as the single ply of floss is being pulled out.<br /><br />When the single ply of floss is totally removed from the strand simply shake the floss in your left hand and the bunching should fall back down without making knots. If need be, you can lightly stroke it back into a straight strand in order to pull out your next ply. </div><div align="left"><br /> </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><a style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilf2_RH1tAKLPrXw8AfRhfOxGF_7nEfsBahB4iy7px0z3mnh1kxwwyhETht2hB07H3VByGrw4sMYbYJIVb4H1OiUv85RJlII55hfQwbWeKYZZRz3vH1m7MF-69pSYXx0xdY-_3TxM3mOHo/s1600/tnm.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilf2_RH1tAKLPrXw8AfRhfOxGF_7nEfsBahB4iy7px0z3mnh1kxwwyhETht2hB07H3VByGrw4sMYbYJIVb4H1OiUv85RJlII55hfQwbWeKYZZRz3vH1m7MF-69pSYXx0xdY-_3TxM3mOHo/s1600/tnm.jpg" n4="true" /></a></div><br /><strong>NOTE</strong>: This method works well with many types of threads and fibers.<br /><br />We hope this proves to be something that you will begin to do automatically each time you get out your needle and thread to embroider or quilt. If you would like to learn more about how to do traditional hand stitching techniques and join in the fun we have planned for this year....please click on the StitchMap button in the sidebar.<br /><br />Everyday is a good day if you are learning needle play! Happy stitching in 2011!quiltlionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07797308044192830182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4037074405380920469.post-2847036819563214242010-11-14T06:59:00.000-07:002010-11-17T09:44:31.777-07:00Member of the Month - Our List MomHere at StitchMap we think of ourselves as one big family. We believe our members are the best and every one of them has unlimited talent! With that being said, each month we are going to introduce you to a member of our StitchMap family. We are very proud of our members and their accomplishments. I am starting the introductions with our list "Mom". Without this lady's dream and vision StitchMap would not exist today.<br /><br />Without further ado I am pleased to introduce our Lady J --- Shari Jensen:<br /><br />Shari and her husband live in Colorado near Pikes Peak. They have 3 adult children and 3 grandchildren. She is a Colorado native raised in California and has lived in several different parts of the country while her hubby was in the military. She has owned and operated several businesses as they moved around. She had a cake decorating shop and bakery. She is a founding member of the International Cake Exploration Societe (ICES) and at one time published a monthly newsletter for sugar artists around the world. She recently sold an herb, spice and gourmet food business that she had for over 20 years. Soon after she retired she took on the business of raising her 3 young grandchildren. They and their father moved in with the family after "life" took an unexpected turn for them. Having them move in helped her make the decision to do something from home rather than go back into business. So, she decided to share her other passion -- the art of hand stitching and she soon discovered the world of online stitching groups. You will find her blog - <em>Lady J's Cache</em> - listed in the sidebar.<br /><br />Shari learned her first embroidery stitches from her grandmother. She also learned crocheting, tatting and some sewing skills from her grandmother. She is a Life Member of the Embroiderer's Guild of America and has been associated with her local chapter, Pikes Peak EGA, for the past 30+ years. She is also a member of the American Needlepoint Guild and a founding member of her local chapter, Little London Stitchers. She has helped both of these groups out by volunteering to hold various offices, teach classes and organize functions over the years.<br /><br />It is well known in her circle of friends that she is not at all comfortable with the sewing machine. However, she does admit to using the sewing machine to piece together her crazy quilt blocks and to zig zag the edges of her linens for counted thread work. She may even make the occasional drawstring bag or Christmas ornament. But...she is more inclined to let someone else do her finishing work for her...often trading services with friends. She might bake them a cake while they sew together her stitched projects.