tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30385327517248234532024-03-12T21:27:53.544-07:00Rachel Smith Studio2ndAvenueStudio-Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13883502857437987115noreply@blogger.comBlogger262125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3038532751724823453.post-64100111713671053232019-04-01T17:33:00.000-07:002019-04-01T17:33:22.545-07:00I'mmm Back!! I'm testing this to see if Id like to return to it - if you're a subscriber: " hi there" I'm still quilting and am getting back to it. I'm kinda excited about what I'm doing, plans for the future, reconnecting building new community. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-0ITvnK6jcNucF9XVERnV2k8Lzf13_zqIT6Ko1pXiiF_BW0EWAE_zhPeeBqp6_05gqTsa7FMoN668YrKEgg16Y_JfBskYbXerO6_I1WJ23TvN5Y2u8jxsx10X5xwakPd2UpTQIFNIyhEQ/s1600/IMG_1239.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-0ITvnK6jcNucF9XVERnV2k8Lzf13_zqIT6Ko1pXiiF_BW0EWAE_zhPeeBqp6_05gqTsa7FMoN668YrKEgg16Y_JfBskYbXerO6_I1WJ23TvN5Y2u8jxsx10X5xwakPd2UpTQIFNIyhEQ/s320/IMG_1239.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
When I was a kid my Mother used to ask me "What did you do for Sharing and Caring?" this was shorthand for "How did you share your blessings Today? What did you do to impact another in a positive way TODAY?" I was raised to be a blessing to others everyday, and seek to provide comfort to those who suffered. every. single. day. Still today, I find my greatest joy in Acts of Service. For the last couple of decades I have given freely, without much thought of to who or how I was giving.<br />
Caring and Sharing is something I work at and review everyday. It was also some sort of insurance my mom was building into me, a resume of Good Deeds and Happy Outcomes that I could look at when I was low or when I was being attacked. A place to ground myself.<br />
<br />
My Mother did it as well, I remember her buying a new tire for someone who had just got a new job. He took the bus the first few days, hoping with his first paycheck he could buy a tire and drive his motorcycle. He was going to every one he knew asking for help, he barely had money for bus fare and the stress of it all was eating him alive. so much anxiety. Resources were scarce back then, we lived in a 700sqft apt and it would have been generous to call us Poor. But my mom went down to local service station, struck a deal, and paid for a tire. She helped him get over the hump and it made a real difference in his life. Only 3 other people knew what she did, her partner at the Service Station, the person who got the tire, and me. Now, I tell people about it all the time, its my "tell", its what I tell people to distract them when asking me questions about what I just did. I tell them she's my motivation, my example. Then I tell them how important partners are and I carefully shift focus to the recipient. Isn't it great? Now he'll be able to get to work and he is such a hard worker, any employer would be lucky to have him. He's great! Mom was great at it, I'm not as good. <br />
<br />
A few years ago, I became very ill and will most likely not recover completely. Ever. Its taken some getting used to. My husband was diagnosed with a neurological disorder that was manageable in midlife, but has deepened and changed with age. We needed better management tools. He also retired. And my Mother has moved to Memory Care. and the Election happened. Seriously, I have never felt so alone as I have these last couple of years.<br />
I have also felt "Unknown". Because I don't toot my own horn, people don't see what I'm doing and some of my "partners" are motivated to keep credit for themselves or minimize my contributions. Not only have people assumed I'm an idiot who doesn't understand what shes doing but some find joy in making fun of me to my face. I have retreated and ceded space to them as a response. Spaces I helped build. I'm in the process of fixing this.<br />
<br />
I have new goals. Quilting is still my creative outlet and I'll be working to create an inclusive, sustainable, non consumer model for building quilts and community. It will based on creative expression, skills practice and networking. Hopefully, it will feed into a non-profit that sends/supports women in completing higher education or wealth building. All the deets aren't clear yet but I'm confident in my skills, my resume is rich with positive outcomes and I've already been budget building for a couple years.<br />
<br />
So, if that's not of interest to you unsubscribe and move along. bubye. I hope you'll choose to stay but only, if you can show me compassion and empathy about my chronic condition. If you want to join with me or merely watch, stay. tell your friends. be nice. <br />
I won't be asking for money, I might sell stuff but I wont be trying to sell it to you. I want support and encouragement. I want good ideas and good humor. caring and sharing. "show and tells" instead of "show and sells"<br />
So this test blog post is done. I'll be changing the name of the blog and I'm sure I'll update the look.<br />
stay tuned! love you2ndAvenueStudio-Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13883502857437987115noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3038532751724823453.post-61477092564251823892015-11-29T21:53:00.002-08:002015-11-29T22:04:03.203-08:00Hello How you doin?<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img height="400" id="yui_3_11_0_3_1448863227168_139" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/676/20756639659_1887f0e845_c.jpg" width="400" />
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<div id="allsizes-photo">
<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
</div>
</div>
</div>
<br />
<div id="allsizes-photo">
</div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
</div>
<br />
<br />
I haven't blogged in a long time. I didn't feel like I had anything to say or I may have had things to say, I mean who doesn't? But I may not have felt like writing it down. I've continued to quilt and be busy with fiber, and think I may have something to write about next year.<br />
Let's overview the last year shall we? In the last part of 2014 I
spent 11 days in the Hospital and spent most of 2015 recovering my
energy and stamina. Everybody has their own "Box of Rocks" and I kinda
feel like I've spent this last year trying to beat my Rocks into
gravel, trying to my make my troubles smaller and more manageable.<br />
Don't
get me wrong, its been pretty awesome. Many of my friends really
stepped up and provided so much support. I was kinda forced to take time
for me, the last few years I've been helping my elderly mother, and
I liked it. I took classes, taught classes, took sewing trips, and even
went to Quilt Con 2015. I even took my Trunk Show on the road and spoke at a couple Guilds. <br />
I taught a bunch of classes and made a
bunch of quilts. I dined, I danced, I laughed out loud. I even bought a
swim suit. Details aren't that relevant, I feel somewhat renewed and
although I have a ton of work still left to do to get my health back where it should be,
I'm up for the challenge. <br />
Lots of people blog for profit, from the topics, to the links and even the fabric used, all are set up to make money, or were gifted or sponsored. Most people who blog for fun or as an open sort of diary have pretty much quit, Instagram is so much easier. Lately, I have found IG limiting in some ways and decided I may start blogging again.<br />
I'm not in marketing or trying to generate buzz to sell product or patterns, I'm not judging those who do, its just not what I'm doing. What I do is leverage my artistic skills to make Utility Quilts. I'll be writing about me and what I'm making. I expect this next year to be productive. So mostly it will be about the finishes and maybe a bit of Process thrown in but I would expect the majority of that to be over on Instagram. Join me over there to comment and watch the day to day action. <br />
<br />
Above is my quilt The Dishes Can Wait, it won 2nd in the Applique Category at Quilt Con 2015. The photo above is from the Premier issue of Simply Modern, I was pretty excited. It was one of 4 quilts accepted into the show.<br />
<br />
2ndAvenueStudio-Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13883502857437987115noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3038532751724823453.post-742639214228260942014-07-21T01:28:00.003-07:002014-07-21T01:28:24.006-07:00Check this Out! <br />
<a href="http://generationqmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/FC_GQ09MA14_nospine.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" class="alignright size-full wp-image-5668" height="400" src="http://generationqmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/FC_GQ11JA14.jpg" title="GenQ_Winter2012" width="311" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I didn't make this quilt, but I quilted it, but I don't think it qualifies me as a cover girl. yet. But it's as close as I'm likely to get this month. My friend Michelle over at <a href="http://designcamppdx.blogspot.com/2014/07/color-carnival-row-along-rows-1-3.html">DesignCampPDX</a> designed this row along for <a href="http://generationqmagazine.com/">Gen Q</a>. And she asked me to quilt it. Find directions and links on her site. <br />
<span class="photo_container pc_ju" id="yui_3_11_0_3_1405929212350_983"><a class="rapidnofollow photo-click" data-track="photo-click" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/2ndavestudio/14474802338/" id="yui_3_11_0_3_1405929212350_982"><img alt="photo 4.JPG" border="0" class="pc_img defer" data-defer-src="" height="400" id="photo_img_14474802338" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5523/14474802338_b25c891dfa_n.jpg" width="272" /></a></span><span class="photo_container pc_ju" id="yui_3_11_0_3_1405929212350_992"> </span><br />
<span class="photo_container pc_ju" id="yui_3_11_0_3_1405929212350_992">I free hand quilt on a frame and do not use digital tools. I mark very little and rarely use rulers. </span><br />
<span class="photo_container pc_ju" id="yui_3_11_0_3_1405929212350_992"> I usually make a very simple written plan and then just "go for it". In this case, each color was assigned a "theme" or "stitch concept" and then I just kinda winged it.</span><br />
