tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81904942732601385932024-03-16T00:07:55.981-07:00Pink Penguinayumillshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01559180448288069208noreply@blogger.comBlogger307125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8190494273260138593.post-64149967109543087502021-05-03T13:44:00.004-07:002021-05-03T13:44:55.576-07:00Photowall wallpaper review<p> A Sweden based wallpaper company, <a href="https://www.photowall.com/us?utm_source=ayumills&utm_medium=influencers">Photowall</a>, has kindly approached me and asked if I'd be up for trying out one of their products. I am quite picky when it comes to anything that goes on the wall so my immediate thought was probably nope, but I changed my mind when I started looking at their stunning collection of designs! There are SO many amazing and unique designs that I would dream to have in any of the rooms in my house. I couldn't stop finding designs to add to my favorites and ended up looking through every one of their over 20,000 designs! Here are some of my favorites including some designs by the famous Stockholm based designer<a href="https://www.photowall.com/us/designers/ingela-p-arrhenius?utm_source=ayumills&utm_medium=influencers"> Ingela P Arrhenius</a> who I have admired for YEARS!</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmuWTA0r6PP8B2AFNUlyiFDHO8Gv5q7CUI2EtdfJeLm60HKdsLbibUKAaY_sJALtgA0OccVEY0yhukLc-lJgFJirKEnLKPe0n7JDLyV5csbg7R_ljYEAVIiSzP_kEFlG5KtUBiku7rViZD/s1152/Screenshot_20210503-123143.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="726" data-original-width="1152" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmuWTA0r6PP8B2AFNUlyiFDHO8Gv5q7CUI2EtdfJeLm60HKdsLbibUKAaY_sJALtgA0OccVEY0yhukLc-lJgFJirKEnLKPe0n7JDLyV5csbg7R_ljYEAVIiSzP_kEFlG5KtUBiku7rViZD/w640-h404/Screenshot_20210503-123143.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.photowall.com/us/space-green-wallpaper?utm_source=ayumills&utm_medium=influencers"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Space - Green by Ingela Arrhenius</span></a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8pU972ABCbdWC6E29453HjO80FN3Al1mdgPXFqBdB_MvDE-4PhLKgd1kRGIZg0juZCPQgB25uFNrio0UiDXAedX_3RdKsnhAoY0FOxH_E4mSwxFPH5EXF7BvgDs9RK45sG5Ow9WG1y3M0/s1152/Screenshot_20210503-123206.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="730" data-original-width="1152" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8pU972ABCbdWC6E29453HjO80FN3Al1mdgPXFqBdB_MvDE-4PhLKgd1kRGIZg0juZCPQgB25uFNrio0UiDXAedX_3RdKsnhAoY0FOxH_E4mSwxFPH5EXF7BvgDs9RK45sG5Ow9WG1y3M0/w640-h406/Screenshot_20210503-123206.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.photowall.com/us/circles-iv-wallpaper?utm_source=ayumills&utm_medium=influencers"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Circle IV by the Artcircle</span></a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDB-ieI1z3pC4zkNKqvMc9EA41YLgCG3jMb45CWIT0vX8SJCOhO3YBpY4-I_Bh52No8ESwbkO_dTPjWrgHId70NlUkP0AOM4UaIYi3KaLgTfCW0KrWJMRle89gR4d87JNN_R1egW_4tbJ5/s1152/Screenshot_20210503-123114.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="716" data-original-width="1152" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDB-ieI1z3pC4zkNKqvMc9EA41YLgCG3jMb45CWIT0vX8SJCOhO3YBpY4-I_Bh52No8ESwbkO_dTPjWrgHId70NlUkP0AOM4UaIYi3KaLgTfCW0KrWJMRle89gR4d87JNN_R1egW_4tbJ5/w640-h398/Screenshot_20210503-123114.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.photowall.com/us/boat-and-the-balloon-wallpaper?utm_source=ayumills&utm_medium=influencers"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Board and the Balloon by Marika Maijala</span></a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihq4CaF9JD4QNoMVULhWQYZwnN23ONZ5T2ohRxTh9r5ewBObAIXacxn4ofloGBtx_x5B5SBnVaR3eFoNIIqU3vCPToKCGUsK0E1GhwvqJNPYAIdNyJp0FlVhIOxhPuub4UcR2Xas3PqK4U/s1152/Screenshot_20210503-123042.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="725" data-original-width="1152" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihq4CaF9JD4QNoMVULhWQYZwnN23ONZ5T2ohRxTh9r5ewBObAIXacxn4ofloGBtx_x5B5SBnVaR3eFoNIIqU3vCPToKCGUsK0E1GhwvqJNPYAIdNyJp0FlVhIOxhPuub4UcR2Xas3PqK4U/w640-h402/Screenshot_20210503-123042.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.photowall.com/us/fruits-and-vegetables-1-wallpaper?utm_source=ayumills&utm_medium=influencers"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Fruits and Vegetables by The Artcircle </span></a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.photowall.com/us?utm_source=ayumills&utm_medium=influencers" style="text-align: left;">Photowall </a><span style="text-align: left;">lets you choose from wallpapers/murals, canvas prints, and art posters of your choice of design. What makes them a very cool place to order these is that you don't have to do the complicated math before hands. Typically a wallpaper is sold as a roll. Depending on the scale of the design, you may need more rolls to make sure designs match up as you apply it on the wall. It can be quite time consuming to do the math and also waste of resource - wallpaper itself and cost that associated with it.</span></div><p>With <a href="https://www.photowall.com/us?utm_source=ayumills&utm_medium=influencers">Photowall</a>, all you need to know is a measurement of the wall you plan to apply a wallpaper on. Then they will do the math and customize the wallpaper at the exact length and the exact number of strips to hung your wall perfectly. Each strip is labeled with a number, so you know exactly which one to start off with and which one comes next to and so on.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWuPgHaKIka5Xlaq4r7jRyvDLGwK_Vc0iiSlGO11UjWou9l4HeiYxGx0QM4pDrUAmIqksmZJQhsfR8Rx_b1lqrkwxz-JacbGzzu1_7rpsJXtrncvgseFmQG-S-4yLGCb-yZP1ataj21pyS/s4032/PXL_20210424_220713487-01.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWuPgHaKIka5Xlaq4r7jRyvDLGwK_Vc0iiSlGO11UjWou9l4HeiYxGx0QM4pDrUAmIqksmZJQhsfR8Rx_b1lqrkwxz-JacbGzzu1_7rpsJXtrncvgseFmQG-S-4yLGCb-yZP1ataj21pyS/w480-h640/PXL_20210424_220713487-01.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">This is truly a life saver! (</span><a href="https://www.photowall.com/us/our-products/product-information-wallpaper?utm_source=ayumills&utm_medium=influencers" style="text-align: left;">Here</a><span style="text-align: left;"> you can find their very easy-to-follow tutorial on their website.) This room I hang up the wallpaper has a quite high ceiling. It would have been a killer if I'd had to measure up every single strip and do the tricky math to line up designs perfectly. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrjt8fihZZU7ZxWZ1ZkKJq87lBdFLnrOPFrLvb_qTKo46viHYzS3BL9Gyh7osayiuoUGh97k4kOnSmUwfDcVzJ3c1mOSCUpmImO2b4UQ9r3mU01Ft1U6AYVr2n2dlJ5todPuOCgVTTriPn/s4032/PXL_20210424_225716501-01.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrjt8fihZZU7ZxWZ1ZkKJq87lBdFLnrOPFrLvb_qTKo46viHYzS3BL9Gyh7osayiuoUGh97k4kOnSmUwfDcVzJ3c1mOSCUpmImO2b4UQ9r3mU01Ft1U6AYVr2n2dlJ5todPuOCgVTTriPn/w640-h480/PXL_20210424_225716501-01.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>The same rule goes for other products like canvas and art posters. There are a lot of websites that you can choose from multiple sizes, but </span><a href="https://www.photowall.com/us?utm_source=ayumills&utm_medium=influencers" style="text-align: left;">Photowall</a><span style="text-align: left;"> allows you to make your art at the exact measurement you want. How cool is that!? I had never seen any other companies that offer this amazing feature. When you place an order, you get to see a preview of how your wallpaper will be printed, given the measurement of your wall, which gives you a very good idea of the scale of the design which you can even modify! There is so much room to customize.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6xQH2ZmPlUr8Rw4dhQvdtRT-S2-X3F-DT3MATpOJeCq6PH2_TurEPkgC4aU3OyJJ2SK-nC-3QJLrxw8tOSHXJs_7cIqh1NNmWmVHIP-EMc96nX6F6C_m7aivlApw-tMPFPQ27LJLwiEQV/s4032/PXL_20210503_201219544-01.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6xQH2ZmPlUr8Rw4dhQvdtRT-S2-X3F-DT3MATpOJeCq6PH2_TurEPkgC4aU3OyJJ2SK-nC-3QJLrxw8tOSHXJs_7cIqh1NNmWmVHIP-EMc96nX6F6C_m7aivlApw-tMPFPQ27LJLwiEQV/w480-h640/PXL_20210503_201219544-01.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><p>Included in the box with wallpapers was glue mix, which was nice, but I first wanted to see how the wallpaper would look like, so I made it removable this time by using <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008LAQYXI/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B008LAQYXI&linkCode=as2&tag=pinkpeng-20&linkId=6cde961b8273d2def62960dcb43fadd9">painter's tapes</a> and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0025W9AWA/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0025W9AWA&linkCode=as2&tag=pinkpeng-20&linkId=b18717eec3fd907e7cb1cbbf989f2749">double sided tapes</a> (Thanks to a great tutorial like <a href="https://www.makinghomebase.com/how-to-make-any-wallpaper-removeable/">this</a>!) I will eventually use the glue to make it permanent though now that my whole family is loving it ;)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZoOMGliwweMO9eXWYLksTYOOW3F5hKRiW_XEiRwZ5jJUTIlCsshLT3CPOY87lufCQJxyWUP6DtfNgIl8-fPDyeFKMtbG5QLQ_uOSO8yJhAijLA94b_mo7yH1y8LZwSWbOI9cr3_VpvYyZ/s4032/PXL_20210503_200924403-01.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZoOMGliwweMO9eXWYLksTYOOW3F5hKRiW_XEiRwZ5jJUTIlCsshLT3CPOY87lufCQJxyWUP6DtfNgIl8-fPDyeFKMtbG5QLQ_uOSO8yJhAijLA94b_mo7yH1y8LZwSWbOI9cr3_VpvYyZ/w480-h640/PXL_20210503_200924403-01.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p>I ordered mine to be premium quality. It certainly has a very quality plastic, yet smooth feel. I love that it is wipeable so I won't have to fret when my kiddos eat or do some painting projects in the room. It is also nicely sturdy and has good thickness to it so I never had to worry about it being ripped or having permanent creases during the process of cutting it and putting it up on the wall. I felt it wanted to cooperate with me and it did! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6L8VsrgLcehhEqtChjyyWx8ifQyr2kilZJb398S4VhrkSPsRf2zFqzdqvb-XkRmhufNJsyoHvP1jn0MTweIGmhwC6s31rxzvY1F3P4bTIP1GL60frjp1z52CGPI9nfhgbsSA4qepEkWu1/s4032/PXL_20210503_200950756-01.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6L8VsrgLcehhEqtChjyyWx8ifQyr2kilZJb398S4VhrkSPsRf2zFqzdqvb-XkRmhufNJsyoHvP1jn0MTweIGmhwC6s31rxzvY1F3P4bTIP1GL60frjp1z52CGPI9nfhgbsSA4qepEkWu1/w480-h640/PXL_20210503_200950756-01.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p>I had a lot of fun seeing the transformation of this room as I put up <a href="https://www.photowall.com/us/happy-forest-grey-wallpaper?utm_source=ayumills&utm_medium=influencers">this wallpaper (Happy Forest - Grey by Sne design)</a>. This room was one boring, neglected, and pretty dark room that I have always wanted to do something about because it is actually where we spend a lot of time in. Now this room is bright, cheerful, and even taller! I picked this design for this room not just because it was perfectly Nordic (that I have always been keen to), but also because I wanted this room to provide a calm, peaceful mind. Kids work on a lot of mindful projects daily in here like reading, doing homework, drawing, and playing the piano. I feel like I am in a sunny spot in some beautiful forest when I am in there now. It makes me feel relaxed and productive at the same time. This is exactly what I wanted this room to do for us! It is quite stunning how a simple thing like just putting up a wallpaper can do to change the whole atmosphere of the room and our mind. My girl claims it her room now that it is pretty, but my husband wants to be everyone's room!</p><p>I am so thankful of this opportunity to try out <a href="https://www.photowall.com/us?utm_source=ayumills&utm_medium=influencers">Photowall'</a>s high quality and beautiful wallpapers. I think I will order more from them in the future because I have some other room that needs more love. If you are like me and have a room or two that could get help of inspiring wallpapers to spiffy up, go ahead and check out their great, unique designs. There is a 25% off discount code on any products for you that is valid for a month from today : <b><i>ayu2021mills</i></b></p><p>Thank you for reading! </p>ayumillshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01559180448288069208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8190494273260138593.post-75480765098738372892019-11-22T11:36:00.004-08:002019-11-22T11:36:31.209-08:00Printable holiday messages<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLgxuRalfQ3x35W-VykHLrYlvG2CUclehmzg0hUUXgpa3TmAiDAoM8i9HsxCH9DznUUXuKqJiAbGnc-Uvaq-NXrLvTWOkDGc32kjS7iyLgDn6tMqZkThRIbPifXIgoHeX7QreY4k8brT_q/s1600/IMG_20191120_133012-01.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1526" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLgxuRalfQ3x35W-VykHLrYlvG2CUclehmzg0hUUXgpa3TmAiDAoM8i9HsxCH9DznUUXuKqJiAbGnc-Uvaq-NXrLvTWOkDGc32kjS7iyLgDn6tMqZkThRIbPifXIgoHeX7QreY4k8brT_q/s640/IMG_20191120_133012-01.jpeg" width="610" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Thank you so much to those of you who have purchased the <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/753586753/dresden-photo-frame-pdf-download" target="_blank">Dresden Photo Frame pattern</a> from<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/ayumills/" target="_blank"> my shop</a>. I really hope you will find it as fun and addictive as I feel about this little project. Even if you are a beginner of hand-applique, I still recommend giving it a try. I am quite far from calling hand applique my comfortable method, but this one is easy for me. It's much easier than English paper piecing hexagons in my opinion. I have a lot of photos to walk you through the steps in the instruction.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjPi5Eqq7ETM9bJg5pRVTbS-ALs8WpkIrMBmu1bVNgaJ61BS5TUE2LFEewvgxsnQiOYRVhUWvA277QDFwFZTErOagR0LSrWUNHYtGJQ8giFzcRZp2Css8yqo1ql9fPqM414qIbucYhCMhP/s1600/IMG_20191120_125233-01.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1544" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjPi5Eqq7ETM9bJg5pRVTbS-ALs8WpkIrMBmu1bVNgaJ61BS5TUE2LFEewvgxsnQiOYRVhUWvA277QDFwFZTErOagR0LSrWUNHYtGJQ8giFzcRZp2Css8yqo1ql9fPqM414qIbucYhCMhP/s640/IMG_20191120_125233-01.jpeg" width="616" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">A couple of friends told me they are making these frames for Christmas gifts. When I gift these frames, I always want to have something already framed. It helps recipients to know that it is a picture frame and she can either keep what's in it or replace it with a picture of her choice. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtEJUu4XZDnm-sYYTpB_W5la4s6LBaWFnHLXuVFF-Wkdgu7-efXavEh26A73WVQIDchnFwJ4PmqnFND8Y8wqw4M79s55pwNomH_DFFwj6oik1tt2WrDe5dAoLO5Qu6TVUE3YpztbBoH-pE/s1600/IMG_20191122_104642-01.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1567" data-original-width="1600" height="626" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtEJUu4XZDnm-sYYTpB_W5la4s6LBaWFnHLXuVFF-Wkdgu7-efXavEh26A73WVQIDchnFwJ4PmqnFND8Y8wqw4M79s55pwNomH_DFFwj6oik1tt2WrDe5dAoLO5Qu6TVUE3YpztbBoH-pE/s640/IMG_20191122_104642-01.jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Yesterday, I made some printable simple holiday messages. Each one measures a 3.25" perfect square to fit your <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/753586753/dresden-photo-frame-pdf-download" target="_blank">Dresden photo frames</a>. They are all very simple to let your pretty dresden shine. If you would like to print these for your frames or whatever holiday gift purposes, I'd be tickled pink! If you purchase <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/753591391/kit-dresden-photo-frame" target="_blank">a kit from my shop</a> by December 20th, 2019, I will include a printed sheet of holiday messages for you.</span><br />
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<a href="https://drive.google.com/open?id=1N8h3nhIv3xKcsZEo6R5_iOZnwsru_ocp" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Download Holiday Messages here :)</span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH0HzUvvhj_hqzj02XFJM56D0B7DTiteW6MBeZ74Ze64yf6ezbDY30VpKcoFaE1S9Y_6X68R7KoVjOppvBdZ8s4JdFldbgp5lz7CzxS54gBCGU22_aHoypxBbr08hYS_VQrleHh539ZnIG/s1600/IMG_20191122_091602-01.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1578" data-original-width="1600" height="630" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH0HzUvvhj_hqzj02XFJM56D0B7DTiteW6MBeZ74Ze64yf6ezbDY30VpKcoFaE1S9Y_6X68R7KoVjOppvBdZ8s4JdFldbgp5lz7CzxS54gBCGU22_aHoypxBbr08hYS_VQrleHh539ZnIG/s640/IMG_20191122_091602-01.jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Have a lovely Thanksgiving!!</span><br />
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<br />ayumillshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01559180448288069208noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8190494273260138593.post-55418042465342700072019-11-15T21:23:00.002-08:002019-11-15T21:23:52.996-08:00Dresden Photo Frame Pattern<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzZ-SxTRPHy-uHBsehiGfUQD8zpPvBgDJ9ytrM6M6O5QHU4IN4wE7JXCcdQCrgXbQWrD7ouh1N9mAjxsCG_P5ZT6VDUL-GRh2UWX3jwnxKSmyeHVKMbkBL1xuew9fJMWlcPKukzgv1EaKJ/s1600/IMG_20191115_103428-01.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzZ-SxTRPHy-uHBsehiGfUQD8zpPvBgDJ9ytrM6M6O5QHU4IN4wE7JXCcdQCrgXbQWrD7ouh1N9mAjxsCG_P5ZT6VDUL-GRh2UWX3jwnxKSmyeHVKMbkBL1xuew9fJMWlcPKukzgv1EaKJ/s640/IMG_20191115_103428-01.jpeg" width="614" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">So I finally finished up<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/753586753/dresden-photo-frame-pdf-download?ref=shop_home_active_2&pro=1" target="_blank"> my pattern for Dresden photo frame</a>. Yes, it took me only 5 years. That's it! lol. For those of you who have kindly reached out to me and asked if I would make this into a pattern back then, thank you SO very much and I am very sorry it took me all these years. The pattern will be always available for you in <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/ayumills/" target="_blank">my shop</a> now. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimw2TRgWbpc7ZP1F4n-sHms-AlRWM4bFMb8h9vNUjVu3lafVX0Hx7-2tN4dxV2-3mNcpl6xd-aOTVyKn6pRzcVBfBTwVQ9QHAZixniFLaJ46P-1vIlwXQtsOltCY3J0nJdr0X1k7qzg4r-/s1600/IMG_20191107_140157-01.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1503" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimw2TRgWbpc7ZP1F4n-sHms-AlRWM4bFMb8h9vNUjVu3lafVX0Hx7-2tN4dxV2-3mNcpl6xd-aOTVyKn6pRzcVBfBTwVQ9QHAZixniFLaJ46P-1vIlwXQtsOltCY3J0nJdr0X1k7qzg4r-/s640/IMG_20191107_140157-01.jpeg" width="600" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">This is probably one of my favorite things I made for the Japanese magazine (Patchwork Tsushin, that has unfortunately ended its publication.) I recall having a lot of fun choosing my very favorite picture of my daughter from the birth to 1 month period, 1 month to 2 month period, and so on. I still hang up these pictures on the wall and I get good comments on them often from guests. It sure is a cheerful way of framing some precious pictures. Depending on the type of fabric you use, this can be pretty versatile pattern. It can be a personalized Christmas ornaments for example. :)</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOz69-6ctqyE0Oo_SX2Han4ioI1vn_ZCV_yO4azEVjUFQSCrOPMaAauoxKHZR2FnKTOw_JrFYON1Xj3XJOqJ37RrORR5V5zKuOrVZee1YxZjljoDve4tx0iTLHkwNrEfYRdjIwmEXfJhWF/s1600/IMG_20191115_103740-01.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1480" data-original-width="1600" height="590" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOz69-6ctqyE0Oo_SX2Han4ioI1vn_ZCV_yO4azEVjUFQSCrOPMaAauoxKHZR2FnKTOw_JrFYON1Xj3XJOqJ37RrORR5V5zKuOrVZee1YxZjljoDve4tx0iTLHkwNrEfYRdjIwmEXfJhWF/s640/IMG_20191115_103740-01.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Because I wanted to make sure that even a beginner can tackle this project, I included 40 step-by-step photos for a tutorial, a lot like my tutorials in this blog.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">This project requires you to print petal patterns on cardstock (or matte photo paper) which I know isn't necessarily at everyone's house, so I made several <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/753591391/kit-dresden-photo-frame?ref=shop_home_active_1&pro=1" target="_blank">kits available for my shop</a> also. A kit of this pattern includes a printed PDF, petal patterns printed on cardstock like paper, and stabilizer piece that has patterns already drawn on for you, so you can start making your frame right away with your fabric.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Both PDF download and Kit will be on sale - 15% off - til November 22nd.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Thank you so much for reading! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Have a lovely weekend!</span>ayumillshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01559180448288069208noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8190494273260138593.post-82117193560870486122019-11-09T08:56:00.000-08:002019-11-09T08:56:55.003-08:00Tissue boxes to shine!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2ym5QKffMdzjiNZ_izOcyuzPZWYxrF3KXEAO46aYz_CqFGWSfe1l4w6mg1KhRpgJx748FCrmd8tnnpifIPyKIpp7jg8Fd5nOGS7hD5x7e6WuYVTvctHIrmfQ9qeWMTmFnJBkKku43kjym/s1600/IMG_20191107_152049-01.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1533" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2ym5QKffMdzjiNZ_izOcyuzPZWYxrF3KXEAO46aYz_CqFGWSfe1l4w6mg1KhRpgJx748FCrmd8tnnpifIPyKIpp7jg8Fd5nOGS7hD5x7e6WuYVTvctHIrmfQ9qeWMTmFnJBkKku43kjym/s640/IMG_20191107_152049-01.jpeg" width="612" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I got to gift these to my friends yesterday so I can finally post. Yay! The 'Shine' pattern is from <a href="https://payhip.com/sewichigo" target="_blank">Sew Ichigo shop</a>, owned by uber talented <a href="https://verykerryberry.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Kerry </a>and <a href="https://sewtakeahike.typepad.com/" target="_blank">Penny</a>, where you can find the cutest paper-piecing patterns possible! The actual pattern is 6" square finished, but I had to distort just a tiny bit to get it to the right size for one side of a Kleenex tissue box. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOLVMJpObGYfxkhz-0nFiOn7x800rM0Uhyphenhyphen224O3LE3FD1K4L1c1_x3_Quc1wdlGVYXEifi22D6jzxE12pa92k9M-MgbhQP8GQgzrXCZKLOMTZcgehJ55t1EF99pd3o6qis_zVhTitsAvPl/s1600/IMG_20191107_153200-01.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1547" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOLVMJpObGYfxkhz-0nFiOn7x800rM0Uhyphenhyphen224O3LE3FD1K4L1c1_x3_Quc1wdlGVYXEifi22D6jzxE12pa92k9M-MgbhQP8GQgzrXCZKLOMTZcgehJ55t1EF99pd3o6qis_zVhTitsAvPl/s640/IMG_20191107_153200-01.jpeg" width="618" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I love this pattern so much. It had been such a long time since I got to work on very intricate paper-piecing patterns and forgot the joy of working with teeny tiny pieces and seeing how they can SHINE :)</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho20twL1X5fZcCF36n3ljCxhvK0GrwC2c02wSiOoeRxtdsOk0V_QuQOQTU_yJBOF1CJJliK8p1eRq99rpxMuiAq2HPvBTCeFhx3bIjHBeG8x19-qw1NQkzwDVdTye4JO-mJ5KPFAcDhndR/s1600/IMG_20191107_152501-01.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1451" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho20twL1X5fZcCF36n3ljCxhvK0GrwC2c02wSiOoeRxtdsOk0V_QuQOQTU_yJBOF1CJJliK8p1eRq99rpxMuiAq2HPvBTCeFhx3bIjHBeG8x19-qw1NQkzwDVdTye4JO-mJ5KPFAcDhndR/s640/IMG_20191107_152501-01.jpeg" width="580" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">How I made it is basically the same way I made<a href="http://ayumills.blogspot.com/2009/07/tutorial-reversible-tissue-box-cover.html" target="_blank"> this tutorial </a>(Goodness it is over 10 years old! LOL!), but I made the hole on the top a round shape, and also used two thin (like 1/4") elastics to two opposite sides rather than having one thick elastic in the middle.(Well, I made it that way first and it turned out it doesn't work for this smaller Kleenex box) So there were a lot of trial and error as I worked on it and I can still think of a few things I could have done differently, but I guess that is what I can say about all my projects, haha. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGc9QXbuTPzoyn80HKa2fCEyVaOu_qCVuQHg9Vxw09Egd48J1LGpYKIU3W8HA_2UjXBhCaG59KXPgblVmQyH-LO9hwqMVLBeORKQeD0lbujPy-NgnIPMaokXVtQbvsKf71C3YQqzJKaCP_/s1600/IMG_20191107_153021-01.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1391" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGc9QXbuTPzoyn80HKa2fCEyVaOu_qCVuQHg9Vxw09Egd48J1LGpYKIU3W8HA_2UjXBhCaG59KXPgblVmQyH-LO9hwqMVLBeORKQeD0lbujPy-NgnIPMaokXVtQbvsKf71C3YQqzJKaCP_/s640/IMG_20191107_153021-01.jpeg" width="556" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Sewing gifts for friends who can sew anything can be tricky. You know they probably have plenty pouches, potholders, pincushions... so I had to think of something they are likely to not have yet and also could use an extra even if they already have it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I'll have to make one for my living room for sure. This Shine pattern makes me very happy.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9oLh2cR8GllpgAQFqpC-fTnhPL-0wOe7V_wm26Ye0MTfTtJsz5f-D6o69I1XT1IP3xcAMAPxwSR84vhbtk7RyIi7xyF-Svt9_uBzSMMyofEzLxPV4Xe7ra-70LbvBAWks_FamGYl9N5WY/s1600/IMG_20191107_132357-01.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1401" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9oLh2cR8GllpgAQFqpC-fTnhPL-0wOe7V_wm26Ye0MTfTtJsz5f-D6o69I1XT1IP3xcAMAPxwSR84vhbtk7RyIi7xyF-Svt9_uBzSMMyofEzLxPV4Xe7ra-70LbvBAWks_FamGYl9N5WY/s640/IMG_20191107_132357-01.jpeg" width="560" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">This is one of Dresden photo frames I made for a Japanese magazine more than 5 years ago. (<a href="http://ayumills.blogspot.com/2014/04/dressden-photo-frames-for-patchwork.html" target="_blank">Blogged about here.</a>) I have had many kind requests to make it into a pattern and I am finally, <i>finally</i>, putting it together and is almost done! Once it is ready, I will have it available in <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/ayumills/" target="_blank">my shop</a> and will come back to blog about it!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Thank you for reading this! Have a lovely weekend!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>ayumillshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01559180448288069208noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8190494273260138593.post-51585563243954193422019-10-14T13:40:00.001-07:002019-10-14T13:43:08.757-07:00Mini Liberty Tote<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipajpNTAAUjhvRl0Y1ovKpHmNAOooqyMgd2c__40wKbJVmoeC-VJ8J2hgswd8sgHIsSSZn8RoKiNjf-mL7et007adEl0ty34ziaDj01G3v9xmYSb8r4K0n60-BTQPpYZdZCfO3YP0dTmmG/s1600/IMG_20191014_105002-01.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipajpNTAAUjhvRl0Y1ovKpHmNAOooqyMgd2c__40wKbJVmoeC-VJ8J2hgswd8sgHIsSSZn8RoKiNjf-mL7et007adEl0ty34ziaDj01G3v9xmYSb8r4K0n60-BTQPpYZdZCfO3YP0dTmmG/s640/IMG_20191014_105002-01.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Thank you so much for all of you for welcoming me back so warmly. To be honest, it was extremely nerve wrecking to post something on the blog and instagram. It is just so wonderful to have time to enjoy sewing without feeling any guilt now.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgscLmYZjKnT9FLeQRSei0zzNUrWftyFHybeT-H_-wA8u9ZCSuou7TNY9mdVpqGiH8YhOL-W8s0neVXVPleBsBrzcQ682sV9Jozh14ls9tXMWtyXF6DYZ8N0AkPsKew2J-SaqVGQ5dec1Xz/s1600/IMG_20191014_104908-01.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1365" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgscLmYZjKnT9FLeQRSei0zzNUrWftyFHybeT-H_-wA8u9ZCSuou7TNY9mdVpqGiH8YhOL-W8s0neVXVPleBsBrzcQ682sV9Jozh14ls9tXMWtyXF6DYZ8N0AkPsKew2J-SaqVGQ5dec1Xz/s640/IMG_20191014_104908-01.jpeg" width="546" /></a></div>
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As you can see I am still addicted to Dresden plate applique. At least this time I made a little difference by having two petals away, like "He loves me not" daisy. Most fabric I used for the Dresden plate is Liberty of London that I had bought in Japan. As much as I love Liberty of London, I can't afford a whole lot, so most Liberty of London I have is only a fat eighth or even smaller.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinzzRvR35t8aU19eVR14PoaG3cvUP6HEAQ18Rog6cTwP2WfkkVaypuW-YQ8c2-kIStGfHp-Xb5nx8mx2C1Air4fh8GX-oX9NVH5SjP-DeqdunRmoUbvBkvJlw1U1z7n1zpMi7uNgUZiTzu/s1600/IMG_20191014_104845-01.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1317" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinzzRvR35t8aU19eVR14PoaG3cvUP6HEAQ18Rog6cTwP2WfkkVaypuW-YQ8c2-kIStGfHp-Xb5nx8mx2C1Air4fh8GX-oX9NVH5SjP-DeqdunRmoUbvBkvJlw1U1z7n1zpMi7uNgUZiTzu/s640/IMG_20191014_104845-01.jpeg" width="526" /></a></div>
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It felt great to be able to play with small scraps of Liberty. Goodness they are so pretty together. I've listed this mini tote in <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/ayumills" target="_blank">the shop.</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRk4Z2nixyWenJH5iPAushEE-9NBqG-z9f8gnGRxkCVWcV5g3oLetHFAGduEiyD6UcXXautm1jL4kpRqCUBduEfka5k5IZzALKM-3GF7GxKzFmO4bp7nn2U5x7pN80DhyufITRe2UBW9dv/s1600/IMG_20190911_141314.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRk4Z2nixyWenJH5iPAushEE-9NBqG-z9f8gnGRxkCVWcV5g3oLetHFAGduEiyD6UcXXautm1jL4kpRqCUBduEfka5k5IZzALKM-3GF7GxKzFmO4bp7nn2U5x7pN80DhyufITRe2UBW9dv/s640/IMG_20190911_141314.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Have a great rest of the week!<br />
