tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79948524797386173082024-02-20T14:38:11.047-06:00Tops to TreasuresThoughts about quilting - fabrics and color, and putting them together; and about the people we do it for.Cindy Sharphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04694393041670847676noreply@blogger.comBlogger451125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7994852479738617308.post-73914256753557944152017-01-03T08:44:00.000-06:002017-01-03T08:46:56.634-06:00Enchanted<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Happy New Year! I hope 2017 finds you all well, happy and healthy and surrounded by those you love. I also hope that it is a year of enchantment for you.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuaQSpxDmO3KA7PsxMol7m8ggHEeex4QjF5WTU0a2tg6R-VrBBVjxiLbiry3t2sQ1padiaISSxp6Di4GGXVmeWG6q2L9vAQXzLOUjPLoty5EaaC7O-p18LNJP1yOlM_hlKKEu9udYSGlk/s1600/FullSizeRender+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuaQSpxDmO3KA7PsxMol7m8ggHEeex4QjF5WTU0a2tg6R-VrBBVjxiLbiry3t2sQ1padiaISSxp6Di4GGXVmeWG6q2L9vAQXzLOUjPLoty5EaaC7O-p18LNJP1yOlM_hlKKEu9udYSGlk/s400/FullSizeRender+%25281%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
May each day that greets you be filled with the sort of charm that leaves a smile on your face.<br />
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2017 begun at Tops to Treasures with a new quilt for<a href="http://www.modabakeshop.com/2017/01/enchanted-quilt.html#more-37625" target="_blank"> Moda Bake Shop</a>. <br />
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<a href="http://www.modabakeshop.com/2017/01/enchanted-quilt.html#more-37625" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih_eEgkFslOJ_ofwBu9v_cEQwd-9MWWvjXiDN8Vk7PYs2Griao_I2aujnqp0sVx54BiZiDZP8-F61xOJLnOS5dHT9jzUnGsK9V1247fHv3OnUZyfM3Tb5MmXEbCB6nHR6zg6hg-SDv2LQ/s400/Enchanted+6.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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I believe that this is my 27th Bake Shop project. When I try to think of one thing that makes me happy, one thing that I can do....I always come back to writing patterns. I am more nerdy than even I thought was possible. I really do enjoy writing directions. My goal is to make a quilt "do-able". The directions should tell you what you need, what you need to do, when you need to do it, and maybe even what you should NOT do. In short, they should be directions. I'd have no UFOs on my watch! I hope that this one does not disappoint. </div>
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The finish quilt measures 74 x 89 inches. It is just right for a twin sized bed. It can be made in a relatively short amount of time....provided you keep at it. I was able to make this quilt from start to finish in one week....with a little bit of help from my wonderful mom and husband. Construction wise - there is nothing more complicated in it than a small half square triangle.</div>
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<a href="http://www.modabakeshop.com/2017/01/enchanted-quilt.html#more-37625" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5kjpItPR-GmcRroeXdMRd8HkU_h3pzeXWulWsGPLyBSYnkWW7m4WxfCE2ktEC-a89yR1xTf62KUOGBP8MzvBMRmVZzmgChcK7fIDHcvNHNJqOpAnsW0-B_R6gsm-AkI_zH1hs2717dBs/s400/Enchanted+5.jpg" width="302" /></a></div>
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I used Pondicherry by French General. It is everything that you have come to expect from French General...pretty, and sophisticated, a charming palate of airy prints and soft colors. It was a joy to work with. You should be able to find it in quilt shops next month. I suspect it would look absolutely charming in a Joanne and Chip Gaines renovation....lots of soft gray and cream.</div>
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<a href="http://www.modabakeshop.com/2017/01/enchanted-quilt.html#more-37625" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicdjklK8Nr_1KjEsCzM2f0fWM2ygieGzYNpUSc9pMUVoEcFKwNjQtjm37onMBQeFTHI4_o0b_ioLMuXNSrgU9TeYlg_yP6y0p754azU3SuSIVDQ6baLoFw2hCXDvM5QNSGYEezUenL8fs/s400/Enchanted+3.jpg" width="318" /></a></div>
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If you are new to my blog, welcome! Feel free to look around. I have gotten a little off tract of late. My posts are not as frequent as they used to be. Just when I thought life would get more simple, with all of my boys packed off to college, it got more complicated. I am busier now than I have ever been. This is not how I imagined my empty nest. </div>
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We have a new puppy.....check out #gulliversharp on Instagram....are planning a wedding....doing some home improvements....wondering when we got so old....living life. I hope your days are similarly enchanting.</div>
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Cindy Sharphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04694393041670847676noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7994852479738617308.post-84415537180980506852016-07-25T10:05:00.001-05:002016-07-25T10:05:25.766-05:00Things change<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I know, it sounds trite when someone looks at their kids and says, "Don't blink, they grow faster than you think. Next thing you know they will be grown". The older I get the truer the words seem.<br />
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Things change. Whether we notice it or not, things change. Summer gives way to Fall. Fall bows out to Winter. Winter melts away to Spring. Spring slowly out blooms itself and we are back where we started...but not quite. 365 days makes a difference.<br />
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Today my 23rd pattern publishes on <a href="http://www.modabakeshop.com/2016/07/migration-quilt.html#more-34960">Moda Bake Shop</a>. It has been fun. I love getting to play with their latest lines. More than that, I love writing patterns. It is always, always time spent in my happy place. The only thing better than writing the patterns is getting mail from people who have used them.<br />
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So, my latest work is entitled Migration. I named it that because of the butterflies and feathers in the fabric line...and because the pattern of half square triangles make a funny path...a migratory path.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioiZuySC7BFSq7LDYs09kYMu_MrpBP2qLPFR0T1vxXORv5wSVttuBbh8INz8ip-WZQvcfFmsUMB_rLQVaLcqbID2-y-QS2odUwBXlrYiTLfgr5MSYxtQHTCvwa6pLHnMjXBfddla7YewE/s1600/Migration+Cover+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioiZuySC7BFSq7LDYs09kYMu_MrpBP2qLPFR0T1vxXORv5wSVttuBbh8INz8ip-WZQvcfFmsUMB_rLQVaLcqbID2-y-QS2odUwBXlrYiTLfgr5MSYxtQHTCvwa6pLHnMjXBfddla7YewE/s400/Migration+Cover+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Just like the seasons, the pattern in this piecing appears to finish where it started, but not quite, and that is okay. It is normal, natural, a reflection of how God created our world. Things change. It isn't a bad thing, although it might be a bit sad. It is equally exciting. You never know what might lay just out of sight, around the corner, over the next hill.</div>
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I hope you enjoy my pattern.</div>
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Cindy Sharphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04694393041670847676noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7994852479738617308.post-3947786597766999392016-07-14T10:54:00.002-05:002016-07-25T10:06:17.050-05:00I never would have guessed...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Remember this quilt? It was a quilt along with Clover & Violet. I took this picture in March of 2014. I love the embroidery, and the colors. It is one of my favorite quilts.<br />
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I made it just for me.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/tops_to_treasures/7331916488/in/album-72157629164149266/" title="Garden Steps Block #6"><img alt="Garden Steps Block #6" height="640" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/8/7096/7331916488_35e61a92a3_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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I would never have guessed where this pretty quilt would end up.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/tops_to_treasures/27689343044" title="Waiting"><img alt="Waiting" height="640" src="https://c5.staticflickr.com/9/8697/27689343044_5528a689de_z.jpg" width="512" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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Look closely....that is my quilt under his feet!!!! Hmm. Not the best out come, but wait, it gets better!<br />
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My oldest son, Noah, has fallen head over heals in love with Maggi Jo! He brought her home to visit us last winter. She is adorable, fun loving, and very good for my boy. She makes him "more". I don't know how to explain it, other than to say that when he is with her, he is the man I always imagined he would be.<br />
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She liked my quilt. MY QUILT, the pretty girly creation I made just for me in my house full of men. I thought that was nice....but thought to myself, "that was way too much work to give away to just anyone my boy brings home."<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/tops_to_treasures/7064325541/in/album-72157629164149266/" title="Garden Steps"><img alt="Garden Steps" height="478" src="https://c6.staticflickr.com/8/7195/7064325541_f3e77ddc6b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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My boy is spending the summer with her family on the central coast of California. He is having a fantastic summer. And to make it that much better, he wanted to propose to her in a way that would include all of both of their families. As we are in Texas, it is a little hard to pull off....however, if she would say yes, and I finally got a daughter to share with, she could have the quilt.<br />
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I was away on a quilt retreat when he texted to let me know he had picked a day for the big event. Of course, the day was four days from the day he texted me, and I was not home, and it was over a weekend. His daddy came to the rescue. Left work early on Friday so that it might have a chance of getting to him by Monday. $110 later, the quilt was there Saturday afternoon.<br />
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My boy planned a complete day for his sweet heart. As she went through her day she spend time with all the people that mean the most to her. She visited with her best friend (the one that introduced them), her mom and sister and brother...the last on her list was her Dad. He delivered her to the venue where she has always dreamed of getting married...that is where my boy had the surprise waiting.<br />