<br /><br />Shari has a passion for teaching needlearts and spreading "needle fever". Her favorite techniques include stitching reproduction antique samplers in a wide variety of counted thread techniques, including drawn thread, pulled thread, and hardanger. She loves crazy quilting because she sees it as an extension of her interest in samplers. She feels that each crazy quilt is a sampler of stitches and small samples of various techniques. She loves Assissi, blackwork, redwork, surface embroidery, beading, punchneedle, needle felting, silk ribbon embroidery, dyeing of lace and fabrics, making dimensional needlepoint figures, shadow embroidery and stumpwork. She credits the EGA and ANG for helping her have access to many wonderful national teachers whose classes she took as often as possible.<br /><br />Recently Shari took a class in creating fabric painted landscapes from Judith Baker Montano. Here is a picture of her completed landscape.<br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; CLEAR: both" class="separator"><a style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAjljLjN2MOdOrr5YA4rFqoNFzn457rmpy_J1rG6LWhe7N7cYJy6nscUXkhX94dNxkQNXvxJh5lDoprhITK19HFxkKjVVRC1Uk-S4qp-JMl_pNwv308VOnTSSHiVHlOCwOhRWqj_b_4C6l/s1600/jbm%252520landscape1%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAjljLjN2MOdOrr5YA4rFqoNFzn457rmpy_J1rG6LWhe7N7cYJy6nscUXkhX94dNxkQNXvxJh5lDoprhITK19HFxkKjVVRC1Uk-S4qp-JMl_pNwv308VOnTSSHiVHlOCwOhRWqj_b_4C6l/s320/jbm%252520landscape1%255B1%255D.jpg" width="320" height="213" px="true" /></a><br /></div><div style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none">Since starting StitchMap in 2009, Shari has spent her time working on organizing the group activities and handling the membership applications, etc. There isn't much that goes on at MAP where she hasn't been one of the creative forces behind the scenes. She has a hand in the writing and editing of courses, challenges, and our group tutorials. She is a mentor in Crazy Quilting and Hardanger and she mentors the members who would like to become mentors in any of the courses. She sets up the classes and handles the class placements. One of her favorite jobs is creating the questions for our Thursday Talk Shop Segments because of the amount of sharing that takes place as a result.<br /></div>When asked what she sees for StitchMap in the future, Shari said, "I hope that we can add to the actual number of courses we are mentoring. We have several new courses in various stages of completion right now. I would be happy if each one of them could actually be released for Pilot Classes in 2011. I would also like to see growth in our Stash Angels program and I am looking forward to working with our new Community Outreach Coordinator to make that happen. I firmly believe that what we give away we get back 10 times over. So, I want to keep MAP as a place where women, and men, can come to learn stitching for free and even get help with supplies, if need be, for free. I get excited about the family feeling that exists at MAP. I definitely want to find ways to ensure that everyone who joins this group realizes that by belonging to MAP they are also committing to our common goal of keeping needlearts alive by sharing stitches. I would like all MAP members to feel confident enough in their skills to go out and spread the joy of the needle and what they learn about needlework by taking the courses at MAP."quiltlionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07797308044192830182noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4037074405380920469.post-7609418189238722162010-10-24T06:36:00.000-06:002010-10-24T06:36:04.847-06:00Color Theory Proved SuccessfulHow many of you know what a true color really is? Do you know what constitutes a true blue or a true red for instance? Does it even really matter? Do you know the differences in the way a needlewoman should be looking at color while using her thread and fabric as compared to the person who dyed that fabric or thread? Does a painter/artist look at color differently than a stitcher? Do they handle colors differently? Do they share any common ways of looking at color?What do they share in common when it comes to the use of colors? You can find all of that out in the Stitchmap Color Theory Course. <br />
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Some people are lucky and the skill of being able to pick out colors that go together seems to come naturally to them. There are others out there that have no "sense of color". Where can these needle women go to learn about using colors in the way a needle worker needs to use them, not a painter, not a dyer, but a stitcher??? How many of you are even aware that threads and fabrics can work differently together than dyes and paints in some ways? <br />
