tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81892067751383113052024-03-13T11:09:53.228-04:00Six Morning Glory LaneElizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16121079241258951251noreply@blogger.comBlogger115125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189206775138311305.post-71452419953640299162012-06-22T10:06:00.002-04:002012-06-22T10:06:36.916-04:00Thrifting and Sewing and Some Lemonade!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxS8Osntk_HfOUUtg16LnVQ98IJz6SK_y959kWAikNr8JIwBl5B72Ne0K5emeaMOEX95aLxqAH8wIWDcrSjBQCYdxeh8JDAagk1tckBsizNRxGmNXDhh5WGfgD0UxFamOBPrA8oXBze1_7/s1600/Blue+and+White+Quilt.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxS8Osntk_HfOUUtg16LnVQ98IJz6SK_y959kWAikNr8JIwBl5B72Ne0K5emeaMOEX95aLxqAH8wIWDcrSjBQCYdxeh8JDAagk1tckBsizNRxGmNXDhh5WGfgD0UxFamOBPrA8oXBze1_7/s320/Blue+and+White+Quilt.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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This may be one of the best finds of my life.</div>
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<i><b>Two dollars!</b></i></div>
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I am still speechless.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi96oI6zfPV2Bf7Q-b50Yk8D33D8nX6EgeGJcSIsK1UwZdQFDvJho_k7pWrSJhMoZtCc4W5ZF0ZW_Pk7RIL9imuJwTqzokitYVZah4uj8N3IHhXi2tCOxyHXJlPSQf-SaP_XXAZdWQrO2N6/s1600/Blue+and+White+Closeup.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi96oI6zfPV2Bf7Q-b50Yk8D33D8nX6EgeGJcSIsK1UwZdQFDvJho_k7pWrSJhMoZtCc4W5ZF0ZW_Pk7RIL9imuJwTqzokitYVZah4uj8N3IHhXi2tCOxyHXJlPSQf-SaP_XXAZdWQrO2N6/s320/Blue+and+White+Closeup.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Look at the stitching! All done by hand and very,</div>
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very tiny. Even though I am so happy to have given it a new home, there is something sobering about it having ended up at the thrift store in the first place. </div>
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Makes you wonder about the hows and whys.</div>
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Life has been so full these past few months, and when that happens, sewing (and blogging!) </div>
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get pushed to the back burner.</div>
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I needed a quick project to get me back in the swing of things, </div>
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and I have had the <a href="http://oliverands.com/downloads/Oliver+SPopoverSundress.pdf" target="_blank">Oliver and S Popover Sundress</a> saved for a while now. </div>
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It proved to be just the thing. </div>
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Quick, easy, and cute! </div>
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Perfect for my niece</div>
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and </div>
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perfect for her aunt!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirWKI8ZbD2LwU05WUj17xk3Tak5s2DvgKJTw3ONwogQKOYCynsknyHM4lN3cCszEyL5QkmAsiqsBXfmcOjRWrzAc6xu7PyMufLv7Uj3K-a5dUYb_riDegedK6HRYK39-G_cwnNFqjMQLwk/s1600/Sundress1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirWKI8ZbD2LwU05WUj17xk3Tak5s2DvgKJTw3ONwogQKOYCynsknyHM4lN3cCszEyL5QkmAsiqsBXfmcOjRWrzAc6xu7PyMufLv7Uj3K-a5dUYb_riDegedK6HRYK39-G_cwnNFqjMQLwk/s320/Sundress1.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnSMM7L_QwpU8r2wSIZTxMS181M7_SKe7ve9a-GFeYwOw06xths-0qF6Lt7fP7QPGA5sj3NM3C7ODiGWa9GkpGl3HZ6VRCvjep_xLv4IHr7SMQBkne7Ha6TOxsJyXCNiTRDSA7gwhlmi9R/s1600/Sundress2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnSMM7L_QwpU8r2wSIZTxMS181M7_SKe7ve9a-GFeYwOw06xths-0qF6Lt7fP7QPGA5sj3NM3C7ODiGWa9GkpGl3HZ6VRCvjep_xLv4IHr7SMQBkne7Ha6TOxsJyXCNiTRDSA7gwhlmi9R/s320/Sundress2.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Well, summer has arrived, at least for a few days, here in the city. Between the heat</div>
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and the kids home from school, cool drinks are in high</div>
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demand in the MorningGlory household.</div>
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I share this lemonade syrup that is great to have in the fridge. </div>
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<b><i>Lemonade Syrup</i></b></div>
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<b><i>3 cups sugar</i></b></div>
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<b><i>1 cup water</i></b></div>
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<b><i>3 cups lemon juice</i></b></div>
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<b><i>(you can squeeze your own, or the stuff in the green bottle </i></b></div>
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<b><i>works just fine!)</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Combine the sugar and water in a saucepan and bring to a boil.</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Remove from heat and let cool slightly. </i></b></div>
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<b><i>Add lemon juice. </i></b></div>
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<b><i>Mix well and store covered in the refrigerator.</i></b></div>
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<b><i>To use: mix 1/4 cup syrup with 3/4 cup cold water.</i></b></div>
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<b><i>You can adjust the amount of syrup to personal taste. </i></b></div>
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<b><i>This is also great added to seltzer or iced tea!</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Cheers!</i></b></div>
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<br /></div>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16121079241258951251noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189206775138311305.post-16022454366880963652012-05-17T11:28:00.000-04:002012-05-17T11:28:54.776-04:00Can you say willpower?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSbl82_blwjD6YFzCy97DbtkAPdWBr1kgGs8i_x7w3L-ytDiZHArxufsZe9wjgeohAa3EvLK-0-EW6-qOxWZ1DaZeUBmrsC55LJAM_N905rdiILxZLbVgLmUZAhR_tIf7YMxDIzoiscaDB/s1600/Singer+Scholastic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSbl82_blwjD6YFzCy97DbtkAPdWBr1kgGs8i_x7w3L-ytDiZHArxufsZe9wjgeohAa3EvLK-0-EW6-qOxWZ1DaZeUBmrsC55LJAM_N905rdiILxZLbVgLmUZAhR_tIf7YMxDIzoiscaDB/s320/Singer+Scholastic.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Because I obviously can't! </div>
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Yes, this machine called to me from the depths of the shelves, chased after me, jumped in my cart, picked the locks of my car, hid behind the back seat, and then when it thought I wasn't looking, </div>
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slithered in the side door of my house. </div>
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Yeah, that's my story and I'm sticking to it!</div>
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<i>p.s. it sews like a dream!!!</i></div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/248/D0869E5123D20C46584789B7019B174D.png" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-color: initial !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial !important; border-top-width: 0px !important;" /></a>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16121079241258951251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189206775138311305.post-57029396969212060062012-05-01T14:54:00.001-04:002012-05-01T14:54:37.626-04:00May Day Musings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK1oQF1ZQWfbla758SQQz5QCctRSiMBoy2TTS3pPwZmRprXFZ2rrdNyNBcrvvFAuSXGKwJLw3kx1IlikB-_M15I61DpMu_6FixhyHThSMABEhc82562xDLrhsUKXqYh1Puwwe2OGnrX6eD/s1600/Plant+in+teatin.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK1oQF1ZQWfbla758SQQz5QCctRSiMBoy2TTS3pPwZmRprXFZ2rrdNyNBcrvvFAuSXGKwJLw3kx1IlikB-_M15I61DpMu_6FixhyHThSMABEhc82562xDLrhsUKXqYh1Puwwe2OGnrX6eD/s320/Plant+in+teatin.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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It's May Day today, and it's raining. No tiny bouquets of flowers will be delivered to doorsteps in the midst of the rain. Although, here in our part of the world, the rain is much needed. As a child I remember making the woven paper baskets at school and at home, filling them with flowers picked from our yard, and leaving them on the front porches of our neighbors. Somewhere along the way, the tradition slowly disappeared. Even though it wasn't all that long ago, it seems very far away. </div>
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Looking through some photos from this past fall, I came across a couple I snapped with my phone while waiting with my youngest for the school bus. His stop is located near an older, brick building that probably, at one time, was an apartment building for the workers of a local mill or factory. The corner apartment was likely the office or store-front for the building. While standing near this corner store-front, waiting for the bus, I discovered these carvings in the stone and brick-work. Funny to think that there must have been others who stood in the same spot, waiting, too.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgXpvUqRIcfPdxKUi0nDtnNcxcHLK3gWyUBHCGLG_9O33r8KzPHcmOjzkANWcFDfR7r1mhWnSmCYeH0AmrGaZWDDgBpCWEk-ySWW-yChFXmGQq92SEXDQw5A7VoXnQfVbL8kyTJicp_gTW/s1600/Brick+carving+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgXpvUqRIcfPdxKUi0nDtnNcxcHLK3gWyUBHCGLG_9O33r8KzPHcmOjzkANWcFDfR7r1mhWnSmCYeH0AmrGaZWDDgBpCWEk-ySWW-yChFXmGQq92SEXDQw5A7VoXnQfVbL8kyTJicp_gTW/s320/Brick+carving+4.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtM-rp2z5AIE93ZR5xZFUXcRaoEW07BMM1MV2HwLM5GkTYORzvRcof6jGd64SQCxeOz6dpO6U6ZXmkuhw-U7A4WX1HhMg7tPx2S6VnYjpIPRppVVwLO17bB1yLjifSMSkaA7YOSV4GeAWt/s1600/Brick+carving+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtM-rp2z5AIE93ZR5xZFUXcRaoEW07BMM1MV2HwLM5GkTYORzvRcof6jGd64SQCxeOz6dpO6U6ZXmkuhw-U7A4WX1HhMg7tPx2S6VnYjpIPRppVVwLO17bB1yLjifSMSkaA7YOSV4GeAWt/s320/Brick+carving+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/248/D0869E5123D20C46584789B7019B174D.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a></div>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16121079241258951251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189206775138311305.post-80035031020591142912012-04-18T15:59:00.000-04:002012-04-18T15:59:23.591-04:00A Baby Gift<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB0ba96i_MTrRPqFZPL4n0KC52YBxWd1ibSgiTkiPEzPgwmaG1fKDzHyCnOIQW3nFltigImNwNuNTMi5C6xQuzSdfLGA0DuAJMB9q1xzpwVfsXE7NaCyj_Z7eeh1oC2d5T0VCVOcHU-zB2/s1600/Burp+pads+and+booties.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB0ba96i_MTrRPqFZPL4n0KC52YBxWd1ibSgiTkiPEzPgwmaG1fKDzHyCnOIQW3nFltigImNwNuNTMi5C6xQuzSdfLGA0DuAJMB9q1xzpwVfsXE7NaCyj_Z7eeh1oC2d5T0VCVOcHU-zB2/s1600/Burp+pads+and+booties.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Another friend recently had a baby boy, so I spent some time this weekend sewing and knitting a little set to send to the new parents:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">two burp pads,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">a tiny pair of knitted socks,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">two matching bibs,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">a Waldorf-style stuffed toy,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBU6fZhtnNxi4XHvOK19PDpxdCOMvmEjhoPq9tcnJNj0iPug2Sh6UZ48FIsG4vhSb9I-1WNtlEBG8wc2-xqZ235rSr2WzTyREt1wNRtVHF8klqYTpky_1Nq98teDEMkU1joesYHerZcZPD/s1600/Waldorf+style+toy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBU6fZhtnNxi4XHvOK19PDpxdCOMvmEjhoPq9tcnJNj0iPug2Sh6UZ48FIsG4vhSb9I-1WNtlEBG8wc2-xqZ235rSr2WzTyREt1wNRtVHF8klqYTpky_1Nq98teDEMkU1joesYHerZcZPD/s1600/Waldorf+style+toy.