tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53995794302379303782024-03-12T23:34:33.138-04:00The Story of KatThis is where I share my handmade creations, recipes, adventures, art, inspirations, and news about my etsy shop. I hope you will follow along and enjoy!
http://www.thestoryofkat.etsy.comthestoryofkathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12524642314985351602noreply@blogger.comBlogger345125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5399579430237930378.post-74260829285278655772016-01-13T11:24:00.004-05:002016-01-13T11:24:49.489-05:00Moving Notice<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IvdK76cVShU/VpZ1LseB7-I/AAAAAAAAAIM/yjNaqX6umX8/s1600/Launch.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IvdK76cVShU/VpZ1LseB7-I/AAAAAAAAAIM/yjNaqX6umX8/s320/Launch.png" width="320" /></a></div>
I have consolidated my online profiles under one umbrella and am happy to announce that I now have my own website to house my embroidery, sewing, and work with textiles in museums. I want to thank everyone who has joined me here over the years and hope you will visit me at my new online home: <a href="http://www.kgharts.com/">www.kgharts.com</a><br />
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In addition to a lot of new content that I've been hard at work on, I've started a new blog there and will be migrating integral posts from this one on an ongoing basis. In the meantime, photos and projects featured here can still be found on <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/51596080@N07/">my Flickr</a>.thestoryofkathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12524642314985351602noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5399579430237930378.post-15436094015166334652015-02-13T12:30:00.000-05:002015-03-27T17:52:33.111-04:00Winter–Spring 2015 Class and Event Schedule<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/51596080@N07/15900089343" title="Class Schedule by Katrina, on Flickr"><img alt="Class Schedule" height="213" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7310/15900089343_56f5294f4c_z.jpg" width="640" /></a> <br />
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I have a new slate of classes and workshops available for the coming months—I'll update this post as more dates are set. I'm teaching everything from beginning quilting and embroidery to a yarnbombing workshop with the Buttonwoods Museum in Haverhill, Massachusetts in conjunction with a special community project they are hosting. I'm also really looking forward to the "slow sewing" quilting course coming up with J.P Knit & Stitch as we're going to be learning how to make a small wall quilt by hand from start to finish and talk about awesome things like mindful design, color theory, and the "slow sewing" movement!!<br />
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Links for more details, materials lists, and registration is included for each below as it becomes available. Hope to see you there!<br />
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<a href="http://jpknitandstitch.com/event-registration?ee=1823">Beginning Quilting</a><br />
J.P. Knit & Stitch<br />
February 28, March 7 and 14, 10am–1pm<br />
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1509597639265106/?ref=br_tf">Yarnbombing Workshop</a><br />
Buttonwoods Museum/Haverhill Historic Society<br />
March 12, 2pm<br />
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<a href="http://jpknitandstitch.com/event-registration?ee=1841">Hand-Lettered Alphabet Sampler</a><br />
J.P. Knit & Stitch<br />
April 7, 14, 21, 28, 6–8pm<br />
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<a href="http://jpknitandstitch.com/event-registration?ee=1827">Beginning Quilting</a><br />
J.P. Knit & Stitch<br />
April 4, 11, 18, 10am–1pm<br />
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<a href="http://jpknitandstitch.com/event-registration?ee=1877">Slow Sewing</a><br />
J.P. Knit & Stitch<br />
May 2, 9, 16, 23, 10:15am-12:15pmthestoryofkathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12524642314985351602noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5399579430237930378.post-22794359944146511082015-01-15T17:07:00.002-05:002015-01-15T18:02:13.100-05:00New Shop Page! New Patterns!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/51596080@N07/16288896685" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="New Patterns by Katrina, on Flickr"><img alt="New Patterns" height="243" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7490/16288896685_4eab8346d5.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">New Patterns in my Word Series: Octobers and Bastards</span></i></div>
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I have not one, but TWO new patterns to introduce today, and I gotta
tell ya, I think they're pretty wall worthy!<br />
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The pattern on the left is called "Octobers" and features an all too true quote from one of my favorite storybook characters—the one and only Anne Shirley from L.M. Montgomery's Anne of Green Gables books. The second one is called, of course, "Bastards," and features a sentiment of an altogether different (yet no less wonderful!) note. Really though, I can't tell you how many times I think this to myself on a weekly basis and how much I HAD to make it into something that could go onto the wall of my home office.<br />
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I now have a <a href="http://thestoryofkat.blogspot.com/p/shop_9.html">shop page</a> right here on my blog! You can find A FAQ section at the bottom of the shop and can just click on the images to see more details, then purchase and download the patterns. Checkout is made easy using PayPal and the <a href="https://payhip.com/thestoryofkat">Payhip platform</a>. Patterns will be immediately available via download link. <i>Easy, right?</i> My hope is to consolidate everything under one shiny new website of my very own soon, but until then, this allows me to continue making my patterns available despite the new EU VAT law that etsy has not responded to.<br />
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I won't get into too much detail but, as many in the etsy and crafting community already realize, the new EU VAT laws have a vast reach and big effect on anyone selling digital goods via the internet, regardless of where they are based (and as of 2016, the law will affect physical goods sold online too). Shops are not expected to pay the VAT taxes, but everyone who sells to the EU has to register and track them for customers in the EU who are responsible for paying them. There is no threshhold for micro-businesses like me, and since we simply do not have the resources to comply, we rely on e-commerce tools from third-parties like Etsy to ensure we are in compliance. For that reason, I have had to remove my patterns from my etsy shop. <br />
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And if you've read that far, please reward yourself—The first FIVE customers to use the code <b>THANK YOU</b> to purchase either one of these two new patterns, will receive 20% off! Because seriously guys, I really am grateful for your support while I work on my new website and offerings!thestoryofkathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12524642314985351602noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5399579430237930378.post-43171643068175023662014-12-16T10:59:00.000-05:002014-12-16T11:09:57.749-05:00New Series, New Pattern: DIY Embroidery<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/51596080@N07/16034299381" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="DIY Embroidery: The Word Series by Katrina, on Flickr"><img alt="DIY Embroidery: The Word Series" height="480" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7489/16034299381_93bfce38d9_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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For a while now, I've been wanting to find a way to combine some of my favorite collected quotes and typefaces with my embroidery work. A few months ago, a brainstorm hit and I set to sketching out my ideas for a new series of embroidery patterns that feature text in a whole new way. This is the first pattern in that series and I'm thrilled to finally be able to share it with you all!<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/51596080@N07/15416603823" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="DIY Embroidery (detail 1): The Word Series: The Story of Kat by Katrina, on Flickr"><img alt="DIY Embroidery (detail 1): The Word Series: The Story of Kat" height="480" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7511/15416603823_a5f81639fd_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Advice, without personal context, can be overrated. It's important to me that this series not be about preachy advice but rather inspiring and powerful words. When I come across a
phrase, thought, or quote in a book that stands out from all the noise,
it can help spur me on to take then next steps forward. I
relish in the power of the written word—the strength, humor, warmth, or empathy it can impart.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/51596080@N07/15416604253" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="DIY Embroidery (detail 2): The Word Series: The Story of Kat by Katrina, on Flickr"><img alt="DIY Embroidery (detail 2): The Word Series: The Story of Kat" height="480" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7548/15416604253_3ff7d6d9a1_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I hope <i>you</i> will enjoy contemplating the words and designs in this series as you stitch them up. They range from motivational to sarcastic and hilarious—each one drawn by me and digitized to be stitched up in an 8" embroidery hoop and ready to hang (or framed or worked into another sewing
project however you like).<br />
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Check out my shop <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/215514095/diy-embroidery-pattern-the-word-series?ref=shop_home_active_1">here</a> to purchase this pattern as an instant download and keep your eyes on this space for the next two patterns in this series over the coming weeks (as well as some tutorials on stitching up text)! Each PDF includes the pattern in forward and reverse (depending on your preferred method of
transfer), and comes with a guide for colors and stitches if you wish to
replicate the pattern as I have stitched it up (though I love seeing the
different creative directions you go in with them!) Feel free to tag
your work with these patterns on Instagram with #thestoryofkat or add
them to The Story of Kat flickr group <a href="https://www.flickr.com/groups/thestoryofkat/">here</a>.thestoryofkathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12524642314985351602noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5399579430237930378.post-91117173373862746452014-10-30T10:57:00.000-04:002014-10-30T12:18:05.190-04:00Couple Costumes are for Blockheads<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/51596080@N07/15473518467" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Couple Costumes are for Blockheads by Katrina, on Flickr"><img alt="Couple Costumes are for Blockheads" height="400" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7565/15473518467_19cbc91b43_z.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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So we don't normally dress up for Halloween, but decided to go all out for it last year. The party itself wasn't until the weekend after Halloween due to how it fell on the calendar in 2013, so now seems like a good time to share the results!<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/51596080@N07/15643048296" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Peanuts by Katrina, on Flickr"><img alt="Peanuts" height="293" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7478/15643048296_a5dfd46f8a_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Peanuts costume inspiration</i></span></div>