<br />ayumillshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01559180448288069208noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8190494273260138593.post-30891605539411225112019-10-06T09:31:00.002-07:002019-10-06T09:31:54.912-07:00It's been so long!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhisYg6jODUpx2WOT1s_9XQrPKw5czUdkVbIKLZ6bpFS6M-zKltiNDgFkV8yzAkG5m5Ll5QjCqj5g0hB3nRlPmqJldJ2HLz1-iyy3DmyxVp4w7C976GWmgSBbj3BLAr4Lh8KjehyaG4lzit/s1600/IMG_20190922_143539-01.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1368" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhisYg6jODUpx2WOT1s_9XQrPKw5czUdkVbIKLZ6bpFS6M-zKltiNDgFkV8yzAkG5m5Ll5QjCqj5g0hB3nRlPmqJldJ2HLz1-iyy3DmyxVp4w7C976GWmgSBbj3BLAr4Lh8KjehyaG4lzit/s640/IMG_20190922_143539-01.jpeg" width="546" /></a></div>
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It has been way too long! How have you all been? I am so sorry for being away for so long. I didn't mean to abandon this blog but that's what it seemed like. I really don't know if anyone is still reading blogs but I thought to come back here to share some of patchwork items I've whipped up recently. I didn't take a long break from just blogging/instagram but also from sewing patchwork items. The past few years were probably the busiest time ever in my life. With two little ones two years apart, we've moved several times, even across overseas. Prioritizing what's the most important part of life, I have found myself needing all these years to devote my energy to things other than blogging and playing with cute fabrics. I feel guilty for my withdrawal and have missed the sewing community that is so kind, encouraging. and inspiring. Now my little one is in preschool so I have some time for playful sewing and I am loving it.</div>
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It's pretty crazy that I have brought with me SO much fabric every time I moved. I have given away a lot of it to friends in Japan to make the move to the US easy (Yes, I am back in the US now!), but I still had quite ridiculous amount. Finding the place to store them has always been an issue everywhere I lived. This is pretty embarrassing especially since I once considered myself a minimalist after being hugely inspired by Marie Kondo's books. I guess after all my fabrics are those things she calls 'things that spark joy" to me. I just love them! When I see them and hold them in my hands, I feel joy as much as I did the first time I got them many years ago. </div>
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I did make some garments for kids and myself during my break but that wasn't the same as sewing patchwork items. Sewing garments were fun and gave me instant gratification but it didn't bring this much joy. Making these oven mitts, I got to play with my very favorite fabrics. It was like justifying my hoarding and giving them a reason they had to follow me everywhere.<br />
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Thank you for friends who have purchased my oven mitts from my shop. </div>
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This oven mitt is listed in<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/ayumills?" target="_blank"> the shop</a> now.</div>
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And as you can see, I am quite addicted to hand-applique. Something about curvy finished edges is so cute. I used a brand new clock making kit to make this clock but I don't know if the clock will function ok, but making it was so fun I think I will get more kits to make more. This clock too is listed in <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/ayumills?" target="_blank">my shop</a> if you have a room that needs a wall clock.</div>
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I hope to be back soon! I hope you are all enjoying sewing whenever you can! </div>
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Thank you for remembering me and taking the time to read this post!</div>
ayumillshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01559180448288069208noreply@blogger.com38tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8190494273260138593.post-52557291457637984492016-06-27T00:00:00.000-07:002016-06-27T00:00:15.383-07:00Block #80 Patricia ~ Farmer's Wife ~<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Welcome to this stop for The Farmer's Wife 1930's Sampler Quilt QAL hosted by the lovely <a href="http://verykerryberry.blogspot.jp/" target="_blank">Kerry</a> of verykerryberry. Here is my block #80 Patricia. I made it using paper piecing patterns in the CD that comes with <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Farmers-Wife-1930s-Sampler-Quilt/dp/1440241465/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&qid=1466896536&sr=8-1&keywords=farmer%27s+wife&linkCode=li2&tag=pinkpeng-20&linkId=8ac5aed5f39681cc0d0bf9a13fbdc9b7" target="_blank">this book</a>. I didn't look at the beautifully finished block in the book until I was done with mine only because I enjoy a surprise :) We all know the same quilt blocks can look completely different depending on your fabric combinations and how you put them together. So I didn't know that<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Farmers-Wife-1930s-Sampler-Quilt/dp/1440241465/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&qid=1466896536&sr=8-1&keywords=farmer%27s+wife&linkCode=li2&tag=pinkpeng-20&linkId=8ac5aed5f39681cc0d0bf9a13fbdc9b7" target="_blank"> this block</a>, Patricia, was actually one of the blocks on the book cover until I looked inside the book!<br />
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It looks pretty different, don't you think?! This is why patchwork is so much fun - endless possibilities!<br />
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I love biking everywhere, with two little ones, one in front and the other in the baby carrier attached to me. (It probably sounds weird to some of you, but it is typical around here in Tokyo, where most people don't own a car.)<br />
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I had so much fun making this and can't thank my sweet friend <a href="http://verykerryberry.blogspot.jp/" target="_blank">Kerry</a> to have me be a part of this journey. This gives me such a great opportunity to make something beautiful and to bring me back the joy patchwork can give me. What positive, uplifting energy!<br />
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I have been terrible at keeping you updated. I am so sorry about that! Things are much less hectic here in this household. Honoka is almost three. When she was going through terrible twos, she was like a little crazy monster but now she is a sweet little girl.<br />
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Hayato is 9 months old. He is much less colicky and is quite adventurous and mischievous!<br />
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I am finally starting to feel more in control and to learn tricks to squeeze in some sewing time here and there. Like many of you kind friends have kindly let me know, it is only a matter of time until I will have more time, energy, and confidence to sew.<br />
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I can't wait to connect with the sewing world again, but until then,<br />
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I will be enjoying this time when my kids are little, adorable, and crazy as much as I can :) Seeing them grow daily is just beyond thrilling.<br />
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If you are reading this because you are subscribed to it, thank you so much for not forgetting about me! I really hope to come back to blogging more often.<br />
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Hope you are enjoying the beginning of summer (or winter if you are in Australia/New Zealand) :)<br />
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xoxo!ayumillshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01559180448288069208noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8190494273260138593.post-13302028748817397372016-01-11T00:00:00.000-08:002016-01-10T06:14:04.424-08:00#33 Farmer's Wife<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I am so glad to be back here! It has been way too long, hasn't it?! Before I explain why I have been so quiet here, I want to show you some blocks I've made from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1440241465/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1440241465&linkCode=as2&tag=pinkpeng-20&linkId=B5633Q5LQ4LHXTPC" rel="nofollow">The Farmer's Wife 1930's Sampler Quilt by Laurie Aaron Hird</a> so far. If you are here, you are probably sewing along with the lovely Kerry of <a href="http://verykerryberry.blogspot.jp/" target="_blank">very kerry berry</a> and a bunch of talented gals!<br />
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I am so thankful Kerry has introduced me to this amazing book! All the 99 block designs in the book are just so lovely! Today I am posting this block, #33 Farmer's Wife. Laurie managed to express this design with just one solid and one printed fabric beautifully. I thought I would be adventurous and try out something different just for exploration, but I am not sure if I like how it turned out. Because the diagram is a little complex, this block may be prettier if you execute it with a fewer fabric choices.<br />
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I love this book partly because not only it comes with a CD that includes templates for all 99 blocks, does it offer paper piecing patterns for every one of them! Since I like to paper-piece whenever possible, of course I am using paper-piecing patterns. One thing I noticed while paper-piecing sections of this block was that the last four sections, the most outer border part, had to be sewn with a printed side of paper down because those four pieces weren't mirror image. Maybe that is how all paper-piecing patterns work for this book..? I just haven't had a chance to look at other blocks' patterns closely. Most blocks seem to be symmetrical anyway, so mirror image or not doesn't matter :) Just wanted to mention in case you are using paper-piecing patterns.<br />
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Another block I've made is #1 Addie. I like this one a lot :) I have a few blocks from Laurie's <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0896898288/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0896898288&linkCode=as2&tag=pinkpeng-20&linkId=ZV26MDRYNU4H3XBP" target="_blank">first Farmer's Wife book</a>, so I am hoping to use all the blocks to make one quilt. I have so many blocks I want to make in the book too. I am just too slow!<br />
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Well, one excuse I have for my low productivity in the sewing department is that I have a new baby now! He was born on September 8th last year and his name is Hayato. He looks a lot like his sister but his personality is completely different. Unlike Honoka who was a pretty happy easy-going baby, Hayato has been one poor baby who is always uncomfortable and crying all the time. We love so very much and are desperate for a day when he will be much happier.<br />
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Honoka is a busy two and half year old. She is going through the max phase of terrible twos. We don't have close by family and available childcare isn't affordable for us. It has been quite chaotic around here as you can imagine, haha.<br />
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I sure don't have as much time and energy as compared to before that I can devote to what love to do which is sewing and being connected to friends online, but I am aware this is just temporary and family is my priority. I don't want to miss this precious time when kids are still little, adorable, and silly!<br />
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There are SO many things I want to make. The list is sooo long, but I know time will come back!!!</div>
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Now I spend most of the day outside because Honoka has a lot of energy to burn and Hayato calms down when we are out. </div>
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It isn't too bad to take a long break. Yes, but it took me such a long to come to realize that. Now I can say from my heart I am doing the best I can and I am one happy mama and wife!</div>
ayumillshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01559180448288069208noreply@blogger.com52tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8190494273260138593.post-37526141472352183572015-04-22T06:00:00.000-07:002015-04-22T06:00:05.808-07:00The Stash-Busting blog hop<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl1I8DaZTDPLntWbzmXeDhCdY3esClZEmO_j6eLtQJ5SA2kX5mxi-NDq6omN5sfzS9IAYfLstRe-vKE1atW6-1RqLmiyxsiXQSBBNfHeKLbZOO3HgoU1fV1-inm-D4sT4ZL5Y1Aa-AvNEi/s1600/unnamed.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl1I8DaZTDPLntWbzmXeDhCdY3esClZEmO_j6eLtQJ5SA2kX5mxi-NDq6omN5sfzS9IAYfLstRe-vKE1atW6-1RqLmiyxsiXQSBBNfHeKLbZOO3HgoU1fV1-inm-D4sT4ZL5Y1Aa-AvNEi/s1600/unnamed.png" /></a></div>
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I am excited to be back here to host a stop for Stash Busting blog hop for Kim Kruzich's new sweet book titled <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/144630521X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=144630521X&linkCode=as2&tag=pinkpeng-20&linkId=72SN45W6J6SBHIZR" target="_blank">Retro Mama Scrap Happy Sewing</a>! I've always admired her cute works over <a href="http://retro-mama.blogspot.jp/" target="_blank">her blog</a> for ages, so it was really exciting to know that she wrote a book!! Before seeing anything, I knew I'd have to get it because I knew it would be awesome. And of course I was right!! This book has 18 super cute projects that you can create from scrappy fabrics! Every one of them is just so cute and adorable and you will find a perfect gift for anyone from young children who would enjoy stuffed toys to your friends who love pouches!<br />
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I made this Take it East Cross-Body Bag from the book. I am so happy that I made it for myself! I rarely ever make anything for myself. Even when I think I am making something for myself, I end up giving it away if the result is good. This bag is an exception. It turned out nice because of Kim's easy and thorough instruction but I don't have the gut to part with it.<br />
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The functionality is amazing. It is a perfect size for a very quick outing like grocery shopping. It is rummy enough for my wallet, cellphone, some snack, one diaper and wipes. It has a nice zippered pocket which I am sure I will be using something to hide from my girl like chocolate. I am pretty sure I will be using this almost daily from now on. I'll have to make a smaller version for my girl because she is loving it possibly more than I do.<br />
