With Heart and Hands: A Quilting Journey

• Pink Gloves Dance

  Number of comments: 4
  
  Watch this fabulous YouTube video from the staff of Providence St. Vincent Medical Center, Portland Oregon. It features 200 staff members...everybody from nurses, to cafeteria workers, to sanitation patrol to securty. With the help of Emily MacInnes Somers, who created the idea, choreographed and then [...]
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  Posted: November 30, 2009, 9:00pm EST
  by Michele's Quilting Journey

• Black, Red, Blue, and Spotted Friday

  Number of comments: 11
  
  In the United States, the term Black Friday refers to the day after Thanksgiving and the first 'official' shopping day for the Christmas season. The day was originally so named because of the heavy traffic on that day, when all one could see was massive amounts [...]
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  Posted: November 27, 2009, 7:10am EST
  by Michele's Quilting Journey

• We Give Thanks

  Number of comments: 3
  
  During a time, when America was in turmoil, when citizens doubted the abilities of their President, and when hope for a brighter future was fading...our President, Abraham Lincoln...issued a proclamation and began the American tradition of the official holiday known as 'Thanksgiving.'
  
  BY THE PRESIDENT [...]
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  Posted: November 26, 2009, 12:29pm EST
  by Michele's Quilting Journey

• It is in the giving....

  Number of comments: 3
  
  
  .....that I receive.
  
  And each and every one of these small items given forth to another this year, brings me blessings at the mere thought of being able to give to another.
  
  I feel so blessed to have had enough, to be able [...]
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  Posted: November 25, 2009, 5:12pm EST
  by Michele's Quilting Journey

• Whirlygiggles

  Number of comments: 9
  
  Whirlygiggles have been turning their scrappy little cartwheels across my sewing studio floor, tables, and sewing machine all week long. Also known as Scrappy Cartwheels, the template based quilt block is an oldie but goodie, with a new twist and a slightly [...]
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  Posted: November 17, 2009, 9:58am EST
  by Michele's Quilting Journey

• Bereavement Quilts

  Number of comments: 8
  
  Often, when babies are born far too soon, and don't survive their transition, they are either wrapped in a tiny quilt, or the family is given the opportunity to choose one to bring home with them. ...they become precious mementos of caring and love, extended by' [...]
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  Posted: November 13, 2009, 10:19am EST
  by Michele's Quilting Journey

• Veterans Day: A Day Meant to Honor Peace

  Number of comments: 8
  
  Veterans Day wasn’t always “Veterans Day.” It used to be called by another name.
  
  In the year 1918, on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, the Allies and Germany came together at Rethondes, France, and signed an armistice that ended [...]
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  Posted: November 09, 2009, 9:24am EST
  by Michele's Quilting Journey

• Donating a Quilt: Fort Hood

  Number of comments: 8
  
  Cherri, of Cherry House Quilts, has a son Spc. Luke House, who is the command executive assistant, STB, III Corp, at Fort Hood, who was working on base, when the Ford Hood tragedy killed 12 people and wounded 31.
  
  Cherri has spent her life making [...]
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  Posted: November 07, 2009, 7:45am EST
  by Michele's Quilting Journey

• Happy Halloween, All Saints, All Souls, and Día de los Muertos

  Number of comments: 5
  
  
  
  The origins of Halloween, may have begun with Roman festivals of harvest, but is typically linked to the Celtic festival of Samhain (pronounced sow-an or sow-in)",which is derived from the Old Irish and means roughly" [...]
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  Posted: October 31, 2009, 8:15am EDT
  by Michele's Quilting Journey

• Everything But the Kitchen Sink

  Number of comments: 16
  
  'Everything But the Kitchen Sink' is finally finished! And true to its heritage of 50's, 60's and '70's' scraps, it was lovely tied on my dining room table, and not quilted. I'd almost forgotten just how much I love tied quilts!
  