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At MAP we believe that taking a Basic Color Theory Course is the best way for the <em>color challenged </em>to brush up on their skills! And we have one such course written just for MAP! It consists of 6 lessons and several short assignments that will help you unravel the mystery of color as it relates to thread and fabric. Learn how to make your colors choices so that they work for you, not against you. Learn how to choose frames and mats that make your projects more pleasing to the eye. <br />
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Recently we started another class of apprentices in the StitchMap Basic Color Theory Course. We have 8 wonderfully talented mentors helping their fellow member apprentices. The comments on our recent course evaluations showed that even those who thought that they knew about colors and how they work together got new insight on how to apply "color sense" to their stitching with information garnered from this course. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqZZmAwDS2XJ9b7uEQHUawOIX1zf1EAxiuMhCkYjiD5oeUWuduiiQJsOgYZy6gPpxz4N8oPiLZoe-ewT7PW_kvAW-UJCIq3DlECWLyrev4izvhur12WcbM9kFmXYyKIY2XYO9KUXb9GxZ9/s1600/Gayle+Ms+Warm+%26++cool.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524002518217128338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqZZmAwDS2XJ9b7uEQHUawOIX1zf1EAxiuMhCkYjiD5oeUWuduiiQJsOgYZy6gPpxz4N8oPiLZoe-ewT7PW_kvAW-UJCIq3DlECWLyrev4izvhur12WcbM9kFmXYyKIY2XYO9KUXb9GxZ9/s320/Gayle+Ms+Warm+%26++cool.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a> <br />
Here are some examples of a small exercise completed by members of a MAP Basic Color Theory Course. The exercise was regarding the recognition of and the use of Warm and Cool colors. The top photo is an exercise done by Gayle Morris. The bottom photo was an original stitched exercise done by Thelma Bradshaw, a Stitchmap Color Mentor. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX0mv2sM6_w5wisgeU3at4L5lpgIGxNziqR8PMN6GcTIv5JL-uZvF-zAo8ddpdqX9Q6C2daSl6arlUxDebWRAZq0QocSK6Re3WiNhMGYexMKYDe6rsV9iXwLKUOmPPXEtDAItG17U0DyHL/s1600/color+theory+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" px="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX0mv2sM6_w5wisgeU3at4L5lpgIGxNziqR8PMN6GcTIv5JL-uZvF-zAo8ddpdqX9Q6C2daSl6arlUxDebWRAZq0QocSK6Re3WiNhMGYexMKYDe6rsV9iXwLKUOmPPXEtDAItG17U0DyHL/s320/color+theory+1.jpg" width="175" /></a></div><br />
The StitchMap Color Theory class is now one of the pre-requisite courses at MAP. Everyone who wants to take a class in Crazy Quilting, surface embroidery and other needlework courses, where color is very important to the success of the stitchery technique, will have to go through this class first or they must have had an equivalent course at some time in the past. <br />
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The ladies who have taken this class really seem to enjoy themselves while learning about color and how it works in the needle world! You can work in thread, paper, paint chips or even crayons, but you cannot use dyes, paints or other similar coloring agents. <br />
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How many of you say, "I wish I could do that. I wish I could make my colors 'POP', harmonize, or even, not stick out like a sore thumb"? Well actually you can. You just need to take the right course! We think we have the right course, for free, right here at Stitchmap. <br />
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Lyn Gaskill <br />
AKA: Ms. Mischief <br />
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<div></div>quiltlionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07797308044192830182noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4037074405380920469.post-20672373851254531842010-10-10T07:55:00.000-06:002010-10-10T07:55:11.315-06:00Let's Talk shop!<div>On StitchMap we have a regular feature entitled the Thursday Talk Shop Segment! Nearly every Thursdays our list mom, Shari, posts a question to the group about some aspect of stitching and everyone gets to discuss it!! These segments are greatly informative for the beginner and experienced alike! Sometimes the discussion will go on for several days. The most helpful hints and advice comes out of the Thursday Talk Shop Segment (TTSS)! We all learn from each other new sources, ways of doing things and ways to get motivated, etc.<br />
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Here is an actual TTSS Post from Shari:<br />