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I used Liberty fabric (Japan print) and 100% linen for the outer and my Lighthearted fabric for the lining.<br />
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See the blog hop schedule <a href="http://ideas.stitchcraftcreate.co.uk/stash-busting-blog-hop/" target="_blank">here </a>and be inspired by talented ladies playing with the book :)<br />
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If you are a UK resident and would like to win a copy of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/144630521X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=144630521X&linkCode=as2&tag=pinkpeng-20&linkId=72SN45W6J6SBHIZR" target="_blank">Retro Mama Scrap Happy Sewing</a>, a copy <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1446305910/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1446305910&linkCode=as2&tag=pinkpeng-20&linkId=4UQR5XNPSNZG7UPI">50 Fat Quarter Makes</a> and some beautiful fat quarter bundle, remember to enter the giveaway going on over <a href="http://ideas.stitchcraftcreate.co.uk/sewing-books-fabric-giveaway/" target="_blank">here</a>!<br />
<br />ayumillshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01559180448288069208noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8190494273260138593.post-48806565551436057532015-04-21T21:10:00.000-07:002015-04-21T21:10:51.476-07:00Winner of Make it Take it<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXCpEF7V3k6v09Tg4nzfVK6sInOmmq-XhCbjer8ehu-i8Q-A2k88WlsHhiuQwPdpMi1Tq2wmvGSnef1hvZZzoJfgI2xtxAjGVY-5CI9y-xTaPtj4kcwrT1g8SWObEwXsyvx1orKVZ24tC7/s1600/q2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXCpEF7V3k6v09Tg4nzfVK6sInOmmq-XhCbjer8ehu-i8Q-A2k88WlsHhiuQwPdpMi1Tq2wmvGSnef1hvZZzoJfgI2xtxAjGVY-5CI9y-xTaPtj4kcwrT1g8SWObEwXsyvx1orKVZ24tC7/s1600/q2.jpg" height="200" width="173" /></a></div>
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Congratulations go to Tamie! I will contact you shortly!</div>
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I will be back tomorrow morning!</div>
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Hope you are having a nice week so far!</div>
ayumillshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01559180448288069208noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8190494273260138593.post-91758916364216573992015-04-14T05:37:00.001-07:002015-04-14T05:37:32.713-07:00Messy!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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二日連続ずっと雨でずっと引きこもってしまったぁ。明日外に出してあげるのが楽しみだな。歩乃歌は毎日新しい言葉を発してるから面白い。最近は、「すごいね~!」と「待ってよ~!」をいっぱい言ってるよ。<br />
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Two rainy days in a row meant we never got a chance to leave the apartment for two days. I can't wait to take her outside tomorrow. Honoka has so many new words she can say now everyday. Lately she likes to say "Sugoi ne" (Impressive, isn't it) about everything especially when she can accomplish something. She also says "Matte yo!" (Wait for me!) very often.ayumillshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01559180448288069208noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8190494273260138593.post-26302786588413772332015-04-11T06:00:00.000-07:002015-04-11T06:00:02.767-07:00Make it Take it Blog Tour<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Welcome to this stop for Make it Take it blog tour! <a href="http://poppyprintcreates.blogspot.jp/" target="_blank">Krista Hennebury</a>, the author of this beautiful book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1604684879/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1604684879&linkCode=as2&tag=pinkpeng-20&linkId=FVDH24F77BHO7LYG" target="_blank">Make it Take it</a>, has been a very lovely friend of mine for years. I couldn't be happier when she shared with me the news she was writing this book. She is a very talented quilter/sewist but to me, what makes her very special is her friendship. She has always been willing to help friends in need, teach them, and support however way she can, (not to mention <a href="http://ayumills.blogspot.com/2013/05/filled-with-quilt-love.html" target="_blank">this amazing alphabet quilt</a> she has put together with friends for my baby!) This book's theme is around 'sewing together' which I think is appropriate and perfect for her first book. She has years of experience in attending retreats, sewing with friends, and teaching. Unfortunately I have never had a chance to sew with her just because we live way too far away from each other, but her MQG has always been the guild I want to attend the most partly because there are many other members in it that I've known for years and have admired as well!<br />
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I am just so honored that I was able to contribute my project for this book filled with ubber talented people. To be honest, I was nervous because I knew most contributors including Krista herself are way beyond creative, and I didn't know I could come up with something that is up to the standard! Well, but this is very typical of me to feel inadequate, but this was an opportunity I had to right jump in!<br />
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I ended up designing these bags for her book. When Krista asked me to come up with a design for her book, it was right around the time I made <a href="http://ayumills.blogspot.com/2012/10/the-winner.html" target="_blank">this bag</a> over two years ago. I had a lot of requests to make it into a pattern/write a tutorial on it, so I suggested the project for the book, and Krista kindly accepted it. I need to warn you that there are minor corrections to my pattern. <a href="http://shopmartingale.com/corrections/B1279_corrections.pdf" target="_blank">Here</a> is a link to a correct instruction. (See the part squared in the yellow line under the cutting instruction: in the book it asks you to cut two pieces but you only need just one.) So sorry about this!<br />
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There are so many things I want to make in this book! So far I've made these double scissor keepers which are designed by the lovely Amy of <a href="http://duringquiettime.com/" target="_blank">During Quiet Time</a>. This is so fun and easy to make, and it is such a great project for quick gift making. It is very likely your sewing friend has scissors that need to be organized in a pretty, handy way like this, but it isn't likely she already has a cute keeper for her scissors, right? I am giving these to my mom and my mother-in-law as birthday presents. Now I know I need one for myself too because it is perfect for my great Kai scissors my friend Mary gifted me :)<br />
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Fabric used for these is Denise Schmidt's older fabric (floral) and my Lighthearted (text).<br />
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Here is the blog tour schedule!<br />
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Friday, April 3 Blog hop kick-off: <a href="http://poppyprintcreates.blogspot.jp/2015/04/make-it-take-it-blog-hop.html" target="_blank">Right here</a>!<br />
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Monday, April 6: Berene at <a href="https://happysewlucky.wordpress.com/">Happy Sew Lucky </a>and Amy at <a href="http://www.duringquiettime.com/">During Quiet Time</a><br />
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Tuesday, April 7: Leanne at <a href="http://www.shecanquilt.ca/">She Can Quilt </a>and Felicity at <a href="http://www.felicityquilts.com/">Felicity Quilts</a><br />
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Wednesday, April 8: Martingale Inc. at <a href="http://blog.shopmartingale.com/">Stitch this!</a> (check out their Rainbow Round the Cabin staff party!)<br />
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Thursday, April 9: Krista at <a href="http://spottedstone.blogspot.ca/">Spotted Stones</a> and Krista at <a href="http://kristawithersquilting.blogspot.ca/">Krista Withers Quilting</a><br />
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Friday, April 10: Lynne at <a href="http://lilysquilts.blogspot.ca/">Lilys Quilts</a> and Cindy at <a href="http://www.liveacolorfullife.net/">Live a Colorful Life</a><br />
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Saturday, April 11: Ayumi at <a href="http://ayumills.blogspot.pt/">Pink Penguin</a> and Krista at <a href="http://www.poppyprintcreates.blogspot.com/">Poppyprint</a><br />
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Sunday, April 12: Kristie at <a href="http://ocd-obsessivecraftingdisorder.blogspot.ca/">OCD: Obsessive Crafting Disorder </a>and Christina at <a href="http://sometimescrafter.com/blog/">Sometimes Crafter</a><br />
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I hope you will get your hands on this fabulous book and make lots of things from it with your friends! If you would like to win a digital copy of this book, leave me one comment! The giveaway will close on the 14th and a winner will be announced soon after that. Good luck :)ayumillshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01559180448288069208noreply@blogger.com114tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8190494273260138593.post-84847245676118732232015-04-05T01:10:00.000-07:002015-04-05T01:10:02.995-07:00The winner of The Paper-Pieced Home is...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Thank you to eveyone for your sweet comments on my previous post! The winner of a copy of The Paper-Pieced Home by Penny Layman is...<br />
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Marco!! Congratulations! Could you do me a favor to email me your mailing address for your copy to be sent to? Thank you!!<br />
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Hope you are having a lovely weekend wherever you are! Let me leave you with some pictures from last week where cherry blossom trees were amazing here in Tokyo, Japan!<br />
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<br />ayumillshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01559180448288069208noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8190494273260138593.post-69858582517418664572015-03-26T06:57:00.000-07:002015-04-05T00:49:45.415-07:00The Paper-Pieced Home Blog Tour: Allie-Gator<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><i><a href="http://bit.ly/1zClNAv" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">The Paper-Pieced Home: Quilting a Household One Block at a Time</a></i></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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By Penny Layman<u></u><u></u></div>
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Interweave/F+W; $26.99<u></u><u></u></div>
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<a href="http://bit.ly/1zClNAv" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://bit.ly/1zClNAv</a></div>
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I am very excited to host a stop for The Paper-Pieced Home Blog Tour by my dear friend <a href="http://sewtakeahike.typepad.com/">Penny Layman</a> on my blog today! I feel I've said this so many times already, but I just love Penny and everything she makes!! I don't know if I had discovered the joy of paper-piecing if she had not kindly invited me to co-host our <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/ringopie/">Ringo Pie bee</a> years ago where we designed and made a paper-pieced block each month with super talented gals. I fell completely in love with paper-piecing techniques, and as of today it is by far my favorite sewing technique. So you can imagine my excitement when I heard about her writing her first book full of her original paper-pieced block designs!!! I knew her book would be amazing, but it even exceeded my expectation. How could that be possible?! It has so many amazing patterns and there is a CD inserted with all full sized patterns!</div>
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<span style="font-size: 11pt;">When I had to choose a project for this tour, it was so hard because thought I could make literally anything in this book joyfully!! So I ended up sending a long list of projects I want to make and had the coordinator pick one for me from it :) I am happy this</span><span style="font-size: 14.6666669845581px;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14.6666669845581px;">Allie-Gator Block was selected, because he is super cute, and I just needed to start making a quilt for my nephew to be born next month! This is my first time to see my sister being pregnant, and I am beyond excited to welcome a boy in the family! </span></div>
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Both my sister and her husband are big eaters! My sister is already concerned about food expense since she expects her son to be a big eater like them. I somehow wanted to include some food theme in this quilt, so I modified the pattern between the alligator's teeth just a bit only so I could fit in some chocolate cake and a cherry. And then, I thought I want to incorporate more of food stuff into the quilt so I made the patchwork border around it. (Each square is 2 3/4" finished) <span style="font-size: 14.6666660308838px;">This turned definitely too busy for my sister's taste. She likes things soft and quiet, and that's why she never seems to appreciate anything I've made for her lol. Well, it may be the case this will be another thing she won't like very much, but I bet her son may like it.</span></div>
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My girl, Honoka, is having a lot of fun learning new words everyday. In this household, we speak English and Japanese completely mixed, (which is not good, I know) so she would point at chickens if I ask her where "cock a doodle doo" is and enjoys telling me which ones are "Go" (which comes from a Japanese word, Ichigo, meaning strawberries) and "JinJin"(which comes from a Japanese word, Ninjin, meaning Carrots) If my nephew is a big food lover like his parents expect, then he should learn these words quickly and joyfully from this quilt. Well I hope so!! (Most fabric I used in this quilt top is from Lighthearted, my fabric for Kokka which I still have some left in <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/ayumills">my shop</a>. You can still find them at some shops too - see the shop list in the previous blogpost.)</div>
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I think I will embroider his name above the cute alligator's head or applique because the white part seems a bit too strong to me. Then I will probably hand-quilt just like Penny did for hers in the book! Oh I should mention that Penny offers this Allie-gator patterns in two sizes. I picked a larger version. </div>