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If you look very closely, you can see the ocean on the horizon....and my quilt under the arch.<br />
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AND....she said "Yes"!<br />
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I have never, ever seen my boy so blissfully happy. I can not wait to make some awesome memories with the two of them.<br />
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Congratulations my Noah, and Maggie!! ..... and to her little man....our new little man....</div>
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Cindy Sharphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04694393041670847676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7994852479738617308.post-30842225761916265602016-06-29T02:30:00.000-05:002016-06-29T10:52:00.300-05:00Peppermint Garlands<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZfX3wcfELzxDpXSMRuhR8x3hEBeeX_nL3Ojc-MeM1hK-5tNk_Hb3EcvW7Gj7dQpjpnbpUGRNEa9hpdBYTqi1-HWufPAMIhYpkZVwOz6tBJtvr1ENtyxUVnVpTZcQ8RgPvaTR2WTQ5tbg/s1600/Pepperming+Garlands+Cover+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="488" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZfX3wcfELzxDpXSMRuhR8x3hEBeeX_nL3Ojc-MeM1hK-5tNk_Hb3EcvW7Gj7dQpjpnbpUGRNEa9hpdBYTqi1-HWufPAMIhYpkZVwOz6tBJtvr1ENtyxUVnVpTZcQ8RgPvaTR2WTQ5tbg/s640/Pepperming+Garlands+Cover+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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My latest pattern is scheduled to publish on Moda Bake Shop sometime today. <a href="http://www.modabakeshop.com/">Hop on over and take a look</a>!<br />
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If you are visiting from there, welcome! Feel free to wander around and read all about me and Tops to Treasures.<br />
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Cindy Sharphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04694393041670847676noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7994852479738617308.post-62564873692072988962016-06-27T14:52:00.004-05:002016-06-27T14:52:37.736-05:00Time Flies<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Time flies....sounds like obnoxious insects from Dr. Who. They suck up time when you are not looking. Once you look you can not see them, only the passage of time.<br />
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I can not believe how long it has been since I posted something here. So much has happened...mostly good stuff at that.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Noah (#1, age 23; Ben #3, age 18; John #2, age 20)</td></tr>
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My baby boy graduated from high school. He turned 18 yesterday. He will be attending St. John's College in Santa Fe, NM in the fall. I am envious of the adventure that awaits him, and look forward to hearing all about it when he comes home for the holidays.<br />
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My middle boy has made it to the starting line up for his college football team...provided his summer courses bring up his grade point average. He has worked so long and so hard for this dream. I hope and pray that it is all that he has dreamed it would be.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maggi, Joshi, and Noah</td></tr>
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My oldest boy is about to become engaged. Woah! When did he get old enough to do that?! We have met his sweet heart, and her little boy. I think they just might be a perfect match for my boy. Although, I must admit that it is hard to wrap my head around the idea of being an instant grandma. Good thing I have a year or so to manage it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/tops_to_treasures/27093317940/in/datetaken/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Untitled"><img alt="Untitled" height="320" src="https://c5.staticflickr.com/8/7397/27093317940_95f81438a3_z.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joshi</td></tr>
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Although, as sweet as Maggi and Joshi are, I do not think that it will be a difficult task.<br />
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My quilting business is going gang busters. On average I have as many quilts to do each month as there are working days in the month. It is not hard work...but it does keep me moving.<br />
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Add to all of that a new kitten....<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/tops_to_treasures/27106116143/in/datetaken/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Hello there....don't you think you need to feed me.....NOW! #burmesebaby"><img alt="Hello there....don't you think you need to feed me.....NOW! #burmesebaby" height="320" src="https://c8.staticflickr.com/8/7457/27106116143_8b02b2e035_z.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He is a sable burmese kitten, about 5 months old.</td></tr>
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and several new Moda Bake Shop patterns in the works,... and it is no wonder the time flies have a hold of my universe.<br />
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Cindy Sharphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04694393041670847676noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7994852479738617308.post-74622202820232894512015-08-31T11:13:00.003-05:002015-08-31T11:13:50.334-05:00Dancing in the Stars<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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My latest pattern for<a href="http://www.modabakeshop.com/2015/07/dancing-in-the-stars-2.html"> Moda Bake Shop</a> was published on July 25th.<br />
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<a href="http://www.modabakeshop.com/2015/07/dancing-in-the-stars-2.html"><img alt="Untitled" height="480" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/472/19534159898_4a82a6f7e4_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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Made with "Nocturne" by Janet Claire, quilted in <a href="http://www.annebright.com/digital/e2e/avocado-b2b.html">"Avocado" by Anne Bright</a></div>
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The quilt is made from 3 1/2" squares and half square triangles and finished at 82 1/2" square.<br />
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I used left over fat quarters to make the back more interesting.</div>
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I'd love to see your version of the quilt if you make it.</div>
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(and yes, I am still avoiding that big quilt waiting in the wings....)</div>
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Cindy Sharphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04694393041670847676noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7994852479738617308.post-59729388905440148382015-08-31T10:35:00.000-05:002015-08-31T10:35:04.134-05:00July 2015 in my rear view mirror<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Better late than never....sometimes....I'm sticking with that today.<br />
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I am only a month late posting about all the going ons of July 2015. </div>
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In between getting new floors in our kitchen and dinning area (and all of the furniture moving, cleaning, painting, and general mess that entails) </div>
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and retreating (twice) to the best retreat center in the whole of Texas (<a href="http://greenbriarretreat.com/">Greenbriar Retreat Center</a>)<br />
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I quilted 15 quilts for customers.<br />
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And enjoyed my boys being home.</div>
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Cindy Sharphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04694393041670847676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7994852479738617308.post-80244086799419175912015-08-31T09:55:00.000-05:002015-08-31T09:55:17.774-05:00August 2015 in my Rearview<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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It has been a busy summer....thus the infrequency of my posting....which wasn't that frequent to begin with...but has ceased all together this summer.<br />
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I thought I would take a moment (read stall to avoid that really big quilt I need to do today.) and try and catch up. Starting with the most recent happenings...<br />
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August was a very busy month for me.<br />
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I quilted 21 quilts for customers (that does not include the previously mentioned object of my avoidance).<br />
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Got my oldest son moved into his very first apartment.</div>
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Went to a quilt show...more on that to follow.</div>
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Saw all three of my boys safely back to school.</div>
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I now have a Sr in high school (red shirt who is standing on his toes to be taller than his brothers), a sophomore in college (the boy in the middle) and a super senior (5th year) in college (sleepy boy on the right). I am honestly just a little bit frightened of what my days will be like next year when they are all away and it is just me in the house all day.</div>
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Sigh, I no longer have three little boys....they have become men.</div>
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Cindy Sharphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04694393041670847676noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7994852479738617308.post-74717824157226242042015-06-01T13:32:00.000-05:002015-06-01T13:32:35.066-05:00May in My Rearview Mirror<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I would love to go back to the time when days seemed to stretch on forever in front of me. Time used to creep along at a snails pace. Not so any more.<br />
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May 2015 saw 15 quilts cross my leaders at Tops to Treasures.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/tops_to_treasures/17729402823" title="May 2015 at Tops to Treasures by Cindy Sharp, on Flickr"><img alt="May 2015 at Tops to Treasures" height="640" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8805/17729402823_2c3351ce62_z.jpg" width="385" /></a></div>