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">a copy of the infamous <i>Dangerous Book for Boys</i>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2rlVZFYnN94uz73QrF2KqII4puxgPLIcKCVywuQCge2CUWvRoovjdPewwOLjP6e4xGTLDsFtur4dsPANkzwvjguEkTZQUb_AljKqrZiqSnE0hg4bkzqkm7xDB1ZX2wfJLtzOL8zloZXQn/s1600/Baby+Boy+Gift+.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2rlVZFYnN94uz73QrF2KqII4puxgPLIcKCVywuQCge2CUWvRoovjdPewwOLjP6e4xGTLDsFtur4dsPANkzwvjguEkTZQUb_AljKqrZiqSnE0hg4bkzqkm7xDB1ZX2wfJLtzOL8zloZXQn/s1600/Baby+Boy+Gift+.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Into the mail they go, and hopefully on their way to bring a long-distance welcome to a </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">sweet, baby boy and his parents.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/248/D0869E5123D20C46584789B7019B174D.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16121079241258951251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189206775138311305.post-53516439386091581852012-04-11T15:07:00.001-04:002012-04-12T09:52:04.433-04:00Easy, Breezy, Knit Washcloth<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It's been a while since my last post! I've been keeping busy with kids' schedules and spring activities. We had a wonderful Easter here at Morning Glory Lane. We celebrated with a family dinner on Saturday, church on Sunday, and lots and lots of chocolate in between!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have been squeezing in some sewing and some yarn goodness where I can. Some projects require more thinking than others! I like to always have an easy, no-brain-required, project at hand for those times when I'm just too tired to think. For me, these easy knitted washcloths fit the bill. I like to have a steady supply of these around for gifts, and I also try to have a few in my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/sixmorningglorylane" target="_blank">Etsy shop</a>. This pattern has been around</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">forever, made by grandmas and moms all over the world, but I thought I'd do a quick write-up for those of you who may be new to the knitting bug, or who might enjoy a trip down memory lane. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYVGn8iZyhAQ7l-nrypztOQhXE6smocvR3tlm1yZApc_1x2p1GJPIorGOF1YEVEJv6L8DOuBUA6K0LEcotoBNRB_u2h4h932UUnJJa7antei4awrYr4YAFs9H_uusIlvZu2xjU9C4IcHaf/s1600/photo-58.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYVGn8iZyhAQ7l-nrypztOQhXE6smocvR3tlm1yZApc_1x2p1GJPIorGOF1YEVEJv6L8DOuBUA6K0LEcotoBNRB_u2h4h932UUnJJa7antei4awrYr4YAFs9H_uusIlvZu2xjU9C4IcHaf/s320/photo-58.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Easy, Breezy, Knit Washcloth (knit on the diagonal)</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br />
</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Use a cotton yarn and an appropriate sized needle. For Peaches -n- Creme yarn, I use a size 7 needle. Switch up or down a size to adjust to yarn weight and to find your personal preference. Some people like a very tight washcloth, and others like them loose and squishy!</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br />
</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Cast On 4</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>First Row: Knit</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Row 2: K 2, YO, K2</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Row 3: K2, YO, K to end</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Row 4: K2, YO, K to end</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Continue in this pattern until you have 45 stitches on your needle.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Now you will begin the decrease.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>K 1, K2 together, YO, K2 together, K to end</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Continue in this pattern (K 1, K2 together, YO, K2 together, K to end) until you have</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>4 remaining stitches on your needle.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Bind off, weave in ends, and enjoy your new washcloth!</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br />