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If you love paper-piecing and all things retro, you will covet this book like myself, I promise! This may become one of my very first book that I make everything from!!</div>
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Here is the schedule for this blog tour. Go ahead and be inspired by all the amazing things these talented ladies are making from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1620335972/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1620335972&linkCode=as2&tag=pinkpeng-20&linkId=U3X7AR7EML7XM4IT" target="_blank">this awesome book</a>!</div>
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3/16 <a href="http://www.mccallsquilting.com/blogs/," style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">McCall’s Quilting</a> / Sewing Machine Block<u></u><u></u></div>
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3/17 <a href="http://www.fonsandporter.com/blogs/?tag=love-of-quilting" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Love of Quilting</a> / Review<u></u><u></u></div>
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3/17 <a href="http://craftyplanner.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Sandi Sawa Hazlewood of Crafty Planner</a> / Watering Can Block<u></u><u></u></div>
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3/18 <a href="http://www.quiltmaker.com/blogs/quiltypleasures/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Quilty Pleasure</a> (<i>Quiltmaker</i> blog) / Review<u></u><u></u></div>
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3/18 <a href="http://imaginegnats.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Imagine Gnats</a> / Rotary Phone Block<u></u><u></u></div>
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3/20 <a href="http://verykerryberry.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Verykerryberry</a> / Lion Block<u></u><u></u></div>
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3/21 <a href="https://artisania.wordpress.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Artisania</a> / Cast-Iron Skillet Block<u></u><u></u></div>
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3/23 <a href="http://wheretheorchidsgrow.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Where the Orchids Grow</a> / Lamp Block<u></u><u></u></div>
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3/24 <a href="http://www.swimbikequilt.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Katie Blakesley of Swim Bike Quilt</a> / Layer Cake Block<u></u><u></u></div>
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3/24 <a href="http://www.houseonhillroad.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">House on Hill Road</a> / Oven Mitt Block<u></u><u></u></div>
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3/24 <a href="http://www.freshlypieced.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Lee Heinrich of Freshly Pieced</a> / BBQ Grill Block<u></u><u></u></div>
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3/26 <a href="http://ayumills.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Pink Penguin</a> / Allie-Gator Block<u></u><u></u></div>
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3/26 <a href="http://ahappystitch.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">A Happy Stitch</a> / Giraffe Block<u></u><u></u></div>
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3/27 <a href="http://www.bijoulovelydesigns.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Bijou Lovely</a> / Jar Block<u></u><u></u></div>
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3/27 <a href="http://neverenoughhours.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Two Little Banshees</a> / Saucepan Block<u></u><u></u></div>
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3/27 <a href="http://charisecreates.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Charise Creates</a> / Espresso Mug Block<u></u><u></u></div>
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3/30 <a href="http://karenlewistextiles.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Karen Lewis Textiles</a> / Couch Block<u></u><u></u></div>
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3/31 <a href="http://www.poppyprintcreates.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Poppyprint</a> / Clawfoot Tub Block<u></u><u></u></div>
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3/31 <a href="http://www.oneshabbychick.typepad.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">One Shabby Chick</a> / Stack of Books Block<u></u><u></u></div>
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3/31 <a href="http://www.duringquiettime.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">During Quiet Time</a> / Sleeveless Dress Block<u></u><u></u></div>
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4/06 <a href="http://blog.patsloan.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Pat Sloan The Voice of Quilting</a> / Author Podcast Interview</div>
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Would you like to win a copy of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1620335972/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1620335972&linkCode=as2&tag=pinkpeng-20&linkId=U3X7AR7EML7XM4IT" target="_blank">The Paper-Pieced Home</a>? If so please leave one comment by the midnight of March 31st! A lucky winner will be announced on the following day!</div>
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ayumillshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01559180448288069208noreply@blogger.com94tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8190494273260138593.post-36198427319684236992015-01-18T23:21:00.000-08:002015-04-20T18:15:07.065-07:00Introducing "Lighthearted"...finally!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf0TZTdVC6cjtfoa9n1Yfk-dBxVQe8_wQWvtGNOSVRvTUcJ8xzdfhFEjdja-90UYuwM1K2yGA5fR90q_ZV5Z5ZVp670gk0Rl4-ZPErCbV6zU_wBPwwBZtXPTnqMyHkw3yWxXQQlb_LHK-d/s1600/blog6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf0TZTdVC6cjtfoa9n1Yfk-dBxVQe8_wQWvtGNOSVRvTUcJ8xzdfhFEjdja-90UYuwM1K2yGA5fR90q_ZV5Z5ZVp670gk0Rl4-ZPErCbV6zU_wBPwwBZtXPTnqMyHkw3yWxXQQlb_LHK-d/s1600/blog6.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Image courtesy of Kokka Fabric</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Warning: This is a ridiculously lengthy post, so I suggest you just skim through the photos!</div>
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Thinking lightheartedly has always been a challenge throughout my life. I worry about everything like crazy. Whenever I take on a new endeavor, I can't help myself thinking about the worst possible case scenario and get cold feet eventually. This new journey was no exception... the journey to design fabric!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh83g0VzNrPtPHAlv5q7ACv74fmIE9RGgwzl4TWinBaqTV_1xTHnUbwN3OAQFnm8A9ZsyX9foodXLyw9dKAL-0mv6i6A0Iq3S3wFH6IVauR1HsE6W-p-P8YbiPTcqxYhQCjOaRnmNi6NTkm/s1600/blog7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh83g0VzNrPtPHAlv5q7ACv74fmIE9RGgwzl4TWinBaqTV_1xTHnUbwN3OAQFnm8A9ZsyX9foodXLyw9dKAL-0mv6i6A0Iq3S3wFH6IVauR1HsE6W-p-P8YbiPTcqxYhQCjOaRnmNi6NTkm/s1600/blog7.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"><i>Image courtesy of Kokka Fabric</i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This line is called "Lighthearted"" by Kokka, a Japanese fabric manufacturer. When this amazing opportunity to design fabric came to me in fall 2013, I was so excited. I have always loved fabric, especially retro inspired, quirky, small prints - all sorts of fabrics I used for my projects in my book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EVU3YR6/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00EVU3YR6&linkCode=as2&tag=pinkpeng-20&linkId=BVSEQPOUSH76RBQF">Patchwork Please</a>!. I thought this would give me a perfect opportunity to bring some fabric I-wish-existed to the real world!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieTd31hP0m9tU0TfsGn5VZR0YUdDKPxwqemb9P42wKr4XY44BZgB-2vMG0UXM1SK2-MlQI9YbkZ84zF_BoOf8b-W2h7dHVmSr_nXAEQTeO7ve3qZpA4mcHXFY0fbD29bX1RWLvpwm0v4_f/s1600/blog8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieTd31hP0m9tU0TfsGn5VZR0YUdDKPxwqemb9P42wKr4XY44BZgB-2vMG0UXM1SK2-MlQI9YbkZ84zF_BoOf8b-W2h7dHVmSr_nXAEQTeO7ve3qZpA4mcHXFY0fbD29bX1RWLvpwm0v4_f/s1600/blog8.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"><i>Image courtesy of Kokka Fabric</i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I was really enjoying designing it in the beginning but spent just way too much time looking at my designs, editing, twisting, changing colors, etc to the point I started having second thoughts. 'Is this line really cute? Is this something people will want to play with? ....I thought so, but I am not sure anymore!!!'<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi3FHOTTyWV3nxJKGpa4WBjwwbPApxPn3RsO0OmzerUoqR63viTBgXdAh6S6tofjSXzpghdmUZaSi9q8aG0oLOtN_fdZdDEYafmX5MQJJAzY5_ksaR08BEl28BwE-jiPIxewSVpIFabBrU/s1600/blog10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi3FHOTTyWV3nxJKGpa4WBjwwbPApxPn3RsO0OmzerUoqR63viTBgXdAh6S6tofjSXzpghdmUZaSi9q8aG0oLOtN_fdZdDEYafmX5MQJJAzY5_ksaR08BEl28BwE-jiPIxewSVpIFabBrU/s1600/blog10.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
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After mulling it over, I felt I was in middle of nowhere and really didn't know where I was going. I felt ridiculous that I thought I had what it takes to be a fabric designer. After all I didn't know anything about designs/colors. I didn't know how difficult the whole process of designing fabric could be. Everything was so new to me. I was in the world I had absolutely no clue about.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIT6ZY_m5a6TRU31yHbgljmNjTyvZSeBjZiQJTmtqwlgeTWZC-arpzdm00sYvwQ8aA1S6RRQMuw7WBJfurW6gPijeyLmVj9aB4WZystFeJvzVcMggC3n79SA1_jk3vIv4sUn5NldZ-44OK/s1600/blog11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIT6ZY_m5a6TRU31yHbgljmNjTyvZSeBjZiQJTmtqwlgeTWZC-arpzdm00sYvwQ8aA1S6RRQMuw7WBJfurW6gPijeyLmVj9aB4WZystFeJvzVcMggC3n79SA1_jk3vIv4sUn5NldZ-44OK/s1600/blog11.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Loving pretty fabric didn't necessarily mean I could create pretty fabric, which is the conclusion (at least I thought, at the time) I came to when it was too late. Also, I was scared of the thought about promoting my fabric. Promoting myself is the last thing I feel comfortable about doing in general. And I was afraid I would neglect my family by getting into it deeply.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT1kbaBeiFa-WNCSwGv79IkUv2zYwvh2-vpLKd04_fyMsBJMEFzcUqs9BUPRBe8JBwiBh5OvZJFCw6VInT7iI4bKHOLwU6X8gvwrYPEvHATr8cuu83Bs8nGXO1LaIWaLLakFT857PJ7RGA/s1600/blog9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT1kbaBeiFa-WNCSwGv79IkUv2zYwvh2-vpLKd04_fyMsBJMEFzcUqs9BUPRBe8JBwiBh5OvZJFCw6VInT7iI4bKHOLwU6X8gvwrYPEvHATr8cuu83Bs8nGXO1LaIWaLLakFT857PJ7RGA/s1600/blog9.jpg" height="400" width="397" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"><i>Image courtesy of Kokka Fabric</i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
My name was going to be on the selvage of this fabric line but I asked for a big favor to remove it. I got too intimidated and it helped me to think it was over. Yes it was very selfish of me and I felt extremely guilty about this. I shut down and needed a long break from social media. I was scared of people judging me who was still struggling to find the balance in life with a baby, have made very few things lately, and thought I had what it takes to call myself a fabric designer. I didn't want people to think of me. I had to turn down many great offers/opportunities during the hard time.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL9Ou3td9N5Y7vJcOC-8upVGlT1Vtsh1rx-N9AfQTiWgjq_BaXoL5amsSVnpdvV2incBRasmf0UcR2bYyGp0Iy55gZhtzjcwcfhboRX1dYHCMbd2Kj2klWBa9aVetiuhGLh4Uyp4-py4yt/s1600/blog12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL9Ou3td9N5Y7vJcOC-8upVGlT1Vtsh1rx-N9AfQTiWgjq_BaXoL5amsSVnpdvV2incBRasmf0UcR2bYyGp0Iy55gZhtzjcwcfhboRX1dYHCMbd2Kj2klWBa9aVetiuhGLh4Uyp4-py4yt/s1600/blog12.jpg" height="467" width="640" /></a></div>
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Now I think about it..., it was solely myself who was the most critical of myself.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWtfl4qpugd2f1eA-OP_Kr2SUBlC46pbAwlXmjGq2H9GTSg_u-pbbEFMjk8N3I11T7kf3VHrFq-fCkrv7teSEIeVoPexzqTFFs-sFBv6g3I858sU_9Y_grLz7HqVaa50FOiGKaooIOiMzH/s1600/BLOG1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWtfl4qpugd2f1eA-OP_Kr2SUBlC46pbAwlXmjGq2H9GTSg_u-pbbEFMjk8N3I11T7kf3VHrFq-fCkrv7teSEIeVoPexzqTFFs-sFBv6g3I858sU_9Y_grLz7HqVaa50FOiGKaooIOiMzH/s1600/BLOG1.jpg" height="345" width="400" /></a></div>
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A few friends of mine and family I've shared my fabric with said great things about it, but because they are just being kind, I thought. Then I started seeing my fabric popping up on blogs, Instagram, and popular fabric shops. One of Lighthearted fabric, the mustard text print, was actually Kokka's best selling fabric last month! There were some people who bought it!? And believe it or not, they are the people I've admired for years!! Seriously? Reading through comments on IG about my fabric just made me cry so much. OK, so I guess this is fabric some people love and want to play with.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6OmrBCp75raW9EAAaBJxZvE0Io5vczRAnBxBqJVv5qGeh0bDhEjQrJpKJYFqsUoFgaszKwh8RXnr8dhBKLGtovO3ubBBJ2fzwL-jivsxpt1FJZU5jdWyO6NasIA5Wnmnn5yvGd0sN6Bko/s1600/BLOG2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6OmrBCp75raW9EAAaBJxZvE0Io5vczRAnBxBqJVv5qGeh0bDhEjQrJpKJYFqsUoFgaszKwh8RXnr8dhBKLGtovO3ubBBJ2fzwL-jivsxpt1FJZU5jdWyO6NasIA5Wnmnn5yvGd0sN6Bko/s1600/BLOG2.jpg" height="640" width="558" /></a></div>
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It made me feel so good and gave me enough courage to finally reveal that this fabric was truly designed by me. I've read lots of inspirational articles and self-help books (<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0061733512/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0061733512&linkCode=as2&tag=pinkpeng-20&linkId=2FAFR72LXZJXFEOA">"Self-Compassion" by Kristin Neff </a>is so inspirational) to deal with the difficult time, but what helped me most effectively and quickly was knowing that the sewing community does support my fabric much more than I had expected. That's just amazing finding. My fabric doesn't suck. It will be used in people's creations which will be loved by someone's hands for possibly decades. Sure the market is filled with beautiful fabric already and Lighthearted may not be everyone's favorite, but you can say that about anything, right? It's time I stopped beating myself up. Maybe it's time I admit I do like my fabric and say I am proud of it. *sobbing*<br />
