Chocolate In A Mug

I saw these on Terry Atkinson's blog.

Found a cute mug at Coldwater Creek...marked down!

This is a simple gift for a nice man that teaches at the Brettmeister's high school.

I LOVE that moose!

The lining: Figgy Pudding ~ mmmm

The beginning: ~ Figgy Pudding Trees

Molten Chocolate Cake Mugs Try It! it's a great tutorial! Oh and yea, the cake is delish, bake it in the mug, eat, enjoy, etc. etc. (Three of us split one, it was perfect.)

Take Care~~

Quick! Quilt Me!!!

Two projects waiting for that next BIG step...hmmm, how to quilt it, HOW, to quilt it and howtogetitquilted???! Pink and Orange Baby: fun circles, found the tutorial over at LizzyHouse. The circles are a little "involved", but really, the top came together quick. Lizzy's (that's not her real name) quilt "Marble Champ" is produced from her own fabrics. I just made mine a lot smaller.

The Christmas Tree skirt is from Jacquie of tallgrassprairiestudio. The tutorial is at Sew Mama Sew. Actually, I plan to quilt it "just like Jacquie"! I even went out to the paint store and purchased the 2 inch blue painters tape. It doesn't look like a Christmas Tree Skirt yet, but hopefully it will real soon! tallgrass Jacquie is a great quilting/blogging friend. Thanks so much, Jacquie.

Take Care~~

No More Guilt

hopefully, because that's what I felt for posting 'sub par' pictures of the apron on my blog. Let's hope these are better. Guilty also, of not blogging. I love to read them, but not 'do' them... selfish. Guilty and selfish, not feelin' so good...

Take Care~~

Amber's Apron

Engineer daughter wanted an apron! yeah!, maybe that means she'll be engineering in the kitchen soon! We found the perfect apron in Simple Sewing by Lotta Jansdotter. (We were able to get the book through the library system.) Amber picked the fabrics, designed and hand stitched the embroidery motif, and cut out the apron pieces. I sewed it up. It's reversible. (It appears gray, BUT really it is a very pretty Amy Butler green solid.) This apron has a bit of a mod look to it and a very pleasing fit. Hooray, it's done!

Take Care~~

I Made A Little Pouch

Here's the front view (had to pull out my trusty little snap fastening tool).

This is a 'kindle case', at least that's what "The Sometimes Crafter" calls hers. She was kind enough to do an easy to follow tutorial. I don't have a kindle, but I have some other uses for this little pouch. Let's see now, where is that 50 thousand in cash?...I just had it...hmmm, when I find it, this pouch will be bulging with green stuff.

Here's the inside view (lots of Denyse Schmidt goodness).


Here is the back view, can you see, it is already full... ?

Take Care~~

These

OK here they are. I won't lie, I really don't care for the big gerber daisy sitting on the cute baby's forehead, with that tight band going around the wee little head. But these little ditty's are smaller and daintier, for your sweet little baby girl. I've heard they are simple to make. Trim off the band and toe of the sock, crochet up some cute little flowers, add beads if you'd like, stitch it all together and you have a great little baby accessory. Have fun! (see previous post...)

Take Care~~

Have You Seen These?

Oh wait, I guess I don't have anything here for you to see! Why can't I upload pictures on my blog anymore??? I wanted to show a new and cute little item that my blonde friend made. I won't tell, but it involves a little crocheting, a little stitchin' and a knee hi nylon! I'll try another day to upload pictures. In the mean time, I'm getting ready to leave town...again...we've done some traveling of late. One great spot we experienced in our travels was Flathead Lake. Have you been to that area of Montana? Absolutely gorgeous.

