A few projects

This afternoon I found some time to start quilting this smaller quilt that I showed you earlier this month.  I’m just stitching horizontal lines across the width of the quilt without marking it, using my foot and my eyes as my guides.   (I have seen this referred to on several blogs as “organic” quilting.)  I am using a light pink thread for both the bobbin and the upper thread, and although I feel this top says “Easter” to me, I think I will like it when it is finished.  I’ve been auditioning several fabrics for the binding, and I haven’t found anything I like as much as a pure white. 

I also finished up a quick child-sized quilt from some vintage sheet squares.  I have admired these all over blog land, and this is the second one I have made.  The first is a little bigger – more of a lap-sized – but both are tied and self-bound.  They are so soft and cool to sleep with in these hot summer months!

I’ve also been working with my green stash…

The green floral in the middle is from a vintage piece of yardage I found at the thrift last winter.  I love digging through the linen bin and coming up with some great stuff!   I always try to look towards the bottom first, as that seems to be where all the vintage stuff migrates.  I don’t know if it’s because no one around here seems to want it, so it just sinks to the bottom, or if it’s because they are usually smaller pieces and get easily covered up by the huge comforters and such.  I haven’t figured it out,  but nonetheless, I’m happy it’s there for me to find! 

 

I think I will use these as part of a pieced backing.  They are sort of a “free-form” log cabin type block.

 

 

We’ve been enjoying some beautiful weather here today.  It has been very soothing to sit at the machine with the windows open and a light summer breeze blowing through.  I know much of the United States has had its’ fill of incredible heat recently, and I hope  that for those of you dealing with the high temps, relief will come soon.

Happy summer and happy sewing,

-Elizabeth

Custard Pie anyone?

Is anyone in the mood for some pie?  We definitely have been in the mood for something sweet and creamy, so a custard pie it is!   With its’ simple ingredients that are usually in my pantry, and no crust to make, it whips up very, very quickly.  You probably should just go ahead and make one, or maybe two…or even three!  :)

Creamy Custard Pie

4 eggs, slightly beaten

2 1/2 Tablespoons flour

2 cups milk (I like to use undiluted evaporated milk, but you can use whatever you have/like)

1/2 cup white sugar

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

salt

nutmeg (mix in about 1/2 a teaspoon, and sprinkle another 1/4 tsp on top before baking)

Mix all ingredients,  pour into a greased pie pan, and sprinkle with the 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg.  Bake at 375 degrees for approximately 45 minutes or until pie is set in the middle.   A sharp knife inserted in the center should come out clean.  The pie will likely be “puffed up”, but settle as it cools. 

 

A glass of sweet tea, a piece of pie, and a summer evening on the porch – happy times indeed.

-Elizabeth

Weekend Planning

I have yet to replace my pansies as our temps have been mild enough to keep them happy.   I usually fill in my pots and window boxes with some geraniums by the first of June as pansies don’t like the heat.  I just can’t bring myself to pull them out when they are so happy! 

We have two more weeks of school, and the kids are more than ready to be done.  I think Mom and Dad are feeling the same, too!  Lots and lots of activities and open houses and bake sales and field trips and performances and more!  All of which are very good things, but we are all beginning to feel a wee bit stretched.  

I am trying to go into this weekend a little more organized in the meal department so I am gathering the ingredients for a few classic refrigerator salads.  With some chicken breasts on Saturday and a pork roast on Sunday - both done in the crock pot, of course! - I should be set for some easy meals. 

Confetti Carrot Salad

1 lb. carrots, grated

1 (8 1/2 oz.) can crushed pineapple, drained

1/2 cup raisins

1 Tablespoon honey

2 Tablespoons mayonnaise

1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts

2 Tablespoons sour cream

Mix together carrots, pineapple, and raisins in bowl.  Add honey, mayo, and sour cream.  Stir in nuts.  Refrigerate.

Four Bean Salad

1 (14 oz.) green beans, drained

1 (14 oz.) yellow wax beans, drained

1 (14 oz.) dark red kidney beans, drained and rinsed

1 (14 oz.) garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed

3/4 cup sugar

1/3 cup oil

2/3 cup vinegar

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

1 medium red onion, sliced in rings

half a green pepper, chopped (optional)

half a cucumber, chopped (opt.)

In large bowl, combine all the beans and onions (plus optional ingredients).  Mix dressing in separate bowl, and then pour over bean mixture.  Using large spoon, mix to coat.  Chill.

Enjoy!

-Elizabeth

Sight-seeing in the city

Sometimes it’s fun to explore your own back-yard.  While technically the Adams National Historical Park is not in Boston, it is located only a short distance away, in the town of Quincy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

-Elizabeth

Everything’s coming up roses

I wanted to share with you a few photos of my roses.  They are in full bloom right now, and their scent is wonderful.  I love roses!

 

 

We have lived here for three years, and in that time, this bush has nearly doubled in size.  Each year the blooms are more and more prolific.  A few times each growing season, I bury some banana peelings around its’ roots – an old wive’s tale I heard about many years ago.   At any rate, they seem to like it!

 

Remember the oliver + s dress I was making for my niece?  I finished it, and now I need to send it off in the mail.

I am mostly pleased with it.  Although, I will make some changes the next time around.  I used the 18-24 month size which was the smallest size in the package.  The sizing looks to be good, and I like that the loose fit is such that it will be able to be worn with leggings or pants as it gets to be too short for a dress.  I didn’t add the pockets, but for an older child/size, I probably would.  Next time I will not make the  notched “v” neckline quite as deep.  I had difficulty manipulating the fabric around the “v” when attaching the yoke to the dress.  This might not be an issue, however, when using a larger size.  The only exposed seams in this dress are the side seams of the dress.  The pattern suggested using french seams – which I did – and this makes the inside of the dress nicely finished.  All in all, I do like this pattern and will be making it again.  However, the real review will come from my sister-in-law after it gets worn and washed a few times!

I also finished another baby quilt top.  The colors turned out to be somewhat Easter-ish, but I think it will make a sweet baby girl’s quilt.   The lavender and green floral fabric is from a vintage, smock-style apron I found at the thrift store awhile back.  I was able to get twelve six-inch squares out of the back and upper front.  The lower front was not in usable condition, but I do have a little left over for some smaller piecing.  I have another apron, same style, in a different color-way, purchased at the same time, and I believe probably made by the same person. 

Here is a full shot of the quilt top, but the colors are not right.  I had trouble getting good lighting.   The photo above is a much more true representation.   As you can see below, Mrs. Whiskers feels the need to be in the middle of things!

Now I need to pick a backing!  And get some more batting – I’m all out.  Oh darn, looks like I’ll need to go to the fabric store again!   Well, maybe for the sake of peace and harmony in the Morning Glory Lane household, I better check my stash one last time!  ;)

-Elizabeth

Fun Fleamarket Finds

A few weeks ago, I was excited to be able to attend the  famous Brimfield Antique Show.  The vastness of this show/fleamarket is unbelievable.  These are a few of my purchases…

 

Some sewing and needlework books…

 

 

 

Some kitchen wisdom…

And an old sugar bag!  I am going to try and frame this for my kitchen.  It has a few stains, but I like it anyway.

Nothing big, nothing fancy, but a wonderful day all the same.

-Elizabeth