All dolled up

and no place to go. While my computer goes to see Mr. Fixit, I'll be busy unpacking and trying to get organized. Not to worry though, I'll be back soon.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

Red is a good color for February

It helps chase away the gray-sky days.


Once upon a time, in certain cultures, only royalty was allowed to wear it, as many cochineal beetles were needed to produce the dye.

And of course madder root was used also, but I'm afraid I don't know that history as well. If you do, would you care to share?

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

How 'bout Cheddar and Toast?

I admired Lori's cheddar and crackers so much, I just had to jump in using 2" squares in the 4-patches and 4-3/4" squares of cheddar. Triangles are from 3-1/2" squares cut in quarters. But boy do I miss my design wall, as placing the pinks and blues will get tricky.

Today we have sunshine and "no snow". Tomorrow's predicted high will be 48 degrees - downright balmy. Could spring really be on the way?

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

Sweet treats

Chocolate Brownie Cookies

6 squares Baker's Semi-Sweet baking chocolate or 6 squares Baker's bittersweet chocolate

4 squares Baker's unsweetened baking chocolate

1 teaspoon baking powder

6 tablespoons butter

2 cups toasted chopped walnuts

1-1/4 cups sugar

3 eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla

1 cup flour

1/4 teaspoon salt

Heat over to 325 degrees F

1. Microwave: Chocolate and butter in a large bowl on high for 1-1/2 to 2 minutes or until chocolate is almost melted, stirring halfway through heating time. Stir until chocolate is completely melted and smooth.

2. Stir: Sugar into chocolate until blended. Mix in eggs and vanilla. Stir in flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in nuts. Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls, 1-1/2 inches apart, onto ungreased cookie sheet.

3. Bake: 12 minutes or until set. Do not overbake.

(Makes about 3 dozen)

Quiet beauty

Definitely a good day to stay inside and quilt. I'm working on a new project. LOL . . . somehow I know you're not surprised.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

Ok folks, the novelty has worn off.

It's bright and cheery inside with Amish quilts . . .

. . . but we're getting more snow outside and that's not good. I have things to do and places to go.

And I undestand that Portland, Maine has had to call off it's Winter Festival due to lack of snow.

So, here's the plan. Everybody take their largest oscilating fan and secure it to the roof, facing north. Let's blow this storm back to New England where they can really use it.

Unless of course, you'd rather stay inside and quilt and bake chocolate chip cookies and sew and eat cookies. Hmmmm, never mind. Forget the fan idea. It's probably too slippery on the roof anyway.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

Just a reminder . . .

to all my pals in the frozen north . . .

that the green grass of spring is just around the corner! Albeit, a rather big corner. . . . but a corner nonetheless!

Boy, am I ready for a road trip. Who wants to schedule the bus?

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

Dear John . . . the book was better

Of course I understand movies can't get the depth and perspective that a book does.

But I truly think this one missed the mark.

What's your opinion?

Until then, keep stitchin' . . . .

Dressed to the 9's

Do we gals ever really outgrow pink? It's a color that looks good in frosting, fizzy drinks, or fabric. We love it in roses, tulips, and hyacinths. And it always seems to shout in a quiet way.

If you'd like to shout in a quiet way and provide free mammograms for underprivileged women, click on the breast cancer link and that lil' pink button. It's that easy. And free!

Also, if you click on the animal rescue tab and then the purple button, you'll help feed a furry friend in need.

The internet makes amazing things happen, so click if you care.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

Has anyone seen my purple fabric?

You know, the one with the pink elephants?

I'm sure it's here somewhere. LOL.

When the weather clears and I can get my cabinets moved out of storage, I'll be able to unload my supplies and have a working studio once again. You can bet at the first sign of warmer temps I'll be building my new design wall in preparation for some serious sewing.

Meanwhile, I hope you all have enough fabric to weather this weekend's coming storm. If not do stop by, but bring your ladder. I can probably unearth a piece or two.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

New neighbors

Aren't they beautiful? I know some of you are thinking venison roast, but I just loved watching them walk down my road. They must be getting hungry to come out at this time of the day. If I get corn for them and put it at the corner of my property, how do I keep the squirrels and possums from indulging too. Any ideas?

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .