tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22935586332678073152024-03-13T07:02:22.674-07:00Grace's Dowry QuiltsBethany Fullerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05055005269500129168noreply@blogger.comBlogger18125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2293558633267807315.post-65244307053635385772016-08-20T18:58:00.002-07:002016-08-20T18:58:51.623-07:00<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Still Mourning</h2>
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As promised, here is the photo of the finished quilt. I chose to call it "Still Mourning" because as I researched the mourning blacks and grays, I found out that some women chose to wear mourning colors the rest of their lives after losing their husband. My best friend lost her dad to Pulmonary Fibrosis last year, and I've watched her go thru the mourning process. I'm told it never stops, it just looks different after a while. It also makes me think about all the turmoil in the world right now. Terrorists, violence against the police, natural disasters, human trafficking, the list could go on and on. Makes me squeeze my girls a little tighter and look forward to the hope of heaven. Sorry, that was a little heavy. You can purchase the patterns at The Quilt Merchant <a href="http://www.thequiltmerchant.com/shop/c/p/Still-Mourning-x19818847.htm" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
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My parents and I went exploring in downtown Nicholasville last weekend when they were here and we found the most amazing antique store. There were the typical booths of adorable stuff, but then there were collections. Collections of Wagner cast iron, Guardianware, Corningware, and Tupperware! It was amazing!</div>
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I haven't unpacked my sewing space yet. Its a little daunting but I'm hoping to get to it this week. It will be our first "normal" week here, meaning no visitors and no traveling. Looking forward to getting in a groove!</div>
Bethany Fullerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05055005269500129168noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2293558633267807315.post-34430170494579932732016-06-30T07:45:00.000-07:002016-06-30T07:45:56.572-07:00<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Quilt Progress and other stitching</h2>
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I always have helpers when I'm quilting. Sometimes its my children, but most often its a feline. Last week our sweet foster kitty, Corin, was helping me hold the quilt to the floor. Hehe. He's the sweetest thing and has some permanent handicaps from an accident. His balance and vision are not good, which makes for a very clumsy kitty! He's finally learned that he has to go slowly down the stairs so he doesn't tumble down them instead. Anyway, I digress. I actually have all the borders on this lovely purple quilt, but its folded nicely and waiting to go to my mom's for quilting, so you'll just have to wait! But here's the center completed, without borders.</div>
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I'm really pleased with how it turned out. Sometimes they don't look the same in cloth as they do in my head and that's disappointing. But this one makes me happy. I hope you like it too!</div>
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Since my entire stash is still in storage, and this puppy is done, I've been turning to some long-neglected hand projects to keep me from going stir crazy. A couple years ago I decided to start some hexis using the Martha Washington's Flower Garden layout. Are you familiar with that? I've seen a few quilts on The Quilt Index , <a href="http://www.quiltindex.org/" target="_blank">www.quiltindex.org</a> (if you have a couple hours to kill and love antique quilts, look it up - super fun) with this layout and have always loved it. </div>
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I had two blocks done and another cut and ready to assemble, so during swimming lessons the last two weeks I've been stitching!</div>
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I'm not sure exactly how I'm going to lay them out, but I'm thinking there will be scrappy lights in between them, no matter how I arrange them. I chose 5/8" hexagons, which may seem odd, but I love the size. I felt like 1/2" was too small and 3/4" was too big. What can I say?!</div>
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I have a couple garment projects for my girls that I hope to get done before August, so my machine will see some action as soon as I bring the "garment fabric" bin back from the storage locker!</div>
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Happy Thursday. Have a great 4th!</div>
Bethany Fullerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05055005269500129168noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2293558633267807315.post-77775962200186707912016-06-13T08:48:00.003-07:002016-06-13T08:48:28.835-07:00<div style="text-align: center;">
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The Question of the Ages....</h2>
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Are you still going to quilt?</h3>
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Are you going to open a quilt shop?</h3>
