tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7740607003524458432024-03-25T08:23:42.131+00:00Laura KemshallUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger462125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-774060700352445843.post-47538485279147847592019-11-25T10:09:00.000+00:002019-11-25T10:09:58.272+00:00Hands!I found myself photographing favourite portraits whilst wandering round the galleries in London last week, but don't you also find that hands are important in portrait paintings too?<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VYbDTKe6-5c/Xduk0XfKZhI/AAAAAAAAHCM/IIFZ6PghAok5JyzLRuvos6xEBkAWJljXgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8810.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VYbDTKe6-5c/Xduk0XfKZhI/AAAAAAAAHCM/IIFZ6PghAok5JyzLRuvos6xEBkAWJljXgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_8810.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>Christina of Denmark, Duchess of Milan</i>, Hans Holbein the Younger, 1538, National Gallery</div>
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The National have a <a href="https://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/hans-holbein-the-younger-christina-of-denmark-duchess-of-milan" target="_blank">great page on this painting</a> on their website where you can zoom in close.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FN5S7OcQIXg/Xduk1DY0dDI/AAAAAAAAHCQ/mnUELb8vtrgf_ar_pmxRjTpzKvSpEqF8gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_8821.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FN5S7OcQIXg/Xduk1DY0dDI/AAAAAAAAHCQ/mnUELb8vtrgf_ar_pmxRjTpzKvSpEqF8gCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_8821.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>Helene Rouart in her Father's Study</i>, detail, Degas, 1886, The <a href="https://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/hilaire-germain-edgar-degas-helene-rouart-in-her-fathers-study" target="_blank">National Gallery</a></div>
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<i>Portrait of Elena Carafa</i>, detail, Degas, 1875, <a href="https://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/hilaire-germain-edgar-degas-portrait-of-elena-carafa" target="_blank">The National Gallery</a></div>
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Above and below: <i>The Armada Portrait</i>, detail, artist unknown, 1588,<a href="https://www.rmg.co.uk/Queens-House" target="_blank"> Queen's House</a><br />
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Hands resting on globes, I have a bit of a thing for globes. I'm quite fascinated by them. In the gallery this painting is placed opposite a beautiful celestial globe from the same period.<br />
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<i>Portrait of James Lancaster</i>, unknown artist, 1596, <a href="https://www.rmg.co.uk/national-maritime-museum" target="_blank">National Maritime Museum</a></div>
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<i>Portrait of Sir John Hawkins</i>, artist unknown, 1581, National Maritime Museum</div>
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<i>Tudor Seafarer</i>, artist unknown, 1596, National Maritime Museum </div>
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Back soon,<br />
Laura<br />
xUnknownnoreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-774060700352445843.post-749756906805900162019-11-21T13:27:00.000+00:002019-11-21T13:27:28.246+00:00Painted LaceI have a total fascination with Tudor portraiture. The costume, the faces so full of poise and character, the refined painted surface, often on wood, the symbolism, all appeals to me. On a recent visit to London I was fortunate to see quite a few paintings, here's a flavour of them, focussing especially on the fabulous painted lace...<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oZOt-9NJw1E/XdaBqi2jFsI/AAAAAAAAHBU/8EOC_PLIidQFxbh9r69afK8kKVIpJyxXQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/paintedlace7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="536" data-original-width="800" height="428" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oZOt-9NJw1E/XdaBqi2jFsI/AAAAAAAAHBU/8EOC_PLIidQFxbh9r69afK8kKVIpJyxXQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/paintedlace7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Let's start with this fantastic small portrait of Elizabeth I. The sleeves are pretty amazing aren't they? Love that lace ruff though don't you? So softly painted, I love how the artist has blocked in a haze of pale grey to suggest the depth of the lace, but then painted on top with the finest of brushes and semi-opaque paint to add the detail of the lace patterning and structure. Artist unknown as far as I'm aware, but British school, approximately 1590s, oil on wood.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9fAAEe6D2-A/XdaBogtdLCI/AAAAAAAAHBA/zvNR5ZvWkn4-Mx3RC6U-aN8KreAfYiVPgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/paintedlace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9fAAEe6D2-A/XdaBogtdLCI/AAAAAAAAHBA/zvNR5ZvWkn4-Mx3RC6U-aN8KreAfYiVPgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/paintedlace.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
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Moving on, but staying with Elizabeth I, this is one of the three Armada Portraits. I just love this don't you! This version is in the Queen's House, Greenwich and I had the privilege of being the only person in the room with it. That makes such a change when so often the galleries in London are just packed out. This is a much larger painting than the previous one, but still oil on wood and it has a fantastic bellied surface. Artist unknown, but again British and from about 1590.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X6TaHO9qyuc/XdaC4SXZrfI/AAAAAAAAHBs/FMGLowD0vd8L53AjHb0P1K8947MISkF8gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/paintedlace8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="778" data-original-width="800" height="622" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X6TaHO9qyuc/XdaC4SXZrfI/AAAAAAAAHBs/FMGLowD0vd8L53AjHb0P1K8947MISkF8gCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/paintedlace8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Looking at the lace in more detail on this one, you can see that the artist this time has taken a much flatter approach with the lace appearing more one-dimensional. It's exquisite in its level of detail. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mmtjxV05S_8/XdaBpqKhEhI/AAAAAAAAHBI/NutaJEkf3rsvslaRRJBIEYHt9OCMV1LgACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/paintedlace4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mmtjxV05S_8/XdaBpqKhEhI/AAAAAAAAHBI/NutaJEkf3rsvslaRRJBIEYHt9OCMV1LgACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/paintedlace4.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
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And look at the cuff. See how the artist has conveyed everything you need with just that wavy white line?<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZrCszcvqgWg/XdaBolaui_I/AAAAAAAAHBE/T7PyZQXrhtkqzkZQGAvuiziATvzJ0W0iACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/paintedlace3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZrCszcvqgWg/XdaBolaui_I/AAAAAAAAHBE/T7PyZQXrhtkqzkZQGAvuiziATvzJ0W0iACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/paintedlace3.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
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The men in Tudor portraits also have fantastic lace collars and I thought this was a great example. This is James Lancaster and painted in 1596 by an unknown artist, oil on wood.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-un2Q6BTscaI/XdaBpuNM8sI/AAAAAAAAHBM/18uUB2d2zbwa_iTIzAmw4qRFVdYqxvYAQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/paintedlace5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-un2Q6BTscaI/XdaBpuNM8sI/AAAAAAAAHBM/18uUB2d2zbwa_iTIzAmw4qRFVdYqxvYAQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/paintedlace5.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
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This painting is in the <a href="https://www.rmg.co.uk/national-maritime-museum" target="_blank">National Maritime Museum</a> in Greenwich, London, the others are in the <a href="https://www.rmg.co.uk/Queens-House" target="_blank">Queen's House Gallery</a> also in Greenwich. </div>
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Hope you enjoyed these paintings as much as I did. Back soon with more!</div>
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Love Laura</div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-774060700352445843.post-3488108766783283342019-09-12T09:51:00.001+01:002019-09-12T09:51:10.218+01:00Big SkiesWe nipped off for a few days at the coast. I couldn't help but love the big, ever-changing skies as the breeze rolled the clouds in and out. I feel like I want to try and see if I can paint these!<br />
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Laura</div>
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x</div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-774060700352445843.post-83906083820779093062019-08-12T10:28:00.005+01:002019-08-12T10:28:58.308+01:00The Grand Total<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
What can I say beyond THANK YOU! The grand total raised by the Ruby Star Quilt Project, including the Ruby Run and the Raffle is an astonishing £15,809.94. The support I've had from each of you has been incredible. Thank you 15000 times!</div>
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It's clear that cancer affects so many of us, the scary stat that 1 in 2 will hear their doctor say 'cancer'. When I heard those words little did I know that I was about to embark on a time in my life when, frightening as it was, I would never feel so loved and cared for. By my family and friends of course, but also people I've never even met. If good wishes and positive thought can make a difference then I have had more than my fair share. Thank you.</div>
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The debt I owe is massive, to the surgeon, oncologists, the nurses and all the other staff who have done their best to give me a chance at outrunning this. There's no 'all clear', the scans continue, maybe there will be more treatment to come. I can't repay what they have given to me, to have hope for more time.</div>
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The money you have donated, as part of the £1.25m Ruby Appeal will be used to directly fund initiatives to support and care for people like me, including the purchase of new equipment and the funding of two special nurses.</div>
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Did I say thank you?</div>
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Thank you.</div>
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Laura</div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-774060700352445843.post-8041175008138932362019-08-08T14:31:00.002+01:002019-08-08T14:33:26.118+01:00Latest Fabric HaulI've been working on the Ruby Star quilt for so long, my dressmaking has had to take a back seat, but no longer! I'm really trying to limit the clothes that I buy for myself and Amelie. I believe for a lot of reasons, that it's best to wear handmade, homemade. So no dress shopping for me, BUT, that means you get to shop for fabric instead. I have picked up a pretty good haul this week in Shrewsbury at Abakhan and last week at Festival of Quilts. Here's what we'll be wearing this Autumn/Winter season 😆 First up, the fabrics from Shrewsbury. So these are all from <a href="https://www.abakhan.co.uk/" target="_blank">Abakhan</a> which is a mill shop and you buy things by weight.<br />
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This red one is a viscose and I'm going to use it to test out a new dress pattern, more on that in a moment. The rest of these are all knits and jersey.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yGYlzWwbsMM/XUwgiPPRcwI/AAAAAAAAG7Y/jIe_FO6bpFsJP1oW5CFWXW4SLXkafeygACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_7248.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yGYlzWwbsMM/XUwgiPPRcwI/AAAAAAAAG7Y/jIe_FO6bpFsJP1oW5CFWXW4SLXkafeygACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_7248.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Can't seem to get a good photo of this one, the colour is much more pale turquoise than blue. And this leopard has a more forest green. My sister has bagged this one though!<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-trA7xHAmZIw/XUwgiJ2Lr6I/AAAAAAAAG7Q/KKE9Lk5BV0I0mb1RvL2LZ-too7zxEB8XwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_7249.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-trA7xHAmZIw/XUwgiJ2Lr6I/AAAAAAAAG7Q/KKE9Lk5BV0I0mb1RvL2LZ-too7zxEB8XwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_7249.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Abakhan isn't as cheap as the Rag Market (is anywhere as cheap as the Rag Market??), but I still think they were a bargain. <a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rYXRjTIQx6Q/XUwhvyCLT0I/AAAAAAAAG8M/kQejLsK9EecLgeOm9bAPf2Bku8e1RtVeACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_7257.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rYXRjTIQx6Q/XUwhvyCLT0I/AAAAAAAAG8M/kQejLsK9EecLgeOm9bAPf2Bku8e1RtVeACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_7257.jpg" width="476" /></a></div>
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Now for the ones I picked up at Festival. Amelie chose this cat print from <a href="http://www.dotsnstripes.co.uk/" target="_blank">Dots and Stripes</a>. We just got a metre, but teamed with some plain black, I think we'll get a nice dress + leggings outfit.</div>
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I bought this black and white print for myself, but Amelie might end up with it. It's a jersey from <a href="https://www.higgsandhiggs.com/" target="_blank">Higgs and Higgs</a>. I've bought the sweatshirt version of a very similar print before which sewed up and washed really well so I'm hoping for the same with this.</div>
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Also from Higgs and Higgs, but definitely for Amelie is this little collection of starry double gauze, print jersey and the textured knit. I'm thinking dress in the gauze, leggings and T in the jersey and a hoodie in the knit. </div>
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I got this cotton/linen shibori type print from <a href="https://www.stitchfabrics.co.uk/" target="_blank">Rosenberg's</a>. Really like this and I think I'll try a shirt dress. I'm sure I have a pattern for one deep in a drawer somewhere.</div>
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My splurge was this Italian silk Botticelli panel print also from Rosenberg which is just gorgeous. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NjZKfiRFXbA/XUwhvXdpEAI/AAAAAAAAG8I/lAKWbe7hcXowlvUhlpDBJt8AAV1nbbedwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_7254.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NjZKfiRFXbA/XUwhvXdpEAI/AAAAAAAAG8I/lAKWbe7hcXowlvUhlpDBJt8AAV1nbbedwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_7254.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
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I bought enough for a dress (if I can bear to cut it) so the mission was on to find a pattern that didn't involve too many seams and darts. No-one wants to decapitate a Botticelli. I hit upon the Rochester dress from Maven which I hope will be just right. It's gathered into the neck with no bust darts or waist seam. My plan is to test the theory with the red newsprint fabric from Abakhan and see how it fits, then if I like it, go for it in the silk. If not the silk might end up as cushions!!<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d0BBFS5Dgok/XUwhwpbC9NI/AAAAAAAAG8Y/_tbp_qvP5N8n-QP6yg9RSPj_Vcnk2sfVwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_7287.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1019" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d0BBFS5Dgok/XUwhwpbC9NI/AAAAAAAAG8Y/_tbp_qvP5N8n-QP6yg9RSPj_Vcnk2sfVwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_7287.jpg" width="502" /></a></div>
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So lots of garment sewing planned. Watch this space. I'll post if anything turns out wearable!</div>
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Back soon,</div>
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Laura</div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-774060700352445843.post-61954549247091558722019-08-06T11:29:00.000+01:002019-08-06T11:30:54.037+01:00The Ruby Star Project is Done!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Just a quick post to thank everyone who took part in the raffle, buying tickets online or at Festival of Quilts. It was lovely to be back at the show and to be able to see so many of you. Here's the Ruby Star stand with the amazing prizes on display.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tQYnxuE_8LY/XUlU6f6XtzI/AAAAAAAAG6o/7EGB4PqZH8oMgERrDqLXBqA31tjPeAUHwCLcBGAs/s1600/RubyQuiltAug2019b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="495" data-original-width="800" height="396" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tQYnxuE_8LY/XUlU6f6XtzI/AAAAAAAAG6o/7EGB4PqZH8oMgERrDqLXBqA31tjPeAUHwCLcBGAs/s640/RubyQuiltAug2019b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I'm delighted to let you know that we sold all of the raffle tickets meaning that I've raised £5000 with the Ruby Star Project. A massive thank you to everyone who supported me in this. Both I, and the Lingen Davies Cancer Fund are thrilled. The draw was made on the last day of the Festival. The quilt will be heading to a new home in the US...</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BJFPzfBxWJI/XUlU6l0xlYI/AAAAAAAAG6w/iAxhmyoF99QMQk2B1NgjAP3M9FqlNzU-QCLcBGAs/s1600/RubyQuiltAug2019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="941" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BJFPzfBxWJI/XUlU6l0xlYI/AAAAAAAAG6w/iAxhmyoF99QMQk2B1NgjAP3M9FqlNzU-QCLcBGAs/s640/RubyQuiltAug2019.jpg" width="544" /></a></div>
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The sewing machine and the Starry Starry Night quilt by Jill Packer are heading to new homes in the UK.</div>
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The thread sets are also going to UK winners, and Catherine Nicholls' quilt, Ruby Raven will be shortly winging its way to live in the Netherlands.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-080nW53Goyw/XUlU77xKo-I/AAAAAAAAG64/en9-ovN81E4V5DjMMMkjYMtJilPOnldMwCLcBGAs/s1600/RubyQuiltAug2019e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="549" data-original-width="800" height="438" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-080nW53Goyw/XUlU77xKo-I/AAAAAAAAG64/en9-ovN81E4V5DjMMMkjYMtJilPOnldMwCLcBGAs/s640/RubyQuiltAug2019e.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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So a huge thank you from all of us! As soon as I've got a final total for the fundraising I'll let you know.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3iY4YwmBOyo/XUlU7iz7sUI/AAAAAAAAG60/2M3PbtwoltIhl_xwwA3QjwnBAVKBLA5MwCLcBGAs/s1600/RubyQuiltAug2019d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3iY4YwmBOyo/XUlU7iz7sUI/AAAAAAAAG60/2M3PbtwoltIhl_xwwA3QjwnBAVKBLA5MwCLcBGAs/s400/RubyQuiltAug2019d.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
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Back soon,<br />
Laura<br />
xx<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-774060700352445843.post-17803760991299463092019-07-28T17:02:00.002+01:002019-07-28T17:04:26.908+01:00The Raffle PrizesLet's take a look at the other raffle prizes in the Ruby Star Quilt Raffle...<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pKCUDQ5ascY/XT3E24tvFZI/AAAAAAAAG54/4mzP-C1w81whx9RmBPCwqPdyZ9DfWWvpQCLcBGAs/s1600/c6461a05-4f9f-4805-a47f-bb2f5d33228b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pKCUDQ5ascY/XT3E24tvFZI/AAAAAAAAG54/4mzP-C1w81whx9RmBPCwqPdyZ9DfWWvpQCLcBGAs/s640/c6461a05-4f9f-4805-a47f-bb2f5d33228b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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First up, generously donated by Husqvarna Viking is this incredible prize of an Epic 980Q sewing machine with an RRP of £4499. <a href="http://www.husqvarnaviking.com/en-US/Machines/EPIC-980Q" target="_blank">Find out all about this machine on their website</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-weeFQbTdw3U/XT3E27O5rnI/AAAAAAAAG58/7DNJOvHUbnk8PR-zd-6wcEWE2eiuU_s3ACLcBGAs/s1600/CatherineNichollsRuby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="453" data-original-width="800" height="362" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-weeFQbTdw3U/XT3E27O5rnI/AAAAAAAAG58/7DNJOvHUbnk8PR-zd-6wcEWE2eiuU_s3ACLcBGAs/s640/CatherineNichollsRuby.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Next is this beautiful quilt made by Catherine Nicholls. Catherine's a Canadian artist who Linda and I have worked and exhibited with for many years. When Catherine heard about the Ruby Star project she offered to make a quilt as an additional prize. Often working with ravens and the First Nation stories of her local area Catherine's Ruby Raven is hand pieced and machine appliquéd and quilted. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NEjZgk1IB80/XT3E3MipskI/AAAAAAAAG6A/Jho_NK4dKqshbTTclW6rPsPJ63KtqHoLgCLcBGAs/s1600/JillPackerRuby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="798" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NEjZgk1IB80/XT3E3MipskI/AAAAAAAAG6A/Jho_NK4dKqshbTTclW6rPsPJ63KtqHoLgCLcBGAs/s640/JillPackerRuby.jpg" width="638" /></a></div>
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I've been amazed by people's generosity and when this quilt arrived unannounced in the post one day, you can imagine I was quite taken aback! Made by Jill Packer, it's hand pieced and machine quilted. Jill made it after reading about the Ruby Star project and stitched as she travelled. After months of looking at my red and black stars, I just love this blue and yellow version. </div>
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And finally <a href="https://garne.madeira.de/1/home/products/thread-assortments/softbox/softbox-cotona-30/" target="_blank">my friends at Madeira</a> have kindly donated two Cotona 30 Quilt Boxes. When they asked me what I would like as a prize, I instantly said these. The Cotona 30 threads are one of my favourites for machine quilting, with the bonus that you can use them for hand quilting too. </div>
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I'm just thrilled to be able to give these prizes away. If you've missed all the news, then let me fill you in:</div>
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The Ruby Star Raffle will be held at Festival of Quilts, 1st - 4th August 2019 at the NEC, Birmingham, UK. Please come and find me at stand QIA32 to view the prizes (including my quilt), and buy your tickets.</div>
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The raffle will be drawn on Sunday afternoon and I'll announce the winners here and on social media as soon as I get home from the show! Good luck everyone, and thank you for your most generous support.</div>
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Love Laura</div>
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x</div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-774060700352445843.post-57027290627006844382019-07-22T10:58:00.000+01:002019-07-22T10:59:01.130+01:00The Ruby Star Quilt RaffleThe raffle tickets are available!!!!<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KcBGBonPOrI/XTV_izsgj9I/AAAAAAAAG40/bzOK74pVCeE52tiZATZIVnwbnueydkWhgCLcBGAs/s1600/rubyTickets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KcBGBonPOrI/XTV_izsgj9I/AAAAAAAAG40/bzOK74pVCeE52tiZATZIVnwbnueydkWhgCLcBGAs/s400/rubyTickets.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aQx8tWEJaIU/XTV_n8cfEZI/AAAAAAAAG44/ESbNlJ-b6ks_L7gQDfsdMoHzfKOXsUR8gCLcBGAs/s1600/RubySewing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aQx8tWEJaIU/XTV_n8cfEZI/AAAAAAAAG44/ESbNlJ-b6ks_L7gQDfsdMoHzfKOXsUR8gCLcBGAs/s320/RubySewing.jpg" width="239" /></a>If you have followed this blog, you'll know that I've been making a hand pieced, red and black stars quilt while I've had my treatment for cancer. Stitching that quilt got me though some longs days and nights of blood, sweat and tears!<br />
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It's a quilt filled with love:<br />
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After I put out a call for fabric, amazing people from all over the world starting sending me their scraps large and small. For a number of weeks it was a daily treat to open the post and look through all your beautiful fabrics.<br />
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I saved your cards, and the envelopes they arrived in, using them to cut the papers for the quilt. As I tacked the fabrics I could spot glimpses of your hand-written messages and names. I can't tell you what comfort it gives to know that all these people, so many of whom I've never met, are rooting for me.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u-VGAFVfjPU/XTWExm47SeI/AAAAAAAAG5I/wq6-QrQ8HQMrW23ltzG3R8fd5j-vu_nuwCLcBGAs/s1600/RubyPapers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="883" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u-VGAFVfjPU/XTWExm47SeI/AAAAAAAAG5I/wq6-QrQ8HQMrW23ltzG3R8fd5j-vu_nuwCLcBGAs/s640/RubyPapers.jpg" width="578" /></a></div>
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I stitched and stitched, taking the pieces with me to my hospital appointments, working while the chemo drip dripped away. The quilt was a talking point, everyone wanted to know what I was doing, I became that girl who sewed.<br />
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Chemo took seven months, the quilt has taken almost double that. I am never very good at deadlines.<br />
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But now it is finished. Well nearly, the bright eyed amongst you will spot the quilting isn't quite done and the binding isn't on, but it will be, very soon.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xwyIaRfXJrA/XTWIjOhedGI/AAAAAAAAG5c/FQHDo3fAoh4DGHicYpsyJZla8wtxZVgPgCLcBGAs/s1600/RubyQuiltWIP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xwyIaRfXJrA/XTWIjOhedGI/AAAAAAAAG5c/FQHDo3fAoh4DGHicYpsyJZla8wtxZVgPgCLcBGAs/s640/RubyQuiltWIP.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
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Without wanting to sound trite, I've stitched my heart and soul, hopes and fears into this quilt. It's become my companion on this rocky road. It's so hard to part with after all this time. But it was always the idea to give the quilt away. To raffle it to raise funds for <a href="https://www.lingendavies.co.uk/" target="_blank">Lingen Davies Cancer Fund</a>. So let's do it!<br />
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Raffle tickets will be available from my stand at Festival of Quilts.</div>
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You will be able to find me in the Quilting In Action area on Stand QIA32.</div>
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Come and see not only the quilt, but the other amazing prizes (more on those in the next post).<br />
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I have fabric left over from the quilt, so I'd like to invite you to come and have a try at paper piecing your own star. I have written an instruction sheet and will have the fabrics ready so please do drop by, get your raffle ticket and a little sewing project to take home.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w3joaYsLv3E/XTWE4RTLIZI/AAAAAAAAG5M/nSc-uygCMCgm4n3B8jXaFRN4Gfg2sGVUACLcBGAs/s1600/RubyInstructions.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="929" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w3joaYsLv3E/XTWE4RTLIZI/AAAAAAAAG5M/nSc-uygCMCgm4n3B8jXaFRN4Gfg2sGVUACLcBGAs/s640/RubyInstructions.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
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After missing Festival last year, I'm so excited to be there this year and to have the opportunity to thank you in person for your support and generosity.<br />
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See you there!<br />
Laura<br />
x<br />
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P.S. if you can't make it to Festival, you can still buy a raffle ticket. They are available from my <a href="https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/rubystarquiltraffle" target="_blank">Just Giving page</a>. Please make sure to leave your email address when you make your purchase so that I can message you with your ticket numbers. If you don't receive an email back from me within 24 hours then it means I've not received your email address and can't write to you! If you don't get your numbers PLEASE <a href="mailto:laurakemshall@gmail.com" target="_blank">email me</a>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-774060700352445843.post-1018704646425007582019-07-19T12:32:00.001+01:002019-07-19T12:32:24.481+01:00The Ruby Star QuiltHello! So sorry to have been absent from here for so long. I've been sewing, sewing and more sewing! The piecing of the Ruby Star quilt is finally complete. This has been my labour of love for over one year. The quilt has kept me company though all of my cancer treatment and beyond.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KQT-phCe99Q/XTGp-fTGsWI/AAAAAAAAG4U/pEdbVqzf82chepLKvUDfJ8_hmJB-4kMTQCLcBGAs/s1600/RubyQuiltJuly2019d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="937" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KQT-phCe99Q/XTGp-fTGsWI/AAAAAAAAG4U/pEdbVqzf82chepLKvUDfJ8_hmJB-4kMTQCLcBGAs/s640/RubyQuiltJuly2019d.jpg" width="545" /></a></div>
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I'm now putting the finishing touches to it by freehand quilting. It's a treat to have a change of pace from the slow hand stitching to putting my foot down on the machine!<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ALOQ8UIUpTI/XTGqFxGnQ3I/AAAAAAAAG4Y/LyBY6n_pW48l0J0457XWJq-z5Bczj3PjACLcBGAs/s1600/RubyQuiltJuly2019b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ALOQ8UIUpTI/XTGqFxGnQ3I/AAAAAAAAG4Y/LyBY6n_pW48l0J0457XWJq-z5Bczj3PjACLcBGAs/s640/RubyQuiltJuly2019b.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
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I'm keeping the quilting simple, stitching with red thread (thanks Madeira) on the red stars and black on the black background. I'm bouncing my quilting lines from point to point so there's no marking to do, just lots of lovely stitching. If you're quilting a paper pieced quilt then I think this is a great way to tackle it. Yes there are lots of seam allowances at the points, but I admit I quite like the sound of the machine as it satisfyingly thunders through.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZJP0NFLQ528/XTGqLjJqbgI/AAAAAAAAG4c/zGi2cn6fRe05Gd14bptiXWxD3ffMHbOUwCLcBGAs/s1600/RubyQuiltJuly2019a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZJP0NFLQ528/XTGqLjJqbgI/AAAAAAAAG4c/zGi2cn6fRe05Gd14bptiXWxD3ffMHbOUwCLcBGAs/s640/RubyQuiltJuly2019a.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
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I'm posting as I go <a href="https://www.instagram.com/laurakemshall/" target="_blank">on Instagram</a> so if you'd like more frequent updates please do <a href="https://www.instagram.com/laurakemshall/" target="_blank">follow my account</a> over there and I'll try to post often.<br />
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Thank you for all your continual support for this project. I'll be back here shortly with more exciting news.<br />
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Love Laura<br />
xxUnknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-774060700352445843.post-47686434321893149902019-04-25T12:35:00.001+01:002019-04-25T12:39:01.494+01:00Pretty UglyIt's interesting isn't it, to consider beauty within quilt making? Maybe because of it's feminine roots, quilts should be pretty and delicate. I was told once that if I made work that was more cheerful I would sell more...ha! I would hope that my work, on the whole, is considered to be quite pleasing to the eye, not necessary pretty, but well composed, balanced.<br />
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I just made this.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZlnwVoYAuA4/XMGZcrqddJI/AAAAAAAAGxM/oY8ECvWHQLgkU1Y4FqAmWB4oVHFE5yltACLcBGAs/s1600/EveryWakingHour2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="855" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZlnwVoYAuA4/XMGZcrqddJI/AAAAAAAAGxM/oY8ECvWHQLgkU1Y4FqAmWB4oVHFE5yltACLcBGAs/s640/EveryWakingHour2.JPG" width="598" /></a></div>
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I suspect that there might be quite a few people who would have preferred it before I spray painted the words on it.<br />
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And yes, it was more attractive before I did that, more delicate, pretty even. I know the text is ugly and you might say I've spoiled it, but that's the point I suppose. There are lots of things in life that are perfect and get ruined.<br />
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With hindsight I wimped out. I should have sprayed right across the face. More courage next time.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YbXfbpN62m4/XMGaIusQ8sI/AAAAAAAAGxU/ChEGR2iiBwc-dg8lFaSxNznvnhl6SF68QCLcBGAs/s1600/EveryWakingHour2a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YbXfbpN62m4/XMGaIusQ8sI/AAAAAAAAGxU/ChEGR2iiBwc-dg8lFaSxNznvnhl6SF68QCLcBGAs/s640/EveryWakingHour2a.JPG" width="478" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fQywMDi28gU/XMGasf9YM9I/AAAAAAAAGxg/5nF5nD_qq6kYqk7bWGt9m4nBkrlQRCjIQCLcBGAs/s1600/EveryWakingHour2b.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fQywMDi28gU/XMGasf9YM9I/AAAAAAAAGxg/5nF5nD_qq6kYqk7bWGt9m4nBkrlQRCjIQCLcBGAs/s640/EveryWakingHour2b.JPG" width="478" /></a></div>