<span class="photo_container pc_ju" id="yui_3_11_0_3_1405929212350_992"><br /></span>
<a class="rapidnofollow photo-click" data-track="photo-click" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/2ndavestudio/14474980517/" id="yui_3_11_0_3_1405929308027_971" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="photo 2.JPG" border="0" class="pc_img defer" data-defer-src="" height="400" id="photo_img_14474980517" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5579/14474980517_dcb859d8b5_n.jpg" width="299" /></a><span class="photo_container pc_ju" id="yui_3_11_0_3_1405929212350_992"><br /></span><br />
<span class="photo_container pc_ju" id="yui_3_11_0_3_1405929212350_992"><br /></span>
<span class="photo_container pc_ju" id="yui_3_11_0_3_1405929212350_992"><br /></span>
<span class="photo_container pc_ju" id="yui_3_11_0_3_1405929212350_992"><br /></span>
<span class="photo_container pc_ju" id="yui_3_11_0_3_1405929212350_992"><br /></span>
<span class="photo_container pc_ju" id="yui_3_11_0_3_1405929212350_992"><br /></span>
<span class="photo_container pc_ju" id="yui_3_11_0_3_1405929212350_992"><br /></span>
<br />
<span class="photo_container pc_ju" id="yui_3_11_0_3_1405929308027_972"></span><br />
<span class="photo_container pc_ju" id="yui_3_11_0_3_1405929308027_972"></span><br />
<span class="photo_container pc_ju" id="yui_3_11_0_3_1405929308027_972"></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span class="photo_container pc_ju" id="yui_3_11_0_3_1405929212350_992">I love Feathers. Love them! They aren't right for every quilt, I wish they were, but I felt with the Carnival theme I was "working" they were just right. </span><br />
<span class="photo_container pc_ju" id="yui_3_11_0_3_1405929212350_992"> </span><span class="photo_container pc_ju" id="yui_3_11_0_3_1405929212350_992"></span><span class="photo_container pc_ju" id="yui_3_11_0_3_1405929212350_992"> </span><br />
<a class="rapidnofollow photo-click" data-track="photo-click" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/2ndavestudio/14474801658/" id="yui_3_11_0_3_1405929295337_974" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="photo 3.JPG" border="0" class="pc_img defer" data-defer-src="" height="400" id="photo_img_14474801658" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/4/3873/14474801658_b53babd2d1_n.jpg" width="400" /></a><span class="photo_container pc_ju" id="yui_3_11_0_3_1405929212350_992"> </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span class="photo_container pc_ju" id="yui_3_11_0_3_1405929212350_992">I love quilting! I'm super grateful to my quilty friends. </span><br />
<span class="photo_container pc_ju" id="yui_3_11_0_3_1405929212350_992">If your interested in getting my posts delivered to your mail box, there is a subscription button up at the top, and if you want to peek at my "goings on" follow me on <a href="http://instagram.com/2ndavestudio">Instagram</a>. </span><br />
<span class="photo_container pc_ju" id="yui_3_11_0_3_1405929212350_992">Quilters Rock!</span><br />
<span class="photo_container pc_ju" id="yui_3_11_0_3_1405929212350_992"><br /></span>
<span class="photo_container pc_ju" id="yui_3_11_0_3_1405929295337_975"></span><br />
<span class="photo_container pc_ju" id="yui_3_11_0_3_1405929295337_975"></span><br />
<span class="photo_container pc_ju" id="yui_3_11_0_3_1405929295337_975"></span><br />
<span class="photo_container pc_ju" id="yui_3_11_0_3_1405929295337_975"></span><br />
<span class="photo_container pc_ju" id="yui_3_11_0_3_1405929295337_975"></span><br />
<span class="photo_container pc_ju" id="yui_3_11_0_3_1405929295337_975"></span><br />
<span class="photo_container pc_ju" id="yui_3_11_0_3_1405929295337_975"></span><br />
<span class="photo_container pc_ju" id="yui_3_11_0_3_1405929295337_975"></span><br />
<span class="photo_container pc_ju" id="yui_3_11_0_3_1405929295337_975"></span><br />
<span class="photo_container pc_ju" id="yui_3_11_0_3_1405929295337_975"></span><br />
<span class="photo_container pc_ju" id="yui_3_11_0_3_1405929295337_975"></span>2ndAvenueStudio-Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13883502857437987115noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3038532751724823453.post-35280582658992689042014-07-15T07:24:00.000-07:002014-07-15T07:33:58.577-07:00Where I've been, What I've been doing <span class="photo_container pc_ju" id="yui_3_11_0_3_1405433003612_1019"><a class="rapidnofollow photo-click" data-track="photo-click" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/2ndavestudio/14474646869/" id="yui_3_11_0_3_1405433003612_1018" style="overflow: hidden; width: 282px;"><img alt="IMG_5885" border="0" class="pc_img defer" data-defer-src="" height="400" id="photo_img_14474646869" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/4/3845/14474646869_48c1896086_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></span><br />
I've been away from the blog for a long time. <br />
<br />
I quilted some quilts<br />
For the guild, some charity quilts<br />
<span class="photo_container pc_ju" id="yui_3_11_0_3_1405433003612_1035"><a class="rapidnofollow photo-click" data-track="photo-click" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/2ndavestudio/14638303556/" id="yui_3_11_0_3_1405433003612_1034"><img alt="IMG_5835" border="0" class="pc_img defer" data-defer-src="" height="400" id="photo_img_14638303556" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/4/3874/14638303556_bc663156ba_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></span><br />
<span class="photo_container pc_ju" id="yui_3_11_0_3_1405433003612_1044"><a class="rapidnofollow photo-click" data-track="photo-click" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/2ndavestudio/14474599600/" id="yui_3_11_0_3_1405433003612_1043"><img alt="IMG_5876" border="0" class="pc_img defer" data-defer-src="" height="400" id="photo_img_14474599600" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/4/3840/14474599600_4d6ec58491_n.jpg" width="299" /></a></span><br />
<span class="photo_container pc_ju" id="yui_3_11_0_3_1405433003612_1058"><a class="rapidnofollow photo-click" data-track="photo-click" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/2ndavestudio/14474689968/" id="yui_3_11_0_3_1405433003612_1057"><img alt="IMG_5760" border="0" class="pc_img defer" data-defer-src="" height="400" id="photo_img_14474689968" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5586/14474689968_c9db365255_n.jpg" width="299" /></a></span> <br />
For my friend Michelle, her quilt for Gen Q<br />
For myself, this one for Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show<br />
<a class="rapidnofollow photo-click" data-track="photo-click" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/2ndavestudio/14474652618/" id="yui_3_11_0_3_1405433356510_1518" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="IMG_5701" border="0" class="pc_img " height="400" id="photo_img_14474652618" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5522/14474652618_3ed709ed3c_n.jpg" width="345" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span class="photo_container pc_ju" id="yui_3_11_0_3_1405433356510_1519"></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a class="rapidnofollow photo-click" data-track="photo-click" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/2ndavestudio/14660906682/" id="yui_3_11_0_3_1405433356510_1560" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="IMG_5644" border="0" class="pc_img " height="400" id="photo_img_14660906682" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2909/14660906682_d08e7e23fa_n.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
and this one for me<br />
<span class="photo_container pc_ju" id="yui_3_11_0_3_1405433356510_1528"><a class="rapidnofollow photo-click" data-track="photo-click" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/2ndavestudio/14474596150/" id="yui_3_11_0_3_1405433356510_1527"><img alt="IMG_5746" border="0" class="pc_img " height="400" id="photo_img_14474596150" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5507/14474596150_62b587882e_n.jpg" width="400" /> </a></span><br />
<span class="photo_container pc_ju" id="yui_3_11_0_3_1405433356510_1528">here is a detail of the quilting. This quilt is 4 years in the making, spawned 3 or 4 quilts in its wake and im thrilled its finished and it may get its own post. because I love it so. </span><br />
<span class="photo_container pc_ju" id="yui_3_11_0_3_1405433356510_1528"> </span><span class="photo_container pc_ju" id="yui_3_11_0_3_1405433356510_1573"><a class="rapidnofollow photo-click" data-track="photo-click" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/2ndavestudio/14474594370/" id="yui_3_11_0_3_1405433356510_1572"><img alt="IMG_5709" border="0" class="pc_img " height="400" id="photo_img_14474594370" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/4/3871/14474594370_58369a33c6_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></span><br />
<span class="photo_container pc_ju" id="yui_3_11_0_3_1405433356510_1528"><br /></span>
I taught some classes<br />
<span class="photo_container pc_ju" id="yui_3_11_0_3_1405433356510_1538"><a class="rapidnofollow photo-click" data-track="photo-click" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/2ndavestudio/14681187183/" id="yui_3_11_0_3_1405433356510_1537" style="overflow: hidden; width: 208px;"><img alt="IMG_5872" border="0" class="pc_img " height="400" id="photo_img_14681187183" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/4/3844/14681187183_b4fd6dd87d_n.jpg" width="299" /> </a></span><br />
<br />
I sewed some pretty together in an effort to get some more "pretty" in proper focus. <br />
<span class="photo_container pc_ju" id="yui_3_11_0_3_1405433356510_1548"><a class="rapidnofollow photo-click" data-track="photo-click" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/2ndavestudio/14638302646/" id="yui_3_11_0_3_1405433356510_1547"><img alt="IMG_5808" border="0" class="pc_img " height="400" id="photo_img_14638302646" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/4/3836/14638302646_71e6328b14_n.jpg" width="400" /> </a></span><br />
<span class="photo_container pc_ju" id="yui_3_11_0_3_1405433356510_1548"> So. Now your all caught up (mostly) I need to write some "Finish" posts, update the the pages and add a section on doing longarming but I'm really working like crazy getting caught up and now just isnt the time for posting. Its Summer. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="photo_container pc_ju" id="yui_3_11_0_3_1405433356510_1548"> Quilters Rock! </span><br />
<br />
If you really want to see what's happening in my studio follow me on <a href="http://instagram.com/2ndavestudio">instagram </a>2ndAvenueStudio-Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13883502857437987115noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3038532751724823453.post-44003850876260014332014-03-14T00:33:00.001-07:002014-03-14T00:33:58.815-07:00Modern Butterfly A Goal Realized<div id="allsizes-photo">
<img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7422/13079047034_0c795b1f1a_c.jpg" height="397" width="400" /> </div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
I'm published in <a href="http://generationqmagazine.com/">Generation Q</a>! Squee! </div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
Long ago I made samples for Connecting Threads. I was thrilled. I was being paid to make. How awesome is that I ask you? I was a professional with the W-2 to prove it. woot!</div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
It was a great experience and I will always be grateful for all I learned. really and truly. </div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
but.... </div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
they picked the fabric, the design and I just followed a pattern. </div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
Many magazines do the same thing, ask you to make something with a certain fabric or change elements. etc. </div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
<br /></div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
After a while, my skills grew and my interest in creating my own work became more of a priority. </div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
</div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
So I set a new GOAL: Make my own work and get it published. </div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
</div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
This is quilt is kinda the start of a whole Mid Century Modern Series that I'm probably about mid way thru. I'm making with these Mid Century shapes that speak to a different cooler age. Its kind of like a quilty art history intensive for one. </div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
</div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
How its made: Pieced. This could made in about 2 hours if you just cut shapes out and fused them on whole cloth. ( I could do a whole a monologue about how much I hate fusing, don"t get me started. I hate it. I've done it. still hate it.) If that's your thing: go for it. </div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
<br /></div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
If you want to see what is happening in my studio and see sneak peeks of what I'm working on check out my Instagram feed. OR Subscribe to my blog and my finishes will come straight to your mailbox. </div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
</div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
If you live Local in Portland, Oregon I'll be doing a trunk show and talking about my process at the next <a href="http://www.pineneedlequiltshop.com/westside-modern-club/">Modern Club Meeting at The Pine Needle in Lake Oswego</a> on March 26th. Social time starts at 5:30 and the meeting 6:00 - 8:00. </div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
<br /></div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
Tonight I went to Hand Sew Happy Hour, 2 hours to sit and hang with friends I rarely see. I got to see Ale for her birthday and meet her sweet daughter (the inspiration for her online name GoldWillow) and sit with Michelle and catch up. An afternoon well spent. </div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
</div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
Today is Pi day. Hope you get to have a slice. </div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
Quilters Rock, </div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
Rachel </div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
</div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
</div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
</div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
</div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
</div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
</div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
</div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
<br /></div>
2ndAvenueStudio-Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13883502857437987115noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3038532751724823453.post-15040587488617622972014-02-14T03:50:00.002-08:002014-02-16T19:01:42.216-08:00I'm a Hexin' Beast!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3715/12496962454_0dabbc6b40_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3715/12496962454_0dabbc6b40_z.jpg" height="400" width="386" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Well, here it is my first finish for 2014. Its been about 4 years in the making. It's been waiting for me to grow my skills and decide how I wanted to communicate. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div id="allsizes-photo" style="text-align: left;">
<img src="http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4080/4794485440_3e8f5a281f_o.jpg" height="400" width="346" /> </div>
<div id="allsizes-photo" style="text-align: left;">
About 4 years ago I started Hexing.The woman who taught me, her work looked terrible so I needed to figure it out. I didn't want the stitches to show in the front and I wanted to be able to take the papers out, but leave the basting in for more shape while in the "being made" stage. I got a hole punch and punched all my papers, then I basted on the back side only. In the "Joining" stage I ladder stitched with the WRONG sides together. When I open them up, the stitches are covered and I've sewn the back edges together not the front edges. </div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div id="allsizes-photo" style="text-align: left;">
<img src="http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4134/4825217352_e1c6c673a2_z.jpg" height="640" width="406" /><br />
<br />
I opted to make "Lumps". When I think about my Grandmother, I don't think of a silver haired Granny, baking cookies and wearing an apron. In the 30's, she was a pants wearing, art school attending, super athletic dynamo. She was so cool! She traveled everywhere, she was in Cuba in 1969. She had a bright red floating fireplace in her living room. She made jewelery. She worked at a job, with her own office. I used to look thru her phone book when I was young, looking to see who was in there. I'm not sure why, but one day I discovered the home number of Bob Hope. <br />
So when I look at Grandmother Flower Garden quilts, with their sweet wholesome girlish charm, I don't see my Maxine. I mean, how cool a name is that? After I made a bunch of lumps, I kinda knew I wanted to make a quilt that spoke to those GMFG quilts. Something about my own Grandmother. <br />
It's always been sitting back in my mind. "Maxine's Quilt" Maxine's Quilt" <br />
This last summer I figured it out. I made a hex top. A low volume, whole and pieced , hex by machine top. </div>
<div id="allsizes-photo" style="text-align: left;">
<div id="allsizes-photo">
<img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3800/12517157774_97bbf3f36a_z.jpg" height="400" width="388" /><br />
<div id="allsizes-photo">
</div>
</div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
Then I just machine appliqued the lumps on the top before quilting the background. </div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
</div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
</div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3697/12047713205_6a51ed9f34_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3697/12047713205_6a51ed9f34_z.jpg" height="400" width="400" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Above you can see I used a kind of flower pattern that also looks very topographical. You can also see that I've sewn around the edge of the lump but not in the middle around each hex. Are you thinking this is a problem? I am and I don't have a solve for it at this point in the process. So.... </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div id="allsizes-photo" style="text-align: left;">
<img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3743/12516841953_9bba680b21_z.jpg" /><br />
After it comes off the quilter, I really have to come to grips with the the fact that this won't wash well.<br />
I don't like the puff of the hexes, its uneven and where the lumps are 3 rows thick, I don't think it will wear well.<br />
Having a Bernina is kinda awesome. I have a 440QE and I love it. I have a Binder that I bind all my quilts with and a ruffler for making clothes. Nothing - but NOTHING- buttonholes like a Bernina. There is a sweet foot that will hold a button and then a stitch that sews a button to the garment. Below you can see the "in progress" shot.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div id="allsizes-photo" style="text-align: left;">
<img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5475/12516849643_c4e36de28c_z.jpg" id="yui_3_11_0_3_1392370072033_453" /> </div>
<div id="allsizes-photo" style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div id="allsizes-photo" style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div id="allsizes-photo" style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div id="allsizes-photo" style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<div id="allsizes-photo">
<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2854/12516858453_0ab7eb6701_z.jpg" height="640" id="yui_3_11_0_3_1392370207767_433" width="640" />
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div id="allsizes-photo" style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div id="allsizes-photo" style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div id="allsizes-photo" style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div id="allsizes-photo" style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div id="allsizes-photo" style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div id="allsizes-photo" style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div id="allsizes-photo" style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div id="allsizes-photo" style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I put 1, 2, or 3 button stitches in each hex. I really like how it turned out. I feel like it will wash well, I like the "cracker" quality to the hexes that the tacking provides and the tactile quality to the different quilting treatments meets my goal. The back is a solid pale yellow flannel I had in my stash. the very last piece. It may have taken 4 years but I'm in no hurry. It's a WIP off my list and a finish worthy of being this years first.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Quilters Rock! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
</div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
</div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
</div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
</div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
</div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
</div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
</div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
</div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
</div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
</div>
</div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
</div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
</div>
2ndAvenueStudio-Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13883502857437987115noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3038532751724823453.post-9579428473221071442014-01-29T02:09:00.002-08:002014-02-20T22:12:01.892-08:00Twizzle your Buds on the Insta Face<br />
Well, I've been living life and before I know it, time gets away from me. I can't believe how long it's been since I posted, but here I am.<br />
I've been curating the Monthly Quilt Show at <a href="http://moderndomesticpdx.com/">Modern Domestic </a>as well as teaching. I still check in on My Elder daily and keep my hubs clean and fed. the rest of the time I'm free to sew. <br />
When I looked at the blog, I thought it needed a bit of housekeeping so .... <br />
I created a <a href="http://2ndavenuestudio.blogspot.com/p/2012-quilts.html">Blog Page for Some of my Quilts</a>, the most recent ones from the last couple of years.<br />
<span class="photo_container pc_ju" id="yui_3_11_0_3_1390989088058_1569"><a class="rapidnofollow photo-click" data-track="photo-click" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/2ndavestudio/8659949354/" id="yui_3_11_0_3_1390989088058_1568"><img alt="photo.JPG" border="0" class="pc_img defer" data-defer-src="" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8109/8659949354_0e7be06108_n.jpg" height="400" id="photo_img_8659949354" width="337" /></a></span><br />
<br />
I added an <a href="http://instagram.com/2ndavestudio">InstaGram</a> Button, if you want to see my charming dog, fabrics, studio shots, and work in progress that's the place to find me these days. Please follow me there. <br />
<span class="photo_container pc_ju" id="yui_3_11_0_3_1390989088058_1521"><a class="rapidnofollow photo-click" data-track="photo-click" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/2ndavestudio/9027742317/" id="yui_3_11_0_3_1390989088058_1520" style="overflow: hidden; width: 256px;"><img alt="I'm a pretty boy #deiterdiaz" border="0" class="pc_img defer" data-defer-src="" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5462/9027742317_4cd5b3617e_n.jpg" height="400" id="photo_img_9027742317" width="400" /> </a></span><br />
<br />
I also added a <b>Subscribe by Email</b> button. I post mostly major finishes, so if you want to stay informed please think about subscribing. I've signed at least one release lately, so there will be exciting ( to me at least) news coming. <br />
<br />
<a class="rapidnofollow photo-click" data-track="photo-click" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/2ndavestudio/11847056934/" id="yui_3_11_0_3_1390989088058_4032" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="84 x 104 super huge #DSQuilts #denyseschmidt scrap quilt top completed. I'm not a completist so I don't own a complete line of anything - I used a lots of different lines. This is for my bed." border="0" class="pc_img " src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7294/11847056934_0ffacca9fc_n.jpg" height="400" id="photo_img_11847056934" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span class="photo_container pc_ju" id="yui_3_11_0_3_1390989088058_4033"></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
A set on fickr <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/2ndavestudio/sets/72157640279216614/">HERE</a> of my quilts up to 2012 will let you see my past work all in one handy location. <br />
I'm having a grand time sewing with friends and creating work I'm proud of. How's your new year going?<br />
as always- Quilters Rock! 2ndAvenueStudio-Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13883502857437987115noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3038532751724823453.post-74064496475300566842013-10-02T18:15:00.000-07:002013-10-02T18:15:41.644-07:00Quilting Happiness: The Web Site<img alt="" height="400" id="Image1_img" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil6y9cjC1-5PTIyO0rvjYW-XGZ7CDWaPO9AvABxWDBCfLq3w0AVJx-EQc_0-7JF2q7Hl2bCCFc3DGcgr4lKP489Yi2Iwcx_x7k9vxviRPe8QOJjBuO_XLw8bYcE_9SpiZJ5BVQlBox7MiD/s400/QuiltingHappinesscover.jpg" style="visibility: visible;" width="339" /><br />
<br />
My story about volunteering at the CCC is up over at <a href="http://www.quiltinghappiness.com/2013/10/recovery-life-skills-and-finished-quilts.html">Quilting Happiness</a>.<br />
<br />
If you have a chance to check out the web site, with not only stories but quizzes and helpful data to get your creativity flowing. Are you getting what you want/need from your making? The web site will have projects and inspiration to create a more Joyful making experience.<br />
<br />
I just love the idea of this book. 2ndAvenueStudio-Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13883502857437987115noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3038532751724823453.post-83176443399869597862013-07-13T01:11:00.001-07:002013-07-13T01:11:52.107-07:00Sticks and Stones <div id="allsizes-photo">
<img height="640" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2806/9275388174_209d016e8d_c.jpg" width="480" />
</div>
<br />
"The details are not the details. They make the design." - Charles Eames <br />
"Art resides in the process of doing, process is not magic" - Charles Eames <br />
"The real questions are: <br />
Does it solve a problem? <br />
Is it serviceable?<br />
How is it going to look in 10 years?" Charles Eames <br />
<br />
These quotes are what this quilt is about. I mean, sure, it's about all kinds of things, but mostly and intentionally, its about Design and Craftsmanship. <br />
<br />
The background is Linen, so that it will have a long life, and provide a nice contrast to the cotton applique. <br />
Its all turned appliqué so it wont fray. It's not fused, after all a quilt is for cuddling, for using. <br />
The back is a great modern print from Ikea. <br />
We recently welcomed the first grandchild into our family and this is the quilt I made while we waited for the child. Clearly, its for a little girl, a modern little girl, a wee little me. But no, my stepdaughter had a boy, with a green and yellow frog theme for the nursery. They're expressing a different vision for him, one that I'll interpret into a quilt for them and the baby. <br />
<div id="allsizes-photo">
<img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5323/9272598123_4dd0d71d72_c.jpg" />
</div>
This quilt is designed to go into the washer and the dryer. Its all machine made. <br />
<br />
<div id="allsizes-photo">
<img height="400" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3702/9275390780_09c122e968_c.jpg" width="386" />
</div>
<br />
It will hold up to the toughest cuddler. It's quilted with 2 patterns
that will give contrasting touch and a good hand after repeated
washing. In the quilting, I try and focus on creating a sense of
intention and I go for a more painterly quality, less uniformity. I
want the quilt to be usable and comfy, not stiff or precious like a show
quilt. <br />
<div id="allsizes-photo">
<img height="640" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2878/9272604065_631e724d0f_c.jpg" width="480" />
</div>
<br />
<br />
Binding is low contrast and from a distance will not distract from the
center, but up close it's a color coordinated stripe from Lizzy House. <br />
<div id="allsizes-photo">
<img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5505/9272603099_66c6805f48.jpg" />
</div>
<br />
<br />
This quilt is also really an homage to Eames. From the design, to the making, to the finishing. <br />
It's machine made. Machine quilted. Machine finished. <br />
<div id="allsizes-photo">
<img height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7454/9272627711_9b2dac6b09_c.jpg" width="544" />
</div>
<br />
<br />
After years of a dedicated focus on quilting, what it means to me, how I want to add to the legacy, and how I hope to have my work interpreted, I finally feel like Im starting to more closely hit my mark. My choices are purposeful, and intentional as part of the design.<br />
<div id="allsizes-photo">
<img height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7403/9272599773_86eb0b598e_c.jpg" width="516" />
</div>
<br />
If your visiting my blog for the first time after seeing this quilt at Sisters Quilt Show. I hope you'll follow me here or over at Instagram or Flickr. If your interested in seeing whats going on, WIPS, Studio shots, etc.. Instagram is where I spend the most time. <br />
Quilters Rock! 2ndAvenueStudio-Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13883502857437987115noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3038532751724823453.post-44654572805432811842013-05-30T16:48:00.000-07:002013-05-30T16:56:34.081-07:00Quilt Hexing Beast<div id="allsizes-photo">
<img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2852/8895551113_108efea31b_z.jpg" /> </div>
I love Hexes. Love them. I read <a href="http://tallgrassprairiestudio.blogspot.com/2012/02/sewing-hexagons-by-machine-without.html">Jacquie's Post</a> about machine piecing a Hex Top and had to try it.<br />
<br />
<div id="allsizes-photo">
<img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5457/8895551977_642c991f10_z.jpg" />
</div>
<br />
I first did this red and aqua "trial". I decided in my <strike>infinite wisdom</strike> failure to read directions that I should put aqua "petals" around red "centers" and join those. Don't do that. Just follow directions and sew rows, then join the rows.<br />
I also never did manage to press it. I decided to just quilt it and it worked out okay, better than I expected. Folks trust me when I say this: Do not try this at home! Full disclosure I also think I loaded it onto the quilter side ways and the rows go top to bottom. Boo. Hiss. But it was my first attempt. <br />
<div id="allsizes-photo">
<img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5457/8895556075_47f4f088a3_z.jpg" />
</div>
The next Hex I made is larger both in hex size and finished top size. crib sized vs baby. It was a snap and after I got a few rows together I started pressing the "done" rows so it more manageable. I get easily overwhelmed with pressing, what can I say. So, the directions say "its easier to not press". I know this because I went back and read them completely.<br />
I would leave the row I was going to attach to unpressed but press finished seams. Oh this top is Flat and Happy. Its going next to be loaded onto the quilter.<br />
<br />
<div id="allsizes-photo">
<img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2825/8895552789_0b75bf43c9_z.jpg" />
</div>
<br />
The latest quilt to get finished and off the quilter is this... another string quilt. Im calling it Spring Rain.<br />
I also finished quilting this for charity.<br />
<br />
<div id="allsizes-photo">
<img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8408/8896174938_cee430493a_z.jpg" />
</div>
<br />
It includes some vintage alphabet fabric that I think really sparkles with other low volume fabrics.<br />
<br />
<div id="allsizes-photo">
<img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2853/8896175858_b08e646d1e_z.jpg" />
</div>
<br />
The stitching is that great Denyse Schmidt inspired figure eight. Oh that is this years charity stitch of choice. It goes so fast. Nails everything down. Washes up great and looks so good. <br />
<div id="allsizes-photo">
<img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3678/8896176736_7e0e46e18c_z.jpg" />
</div>
<br />
That's all the Quilty news from my studio. A couple of Weeks ago I went to Quilt Market and met so many great folks. My IG has jumped to 300 followers, which for me is amaze balls, I'm so happy at the response to my making. I love quilting and am so happy to have found like minded folks. yay!<br />
On IG im 2ndavestudio- come follow me, meet my dog and see what I'm eating! <br />
Quilters Rock! 2ndAvenueStudio-Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13883502857437987115noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3038532751724823453.post-55309325588967503662013-04-17T20:48:00.001-07:002013-04-17T20:48:13.386-07:00first one done<div style="margin: 0 0 10px 0; padding: 0; font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.6em;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/2ndavestudio/8659949354/" title="photo.JPG"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8109/8659949354_0e7be06108.jpg" alt="photo.JPG by Rachel @ 2nd Avenue Studio" /></a><br/><span style="margin: 0;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/2ndavestudio/8659949354/">photo.JPG</a>, a photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/2ndavestudio/">Rachel @ 2nd Avenue Studio</a> on Flickr.</span></div><p>well, my first Charity Quilt for the year is done. Its not bound but its off the quilter and trimmed. <br />Im happy about that. I need to be quilting a couple of these a month to stay on track. I've been slacking. Doing other things and other projects. I used this as a practice piece for my Sticks and Stones Quilt that I'm about to quilt.</p>2ndAvenueStudio-Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13883502857437987115noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3038532751724823453.post-77655969817828551382013-04-09T00:02:00.001-07:002013-04-09T15:40:14.992-07:00What I'm working on today<div style="font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0 0 10px 0; padding: 0;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/2ndavestudio/8634237108/" title="What I'm working on today"><img alt="What I'm working on today by Rachel @ 2nd Avenue Studio" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8239/8634237108_dd43a92da9.jpg" /></a><br />
<span style="margin: 0;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/2ndavestudio/8634237108/">What I'm working on today</a>, a photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/2ndavestudio/">Rachel @ 2nd Avenue Studio</a> on Flickr.</span></div>
Im loving all this color. It's got zip, zing, pow!<br />Ive just thrown the blocks up on the design wall and Im working away. Some may have to be edited out (sorry henna garden, I love you but maybe not for this project), but over all I'm excited to see where this goes. <br />Quilters Rock!2ndAvenueStudio-Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13883502857437987115noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3038532751724823453.post-809397750524261002013-04-04T18:01:00.002-07:002013-04-09T15:43:03.892-07:00Edit! Redo! and Revisit! <br />
<div id="allsizes-photo">
<img height="400" id="yui_3_7_3_3_1365114582228_446" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8516/8436640067_a911d38e96_o.jpg" width="400" />
</div>
<br />
So, I had been working on these letters. Using some of my favorite fabrics, it was going gang busters. Then, BAM! I realized I didn't have enough room. It wasn't working, Some letters were too thick and others, as my skills grew or by luck, were artful and delicate.<br />
I sat and looked at it for a couple of days and came to the conclusion that this project was shelved. Oh I'll go back to letters and may even do this project but I need to edit my out the losers and remake a fair portion.<br />
I do this alot, start a project, learn a skill ( like letters) struggle with it, then drop it. Going back a while late later and finally finishing something happens too. <br />
<br />
So this is on my pile... I'll cannibalize it for parts I'm sure and the strings I have can go back to the string drawer. And once I've processed the lessons learned, I'll return to letters and make something I'm proud of. <br />
I had a ceramics teacher who was a fanatic about editing. He thought it was wasteful not to recycle projects that sucked. Why fire and glaze something that in 2 months your eyes would outgrow?<br />
Now that I have a several years of quilting under my belt I can more clearly see the my own need to edit my first tries. To get the fluff out of the way and get to the better quilt that is lurking behind that fluff. I struggle to find that space that captures whimsical improvisation and artful piecing, while leaving out that clunky forced look of homemade crafting. <br />
<br />
So now you what I'm not working on. What am I doing? Playing with some Liberty Scraps, going to the dog park, hanging out with my elder, playing with 60degree triangles and teaching classes over at <a href="http://moderndomesticpdx.com/">Modern Domestic</a>. <br />
<div id="allsizes-photo">
<img height="400" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8097/8567519456_fae5bc598f_o.jpg" width="400" />
</div>
<br />
<div id="allsizes-photo">
<img height="400" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8519/8563310588_66abb927ec_o.jpg" width="400" />
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div id="allsizes-photo">
<img height="400" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8242/8529487277_b81b0991e8_o.jpg" width="400" />
</div>
<br />
Quilters Rock!2ndAvenueStudio-Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13883502857437987115noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3038532751724823453.post-20719765831852993452013-03-02T23:11:00.001-08:002013-03-09T14:45:39.648-08:00I like to quilt in the dark<div style="font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0 0 10px 0; padding: 0;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/2ndavestudio/8523831308/" title="I like to quilt in the dark with a side light so I can see my marks. This is going to be awesome and soft. So soft is the Chambray in lavender."><img alt="I like to quilt in the dark with a side light so I can see my marks. This is going to be awesome and soft. So soft is the Chambray in lavender. by Rachel @ 2nd Avenue Studio" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8103/8523831308_956f94aee7.jpg" /></a><br />
<span style="margin: 0;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/2ndavestudio/8523831308/">I like to quilt in the dark with a side light so I can see my marks. This is going to be awesome and soft. So soft is the Chambray in lavender.</a>, a photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/2ndavestudio/">Rachel @ 2nd Avenue Studio</a> on Flickr.</span></div>
with a side light so I can see my marks. This is going to be awesome and soft. So soft is the Chambray in lavender.<br />
I'm back quilting, I've been able to spend some time in my studio. This week I was able to get in a couple nights worth of sewing. <br />
My Elder is back to independence, My Hubs is feeling better and finally my energy is back up after my Dental Adventure. I get sutures out in 2 weeks and feel pretty good. <br />
<br />
<div id="allsizes-photo">
<img id="yui_3_7_3_3_1362869049901_467" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8532/8522812689_804c65a6db_z.jpg" />
</div>
<br />
I finished my Hubs Xmas present, just in time for his birthday. Groan, isn't that the way it goes sometimes? He isn't upset, so I'm okay with it too. <br />