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I even started making some paperbag blocks to put together a quilt. Maybe I can even make it into a pattern. Would anyone like to make some paperbag blocks?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5KI6pGoRHPXv4ZuZBJYV83kW9onJnos7JyjhV9EG34KIARnOK1c36R8U-McrnOhICB1BcuAaD1kMMTArZdVgxCWP5zHKMdXLTkY_tnpYfYJfLh_Z3ws27mjtlZBxkyQQca5eSaq4NDtYH/s1600/BLOG3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5KI6pGoRHPXv4ZuZBJYV83kW9onJnos7JyjhV9EG34KIARnOK1c36R8U-McrnOhICB1BcuAaD1kMMTArZdVgxCWP5zHKMdXLTkY_tnpYfYJfLh_Z3ws27mjtlZBxkyQQca5eSaq4NDtYH/s1600/BLOG3.jpg" height="468" width="640" /></a></div>
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Anyway I am very thankful of folks at Kokka for flying over to visit with me so many times and having a lot of patience to deal with this very difficult person during that time. Thank you for creating amazing things with my fabric for the quilt market! Thank you Alyce of <a href="http://www.blossomheartquilts.com/">Blossom Heart Quilts</a> for making <a href="http://www.blossomheartquilts.com/2014/10/lighthearted-kokka/">the beautiful quilt </a>for it! I am very thankful of the chief editor of Patchwork Tsushin magazine who first encouraged me to get into fabric designing. And I am extremely thankful of all my friends and family who have supported me throughout. This community of my sewing friends is very good and important to me. I should never try to hide under a rock again. Thank you, thank you, thank you so much for all of you who have been supportive and encouraging.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOvMBXwLvZtZQirquKOxJy3OAnZOAU46nwZv6Iv4sBl07bt_1lLG4h7-tzY6W-aa8WwSEA9qrAtwWO3qXx6EJ6aCuqSMooVwf_-VFl46_94jxFi2twL_xahh_9HjsNRFETMwF0-b2uFWV8/s1600/BLOG5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOvMBXwLvZtZQirquKOxJy3OAnZOAU46nwZv6Iv4sBl07bt_1lLG4h7-tzY6W-aa8WwSEA9qrAtwWO3qXx6EJ6aCuqSMooVwf_-VFl46_94jxFi2twL_xahh_9HjsNRFETMwF0-b2uFWV8/s1600/BLOG5.jpg" height="462" width="640" /></a></div>
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If you are interested in playing with Lighthearted fabric (Yay!), here is a list of shops that carry Lighthearted as far as I know.<br />
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<b>USA</b><br />
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/KiwiFabric/search?search_query=Lighthearted+&order=date_desc&view_type=gallery&ref=shop_search">Kiwi Fabric</a><br />
<a href="http://www.pinkcastlefabrics.com/search?q=lighthearted">Pink Castle Fabrics </a><br />
<a href="http://www.sunnydayfabric.com/?s=lighthearted">Sunny Day Fabric </a><br />
<a href="http://www.westwoodacresfabric.com/collections/bundles/products/lighthearted-half-yard-bundle-presale">Westwood Acres</a><br />
<a href="https://www.stashfabrics.com/collection/details/kokka/lighthearted">Stash Fabrics</a><br />
<a href="http://www.momenplusfabric.com/">Momen Plus</a> (In store)<br />
<a href="http://www.coolcottons.biz/module/search_content.htm?form_version=2&showSearchResults=1&search_keyword=lighthearted&image.x=11&image.y=9&image=Search">Cool Cottons</a><br />
<a href="https://www.superbuzzy.com/shop/search/?keywords=+Lighthearted+ayumi" target="_blank">superbuzzy</a><br />
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/ModernQuilter/search?search_query=Lighthearted+&order=date_desc&view_type=gallery&ref=shop_search" target="_blank">Modern Quilter</a><br />
<a href="http://www.fabricworm.com/nsearch.html?query=lighthearted&vwcatalog=yhst-10775676472182&.autodone=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fabricworm.com%2F" target="_blank">Fabricworm</a><br />
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<b>Australia</b><br />
<a href="http://www.amitie.com.au/index.htm">Amitie Textiles</a> (In store)<br />
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/PolkaDotTeaFabrics/search?search_query=Lighthearted+&order=date_desc&view_type=gallery&ref=shop_search" target="_blank">Polka Dots Tea Fa<span style="font-family: inherit;">brics</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></a><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://www.patchworkonpittwater.com.au/">Patchwork on Pittwater</a> (Coming soon)</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b>UK</b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://www.thevillagehaberdashery.co.uk/catalogsearch/result/?q=lighthearted">The Village Haberdashery</a></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.eternalmaker.com/">The Eternal Maker</a> (Coming soon)</span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span>
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<b>Japan</b><br />
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/MissMatatabi/search?search_query=Lighthearted+&order=date_desc&view_type=gallery&ref=shop_search">Miss Matatabi </a><br />
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/ayumills">My shop</a><br />
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If you know of other shops that carry Lighthearted, I'd love it you could let me know so I can update the list! If you are a shop owner and would like to have Lighthearted, <a href="http://kokka-fabric.com/en/distributor-list/">here</a> is a list of Kokka's international distributors.<br />
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Thank you so much for reading through such a lengthy post! *Big hug*ayumillshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01559180448288069208noreply@blogger.com133tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8190494273260138593.post-62039435263305027702014-12-31T21:42:00.002-08:002014-12-31T21:42:50.474-08:00Happy New Year!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU5Hm9YBuXXfKyh6NjVd46i1f2x7abWzcEv89g3PIDUpdBsxQa0PbJXjaZDyQYbOJdzJzuUjfpF6r3lhynvcLXmMm-696YSW7l5ISWV75CWvPq7OQsSukbE_enR73Akh-zA-sp2RwxwzHI/s1600/nene.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU5Hm9YBuXXfKyh6NjVd46i1f2x7abWzcEv89g3PIDUpdBsxQa0PbJXjaZDyQYbOJdzJzuUjfpF6r3lhynvcLXmMm-696YSW7l5ISWV75CWvPq7OQsSukbE_enR73Akh-zA-sp2RwxwzHI/s1600/nene.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />ayumillshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01559180448288069208noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8190494273260138593.post-48144922092740154242014-11-04T23:50:00.002-08:002014-11-04T23:50:53.397-08:00Announcing the winner<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN832nW75nNJs4TZ9ui7_cMi43Bs6LtCVf1AdIzbzMcsG6JQvvgh2P4hOiziFuqNse71ac-D9y9960NGhrdzfBc14FXEkMj6mQI0SSnfCVgohEtR2tBGLi0enfF8E5Zm5Gag7moLcqbMhg/s1600/blog2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN832nW75nNJs4TZ9ui7_cMi43Bs6LtCVf1AdIzbzMcsG6JQvvgh2P4hOiziFuqNse71ac-D9y9960NGhrdzfBc14FXEkMj6mQI0SSnfCVgohEtR2tBGLi0enfF8E5Zm5Gag7moLcqbMhg/s1600/blog2.jpg" /></a></div>
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Thank you to all of you who entered for the giveaway of "318 Patchwork Patterns"!</div>
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The random number generator picked 28, which means..</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9AY8rtTZaUwIkhQoAFh3xAB04Ta7FbZXLpL5FQXqwNeBL8nyVS-xKk_-5wsSBTd53R_-GugEpzoU5rdhfWHCAMPAej44Pks9U39npzRVkegD-wmWrV96ggGCcxjMyfBKS1Ia7dk8j6QFs/s1600/blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9AY8rtTZaUwIkhQoAFh3xAB04Ta7FbZXLpL5FQXqwNeBL8nyVS-xKk_-5wsSBTd53R_-GugEpzoU5rdhfWHCAMPAej44Pks9U39npzRVkegD-wmWrV96ggGCcxjMyfBKS1Ia7dk8j6QFs/s1600/blog.jpg" height="137" width="640" /></a></div>
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The winner is Angelia! Congratulations! I will contact you shortly!</div>
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Thanks for World Book Media for allowing me to give away a copy of this amazing book!</div>
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Just so you know, the book is already available on their etsy's shop <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/197468560/318-patchwork-patterns-original?ref=sr_gallery_2&ga_search_query=patchwork+patterns+318&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery">here</a> as well as other shops</div>
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such as superbuzzy <a href="https://www.superbuzzy.com/shop/product/318-patchwork-patterns/">here</a>! (For some reasons on Amazon it says the publishing date is January, </div>
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but that isn't true. Thanks for letting me know, Lindsay!)</div>
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ayumillshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01559180448288069208noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8190494273260138593.post-26361752174199756112014-10-27T16:51:00.000-07:002014-11-04T23:38:30.292-08:00Review and Giveaway: 318 Patchwork Patterns by Kumiko Fujita<div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyjkg2wroNrspPFTvnyMnmfyQVFiQvOZduQ8YpYpk0L4oZ6MDPyxzGas405F0dWA6LZ-607tb3K87lB94CJEOPkzaM9ZxmTetSsw601w6MrgS9jTm-tGQt9lnp2uB07HvugLjR5UZvo8tZ/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyjkg2wroNrspPFTvnyMnmfyQVFiQvOZduQ8YpYpk0L4oZ6MDPyxzGas405F0dWA6LZ-607tb3K87lB94CJEOPkzaM9ZxmTetSsw601w6MrgS9jTm-tGQt9lnp2uB07HvugLjR5UZvo8tZ/s1600/3.jpg" height="458" width="640" /></a></div>
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You may have already heard about this, but this book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1940552117/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1940552117&linkCode=as2&tag=pinkpeng-20&linkId=BFT6B6EGZ2M66B6J">318 Patchwork Patterns</a>, by my awesome quilting hero <a href="http://www.quiltersstudio.jp/">Kumiko Fujita </a>will be finally available to anybody! This is just such amazing news to anyone who loves quirky, cute, and creative patchwork patterns!!<br />
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I can't say enough how much I love this book. I have had this book for a long time but I keep going back to it because I can always find something new every time. Endless inspiration! I think Kumiko's way of utilizing beautiful fabric is just divine. She is just so talented and creative, and oh so funny and thoughtful too. I just love her! I don't think my love for patchwork would have been the same if I had not discovered her.</div>
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Years ago, my real life sewing friend Tamiko and I have decided to start a little patchwork bee and invited our lovely friends and we made some cute blocks from the book.</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ayumills/6271244368" title="Scissors for Amisha ~ Patchwork 318 Bee ~ by ayumi, on Flickr"><img alt="Scissors for Amisha ~ Patchwork 318 Bee ~" height="397" src="https://farm7.staticflickr.com/6114/6271244368_49dfa33ece_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ayumills/6072085715" title="Cake Blocks - The 318 Bee by ayumi, on Flickr"><img alt="Cake Blocks - The 318 Bee" height="330" src="https://farm7.staticflickr.com/6200/6072085715_fd165418f4_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Living in Tokyo, I am often asked by overseas friends to look for particular Japanese sewing/quilting related things in Japan that are very hard to find. There has been nothing like the original version of 318 Patchwork Pattern that were sought out like crazy. It has been out of print for years, and there were literally hundreds of people who were looking for it. Because of its rarity, it was very hard to find in Japan too, and the market value has gone insane.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/ayumills/8727118091" title="The most amazing gift ever! by ayumi, on Flickr"><img alt="The most amazing gift ever!" height="640" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7450/8727118091_35a7a2ab6c_o.jpg" width="608" /></a></div>
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And the popularity of the book even increased when my sweet friends made this baby quilt above for my girl! (I can never thank Krista for organizing and putting together this beautiful quilt! I still can't use it practically, worrying it may be ruined.) Many patterns used in this book come from this book!<br />
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Thanks to <a href="http://worldbookmedia.com/">World Book Media</a> for republishing this book. Finally it is available to everyone at a reasonable price. And guess what? This time it is an English version!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Moahs58fLJ8nlfmCpJJvM7mgPCsQkctpW2Vc0vlrBPvFd9jJHF6nCbE5de8MiN-37SApp5FbsDkw-nGqDKd7CTqeXL4zQIrtwB82ytQ3E5c0EddgfQSWLTwnIyLL4mTizWLtHomlW_mE/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Moahs58fLJ8nlfmCpJJvM7mgPCsQkctpW2Vc0vlrBPvFd9jJHF6nCbE5de8MiN-37SApp5FbsDkw-nGqDKd7CTqeXL4zQIrtwB82ytQ3E5c0EddgfQSWLTwnIyLL4mTizWLtHomlW_mE/s1600/1.jpg" height="444" width="640" /></a></div>
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I think the title of the book and the cover pretty much describes what this book is all about. There are 318 very unique and cute patchwork patterns that have vintage feels to them. Templates inside the book are supposed to be enlarged 250% to produce 6" x 6" finished blocks.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVVjD0y_1D9oRL429zMDJ5soAsRRXOBM055vuPZBuYFw4ZHrAnKIoqeX0tIZF2VdIGiVcyX6FqWFbywsr5twvjGgn6WN1pos2u-d2JS7oIzsldoaYVacI7I9JNrutOYCuLZ5VF5N_Dc4b1/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVVjD0y_1D9oRL429zMDJ5soAsRRXOBM055vuPZBuYFw4ZHrAnKIoqeX0tIZF2VdIGiVcyX6FqWFbywsr5twvjGgn6WN1pos2u-d2JS7oIzsldoaYVacI7I9JNrutOYCuLZ5VF5N_Dc4b1/s1600/2.jpg" height="462" width="640" /></a></div>
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The first half of the book consists of blocks with straight line seams and the rest of it is about more elaborate patterns that have more curvy seams. All patterns are meant to be sewn by hands. You can paper-piece some of the blocks with straight line seams, but for most of them, you will need to break down the pattern by increasing the number of seams in order to sew by machine.</div>
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The book is available for <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1940552117/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1940552117&linkCode=as2&tag=pinkpeng-20&linkId=BFT6B6EGZ2M66B6J">pre-order here</a>!</div>
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Check out this great blog hop along this book!</div>
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October 20th : Kerry from http://verykerryberry.blogspot.com</div>
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House wall hanging from Home Sweet Home collection</div>
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October 22nd : Penny Layman from http://sewtakeahike.typepad.com</div>
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Gardening apron with blocks from Vegetables collection</div>
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October 24th : Angela Pingel from http://cuttopieces.blogspot.com</div>