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That is roughly one every other day for the month. This is not the norm for this time of year, but then neither is the massive amount of rain we have had. If you haven't heard Texas has been deluged with a flood of biblical proportions...thankfully, not on my block. Perhaps my quilty friends have been using the time away from their gardens to sew.</div>
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My college boys are both home for the summer...last night we all went to a ball game!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/tops_to_treasures/18136749510" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Enjoyed an evening at the ball game with my guys. by Cindy Sharp, on Flickr"><img alt="Enjoyed an evening at the ball game with my guys." height="400" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8837/18136749510_429305556c_z.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Night at the Ball Park<br />
(John 19, Noah 22, Ben 17)</td></tr>
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The oldest is in the middle - don't tell him, but his brothers have darn near caught up to him height-wise. I am beginning to come to grips with the fact that they are no longer little boys, but really grown men. Sigh. I hope some girl appreciates them as much as I do.</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/tops_to_treasures/18319727276" title="Just in case you've never seen the trail a Basset Hound leaves in the morning dew.... by Cindy Sharp, on Flickr"><img alt="Just in case you've never seen the trail a Basset Hound leaves in the morning dew...." height="400" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/495/18319727276_15d795b03c_z.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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That last picture was just to make you laugh. As I was letting my Basset Hound in this morning I noticed the dew on the very green green grass, and the trail she left behind as she inspected the yard. Or puppy is 11 years old and had tumors removed from her hip and eye brow, thus the cone of shame. I don't think there is anything more pathetic looking than an old hound dog with a cone around its neck.</div>
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Cindy Sharphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04694393041670847676noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7994852479738617308.post-78911947903260441722015-05-27T10:08:00.004-05:002015-05-27T10:08:56.867-05:00Texas Never Does Anything in Half Measures<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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The news is filled with images like the one above. Texas is indeed over it's four year drought (it officially started in October of 2010) The land is green again....well the land that isn't under water.</div>
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This spring we have had more cloudy, overcast, and rainy days than we have had sunny ones; and more bad storms than I can remember there ever being in one season.</div>
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The forecast for the next week or so promises more of the same.</div>
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I have to admit that I am getting a little weary of the weather. That drought is looking better and better, but there is no putting all of that water back in a bottle.</div>
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On the upside, I and my family are fine. Our yard is greener than it has been in years. Water restrictions have been lifted. And the sun is shining at the moment. There is no need for worry; however, your prayers are coveted for our friends and neighbors in the rest of the state. </div>
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Cindy Sharphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04694393041670847676noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7994852479738617308.post-10073917803950703432015-05-04T10:32:00.000-05:002015-05-04T10:32:14.879-05:00April in My Rearview<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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There are so many thought that go through my head, so many things that I would like to sit and talk about with you....and yet my blog goes for weeks on end with no word from me. I have to chalk it up to the season of life I am in. You would think that I would have been more busy before, when my boys were little and underfoot, when there were ball games and concerts, and teacher conferences to take care of. Of course, that was before I met arthritis and its lovely relationship to monsoon season. Ah well. It has been a busy month.<br />
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Tops to Treasures is busier than it has ever been. April 2015 saw 25 projects cross the bars. Some of them are delightful secrets for up coming weddings and graduations. I promised those people that I would help keep their secrets....as if those people read my blog. LOL Anyway, the ones I can share are pictured here.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/tops_to_treasures/17160603817" title="April 2015 At Tops to Treasures by Cindy Sharp, on Flickr"><img alt="April 2015 At Tops to Treasures" height="640" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7730/17160603817_1619132d76_z.jpg" width="275" /></a></div>
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I also got to spend a wonderful weekend with my college boys and their friends. My house was filled to overflowing with young men and woman. Yes, you read that correctly. One of my boys brought home a girl. No, not that kind of girl, at least not yet. Time will tell.</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/tops_to_treasures/17044836871" title="These good byes aren't getting easier. #gowithGod #5weekstilsummer #comeagainsoon by Cindy Sharp, on Flickr"><img alt="These good byes aren't getting easier. #gowithGod #5weekstilsummer #comeagainsoon" height="400" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8711/17044836871_59efa2e0ea_z.jpg" width="400" /></a>
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I celebrated my 52nd birthday. It wasn't terribly exciting after having all of the kids home. I got them to share a cake with me while they were home. My mum sent me a beautiful bouquet of flowers.</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/tops_to_treasures/17089788562" title="My Mommy loves me. #happybirthday by Cindy Sharp, on Flickr"><img alt="My Mommy loves me. #happybirthday" height="400" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7606/17089788562_f2b5733466_z.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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She had them make the bouguet "cat proof" as my fuzzy helpers like to eat the tiny flowers, and them spew them all over the floor and counters. It was a good thought. When they found the flowers inedible the cats tipped the vase over....left on our table over night the puddle created a mess of our kitchen table. Granted the table was a mess to begin with. We bought it 26 years ago and have many adventures on it. However, it gave us an excuse to purchase a new one. Our kitchen now looks grown up.</div>
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After the kids left we discovered that we had some other visitors. It took one rainy weekend to extricate 5 scampering squirrels from our attic. Oh my. They were cute little buggers, but I am glad they are gone now. (the squirrels not the kids)</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/tops_to_treasures/17160995867" title="Squirrel Party by Cindy Sharp, on Flickr"><img alt="Squirrel Party" height="400" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8801/17160995867_455446b031_z.jpg" width="400" /></a> </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/tops_to_treasures/17368472785" title="Squirrel Party by Cindy Sharp, on Flickr"><img alt="Squirrel Party" height="640" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8890/17368472785_e0f5484648_z.jpg" width="475" /></a></div>
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And now it is May. My quilting schedule is filling up again. My college boys are in their last weeks, #2 has exam week this week. He should be home for the summer on Friday (SQueeeeeeee!) and #1 has exam week next week. I can not wait to have my boys gathered around me.</div>
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Cindy Sharphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04694393041670847676noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7994852479738617308.post-46975446009317152142015-04-01T09:48:00.001-05:002015-04-01T09:48:29.354-05:00March in My Rearview<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I can not believe it is April already. I'd love to go where ever it is that time goes when it flies. Then I could sit and savor each moment all over again.<br />
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This year my boys all had spring break during a different week of the month. I had three weeks in a row of spring break...each with a different son. As you can imagine, each week was as different as the boy! Each one was glorious!<br />
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I got to go to the Dallas Quilt Show. I really need to write a post about it. For now I'll share a picture of my favorite quilt.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/tops_to_treasures/16377914354" title="4DA2111E-9AB5-4FD6-A7DC-21A7E6C53291-662 by Cindy Sharp, on Flickr"><img alt="4DA2111E-9AB5-4FD6-A7DC-21A7E6C53291-662" height="640" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7604/16377914354_111dbe7f79_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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I spent many happy hours "playing" with my quilty friends. Another post I should write...I've started a group of quilters at church. Oh my, it is a loaves and fishes sort of story.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/tops_to_treasures/16796102621" title="Fun sew day with Mom. #todayattopstotreasures by Cindy Sharp, on Flickr"><img alt="Fun sew day with Mom. #todayattopstotreasures" height="400" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8596/16796102621_158f39cb8c_z.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/tops_to_treasures/16805895978" title="Woman of the Bible blocks 10 , 11, and 12 by Cindy Sharp, on Flickr"><img alt="Woman of the Bible blocks 10 , 11, and 12" height="400" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7586/16805895978_aec4b95500_z.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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And I quilted 12 quilts for customers and friends.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/tops_to_treasures/16998707882" title="March 2015 at Tops to Treasures by Cindy Sharp, on Flickr"><img alt="March 2015 at Tops to Treasures" height="640" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8709/16998707882_73f17f979b_z.jpg" width="481" /></a><br />