Ive decided this is THE year to finish up UFO/WIPS or get rid of them.. so this is the first. And there will be more, many more. Tucked in around New Work, Charity Work and Paid Work. <br />
Im clearly overly optimistic and over scheduled but Who Cares?? I'm going for it! <br />
<br />
Quilters Rock! 2ndAvenueStudio-Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13883502857437987115noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3038532751724823453.post-87674383967042201522013-02-04T18:55:00.005-08:002013-02-04T19:15:41.352-08:00A New Dog<div id="allsizes-photo">
<img height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8370/8436648231_85d0aed5e9_z.jpg" width="640" /> </div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
</div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
Well its 4 months almost since I posted. That long really? yup. err I have no good excuse. Nope non at all. </div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
Lets see; .. </div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
I finished the the above top and have been quilting it for weeks. I think I've been working on it since October. Wha? </div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
I started another top.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a class="photo-link" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/2ndavestudio/8436640067/in/photostream/" id="yui_3_7_3_3_1360017530853_1198" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img class="loaded" data-size-id="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8516/8436640067_1b72d94641_z.jpg" height="400" id="yui_3_7_3_3_1360017530853_1200" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8516/8436640067_1b72d94641_z.jpg" style="opacity: 1; z-index: 1;" width="400" /></a></div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
<br />
<div class="img-wrap" id="yui_3_7_3_3_1360017530853_1196" style="height: 612px; margin-left: -306px; margin-top: -306px; width: 612px;">
<span class="facade-of-protection" id="yui_3_7_3_3_1360017530853_1317"></span></div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
</div>
</div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
</div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
</div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
</div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
</div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
<br />
A letters quilt. </div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
I've made some baby charity tops.</div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
There was the week I got the flu and the week it took to get better. </div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
Holidays and hanging out with my friends. </div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
Teaching Frame classes over at <a href="http://moderndomesticpdx.com/">Modern Domestic</a>. </div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
But mostly, Ive been hanging out with my Mom and our new dog Dieter Diaz.</div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8077/8345703710_30813b652f_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" class="loaded" data-size-id="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8077/8345703710_30813b652f_z.jpg" height="400" id="yui_3_7_3_3_1360017643320_1628" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8077/8345703710_30813b652f_z.jpg" style="opacity: 1; z-index: 1;" width="400" /></a></div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
</div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
</div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
</div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
</div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
</div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
</div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
</div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
</div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
</div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
</div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
</div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
</div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
</div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
</div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
</div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
</div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
</div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
</div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
</div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
</div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
<br />
</div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
</div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
I'm also micro blogging over at InstaGram quite a bit - @2ndavestudio, that's me so if you want to follow me there, that's where I am.</div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
</div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
As I get things finished, and do more than walk the dog, lunch with my elder, and sew projects in process I'll be back posting. </div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
</div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
Quilters Rock! </div>
2ndAvenueStudio-Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13883502857437987115noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3038532751724823453.post-27075639463060252662012-10-15T03:32:00.001-07:002012-10-15T03:32:15.230-07:00100 Quilts for Kids - Final count 2012 <img height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8190/8089689484_1e9bbf1721_c.jpg" width="480" />
<br />
<br />
Well, I have 14 quilts ready to go. Less than I hoped but it's something. I have lots of rec's and tops made so I expect I'll do better next year. I also didn't count the 3 we did as a group at the Seattle Meetup. No body has seen those 3 yet and they won't get handed in on time.<br />
<br />
I'm entering them into the 1<a href="http://www.swimbikequilt.com/2012/07/100-quilts-for-kids-link-up-is-open.html">00 Quilts for Kids Linky Party</a>. I've already entered 2 of them and this is my third and final entry. I'm not entering 14 times. That seemed like over kill. <strike>because I'm lazy</strike>. Last year I won a great GC, this year I just wanted to play along again. I don't expect to win anything. <br />
Sarah over at the linky has the odds in her favor, she killed it this year! <br />
<br />
I keep a book of my charity quilts. I number them and document where they are going. 4 of the quilts this year were partially made (the tops) by others. The other 10 were made by me alone. A few of them are small for stroller or carseat or as changing pads. 3 are whole cloth practice quilts.<br />
These quilts are #68 -81 since I only started documenting a few years ago. I wish I had the follow thru to photo every Charity Quilt effort but I just can't get motivated to shoot and edit every one. <br />
<br />
All the quilts get a "care label" stamp or actual label and some get a 2ndAve Studio stamp, but not all.<br />
<br />
<div id="allsizes-photo">
<img height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8472/8089687389_9c2bb90acf_c.jpg" width="571" />
</div>
<br />
Here is my hope for the quilts:<br />
That babies and youngsters get to live, play, cuddle and enjoy them. That they help create for children a safe environment of healthy love and calmness so they grow and learn. All the quilts that I have been finishing lately will be going to the <a href="http://www.crn4kids.org/">Children's Relief Nursery</a>. They help at risk youngsters get the best and healthiest start in life. <br />
now to bed!<br />
Quilters Rock! 2ndAvenueStudio-Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13883502857437987115noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3038532751724823453.post-14154617975420487802012-09-27T22:57:00.001-07:002014-01-29T21:07:37.580-08:00Almost Friday Almost Finished<div style="font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0 0 10px 0; padding: 0;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/2ndavestudio/8031964162/" title="2 more tops"><img alt="2 more tops by Rachel @ 2nd Avenue Studio" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8312/8031964162_4c34c548de.jpg" height="640" width="593" /></a><br />
<span style="margin: 0;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/2ndavestudio/8031964162/">2 more tops</a>, a photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/2ndavestudio/">Rachel @ 2nd Avenue Studio</a> on Flickr.</span><br />
<span style="margin: 0;"><span style="font-size: small;">Well, there has been quite a bit of posting this week. Lots of finishes and Blog Post making. Tomorrow I go in for dental work - I'll be getting some bone graphs and prep done for implants. </span></span><br />
<span style="margin: 0;"><span style="font-size: small;">My father was stone toothless by 40, my teeth have been a problem most of my life. I had my first bad tooth/abscess at 7 or 8. Dr. Aber sat me down and told me to take of my teeth and maybe just maybe I'd be able to keep them. Its a Genetic thing, my blond fundus, my chronic joint pain, my crap teeth... all part of parcel of a crap gene I test positive for. Dam and Blast. </span></span><br />
<span style="margin: 0;"><span style="font-size: small;"> I'm skidding into 50 - with most of my teeth still in my head... winner winner chicken dinner... .. </span></span><br />
<span style="margin: 0;"><span style="font-size: small;">But I'm going under the knife to get some more chewing surface. When you lose chewing surface, the other teeth are under lots of pressure to perform. </span></span><br />
<span style="margin: 0;"><span style="font-size: small;">I'll be down for near a week - Thank Goodness its soup weather. I'll be eating lots of it I bet. Mixed with mashed potatoes to not be too runny. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">On to the Quilts: </span><br />
<span style="margin: 0;"><span style="font-size: small;">I finished the 2 tops in picture above . Both kinda "boy" - seems I like to make "girl" quilts. Its true, I love flowers and "girl" motifs like sewing notions and patterns. </span></span><br />
<br />
<div id="allsizes-photo">