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I love old school holiday cartoons—from claymation anything to classic
animation,—it is just not a holiday without them. At some point, I got
it into my head that we could dress up as Lucy and Schroeder from
Peanuts. I know people normally do Lucy and Charlie Brown but it's
Schroeder that Lucy is so hung up on.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/51596080@N07/15480492829" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Lucy Costume WIP by Katrina, on Flickr"><img alt="Lucy Costume WIP" height="376" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7525/15480492829_237060875a_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">This is my "I just made an Anne of Green Gables-esque puffed sleeve SUCKAS!" face</span></i></div>
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I made my dress using the <a href="http://kwiksew.mccall.com/k4002-products-45794.php?page_id=3038">Kwik Sew K4002</a> tunic pattern as a base with some cheap blue fabric that I found on sale. I then added some length, raised the neck line to a crew neck, and drafted a ruffled collar finished with bias binding as well as some puffed sleeves. To get the neckline just right, I traced the curve of a crew neck garment I already had and felt comfortable with. I completed the look with oversized black buttons (actually from a <a href="http://shop.buttonlovers.com/v/vspfiles/photos/150000001-2.jpg">snowman kit</a> on clearance at Joann's) and embroidery, hair dye, <a href="http://smile.amazon.com/Ellie-Shoes-Womens-105-SD-Oxford/dp/B00187FPXQ/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1414685128&sr=8-2&keywords=saddle+shoes">saddle shoes</a>, and some bright blue socks from Target. Luckily, my naturally not contemporary 60's-esque haircut was just right. My husbands outfit was really easy as it was just a matter of finding a purple and black stripe t-shirt to pair with black pants and hair dye.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/51596080@N07/15038743634" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Couple Costumes are for Blockheads by Katrina, on Flickr"><img alt="Couple Costumes are for Blockheads" height="300" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7476/15038743634_abf6ba53ce_z.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Here we are, looking like dorky 12 year olds. It was awesome.</span></i></div>
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I'd never done alterations like this before and just went for it after reading as much as I could<span style="font-size: small;"> find. I haven't done a lot of garment sewing so this was definitely a confidence booster for me. I would definitely recommend experimenting with simple silhouettes for Halloween costumes as a way to get comfortable with sewing clothes—it's very creatively freeing and doesn't come with all the pressure of having to get things just right since it's not the kind of thing you'll be wearing on a regular basis.</span>
thestoryofkathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12524642314985351602noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5399579430237930378.post-39659239907001740072014-10-20T13:59:00.002-04:002014-10-20T14:13:45.454-04:00Around the World Blog Hop<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/51596080@N07/15398320269" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Melody Miller Quilt Top by Katrina, on Flickr"><img alt="Melody Miller Quilt Top" height="516" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5606/15398320269_72fda41dc7_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Melody Miller quilt top I'm going to start hand quilting next with sashiko stitches</i></span></div>
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Belated though I may be, I wanted to respond to my friend's gracious invitation to participate in the "Around the World" blog hop. To echo her sentiments, it's not normally my kind of thing, but I thought the nature of the questions posed were interesting and worth thinking about and sharing. Since I am so late to the party, I'm going to forgo tagging anyone but am sending a thank you to Natalie from <a href="http://greenleafgoods.wordpress.com/">Green Leaf Goods</a> for thinking of me!<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/51596080@N07/15398338809" title="Sewing Table Reality Check by Katrina, on Flickr"><img alt="Sewing Table Reality Check" height="480" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3932/15398338809_4748623ae6_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Reality Check: the sewing table in my workroom...want to play How Many Projects Can you Spot?!</i></span></div>
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<b>1. What quilting/sewing thing am I working on?</b><br />
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The short answer is that I have one last Quilts for Boston top to finish and two quilts to sandwich and baste, my <a href="http://thestoryofkat.blogspot.com/2014/09/the-ds-picnic-quilt.html">DS Quilts picnic top</a> and my Melody Miller top. I also have a laptop case I'm trying to design for myself and two baby gift projects I want to finish, an Amish Puzzle Ball and a matching game.<br />
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In trying to better answer this question though, I had a look around my sewing room and took full stock of what was going on. I currently have <i>eight </i>quilts in some state of progress and five other sewing projects including several items for my shop, and some home decor sewing. For a long time, I felt almost guilty for admitting to people that had so many WIPs, as if it were some kind of reflection on my ability to finish things (or not). A <a href="http://nblo.gs/10FqIy">recent series of articles from Sew Mama Sew on Slow Sewing</a> helped me to reframe the issue and I've gotten comfortable recognizing that I choose and enjoy working in this way. Like so many, I have a busy and chaotic work schedule so when I get home, I like to have a bevy of projects at the ready depending on how much time and focus I have. One night, it might make more sense to be downstairs with other family members working on hand stitching. Another night, I have to be working in my office and it's easier to take a break every now and then to run a few seams on the machine as a treat to myself. At other times, I'm on the go and need something portable. Either which way, my prep work has been completed and I can jump right in on whatever I'm in the mood for! <b> </b><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/51596080@N07/8446568998" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Kim's french press by Katrina, on Flickr"><img alt="Kim's french press" height="321" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8366/8446568998_2a90505002_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>I love adding hand stitched and embroidered details to my sewing and quilting projects</i></span></div>
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<b>2. How does my work differ from others of its genre?</b><br />
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I think I fall pretty well into the modern quilting movement in terms of my fabric choices, love of asymmetric designs that put a twist on traditional blocks, and embrace of whitespace. This speaks to my background in graphic design and I love conceiving of a quilt with those ideas in mind.<br />
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I differ most in my work techniques, having been taught by my Granny who is a very traditional quilter. I tend not to use patterns and though I love and use my machine for a lot of things (and do not want to knock those that use it solely at all!), I personally find a lot more meaning and peace of mind in hand quilting so try to incorporate that whenever I can. I am terrible at free-motion quilting so I avoid it as well as the QAYG method and heavy laundering because my work in textile conservation has helped me to realize that these are not stable, long-term methods.<br />
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I also try to limit my stash buying habits to make my work process more green-friendly, using up all the scraps I can (I love <a href="http://www.fromthebluechair.com/2014/04/quilting-101-franken-batting.html">frankenbatting</a> and stuffing plush items with too-small-to use fabric scraps) and avoiding some of the commercialism of quilting where I can. My sewing is slow, each project taking long enough to flow in and out of periods of my life so as to reflect different stories in its making and never keeps up with fabric line releases, try though I might at times.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/51596080@N07/15399420620" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Little Folks Quilt Top by Katrina, on Flickr"><img alt="Little Folks Quilt Top" height="480" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3951/15399420620_aa52eab6b9_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>This is a quilt top I have in progress using Anna Maria Horner's Little Folks voile. <br />I've been hand piecing it<a href="http://thestoryofkat.blogspot.com/2010/09/in-works.html"> for a while now</a> and have no intention of hurrying up! My idea with this was that it was so enjoyable and meditative to stitch into the buttery voile, that I would hand piece and quilt the whole thing as it pleased me. The top is almost 2/3rds done and completely inspired by my love of this fabric.</i></span></div>
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<b>3. How does my writing/creating process work?</b><br />
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Inspriation comes in various forms for me. Most often, the roots of a quilt design lie in the nature of the specific purpose, person, or season I am making it for. Occassionally they are formed by my vision of a fabric line that really speaks to me (Denyse Schmidt's Chicopea and Anna Maria Horner's Little Folks are examples). Frequently, I am inspired by the work of fellow quilters and love collecting and comparing stellar quilts in <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/51596080@N07/favorites">my Flickr favorites</a> and on <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/thestoryofkat/quiltedness/">Pinterest</a>. These examples really help me to condense what I aspects I love most and inform my own altered or mish-mashed designs.<br />
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I tend to draw these ideas out on scrap paper so that I can calculate just how much fabric I'll need. As a grad student, I don't have a lot of extra cash for fabric so, though the improv approach is very appealing to me, I tend to plot things out in advance to make the most economic use of my stash. Alternatively, I might start by pulling certain fabrics whose colors or patterns work well together. This part of the process reminds me a lot of blending oil paints as an art student in college. It's really a gut call when it comes to color for me and is the part of my creative process that I love and prolong the most.<br />
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I hope you've enjoyed this insight into my work and hope that it's got you thinking about your own habits and style. I'll be back soon with some more progress and finished pieces soon! <br />
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<br />thestoryofkathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12524642314985351602noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5399579430237930378.post-29775730864948004112014-10-13T17:57:00.000-04:002014-10-20T16:16:28.242-04:00Fall Finish: My Modern Maples Quilt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/51596080@N07/15343740589" title="Modern Maples by Katrina, on Flickr"><img alt="Modern Maples" height="640" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3943/15343740589_a0493243e1_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Fabric from all my favorite designers in this including Anna Maria Horner (and one print from her daughter's first line), Denyse Schmidt, Heather Ross, and that one glorious Lizzy House fox print for good measure.</span></i></div>