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Are you going to buy a long-arm?</h3>
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I'll answer those questions in order.<br />
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Yes!<br />
Nope.<br />
Absolutely not.<br />
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I sat at my sewing machine on Saturday night for the first time in over a month! My fabric stash has to be packed away to de-clutter the house, but I refused to remove my machine and sewing table. We just moved them out of the pictures for the listing photos. Anyway, I kept a couple projects in the closet to work on after the house sold to preserve my sanity. I'll give you details a little later.</div>
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Many of the customers at The Quilt Merchant have asked me if Docia and I are going to open a quilt shop after we move. The answer is no. Between the farm and future foster children, I plan to be plenty busy with family and sewing for fun!</div>
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I have ZERO desire to own a long-arm. I've used my mom's Gammil a couple times and it terrifies me. So I am happy to leave that job to the professionals.</div>
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So what am I working on? Before I had to drop everything and get the house ready to sell I was working on a new pattern for the shop. Purples, grays and blacks. My heart wanted to do real LeMoyne Stars, but my inner shop keeper (and Valerie) agreed that mock-stars made out of Half Square Triangles would appeal to more people.</div>
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So here's the first block I started on April 9. Yikes! I didn't realize that was so long ago! I was able to start piecing the top before I had to pack it all up. </div>
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Better and more pictures soon. Gotta get this one finished up before we leave!</div>
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Bethany Fullerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05055005269500129168noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2293558633267807315.post-25608685180091031262013-08-23T16:53:00.003-07:002013-08-23T16:56:28.617-07:00I guess it would be silly to try and include everything that's happened in the last 9 months in one post. So I'll just pick up now and try to be better...lets see how this goes.<br />
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I did finish that quilt I was working on. Not quilted yet, but here's a picture of the top. I'm trying to find motivation to write the instructions. Not a cup of tea for y-seams.<br />
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One I have finished with less difficulty is Cocoa Stars. I love pink and brown. I used Monique Dillard's Fit to Be Quarter ruler to trim up my hourglass blocks. They all turned out nearly perfect in the blocks. Totally worth the time.<br />
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Here's an update on my girls. Eliza started kindergarten today. We're so proud of her. She's so excited about school and is going to do so well. Sniff sniff!<br />
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Lena is getting bigger every day and is ready to take over the world! She's funny, determined and does everything with great enthusiasm. We love her so. She was born Jan. 24.<br />
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<br />Bethany Fullerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05055005269500129168noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2293558633267807315.post-55718644002746988862012-12-18T07:51:00.001-08:002013-08-23T16:33:36.268-07:00New ProjectSo it's been an eternity. I know. But since I've written last we've sold the shop and I'm almost done growing a baby!<br />
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So here's a new project I've been finishing. Guess that's my form of nesting. It's an antique Repro and I LOVE it. I've been hand piecing the blocks for a long time on and off and decided it was time to finish. <br />
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And here's a recent picture of Eliza. We made gingerbread cookies yesterday and she approved. <br />
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Bethany Fullerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05055005269500129168noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2293558633267807315.post-23342627215841961942012-05-14T06:14:00.001-07:002012-05-14T06:14:24.246-07:00Adrenaline HangoverThis week has been CRAZY! But oh so much fun. Leonie and Deidre from The Quilted Crow have been visiting with us all week. We had a trunk show Friday night and an all day workshop on Saturday. These girls are so talented and equally sweet and wonderful. What a great time we've had. Here's a photo that should give you an idea of what its been like around our shop.<br />
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I got to spend all week working on the kits for the workshop on Saturday and it got me in the wooly mood. I've drawn out a couple wool designs and we'll see how they turn out. As soon as the wool arrives and I have something to show I promise I'll post pictures.<br />
