Now I know why they invented frozen pizza . . .

. . . so there would be more time to quilt of course.

I love the way the 2" border squares add so much punch to the project.

If you decide to use animal prints, stripes, or one way prints, be sure to turn them in different directions to add interest.

Until then, keep stitchin . . .

It's together . . .

. . . except for the borders.

American Patchwork and Quilting Magazine, August 2003 publication. Page 30. Original pattern by Darlene Zimmerman.

My version is a bit smaller than the original, making it the perfect size for covering a lil' darlin' in a car seat or stroller on a chilly day.

Begin with 64 large 4" squares, 49 small 2" squares, and 11 strips cut 2" wide x width of fabric of a solid color.

Be certain to starch the large squares well before trimming down to 3-1/2". Heavily starch and press about 3/4 yard of solid fabric prior to trimming in to strips. Believe me, it makes a big difference in the long run.

If you have any grandchildren coming to visit for the holidays, you may want to prepare 2 sets of pieces. This is a good project for kids as everything lines up so easily. Starching also helps small fingers get a good grip.

Border ideas are in progress so stay tuned and until then, keep stitchin' . . .

A better photo

I hope this helps in understanding the pattern better. Remember you can use either 4" blocks or 3-1/2" blocks. Either will work well. The brighter the better.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

Simple fun

My good buddy L.B. sent me a coordinating squares fabric pack awhile back.

You may remember this pattern from American Patchwork and Quilting by Darlene Zimmerman. I've been meaning to try it for some time now and these colors seemed destined for the idea. I've added a few fun kids prints and hope to have it together tonight . . . maybe.

The large squares are supposed to be 4" cut, but mine are 3-1/2". The small squares are 2". The solid lavender rectangles are 2" x 3-1/2".

I'm not sure how big it's going to be yet. That's what makes quilting such an adventure, you just never know. . . what colors, what size, or even when it might actually be finished.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

Weekend adventures

We have had the most beautiful fall weekend. High 60's with lots of sunshine. Just look at the view from my back porch. Fall colors are really hitting their peak and dropping fast.

If you are a woodsman or know a woodsman, you probably recognize this tool as a froe. It's designed to peel the bark off of logs if you just happen to be building a log cabin.

My dad gave me this one. No telling how old it is. But when the baby copperhead snake decided to show up in my basement this evening, the 4" blade came in very handy. Not that I enjoy killing any creature, far from it; however, the princess puppy was lying not 6 feet away. And you probably don't know this, but baby copperheads carry the full amount of venom that adult ones do. They won't kill you, but it's not a pleasant experience being bit by one, or so I've read.

Since Friday night I've been attempting to come up with an alternate block in coordinating colors for the "basket case." I've played with green ideas . . . .

and red ideas. . . . and even blue. But nothing is working out. So the blocks will go in a baggie for a bit, simmering at the back of my mind. However, if you have any pictures you'd like to send my way of baskets with other blocks, feel free. I can always use a good idea.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . . .

Simple is good

The original pattern by Little Quilts is what I started with. However, their sample used about 6 or 8 different fabrics. And I thought about that . . . even pulled out several. But my brain was just too tired.

So I stuck with 3 coordinating colors, not from any one fabric line, just ones that went together well. And I'm happy with these.

However, now that it's finally Friday !!!!, I have a bit more time to play and so I'm thinking about adding something else. Stay tuned.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

Pink and Lavender

Did you know that Patty's granddaughter, Mei-Ling, is once again going in for surgery? Patty recently requested 6-1/2" blocks using pinks and lavenders.

I wanted to show you the block made with a pattern from Jennifer Chiaverini's site. If you go down to Sampler Gallery on that web page, you'll find access to her patterns. Unfortunately, my square came out at 7-1/8th inches. Yup, I goofed somehow and will have to try again.

Patty mentioned today that she has enough blocks promised for now, but I'm sure prayers and good wishes would still be gladly accepted for her lil' darlin' who has already been through so much.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

Plaid Paws

Opening bin #3 unearthed 19 plaid paw blocks. Each contains 129 pieces. This was begun about 12 years ago. Obviously I had more energy then. And more time. The blocks measure 16-1/2 inches.

Luckily, somewhere there are more tiny triangle units as I need to make one more block. Let's hope I can remember how these went together. My brain is tired just thinking about it. I'll let you know when it's finished.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

More sites to spend time perusing around

The first is McCalls Quilting. And boy is there a lot of stuff to look at. Just click on the titles on the right hand side. Remember, it's a good idea to go ahead and download patterns on to a CD. That way you'll know right where they are.

Now I've never bought anything from Marshall's Dry Goods, but they sure have a lot to choose from.

Last, but not least is Sharlene Jorgenson's site. Just in case you actually have TV, perhaps have seen her show, and were wondering where to find her templates and books.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

(Photo borrowed from International Quilt Study Center - isn't it lucious!)

Just helping out Santa

If you're looking for some easy, cute gift ideas, why not consider a kit from Connecting Threads. Several are on sale right now. And better yet, more free patterns are currently available. How cool is that !

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

(photo borrowed from Intl. Quilt Study Center)

Buyers beware

Do you remember back in June when I began talking about food supplies? What prompted me to reassess cabinet space and focus on stocking up was an article I read which stated that this year food prices climbed 5% and by next year, it would be 9.2%.

A new article has just come out which quotes that food prices will rise an ADDITIONAL 5.5% this year. So may I suggest that when you have time stop in at Rhonda's blog for ideas on simple living. You can also visit CouponMom for printable coupons, free samples, and information on saving.

There are also books on preparedness, home canning, budget meals, meatless meals, etc., which you can borrow through your interlibrary loan system. I'll post some titles of my books later on. Meanwhile, if you can recommend any good books or web sites to help with today's economy, please leave a comment. Knowledge is power and I firmly believe that we can and should prepare for the rough seas ahead.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

(photo borrowed from International Quilt Study Center)

More pattern places

If you hop on over to Perkins Dry Goods, you'll find a some cute patterns, their blog connection, and a free pattern. I tell you, the internet makes shopping so very easy. With Christmas coming, there's no easier way to find something for your favorite quilting pal.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

More ideas

(photo borrowed from Intl. Quilt Study Ctr.)

Just in case blog land has not inspired your creativity enough, here's a wonderful site that showcases quilts AND recipes AND many other fun things. I could spend hours visiting, but I believe my decorating for fall phase is phasing out. Then again, there's always Christmas. Hmmm. . . .

Enjoy and until then, keep stitchin' . . .

Out with the old . . .

Up with the new.



And I'm still trying to decide what else the mantle needs. I did visit a local store this morning and looked at some lovely fall garlands. (But they were $20.00 and that's a bit extravagant I think.) Hmmm . . . maybe some pinecones. I'll have to go squirreling around soon.

Some of my former students will recognize the top picture. If you have Harriet Hargrave's older book, you'll see it in there too. It's almost 20 years old now and I'm still amazed I designed it all in my head without having any real idea as to how I was going to put it all together. Out of all of my quilts, it's the one I'm most proud of. It shows what you can do with just a concept.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

Susan says . . .

that I'm supposed to take the book closest to me, turn to page 56 and type what it says at sentence 5.

But since it's a recipe, I know you'll want to read the whole thing. So here goes, with my apologies to Susan for changing the rules of the game.

Italian Tomato Sauce
(makes sauce for 1-1/2 pounds of pasta)

1/2 cup dry red wine
1 large onion, finely chopped
1 garlic clove, minced or pressed
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 - 28 oz. cans Italian plum tomatoes
1 - 6 oz. can tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon oregano
salt and pepper to taste
pinch of sugar
1 teaspoon garlic powder

Lightly brown onions and garlic in olive oil. In a large stockpot, add pureed tomatoes together with garlic and onions. Add basil, oregano, sugar, garlic powder,salt and pepper to taste to sauce.

Cook for at least 2 hours. Pour in tomato paste and simmer for one additional hour. (The longer the sauce cooks, the better it tastes.) If sauce consistency is too thick, add water.

For meat sauce: Brown 1/2 pound ground beef in frypan; drain and add to sauce with seasoning.

I think I'll pass this on to Karen, Mary, Anne, Patty, and Marcie.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

Stuffin' Your Freezer

I don't know about you, but I've been watching the news all summer. And like you, every time I go to get groceries, it seems something has increased in price. I could do the ostrich dance and stick my head in the sand, but instead I decided to prepare. Didn't granny always say prepare for the worst and hope for the best?

At my local flea market is "produce guy". He sells stuff by the bag. Last weekend I found 4 peppers for $1.00. Now they weren't top quality, but they freeze well. So I bought 4 bags and proceded to chop and vacuum seal. Within 30 minutes, I bagged 2, 3, and 4 cup quantities. It's nice knowing I'll have the ingredients for spaghetti sauce or pepper steak and I won't have to go out in the cold icky weather to shop, spend $187.00 on gas (if it's available), and twice as much for produce!

What will you be freezing for winter?

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .