And you thought I was sipping something cool by the pool

Do you remember this project which I began last summer? It was one of those "get-it-done quick" ideas. You know for a fact that when you leave quilt blocks alone in a box in a dark room, they start multiplying. I guess I should call this my "tribble" project. Many thanks to Karen and Louise for donating weekend time to help with assembling. Also thanks to Sammie, Susan, Diane, Louise, and Kathy for border fabric donations.

Yes, these will be part of the QOV package which will be mailed out before the end of the year. You have my word on it. Where's it going . . . I'll keep you posted. Will there be a give-away contest including the leftover blocks . . . stay tuned. More fun and adventure in quilt land await you.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

Ye Olde Fudge Pan

Recently, I came across my mother's fudge pans. Isn't it amazing how such a simple utilitarian item conjours up smells, tastes, and images of the past. How often do we associate a favorite recipe with women who introduced us to the joys of baking and sharing. And aren't we lucky to have that intrinsic connection of food, laughter, and love.


Tender Fudge Layer Cake (for a 2-layer cake, double the recipe)

1-3/4 cup flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter - softened
1-1/3 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 squares unsweetened chocolate melted or 1/2 cup dry chocolate powder
1 cup ice water

Stir together flour, baking soda, and salt, set aside. In large mixing bowl cream butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla at high speed until fluffy. Stir in chocolate. On low speed add flour mixture with water. Blend well. Pour into well greased 8" pan.

Bake in preheated 350 degree oven for 30 minutes. Cool and frost with your favorite icing.

The Canning Marvel

I bought Lehman's best steam juicer about 8 years ago. If you wish to make jelly, applesauce, tomato paste, V-8 juice, or a New England boiled dinner, then this is the pot you need.

I grew up canning with my parents, who thought nothing of working in the kitchen all day putting up bushels of peaches or tomatoes. No doubt you are familiar with the cheesecloth method of straining fruit to make juice for jelly. This pot simplifies the entire process.

In this area of NC, there are many abandoned apple trees. After obtaining permission from the land owner, I gather a box full. Then they are rinsed, de-stemmed, quartered and tossed in to the colandar part of the pot. Water boils in the bottom section, turning the apples in to juice. Canning jars are heated in the oven and after filling are sealed with hot lids and set aside to cool. The apple pulp then goes through the ricer to be made in to applesauce.

I've also gathered blueberries or blackberries, which are picked through to check for twigs, etc. then rinsed once and tossed in to the colander section. In no time at all, the fruit is steamed in to juice, placed in hot jars, sealed, and saved for making jelly on a cooler day.

This is a great product to cut down on time and mess in the kitchen if you have abundant produce to process. Initially the price is steep, but it's a good investment especially if you have a market for the jelly you sell.

I really should get a commission, but I wouldn't promote this item if I didn't think you'd enjoy it.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

Rings, but not on my fingers . . .

Does anyone know how to remove inside-the-jar brown rings? They've been through the dishwasher's cycle 3 times now. Vinegar and lemon juice maybe? Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Until then, keep stitchin' . . .

Buried treasure

Last weekend I decided to head to South Georgia and bring back some items from storage. For many years, my great grandmother's chair remained seatless. Then a friend gave me four 30-year-old ladderback chairs (all of which needed work). I met a gentleman who was willing to trade the four ladderbacks for one chair-caned seat. And he did a lovely job.

The yo-yo quilt is from my sister who thriftily used every fabric she had on hand in the 1970s. Both items are years apart in the making, but hold that revered bond of family connection.

In this day and age of extreme mobility that connectiveness keeps us anchored. Thank goodness great grandmother had good taste, my mother saved the chair for me, and my sister had time and fabric to create a pattern I'd never attempt.

Until then, keep stitchin . . .