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Hope everyone is enjoying the beautiful weather outside. It usually means horrible allergies for me, so I get to watch from the inside, but I know its beautiful too!<br />Bethany Fullerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05055005269500129168noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2293558633267807315.post-14100850857902813792012-05-04T13:16:00.001-07:002012-05-04T13:16:00.952-07:00Mother Goose and life stuff.I looked at how long it's been since my last post and couldn't believe it! How does so much time go by so fast?<br />
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Since I last posted my Dad was diagnosed with lymphoma. He has started chemo and is doing so well. Most days he still goes into work for a while and is taking the whole thing like a champ. But let me tell you something. God is amazing. He has graced my dad with the best case scenario thru this whole thing and just keeps answering prayer. Thank you so much to everyone that has prayed for us. We know it works. <br />
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I have managed to put a new pattern together however. Can we say stress management? Here is Mother Goose. The newest addition to my pattern line. This one's pretty big. 80" x 92". It features the vast majority of the Old Savannah collection by Paula Barnes. Hope you like it! Kits and patterns can be ordered from The Quilt Merchant as always. <br />
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<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-_7mdLtItdt8/T6Q4_I23BBI/AAAAAAAAAIk/UzyBpKB8Pcs/s640/blogger-image--656851471.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-_7mdLtItdt8/T6Q4_I23BBI/AAAAAAAAAIk/UzyBpKB8Pcs/s640/blogger-image--656851471.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-jZOHjaH78vw/T6Q4_np_mKI/AAAAAAAAAIs/QrcsDU-JkRk/s640/blogger-image--802103551.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-jZOHjaH78vw/T6Q4_np_mKI/AAAAAAAAAIs/QrcsDU-JkRk/s640/blogger-image--802103551.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-QPF3yLahx-o/T6Q4_3L828I/AAAAAAAAAI0/DSpIm8MBtW4/s640/blogger-image--1844882259.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-QPF3yLahx-o/T6Q4_3L828I/AAAAAAAAAI0/DSpIm8MBtW4/s640/blogger-image--1844882259.jpg" /></a></div>Bethany Fullerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05055005269500129168noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2293558633267807315.post-52228745746002273382012-02-26T18:40:00.001-08:002012-02-26T18:40:59.460-08:00Antique Sampler progressHoly cow!!!! I can hardly believe its almost done! Here's a little peek. I'll post a photo when it's all together. This pattern is by Patchwork with Busyfingers. Her stuff is awesome!<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-xvh7D5z4_Vw/T0rtOv6x24I/AAAAAAAAAIE/eJbRkSCn3OI/s640/blogger-image-1924405151.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-xvh7D5z4_Vw/T0rtOv6x24I/AAAAAAAAAIE/eJbRkSCn3OI/s640/blogger-image-1924405151.jpg" /></a></div>Bethany Fullerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05055005269500129168noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2293558633267807315.post-77496339621163859312012-02-16T18:14:00.000-08:002012-02-16T18:14:54.751-08:00Addressing the Elephant in the RoomWell, I bet some of you are reading this hoping that I will hurry up and share my thoughts about the store being for sale. So here ya go. Depending on the hour of the days, I'm either excited about the unknown, or thinking I'm crazy for passing up such a great opportunity to have a quilt shop. BUT...sometimes our personal, self-seeking desires are not the things that will bring the most fulfillment and joy into our lives. <br />
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Docia and Jim are R.E.A.D.Y. to retire. They've worked so hard for the last 6 1/2 yrs and have come to the conclusion that its time to rest. And travel, and spend time with family. Its been an icky year for Jim, and even though he's going to be fine (for any of you that think his health might have something to do with it), its just solidified that its time to turn the page to the next chapter.<br />
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As for me, the most frequently asked question by customers when they find out the shop is for sale is, "What about Beth?" Trust me when I tell you that we've talked, cried, prayed and agonized over the decision and have complete confidence that we're making the right one. Jon and I want to have more children (whether biological or adopted) and maybe foster some day and that is not something we can do if we own a store. For 72 hours I spent my life trying to devise a plan that would make it all work, but alas. Its can't be done. <br />
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So we're moving forward as usual for a while and hoping that someone (maybe one of our amazing customers) will want to take up the challenge and the blessing that is The Quilt Merchant so that we still have a shop in our area. It would be so sad to have a hole again in the Wheaton/Winfield area.<br />
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Please forgive us...I know a lot of you are a bit caught off guard and dismayed by the whole thing, but its all in God's hands and we are excited for the journey.<br />