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This piece is entirely digitally quilting and, referring to my previous post, what this has done is freed me up to be able to be more experimental. Would I have hesitated to spray paint over something that I'd freehand quilted, or hand quilted? Well maybe for a moment more! I don't value the piece any less because it's digital, it's not that it's throwaway, it's just that I made it with less labour so if it did all go horribly wrong I wouldn't feel like I'd wasted so much time.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DKCQx8OXONk/XMGaseZ0i3I/AAAAAAAAGxk/zZhBZnlypaYpxyjP2IHjwPTIvudFyDBnwCLcBGAs/s1600/EveryWakingHour2c.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DKCQx8OXONk/XMGaseZ0i3I/AAAAAAAAGxk/zZhBZnlypaYpxyjP2IHjwPTIvudFyDBnwCLcBGAs/s640/EveryWakingHour2c.JPG" width="478" /></a></div>
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Anyway, spray painting is compulsive. Better keep me away from underpasses and railway bridges from now on.<br />
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Laura<br />
x<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-774060700352445843.post-90931485804813245692019-04-12T11:23:00.000+01:002019-04-12T11:23:00.850+01:00It's only cheating if you play by the rules...or indeed, think there are any rules in the first place. I for one, don't. I'm talking about digital stitch and the mixed feedback that I often get when I show what I'm doing. There are no medals awarded for doing things the difficult/slow/boring way, so if I can find a method that gets the results I want then I'm going to pursue it. Technique is not important, it's what the outcome looks like that matters to me. If fairies came in the night and realised my vision then that would be equally fine. Until I snare myself a fairy, my embroidery machine will have to do.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5VtA021bdKs/XLBmwvtMHiI/AAAAAAAAGwg/aaj-K6l2FrUNs6drHgDApmJeUu0_lga5wCLcBGAs/s1600/E4794D3B-A9DB-4157-8EE7-38A4F37B0EE7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5VtA021bdKs/XLBmwvtMHiI/AAAAAAAAGwg/aaj-K6l2FrUNs6drHgDApmJeUu0_lga5wCLcBGAs/s640/E4794D3B-A9DB-4157-8EE7-38A4F37B0EE7.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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I've been quilting my work with digital stitch (done using a sewing machine with an embroidery unit) for a while now, but I can see that it's going to take over from working freehand for me. Not entirely, there are limitations still, but I can use the digital stitch to cover ground, not necessarily more quickly, but automatically. Once designed, set up and stitching, I can walk away and do something else.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4tmmr921Je8/XLBmxrNa_RI/AAAAAAAAGwk/n4pjdjkL7rcXR3X7g4zTDH_VSRg1smxaQCLcBGAs/s1600/FC9DD50F-C581-47F5-A81A-CF1AC520A039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4tmmr921Je8/XLBmxrNa_RI/AAAAAAAAGwk/n4pjdjkL7rcXR3X7g4zTDH_VSRg1smxaQCLcBGAs/s640/FC9DD50F-C581-47F5-A81A-CF1AC520A039.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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Digital stitch doesn't give me more accuracy, more creativity, more perfection. It gives me double time, and time is what I need more than anything else. Freehand quilting, when you stitch as densely as me, is a slow and tedious process and frankly, I'm bored of it. I can do it, I think I've proved my worth in that department. I don't feel the need to do it any more. If I can achieve the same effect another way, one that frees me to be more productive, then I'm going to do that. If that's cheating, then I'm all for it.<br />
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So when you look at my work you'll see quilting. Maybe it'll be done freehand, maybe it'll be done digitally. I think much of the time you won't be able to tell and I'm happy with that.<br />
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Laura<br />
xUnknownnoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-774060700352445843.post-90614681481103192162019-04-01T12:59:00.000+01:002019-04-01T13:06:18.343+01:00Ruby RunThis weekend Amelie and I completed the 5K Ruby Run for Lingen Davies. This fundraising run was part of their Ruby Appeal to raise £1.25m by June. This money goes towards the provision of care for cancer patients in Shropshire, as you know, a cause very close to my heart. <a href="https://www.lingendavies.co.uk/" target="_blank">(You can read more about Lingen Davies and what they do here).</a><br />
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Apart from the fact I really don't like running, the ruby Run was great fun!<br />
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We started the day kitted out in bright white t-shirts (worn on top of all our other clothes because it was freezing cold), and red sunglasses to protect our eyes from the paint powder.<br />
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And ended the run completely plastered in colour!<br />
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A 'colour run' if you've not come across it before, is basically a run/walk through various colour stations where marshalls gleefully fling buckets of colour over you! Here's Amelie getting covered...</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KFliq-avdLA/XKH5i7t0jFI/AAAAAAAAGwA/gsRAOSy1QkU1kQKgMUPO2AlTUL_eBQMGgCLcBGAs/s1600/RubyRun6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KFliq-avdLA/XKH5i7t0jFI/AAAAAAAAGwA/gsRAOSy1QkU1kQKgMUPO2AlTUL_eBQMGgCLcBGAs/s640/RubyRun6.jpg" width="478" /></a><br />
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And me getting a face-full...</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4kClxZ-zZQ4/XKH5iH061VI/AAAAAAAAGvw/BdDjddgxBust1094NNO_SOncI4nl5uz7ACLcBGAs/s1600/RubyRun3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4kClxZ-zZQ4/XKH5iH061VI/AAAAAAAAGvw/BdDjddgxBust1094NNO_SOncI4nl5uz7ACLcBGAs/s640/RubyRun3.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
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Here's our team with our medals at the finish!</div>
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A huge thanks to everyone who sponsored Amelie and me, and everyone else who took part. Our Just Giving page is still up if you'd like to add a donation. <a href="https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/laura-amelie-ruby-run" target="_blank">You can find it here.</a> We're thrilled to say that we've raised over £1300. Thank you everyone!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.shropshirestar.com/news/local-hubs/shrewsbury/2019/03/31/ruby-runners-stride-out-in-shrewsbury-for-charity-appeal-with-pictures/">Photo via Shropshire Star</a></td></tr>
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We even got our pictures in the news!<a href="https://www.shropshirestar.com/news/local-hubs/shrewsbury/2019/03/31/ruby-runners-stride-out-in-shrewsbury-for-charity-appeal-with-pictures/" target="_blank"> Click here to check out the report in the Shropshire Star</a> and scroll through the photos to see if you can spot some familiar faces.</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nCgyP68uTz8/XKH5iKEw3NI/AAAAAAAAGv4/qn5u5D6EPF8juDRxfUrCcMucsyca3ZOHACLcBGAs/s1600/RubyRun1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="799" data-original-width="800" height="639" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nCgyP68uTz8/XKH5iKEw3NI/AAAAAAAAGv4/qn5u5D6EPF8juDRxfUrCcMucsyca3ZOHACLcBGAs/s640/RubyRun1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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You might have seen in the media today, that April is Bowel Cancer Awareness month. Bowel cancer is the 4th most common cancer in the UK and, if caught early, is very treatable. If you don't know what the symptoms are please do check them out. Links here to various info sites:<br />
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<a href="https://www.bowelcanceruk.org.uk/">https://www.bowelcanceruk.org.uk</a><br />
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<a href="https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/bowel-cancer?_ga=2.249364103.1610346295.1554119649-2037238128.1554119649">https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/bowel-cancer</a><br />
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<a href="https://www.macmillan.org.uk/information-and-support/bowel-cancer">https://www.macmillan.org.uk/information-and-support/bowel-cancer</a><br />
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<a href="https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bowel-cancer/">https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bowel-cancer/</a><br />
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And don't forget, you might have all, some, or none of the symptoms. Go to your doctor and ask for screening. I just had iron deficient anaemia and it took a long time to get to the cause so be persistent if you feel like something is not right!<br />
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Back soon,<br />
Laura<br />
xx<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-774060700352445843.post-83848331326756899772019-03-26T14:37:00.001+00:002019-03-26T14:37:44.833+00:00New Work - Landscape Painting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vzMiUezo3y8/XJo337I-riI/AAAAAAAAGuw/ITxtrOPLNrED3_62V041lGB3gewJ5r95wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5211.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vzMiUezo3y8/XJo337I-riI/AAAAAAAAGuw/ITxtrOPLNrED3_62V041lGB3gewJ5r95wCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_5211.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
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I usually find myself making work for a DMTV project, or for an exhibition, so it has been a real treat to just make something for our house. The niche above the fireplace has been empty and crying out for a piece of artwork for ages. The painting I've done is just propped up at the moment while I decide if it's finished or not. The colours here look a little stark in the photo. I think it's richer in real life, a bit more subtle.</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-faxnJR5NZqc/XJo33yjSP-I/AAAAAAAAGuo/6P2KeQRCqgEvYcnLz4YHTCfXOM7vDEd4QCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_5212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="367" data-original-width="800" height="292" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-faxnJR5NZqc/XJo33yjSP-I/AAAAAAAAGuo/6P2KeQRCqgEvYcnLz4YHTCfXOM7vDEd4QCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_5212.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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It's a collage with painting, acrylic on MDF panel. Here are a few details...</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Sgwwi5ilotE/XJo34Cc7FJI/AAAAAAAAGus/e2VKQ-7WsHMt__MiRYVvJUuNtXirOzKSgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_5213.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Sgwwi5ilotE/XJo34Cc7FJI/AAAAAAAAGus/e2VKQ-7WsHMt__MiRYVvJUuNtXirOzKSgCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_5213.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bBJsEM2DExo/XJo35JphIFI/AAAAAAAAGu0/KwPUjXmpKIor0gWiJqZjCCQcm0Ly9DM_ACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_5214.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bBJsEM2DExo/XJo35JphIFI/AAAAAAAAGu0/KwPUjXmpKIor0gWiJqZjCCQcm0Ly9DM_ACEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_5214.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SEtwpxd--aU/XJo35W6deLI/AAAAAAAAGu4/zMhMdxWzBIAA4ZivwNQ94oum7knxZ8l2QCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_5215.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SEtwpxd--aU/XJo35W6deLI/AAAAAAAAGu4/zMhMdxWzBIAA4ZivwNQ94oum7knxZ8l2QCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_5215.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HpUsJG7nKpw/XJo35ewAVYI/AAAAAAAAGu8/ajmnjFrKnRATEf4U9ku3yMP_EcUkMiiNACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_5216.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HpUsJG7nKpw/XJo35ewAVYI/AAAAAAAAGu8/ajmnjFrKnRATEf4U9ku3yMP_EcUkMiiNACEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_5216.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