<img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8035/8031019776_f8c0e3948d_c.jpg" />
</div>
<br />
<span style="margin: 0;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Along with the tops, I finished these 4 quilts and trimmed them. They are ready for binding. </span></span><br />
<span style="margin: 0;"><span style="font-size: small;">I hope this next week finds you well and happy. I'll be recovering but happy. Wish me luck and sedation. Be back soon. </span></span><br />
<span style="margin: 0;"><span style="font-size: small;">Quilters Rock, </span></span></div>
2ndAvenueStudio-Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13883502857437987115noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3038532751724823453.post-41691168038063041212012-09-27T12:26:00.003-07:002012-09-27T12:26:47.112-07:00MODERN MEETUP QUILTS<br />
<div id="allsizes-photo">
<img height="640" id="yui_3_5_1_3_1348391040676_303" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8314/8014769187_33695f81ff_c.jpg" width="480" />
</div>
<br />
Earlier this Summer the Modern Guilds in Portland, Seattle and Vancouver BC got together and had a meetup. <br />
We went to Vashon Island and where we had a Quilt Show and Group Sew. I didn't sew much, I visited, chit chat ed, and drank alot of tea brewed by the hippies next door.<br />
<div id="allsizes-photo">
<img height="640" id="yui_3_5_1_3_1348391324599_309" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8178/8014778085_bff9999b8f_c.jpg" width="480" /> </div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
A lot of tea... boy it was hot.. </div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
at the end of the day the finished quilt tops were divided up and we all took home the supplies to quilt them .. I quilted these three </div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
<br />
<div id="allsizes-photo">
<img id="yui_3_5_1_3_1348391562966_304" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8444/8001684402_7c49f8027e_c.jpg" /> </div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
<br />
<div id="allsizes-photo">
<img height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8319/8001683078_356d3e8cc6_c.jpg" width="515" /> </div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
<br />
<div id="allsizes-photo">
<img height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8454/8001683364_1c0967c434_c.jpg" width="513" />
</div>
</div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
</div>
</div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
The Guild hasn't seem them yet in person and I really do think that quilts work so much better in person. They won't be donated till after October 15 so they will miss the 100 quilts for kids deadline </div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
and it really isn't up to me where they go. </div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
But I hope eventually babies will be found cuddled and warm. </div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
Quilters Rock! </div>
</div>
2ndAvenueStudio-Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13883502857437987115noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3038532751724823453.post-54874282505549534232012-09-26T05:02:00.001-07:002012-09-26T05:02:51.519-07:00Wordless WIP Wednesday<div style="font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.6em; margin: 0 0 10px 0; padding: 0;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/2ndavestudio/8026301235/" title="Wordless WIP Wednesday"><img alt="Wordless WIP Wednesday by Rachel @ 2nd Avenue Studio" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8182/8026301235_4a40f1147e.jpg" width="480" /></a><br />
<span style="margin: 0;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/2ndavestudio/8026301235/">Wordless WIP Wednesday</a>, a photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/2ndavestudio/">Rachel @ 2nd Avenue Studio</a> on Flickr.</span></div>
2ndAvenueStudio-Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13883502857437987115noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3038532751724823453.post-10313699076874317482012-09-26T02:12:00.000-07:002014-02-20T22:09:32.668-08:00Charity Quilt: Green <div id="allsizes-photo">
<img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8029/8013770797_5837a0b6f0_c.jpg" height="640" width="584" /> </div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
So here's the plan:</div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
Cut rectangles 6.5 x 8.5 </div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
Arrange on Design wall </div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
Sew into quilt top </div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
Quilt </div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
Bind </div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
Repeat</div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
This is the first of of 4 tops I've made so far.. the blocks could be pieced ( crosses or random rails come to mind first, maybe a log cabin) or not, repeated or not.. the variety is endless. </div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
Why 6.5 x 8.5? The size of the block is just about the size of my ipad screen and it
felt modern and interesting to me ... but still small enough to not be
boring... a high ROI use of my time and energy.<br />
<br /></div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
Also, I wanted to use up some random FQ and cut strips from Yardage and this was what worked best.. </div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
I get 4 from a Fat Quarter o r 6 from every 8.5" WOF strip (long quarter) with very little waste.I like to cut from yardage most of all as it's really the way to go. <br />
<br />
Look at the photo.<br />
The quilt is 5 tall (8x5 =40) and 6 wide (6x6=36)<br />
Thats One Quarter Yard a row, or, in this case,<br />
1.25 yards for the top<br />
1.25 of yardage for the backing (42 x 45)<br />
1.25 yardage of batting ( my batting is either double wide for this quilt or if I use warm and safe (45" wide) <br />
4 strips of binding (10" but lets call it a quarter /third of a yard for ease)<br />
4 yards total - for planning purposes that's a nice round number ..<br />
<br />
If your like me and don't keep good tax records ... a simple photo makes it easy to calculate come tax time. </div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
<br /></div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
You'll be seeing lots of these in the future.. color studies and monotones, pieced and wholecloth, each one will be its own special work. </div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
<div id="allsizes-photo">
<img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8296/8013771077_9fb89a3882_c.jpg" height="640" width="480" />
</div>
</div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
I quilted this one in Double Meander. Looks great. </div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
</div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
<br />
Quilters Rock</div>
2ndAvenueStudio-Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13883502857437987115noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3038532751724823453.post-48186703791023205602012-09-25T11:38:00.001-07:002012-09-25T11:39:19.930-07:00A Crazy Little Thing Called Strings<br />
<div id="allsizes-photo">
<img height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8316/8013772570_d9477d4d05_c.jpg" width="480" />
</div>
<br />
I just had too many strings. way too many. everywhere. In drawers, on shelves, on my desk.. I wanted to sew up strip sets, cut trinagles and make a string quilt. .Would it work... Lets try it and find out..<br />
the result is this. .<br />
<div id="allsizes-photo">
<img height="631" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8304/8013773722_5e430b7fa5_c.jpg" width="640" /> </div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
</div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
I string quilt.. truly scrappy .. </div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
<br />
<div id="allsizes-photo">
<img id="yui_3_5_1_3_1348362323790_308" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8456/8013770489_605d369415_c.jpg" />
</div>
</div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
and quilted with Love... </div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
Backed with a yummy buttery flannel </div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
going to <a href="http://www.crn4kids.org/">Childrens Relief Nursery</a> as part of <a href="http://www.swimbikequilt.com/2012/07/100-quilts-for-kids-link-up-is-open.html">100 Quilts for Kids </a></div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
Quilter's Rock! </div>
2ndAvenueStudio-Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13883502857437987115noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3038532751724823453.post-60176489435563845412012-09-24T05:11:00.000-07:002012-09-26T14:21:04.392-07:00The Last Charity Quilt Of Its Kind<br />
<div id="allsizes-photo">
<img height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8443/8013627128_cd716a49c6_c.jpg" width="482" />
</div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
</div>
<br />
This month makes an anniversary. One year ago today I stopped going to the Jail.<br />
When I moved over the (BFE) far Westside of Washington County I stopped charity quilting with the Hospital and started teaching/coaching at the Treatment Dorm at a local Jail. 2nd Project was a Pieced Quilt. First Project was a Rag Quilt that I was pretty hopeless on ( never made one, never will, think they are horrible ) but 2nd Project was spack dab in my wheel house. A pieced quilt that was quilted and finished by the maker. All quilts were recorded and given to the children of Drug Court and other children that the Family Court came in contact with. As well as Lock Down House for children that were not safe at home or a threat to their own family. <br />
<br />
Then it stopped, the program shut down, fabric was distributed, supplies were given away. One tearful Luncheon later I was on my own. I had no charity home anymore... I've never quilted with no charity before. I have always quilted for charity, always. Its part of our family mission that instead of working a job, I keep busy working a charity job. I've been Fabric Maven for 2 different charities, made kits, quilts, quilting for several more. I love making charity quilts.. I like making quilts.<br />
Its by far my favorite form of charity work. <br />
I've gone to Florida for the Red Cross. I've Driven a BMW to Utah. I've volunteered for political campaigns and other causes I thought were great. I've made a lot of Quilts for charity. When I first started Quilting I made 6 quilt tops a month. 48 x 60 month after month.. Then I got excited about quilting and Longarming. The first year I got my HandiQuilter I quilted 18 tops a month. The next year my commitment was 6.<br />
Now I have more family commitments demanding my time, I do eldercare for my declining mother. I've had some of my own health issues. Last year I was a board member for our Local Modern Guild <strike>and frankly, hanging out and socializing </strike>, as well as other quilt commitments.<br />
Thank Goodness I discovered <a href="http://www.swimbikequilt.com/2011/06/100-quilts-for-kids-details.html">100 Quilts For Kids</a>. Someplace to make and donate to ... plus there are prizes... Last year I donated 3 quilts and won a $25Gift Cert to<a href="http://www.fatquartershop.com/"> FatQuarterShop.com</a>. <br />
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8447/8013627476_4ea4e06916_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8447/8013627476_4ea4e06916_c.jpg" width="478" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
So here it is... The last quilt top from the Jail.. When the whole thing stopped I ended up with a quilt top to finish... So I've quilted it and bound it and it gets donated before the October 15th to the <a href="http://www.crn4kids.org/">Children's Relief Nursery </a>you can find out why <a href="http://2ndavenuestudio.blogspot.com/2012/09/my-favorite-charity.html">here</a>.. :)<br />
Im adding this to the linky but it will represent 3 quilts total that I had a hand in creating but didn't make myself alone. but I figure I worked 30% on them so I make a linky entry plus Im finishing so many I dont want to enter each one separate. <br />
Quilters Rock<br />
<script type="text/javascript"><br><br> var _gaq = _gaq || [];<br> _gaq.push(['_setAccount', 'UA-8526019-2']);<br> _gaq.push(['_trackPageview']);<br><br> (function() {<br> var ga = document.createElement('script'); ga.type = 'text/javascript'; ga.async = true;<br> ga.src = ('https:' == document.location.protocol ? 'https://ssl' : 'http://www') + '.google-analytics.com/ga.js';<br> var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(ga, s);<br> })();<br><br></script> <br />
<br />2ndAvenueStudio-Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13883502857437987115noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3038532751724823453.post-64579835783500815882012-09-20T14:25:00.003-07:002012-09-24T04:38:13.793-07:00Im Making a Valor Quilt.<div id="allsizes-photo">
</div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
</div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
I decided to make a Valor Quilt. I see them all the time on the internet and so often I think they are .... hmm well, not age appropriate. lets say that. </div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
I made <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/2ndavestudio/7105313081/in/set-72157628696206481">this one,</a> but it was WAY too girlie. too small and turned into a very personal expression of patriotism and womanhood. </div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
<br /></div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
So, I let it go for awhile. back burner. And then, I came back to it. I checked out <a href="http://www.qovf.org/content/basic-qov-requirements.html">their website </a>and they have all the info you need to make one too if you'd like. I cut a bunch of strings..</div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
<div id="allsizes-photo">
<img height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8439/7974453863_e9b3827791_c.jpg" width="480" />
</div>
</div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
</div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
Started sewing them together.. </div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
Kinda decided on a plan. I went with the Denyse Schmidt String Style quilt. <br />
<div id="allsizes-photo">
<img height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8448/8007267036_e1aee51c76_c.jpg" width="524" /> </div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
But it was too busy - so yesterday I added a solid navy. Sewed up all the rows. </div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
<br />
<div id="allsizes-photo">
<img height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8315/8002338636_e889c86f5d_c.jpg" width="480" /> </div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
then I made a back and put it on the quilter.. </div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
<div id="allsizes-photo">
<img height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8314/8007259525_cc851cfa69_c.jpg" width="550" />
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
</div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
Quilted it and took it off the quilter.. Its not trimmed or bound yet. I haven't made the pillow case... but I'm pretty happy. <br />
After its bound and washed with its awesome label I'll show you again.. its pretty big... </div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
but Im moving on now to 100 Quilts for Kids .... </div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
Quilters Rock! </div>
<div id="allsizes-photo">
</div>
2ndAvenueStudio-Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13883502857437987115noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3038532751724823453.post-28728574939053283302012-09-18T19:03:00.001-07:002012-09-18T19:03:32.187-07:00My Favorite Charity <br />
<div id="allsizes-photo">
<img height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8296/8001655801_99e5887f9d_c.jpg" width="480" />
</div>
Here's my stack of quilts so far. I'll be donating them <strike>and more if they are done in time</strike> by the <a href="http://www.swimbikequilt.com/2012/06/100-quilts-for-kids-in-2012.html">100 Quilts for Kids</a> deadline to <a href="http://www.crn4kids.org/">Children's Relief Nursery</a>. I love this charity and the work it does for stressed families. I hope that every child grows up and is able to reach their full potential regardless of the circumstances of it's birth. <br />
Here's a little about the CRN:<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.crn4kids.org/">Children’s Relief Nursery</a> “improves the family’s condition so all family members can achieve their true potential"<br />— Kim Thomas, program officer, Meyer Memorial Trust<br /><br />CRN provide a range of services that “wrap-around” the family to reduce parental stress and social isolation. We’re teaching parenting skills, strengthening bonds between parents and their babies, providing targeted services, reducing child behavioral problems and improving social-emotional development in very young children.<br /><br />Adverse childhood experiences in the early years can cause life-long problems. The best solution is to prevent them from happening. The best time to address these issues is in the first 33 months of a child’s life.<br /><br />That’s why <a href="http://www.crn4kids.org/">Children’s Relief Nursery</a> focuses on early intervention. We help at-risk families with children from birth to four years find ways to deal with stress before the tragedy of child abuse and neglect occurs.<br /><br />For the child, we offer services that stimulate their minds and bodies and that nurture their emotional and social development. Most significantly, we support the child’s entire family during these critical early years. Children’s Relief Nursery not only intervenes early in the child’s life, but early in the life of the family. Our services allow healthy parenting skills and positive relationships among family members to develop and flourish.<br /><br />CRN builds successful, resilient families—families that stay together.<br /><br />Im working on organizing a charity page and tuts and the like ....<br />
its coming..<br />
<br />
On a totally different topic: <br />
<br />
I took pretty close to a month off. I try to do it every year around this time. It used to be August but now I work around my Moms schedule. <br />
I got a new Doctor after mine retired and he took me off all meds and sent me to a specialist... that person put me on new meds and <strike>sucked so much out of me for testing I got pale</strike> told me come back in 2 weeks.<br />
I've spent the resulting week very busy but my wrists don't hurt, so that's good... the meds are changing me in ways I hadn't expected ... Im nicer, softer and kinda giggley... but I guess thats what happens when I don't have the pain. woo hoo.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Quilters Rock!<br />
Rachel <br /><br /><br /><br /><br />2ndAvenueStudio-Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13883502857437987115noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3038532751724823453.post-66691855922352554742012-08-15T22:27:00.001-07:002012-08-15T22:27:07.356-07:00So sweet!<div style="margin: 0 0 10px 0; padding: 0; font-size: 0.8em; line-height: 1.6em;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/54864068@N03/7667127246/" title="Quilt"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8423/7667127246_52898524c9.jpg" alt="Quilt by cupcakes photos" /></a><br/><span style="margin: 0;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/54864068@N03/7667127246/">Quilt</a>, a photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/54864068@N03/">cupcakes photos</a> on Flickr.</span></div><p>Cupcake Photos took pics of my quilt hanging at MD that show off the quilting really well. <br />Finally a non blurry photo! <br />Super flattering that someone felt the love enough to post pics.... <br />squee!</p>2ndAvenueStudio-Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13883502857437987115noreply@blogger.com6