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The first sketch I have for the layout of this quilt is from last August. I've always got several projects going at once, and this quilt was no exception to that rule. Though I did all the piecing in just a week or so during October 2013, I picked it up just here and there over the last year to finish it with some special hand-quilting. There was definitely a point or two where I questioned my sanity, but now that I can see all those little stitches lying next to each other, I'm thrilled with the decision and glad I stuck with it.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/51596080@N07/15343739989" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Modern Maples, Back by Katrina, on Flickr"><img alt="Modern Maples, Back" height="640" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3943/15343739989_e1a250f7f4_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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I kind of regret not being able to use the AMH flannel for the entire back. I had just a yard of it on hand so instead of splurging on more, I ended up combining it with some cheaper solid cream flannel. Though it's not topping my favorites chart, I can attest to the fact that backing a quilt for the colder months in flannel is an awesome way to go. I seem to always be cold but also cheap (we are holding out and not turning our heat on until November...) but with this quilt, I've been very toasty the past couple nights!<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/51596080@N07/15343928130" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Modern Maples, Detail by Katrina, on Flickr"><img alt="Modern Maples, Detail" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3943/15343928130_7f31bd2ae9_z.jpg" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Variegated Valdani pearle cotton and AMH voile pastry line binding details</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">All of the maple leaf blocks are quilted with a cream perle cotton which has given this quilt a surface texture that I am head over heels for. I've never been a big fan of variegated threads, but thought the white spaces in between would be an appropriate way to use them so as to echo the idea of changing colors. I had a really difficult time finding the colors I wanted from DMC perle cotton but found these fabulous tones from Valdani online in size 8 which worked really well for the hand quilting. Plus, I kind of just like seeing the lovely little paper lables noting they are from Romania<i>. </i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">It's nice to look back on the progress of this quilt so I've gathered up all my instagram pics of it below from the past year...nothing quite like the satisfaction of seeing something come together that you made with your own two hands!!<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i> </i></span></span></span></div>
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<img alt="Modern Maples, WIP Detail" height="637" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5599/15343786228_c901cc0f3d_z.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">From my original sketches and fabric selections to finished blocks and in-progress quilting</span></i></div>
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<br />thestoryofkathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12524642314985351602noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5399579430237930378.post-50839773544175831802014-09-08T21:40:00.001-04:002014-09-09T09:35:24.388-04:00The DS Picnic Quilt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/51596080@N07/15184127112" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="DS Picnic Quilt by Katrina, on Flickr"><img alt="DS Picnic Quilt" height="640" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3883/15184127112_b3beace592_z.jpg" width="604" /></a></div>
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Most of my summer sewing time has been devoted to repairing worn items of clothing in our closets, creating class and shop samples, and making gifts for friend's adorable babies and babies-to-be. I did manage to get in some time for my own projects though—one of which I finished a part of today!<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/51596080@N07/15184110832" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="DS Picnic Quilt, detail by Katrina, on Flickr"><img alt="DS Picnic Quilt, detail" height="480" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3840/15184110832_99113ffb02_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I've been collecting bits of Denyse Schmidt's line of fabrics for JoAnn since they started appearing in stores back in 2011 and know I'm not alone in deciding these would make a perfect picnic quilt. I didn't get around to it right away but that has allowed me to shake up the color palette and bit by adding in a few yellows and oranges from later releases into the mix. Between all the primary colors, the reminder of old feedsack fabrics in Schmidt's designs, and the "small plates" quilt block, I think this is definitely one of the most traditional style quilts I've made so far. It's all very simple right angles, but for all the wear this quilt will see, I'm just fine with that.<br />
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I finally tracked down a few yards of the fabric below for the back and am thinking of making a scrappy binding of all the other prints to echo the patchwork border. What do you think—scrappy binding or settle on one print and, if so, which one? Also, I have no clue as to how to quilt this...I'm not a free-motion quilter but would appreciate any suggestions you might have as I'm don't have anything in mind for it!<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/51596080@N07/15161354806" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="DS Picnic Quilt, WIP by Katrina, on Flickr"><img alt="DS Picnic Quilt, WIP" height="640" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3885/15161354806_3bb1b31045_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Initial sketch and backing fabric</i></span></div>
<br />thestoryofkathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12524642314985351602noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5399579430237930378.post-55065511361468360502014-06-24T09:20:00.000-04:002014-06-24T10:19:41.068-04:00Finishing Touches: The Indie Herringbone Quilt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/51596080@N07/14493308635" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Herringbone Quilt by Katrina, on Flickr"><img alt="Herringbone Quilt" height="640" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2920/14493308635_cc4561c4e5_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>just realized as I was posting this that the quilt is technically upside down here...so close</i></span></div>
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Once upon a time, a very very long time ago, I made this quilt which you can read a bit more about <a href="http://thestoryofkat.blogspot.com/2013/09/herringbone-indie-quilt-top-mini-how-to.html">here</a>. It languished in a pile of finished projects, just waiting to be photographed so I could hold onto a piece of it before sending it off to its intended owner. Well life happened and as I was feeling low about other things, it was nice to see this in my studio reminding me of what I could accomplish, nudging me to tackle new projects and make something I was equally proud of that I could keep for our home. <br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/51596080@N07/14493309925" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Herringbone Quilt by Katrina, on Flickr"><img alt="Herringbone Quilt" height="640" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3874/14493309925_bd018f0639_z.jpg" width="480" /> </a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>The reverse which I think I might actually prefer the most...</i></span></div>
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It's high time I did just that though so, thanks to some lovely mild weather we had this past weekend, we loaded up the car with finished quilts and set off on an adventure to discover some quiet corners of our town that might provide an interesting background. There are two lakes where we live and along an obscure side street, we came upon a deserted inlet off one of the lakes that seemed to belong to no one. Overlooking the lake, this pine-y point of land seemed the perfect spot to take some photos. It's such an interesting thing to me to find hidden nooks like this in ones own backyard—ones with lakefront access, at that!</div>
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But I suppose I digress...here you can see some detailed shots of how the quilting itself ended up. I used some contrasting magenta thread to do some straight line quilting on the top and bottom sashing which gives it such a great texture. For the main herringbone part of the quilt, I simply followed the bars of fabric to quilt an improv zig-zag line through them from side to side every couple rows. </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/51596080@N07/14307338300" title="Herringbone Quilt, detail by Katrina, on Flickr"><img alt="Herringbone Quilt, detail" height="451" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3858/14307338300_8b1deef054_z.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div>
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I finished the binding and embroidered label by hand—finishing touches that really pull the whole thing together. For the label, I was trying to create a visualization of how I actually went about constructing the rows of herringbone. I used back stitch and satin for the design and split for the little lettering in colors that matched as close as I could get them. I really do love when a label can tell a bit of the story of how a handmade object came to be, even in the smallest sense.<br />
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Ok, one last gratuitous glamor shot. The direct afternoon light and reflections off the lake made trying to do this successfully kind of impossible, but I just had to share it because I got excited about the idea of pulling if off while we were there and, a few half-baked attempts with fixing it in photoshop later, it will at least suffice—<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/51596080@N07/14492017724" title="Herringbone Quilt by Katrina, on Flickr"><img alt="Herringbone Quilt" height="480" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2901/14492017724_b2ec972259_z.jpg" width="640" /></a> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>The fabric used is from Pat Bravo's Indie line by Art Gallery Fabrics</i></span></div>
thestoryofkathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12524642314985351602noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5399579430237930378.post-54314808821860177212014-06-10T14:06:00.000-04:002014-06-10T14:12:05.418-04:00Get Your Stitch On<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/51596080@N07/14205788148" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Summer Classes 2014 by Katrina, on Flickr"><img alt="Summer Classes 2014" height="445" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2924/14205788148_dc38c231d5_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Looking to learn a new skill this summer or brush up and hone your embroidery skills? I've got a packed schedule of events and classes for June and July at <a href="http://jpknitandstitch.com/">J.P. Knit & Stitch</a> and hope you'll join us!<br />