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All of this pales when compared to the events that happened on the first Easter weekend. God made a way for all of the things that keep us separated from Him to be tossed aside. It no longer matters that we fall short of the mark. We are too fat, too slow, work-a-holic, obsessed with ourselves, slow to help others, and quick to grab what we think we must have at the expense of those around us....and that doesn't matter one whit. He made a way. Our imperfect selves are welcome in his kingdom because of the work that Jesus did on the cross. All we have to do is accept his works on our behalf.</div>
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May this Easter be a time of blessing and remembrance for you....and if you haven't already accepted his free gift I pray that your heart will be open to it now. Easter would be a perfect time to become a believer.</div>
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Cindy Sharphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04694393041670847676noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7994852479738617308.post-34884714754896783642015-02-28T10:11:00.000-06:002015-02-28T10:11:05.779-06:00February in My Rear View<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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It is always a sweet surprise to look back at a month and see all that I have accomplished, and recount all of the joyful moments. February 2015 does not disappoint.<br />
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I finally got my much awaited upgrades to my longarm. <br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/tops_to_treasures/15821330774" title="Today at Tops to Treasures #todayattopstotreasures #upgrades #lindaselectricquilters by Cindy Sharp, on Flickr"><img alt="Today at Tops to Treasures #todayattopstotreasures #upgrades #lindaselectricquilters" height="400" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8596/15821330774_b6d146dd34_z.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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It was a bit of a messy process, but the staff from<a href="http://lequilters.com/"> Linda's Electric Quilters</a> of McKinney Texas were wonderful. I love my upgrades - new computer, complete with the latest version of Creative Studio, new wheels and rails, and hanger for my hardware to keep my floor nice and tidy.</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/tops_to_treasures/16257870978" title="Upgraded at at Tops to Treasures! Found out my table was holding out on me all these years. I got a couple inches more throat space. Hot dawg. by Cindy Sharp, on Flickr"><img alt="Upgraded at at Tops to Treasures! Found out my table was holding out on me all these years. I got a couple inches more throat space. Hot dawg." height="400" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7302/16257870978_4abaedc802_z.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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As messy as that upgrade was it had nothing on the upgrade to our wifi. Oh my gosh what a circus. The wifi is faster and fairly awesome but it came at the cost of our land line phone. For some reason the phone company thought that we didn't want it any more and turned it off. Then they told us they couldn't turn it back on and give us our number back. Then they could give it back, but it would cost us $100. Then they could wave the fee, and give us our number, but it would have to go through digitally and be added to our wifi...oh and they couldn't do it for a week. All of that to point out what a blessing the staff at Linda's Electric Quilters really is and to thank the people at ATT for the quiet week we had with no phone service. I should probably also thank ATT for the upgrade to our TV service....we now get even more channels with programming that we don't want to watch, but hey, we get all of them now.</div>
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My last baby is now a licensed driver. No more car lines at school for me. I seem to get a lot more work done, but I do miss my time with my boy. Even so, it is right that he should have the opportunity to learn and practice driving.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/tops_to_treasures/16306272867" title="Just watched my last baby drive himself to school for the first time. It is a bitter sweet day....kind of like chocolate! 😃 by Cindy Sharp, on Flickr"><img alt="Just watched my last baby drive himself to school for the first time. It is a bitter sweet day....kind of like chocolate! 😃" height="400" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7322/16306272867_7920ef105f_z.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I played a lot in February. There were 6 different occasions where I took the time to spend time with friends new and old. Why in the world I haven't been doing this all along I have no idea. This too has been a huge blessing. I'm now enjoying myself while I piece quilts - a phenomenon that hasn't occurred in a very very long time.</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/tops_to_treasures/16480776219" title="Play date! All caught up with The Women of the Bible BOM. by Cindy Sharp, on Flickr"><img alt="Play date! All caught up with The Women of the Bible BOM." height="400" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8648/16480776219_e270cfb0d8_z.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.suzzettsfabric.com/product/WOBClub.html">Women of the Bible BOM from Suzzette's Fabric</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/tops_to_treasures/15912746693" title="More blocks finished. by Cindy Sharp, on Flickr"><img alt="More blocks finished." height="400" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7292/15912746693_7b70444387_z.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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2013 Toes in the Sand BOM from <a href="http://www.fatquartershop.com/">The Fat Quarter Shop</a></div>
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(It was gifted to me for Christmas two years ago and I am just now playing with it.)</div>
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My oldest boy came home for a quick weekend. It was so fun to hug his big shoulders and stay up late (for me) talking with him.</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/tops_to_treasures/16485244148" title="Recently Added-188 by Cindy Sharp, on Flickr"><img alt="Recently Added-188" height="640" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8585/16485244148_11b1b30f51_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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We had a week of ice and snow - unusual for us, but it will bless the lakes and lawns when it melts eventually.....probably tomorrow....for today it is winter in Frisco.</div>
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All of that AND I quilted 13 quilts at Tops to Treasures. </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/tops_to_treasures/16671812342" title="Feb 2015 at Tops to Treasures by Cindy Sharp, on Flickr"><img alt="Feb 2015 at Tops to Treasures" height="640" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8638/16671812342_36c1b1c176_z.jpg" width="481" /></a></div>
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How I fit all of that into 28 days is a mystery.</div>
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Cindy Sharphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04694393041670847676noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7994852479738617308.post-33564955937904150552015-02-05T09:53:00.000-06:002015-02-05T09:53:15.136-06:00January in my rear view....<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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January always seems so bleak after the warmth and fun of the holidays. The parties are over. The trimmings put away. Life goes back to normal....mostly.<br />
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My boys didn't have to go back to school until later in the month. (Hot dawg!) so the first weeks of the month were filled with them. We learned a new game, and spent a lot of time hanging out by the fire watching movies.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/tops_to_treasures/16450308565" title="Settlers of Catan by Cindy Sharp, on Flickr"><img alt="Settlers of Catan" height="400" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8592/16450308565_fcaaa7a9e3_z.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Eventually, they all had to go back to school. It is a good thing, for all of us. I can't wait to have them all home again in June.<br />
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January is traditionally a very slow month for me work wise. I only did 6 quilts at Tops to Treasures.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/tops_to_treasures/16424466516" title="January 2015 at Tops to Treasures by Cindy Sharp, on Flickr"><img alt="January 2015 at Tops to Treasures" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7352/16424466516_f42ea51866_z.jpg" /></a></div>
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They were punctuated by my participation in the Schnitzle & Boo Instagram Swap. What a hoot. I love the little quilt that I received.</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/tops_to_treasures/16342617192" title="Hexi soap! And a Hexi quilt! and CHOCOLATE! Can you say Awesome?! #makeaquiltmakeafriend #schnitzelandboominiquiltswap by Cindy Sharp, on Flickr"><img alt="Hexi soap! And a Hexi quilt! and CHOCOLATE! Can you say Awesome?! #makeaquiltmakeafriend #schnitzelandboominiquiltswap" height="400" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7547/16342617192_5cb84180a1_z.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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And was pleased with the package that I sent out, as was it's recipient.</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/tops_to_treasures/16116442217" title="The whole package! Now to bundle it up and put it in the post. #makeaquiltmakeafriend #schnitzelandboomimiquiltswap by Cindy Sharp, on Flickr"><img alt="The whole package! Now to bundle it up and put it in the post. #makeaquiltmakeafriend #schnitzelandboomimiquiltswap" height="400" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8652/16116442217_eb11517a66_z.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The most exciting happenings all involved a new group of friends at church.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/tops_to_treasures/15827952134" title="Charming by Cindy Sharp, on Flickr"><img alt="Charming" height="400" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7377/15827952134_2ccd62d127_z.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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A couple of us thought it would be fun to have a sit-n-sew with our Sister's in Christ. We hoped that two or three ladies would join us....we had 25! Most of those sweet ladies have never sewn before, at all. I find myself helping to teach a new generation of quilters. What a kick. I'll keep you posted on our progress.</div>