Take Care~~

A Little Giveaway

{I've tried to do a post, with no success in uploading pictures!}
This is just a little notice about a giveaway. Sue needs more people to visit...go to Blueberry Buckle! she is giving away a yard of fabric. She has some very pretty Bella solids in the Etsy shop. Enjoy.
Take Care~~

Oh Nine Oh Nine Oh Nine

09/09/09 Today is Utah son-in-law's birthday. He is turning 27 3x9=27...2+7=9 cool huh. Happy Birthday Tanner!!! This little Christmas tree ornament is cut from an old quilt. (This one went to Allie in the birthday giveaway package.)

This 'Grandmother's Flower Garden' quilt was made by my maternal grandmother about 1950, a wedding gift for my mom and dad when they got married in 1951. As you can see in the photo, this quilt got a lot of use. About 10 years ago, mom gave us permission to cut it up to make these little stockings for the grandkids. We gave them out at Thanksgiving Dinner that year. I hope everyone still cherishes their little Christmas stocking. I plan to make a few more this year to give to little ones that have been born these last few years.
Have a good nines day!

Take Care~~~

Birthday Giveaway Winner

Hello all~we have a winner~it's Allie! Congrats Allie! (by the way, I love Allie's "Portholes" stitcheries) Thanks to everyone for your wishes and for entering. (Allie, I sent you an e-mail.)
I had a great birthday, hardly lifted a finger, except to scoop ice cream. Enjoyed yummy Neiman-Marcus cookies from running friend, mints from other running friend (they must think I've been running too fast for them to keep up...), Sees truffles from Mr. Anonymous, and an outing which included a delicious cup of yogurt and Moda fabric at $6.00 per yard! To come: movie tonight with girl friends, tomorrow a bike ride, lunch and free class at the lqs! My camera went away on a back packing trip with family...no pictures~
Take Care.

A Giveaway...For A Birthday

That's about the best I can do for a rhyme...

This week is birthday time for me. Typically I just idley sit by and let them pass. Not this year though. Even tho' this one is not a whole number birthday (52), nor do I have big plans, nor is it special for any one particular reason, I'm simply inclined to have a giveaway. Included in the sweet little package will be CHOCOLATE, a stack of 30 scrappy 5 inch charm squares, a stack of 30 scrappy 6 inch charm squares, a couple of orphan quilt blocks, a dish towel and a Stitchin' Post quilt pattern of which I saw a quilt using Batiks~it was stunning! There will be one other little gem made by my hand from a vintage quilt. It isn't completed yet, but you can certainly bet it will be by Friday, the 4th of September, the day after the birthday. This will be the day I pick the winner...8 a.m. bright and early mountain time on Friday. Leave a comment telling your favorite idea for gift giving or receiving, either one. Let's spread our creativity around.

It's an odd thing growing up, isn't it? When in my 20s, 30s or even 40s, I never even thought about the 50s...didn't occur to me that someday I'd be turning 52!

~~and wouldn't you know it...this kid started his Freshman year of high school today.

Take Care.~~

(U.S. residents for the giveaway only, please.)

Flea Market Fancy

http://sewtakeahike.typepad.com/fleamarketfancyfreaks/

Well, I'm joining the ranks of others in support of this great line of fabric. I do fancy this line of quilting fabrics immensely and have for a long time. Wouldn't it be awesome if Free Spirit Fabrics re-produced Flea Market Fancy and shot out an indefinite number of bolts of this lovely stuff?...all around the world! I'm heading out to a lqs that I know has some Katie Jump Rope fabrics, just to be sure on that one...
These four pieces and a lovely yellow are the sum total bits I hold. I'd love to have a half yard of every piece in each color way. Here's hoping...
~~Take Care.
p.s. Next week I'm sponsoring a giveaway, soooo come back! [it probably won't include any Flea Market Fancy...sorry.:)]

Two Recipes +

Above are players in my new summer love. GRANOLA

I have found this recipe to be the best and easy. One unfortunate discovery: granola is good with chocolate chips! just layer chips~granola~chips~granola, etc. in a little cup, take it to sewing room with you and 'drink' this yummy little snack all lazy summer afternoon long...oh dear.

Granola
3 cups rolled oats
1 cup slivered or sliced almonds
1 cup other desired nuts, coarsely broken
(I use whole raw almonds and walnuts. cashews are good too, peanuts can be over powering.)
3/4 cup shredded sweet coconut
1/4 cup plus 2 T. brown sugar
1/4 cup plus 2 T. maple syrup
1/4 cup vegetable oil
3/4 t. salt
1 cup raisins (optional)
Preheat overn to 250.
In large bowl, combine the oats, nuts, coconut, and brown sugar. In seperate small bowl, combine maple syrup, oil, and salt. (This takes a bit of whisking to get them to hold together.) Combine both mixtures and pour onto 1 large sheet pan. Bake for 1 hour 10 minutes. I stir it a little about halfway through, just gently. Don't let it get too dark. Remove from oven and add raisins. Store in a cute jar that you picked up at IKEA or wherever. This can be doubled. Also, other dried fruits are excellent in it. The best breakfast is a plain yogurt parfait with fresh fruit and this granola. MMMMM! Thanks Albeq. New Mexico sister-in-law for this recipe.
Next:

Lasagna
1/2 to 1 lb. hamburger, brown with some onion
Mix in blender:
2 cups tomatoes
1 can tomato paste (small)
1 pkg. spaghetti seasoning
1 can (t. paste) water
Add this blended mixture to browned meat. Let simmer a few minutes.
Mix:
2 1/2 cups cottage cheese
1 egg
2 generous cups grated mozarella cheese
Layer in 9x13 pan:
one third of meat mixture, place dry lasagna noodles over meat, spoon on half of the cheese mixture and repeat with meat, noodles and cheese. Place remaining amount of meat on top. Cover and bake in 350 degree oven for 1 1/4 hours. Sprinkle a little more grated mozarella on top and place back in oven for 10 mins. uncovered. Enjoy. Family friendly and easy! Thanks to young running partner for this recipe.

I was planning to include a yummy Chocolate Zucchini Bread recipe, but I'm tired!
I found directions for this Colored Pencil Roll in a book! It was pretty fun to make. I was a nice aunt and gave it to my nephew. It's good to have little friends...gotta score points with them when they are young, then when they get old and rich...they'll give you their money.
Take Care~~

Nine Patchin' Away

In entering the nine patch swap with Anina, I received 32 nine patch blocks from other people. I've added many many more, including 12 coming in the mail from dietician daughter! I can't wait to get them. I'm striving for a queen size quilt. The alternating light yellow blocks are an old sheet that I cut up! Talk about Make It Do!

I will take this to a machine quilter, so I hope to keep the total cost of the materials at a minimum. I'd like to impress my guy that I can do this great hobby without breaking the bank for every quilt.

I haven't purchased any fabric, hopefully I can piece a batting, use big pieces from the ol' stash for the backing and binding! This quilt is "needed" for the queen size bed in the guest room that is at present BARE.

Take Care.

p.s. Take a look at daughter's blog, she has some neat finished projects.

Tallgrass Prairie Goods

Pictured here are the fun things I received from Jacquie at Tallgrass Prairie Studio on the spring to finish. The table runner is the zigzag pattern in blue, greens, white and gray. I really love it. My engineer daughter actually came right out and asked me if she could have it! I hope I said no in a sweet manner. I've already used the pot holder a lot, I hope you can't tell...Also included were some great green pieces and a wonderful yellow from the Flea Market Fancy line. Thank you again Jacquie! I'm sure enjoying...
Take Care.

Yellow and Blue

Yellow and Blue for my sister true...
She has wanted a yellow and blue kitchen for a long time. Now she has it. It is fabulous! I got to see it last month. Thought I'd better get her center island"football field"tablerunner done! It is! I love it and hope she does too. Done just in time for her 50th, or...oops 49th birthday on August 10th. This is a design that I kyped from Anina of Twiddletails.

It was fun and easy to quilt on my 35+ year old machine. It is 24" x 62"

I pieced part of the back with square in a square blocks.

It's ok if she sees it here, she picked the fabrics. If you'd like to see the one I made for my table last year, go here.

Take Care~~

You Just Never Know...

what you might see...while driving through the heart of downtown...so keep your camera with you at all times...like in the seat right next to you...

Take Care~~

May~Spring to Finish

Something really good came to pass!
Jacquie really motivated me to get those works in progress finished. For April I had 12 finishes, 5 for May. My name was chosen as the winner for May! Yeah, I'm so excited! I told my guy, "see, now all that sewing paid off!" Yesterday I received a very fun package in the mail all the way from Tallgrass Prairie Studio in the great state of Kansas. My camera is in Alaska with my guys for 10 days, so I can't take a picture of the lovely little table topper, the awesome hot pad and the lucious fabrics I received from Jacquie. (just so happens to be some DS fabric contained therein!)I will post a picture asap. It's was a little odd how I kept feeling and touching these precious things, knowing that it was all created by the quilter extrodinaire that Jacquie is. I feel very fortunate to have some of Jacquie adorning my home. Thank you very much Jacquie, you are wonderful!
Edited to add: DS fabric is Denyse Schmidt fabric. Denyse has designed 2 or 3 lines of fabrics that I'm aware of, I love it all, many others do too. I've heard that Denyse will not be designing anymore. Shucks.

A Class Quilt

Here is Joni. She is a church/quilting friend and all around nice person.

A few months ago, I snagged a few ladies from church to do some quilting with me. The previously posted scrappy pink baby quilt was our project. Several ladies' quilts are half done. Joni, Tonya, Barbara and I finished ours. Joni has since made 2 more quilts! Yeah! I hope the bug bites a few of these great ladies! Pictured below is Joni with a teacher's quilt that she made for her son's teacher at the end of the school year. She purchased iron on paper to transfer the pictures to fabric. She consulted with me once or twice, then took off. She had that thing done in less than a week! I think it looks great! The yellow border fabric has darling bees on it. I've got to find out where she purchased that cute fabric.

Take Care~~

My Blonde Friend

Whelp! she did it. Blonde Friend won a quilt! While shop hopping to a few places here in western Idaho, we put our names in for the drawing at Quilt Expressions for their shop hop quilt and ...yup, lo and behold, Blonde Friend, who says that I win everything and she never does~~DID~! Here she is with her lovely quilt. Honestly, it was the prettiest one we saw, plus the other shops weren't even giving away an item as 'big' as a quilt. Years ago, my guy won a barbeque grill(a nice one). Blonde friend's guy called it our ill gotton grill. Hmmm, I wonder, should I make her feel guilty by calling her quilt an ill gotton quilt??? nope. I wouldn't do such a thing, especially involving something so lovely and her tender feelings.

oops that cupcake is upside down!

Karen, the shop owner is showing the back of the quilt. (I think that fabric is a Heather Bailey print.) Blonde friend is on the right.

Isn't she blonde...err ...a ...I mean cute!

Take Care~~

Whew, "where" have I been?

First off, let's look at some more finishes!

A little Christmas in June. This pillow and runner are a Thimbleblossoms pattern by Camille Roskelley.

I ran onto this little apron pattern over at Patternbee.com and decided to make it up for my niece. Light blue is her favorite color, so picked up this Mary Englbriet fabric and went to work. I hope she likes it.

Scrappy Pink Baby Quilt~I put a flannel back on this, machine quilted it on my old old Singer with wavy loopy lines. Very Very Fun. I seem to like simple simple quilting as I get older. :)

Nine patches sent in May. These are for the swap that Anina sponsored. I can't wait to get mine. We were required to send 16 blocks in May and 16 again in June.

Hot Pads for teacher gifts: I bought a grommet tool and have used it several times now~I've been able to find both gold and silver grommets.

OK, so that is part of 'where' I've been. Otherwise, in a nutshell I've been away dealing with life's challenges...

Take Care~~