  [...]
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  Posted: October 26, 2009, 8:46pm EDT
  by Michele's Quilting Journey

• Howdy, Pardner!

  Number of comments: 7
  
  Now, that I'm raising chickens, baling fabric, and walking around clucking, I'm definitely feeling a little bit country and not so much (oldies but goodies) rock 'n roll! And true to that spirit, I'm using up every single bit of scraps that come out of one [...]
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  Posted: October 19, 2009, 1:12pm EDT
  by Michele's Quilting Journey

• Bale-ing

  Number of comments: 6
  
  In honor of Blog Action Day....I'm bale-ing! Bale is raw or finished material that is collected for re-use and tightly bound with twine or wire and/or wrapped up. We all know the term a bale of hay. But did you know that fabric can be' [...]
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  Posted: October 15, 2009, 1:40pm EDT
  by Michele's Quilting Journey

• Chickens A La Carte

  Number of comments: 16
  
  Shown here: Sophie (white), Matilda (white with black and brown), and Penelope (black) or as my husband jokingly calls them: "Original Recipe, Crispy, and Extra Crispy" ;)
  
  Little did I realize that helping out my BIL after his open heart surgery, [...]
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  Posted: October 13, 2009, 7:00pm EDT
  by Michele's Quilting Journey

• 2009 Blogger's Quilt Festival

  Number of comments: 21
  
  In a time of uncertainty, in a place filled with so much unhappiness, dissidence and despair, there are still things that I know to be true and to be real. I believe in goodness, in unity, and in the power of love and healing for all.
  [...]
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  Posted: October 09, 2009, 1:14pm EDT
  by Michele's Quilting Journey

• President Barack Obama Wins 2009 Nobel Peace Prize

  Number of comments: 7
  
  

  President Barack Obama won the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize today for "his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples,". The Norwegian Nobel Committee cited President Obama's outreach to the Muslim world and attempts to curb nuclear proliferation as a primary consideration for their' [...]

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  Posted: October 09, 2009, 8:00am EDT
  by Michele's Quilting Journey

• Morsbags and Pillowcases

  Number of comments: 6
  In honor of my October charitable commitments, I have been delightfully busy creating all kinds of small sewing projects! First off, 6 re-usable 'green' bags for the U.S. Morsbags donation to the Nolcha Independent Retailer's Fashion Week' [...]
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  Posted: October 07, 2009, 10:59pm EDT
  by Michele's Quilting Journey

• Pillowcases Needed for American Samoa

  Number of comments: 5
  
  I have joined Debi of Quilting With Debi in making pillowcases for American Samoa after discovering that her dear friend, Barb who lives there, has sent the word out that pillowcases, sheets, pillows and children's clothing are immediately needed for disaster relief from the' [...]
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  Posted: October 03, 2009, 10:20pm EDT
  by Michele's Quilting Journey

• Sharing Loss in Our Quilting Community

  Number of comments: 6
  
  I have just learned of the deep challenges now facing three more of my quilting friends. Two dear ladies just lost a husband to long term illnesses. One is a 'real' life friend, the other a 'blogging' friend. While both men passed away from long term [...]
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  Posted: October 01, 2009, 2:00pm EDT
  by Michele's Quilting Journey

• Finn's New Years Eve Challenge 2009

  Number of comments: 6
  
  I'm in like Finn, and joining her "New Year's Eve Challenge." While Finn is Crossing the T's and Dotting the I's... I'm just trying to count up to 19.
  
  NINETEEN???? I told Finn that I could get 19 projects done by New Year's Eve??
  [...]
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  Posted: September 27, 2009, 3:10pm EDT
  by Michele's Quilting Journey

• Making a (Cardiac) Heart Pillow

  Number of comments: 6
  
  Making a cardiac heart shaped pillow for those undergoing bypass surgery is a quick and easy gift and a wonderful way to show that you care! Whether you make one for a loved one or many to donate to your local hospital, they can be as [...]
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  Posted: September 25, 2009, 9:37pm EDT
  by Michele's Quilting Journey

• Ivy Bean

  Number of comments: 1
  

  BRADFORD, England (CNN) -- Tuesday is her 104th birthday, but that hasn't stopped Britain's Ivy Bean from being an avid Twitter user and possibly the oldest person on the social networking site.

  [...]
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  Posted: September 25, 2009, 8:46am EDT
  by Michele's Quilting Journey

• Heart Felt Wishes for Comfort and Care

  Number of comments: 14
  
  
  With my brother-in-law going in for a quintuple heart bypass surgery tomorrow, not only is my own heart filled with thoughts and prayers, but my heart and hands have been as equally busy this week creating a special [...]
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  Posted: September 23, 2009, 8:00pm EDT
  by Michele's Quilting Journey

• The Phantom Bridging of the Autumnal Equinox

  Number of comments: 3
  
  Today, is one of only two days in the entire year when the sun rises due east and sets due west. Today marked our calendars as the 'Autumnal Equinox', yet strangely enough, it is not truly a day when day and night [...]
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  Posted: September 22, 2009, 9:39pm EDT
  by Michele's Quilting Journey

• World Alzheimer's Day

  Number of comments: 4
  
  World Alzheimer's Day (September 21st of each year) is a day on which Alzheimer's organizations concentrate their efforts on raising awareness about Alzheimer's and related dementias. Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia, a group of disorders that impairs mental functioning. At the moment, [...]
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  Posted: September 21, 2009, 8:23pm EDT
  by Michele's Quilting Journey

• In Honor, Memory, and Healing

  Number of comments: 6
  Today, marks the fateful anniversary of September 11, 2001, a day that changed not only thousands of affected families lives, but the collective life of an unconscious nation. Nineteen terrorists and 4 commandeered airplanes created loss and havoc in their lives, their [...]
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  Posted: September 11, 2009, 8:51am EDT
  by Michele's Quilting Journey

• 09-09-09

  Number of comments: 3
  
  At 9:09 AM and 9:09 PM on 09-09-09, we mark, not once but twice, another digital phenomenon.
  
  The dates and times line up in perfect order for a numerological synchronicity.September 9 is the 252nd day of the year, 252 adds to 9, 09-09-09 = [...]
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  Posted: September 09, 2009, 10:35am EDT
  by Michele's Quilting Journey

• The Internet and the Web It Weaves....

  Number of comments: 12
  
  I am being tracked, followed, spied upon, and may even have a bit of a virus. And I don't even have a fever, am not contagious, and am not using kleenex (except, perhaps to wipe my emoticons off the computer screen ;)
  
  Someone gave me' [...]
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  Posted: September 08, 2009, 8:30am EDT
  by Michele's Quilting Journey

• Please Do Two Online Searches Right Now!!!

  Number of comments: 1
  
  The AAlzheimer's Art Quilt Initiative was picked from 82,000 charities to be today's "Charity of the Day" at www. Goodsearch.com
  
  GoodSearch.com donates a portion of their revenue to charities and schools selected by people who visit the site. They pick one charity every [...]
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  Posted: September 04, 2009, 9:11pm EDT
  by Michele's Quilting Journey

• Making an Adult Bib

  Number of comments: 6
  
  A good friend is someone who not only gives you a free pattern, but a working model of an adult sized bib and gives it just in time for a Frugal Friday idea! Perfect for my almost completely housebound MIL who can [...]
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  Posted: September 04, 2009, 9:00am EDT
  by Michele's Quilting Journey

• A Husband's Lament

  Number of comments: 9
  
  I’ve always known that life was full of obstacles and woes.
  I’ve learned to live with sickness, death, taxes, heaven knows.
  I’ve taken all these things in stride, the problems and strife,
  But one I didn’t count on was a Quilter for a wife.
  
  Come [...]
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  Posted: September 02, 2009, 10:00am EDT
  by Michele's Quilting Journey

• Crazy String Quilting...at a Mile a Minute!

  Number of comments: 18
  
  I've been a crazy stripper, stringing along at a mile a minute all week long. In my universe, when life gets busy, it gets super, duper, crazy busy. In my universe, when life becomes challenging, it becomes so challenging I have to remember to breathe.
  [...]
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  Posted: August 28, 2009, 11:00am EDT
  by Michele's Quilting Journey

• Wonky, Liberated, Variable, or Maverick Stars....

  Number of comments: 8
  
  In 1996, Gwen Marston released her now famous "Liberated Quiltmaking" and unleashed the concept of bravely taking scissors in hand and cutting directly into fabric without measuring, without using a pattern, and without resorting to templates of any kind...and the truest concepts of "liberated quiltmaking' were'" [...]
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  Posted: August 26, 2009, 9:56am EDT
  by Michele's Quilting Journey

• Fiskars Rotary Ruler and Speed Cutting

  Number of comments: 5
  
  If you've never seen, much less used a Fiskars rotary ruler, you don't know what you are missing! I found one at Walmart...on sale for $25. It seemed like more than I wanted to spend at the time, but now I absolutely [...]
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  Posted: August 24, 2009, 9:42pm EDT
  by Michele's Quilting Journey

• Fiskars Rotary Ruler and Speed Cutting

  
  If you've never seen, much less used a Fiskars rotary ruler, you don't know what you are missing! I found one at Walmart...on sale for $25. It seemed like more than I wanted to spend at the time, but now I absolutely [...]
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  Posted: August 24, 2009, 9:40pm EDT
  by Michele's Quilting Journey

• Fractured Images

  Number of comments: 7
  
  When life imitates art, creating fractured images takes on a whole new meaning! Another trip to the ER, and another long distance care taking jaunt in one week's time. DD#2 fell while cleaning up after a camping weekend and fractured her foot. This agile, flexible, articulate' [...]
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  Posted: August 21, 2009, 11:05am EDT
  by Michele's Quilting Journey

• Dancing With the Stars

  Number of comments: 7
  
  It's mid-August and the stars are beginning to come out to play, once again. Today, the newest 'Dancing With the Stars" lineup (set to begin Sept. 21, 200) was announced. If my MIL had heard of even half of them she'd be dancing right along with'" [...]
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  Posted: August 17, 2009, 9:25pm EDT
  by Michele's Quilting Journey

• Reflections...Inside and Out

  Number of comments: 12
  
  Each and every time I have a chance to simply sit down, and look around at the full, but still very hard working lives that we have created for ourselves, I see little snapshot areas of that life reflected in the things I save, things I [...]
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  Posted: August 14, 2009, 10:00am EDT
  by Michele's Quilting Journey

• You are a Child of the Universe

  Number of comments: 13
  
  Desiderata
  
  Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons.
  
  Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the [...]
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  Posted: August 07, 2009, 10:15pm EDT
  by Michele's Quilting Journey

• In the Sewing Rooms of Life

  Number of comments: 14
  
  
  If there's one thing I've learned in the past week, it is how each of us must take the bits and pieces of the life we have, and stitch them all together into something better. After three days of helping family, another three working with [...]
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  Posted: August 03, 2009, 7:00pm EDT
  by Michele's Quilting Journey

• Friday Winner: Freddy and Gwen Collaborate Again!

  Number of comments: 13
  
  My Freewheeling Twists and Turns week is past the apex. And it's time to announce the winner of Free Give-Away: Freddy & Gwen Collaborate Again. I believe in doing things simply, using time-honored techniques that still allow for intuitive input.
  