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<a href="http://jpknitandstitch.com/event-registration?regevent_action=register&event_id=1375&name_of_event=Be%20Inspired%3A%20Meet%20our%20Sewing%20Teachers">Be Inspired: Meet Our Sewing Instructors</a><br />
June 13th, 6:00–8:00pm<br />
A free event that is open to the public! Meet this rich community of creative talent (I'll be there as well), chat about upcoming classes, and check out lots of inspirational work from teachers and fellow students alike in a relaxed setting (you're welcome to show off your own work too).<br />
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<a href="http://jpknitandstitch.com/event-registration?regevent_action=register&event_id=1672&name_of_event=June%201%20Day%20Workshop%3A%20Beginning%20Embroidery">Beginning Embroidery Workshop</a><br />
June 14th, 10:00am–1:00pm<br />
Take your first step in learning embroidery with this class in which
each student completes a sampler of beginning outline stitches.<br />
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<a href="http://jpknitandstitch.com/event-registration?ee=1671">Learn to Sew Crash Course</a><br />
June 28th, 10:00am–1:00pm<br />
Get comfortable with your machine and learn to sew as you complete an easy envelope pillow. <br />
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<a href="http://jpknitandstitch.com/event-registration?regevent_action=register&event_id=1673&name_of_event=June%201%20Day%20Workshop%3A%20Intermediate%20Embroidery">Intermediate Embroidery Workshop</a><br />
June 28th, 2:00–5:00pm<br />
Step up your embroidery skills by learning several fill stitches and get troubleshooting help on your own projects with this afternoon workshop.<br />
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<a href="http://jpknitandstitch.com/event-registration?ee=1696">Beginning Embroidery</a><br />
July 12th, 10:00am–1:00pm<br />
Take your first step in learning embroidery with this class in which each student completes a sampler of beginning outline stitches. <br />
<a href="http://jpknitandstitch.com/event-registration?regevent_action=register&event_id=1660&name_of_event=July%201%20Day%20Workshop%3A%20Embroider%20your%20Life%20%28or%20dress%2C%20jeans%2C%20Toms%E2%80%A6%29!"><br /></a>
<a href="http://jpknitandstitch.com/event-registration?regevent_action=register&event_id=1660&name_of_event=July%201%20Day%20Workshop%3A%20Embroider%20your%20Life%20%28or%20dress%2C%20jeans%2C%20Toms%E2%80%A6%29!">Embroider Your Life Workshop</a><br />
July 12th, 1:30–4:30pm<br />
Embroidery your wardrobe, accessories, and your life with this fun and inspiring one day workshop! <br />
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<a href="http://jpknitandstitch.com/event-registration?ee=1660">Embroidered Lettering Workshop</a><br />
July 26th, 1:00–4:00pm<br />
Whether you're a quilter interested in creating a label, a knitter looking to embellish, or a seamstress adding flair to a garment, this class provides an introduction to hand embroidered lettering and monogram styles.<br />
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I hope to be adding some more classes for July and August so stay tuned! thestoryofkathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12524642314985351602noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5399579430237930378.post-90552874973890450862014-06-04T20:02:00.001-04:002014-06-05T10:51:37.494-04:00Trying Something New<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" oallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/51596080@N07/14346389772/player/" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Excuse the late afternoon light and the mess...clearly an indication of intense work!</span></i></div>
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I recently rearranged my entire studio in an effort to make the space a bit more fluid and useful. The added bonus is that I now have a design wall! Well, if you consider an old piece of batting hung with thumb tacks a design wall...<br />
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It's been somewhat of a revelation to have a place to lay out ongoing work in a way that it is clearly visible and yet not taking up more surface space. A place where I can consider as much or as little of any particular challenge at once. As you can see in the photo...I'm a bit of a piler and tend to have several different projects going at once so the immediate nature of it does help me focus and contend with different arrangements and possibilities for each item. I still see myself as planning a lot of quilts out with paper and pencil (especially before cutting into particularly precious stacks of fabric), but I felt it was high time to add this tool to my arsenal and em enjoying experimenting with it.<br />
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The blocks in progress are for a Valentine's quilt I've got in the works. I know, just in time for...June? I had the best of intentions and at least started thinking about it back in February—though I'm not a big fan of the holiday it occurred to me that having a lap quilt to display on the back of the couch according to season/holiday would be an excellent excuse for more fabric shopping and quilts. Also, I found 3 yards of <a href="https://www.fabric.com/buy/0273107/anna-maria-horner-field-study-velveteen-coordinates-cherry">Anna Maria Horner velveteen</a> for a cold weather quilt backing on major clearance so clearly the universe was trying to tell me something, duh! I didn't want to do anything too literal but have embraced a whole lot more pink than usual and contrasted it with greys. Each block features a very loose theme of fabric featuring things I love (photography, sewing, hiking, cats, etc.) and either<span data-reactid=".r[3].[0].[0].[0].[0].[0].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[3].[0].[0].[0].[0].[0].[0].[1].[1].[0].[0].[0].[0].[1].[2][1]"><span data-reactid=".r[3].[0].[0].[0].[0].[0].[0].[1].[1].[0].[0].[0].[0].[1].[2][1].[0]"> start with or extend out towards saturation of pink or grey. I'm not sure each one I've done is completely successful as it requires a whole breadth of fabrics I don't keep on hand, but am finding it an enjoyable challenge to find the right gradation of shades and how to work in low volume prints to my satisfaction. This is one of my favorite blocks so far:</span></span></span><br />
<span data-reactid=".r[3].[0].[0].[0].[0].[0].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[3].[0].[0].[0].[0].[0].[0].[1].[1].[0].[0].[0].[0].[1].[2][1]"><span data-reactid=".r[3].[0].[0].[0].[0].[0].[0].[1].[1].[0].[0].[0].[0].[1].[2][1].[0]"><br /></span></span></span>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">note the scrap of little red scissors I hoarded for years and finally cut into—can anyone tell me the name/designer of it?</span></i></div>
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This summer brings with it a bit more free time for me to sew and I'm looking forward to sharing a few of the quilts I've finished these past few months here soon. Until then! <br />
<br />thestoryofkathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12524642314985351602noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5399579430237930378.post-48965799348684589812014-02-04T13:35:00.000-05:002014-02-04T13:52:17.096-05:00How Do You Approach a Quilt?<h3 class="post-title entry-title">
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</h3>
<div class="post-header">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/51596080@N07/12308371654/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="DFD quilt, WIP by thestoryofkat, on Flickr"><img alt="DFD quilt, WIP" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7378/12308371654_9fe72343e6_z.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>Wrestling to quilt my "Damn Fine Day" queen size quilt in my home studio</i></span></div>
</div>
<br />
I've scraped together some bits of studio time over the past few weeks
and have managed to make a lot of progress on my personal projects
including getting three quilts near to finished! Two just need binding
now and one is ready for hand quilting with my new q-snap frame.<br />
<br />
As my list of WIP projects slowly but surely diminishes, I can't help
myself but start to dream up more and sketch out quilt ideas that I've
had on the back burner. I'm not the type to get through several quilts
in a year due to my museum work, teaching, etsy, and grad school (yes,
I'm crazy), but I do so like making plans and there is nothing more
inspiring than a cleared worktable and fabric that has waited so
patiently for its turn in the ring. Whether it's planning, starting, or
finishing a quilt, it's an activity that allows me lots of creative
freedom while also calming me down and focusing my overly-scheduled
self.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/51596080@N07/12307929905/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Quilting Plans by thestoryofkat, on Flickr"><img alt="Quilting Plans" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3760/12307929905_24e7f294cb_z.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">I should invest in some graph paper, but find reusing the back of <br />scrap paper around the house is so much easier to grab when an idea strikes! </span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">We all have different ways of going about a quilting project and I find
many of the different approaches help the quilter focus on whatever part
of the process they most enjoy. For me, I can't get enough of playing
with different patterns and colors as well as how to best combine my fabric choices with
an appropriate piecing and quilting design. I wish I had a big ole
design board but the low slanted ceilings in my attic studio won't stand
for it (get it?! ok, sorry 'bout that one...). Instead I often reach
for paper and colored pencils which allow me to still envision the
overall look (but, alas, does limit the ability to improv-piece). I love
the drawings all on their own and find it a relaxing activity I can
accomplish while catching up on a favorite tv show without being
stranded in another room away from my husband in the few hours we have
together each day.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I usually start with a
person/holiday/purpose that the quilt is destined for and start to play
with fabrics that would be a good match. I've been getting more
adventurous in my groupings, sometimes sticking to just one fabric
designer/line, and sometimes combining lots of different ones for the desired
effect. Recently, I've been toying with the low-volume trend and
arranging designs of different scales or illustrated vs. pattern to
achieve what I'm calling a "sketchbook look." My fabric choices are
usually quite bright and bold, but I try to keep my walls and decor very
neutral and sparse so textiles can stand out in nice way (as opposed to
looking like clown vomit).</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/51596080@N07/12308373664/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Quilting Plans by thestoryofkat, on Flickr"><img alt="Quilting Plans" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3718/12308373664_0ce0efc707_z.jpg" height="402" width="640" /> </a><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Fabric I've started to set aside for Valentine and Halloween quilts:<br />Sometimes I let things sit out where I can see them for awhile to see if I like they way they work <br />together over time, also allowing for the combination of new/unexpected fabric releases</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Not every sketch or fabric stack I dream up becomes a quilt, but those
that do definitely evolve over time for me and therefore represent a
range of memories, decisions, and build on my evolving skill set (every
quilt I make seems to make me realize how much more I have to learn!).