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<span style="color: #4c1130;">"Everyone should be getting their first Challenge Installment today (if they remembered to sign up with Ann). Part of the Challenge is finding a certain type of needlework pattern. This made me think ......... where do people go to get their patterns? Do you look on-line under certain topics? Do you check out coloring books, the commercial pattern transfers or something else?</span> <span style="color: #4c1130;"><br />
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<span style="color: #4c1130;">I will share that one of my favorite (out of the ordinary) places to look is in my cake decorating books. They are especially handy if I am looking for simple embroidery or applique patterns. The shapes in cake decorating are usually very simple and lend themselves to being done with applique, needle punch or surface embroidery techniques like redwork and crewel.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #4c1130;">I have other sources that I check but I am waiting to hear where you look for patterns. If it is on-line can you share the link? If you have a favorite transfer book or company please tell us which one and where can we find it ourselves? "</span><span style="color: #4c1130;"><br />
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<span style="color: black;">And here are acutal responses from some of our members:</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;">"These are great ideas Shari, I have found a lot of patterns at antique stores and estate sales. I love the coloring book idea especially for children"..............</span><span style="color: blue;">Shelly R. UT</span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: #20124d;">"</span></span><span style="color: #20124d;">I occasionally do an online search and actually find something worthwhile. My most recent find was on http://www.flickr.com/</span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;">There's a group call Hoop Love Vintage Transfers. Great source.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;">I have used coloring books. I collect vintage transfers and embroidery patterns whenever I can find them or afford them. Aunt Martha, The Workbasket, Vogart . I have Workbasket magazines and patterns mailed in an envelope marked The Workbasket and Modern Handicraft. I have used applique patterns for embroidery or punch needle. I use to go to a lot of auctions (estates) but now mostly what I buy is online with occasional finds at the thrift store or yard sale"......... Ruby </span><br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="color: #274e13;">"Y'all, I buy my Aunt Martha's patterns from the source. www.colonialpatterns.com and I've never been disapointed at all. They have patterns that are soon to be retired and some really great patterns that are new but look vintage. Someone was looking for peacocks earlier and they have 2 that I have seen"...... Eileene</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;">So? Where do you find your stitching patterns? Is it an online source or from your local shop?</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;">Lyn Gaskill</span></span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;">AKA: Ms Mischief</span></span> </div>quiltlionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07797308044192830182noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4037074405380920469.post-79235151990559180702010-10-05T19:17:00.000-06:002010-11-14T15:18:14.524-07:00The Mystery Was In the ChallengeHow many of you in the Land of Stitching have been so bored that you would do anything to relieve it? Well, let me tell you that the ladies of StitchMap are never bored! At Stitchmap inspiration and projects abound!One of the main priorities of StitchMap is that no matter what you are learning, you will be creating something that you can use after you are done.<br /><br />This month we had a floral theme as a part of one of our regularly scheduled Challenges. We had nearly 1/3 of our membership sign up for this Challenge. Fun is being had by all! For this Challenge every lady first declared her specialty in needle work and/or one she wanted to brush up on. The fun of it was you had to use that declared type of needle work and finish certain steps in order to get the next part of the lesson! Did I mention that the final project was a mystery? We were given a theme in the first installment of the Challenge but we weren't told exactly what the finished project would be until the last installment. It was amazing to see how so many ladies could interpret the same theme given only a few clues as to the final mystery project.