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Cindy Sharphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04694393041670847676noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7994852479738617308.post-61226347248783371882015-01-06T10:15:00.001-06:002015-01-06T10:15:49.199-06:00December 2014 in my rearview<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I can't believe how busy life has been. It is all good...I just don't have much time to sit and visit on the internet.<br />
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December was filled with lovely times. Lots of family and friends gathered together to celebrate the season. Lots of time with my boys!<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/tops_to_treasures/16214161352" title="December 2015 by Cindy Sharp, on Flickr"><img alt="December 2015" height="400" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7472/16214161352_513f214dc4_o.jpg" width="396" /></a></div>
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I went on a retreat to <a href="http://greenbriarretreat.com/">Green Briar</a> with my Mom and the awesome gang at<a href="http://www.happinessisquilting.com/"> Happiness is Quilting</a>. I spent three and a half days eating and quilting and generally having a great time. I didn't take many pictures. I must have been having too much fun. I did however work on a few gifts, and this mini.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/tops_to_treasures/16012113811" title="Top done. #schnitzelandboomimiquiltswap #makeaquiltmakeafriend by Cindy Sharp, on Flickr"><img alt="Top done. #schnitzelandboomimiquiltswap #makeaquiltmakeafriend" height="400" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7535/16012113811_846ef9b890_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I am still trying to decide how to quilt it. Any suggestions? It is for my partner in the Schnitzel & Boo swap on Instagram.<br />
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All of this and I still managed to get 17 quilts quilted for my customers at Tops to Treasures.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/tops_to_treasures/16027472328" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="December 2014 by Cindy Sharp, on Flickr"><img alt="December 2014" height="640" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7479/16027472328_0a0f63efe1_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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All in all December was a wonderful month...the end to a wonderful year.</div>
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<li>A rough estimate of the quilts I quilted this year .... 171 .... those are just the ones I recorded. I'm sure there could be a few more as I often don't write things down. </li>
<li>5 patterns published for/by<a href="http://www.modabakeshop.com/author/csharp"> Moda Bake Shop</a></li>
<li>1 son graduated with an Associates Degree and on his way to a Bachelor's from Angelo State University</li>
<li>1 son graduated from high school and on his way to a Bachelor's from Ouachita Baptist University</li>
<li>1 son a Junior in highschool with an A average! and he doesn't even break a sweat doing it.</li>
<li>3 quilt retreats with my Mom</li>
<li>1 week long visit with my brother in Kentucky</li>
<li>A wonderful visit to San Francisco with my beloved</li>
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I can't wait to see what 2015 has in store.</div>
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Cindy Sharphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04694393041670847676noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7994852479738617308.post-36577099511938435432014-12-25T00:00:00.000-06:002014-12-25T00:00:02.661-06:00Merry Christmas<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<i style="font-size: xx-large;">from my studio to yours....</i></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>May the peace that is my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ surround you and yours this holiday season.</i></span><br />
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Cindy Sharphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04694393041670847676noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7994852479738617308.post-38928948905429822332014-12-01T00:00:00.000-06:002014-12-01T00:00:11.306-06:00November in my rearview.....<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Wow.....I am so glad that Thanksgiving gives me an excuse to sit and be still. It has been a crazy month!<br />
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We got to travel to Arkadelphia Arkansas to see the infamous Battle of the Ravine. A 80 some year old rivalry football game between Ouachita Baptist University and Henderson State University - both located in Arkadelphia. They even share a parking lot. We were thrilled to get to spend time with both of our college boys (Noah drove up to Frisco on Friday, so he could ride up to Arkadelphia on Saturday and see his brother's team.)<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/tops_to_treasures/15700140817" title="B O T R 2014 by Cindy Sharp, on Flickr"><img alt="B O T R 2014" height="640" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7569/15700140817_aa3213a032_z.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Ouachita beat Henderson 41 to 20. Finishing their season undefeated, and champions of the Great American Conference. Way to go Tigers!!</div>
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I participated in the Flickr mini quilt swap, Little Quilt, Sew, Vote Swap.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/tops_to_treasures/15885907825" title="Little Quilt, Sew, Vote, Swap Nov 2014 by Cindy Sharp, on Flickr"><img alt="Little Quilt, Sew, Vote, Swap Nov 2014" height="310" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7548/15885907825_0750eab131_z.jpg" width="615" /></a>
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I made the crazy hats quilt and traded it for ice cream cones! I love my new quilty.<br />
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And, as if all of this wasn't fun enough, I also quilted 27 quilts for clients of Tops to Treasures. I have never, ever, quilted so many quilts in one month. I wouldn't be terribly hurt if I never do again either.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/tops_to_treasures/15886020485" title="Tops to Treasures - Nov 2014 by Cindy Sharp, on Flickr"><img alt="Tops to Treasures - Nov 2014" height="4275" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7477/15886020485_e2f527eb18_o.jpg" width="615" /></a><br />
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Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving with your friends and family. God bless you all.</div>
Cindy Sharphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04694393041670847676noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7994852479738617308.post-66021956224194560232014-11-03T11:46:00.000-06:002014-11-03T11:46:28.033-06:00October in my Rearview<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo taken by my brother, Richard Bradley in Lebanon, OH</td></tr>
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October was as glorious a tree in full foliage, slowly turning to crimson and gold as the cold weather sets in. It was long as a summer's day, and as exhausting as a holiday season in which a new child is born into the household....just after moving to a new home. I wouldn't trade it for anything.<br />
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My October started out slow - I enjoyed a long weekend quilting with my friends from the Scorpion retreat group. There were about 12 of us enjoying wonderful food and friends at the Sunset Retreat Center in Sunset, TX. If you get a chance to go take it.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/tops_to_treasures/15517164820" title="Scorpion retreat by Cindy Sharp, on Flickr"><img alt="Scorpion retreat" height="640" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3952/15517164820_5e1aac5cd3_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>x<br />
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I got home just in time to finish the last quilts in line for Sew Loved John 3:16. A friend from church asked if I would help her complete 9 quilts for kids with cancer. In conjunction with T<a href="https://www.facebook.com/portrait.project">he Portrait Project</a>, she was making a quilt for each kid. We made 9 quilts in 9 weeks.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/tops_to_treasures/15082105403" title="Sew Loved John 3:16 Project by Cindy Sharp, on Flickr"><img alt="Sew Loved John 3:16 Project" height="640" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3945/15082105403_fcfcb240d2_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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The quilts were presented to the kids on October 9.<br />
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Next up - a trip to the north to take in the fall colors - and love on my big brother and his family.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/tops_to_treasures/15516259219" title="October Trip to Kentucky by Cindy Sharp, on Flickr"><img alt="October Trip to Kentucky" height="640" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7539/15516259219_375d65ec44_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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The week was quiet. We sat around and visited and enjoyed the cool wet fall they were having. On the one day that did turn sunny we ventured out to Lebanon, Ohio. I could be very happy living in that little town. The photo of the beautiful tree was taken by Richard out of the roof of his truck, with his iPhone. He definitely knows something I don't about photography - maybe that is why he is successful as a commercial photographer.<br />
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On the way home we got to stop and have lunch with my Johnny. It was so very good to see my boy. We spent an hour visiting and then headed on home. His team is now 8 and 0. I'm not sure when we will see him next....I'm kind of sad about that part, but excited for the success of his beloved Ouachita Tigers.<br />