How about you? What influences the way you approach a quilting project?
What is your favorite part of the process and how do you go about
putting a quilt together that highlights that part?</span></div>
thestoryofkathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12524642314985351602noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5399579430237930378.post-28856554926402637762014-01-30T11:59:00.001-05:002014-01-30T15:03:02.764-05:00Get Your Craft On: Upcoming Class Schedule <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/51596080@N07/12222642325/" title="Stitched Valentines by thestoryofkat, on Flickr"><img alt="Stitched Valentines" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5510/12222642325_b698e0cd9c_z.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Looking for a fun valentine activity for your kids? <br />Have them join us in learning how to use simple embroidery stitches to craft paper valentines this February 8th!</span></i></div>
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I've got a good bunch of classes scheduled that I'll be teaching in the coming weeks at <a href="http://jpknitandstitch.com/">J.P. Knit & Stitch in Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts</a>. If you (or your kids!) are in the Boston area and looking to learn or brush up on your embroidery or sewing skills, I hope you'll consider joining me! All registration details can be found by clicking on the links below.<br />
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<br />
<b>February</b><br />
<a href="http://jpknitandstitch.com/event-registration?ee=1437">Saturday Kid's Sewing Club: Machine and Hand Sewing</a><br />
<b></b>February 1, February 8, February 22, and March 1 (No class on February 15)<br />
2–4pm <br />
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<a href="http://jpknitandstitch.com/event-registration?regevent_action=register&event_id=1586&name_of_event=Valentine%20Workshop%3A%20Kid%27s%20Card%20Crafting">Valentine Workshop: Kid's Card Crafting</a><br />
February 8<br />
10:30am–12:30pm<br />
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<br />
<b>March </b><br />
<a href="http://jpknitandstitch.com/event-registration?ee=1585">1 Day Workshop, Learn to Sew! Crash Course</a><br />
March 1<br />
10am–1pm<br />
<br />thestoryofkathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12524642314985351602noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5399579430237930378.post-69606327645575691452014-01-07T14:55:00.000-05:002014-01-07T17:19:16.414-05:00Into the Winter Woods<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/51596080@N07/11823835884/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Into the Winter Woods by thestoryofkat, on Flickr"><img alt="Into the Winter Woods" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5501/11823835884_6a91bd17bc_z.jpg" height="640" width="492" /></a></div>
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It's a new year and I've got a new embroidery pattern for you! This one is called "Into the Winter Woods" and I hope you enjoy stitching it as much as I enjoyed creating it. <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/174968997/into-the-winter-woods-embroidery-pattern?ref=shop_home_active">Click here</a> to purchase in my etsy shop where you will find more photos and details.<br />
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It seems a fitting time to release this one, what with the frigid temps and heavy snowfall across the country right now. We just shoveled ourselves out from a blizzard a few days ago after coming home from visiting my family in the midwest for the holidays and are now bracing ourselves to see if our mercury is going to drop that drastically as well. Sometimes winter can be downright rough, but it also brings with it lots of great sports, vistas, and opportunities for indulging in cozy cabin getaways and festive comfort food....definitely some of my favorite things that I could not easily get away with in warmer months.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/51596080@N07/11824189766/" title="Into the Winter Woods, detail by thestoryofkat, on Flickr"><img alt="Into the Winter Woods, detail" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2891/11824189766_7b631f8fd4_z.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
One of the things I'm trying to focus on in my patterns now is the ability for any novice stitcher to do them up very simply with basic outline stitches or for more intermediate to advanced stitchers to have a modern pattern they can really sink their teeth into. It can be hard to do that with a lot of the modern patterns out there, as adorable as they may be of course!, and so I had a lot of fun especially devising these show shoes for you as well as the little poof on the hat. It can be done with a simple french knot but if you are up to it and want to recreate the look I have here, you can try your hand at this "turkey stitch." Check back soon as I will be supplying a live link to my own tutorial for this stitch complete with lots of detailed photos for you.<br />
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In the meantime, happy stitching and happy 2014!thestoryofkathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12524642314985351602noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5399579430237930378.post-84262097632973273382013-11-19T15:56:00.000-05:002013-11-20T09:01:15.718-05:00Holiday Classes at J.P. Knit & Stitch<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/51596080@N07/10949554235/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Mini embroidered felt gingerbread house by thestoryofkat, on Flickr"><img alt="Mini embroidered felt gingerbread house" height="497" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3829/10949554235_699e276a0e_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Join us and learn how to make this adorable mini felt and embroidery gingerbread house!</i></span></div>
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I've got a full slate of embroidery classes that I'll be teaching this holiday season at <a href="http://jpknitandstitch.com/">J.P. Knit & Stitch in Jamaica Plain, MA</a>. I've been working on so many fun sample pieces and hope you'll join us for some community and stitching fun! Just click the link below to register, check out project photos, and read more about class content and details:<br />
<br />
<b>November</b> <br />
<a href="http://jpknitandstitch.com/event-registration?regevent_action=register&event_id=1423&name_of_event=NOVEMBER%20Wednesday%20Night%20Embroidery%3A%20Sublime%20Stitches">Wednesday Night Embroidery: Sublime Stitches</a><br />
November 20, 27; December 4, 11<br />
6–8pm<br />
<br />
<a href="http://jpknitandstitch.com/event-registration?regevent_action=register&event_id=1427&name_of_event=1%20Day%20Workshop%3A%20Beginning%20Embroidery">1 Day Workshop: Embroidery 101</a><br />
November 24<br />
1–4pm<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/51596080@N07/10949714024/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Embroidered felt Ornaments by thestoryofkat, on Flickr"><img alt="Embroidered felt Ornaments" height="233" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3702/10949714024_540282c750_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The whole family is welcome to join us in early or late December to join in some crafting together. <br />Pick one of the above ornaments and I'll show you how to embellish and assemble it</span></i><b><br /></b></div>
<br />
<b>December:</b><br />
<a href="http://jpknitandstitch.com/?page_id=26&regevent_action=register&event_id=1437&name_of_event=DECEMBER%20Friday%20Kids%27%20Sewing%20Club:%20Kid%27s%20Holiday%20Embroidery">Friday Kid's Sewing Club: Felt Gingerbread Houses</a><br />
December 6, 13, 20<br />
3:45–5:15pm<br />
<br />
<a href="http://jpknitandstitch.com/event-registration?regevent_action=register&event_id=1456&name_of_event=Early%20December%20Family%20Fun%3A%20Felt%20Ornaments">Early December Family Fun: Felt Ornaments</a><br />
December 7<br />
1–4pm<br />
<a href="http://jpknitandstitch.com/event-registration?regevent_action=register&event_id=1440&name_of_event=Late%20December%20Family%20Fun%3A%20Felt%20Ornaments"><br /></a>
<a href="http://jpknitandstitch.com/event-registration?regevent_action=register&event_id=1440&name_of_event=Late%20December%20Family%20Fun%3A%20Felt%20Ornaments">Late December Family Fun: Felt Ornaments</a><br />
December 21<br />
1–4pm<br />
<br />
<br />
Hope to see you there!<br />
<br />thestoryofkathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12524642314985351602noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5399579430237930378.post-23280969262291055992013-10-15T19:45:00.000-04:002013-10-15T19:59:57.134-04:00Kindred Stitches: Exclusive Embroidery Pattern<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/51596080@N07/10300124025/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Vintage Bowls Hand Embroidery Pattern by thestoryofkat, on Flickr"><img alt="Vintage Bowls Hand Embroidery Pattern" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7440/10300124025_980c5889cf_z.jpg" width="607" /></a></div>
<br />
The new issue of <a href="http://www.kindredstitchesmagazine.com/">Kindred Stitches</a> is now available and it features a hand embroidery pattern by yours truly!<br />
<br />
Kindred Stitches is a new digital craft magazine <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/kindred-stitches-interactive/id665019498?mt=8">available for download exclusively via the iTunes store</a> for the iPad and iPhone. Because it is digital, it includes live links to this PDF pattern (and all the other projects featured therein), video tutorials, and places to shop for materials. I love how interactive and convenient that is. Just download the free Kindred Stitches app in the iTunes store and then choose a subscription or individual issues to purchase and download right to your iPhone or iPad.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/51596080@N07/10300159376/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Kindred Stitches, Issue Two by thestoryofkat, on Flickr"><img alt="Kindred Stitches, Issue Two" height="359" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7346/10300159376_0d5ca85145.jpg" width="286" /></a></div>
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I was thrilled to be asked to contribute to this, their second issue, and had a lot of
