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' . . .