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Tops to Treasures plowed ahead - finishing 10 quilts in between excursions. Three of which I also hand bound.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/tops_to_treasures/15701483225" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="October 2014 at Tops to Treasures by Cindy Sharp, on Flickr"><img alt="October 2014 at Tops to Treasures" height="640" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7474/15701483225_b76ecd6186_z.jpg" width="257" /></a></div>
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And, last, but not least we finally got my youngest to go car shopping. I don't know what the deal is, but he really has no interest in driving. I wonder what happened to the adventurous toddler he once was. We had to keep a rope on Ben to keep him from jumping into the pool before we were ready. I lost track of the number of times family members pulled him out of the drink. At 16 he is more than happy to sit in the dark and play on a computer all day. Too bad for him. I think learning to drive and get around in the world are all part of growing up. It is just something you need to be able to do (like swimming). </div>
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I leave you with a pic of my youngest boy and his little copper colored car. Don't worry, I made sure, before it was purchased that it would hold a full roll of batting! I can't hardly wait until December 22, when he will have his drivers licence and I can send him out on Minion errands.</div>
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Cindy Sharphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04694393041670847676noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7994852479738617308.post-79633764536405860502014-10-05T18:10:00.000-05:002014-10-05T18:10:01.096-05:00September in my Rearview<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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What a month it has been. September was so full that it spilled over into October, at least the need for rest did.</div>
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Tops to Treasures quilted a record 21 quilts.</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/tops_to_treasures/15266092927" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Tops to Treasures September 2014 by Cindy Sharp, on Flickr"><img alt="Tops to Treasures September 2014" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2949/15266092927_2412d6ee94_z.jpg" /></a></div>
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9 of those included hand finishing, and only one of them was my own. (That was a birthday pressent for my oldest brother...for his 50th birthday, which he celebrated 6 years ago. Thanks to my Mom for finishing the piecing.)</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/tops_to_treasures/15187607768" title="Sigh...love having my boy home. by Cindy Sharp, on Flickr"><img alt="Sigh...love having my boy home." height="400" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2941/15187607768_3e59cff533_z.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I also enjoyed a visit from my Johnny! The wonderful stinker told everyone he was coming home for the weekend, except me. He told them and followed it by "But don't tell Mom!" I have to say it was one of a handful of times in my life when I was actually, and joyously surprised by someone. I couldn't resist hugging my boy every few minutes just to make sure that it was really him.</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/tops_to_treasures/15087055369" title="The many faces of my Noah. Happy Birthday bud!! by Cindy Sharp, on Flickr"><img alt="The many faces of my Noah. Happy Birthday bud!!" height="400" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3901/15087055369_928b389c68_z.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I celebrated my Noah's 22nd birthday this month as well. I have no idea how he got so old, but I am delighted by his friendship. I can't wait to see what the years have in store for him.</div>
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And I got to see my quilts, 5 that I can see in the photo, displayed in the Moda Bake Shop booth at the AQS show.</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/tops_to_treasures/15410875795" title="5 of my quilts playing at the AQS show with Moda Bake Shop by Cindy Sharp, on Flickr"><img alt="5 of my quilts playing at the AQS show with Moda Bake Shop" height="400" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3928/15410875795_c654651df4_z.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I finished off the month with a well deserved three days off, at a quilting retreat with my Mum, and other quilty friends. Thanks to the fine folks at Sunset Retreats for having us.</div>
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Cindy Sharphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04694393041670847676noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7994852479738617308.post-64212744512708350902014-09-02T15:55:00.000-05:002014-09-02T15:55:04.109-05:00August in my rearview<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I'm not sure that this cartoon is completely accurate....there have been moments when I was more like the toddler than like the Mom. Yes, I do enjoy my boys that much!<br />
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August started out with a bang - I finished John's quilt!! Each red petal took about 40 minutes to create from start to finish. There were 180 petals in the quilt. It took two days to custom quilt. And several hours to sew down the binding. That doesn't include piecing the rest of the quilt. I told John that the quilt has 147 + hours of love stitched into it. He needs to make it last.</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/tops_to_treasures/14749829864" title="Ta-done & claimed. by Cindy Sharp, on Flickr"><img alt="Ta-done & claimed." height="400" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2919/14749829864_b8a45242b3_z.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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He helped me with the photo shoot and it took him exactly that long to get it off of the grass and over himself. He (and it) were the first ones to leave the nest this semester.</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/tops_to_treasures/14879587714" title="Home Sweet dorm room. by Cindy Sharp, on Flickr"><img alt="Home Sweet dorm room." height="400" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3917/14879587714_3dd26f81cf_z.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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He is now firmly rooted in the glory that is playing football for a smallish college. Go Tigers!!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/tops_to_treasures/14959796756" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Pre season football by Cindy Sharp, on Flickr"><img alt="Pre season football" height="265" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3839/14959796756_aec7a2deb9_z.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">John is the guy on the right.</td></tr>
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A few weeks later Noah left for his Jr. year at Angelo State University. I didn't get to go with him to help set up his room. He sent pictures. His room is sweet, definitely a step up from his brothers. And we took our parting shots...then went inside and <strike>cried</strike> cleaned. (both are true).</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/tops_to_treasures/14907314292" title="It doesn't get any easier. Noah is off to San Angelo by Cindy Sharp, on Flickr"><img alt="It doesn't get any easier. Noah is off to San Angelo" height="400" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5582/14907314292_a40a4dc28d_z.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
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Just a few days later my baby (he's 16) started preseason work for his Jr. year of high school. Like his oldest brother, Ben enjoys being an athletic trainer.</div>
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It is hard coming to grips with the fact that my boys are going up. It is the right thing to happen. It is normal and good. However, it leaves me feeling a little .... vacant. I'm not sure how to progress with out them about.</div>
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Keeping up with my wonderful quilting friends has helped. This month I quilted 14 quilts (John's is included in the list.)</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/tops_to_treasures/14934755189" title="Aug 2014 in Review by Cindy Sharp, on Flickr"><img alt="Aug 2014 in Review" height="640" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3902/14934755189_04116f05ac_z.jpg" width="385" /></a></div>
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I'm slowly getting the hang of September, being a Mom taxi service again, and having a very quiet house during the day. I might even be starting to enjoy it.</div>
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I hope you are enjoying all of the changes that September brings to your corner of the world.</div>
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Cindy Sharphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04694393041670847676noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7994852479738617308.post-38392906134651214412014-07-31T14:32:00.003-05:002014-07-31T14:32:39.844-05:00July in my rearview<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
After the fireworks fade there is still a lot of summer to be packed into the 31 days that are July.<br />
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Most summers we are roasting by this point and have begun our annual summer hibernation. Not so this year. As I write, it is overcast and raining. The temperature is a mere 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Compared to a norm of highs in the 90s, and our recent past summers of day after day of unrelenting 100s with little to no rain. This feels like the end of the world. In which case, I totally vote for the end of the world as I know it. Bring it on! I've got places to be. (Thank you God for the rain and the cool temps. They are awesome.)<br />
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This month I got to go on a retreat with my Mom. We joined the gang at Happiness is Quilting in McKinney, TX for a four day quilting vacation at<a href="http://greenbriarretreat.com/"> Greenbriar Retreats</a>. All I can say is if you ever get a chance to go visit Judy, do it. Don't think twice. You will have a wonderful time.<br />