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Oh, I forgot to say that I am going to continue designing and hope to peddle my wares at Quilt Market someday soon. I love the industry too much to walk away completely and it will give me that change to "work while home".<br />
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Much love and gratitude.Bethany Fullerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05055005269500129168noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2293558633267807315.post-49228476779027406412012-02-13T11:00:00.000-08:002012-02-13T11:00:03.240-08:00Before and After - Crimson Bouquet ProjectI thought this would be a great place to start sharing my before and after photos of quilts that I make. The vast majority of the quilts I design are deeply inspired by antique quilts I've either seen in person or have collected photos of. This specific one is really close, but the block size needed the whole thing to be smaller than the original layout.<br />
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So here's the original quilt. I know its a little sorry looking, but it was the design that caught my eye.<br />
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So here's what I did out of Jo Morton's Crimson Bouquet collection plus an assortment of lights from previous collections. Don't have a name yet, but it will come, I'm sure.<br />
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<br />Bethany Fullerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05055005269500129168noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2293558633267807315.post-83672640285699837762012-02-06T07:28:00.001-08:002012-02-06T07:33:33.428-08:00My helperSometimes this refers to Eliza, but today it is Bubba. Silly kitty. I am ALMOST done with the Antique Sampler sample. Hopefully by the weekend I'll be sewing blocks together. Woohoo! Today I'm at home with my little girl watching Tinkerbelle, doing laundry and stitching. What a great day. <div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UFTqr2Ubjfg/Ty_yzIsPwsI/AAAAAAAAAHk/icbTX1uAD1g/s640/blogger-image-739219058.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UFTqr2Ubjfg/Ty_yzIsPwsI/AAAAAAAAAHk/icbTX1uAD1g/s640/blogger-image-739219058.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Q8Zt9QMOxKE/Ty_xk5X0m1I/AAAAAAAAAHc/piYpnc-SUzU/s640/blogger-image--1965719206.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Q8Zt9QMOxKE/Ty_xk5X0m1I/AAAAAAAAAHc/piYpnc-SUzU/s640/blogger-image--1965719206.jpg" /></a></div>Bethany Fullerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05055005269500129168noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2293558633267807315.post-72712102465579010412012-01-18T13:22:00.001-08:002012-01-18T13:30:52.242-08:00It's Home!Yesterday I picked up my quilt from my faithful long arm quilter, Anne Spiotta. I think she did an awesome job. Check it out!<br />
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And of course, no quilt is complete without a cat! Bubba approves. <br />
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This pattern will be called "The Spice of Life". It is made with a good portion of Jo Morton's line "Jo's Variety" and is based of a red and white quilt from the Infinite Variety quilt show that was held in NYC. Now for binding...which will be black, in case you were wondering.<br />
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</a></div>Bethany Fullerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05055005269500129168noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2293558633267807315.post-81484188892413616432011-12-25T16:12:00.000-08:002011-12-25T16:12:27.204-08:00Merry Christmas!I must be honest, the last few days have been really emotionally trying for me. Not for any particular reason, but I've really been in a funk. I didn't want to be, but I couldn't seem to shake it. It was really irritating me. But last night I sat next to Eliza's bed as she was sleeping and spent some time praying over her. She frequently has nightmares and I wanted her to get a good night sleep so she could enjoy her 4th Christmas. Somehow that softened my soul a little and I went to bed feeling a bit better.<br />
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I awake this morning to my daily greeting of "Rise and shine, Mommy!" from my sweet girl. Then she told me that she had good dreams last night. We have a good God. Opened presents, ate breakfast, went to church to practice for the morning and who walks in, but our good friend and shop employee, Stella. Another Christmas gift! We immediately invited her for dinner at my mom's house.<br />
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I sat in the pew during Pastor Josh's sermon and God kinda whalloped me one on the side of the head. Why is it so easy to lose sight of the things that are actually important? Well, I'd done it again and the Good Lord used Josh to fix that right up. I was able to genuinely smile for the first time in several days...<br />
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This followed by lunch at my mom's with my sister Emily and her husband Devin, Gpa Hopeman and Peg, Jim and Docia, Stella, Joanna, Steve Noble (our youth pastor who was also an orphan for the day) and my husband and Eliza. 13 total. It was perhaps the most meaningful gathering of people I've been a part of since my wedding. You see, my father-in-law is dealing with some painful health issues and isn't often able to get out of bed, let alone out of the house. We begged, well, told him really that we didn't care if we had to carry him on our backs, we wanted him there with us on Christmas. And he was and the smile on his face was the best gift ever. He'll prob'ly hurt like the dickins for days, but I'm pretty certain he'd say it was worth it.<br />