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And a photo of my palette because I couldn't resist!</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9UDz4X1Lkl0/XJo4EALVfRI/AAAAAAAAGvA/Xb3eclhfqFkJL4-VuoZvCL8F7wpF3cOLwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_5200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9UDz4X1Lkl0/XJo4EALVfRI/AAAAAAAAGvA/Xb3eclhfqFkJL4-VuoZvCL8F7wpF3cOLwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_5200.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
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Bye for now,</div>
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Laura</div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-774060700352445843.post-64701599372659351232019-01-31T10:14:00.001+00:002019-01-31T10:17:24.577+00:00Landscape InspirationsSo now my current treatment plan is complete, I've got no legit reason for laying around lounging. I've been heading out for (almost) daily walks, partly to get my fitness back to something reasonable, partly for the thinking time, and mostly because I just like being out in the landscape, looking at the trees, birds, colour of the sky. God, that sounds properly airy fairy doesn't it? Seriously though, you've got to experience things and work from that, get to know your subject, digest it. I'm often asked <i>where do you get your inspiration from?</i>, and honestly, it's just from daily life. What I see, feel and think about the place I live in, the people I know and live with. It's nothing fancy, but when you love all those things and appreciate the detail of it all, it can't fail but to be inspirational.<br />
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Take a look at this for instance...<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pEe1yVtsXBQ/XFLILbyQacI/AAAAAAAAGsY/AIC9tXzUZ3AyS196MqNanVgfYsuiyCBBACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4574.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pEe1yVtsXBQ/XFLILbyQacI/AAAAAAAAGsY/AIC9tXzUZ3AyS196MqNanVgfYsuiyCBBACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_4574.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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I took this photo on my morning walk yesterday. How perfect is it? No not my photography, that's patchy at best, but the colour! The colour of that grass. Given half a chance, that's the colour I paint all the walls in my house. Landscape's always been a reference for me. I live in the country, we have fields and trees, and at some times of the year there's a relentless green. I'm not a huge fan of green, that emerald, kelly, <i>grass</i> green. But look, grass ain't always green! This colour palette is so much more sophisticated. All that blueness of hue, with just that warm slice of pinky brown from the bare field. Also loving that clean blue at the top, and almost black at the bottom, so lots to take from this photo. </div>
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Add in a hedge and voila! Perfection!</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TnPZejLxFvI/XFLKVTwqx_I/AAAAAAAAGsk/7gR5DvyycjsJJI1BC1_xK6AronVxCQx8QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4578.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TnPZejLxFvI/XFLKVTwqx_I/AAAAAAAAGsk/7gR5DvyycjsJJI1BC1_xK6AronVxCQx8QCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_4578.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Bye for now,<br />
Laura<br />
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P.S. Thanks for your comments on my previous post and on others. I do really appreciate you taking the time to write and I read every single one. xx<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-774060700352445843.post-64805359382133179242019-01-28T20:44:00.002+00:002019-01-28T20:47:56.938+00:00Straight TalkingBig day today - the PICC line in my arm was taken out and I saw my oncologist for what, I hope, will be the last time. I'm now referred back to being under the care of my surgeon and will be closely monitored. It's a strange feeling, signed off, but not really because no-one knows if you better until you've managed to live a 'normal' lifetime. For now I'm on doctor's orders to go home and live my life and not wait for cancer to come back. Yes it might, there might be cells there and we'll just have to deal with what could present itself then, but it might not, so I need to make myself stop worrying about things that may never happen. As for the PICC line coming out, I was very nervous about that, but it was fine. Not that I'd want to do it again, but not as bad as I'd imagined!<br />
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The neuropathy persists and the oncologist agrees with colleagues that it may take months for the numbness in my fingers to go. I've not hand sewn for ages now, and I'm missing it. I hope that my fingers will be better sooner than they anticipate, or else I'll just have to teach myself how to sew without actually being able to feel the needle or thread. At the moment I'm about as dextrous as threading a needle with boxing gloves on!<br />
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While we're on the subject, I spotted an item in the news today about how some people with cancer get upset when other people use certain language and phrases about their situation. Things like 'brave' and 'battle', 'keeping positive' and 'winning (or losing) the fight'. I'm not at all brave, even though I've been told often that I am. If I could choose to not have cancer and deal with everything that comes along with it, then I would. I think that's probably more cowardly than brave. For me 'brave' is having a choice and doing it anyway. I'm not brave, but I'm quite a good actress, I can pretend I'm OK most of the time, I can wash my hair, put my makeup on, add a smile, and look as though I'm alright. If only for the sake of Amelie, to protect her from the worst of it.<br />
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As for a <i>battle</i> that can be won or lost depending on how positive you are, or how hard you fight, well that's just ridiculous, and I do think language like that is hard to take. It's the doctors and the researchers who have the fight, the scientists who continue every day to strive to find solutions and options for cancer patients. From where I'm standing, a lot of what it means to have cancer is down to luck. Unlucky to get cancer, lucky if it's found in time, lucky if the treatment works. There are statistics that reflect how many people are lucky, and for the first time today I asked my oncologist what that meant for me. I don't know whether to pay much attention to statistics, all I know is I'm going to try hard to get lucky.<br />
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Thank you for your kindness, love and support along the way.<br />
Laura<br />
xUnknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-774060700352445843.post-81665508079736105022019-01-20T13:13:00.003+00:002019-01-20T13:13:50.685+00:00Monoprinted SketchbookI've started a new sketchbook. It has quite absorbent paper so not really suitable for fluid painted washes. Instead I'm going to monoprint into it, then add some drawing and probably collage.<br />
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I thought it would be fun to record the stages of the pages as they develop so here are the first few with just the monoprinted layer.<br />
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I'm using a gel plate and Golden Open acrylic paints.</div>
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I've made use of some stencils.</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VSdQlXVqkZE/XERybuspccI/AAAAAAAAGrg/ulCDb7-Z7tETvIpA23-zi14H_MMpg8CWgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VSdQlXVqkZE/XERybuspccI/AAAAAAAAGrg/ulCDb7-Z7tETvIpA23-zi14H_MMpg8CWgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_4450.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I've overdone this page (above) so I'll have to find a way to get that back. Maybe with some white paint.<br />
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I've tried to leave more space for other things to happen.<br />
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Monoprint is a super-quick way to get something down on the page and break into a new sketchbook. If you've not tried it before, or would like to experiment further, there are a number of mono printing workshops on DMTV, <a href="https://www.designmatterstv.com/veggie-jelli-monoprinting/" target="_blank">like this one on gel print monoprints</a>, and <a href="https://www.designmatterstv.com/monoprint-landscape-2/" target="_blank">this one on monoprinted landscape</a>, and a <a href="https://www.designmatterstv.com/free-show-exploring-monoprint/" target="_blank">free video workshop here.</a><br />
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Thanks for taking a look. I'll be sure to post again when I've worked into the pages some more.<br />
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Bye for now,<br />
Laura<br />
xx<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-774060700352445843.post-27018473317785947172019-01-17T11:18:00.000+00:002019-01-17T11:20:03.039+00:0012/12I've finished my chemotherapy treatment plan. 12 cycles over seven months. There was no bell or fanfare of trumpets. I think I managed a weary smile at one point! It feels strange, I think I should be delighted, but I actually shed a few tears as I walked away from the hospital yesterday. The treatment, the nurses, the comforting safety net of being in the centre so often, all gone now. When you're having treatment, at least you feel as though you are doing something proactive, that you're making a difference. Now I'm done, but there's no smiling doctor saying you're cured, it's all gone, because we don't know, we just have to wait and see what happens. Chemo might have been tough, but for me, that's even harder. But, I have a big list of things to do just as soon as my PICC line is taken out and my energy levels get back to normal. Hopefully just one more weekend of feeling really rough and then I'm on the up.<br />