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While I was gone my boys painted my studio for me. They erased all traces of their old game room and replaced it with a cheery place for me to sit and work.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/tops_to_treasures/14792978701" title="Studio Collage by Cindy Sharp, on Flickr"><img alt="Studio Collage" height="512" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5583/14792978701_f1726ecbec_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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I had another pattern published on Moda Bake Shop this month! Meet <a href="http://www.modabakeshop.com/2014/07/summer-sand-and-stars-quilt.html">Summer Sun & Stars</a> - pieced by my awesome Mom.<br />
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I don't know what is up next for me and the Bake Shop, but I'll be sure to keep you posted.<br />
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Tops to Treasures quilted 13 quilts this month....one of them my own.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/tops_to_treasures/14796378135" title="Tops to Treasures July 2014 by Cindy Sharp, on Flickr"><img alt="Tops to Treasures July 2014" height="1600" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3917/14796378135_e3d195fb45_h.jpg" width="460" /></a></div>
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And I've managed, I hope, to get my two oldest sons ready to head back to college. I am going to miss my boys, but am excited for them and their new adventures. It will be odd to only have one boy at the dinner table...but maybe he will be able to get a word in edgewise without the competition.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/tops_to_treasures/14552728385" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Noah, Took, & John by Cindy Sharp, on Flickr"><img alt="Noah, Took, & John" height="640" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3896/14552728385_da90759ebc_z.jpg" width="407" /></a></div>
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John has declared his graduation quilt a success....he helped me take pictures of it in the yard (note how green the yard is. This is not normal for this time of year.) Then walked away with it....<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/tops_to_treasures/14749829864" title="Ta-done & claimed. by Cindy Sharp, on Flickr"><img alt="Ta-done & claimed." height="640" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2919/14749829864_b8a45242b3_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/tops_to_treasures/14609533480" title="My Photo Stream-325 by Cindy Sharp, on Flickr"><img alt="My Photo Stream-325" height="480" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3891/14609533480_d8d5880078_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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I hope all of your quilting endeavors this past month have been received with equal enthusiasm.</div>
Cindy Sharphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04694393041670847676noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7994852479738617308.post-27360199325882517212014-07-06T14:35:00.000-05:002014-07-06T14:35:58.544-05:00Summer Sun & Stars<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Summer holds a lot of happy memories for me. I always loved school, but I also loved adventuring and hanging out with my family. That is what summer is for. It is for staying up late, playing outside under the stars, and relaxing on sandy beaches.<br />
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Catalina Batiks by Moda brings all of those happy memories tumbling back to me. The only thing that would make them do it more would be if they smelled like coconut oil and salt air.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/tops_to_treasures/14542789102" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="cover photo.1 by Cindy Sharp, on Flickr"><img alt="cover photo.1" height="640" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3874/14542789102_1167d4c00c_z.jpg" width="546" /></a></div>
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Add to the beautiful fabric my mother's beautiful piecing - check out those wonderfully pointy points - </div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/tops_to_treasures/14542832552" title="cover photo.2 by Cindy Sharp, on Flickr"><img alt="cover photo.2" height="476" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3836/14542832552_839cd28012_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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and Anne Bright's "Paisley Sun" and you get one wonderful quilt!! AND the pattern for the quilt is now available for free on <a href="http://www.modabakeshop.com/2014/07/summer-sand-and-stars-quilt.html">Moda Bake Shop</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/tops_to_treasures/14520712426" title="closing photo by Cindy Sharp, on Flickr"><img alt="closing photo" height="589" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2902/14520712426_1ca421f06f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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It is a great way to celebrate summer...piece it while you are hiding from the heat...finish it to make a wonderful beach throw...or a place to rekindle that summer time warmth during the cold months of winter.</div>
Cindy Sharphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04694393041670847676noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7994852479738617308.post-39539420685454265182014-07-01T14:25:00.000-05:002014-07-01T14:25:56.182-05:00June 2014 in my rear-view... <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
What a wild ride this month has been. <br />
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We had a graduation - my second son, John, graduated from high school. He is on the left in the photo. The boy on the right is my nephew...who also graduated this month.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/tops_to_treasures/14366064040" title="Camera Roll-82 by Cindy Sharp, on Flickr"><img alt="Camera Roll-82" height="640" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3919/14366064040_b06322f918_z.jpg" width="469" /></a></div>
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We had camp - my youngest went to camp for a week in Colorado while the rest of us stayed home and entertained my inlaws...and helped my oldest get over Mono.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/tops_to_treasures/14366119689" title="Camera Roll-75 by Cindy Sharp, on Flickr"><img alt="Camera Roll-75" height="359" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3881/14366119689_a1f8db14cb_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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My two oldest then helped out at our church's vacation bible school.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/tops_to_treasures/14549324561" title="Camera Roll-121 by Cindy Sharp, on Flickr"><img alt="Camera Roll-121" height="559" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3911/14549324561_302d9f8196_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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This was the first time that John helped...after years of his oldest brother telling him that it was fun...John placed in a crew of all girls. LOL As you can see they warmed up to each other by the end of the week.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/tops_to_treasures/14549325041" title="Camera Roll-139 by Cindy Sharp, on Flickr"><img alt="Camera Roll-139" height="640" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5519/14549325041_1eabef7e7a_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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The next week Noah went to camp with the pre-teen ministry. He had a crew of 5th and 6th grade boys to coral. Don't tell them, but his threat of making a 5th & 6th grade head shish-ka-bob on that stake was just a trick to get them to behave. He would never have done it.<br />
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In and out, and in and out, we could have installed a revolving door. All the while I was busy quilting.<br />
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Tops to Treasures quilted 15 quilts this month.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/tops_to_treasures/14366097758" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="June 2014 by Cindy Sharp, on Flickr"><img alt="June 2014" height="640" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3864/14366097758_dc567740f3_z.jpg" width="385" /></a></div>
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One of those is my own...and it will be featured on Moda Bake Shop sometime in the next two months. I'll let you know when.</div>
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I also received a sweet thank you from our friend Chad. </div>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/tops_to_treasures/14114850999" title=""Dovahkiin" for Chad! by Cindy Sharp, on Flickr"><img alt=""Dovahkiin" for Chad!" height="640" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3760/14114850999_677efeea98_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Remember this quilt? My husband and I made it for him. He was so thrilled that he turned around and painted me a priceless heirloom. A Benjamin Satchell original!! (Chad is his middle name)<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/tops_to_treasures/14444863741" title="Thank you Chad!! #minionkitty by Cindy Sharp, on Flickr"><img alt="Thank you Chad!! #minionkitty" height="640" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3886/14444863741_6262ec7181_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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I laughed until there were tears in my eyes. My Minion-kitty now hangs proudly with the mini collection in my studio.<br />
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I hope July is just as sweet....but a little more restful.</div>
Cindy Sharphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04694393041670847676noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7994852479738617308.post-3409082135769123352014-06-16T00:00:00.000-05:002014-06-25T13:19:07.734-05:00S'more Rows.10 Rows & Borders<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<em><span style="font-size: large;">Assembling the top!</span></em></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9UpaRLzHmxVWZKc5RuqdAbepwp5Rs5Pq01r0D-Rc00jLzkStgURV8EduQuF5F9QLjF-pfWHRruGo6gyXD6k3Jub0VT0gpDXHVQJSzx9KZQqxDm6B_jOBXQ-0CKj-eyp6RPv9wplFhX6I/s1600/assemble+rows.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9UpaRLzHmxVWZKc5RuqdAbepwp5Rs5Pq01r0D-Rc00jLzkStgURV8EduQuF5F9QLjF-pfWHRruGo6gyXD6k3Jub0VT0gpDXHVQJSzx9KZQqxDm6B_jOBXQ-0CKj-eyp6RPv9wplFhX6I/s400/assemble+rows.JPG" height="400" width="256" /></a></div>