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The last year has shown me how important family is and what a blessing it can be, even when things are icky and complicated. <br />
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So Merry Christmas, blogland. Until next time....Bethany Fullerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05055005269500129168noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2293558633267807315.post-72932139071591424292011-12-07T13:34:00.000-08:002011-12-07T13:34:49.622-08:00New Quilt ProgressI guess I'll have to name it eventually, but there's time for that! Here is the first completed block of this adventure. The others are ready to be assembled - parts done, but I always have to put one together so I can see what its going to look like, don't you? <br />
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Let me know what you think! And not about the points that don't match...the math is perfect. I am not.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yDTDSxTK2v4/Tt_b5cz88FI/AAAAAAAAAGk/lhmCzMaosps/s1600/block+for+web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yDTDSxTK2v4/Tt_b5cz88FI/AAAAAAAAAGk/lhmCzMaosps/s320/block+for+web.jpg" width="314" /></a></div>Bethany Fullerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05055005269500129168noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2293558633267807315.post-37996615246981323172011-12-05T14:49:00.001-08:002011-12-05T14:49:22.312-08:00Happy Birthday to my baby girl!Today is my sweet girl's 4th birthday! Last night we had grandparents and her neighborhood friends over for food and cake. My heart has never been so full. Eliza felt so special and loved. Mission accomplished. Here are a couple photos. <br />
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The bunnies are dressed as Aunt Emmy and Uncle Devin. Uncle Devin is a police officer and they live in Alabama now, so we got her outfits for her bunnies to remind her of them. <div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nvfIlcKJ4WI/Tt1KcM2ddBI/AAAAAAAAAGU/AGAXdepBu6w/s640/blogger-image-1356693347.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nvfIlcKJ4WI/Tt1KcM2ddBI/AAAAAAAAAGU/AGAXdepBu6w/s640/blogger-image-1356693347.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-7zy9XHicJo0/Tt1KcaxVl6I/AAAAAAAAAGc/H1JhLHpqUec/s640/blogger-image--1943059456.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-7zy9XHicJo0/Tt1KcaxVl6I/AAAAAAAAAGc/H1JhLHpqUec/s640/blogger-image--1943059456.jpg" /></a></div>Bethany Fullerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05055005269500129168noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2293558633267807315.post-44435261095123151452011-12-01T18:59:00.001-08:002011-12-01T19:02:22.584-08:00My next quilt.....I'll jump right in and tell you the story behind this quilt. I knew that Jo Morton had been inspired by the Infinite Variety quilt show for her most recent collection so I figured the quilt I would design should also be inspired by that show. I rummaged thru photos of the quilts on the Internet and found a spin off on a Feathered Star that really intrigued me. So here is the start of it. 4 big blocks in red, cream and black is as far as i've gotten. Will show you more when I have it!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-5P0awIpOYB4/Ttg_AKadlkI/AAAAAAAAAGE/rJQ6StFfPy4/s640/blogger-image-1273520203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-5P0awIpOYB4/Ttg_AKadlkI/AAAAAAAAAGE/rJQ6StFfPy4/s640/blogger-image-1273520203.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-HRY42-WD7Ck/Ttg_ASvWV-I/AAAAAAAAAGM/KZm4F3ALJlk/s640/blogger-image-1629611711.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-HRY42-WD7Ck/Ttg_ASvWV-I/AAAAAAAAAGM/KZm4F3ALJlk/s640/blogger-image-1629611711.jpg" /></a></div>Bethany Fullerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05055005269500129168noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2293558633267807315.post-48244714467909988862011-11-30T15:49:00.001-08:002011-12-01T11:06:06.395-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Yummy cookies! So many sprinkles.....Bethany Fullerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05055005269500129168noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2293558633267807315.post-30307012551396428712011-11-30T13:44:00.001-08:002011-12-01T11:48:59.773-08:00Well, I've made the jump into BLOG land. We'll see how this goes. Those who dare to read may be disturbed and entertained by what comes out of my head, but that's the risk you take!<br /><br />Today's news.....<br /><br />Our neighbor's boy Zachary is over today - I watch him on Wednesdays - and when the kids wake up from their naps we're going to decorate cookies. It was a lovely bribery tool to get them to fall asleep quickly today. Hehe. I'm so sneaky.<br /><br />I'll post pictures when they're done.Bethany Fullerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05055005269500129168noreply@blogger.com0