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Wall hanging or bunting from Halloween collection</div>
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October 27th : Amy Sinibaldi from http://nanacompany.typepad.com</div>
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Tote bag with applique blocks (288 or 285 or 261)</div>
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October 29th : Amber Carrillo from http://oneshabbychick.typepad.com</div>
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Blocks from Christmas collection</div>
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October 31st : Latifah Saafir from www.thequiltengineer.com</div>
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Baby blanket from At the Circus collection</div>
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November 3rd : Charise Randell from http://charisecreates.blogspot.com</div>
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Make up kit and shoe bag from Girls’ Night Out collection</div>
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November 5th : Leila from http://wheretheorchidsgrow.blogspot.com</div>
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Tea Cozy from Tea Time Collection</div>
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November 7th : Amy Friend from http://duringquiettime.com</div>
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Table runner with blocks from Fruits collection</div>
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November 10th : Faith Jones from www.freshlemonquilts.com</div>
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Mini quilt from Vehicle Collection</div>
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November 12th : Caroline from www.sewcanshe.com</div>
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Tote or pouch with applique block</div>
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November 14th : Rashida Coleman-Hale from http://iheartlinen.typepad.com</div>
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Paper piecing tutorial</div>
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For your chance to win a copy of<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1940552117/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1940552117&linkCode=as2&tag=pinkpeng-20&linkId=BFT6B6EGZ2M66B6J"> this book,</a> leave a comment for this post by Sunday November 2nd! I will have the random number generator choose a number and will be back to announce a winner! </div>
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ayumillshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01559180448288069208noreply@blogger.com179tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8190494273260138593.post-10645423281425796192014-09-10T20:54:00.002-07:002014-09-10T21:23:33.003-07:00Dresses designed for Patchwork Tsushin No.182<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's been a while since I last blogged, so it helps me if I let pictures explain themselves :) The dress pattern is for size 12-18 months. Thanks for all of you who bought this magazine from me through Instagram or <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/ayumills">my etsy shop</a>. (It is sold out.) You may be able to find this current Patchwork Tsushin magazine at superbuzzy <a href="https://www.superbuzzy.com/shop/product/patchwork-tsushin-no-182-october-2014/">here</a>!<br />
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Speaking of my etsy shop, I've got this lovely fabric in stock if text fabrics never gets old for you :) I love these so much I had to get them in all colorways!<br />
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Use a coupon SEPTEMBER to receive a 10% off on all items in <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/ayumills">my shop</a> through the 15th Monday next week :) Thank you so much for taking your time to swing by! I miss you all. I hope to be back blogging more regularly soon!ayumillshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01559180448288069208noreply@blogger.com41tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8190494273260138593.post-6923280572163865952014-08-03T07:17:00.002-07:002014-08-03T07:17:41.463-07:00Winner<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I apologize for the delay in announcing a winner of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1620331225/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1620331225&linkCode=as2&tag=pinkpeng-20&linkId=SVJYL7QSRJVTIAJ6">A Quilter's Mixology </a>by the lovely Angela Pingel!</div>
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Thanks so much for sharing your favorite places to visit in the summer!</div>
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A Congratulation goes to cakegirl who blogs at <a href="http://whitepaintedhouse.blogspot.jp/">white painted house</a>! I will contact you shortly :)</div>
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Hope you are enjoying the summer!</div>
ayumillshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01559180448288069208noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8190494273260138593.post-40935178316969926862014-07-14T16:47:00.003-07:002014-08-03T07:01:54.150-07:00A Quilter's Mixology by Angela Pingel Review & Giveaway<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I am excited to be back here to share with you a really amazing new quilting book that joined my bookshelf. It is <i>A Quilter's Mixology</i> by the lovely Angela Pingel who blogs at <a href="http://cuttopieces.blogspot.jp/">Cut to Pieces</a>!<br />
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<b><i><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://bit.ly/1ogtvKd" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">A Quilter’s Mixology</a><u></u><u></u></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">By Angela Pingel<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">Interweave/F+W; $27.99<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><a href="http://bit.ly/1ogtvKd" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://bit.ly/1ogtvKd</a></span></div>
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I have known Angela for years and she has been a huge inspiration for me. She is one of those girls who can make anything! Her quilts are crazy amazing, but she has designed all sorts of other things including children's garments and even zakka items that made my jaw drop to the floor. She has been big source of my inspiration, and I couldn't help telling her that she needs to write a book, so it was really exciting when she finally told me she was doing it! We chatted often while she was working on her book, which is over a year ago. I feel I waited so long for this book! Angela's projects are always rich in colors and incredibly executed Her projects are great representations of herself as a person. She is so organized, posotive and oh just so lovely :)<br />
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<i>Medallion Baby Quilt, Page 63</i></div>
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Her book was guaranteed to be one of my very favorite quilting books, and I was so right about that. I have had <a href="http://www.accuquilt.com/">AccQuilt</a> and Drunkard's Path due cutter, but had not have enough inspiration to actually use it until I saw this book. Now I am itching like crazy to tackle curvy seams so I can make a beautiful quilt using Drunkard's Path blocks! If you have been in blogland, you've probably heard about this book and have seen the pictures of all the beautiful quilts in the book on <a href="http://cuttopieces.blogspot.jp/">Angela's blog</a>. If you haven't, you really need to check that out! Maybe you will have goosebumps like I did! :)<br />
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There are 16 beautiful and unique eye-candies made by her. Every project uses the Drunkard's Path block. OK, maybe I just need to shut up and have you hear Angela's voices now! I was able to interview her, so here you go!<br />
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<i>Petal Pusher Quilt, Page 127</i></div>
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1) You probably expected this was coming, but what is your advice for people like me who are a bit scared of sewing curvy seams? Which projects would you recommend for beginners?<br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;">Curved Seams are really not scary. It's always a leap of faith to tackle a new skill but the reward is well worth it. And though there ARE people who perfect a pinless curved piecing method, my advice for beginners is to use pins. There is no shame in it. I'm a pinner by nature and use pins in regular straight line quilting all the time. So using pins here is no big deal. But I know some people NEVER use pins and I'd have to tell you to get over it and grab a pin or two. ;) Curved piecing is something I think every quilter should know how to do. You don't always use it all the time but it's a technique you want to have in your back pocket.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;">The best pattern for the true beginner is probably the Ombre Drunkard's Path Pillow. There are no seams to match up and the curves don't meet each other. It's a small project that is easy to tackle. And if you have a die cutter then life is even easier. But don't stop there or even start there if another pattern is just calling you. Go with your instincts. Make a piece that inspires you!</span><br />
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2) How did you design these beautiful quilt patterns using only two types of Drunkard's path blocks? Did you use a software or design on paper?<br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;">I eventually get all patterns into the computer for technical purposes of sending them to the publisher, but truly...so many of my patterns really do start with sketches. I find shapes that inspire me and I often have to sketch them out to break the pattern down into the curved blocks I need. I can see an image and know that it can be made with these blocks but I still have to sketch it out by hand. That puts it into my mind in a different way than designing straight from the computer. But the computer is awfully handy once you have an idea of what you are doing with a pattern and just want to create alternate versions or flip flop blocks etc. It's much faster for that type of work. But yes, I'm old school. I have lots of little notebooks filled with graph paper for sketching.</span><br />
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3) I think you are amazing at creating very original and modern quilt patterns, but what I think sets you to a different level as a quilter is your choice of fabric and colors. I find it very striking and eye-pleasing. I just love the way you make beautiful fabric design pop like a magic. What inspires you to choose colors/designs?<br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;">Well you are going to give me a big head with all that type of talk! My goodness! So first, thank you for that! And then to answer your question, picking out the colors and type of patterns I want to use is as vital as the pattern itself often. I learned a lot about color and pattern when I was studying for one of my degrees, Interior Design. I have to watch myself because I will tend toward a certain palette of colors for sure. I wanted the book to have a diverse amount of color schemes but still feel like me. I choose fabrics that make me happy and then pair them with something often that rubs me the wrong way a bit. That way you get that extra bit of "pop" in your color scheme and keeps it from being too flat and predictable. Like all of us, I have favorite designers and design companies. I tend to use those as a base place to start and work out from there.</span><br />
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4) Probably most readers of this blog are rather zakka makers than quilters, so I want to ask a simple question about making a quilt. How long does it take to make a quilt, say Butterflies quilt for example?<br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;">Ah...a difficult question to answer. How long did it take me? How long should it take? How long COULD it take? All very different answers and completely dependent on your ability to spend time making a single project. But make no mistake, a quilt is not a "quick" project. I can knock out a bag or dress in a day or two and that feels like a luxury. Quilts take hours of cutting fabrics, sewing them together, lots of pressing and usually more sewing...repeat as needed. And of course the size of the piece changes that time dramatically. If you are nervous about tackling a large scale project like a bed size quilt, just look at some of the smaller pieces. There are pillows (very accomplishable!), wall hangings, baby quilts etc. In general, bigger projects take more time...but it really all depends on the number of seams. I wouldn't expect to finish a bed size quilt in less than 2 weeks. And it could take significantly longer. There is no "right" amount of time to spend on a long term project.</span><br />
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<i>Butterflies Quilt, Page 55 (My favorite project!!)</i></div>
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5) You made incredible 16 projects (14 quilts and 2 pillows) in such a short period of time for your book. And you did't even stop blogging while you were working on your book! You are awesome! How did you manage the time to work on your book when you had so many other things going on? Any tips to be very organized like yourself?<br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;">Well first of all, let's admit that it's a little bit nuts to do that. I had quilt alongs going on and book reviews and swaps and other publications that I was doing all while writing the book and making those projects. I had to put my creative life into two categories, the blogging world and the book world. And never the two shall me until I can share publicly what I'm making. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;">It definitely takes some organization. I had a list of the projects that needed to be completed and I stuck to a deadline for each one individually. But it was actually important for me to do other sewing because I got tired of sewing sooo many curves for one and I also needed more immediate gratification projects. Small dresses for my daughter were perfect for that...but the Super Mario Brothers Quilt along was probably a bit much. ;) I needed to make things that I could share though. It's an important part for me of being a member of the online sewing community while sewing in isolation at my home.</span><br />