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Are you as excited as I am? At this point you should have 11 strips of fabric, some pieced, some not, that are 60 1/2" long.</div>
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You know what to do!! Go for it.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3aX8ozOIdlpC8fndBDXQXuwcXgSlvqOAv43BEeK20FUd6JcOOfqgsNI6wnvwuX0wOkBtoO9V8nrLxqRtutMW6y9DkXR5SfJgvsFuSJmnCElr_ki9QNZQIAK3zlkd18g4QjsfPHK1SI1g/s1600/SMore+Rows.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3aX8ozOIdlpC8fndBDXQXuwcXgSlvqOAv43BEeK20FUd6JcOOfqgsNI6wnvwuX0wOkBtoO9V8nrLxqRtutMW6y9DkXR5SfJgvsFuSJmnCElr_ki9QNZQIAK3zlkd18g4QjsfPHK1SI1g/s320/SMore+Rows.jpg" height="320" width="274" /></a></div>
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EEEEEEEK! We are in the home stretch. Measure your top. It should be close to 60 1/2" x 72 1/2".</div>
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For your borders you will need to cut the following pieces...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPyEdyzhyphenhyphenbdYttI9Hwy-jlGyn0-tZTmsLTVyDSpGbN-tXpUD4mHNSS67y-sjPcR6K8qCquuWKKUWBzI2FvPqHV1yetUqSn4hJa6qVZMbkv9kvefJGXuhtzbz_4VXpi8-DXRpYad9LbpGI/s1600/rotary+cutter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPyEdyzhyphenhyphenbdYttI9Hwy-jlGyn0-tZTmsLTVyDSpGbN-tXpUD4mHNSS67y-sjPcR6K8qCquuWKKUWBzI2FvPqHV1yetUqSn4hJa6qVZMbkv9kvefJGXuhtzbz_4VXpi8-DXRpYad9LbpGI/s1600/rotary+cutter.jpg" /></a></div>
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<li>From inner border fabric (I used Bella Evergreen SKU#9900-234)</li>
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<li>cut 7, 1 1/2" x wof strips</li>
<li>cut 4, 5 1/2" x 5 1/2" squares</li>
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<li>From outer border fabric (I used Cars on Cream from the S'more Love line SKU #37071-11)</li>
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<li>My choice was directional</li>
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<li>Cut 4, 5 1/2" x wof strips</li>
<li>Cut 2, 5 1/2" x 62 1/2" - fussy cut along stripe</li>
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<li>Otherwise</li>
<ul>
<li> Cut 7, 5 1/2" x wof strips</li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjBpn8nLJcVX1vk7655eAkPoCVM9YB5M_r8zEoFtQxn212Ty7mw-RwSapkYMQpOabj43M0ICo0nmdPAsmU5z_SceAW_SwJ8OuAGz2bloAwLBLEzwfSPxcNiCqFLFwnZ7tCQfdYGxfasZg/s1600/Needle_Thread.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjBpn8nLJcVX1vk7655eAkPoCVM9YB5M_r8zEoFtQxn212Ty7mw-RwSapkYMQpOabj43M0ICo0nmdPAsmU5z_SceAW_SwJ8OuAGz2bloAwLBLEzwfSPxcNiCqFLFwnZ7tCQfdYGxfasZg/s200/Needle_Thread.jpg" height="200" width="187" /></a></div>
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<li>Attach inner border -</li>
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<li>Gather 7, 1 1/2" x wof strips</li>
<li>Sew 2 sets of 2, 1 1/2" x wof strips together along the 1 1/2" edge.</li>
<li>Iron seam allowance open.</li>
<li>Attach to long sides of quilt top.</li>
<li>Iron seam allowances towards the border fabric.</li>
<li>Trim</li>
<li>Cut 1, 1 1/2" x wof strip in half so that you have 2 1 1/2" x 22-ish" pieces.</li>
<li>Sew 2 sets of 1 1/2" x wof + 1 1/2" x 22-ish" strips together along the 1 1/2" edge/</li>
<li>Irons seam allowances open.</li>
<li>Attach to short sides of quilt top. (If they are too short add the pieces that you trimmed off the long edges until they fit.)</li>
<li>Iron seam allowances towards the border fabric.</li>
<li>Trim</li>
</ul>
<li>Attach outer border -</li>
<ul>
<li>Gather</li>
<ul>
<li>4, 5 1/2" x 5 1/2" squares inner border fabric</li>
<li>5 1/2" x wof strips outer border fabric</li>
</ul>
<li>Measure quilt top.</li>
<ul>
<li>Record dimensions here: ________ x ________</li>
</ul>
<li>Assemble 2 sets of 5 1/2" x wof strips making them 5 1/2" x the length of your quilt.</li>
<li>Attach to long edges of quilt.</li>
<li>Iron seam allowances towards outer border.</li>
<li>Assemble 2 sets of 5 1/2" x wof strips making them 5 1/2" x the width of your quilt as recorded above.</li>
<li>Add a 5 1/2" x 5 1/2" square to each end</li>
<ul>
<li>Iron seam allowances towards the outer border fabric.</li>
</ul>
<li>Attach pieced units to the top and bottom of your top.</li>
<li>Iron seam allowances towards the outer border.</li>
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<em><span style="font-size: x-large;">Congratulations!!</span></em></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">You now have a completed S'more Rows quilt top. Take a picture of it and share it with me on my Tops to Treasures Flickr stream.</span></div>
Cindy Sharphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04694393041670847676noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7994852479738617308.post-21141837043160715562014-06-13T10:17:00.002-05:002014-06-13T10:17:54.080-05:00And the winner is.....<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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It is a fact of life that sometimes things get forgotten....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0tHRg-OA-Wfhx3D9ix5gTPh2ljY27J_heiFc-TEwQzn2j8gTxHKKnTs0AmPl0jwBtCIF-gOYlqrYivW1s5Kty2XHMNAV4zAADeRTvsL_pgkd9bOvR-xbA-EFYaOI9Fr3VeR6PVsVFCto/s1600/Garland.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0tHRg-OA-Wfhx3D9ix5gTPh2ljY27J_heiFc-TEwQzn2j8gTxHKKnTs0AmPl0jwBtCIF-gOYlqrYivW1s5Kty2XHMNAV4zAADeRTvsL_pgkd9bOvR-xbA-EFYaOI9Fr3VeR6PVsVFCto/s1600/Garland.jpg" height="400" width="392" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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....like my promise to draw and announce a winner on 6/12/2014.</div>
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<br /></div>
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A day late isn't too bad. Without further ado, drum roll please......</div>
<br />
<span id="true-random-integer-generator-title" style="background: rgb(204, 204, 255); border: 0px; display: block; font-family: verdana, sans; font-size: 12px; margin: -6px -6px 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">True Random Number Generator</span><span id="true-random-integer-generator-min-span" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: #777777; display: block; font-family: verdana, sans; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><label for="true-random-integer-generator-min" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Min:</label> <input id="true-random-integer-generator-min" maxlength="9" name="true-random-integer-generator-min" style="margin-left: 10px; width: 77px;" type="text" value="1" /></span><span id="true-random-integer-generator-max-span" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: #777777; display: block; font-family: verdana, sans; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><label for="true-random-integer-generator-max" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Max:</label> <input id="true-random-integer-generator-max" maxlength="9" name="true-random-integer-generator-max" style="margin-left: 6px; width: 77px;" type="text" value="100" /></span><span id="true-random-integer-generator-max-button-span" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: #777777; font-family: verdana, sans; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><input id="true-random-integer-generator-button" name="true-random-integer-generator-button" style="display: block;" type="button" value="Generate" /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #777777; font-family: verdana, sans; font-size: 12px;"></span><label for="true-random-integer-generator-result" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: #777777; font-family: verdana, sans; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Result:</label><span style="background-color: white; color: #777777; font-family: verdana, sans; font-size: 12px;"></span><span id="true-random-integer-generator-result" style="background: rgb(204, 204, 255); border: 0px; display: block; font-family: verdana, sans; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0px 0px 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 2px; vertical-align: baseline;">3</span><span id="true-random-integer-generator-credits" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: #777777; display: block; font-family: verdana, sans; font-size: 6pt; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 1px; text-align: right; vertical-align: baseline;">Powered by <a href="http://www.random.org/" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: #777777; font-size: 8px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" target="_blank">RANDOM.OR</a></span><span id="true-random-integer-generator-credits" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: #777777; display: block; font-family: verdana, sans; font-size: 6pt; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 1px; text-align: right; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span><span id="true-random-integer-generator-credits" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: #777777; display: block; font-family: verdana, sans; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;"><b>Commenter #3</b></span><span id="true-random-integer-generator-credits" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: #777777; display: block; font-family: verdana, sans; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;"><b><br /></b></span><br />
<dt class="comment-author " id="c3763751544633946627" style="background-color: white; background-position: 0px 1.5em; border-top-color: rgba(128, 128, 128, 0.498039); border-top-style: dashed; border-top-width: 1px; color: #333333; font-family: 'Cherry Cream Soda'; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 18.899999618530273px; margin-left: -45px; padding-left: 45px; padding-top: 1.5em;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/11949841977876527979" rel="nofollow" style="color: #6699cc; text-decoration: none;">HP</a> said...</dt>
<span id="true-random-integer-generator-credits" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: #777777; display: block; font-family: verdana, sans; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 1px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br />
<dd class="comment-body" id="Blog1_cmt-3763751544633946627" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Cherry Cream Soda'; line-height: 18.899999618530273px; margin: 0.5em 25px 0.5em 0px;"><div style="font-size: 14px;">
I love this fabric and your pattern! I would love the red! Thank you!</div>
<div style="font-size: 14px;">
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HP, I have no contact information for you....so send a response to this notice to claim your prize. Congratulations.<br />
<br />
PS If I do not hear from you I will draw another number.</dd></div>
Cindy Sharphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04694393041670847676noreply@blogger.com1