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I did celebrate in my own small way with the purchase of a new printing plate. I know, I know, talk about excitement, this girl knows how to live! I got a Ranger gel plate which seems to be essentially the same as a Gelli Arts plate but cheaper so I bought a large size. I've just done one session with it so far, but got really nice results. I'm using Golden Open paints and working here with a multi-layered technique, three overlaid prints in this example.<br />
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Thank you for following along with me through my chemo treatment. It's been comforting to know you're there and to read your comments both here and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/laurakemshall/" target="_blank">on Instagram</a>. </div>
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You might be wondering about progress on the stars quilt. Theoretically, treatment is finished so the quilt ought to be too right? Well no! One of the side effects of chemo for me is neuropathy and lately it's been pretty bad in my feet and fingers, grade 3 according to the docs. It manifests as pins and needles and numbness which I can live with in my feet, but makes holding a needle quite tricky. I've not been able to sew for three weeks now. Hopefully it will start to go back to normal but they advise it could take 18 months, or maybe never! It meant that I didn't have one of my drugs on Monday to limit any further damage and I think maybe I can feel an improvement already, but perhaps it's psychological. Anyway, just as soon as I stop being a clumsy oaf and can hold my tiny needle again I'll be back to those stars and I promise they'll be done.</div>
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Thank you again for all your support and kind wishes. I truly appreciate it.</div>
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Love Laura</div>
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x</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-774060700352445843.post-62428261750159878582019-01-03T13:14:00.002+00:002019-01-03T13:16:32.232+00:00Fabric shoppingI spend a lot of time back and forth to Shrewsbury lately for obvious reasons so it's nice to pep up the day with a little flit around the shops. We must have been to Shrewsbury hundreds of times over the years, but for some reason never been in the Market Hall. This week we discovered it and there are little studio units in there as well as the usual stalls you'd expect. I enjoyed browsing the knitting shop <a href="https://eweandply.co.uk/" target="_blank">Ewe and Ply</a>, plus there was also a quilter, and someone making <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Polly-pea-543594975665230/" target="_blank">handmade children's clothes</a>. So all in all a great detour. I will take some photos next time!<br />
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Yesterday was the last day of Chemo 11 (each chemo takes three days to be delivered) so it was back up to the hospital to have the pump disconnected. This time we livened up the day with a detour to the, relatively, new <a href="https://www.abakhan.co.uk/" target="_blank">Abakhan shop</a> that's right in the centre of town.<br />
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They have fabric on rolls priced by the metre, then cut lengths in bins that are sold by the kilo. I have enough fabric here to sink a ship, but couldn't help treating myself to some new bits.<br />
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They also sell yarn, trims, foam, cushion inners and other craft stuff so well worth a look if you in the area.<br />
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Here are the fabrics I picked out. They look like a motley assortment seen here together, but nothing in the pile is intended to be used in combo. Left to right, there's some basic black lining for some dresses, some funky spandex space print for some leggings for Amelie, a poly wool stripe which I'm hoping might be big enough for a Blackwood cardi, but if not, then some other jumper top, the red leopard spot which Amelie also has her eye on, and then the navy blue viscose jersey which isn't the most exciting fabric to look at but great to wear! I'm planning a simple T from that.<br />
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So lots of good intentions, but the chemo effects will start to kick in from this afternoon, so it'll most likely be next week before scissors get taken to any of it.<br />
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Hope you're all enjoying what's left of the school holidays.<br />
Back soon,<br />
Love Laura<br />
x<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-774060700352445843.post-65185788201303456902018-12-20T19:16:00.001+00:002018-12-21T13:11:21.392+00:00Handmade ChristmasSo I've been on a bit of a mission to avoid too much plastic tat and glitter this Christmas. Not easy when there's a 6 year old in the house who's entire Christmas list comprised of the rubbish that gets advertised on Nick Jr. Needless to say, Father Christmas has gone off-list. I just hope she's not too disappointed!<br />
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We've continued the tradition of adding new decorations to the tree each year with handmade ones by Amelie like these...<br />
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And I've been trying to make as many gifts as I can. I made these little purses and a pencil case for Amelie's friends. They're quilted and embroidered on the Husqvarna Epic and I'm really pleased with how they've turned out. When you're six, there's nothing better than something with your name on and the digital embroidery is such a nice way of achieving that.<br />
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Next up, for Amelie's best buddy I've made a velvet cushion with their photos on. Couldn't resist a bit of pompom trim to finish it off! He opened it today and it was a big hit. Course I now have to make another for Amelie to have the same...<br />
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My friends have been so kind and I wanted to so special things for them too, so for one I've done another custom cushion. This time an antique map of China (where she's from) printed onto velvet. I picked out some of the blue tones in the map for the piping.<br />
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And so far, that's all I've managed to finish and photograph, but there are still a few days left! On my list to complete is another Luna Lapin rabbit, which at the moment is just a collection of body parts. I did have plans for another cushion, a coat and top for Amelie, a hand knitted cowl for my sister, the cakes need icing and the garlands need making for the gates. I realise as I type this, how crazy this sounds, particularly when I spend 4 days out of 14 at the hospital for appointments and a further 5 days at least, laying low from the effects of the chemo, but hey, it's good to be ambitious. What will get done will get done and the rest can wait!<br />
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If I don't pop back here before Christmas, then I just want to wish you all the very best of health and happiness for the festive season and 2019. I have so appreciated all of your support and overwhelming kindness this year. I have never felt so loved and looked after! I will be very much enjoying Christmas as home with my nearest and dearest, but most definitely taking time to think about the people in hospital who can't be home, and the wonderful staff who work over the festive season to keep us all going.<br />
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Happy Christmas to you all.<br />
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Bye for now,<br />
Laura<br />
xxUnknownnoreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-774060700352445843.post-21530073163202868352018-12-10T11:46:00.000+00:002018-12-10T11:46:07.938+00:00Stitching on the Epic<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So if you <a href="https://www.instagram.com/laurakemshall/?hl=en" target="_blank">follow me over on Instagram</a>, you'll already know that I've been working on the new Husqvarna Viking Designer Epic embroidery/sewing machine. I've enjoyed a great working relationship with Husqvarna and they have always generously supported my work. They've loaned me this machine so I can experiment and see what I can come up with. It's always exciting to have an opportunity like this and while I'm not technique or process led as a rule, when you have a new tool to play with, it can really inspire a new direction of work, or reinvigorate an old one.</div>
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First up, I had to rearrange the sewing room. This machine is BIG! I'll not go into the tech spec here, you can find all that on the <a href="http://www.husqvarnaviking.com/" target="_blank">Husqvarna Viking website.</a> What I love is that it takes the really big hoops. For me that makes it so much easier for stitching quilt sized projects. </div>
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The machine has a large, tablet-like touchscreen. Have to say, compared to my previous machine (The Husqvarna Diamond) which I thought was excellent, this screen is a big improvement. Much more responsive and easy to use. It's hard to show in photos, but the contrast on the screen is great, even in bright daylight. While we're on the topic of lights, the machine sewing light is incredibly bright. I often stitch in the evening and there has been a very bright glow from my sewing room!</div>
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So it has, as you'd expect, all the bells and whistles, including a sewing advisor to guide you through your project with animations and step by step illustrations. It's an all round machine, home sewing, dressmaking, quilting, but for now, it's the digital stitch that I'm back to experimenting with.</div>
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Don't bother talking to me if you think digital stitch is in anyway not credible, or is cheating, or doesn't take skill. Trust me, without my input, the machine would still be in its box and wouldn't have stitched anything. ;-)</div>
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This is the first piece I've completed on the Epic. It's one of the This is Me panels that I've been working on throughout this year. It's a screenprint/monoprint and nearly all the stitch is digital. Can you tell which bits aren't? </div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PTHTvO2egVA/XA5KdYw34ZI/AAAAAAAAGnY/FBOgP0z8C5Aqbp14PVvJRuJ8-IHBgi5DQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4064.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PTHTvO2egVA/XA5KdYw34ZI/AAAAAAAAGnY/FBOgP0z8C5Aqbp14PVvJRuJ8-IHBgi5DQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_4064.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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There's just a tiny bit on the right hand side that's freehand, the rest was all done in the hoop.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v1blYmiUD6E/XA5KddLTFxI/AAAAAAAAGnc/kEk-dwMMo_kCtAtGSC1Qo84Cs5EwIwjNwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4065%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v1blYmiUD6E/XA5KddLTFxI/AAAAAAAAGnc/kEk-dwMMo_kCtAtGSC1Qo84Cs5EwIwjNwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_4065%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I love that you can stitch digitally, but that it doesn't look like a commercial design. It looks like I've stitched it. But it was done in the hoop while I worked freehand on the teapot from the other day - double the output!<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VIr708mEY5Q/XA5KepPBoXI/AAAAAAAAGno/Zbl0UwfwKsADgVQlDpcBRwNfxSSvP9HGgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4066.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VIr708mEY5Q/XA5KepPBoXI/AAAAAAAAGno/Zbl0UwfwKsADgVQlDpcBRwNfxSSvP9HGgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_4066.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The stitching was digitised in Premier + software using the Sketch program. It's pretty easy to use and you can achieve these freehand-look files that the machine will then stitch away. I made a bit of a boob with my digitising and doubled up the stitching in parts, but I actually really like the bolder mark so I'll be doing that again on purpose next time.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CKNjYuf7ei8/XA5KeulT3kI/AAAAAAAAGns/x22yg7QH6AAMAFiY6RwLrLwX8t-YEQX8ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4068.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CKNjYuf7ei8/XA5KeulT3kI/AAAAAAAAGns/x22yg7QH6AAMAFiY6RwLrLwX8t-YEQX8ACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_4068.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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So what's the plan? Well this is just a small piece, but it's reminded me how much I like working with digital stitch and I think I can take it much further. I'm over freehand quilting everything. It takes far too long to stitch everything as closely as I like to. And let's face it, it can get a bit boring to do hour after hour! I'm planning on using the Epic to do the stitching for me so I can keep the density and layering of stitch that I like, combining digital with bits of freehand. I think that should have some quite fun possibilities!<br />
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Thanks for dropping by,<br />
Love Laura<br />
x<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-774060700352445843.post-26996837783173210702018-12-06T12:59:00.001+00:002018-12-06T12:59:37.521+00:00Teapot!Just completed this little piece of work. It's a monoprint on fabric with lots of stitching.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kJSQHnJNwq4/XAkceKHeQDI/AAAAAAAAGm0/9PL3f8hbuosWaIYfwIb7VnWx_O1g62D7ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="805" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kJSQHnJNwq4/XAkceKHeQDI/AAAAAAAAGm0/9PL3f8hbuosWaIYfwIb7VnWx_O1g62D7ACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_4040.jpg" width="636" /></a></div>
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<i>Treasure in the Teapots I</i></div>
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approx 12" x 12" (30cm x 30cm). </div>
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Monoprinted, handpainted and quilted textile mounted on canvas.</div>
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I hoped you might enjoy seeing it as a development of the type of stitching that I recently demonstrated on <a href="https://www.designmatterstv.com/latest-videos/" target="_blank">DMTV in the Fineliner Quilting workshop</a>. That video is still available in the playlist right now so if you're a subscriber and you've not seen that one yet do take a look for more info.<br />
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<a href="https://www.designmatterstv.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/FinelinerQuiltingText.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="360" src="https://www.designmatterstv.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/FinelinerQuiltingText.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Stitching as densely as this really changes the nature of the textile and the thread becomes equally as important as the fabric in terms of colour and tone.<br />
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My top tips when working in this way are:<br />
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<li>Don't worry about each quilting line being perfectly straight. A little wobble here and there won't spoil the overall effect one bit. </li>
<li>I do this freehand and so very long lines can be tricky to sew. Instead break up long sections into blocks. Stacked chunks of stitching are easier and quicker to sew and something like a checkerboard can look great.</li>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0zvXQlzbeMU/XAkceLq5f9I/AAAAAAAAGm4/0ZstQ6WToyIV6pKa9tKvcaeMRodgnLs2wCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_4042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0zvXQlzbeMU/XAkceLq5f9I/AAAAAAAAGm4/0ZstQ6WToyIV6pKa9tKvcaeMRodgnLs2wCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_4042.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<li>Think about the layering of your stitch. I've stitched the black lines first, then the bright pink on top. The pink needs to be on top to not be overwhelmed by the black. Basically, whatever is on top will have more impact. </li>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3gzx3BION_o/XAkceutXPfI/AAAAAAAAGm8/zZBiD4xK1KMYhwleidRCY7DgCFC3oI1lACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_4045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3gzx3BION_o/XAkceutXPfI/AAAAAAAAGm8/zZBiD4xK1KMYhwleidRCY7DgCFC3oI1lACEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_4045.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<li>Try using a 'wash' of coloured thread lines over the top of base stitching, just as I have done with the pink. It's a great way to add a painterly look to your quilting.</li>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F0DyZq45S8M/XAkce8r7EAI/AAAAAAAAGnA/R8_1hSeoUFsJeRpwm7aHnNy4zG1L-wuQACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_4046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F0DyZq45S8M/XAkce8r7EAI/AAAAAAAAGnA/R8_1hSeoUFsJeRpwm7aHnNy4zG1L-wuQACEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_4046.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<li>The bits you don't stitch are just as important as the bits you do. I tend to quilt everything quite closely, but the squares in the print were left unstitched. If I'd quilted them they'd have looked quite flat and too similar to the surroundings. Remember you need contrast for quilting to work!</li>
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Thanks for visiting my blog today. Back with more soon!<br />
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Love Laura<br />
x<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-774060700352445843.post-63566032664845280032018-12-04T13:56:00.001+00:002018-12-04T13:56:13.979+00:00The stars shine brightest on the darkest of nightsWhat do you think of the blog title? It's probably going to be a title of a piece of work that will happen one day. It could easily be substituted for 'When the going gets tough the tough get going', or more accurately 'When the going gets tough, the tough have a meltdown'. I admit I've had a few tricky weeks lately and when there's not much positive to say, I don't always feel inclined to blog. Who wants to read the naff stuff after all? If medical updates are not your thing, skip down to the end of this post where it all gets more chipper with Ruby Star quilt news!<br />
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So the chemotherapy really began to take it's toll around cycle 6 and 7. My body just decided 'nope' it had had enough and I was struggling to recover after each dose. The chemo blasts all of you, knocking down your good cells too. You have to recover well enough for blood tests to show full blood count, white blood cells, liver and kidney function are all just fine before you have have the next lot. I know more about white blood cells, platelets and neutrophils than I ever thought I would. Mine wouldn't all play ball, all at the same time, on blood test days. Even if you're just 0.1 under the magic line for any test you get sent home. This led to a three week gap between treatments which left me feeling helpless and hopeless.<br />
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The oncologist advised a dose reduction and after a short debate where I eventually conceded that despite my late night Googling marathons, he probably does know more about chemo than me, and so I relented and agreed. Since then I've had two reduced doses and, touching wood, I don't feel as bad so let's hope it means I stay on track and get this treatment done in a timely fashion. I'm also having some injections which forces the bone marrow into overdrive to make more white blood cells. The result of which ranges from no pain at all, to not being able to move, but if it does the job I can take it! Fortunately Jamie has reprised his role as nurse to administer the injections and save me from more trips to the hospital.<br />
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All of this makes me acutely aware of how chemo works. I think it would be fair to say, it's a bit of a one size fits everyone approach, and there's quite a bit of trial and error. The injections work, but it's taken experimentation to get the dose and timing right. The chemo hopefully works, but the oncologist tells me that everyone will react differently and a certain dose for one person won't be right for another. There's an element of throw stuff at me and see what sticks. I'm fine with that, I'll try anything. I constantly read a lot about emerging practice and new treatment research. There's talk of an approach for patients in the future that doctors will take a bit of tumour and grow it in the lab so that the treatment plan can be rehearsed in the Petri dish rather than on the patient. Isn't that a great idea? Ruling out what won't work and will waste time and cause the patient lost time and distress, refining the combinations and doses of drugs for best effect. It just goes to show that the real battle isn't for the patient to fight, but in the research labs.<br />
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So, there we are. I've had cycle 9 this week of 12 so there is some light at the end of the tunnel when it comes to this initial treatment plan. After that, there's no knowing what the future holds. It's a waiting game with scans and blood tests to monitor the cancer. I'm an optimist but also a realist, hence the occasional meltdown. A friend of mine is a big advocate of therapy, whether you think you need it or not. The nurses have suggested some counselling too. It's all there available at the hospital you just book yourself in. I might give it a try. Probably better to vent at a stranger than my beloved nearest and dearest.<br />
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People talk about fighting the fight and winning. That's hard when it's your own body you're fighting. Why is it doing this to me? Why did the self-destruct button get flicked? I don't feel like it's a fight that I can help with. I think that is done in the labs and the hospital. I just have to turn up and do what I'm told. Hopefully that, and all the midnight deals with the devil that I've been doing will be enough.<br />
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Ruby Star Quilt Project</h3>
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I've been sewing almost daily on the ruby star quilt. It's a slow project! Why on earth did I choose 1" diamonds? I think they get smaller and more fiddly each time I pick them up. It is looking lovely though! I've been working in rows, and chunks, making smaller units then sewing them together to the whole. There are some lovely touches of gold in some of the fabrics you've sent and that's adding a gorgeous richness to the overall effect.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y8k71GNIkFI/XAaHWc7lT0I/AAAAAAAAGmY/tdu6iFSe0V0IMOrushV7LazfHZFfRQPDwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3989.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y8k71GNIkFI/XAaHWc7lT0I/AAAAAAAAGmY/tdu6iFSe0V0IMOrushV7LazfHZFfRQPDwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_3989.jpg" width="479" /></a></div>
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Next year I'll be selling tickets for a prize draw to win the quilt, and some amazing other prizes. <a href="https://www.lingendavies.co.uk/" target="_blank">Lingen Davies</a>, the charity whose appeal I'm raising for are helping me organise the draw and we hope to have tickets for sale, late Spring, early summer 2019. Of course I'll be relentlessly telling you about it so there's no danger of missing the information!<br />
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I'll start telling you about some of the other prizes now...<br />
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Husqvarna Viking, who have always been massively supportive of me and my work, have donated a brand new Epic 980Q sewing machine. It's their top of the range sewing machine with a recommended selling price of £4499. Isn't that amazing!<br />
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<a href="https://www.sewessential.co.uk/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/e/p/epic_980q.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://www.sewessential.co.uk/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/e/p/epic_980q.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I'm quite blown away by such a massively generous donation. Thank you Husqvarna Viking, you are the best!</div>
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Thanks for dropping by today.</div>
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Love Laura</div>
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xx</div>
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My <a href="https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/laura-kemshall" target="_blank">Just Giving page can be found here</a>. All donations, very gratefully received.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-774060700352445843.post-68265045067088137712018-11-24T08:32:00.003+00:002018-11-24T08:32:36.195+00:00ExhibitionJust a quick post to let you know that Linda and I both have a quilt in the Retrospective exhibition at <a href="https://www.quiltundtextilkunst.de/" target="_blank">Quilt et Textilkunst</a>. The exhibition is celebrating 20 years of, I think, the shop, teaching and exhibiting. I was fortunate enough to be invited to teach there and loved my visit and exploring the city.<br />
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I've sent this quilt<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GSKx1mlKAhs/W_kL7Qby1aI/AAAAAAAAGmA/HG7nCre-NlwLgzuA8u7SQHnQc7Iw7T9iwCLcBGAs/s1600/WhatDreamsMAyCome1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="928" data-original-width="479" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GSKx1mlKAhs/W_kL7Qby1aI/AAAAAAAAGmA/HG7nCre-NlwLgzuA8u7SQHnQc7Iw7T9iwCLcBGAs/s640/WhatDreamsMAyCome1.jpeg" width="330" /></a></div>
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and Linda's sent one of her new moth pieces from this year. Here's a detail...</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0iOqbceG1qI/W_kMWsD2SuI/AAAAAAAAGmI/mOpeIBJgjOQGrHQIxtcm5n9g16cVQzEtQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3403.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0iOqbceG1qI/W_kMWsD2SuI/AAAAAAAAGmI/mOpeIBJgjOQGrHQIxtcm5n9g16cVQzEtQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_3403.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The exhibition runs until 22nd December so if you're lucky enough to be in the Munich area do take a look.<br />
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<a href="https://www.quiltundtextilkunst.de/">https://www.quiltundtextilkunst.de</a></div>
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Bye for now,<br />
Laura<br />
xUnknownnoreply@blogger.com54tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-774060700352445843.post-67185959107506765462018-10-18T10:23:00.002+01:002018-10-18T13:22:39.786+01:00New Small WorksMorning everyone! I'm feeling quite chipper, mainly because I've had an extra week rest from chemo. I need to make some platelets apparently before I can have more. Cross your fingers for me that by Friday, my shambolic levels will be back up to the minimum needed for treatment.<br />
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It's not all bad though, I've had extra days feeling well and have been making the most of it. I've neatened and finished these two panels which I'm now offering for sale. I've not offered any poppy work for ages so I hope you might be tempted!<br />
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Here are some photos and info. It's terribly gloomy for taking photos, the fabric is white, honestly!<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DeWs6vnlONo/W8hPt2918nI/AAAAAAAAGk0/OtH3pk6lxKUbO_AXV9HLW3hyP6wDjQuowCLcBGAs/s1600/Spellbound1a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DeWs6vnlONo/W8hPt2918nI/AAAAAAAAGk0/OtH3pk6lxKUbO_AXV9HLW3hyP6wDjQuowCLcBGAs/s640/Spellbound1a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Spellbound I</i></div>
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10cm x 10cm mounted onto a 3cm deep wooden panel (that's a smidgen under 4" x 4" x 1.25").</div>
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Machine stitching on cotton fabric.</div>
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<strike>£65 including postage to wherever you are.</strike> <span style="color: #cc0000;">SOLD</span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GWEkO2bQec8/W8hPt1InKDI/AAAAAAAAGkw/FjtKkfsCj0UlBRIU-rCPTB6Vzw4fAKX7ACLcBGAs/s1600/Spellbound1b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GWEkO2bQec8/W8hPt1InKDI/AAAAAAAAGkw/FjtKkfsCj0UlBRIU-rCPTB6Vzw4fAKX7ACLcBGAs/s640/Spellbound1b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Spellbound II</i></div>
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10cm x 10cm mounted onto a 3cm deep wooden panel (that's a smidgen under 4" x 4" x 1.25").</div>
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Machine stitching on cotton fabric.</div>
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<strike>£65 including postage to wherever you are.</strike> <span style="color: #cc0000;">SOLD</span></div>
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If you are interested in either or both panels, please email me at <a href="mailto:laurakemshall@gmail.com"><span style="color: #45818e;">laurakemshall@gmail.com</span></a> to reserve.</div>
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Thanks for dropping by today.</div>
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Back soon!</div>
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Laura</div>
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x</div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-774060700352445843.post-1846617334734255592018-10-11T11:49:00.000+01:002018-10-11T11:56:22.880+01:00No to Fast FashionIf you <a href="https://www.instagram.com/laurakemshall/?hl=en" target="_blank">follow me on Instagram</a>, you'll have already seen my latest dressmaking, a Blackwood cardi. This is such a nice pattern, it fits great, really flattering and is quick and easy to sew. The only tricky moment is top stitching the pockets in place. The answer to that is to pin them really well, then place some thin tissue paper on top and stitch through all the layers. If you use white tissue you'll hopefully be able to see the edge of the pocket, but if you can't, you should still be able to feel it. When you're done, tear the paper away and voila! A perfectly stitched pocket with no distortion.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--U9u87aETHE/W78nhGVfrCI/AAAAAAAAGkc/UDrpJwpgO2g2moAQFtOoHn9kXQigQie3gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3308.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="552" data-original-width="800" height="440" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--U9u87aETHE/W78nhGVfrCI/AAAAAAAAGkc/UDrpJwpgO2g2moAQFtOoHn9kXQigQie3gCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_3308.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I'm sure I will make more of these cardigans, I need to go through my stash and see what suitable fabrics I've got.<br />
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In the Insta post, I referenced the <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b03h2nqh" target="_blank">BBC documentary by Stacey Dooley</a> about the fashion industry's failings to address the environmental devastation it's causing. If you're able to watch it on iPlayer, it's well worth checking out. I had heard about the rivers running with this season's colours, but to see it is truly shocking. It seems that all the big retail names, through their avoidance of speaking on the programme, are complicit in not tackling these issues. It really makes me uneasy about buying ready to wear, but I love clothes as much as the next person. The points to take away from the programme are to, if you can, buy ethically produced clothes, wear what you buy, wear it lots and make it last.<br />
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When you make your own clothes, of course you're still using fabrics that have likely cost the environment a great deal. If any of you know about the best places to source ethically produced fabrics that as home sewers we can purchase for our projects then please do share in the comments. I think at least when you make your own clothes you value them more. The time that you've taken to sew them, the care and attention to every detail, making sure they fit so you're more likely to wear them often. That all matters and has value. I really treasure the clothes I've made for Amelie over the years and it's a real pleasure to pass them on to other children.<br />
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I've written a post over on the DMTV blog with my tips for dressmaking, what machines I use, my favourite patterns and places to get fabric. I hope you might be tempted to give dressmaking a go and start saying no to the fast fashion retailers.<br />
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<a href="https://www.designmatterstv.com/dressmaking-101/" target="_blank">Here's the link to visit the DMTV blog.</a><br />
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Happy sewing!<br />
Bye for now,<br />
Laura<br />
xxUnknownnoreply@blogger.com3