fun drawing the "Vintage Bowls" pattern to coordinate with their "retro vintage" issue theme. It brings to life the retro lines and designs of mid-century kitchenware in a handy printable PDF that you can apply to a simple tea towel or any other embroidery project you have in mind. Also included in the magazine are step-by-step how-to photos for each stitch and a floss color guide so it is beginner and intermediate friendly. Feel free to stitch it up in the same colors I've used or customize it to match your own kitchen or a friends—the choice is up to you!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/51596080@N07/10300123355/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Vintage Bowls Hand Embroidery Pattern, WIP detail by thestoryofkat, on Flickr"><img alt="Vintage Bowls Hand Embroidery Pattern, WIP detail" height="480" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2852/10300123355_8780dbea06_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>"Vintage Bowls" hand embroidery pattern WIP</i></span></div>
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This issue also includes an interview and gallery of my work—I'm flattered to have been asked by the lovely ladies at Kindred Stitches and really hope you all enjoy the magazine and my little contribution!thestoryofkathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12524642314985351602noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5399579430237930378.post-17975004362695114152013-10-06T16:02:00.000-04:002013-10-07T18:31:54.102-04:00Progress and Beautiful Compromise<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/51596080@N07/10123002873/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Marimekko + Chicopee Feathers by thestoryofkat, on Flickr"><img alt="Marimekko + Chicopee Feathers" height="400" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7308/10123002873_60af371c34_z.jpg" width="357" /></a></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Marimekko + AMH feathers + Sneaky cat photobomb</span></i></div>
<br />
As
of the end of this month, we'll have been living in our current
apartment for four years. As of just this year, we finally agreed on a
decorating scheme for our living room! O hey, let's hear it for
progress! We've been trying out some different ideas, but nothing seemed
to feel quite right or unite our styles. My taste is very
cozy/cabin/carefully curated wunderkammer and his is more
modern/minimum/quirky graphic designer so it has been difficult to
merge them but important to us to have a room or two that reflected a
mutual compromise.<br />
<br />
Then we came across that black and
white Marimekko fabric in the photo above (the pattern is called <a href="http://www.finnstyle.com/kanteleen-upholstery-fabric.html">Kantaleen Kutsu</a>, based on a Finnish folktale)...FINALLY, something we both
loved that united elements from both our styles! It's almost as if we've
been figuring out this marriage/compromise bit or something ;) Once we
found that, the whole living room started coming together. The idea of
pulling inspiration from a mid-century modern look with touches of
bright/cozy/modern woodland was very appealing as we wanted something
sleek but comforting to come home to at the end of the day. I didn't want to
overdo it on the woodland theme, go too literal, or have etsy owls all
over the place. It's not finished and needs a bit more of the "sleek" element, but it's getting there.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/51596080@N07/10123840725/" title="Living Room by thestoryofkat, on Flickr"><img alt="Living Room" height="412" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3818/10123840725_139f85d288_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">That electric fireplace is the best. thing. ever.</span></i></div>
<br />
The <a href="http://www.annamariahorner.com/Feather.Bed.Quilt.pdf">feather block pattern by Anna Maria Horner</a> got me thinking though...I
love that they are a bright contrast point to the Marimekko but not
overly girly or cute done up in this linen and Denyse Schmidt Chicopee
fabric. AND the colors of Chicopee coordinate so well with Anna Maria
Horner's Summer Totem print in the grapefruit colorway that I have on
the chair on the right (a quirky rocker we found on the cape one
summer...it's not yet reupholstered, but someday...). I am learning to
embrace mixing up different fabric designers these days. It really does make
for more depth in a project but requires me to let go of some of my OCD
tendancies. Anyways, I get my bright spots, he gets sparsely placed
black and dark wooden masculine furniture. BLAMMO, we all win. It's a
start!<br />
<br />
Someday, I will recover that puke green
couch in a wearable charcoal grey canvas. That or just replace it
altogether, I'm not yet sure. J is voting on recovering it because
moving it in here almost cost us our relationship, haha. Anyways, when
we do get around to those final touches (replacing the rug, upholstery,
etc.) I will post a real room tour. In the meantime, I'm just going to
focus on what IS done. See, bliss!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/51596080@N07/10122878085/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Chicopee Feathers, detail by thestoryofkat, on Flickr"><img alt="Chicopee Feathers, detail" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7392/10122878085_2bb270ff3d_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
thestoryofkathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12524642314985351602noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5399579430237930378.post-57393597997335875412013-10-01T11:14:00.000-04:002013-10-01T11:14:45.120-04:00Kid's Class Sign-Up: Glow-in-the-Dark Halloween Masks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/51596080@N07/10025263936/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="I'm teaching this awesome kid's embroidery class each Friday starting this week @jpknitandstitch --sign up and fill those spots before its too late! by thestoryofkat, on Flickr"><img alt="I'm teaching this awesome kid's embroidery class each Friday starting this week @jpknitandstitch --sign up and fill those spots before its too late!" height="400" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7336/10025263936_bac75366c2_z.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Are you 8-13 years old, in the Boston area, and interested in crafty awesomeness? Do you know anyone who is? If so, there is still time to sign up for this kid's embroidery class I'm going to be teaching in October as part of <a href="http://jpknitandstitch.com/">J.P. Knit & Stitch</a>'s after school sewing club!<br /><br />We are going to be using special glow-in-the-dark embroidery threads to embellish felt masks that we cut out ourselves. Students will learn some basic embroidery stitches, how to finish the edges by hand, and how to add the ribbon ties—all in time to wear for Halloween!<br />
<br />
The class meets for four Fridays in a row (October 4th–25th) right after school from 3:45 to 5:15pm. <a href="http://jpknitandstitch.com/?page_id=26&regevent_action=register&event_id=1304&name_of_event=OCTOBER+Friday+Kids%27+Sewing+Club%3A+Glow-in-the-Dark+Halloween+Masks">Sign up now</a> to get a spot and hope to see you there!thestoryofkathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12524642314985351602noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5399579430237930378.post-24828730529870380232013-09-24T14:57:00.000-04:002013-09-24T14:57:13.919-04:00The City Set<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/51596080@N07/9843333473/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="City Set Embroidery Pattern by thestoryofkat, on Flickr"><img alt="City Set Embroidery Pattern" height="480" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3833/9843333473_9e66a299bb_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>The City Set pattern, detail</i></span></div>
<br />
I moved around a lot in my twenties and found myself loving life in the center of a few bustling cities. Walking to work with a steaming cup of hot coffee from my favorite cafe, navigating traffic and construction as vespas whizzed by, admiring all the different architecture, accents, and food smells. Working late and ordering chinese food, taking sunday walks and reading on park benches. There is nothing quite like it!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/51596080@N07/9843248695/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="City Set Embroidery Pattern by thestoryofkat, on Flickr"><img alt="City Set Embroidery Pattern" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7423/9843248695_b0bb876867_z.jpg" width="505" /> </a></div>
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I wanted to capture those memories in this pattern and also try out
something that was a bit more modern and urban, but still in keeping
with the charm and detail of my other patterns. <a href="http://instagram.com/p/ZY9B3kPgez/#">I started sketching</a> all of it out early this summer and the pattern is <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/153383080/the-city-set-hand-embroidery-pattern?ref=shop_home_feat">now available in my shop</a>!</div>
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And some other good news: thanks to a new feature on etsy, all my individual pattern listings can now be downloaded as soon as you pay for them. Instant shopping gratification! The PDF includes an example, a forward and reverse pattern, a color suggestion
guide and chart, as well as instructions for my three favorite (and most
dependable) transferring methods. </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/51596080@N07/9843272776/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="City Set Embroidery Pattern by thestoryofkat, on Flickr"><img alt="City Set Embroidery Pattern" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7361/9843272776_87ebd04405_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Stay tuned— I have a couple more new patterns that will be available this fall and winter. <br />In the meantime, happy stitching!</div>
thestoryofkathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12524642314985351602noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5399579430237930378.post-55361557186409417712013-09-22T21:07:00.000-04:002013-09-22T21:08:05.894-04:00Herringbone Indie Quilt Top: Mini How-to<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/51596080@N07/9842213383/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Herringbone Quilt Top by thestoryofkat, on Flickr"><img alt="Herringbone Quilt Top" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7455/9842213383_bf25fce310_z.jpg" width="496" /></a></div>
<br />
This is a quilt top that I just finished for my sister. The more I look at it, the more I love how the herringbone design and these fabrics came together. I'll definitely be using this herringbone design in the future as it's very straight forward to do and yet you end up with something intricate and modern looking that really packs a punch....so much of a punch with all these different colors that I wanted to give the eye a rest a bit and tacked on the cream cotton sateen sashing I had leftover from a previous project to quiet it down and add some length. It's a lap quilt size but I wanted it to be as long as possible in order to cover those toes on cold nights.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/51596080@N07/9842105204/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Herringbone Quilt Top, detail by thestoryofkat, on Flickr"><img alt="Herringbone Quilt Top, detail" height="640" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3793/9842105204_838e338faa_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
I don't have the photos to do a full tutorial, but I will give you a run
down on how I achieved these particular rows of herringbone:<br />
<br />
You see, I had bookmarked and pinned approximately a bajillion different
chevron/herringbone piecing methods when I came across the book "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Scrap-Basket-Beauties-Quilting-Scraps-Strips/dp/1604681969/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1379891656&sr=8-2&keywords=scrap+quilts">Scrap Basket Beauties</a>" by Kim Brackett. In it she has a pattern called "<a href="http://blog.shopmartingale.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/b1157_02.jpg">peaks and valleys</a>"
that has long rows like what I wanted to achieve. Everything else I'd
found online worked the herringbone in just blocks or used strips that were all the same size, breaking up the overall
true effect I wanted.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/51596080@N07/9886221804/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="upload by thestoryofkat, on Flickr"><img alt="upload" height="400" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5519/9886221804_d26c81d0e3_z.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"> WIP: here you can see how the piecing of each row began</span></i></div>
<br />
In this approach, each row starts with an inverted triangle like in the above photograph, and then you continue piecing your strips off of that, alternating from one side to the other as the row grows. Instead of using trapezoids like she did in the book though, I just cut strips from 1/4 yard cuts of Pat Bravo's Indie collection and squared up all the edges once I was done piecing before joining all the rows together.<br />
<br />
I also cut mine in various widths. I prefer the finished look those different widths gave, but it did mean that keeping the same central point was a bit trickier and each row ended up being a tad wider or narrower than it's neighbor, depending on the placement of each strip (If that doesn't make complete sense, scroll back up to the top two photos and see how the placement point of each "v" changes according to the width of the strips used). For me, I'm totally ok with that wonkiness and think it just adds to the charming handmade quality of an item (as long as it's structurally and technically sound). I only had so much fabric to work with (if you could cut longer strips, you'd be able to make wider rows) and this method allowed me to achieve the desired effect without too much planning or math up front. Always a good thing if you don't mind fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants-quilting like me!<br />
<br />
The other difference from my quilt and the "peaks and
valleys" pattern I was inspired by, was that I hacked off the triangles I
started piecing from at the top of each row as well as the points at the end of the row,
making for straight edges across the top and bottom where sashing could be added
on. I prefer the bands of sashing I chose for just the top and bottom but you could also frame the whole thing with sashing or do a whole quilt of just these herringbone rows.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/51596080@N07/9842214453/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Herringbone Quilt Top, detail by thestoryofkat, on Flickr"><img alt="Herringbone Quilt Top, detail" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7415/9842214453_30129ff577_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
thestoryofkathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12524642314985351602noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5399579430237930378.post-4923626062150767472013-09-20T17:11:00.000-04:002013-09-20T17:17:25.883-04:00Back on the Horse<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/51596080@N07/9842997246/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Life Lately 4 by thestoryofkat, on Flickr"><img alt="Life Lately 4" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7429/9842997246_f881028b93_z.jpg" width="623" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Summer 2013 (from left to right, top to bottom): making friendship bracelets with my Fiber Camp girls, a visit to Baxter State Park in Maine, some crazy quilt foundation piecing for a soft book of colors, me and my husband out for a night on the town, my measly radish harvest, sashiko samples for a class I taught and some appropriate reading, strawberry season, a victorian wedding dress from the collection inventory I'm conducting at a local historical society for my internship, one of my camper's embroidered TOMS!</span></i></div>
<br />
Have I really not written here since May?! It seems hard to believe but I suppose it must be true. I have not, in fact, fallen of the face of the earth, but been enjoying a restful summer before my last semester of grad school classes. LAST SEMESTER OF GRAD SCHOOL CLASSES. I think that deserves a little caps lock, eh? Next up I finish my internship and start my thesis. And that, friends, brings on feelings on great excitement and great panic. But we'll leave that for now...<br />
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Since May, I've gotten to do a little traveling in the NE region, not too far but just far enough to feel like I escaped for a bit. I've done lots of canning and reading and sewing so have plenty of adventures to catch up on. I've been teaching more embroidery classes which, if you're in the Boston area and interested, you can keep up with by following my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thestoryofkat">facebook</a> page. And if you're just strangely super duper interested in what I've been up to, you can hop on over to my <a href="http://instagram.com/thestoryofkat#">instagram</a> feed which is where I've been the most active lately!<br />
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Some exciting new patterns are in the works for the shop in the coming season and I'm looking forward to sharing pictures and live links with you soon!thestoryofkathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12524642314985351602noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5399579430237930378.post-21302849352422290622013-05-31T13:07:00.000-04:002013-05-31T13:07:07.603-04:00Cool Cuppa Cucumber Salad<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/51596080@N07/8903742174/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Cool Cuppa Cucumber Salad by thestoryofkat, on Flickr"><img alt="Cool Cuppa Cucumber Salad" height="480" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2849/8903742174_49a298d49f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We're experiencing our first heat wave of the season here in New England which has me trying to rustle up healthy meals that do not involve the stove or oven. I've been making this salad for myself for lunch a lot lately as it meets both those goals and is cooling, simple, and delicious to boot. This is my own concoction inspired by several different recipes from Madhur Jaffrey's <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Madhur-Jaffreys-World-Vegetarian-Cooking/dp/0394748670">World of the East Vegetarian Cooking</a>. I seriously love this cookbook and it has become a go to source in my kitchen over the years.<br />
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I began experimenting with it back in the early spring when my mom had visited and left me some of her yogurt starter. I started making fresh yogurt with Jaffrey's recipe each week and was looking for different ways to make use of it. I've found it's wonderful to have the stuff on hand for smoothies, breakfast, baking, sour cream substitute, dressings, you name it! I'll have to share my process sometime and link back to this post. You really don't need one of those yogurt makers as I've learned they're kind of superfluous. That, and I really love a little authenticity in my ingredients when I can come by it. If you don't have homemade, some Greek yogurt from the grocery store will work too.<br />
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But moving on...the salad! The version in the photo is the basic "foundation" to which you can add any of the optional ingredients as well if you want to mix it up a bit or add some color. I like to grab some fresh mint from our balcony herb garden, but you can definitely experiment there too with other herbs you have on hand.<br />
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<b>Cool Cuppa Cucumber Salad</b><br />
<i>Makes 1 bowl, double and triple amounts to serve more people</i><br />
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<b>Ingredients</b><br />
<i>2–3 tablespoons rough chopped mint</i><br />
<i>1 large cucumber, quartered then chopped lengthwise</i><br />
<i>3–4 tablespoons fresh homemade/Greek yogurt</i><br />
<i>freshly ground salt and pepper to taste</i><br />
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<b>Optional Add-ins</b><br />
<i>Chopped radish</i><br />
<i>chickpeas</i><br />
<i>cherry tomatoes</i><br />
<i>1 tablespoon lemon</i><br />
<i>minced garlic </i><br />
<i>Parsley/savory/lemon balm/different types of mint/chives</i><br />
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<b>Directions</b><br />
<i>Just chop, mix, and enjoy!</i><br />
<br />thestoryofkathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12524642314985351602noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5399579430237930378.post-33749625438196485302013-05-02T11:10:00.002-04:002013-05-02T11:13:28.294-04:00Airmail Needlebook<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/51596080@N07/8686413884/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Airmail Needlebook by thestoryofkat, on Flickr"><img alt="Airmail Needlebook" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8257/8686413884_a09af78831_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I had some of this duckcloth leftover from when we spruced up my husband's office last summer. I had dyed it with coffee as a background for some aquatic specimens he wanted to display resulting in a very sturdy and mottled looking fabric. Fast forward to this past winter when I got to thinking how much it resembled an old letter. I began stitching on it without a whole lot of thought about what it might become, just wanting to play with the idea of transforming it into a weather beaten envelope.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/51596080@N07/8686414530/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Airmail Needlebook by thestoryofkat, on Flickr"><img alt="Airmail Needlebook" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8398/8686414530_31c6e75d04_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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All the stitching was done with a satin cotton floss and the stamp itself is a little scrap of Liberty tana lawn (tacked down with back stitch and a smidge of Fabri-Tac along the edges). For the envelope design on the back, I simply used an actual envelope as my pattern.<br />