  I announced to' [...]
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  Posted: July 31, 2009, 9:35am EDT
  by Michele's Quilting Journey

• Freewheeling Twists and Turns

  Number of comments: 7
  
  What fun it has been to come online and see dozens and dozens and dozens of comments from readers dropping in for a chance to win Freddy and Gwen's new book "Freddy and Gwen Collaborate Again: Freewheeling Twists on Traditional Quilt Designs" [...]
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  Posted: July 27, 2009, 10:00am EDT
  by Michele's Quilting Journey

• Free Give-Away: Freddy & Gwen Collaborate Again

  Number of comments: 102
  
  
  "It takes courage to create. It’s an act of bravery to look deep inside and express yourself through the work of your hands. Our books nurture creative courage and empower women to communicate their stories and visions through their art."
  
  [...]
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  Posted: July 24, 2009, 10:00am EDT
  by Michele's Quilting Journey

• Freddy and Gwen: In Sisters Again!

  Number of comments: 10
  
  
  If you attended the Sister's Outdoor Quilt Show, you couldn't help but notice the shimmering energies of quilts that filled every surface of this little western town. And among the brightest of the brights, were the innovative quilts of Freddy Moran [...]
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  Posted: July 22, 2009, 9:04pm EDT
  by Michele's Quilting Journey

• Moonwalking On, and Over the Moon

  Number of comments: 3
  
  40 years ago, today, NASA landed a manned spacecraft on the moon and astronaut, Neil Armstrong became the first man to walk on its surface. Unbelievably, NASA also managed to lose the original film footage....admitting that they must have taped over it.
  

  The original videos beamed [...]

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  Posted: July 20, 2009, 9:45am EDT
  by Michele's Quilting Journey

• Sisters OR: The Little Town With a Big Heart

  Number of comments: 8
  
  
  If you were one of an estimated 10-12,000 people in Sisters, Oregon for the Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show this July, you might be in this 10 minute video. Sponsored by the [...]
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  Posted: July 17, 2009, 10:30am EDT
  by Michele's Quilting Journey

• The Gee's Bend Quilters

  Number of comments: 10
  
  Collector, William Arnett was working on a history of African-American vernacular art in 1998 when he came across a photograph of Annie Mae Young's work-clothes quilt draped over a woodpile.
  
  He was so stunned' [...]
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  Posted: July 14, 2009, 10:00am EDT
  by Michele's Quilting Journey

• Gee's Bend Quilters Sing

  Enclosure: [download]

  Number of comments: 5
  
  Gee's Bend Quilters sing as they sign autographs. Pictured among the group are: China Pettway, Loretta Bennett, Mary Ann Pettway,Revil Mosely, Louisiana Bendolph, Lucy Mingo, Florine Smith. Taken in front of the Stitchin' Post, Sisters Oregon, July 11, 2009
  *Click on the play button!
  
  My post links:
  [...]
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  Posted: July 13, 2009, 3:30pm EDT
  by Michele's Quilting Journey

• Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show 2009

  Number of comments: 12
  
  We had a blast at the Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show! I met Freddy Moran and Gwen Marston, Bonnie Hunter and Mary Lou Weidman. I was able to get into the Gee's Bend Lecture, Thursday night, and get the autographs of the fabulous Gee's Bend Quilters that [...]
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  Posted: July 13, 2009, 12:45pm EDT
  by Michele's Quilting Journey

• Frugal Friday Bottle Wrap Tutorial

  Number of comments: 5
  
  I'm off at The Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show but I used the 'Post Option' feature to select a future date, so this goes out on Friday, when I'm not even home or at my computer. (Post options bottom left of edit [...]
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  Posted: July 10, 2009, 10:00am EDT
  by Michele's Quilting Journey

• The Significance of 123456789 Today

  Number of comments: 5
  
  Today, we witnessed and lived through a once in a lifetime opportunity. We all experienced the sequential time...... in perfect numerical order......of 123456789. That breaks down to one second of time that only happens once in an entire century. Only once in 1,000 years, can it [...]
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  Posted: July 08, 2009, 3:34pm EDT
  by Michele's Quilting Journey