<br /><br />We had some eager beavers and they finished their mystery project in a week! Here are some pictures of a few of the completed projects:<br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; CLEAR: both" class="separator"><a style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijiruDGpD8qFRnYISK2f-B1C93goUuqUoa6Mtoa0YI02PkEpqZOvcsZSkkZJ2wYGS-QkiWIdcqRYt5hSlJcCjzBXBVJEDSMtj3SM1oYSLzlrKq7gI8kF8_xJy92bnZuzboJ4vEA5fZfTBU/s1600/Ann+StitchMap.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijiruDGpD8qFRnYISK2f-B1C93goUuqUoa6Mtoa0YI02PkEpqZOvcsZSkkZJ2wYGS-QkiWIdcqRYt5hSlJcCjzBXBVJEDSMtj3SM1oYSLzlrKq7gI8kF8_xJy92bnZuzboJ4vEA5fZfTBU/s320/Ann+StitchMap.jpg" width="320" height="312" px="true" /></a><br /></div><div style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; CLEAR: both; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none" class="separator"><a style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLYdBFA8DNzBdp8vR-oM8pCqAz9eWEFtsVbC4WKD8GkMuwcFozG0z7xkfOZNPXQ2FDVBlmo7WzJDyXPhDfW3nOJ2XuiHHFpuoMU4W06ehXIrrrOa3l8YZ1dyfxQ2eIS-EgCg2nFi7KyVQ1/s1600/Debbie+H.++StitchMap.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLYdBFA8DNzBdp8vR-oM8pCqAz9eWEFtsVbC4WKD8GkMuwcFozG0z7xkfOZNPXQ2FDVBlmo7WzJDyXPhDfW3nOJ2XuiHHFpuoMU4W06ehXIrrrOa3l8YZ1dyfxQ2eIS-EgCg2nFi7KyVQ1/s320/Debbie+H.++StitchMap.jpg" width="320" height="240" px="true" /></a></div><br /><div style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; CLEAR: both; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none" class="separator"><a style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8GSOsjnIyWKb-00EQKx3urEQBEJaQXaGhcPgCC4N5GWNsgtFgj-VfExjk3D4HdnMK_EYhNP7iegi22fApaAzvGS5nI5D6P3k2vaVMUsqKqGeUMbqTM7yjFo9ESAVgEDgy-F45FM9_3ON1/s1600/StitchMap.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8GSOsjnIyWKb-00EQKx3urEQBEJaQXaGhcPgCC4N5GWNsgtFgj-VfExjk3D4HdnMK_EYhNP7iegi22fApaAzvGS5nI5D6P3k2vaVMUsqKqGeUMbqTM7yjFo9ESAVgEDgy-F45FM9_3ON1/s320/StitchMap.jpg" width="320" height="287" px="true" /></a></div><div style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; CLEAR: both; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none" class="separator"></div><br /><div style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; CLEAR: both; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none" class="separator">These Victorian Heart Pincushions were stitched by MAP members Ann Flowers, Shelly Rebol and Debbie Higgins (from top to botton). There was a lot of fun and hard work that went into making these wonderful Victorian Hearts Pincushions!</div><div style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; CLEAR: both; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none" class="separator"></div><br /><div style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; CLEAR: both; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none" class="separator">If you are interested in learning how to make such beautiful projects and participating in Challenges such as this you might consider joining Stitchmap right away. If you were a MAP member you would be able to check out our group photo album and see the other beautiful Victorian Heart Pincushions completed in this Challenge. In fact, you could arrange with our Challenge Coordinator to take this Challenge at any time and make one of these pincushions yourself! I will let y'all in on a little secret........We have many more delightful items like this just waiting in our files to challenge you!! Our creative needle work challenges are the best!</div><div style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; CLEAR: both; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none" class="separator"></div><div style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; CLEAR: both; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none" class="separator"></div><br /><br /><div style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; CLEAR: both; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none" class="separator">Lyn Gaskill</div><br /><br /><div style="BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; TEXT-ALIGN: center; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; CLEAR: both; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BORDER-RIGHT: medium none" class="separator">AKA: Ms. Mischief</div>quiltlionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07797308044192830182noreply@blogger.com2