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After that initial thought, the project got lost in a pile of "to dos" until I came upon this fabric, <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/114019339/half-yard-airmail-stripe-in-garden?ref=sr_gallery_9&ga_search_query=airmail+fabric&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_search_type=all&ga_facet=airmail+fabric">Airmail Stripe in Garden by Suzy Ultman for Robert Kaufman Fabrics</a>. IT HAD TO BECOME BINDING. IT JUST HAD TO! Poifection, right?! I wasn't yet sure if this would turn into a mini quilt, coaster, or draft for a larger quilt. Then along came my first foray into <a href="http://jpknitandstitch.com/event-registration?regevent_action=register&event_id=1139&name_of_event=MAY%20Beginning%20Embroidery%20Workshop">teaching embroidery classes</a> this past month and I soon realized that a pin cushion was just not going to be something I could easily haul and keep track of on the go. A needlebook was the obvious choice!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/51596080@N07/8686414720/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Airmail Needlebook, Inside detail by thestoryofkat, on Flickr"><img alt="Airmail Needlebook, Inside detail" height="480" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8396/8686414720_3001a4e4a5_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Still thinking about how I might adapt this design idea to become a lap-sized quilt/embroidery pattern</span></i></div>
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I pulled the <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/124852286/fat-quarter-cute-back-to-school-notebook?ref=shop_home_active">notebook paper fabric</a> from my stash along with the white felt and <i>voila</i>—pocket storage and a place for pins and needles of all sorts! As a finishing touch I tacked the baker's twine into the binding and used it to the secure the book shut with a vintage button from my collection on the front. I love having something special to take to classes and hold my most treasured tools on the go.<br />
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Necessity is indeed the mother of invention! Do you have any projects that start with a burst, then sit on the back burner until you find a way to make it work another use altogether? Sometimes you just need to wait for that perfect fabric that makes all the difference in the end!thestoryofkathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12524642314985351602noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5399579430237930378.post-79203461003670639482013-04-27T12:15:00.001-04:002013-04-27T12:18:31.536-04:00Karma Coming and Going<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/51596080@N07/8686447688/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Cross Stitch Collection feature by thestoryofkat, on Flickr"><img alt="Cross Stitch Collection feature" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8118/8686447688_0b5cb9a8fd_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
A big thank you to <a href="http://crossstitcher.themakingspot.com/category/magazine/cross-stitch-collection">Cross Stitch Collection magazine</a> for featuring some of my stitching in their May 2013 issue! It's such a treat to have ones work noticed and I am completely flattered. It's available on new stands now and online <a href="http://www.myfavouritemagazines.co.uk/stitch-craft/cross-stitch-collection-magazine-subscription/">here</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://bostonmqg.blogspot.com/p/quilts-for-boston.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Quilts for Boston" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1JOtYwa4yog/UXSgCM8Jf2I/AAAAAAAAE10/Ecu-1deFXtM/s1600/quiltsBoston1_150.jpg" /> </a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">You may have seen this already, but I wanted to pass it along just in case! </span></i></div>
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As some may know, I live just outside and work and attend school in the city of Boston which is on the road to recovering from the recent Boston Marathon bombings. It felt odd to be blogging about projects or my etsy shop during that time, but I can say I was glad to have something to keep my hands busy as we sat in the house during the lockdown. Hand work seriously is great therapy!<br />
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The entire week was one of uncertainty, but I have been really touched by all that our neighbors, strangers and friends alike, are doing to pull together and support one another in the face of such evil. I hate the way it has come about of course, but I'm so grateful for the slim silver lining I have found—being able to witness the way everyone has come together so unequivocally to support each other and the victims of this tragic event. Though I adore the landscape, climate, and history, our move from DC to this area a bit over three years ago left me struggling to adjust to the more private and straight-edged New England culture. Because of that, it has been meaningful to me in <i>many ways</i> to see these ostensible acts of neighborliness in the face of such tragic and awful events. It's here, it just lives below the surface, just waiting to bubble to the top....you may just have to look for it in different ways than you would in the midwest or south of the mason dixon line.<br />
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Long-winded story short I guess, that is just part of why I want to pass along the opportunity to contribute blocks (or material if you don't sew!) to the Boston Modern Quilt Guild to support their effort in donating quilts to those affected by the bombings. The deadline to submit is May 24th and you can find all the details <a href="http://bostonmqg.blogspot.com/2013/04/quilts-for-boston.html">here</a> on their blog. I'm personally not a member since I have a crazy student/work schedule, but I definitely plan on sending in some blocks and hope you will too so we can keep passing along some of that much needed neighborliness to those in need!<br />
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<br />thestoryofkathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12524642314985351602noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5399579430237930378.post-48876899468267904702013-03-05T10:10:00.002-05:002013-03-05T10:46:55.801-05:00Looking Ahead<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/51596080@N07/8530534947/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="A little bit of stitching by thestoryofkat, on Flickr"><img alt="A little bit of stitching" height="627" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8507/8530534947_b1fec21c16_z.jpg" width="569" /></a></div>
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Yesterday was my birthday. It's crazy stuff, I tell ya.<br />
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It seems I hold many of the same ideas and values dear that I did in my 20's, but now I know how to put them into action, am more confident in my abilities, and am actually taken seriously by others. I know, how exciting and odd at the same time (muahahaha)! Since I have been in grad school these past two years (has it really been that long already? How can it be that I am now closer to graduating than I am to registering for my first semester?!), my sewing and embroidery, alongside my little etsy shop, have developed in ways I never expected. I have also stepped into new roles and opportunities in the other half of my professional life in the museum world. I still love having this split identity, even though it can be stressful juggling the two worlds at times. They are equally important parts of me and I feel lucky to be able to pursue lines of interest in both. Just this semester, in addition to classes and the million+1 projects I have going, I've begun some part-time work on campus, embarked on my internship and thesis, and may have the opportunity to start teaching sewing and embroidery classes in the Boston area soon!<br />
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As you can imagine, that doesn't leave a lot of time for custom orders (and yes, this is the point I have been building to). It has been an agonizing decision to come to, and one that I have pondered over for some time now, but I know now that this is the right time to stop taking on any more custom shoe orders for the foreseeable future. <i>To be clear, I will still be blogging here and updating my etsy shop with ready-to-ship items, but will not be accepting orders for custom embroidered shoes.</i><br />
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It's been a pleasure and an honor to work with all the clients who have entrusted me with their requests over the years, but I no longer have the time to keep up the level of service I feel my clients deserve. It's difficult to justify the long-term viability of the work when communicating the details of each order, an unpaid task, takes far more time than the embroidery work itself. In addition, there are now many who have copied my designs for resale at lower price points and I don't feel it is a worthy competition. If there ever comes a day when I am able to do more custom shoes, I will be sure to let you know (I will update this post if that is the case). In the meantime, I'm looking forward to putting my embroidery to the test in new endeavors, including teaching, pattern drafting, and if I get my way, hopefully more opportunities for publication. By doing so, I can continue to balance both worlds, just in new and different ways. On that note, I do have a new embroidery pattern I hope to release sometime in the coming month, so keep your eyes peeled!<br />
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<br />thestoryofkathttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12524642314985351602noreply@blogger.com0