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6) What are you going to do with your quilts once they are returned? This is just from my curiosity :)<br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;">Well right now they are rather glamorously being housed in some large tupperware tubs in the middle of my living room. But I hope to be able to display a number of them around the house. I also intend to use them for trunk shows for lectures and teaching. There is nothing like seeing a quilt in person to love it even more. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;">I'm not sure if I'll ever be able to give these away...but it does seem like a lot of quilts to hold on to! lol And I want them to be loved!!</span><br />
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Thank you so much for taking the time out of your busy schedule to answer these interview questions, Angela!<br />
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The publisher kindly allowed me to share a copy of her book with one of you based in the US! If you'd like a chance to win it, please leave a comment telling me about your favorite place to visit in the summer! The giveaway is open til the next Monday. I then will announce a winner!<br />
<br />ayumillshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01559180448288069208noreply@blogger.com97tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8190494273260138593.post-41196145699080936442014-05-19T07:00:00.000-07:002014-05-19T07:00:04.915-07:00Great Granny Sew Along :: Label<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I am very happy to be back here to host a stop for <a href="http://fatquartershop.blogspot.jp/p/great-granny-sew-along.html">Great Granny Sew Along</a> for </div>
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my sweet friend <a href="http://beeinmybonnetco.blogspot.jp/">Lori</a>'s new book, <a href="http://www.fatquartershop.com/great-granny-squared-book-30379">Great Granny Squared.</a> I made a label, </div>
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although I didn't get a chance to do the embroidery on time in the center.</div>
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Lori does an amazing job making instructions very clear, so I recommend her books</div>
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to people of all sewing level, especially beginners just because the instructions </div>
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come with great illustrations :) Excuse me for my imperfect seams! I made this </div>
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while holding Honoka on my back the entire time. (She is sick and has a stuffy nose, </div>
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so she has difficulty sleeping while laying down.)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1XwpECaZrCcRajxnimuDqyjYkO8JvignMBVG-pHAGXhkK0x2AtGSrDobwSN08gOWm96W0du3ANyRuepQe6pMsoGrrRLBJr9txBx2gT4GFZ70Mq7m-uca8o48bYtOaf6Y8FGVyzIp3yCPY/s1600/20140422_150140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1XwpECaZrCcRajxnimuDqyjYkO8JvignMBVG-pHAGXhkK0x2AtGSrDobwSN08gOWm96W0du3ANyRuepQe6pMsoGrrRLBJr9txBx2gT4GFZ70Mq7m-uca8o48bYtOaf6Y8FGVyzIp3yCPY/s1600/20140422_150140.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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She is still on my back, taking a nice and long nap. yay!</div>
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<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.fatquartershop.com/media/blog/GreatGrannySquared/GGS-SamplerTips-5.pdf">Here</a> is a link to the Label block PDF, but you'll still need the book for a complete instruction. </li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Check out <a href="http://lilysquilts.blogspot.jp/">Lily's Quilt</a> and <a href="http://prettybyhand.com/">Pretty by Hands</a> for more inspiration for making your label.</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Remember to post your picture on this <a href="https://www.flickr.com/groups/greatgrannysquared/">Flickr pool </a>for your chance to win weekly prizes!</li>
</ul>
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Have a lovely week!!</div>
ayumillshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01559180448288069208noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8190494273260138593.post-57675163280424679212014-04-25T21:11:00.002-07:002014-07-02T02:24:42.256-07:00Dresden Photo Frames for Patchwork Tsushin No.180<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-LNUurfQbAUua3_hSqKNta4kJlo9EGJh_NugSr0AeXFuoAbvykIoXB50Ldyx7OISU4HyqdG8Wm7mDQ0Z7ufnlJJJ8qLjbMaFe6fV_uXDMR5MzDIKK1dXO-M_cFymIZ6aWkgd_aPw_D_0_/s1600/blog4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-LNUurfQbAUua3_hSqKNta4kJlo9EGJh_NugSr0AeXFuoAbvykIoXB50Ldyx7OISU4HyqdG8Wm7mDQ0Z7ufnlJJJ8qLjbMaFe6fV_uXDMR5MzDIKK1dXO-M_cFymIZ6aWkgd_aPw_D_0_/s1600/blog4.jpg" height="630" width="640" /></a></div>
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I made these photo frames for my baby diary no.3 for Patchwork Tsushin magazine. This is my favorite project I've made for it because I so needed some cute frames to showcase monthly photos of Honoka :)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbP6NRCG7KdlrjPgw8yZ_2g4nU2ShMfH-5nBUY_k7QOoUH3tc-i4d3NtfQv7b2y8VOLgkurzoInmPWd0o4LBatulOXyzzK8bhnOhRS2oybc-iRdc0I3G7x7Z9bk3zOs3Bb2m1JBeIFqYa1/s1600/blog3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbP6NRCG7KdlrjPgw8yZ_2g4nU2ShMfH-5nBUY_k7QOoUH3tc-i4d3NtfQv7b2y8VOLgkurzoInmPWd0o4LBatulOXyzzK8bhnOhRS2oybc-iRdc0I3G7x7Z9bk3zOs3Bb2m1JBeIFqYa1/s1600/blog3.jpg" height="620" width="640" /></a></div>
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It was quite easy to put together, so I was able to finish them pretty quickly! I can hardly believe she is already 9 months old! I am looking forward to making more of these.<br />
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Along with the photo frames, I made this color cube. It will help me teach Honoka colors. Until she is old enough to understand the colors, she can play it by pulling the tabs. Babies love those!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk4N8dLA6LFmjHhollskkux2xi2293F-ejuLQjNGvjamaD5s_xaYDvekI39gSM7cAMH2Qj-tThCZBCeL7g7zPCux83LdbRH5IZnwUv0WMXn1JWz3cwnqlComLN2QhsX9BjfSZxGMQYv0OL/s1600/blog5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk4N8dLA6LFmjHhollskkux2xi2293F-ejuLQjNGvjamaD5s_xaYDvekI39gSM7cAMH2Qj-tThCZBCeL7g7zPCux83LdbRH5IZnwUv0WMXn1JWz3cwnqlComLN2QhsX9BjfSZxGMQYv0OL/s1600/blog5.jpg" height="640" width="608" /></a></div>
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And here are two blocks for the QAL for the baby quilt. I am quite looking forward to putting together this quilt although I don't know if anyone is following it lol.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihJ9_ScL38xZjAQKJrdIXT5fZsGscMkdTIAncsrGjraKfB9jWR5mySFjQtcXtp86FCvYwkaXs2RCGaa0YJHtaLskZsWLOdMz4LrR7a8127vqKq8fyhxsvzswvYCzTCCN-gMTUfYXewUco3/s1600/a8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihJ9_ScL38xZjAQKJrdIXT5fZsGscMkdTIAncsrGjraKfB9jWR5mySFjQtcXtp86FCvYwkaXs2RCGaa0YJHtaLskZsWLOdMz4LrR7a8127vqKq8fyhxsvzswvYCzTCCN-gMTUfYXewUco3/s1600/a8.jpg" height="532" width="640" /></a></div>
This is a newest issue of Patchwork Tsushin (No.180). Everything is in Japanese, but many projects' instructions come with step-by-step illustrations. I had many friends asking me if there is English translation to <a href="http://ayumills.blogspot.com/2014/03/patchwork-tsushin-no179.html">my bag</a> I made for the last issue. If you ever need simple translation help, I would be more than happy to help you out. Just shoot me email! I have <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/187315651/patchwork-tsushin-no180?ref=shop_home_active_1">Patchwork Tsushin No.180 </a>available in my Etsy shop <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/187315651/patchwork-tsushin-no180?ref=shop_home_active_1">here</a>.<br />
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Featured artists include Suzuko Koseki and Atsuko Matsuyama.<br />
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I hope you have a great weekend!!<br />
<br />ayumillshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01559180448288069208noreply@blogger.com57tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8190494273260138593.post-8367883313733041072014-04-05T20:08:00.001-07:002014-06-01T18:44:53.542-07:00You've Got Mail Wall Pocket in Patchwork Please!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje5wxMiH1JRi8j8mQJe3ZR-cdT89xQDcVS89DMIExoIOje8BI988RFgmIfXvRTBkoeeMgpymrLnh4AFbxVrTH_dTTXUmUi-HaL9PydHR6fVGZe-213c-kz2SIUFnzHzBDnZdJP0_pyeUUJ/s1600/quilt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje5wxMiH1JRi8j8mQJe3ZR-cdT89xQDcVS89DMIExoIOje8BI988RFgmIfXvRTBkoeeMgpymrLnh4AFbxVrTH_dTTXUmUi-HaL9PydHR6fVGZe-213c-kz2SIUFnzHzBDnZdJP0_pyeUUJ/s1600/quilt.jpg" height="640" width="628" /></a></div>
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You've-Got-Mail Wall Pocket in my book, "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1596685999/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1596685999&linkCode=as2&tag=pinkpeng-20">Patchwork, Please</a>!" published in April last year.</div>
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Thank you so very much for all of you who have been very supportive of my patterns!!</div>
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I can't possibly describe how much happiness, encouragement, </div>
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and support from you makes my day. </div>
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Without good friends like you, I would be lonely.</div>
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I hope you have a beautiful weekend wherever you are!</div>
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Much Love!</div>
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Ayumi</div>
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ayumillshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01559180448288069208noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8190494273260138593.post-55024468727207963332014-03-23T22:01:00.001-07:002014-03-23T22:25:49.097-07:00Quilty Fun Sew Along: Bumble Bee Block<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRvcs12Jw-DoNQx-HHeTS7SU3XZ51gP6HC4zxdEoPeWW0ZnL1Ygcu3OrXoV8MLKbYNSeGV_jcFj5Z2FW3yc2WDwy9kOOUATtuCM_3F3NiTUaTyT4vD7QIBDPcp5LRbgB0CbjYXpLFvt8iv/s1600/q3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRvcs12Jw-DoNQx-HHeTS7SU3XZ51gP6HC4zxdEoPeWW0ZnL1Ygcu3OrXoV8MLKbYNSeGV_jcFj5Z2FW3yc2WDwy9kOOUATtuCM_3F3NiTUaTyT4vD7QIBDPcp5LRbgB0CbjYXpLFvt8iv/s1600/q3.jpg" height="251" width="400" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Welcome to the second to last stop of the blog tour for <a href="http://fatquartershop.blogspot.jp/p/quilty-fun-sew-along-and-blog-tour.html">Quilty Fun Sew Along</a>! </div>
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I made a bumble bee block which will be a label for your quilt. </div>
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Lori's instruction was so clear and great I was able to put it together fairly quickly. </div>
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It is such an adorable pattern! You will have so much fun making it!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGPLl3UcWv_VV9OTfprJpca9pHujg7ufHvFnmcPh2Tw9EOVeM23yR-nKOtSTADrpCAYQXNqSI2QfkURzn3Fp_QXoPEfcF74hAN21cyLWYFmOT6PPFHwYeM79Fk7s8pfIiJiqDqm4gi1EHz/s1600/q1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGPLl3UcWv_VV9OTfprJpca9pHujg7ufHvFnmcPh2Tw9EOVeM23yR-nKOtSTADrpCAYQXNqSI2QfkURzn3Fp_QXoPEfcF74hAN21cyLWYFmOT6PPFHwYeM79Fk7s8pfIiJiqDqm4gi1EHz/s1600/q1.jpg" height="540" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
The cutting instruction + embroidery template PDF can be downloded <a href="http://www.fatquartershop.com/media/blog/QuiltyFun/BlogTour-Tips%2019.pdf">here</a>, but</div>
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you will still need the book, <a href="http://www.fatquartershop.com/quilty-fun-book">Quilty Fun</a>, to get the main instruction to make it. </div>
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As you know, there are some great prizes for you if you sew along and post your</div>
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progress in this <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/quiltyfunsewalong/">Flickr group</a>.</div>
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One winner will receive a packet of <a href="http://www.fatquartershop.com/alphabitties-specialty-marking-tools">Alphabitties</a>, and</div>
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two winners will receive <a href="http://www.fatquartershop.com/vintage-happy-10-stacker">a 10” stacker of Vintage Happy</a></div>
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The three winner will be chosen from the pool of submissions on <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/quiltyfunsewalong/">the Flickr group</a> </div>
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and will be announced on <a href="http://fatquartershop.blogspot.jp/">the Jolly Jabber </a>on the following Monday.</div>
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Good luck everyone!<br />
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--------------------------------<br />
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The winner of the giveaway on my last post is...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx0h3WQzoGBp4Ey-xzd04BEUIVDbbV_CAH6fF4OA0yd-6RM0edDhj63XeMv_stWjCMKeoTWceHgrXa07-JKjdZuGkoY9SnbQn-3hEpqudPmokUyaFlII5W6-m1wO8Dnz1hQvX1rrsfUE0i/s1600/q4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx0h3WQzoGBp4Ey-xzd04BEUIVDbbV_CAH6fF4OA0yd-6RM0edDhj63XeMv_stWjCMKeoTWceHgrXa07-JKjdZuGkoY9SnbQn-3hEpqudPmokUyaFlII5W6-m1wO8Dnz1hQvX1rrsfUE0i/s1600/q4.jpg" /></a></div>
Pierro of Rosemary B!<br />
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Congratulations, Rosemary!! I will contact you soon!<br />
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I so appreciate every one of you who kindly shared your tricks/tips<br />
to find the time to sew. I am sorry I am not able to reply to all of you.<br />
Squeezing in some sewing time in the day has become difficult for me<br />
now that my baby girl has so much energy to crawl around everywhere.<br />
I guess I'll have to get better at time management!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU7Z8cThYLgthTn3sDTV8RMVnRTY7ZrU3dwMjY8Zeie0UoEZLQE1OEIqEAxDC70WqQl-EJDSCHuUHaTDSIp0fLq4m904r64vX2krutNM8SUVCS2Z4ybxA0pZS98jIUOCQT4u8455qdLJ3N/s1600/q2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU7Z8cThYLgthTn3sDTV8RMVnRTY7ZrU3dwMjY8Zeie0UoEZLQE1OEIqEAxDC70WqQl-EJDSCHuUHaTDSIp0fLq4m904r64vX2krutNM8SUVCS2Z4ybxA0pZS98jIUOCQT4u8455qdLJ3N/s1600/q2.jpg" height="427" width="640" /></a><br />
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ayumillshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01559180448288069208noreply@blogger.com13