</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQhojr48Ip0o8Pugp_hWwjRVnleMy3dGPnwxKcYVPVrfo17unhVWjuWZwAvhMj4WbNKm3OvpIBmgWnOqW4ZDXIuXt53Q3ZHxhYVoxK-3Cj-ywt2cmgdMu5g4bcNsOJBtcYiAOT5qKbejEm/s1600/photo-59.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQhojr48Ip0o8Pugp_hWwjRVnleMy3dGPnwxKcYVPVrfo17unhVWjuWZwAvhMj4WbNKm3OvpIBmgWnOqW4ZDXIuXt53Q3ZHxhYVoxK-3Cj-ywt2cmgdMu5g4bcNsOJBtcYiAOT5qKbejEm/s320/photo-59.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br />
</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Happy Knitting!</i></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/248/D0869E5123D20C46584789B7019B174D.png" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-color: initial !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial !important; border-top-width: 0px !important;" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16121079241258951251noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189206775138311305.post-10015683931640198482012-03-20T12:03:00.001-04:002012-03-22T13:59:22.130-04:00Digging for Treasure<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5hUDKO3OxaPMpJ9z4Yy4C_apleD6NXUdfdozO1sVIMGLxzYSz8cwwZoMyXpliwF2itRkFP54qv0k8uHO1dc9_Z6gj-MgI9-Y5sj-PeFa3xtPdM1GAmQ5fyyzpk7RihwexhyfVpUrJzC_b/s1600/Embroidered+Linens.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5hUDKO3OxaPMpJ9z4Yy4C_apleD6NXUdfdozO1sVIMGLxzYSz8cwwZoMyXpliwF2itRkFP54qv0k8uHO1dc9_Z6gj-MgI9-Y5sj-PeFa3xtPdM1GAmQ5fyyzpk7RihwexhyfVpUrJzC_b/s320/Embroidered+Linens.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I found some thrifty goodies recently. A couple of linen table runners with embroidery and lace insertion.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFjnFQ3xBLh_fXIh7yCZsKqK_Mxx_AAbJ1yhYCeQcIxxhtV81M8-EtjgQ-wzyZoClk6GjAuq3LsL4Ve4GcScuknSyw_rEPKrzQTPslusLe-yfEIJxUj-qr0oofCaqy1V_a8u3vtHsMUJA_/s1600/Lace+and+felt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFjnFQ3xBLh_fXIh7yCZsKqK_Mxx_AAbJ1yhYCeQcIxxhtV81M8-EtjgQ-wzyZoClk6GjAuq3LsL4Ve4GcScuknSyw_rEPKrzQTPslusLe-yfEIJxUj-qr0oofCaqy1V_a8u3vtHsMUJA_/s320/Lace+and+felt.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Some old, deep-ivory colored lace, pipe cleaners, and royal blue wool felt.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpP0lSaeKgDSy11F9vDw2YqSNLsagy1pjzfuhxi8n1uqScBWDm6I9jQ5DRT28AgFPfaO8AI5YzEGVGYuCBB3o-aTHIkR_XkNyPCSQ24CauAfrT40pthpLghmnEra7JvnERPCs9Mr2SCTc-/s1600/Ric+rac+and+binding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpP0lSaeKgDSy11F9vDw2YqSNLsagy1pjzfuhxi8n1uqScBWDm6I9jQ5DRT28AgFPfaO8AI5YzEGVGYuCBB3o-aTHIkR_XkNyPCSQ24CauAfrT40pthpLghmnEra7JvnERPCs9Mr2SCTc-/s320/Ric+rac+and+binding.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A basket full of vintage bias tape, rick rack, and seam binding. The polka dots and stripes are great!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4zysBr_-l4T7V1fvxAkCth0w0_psLei9x73PTfVcwGQjeNCH-hdZYYEebD2oQCL1UYrGyRVJdvFhyn2pVqZfjBHQe5t7Xzex_DJynzyuwYktn6cZ_WfN0v3dULq34VGJ6MJMXhCzGgy0S/s1600/Ric+Rac+and+Fat+Quarter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4zysBr_-l4T7V1fvxAkCth0w0_psLei9x73PTfVcwGQjeNCH-hdZYYEebD2oQCL1UYrGyRVJdvFhyn2pVqZfjBHQe5t7Xzex_DJynzyuwYktn6cZ_WfN0v3dULq34VGJ6MJMXhCzGgy0S/s320/Ric+Rac+and+Fat+Quarter.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A fat-quarterish piece of vintage fabric, and some HUGE rick rack! It doesn't appear to be cotton, probably used in upholstery or home dec, but it is amazing stuff!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYnsXWg0JBIM1BMK5b4ZYYnbFAhLjT_x3AVewIh5Sdq9ZlqDLi5uRVoPMeW7lrs8akAyzLpCu3-b6f6qQvDj5gZ-_FLekUF8DEby_RE-UxDEgZcap8LZhOqrK1VbpYj9rNBAnTS2HuNizG/s1600/potholders+and+ticking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYnsXWg0JBIM1BMK5b4ZYYnbFAhLjT_x3AVewIh5Sdq9ZlqDLi5uRVoPMeW7lrs8akAyzLpCu3-b6f6qQvDj5gZ-_FLekUF8DEby_RE-UxDEgZcap8LZhOqrK1VbpYj9rNBAnTS2HuNizG/s320/potholders+and+ticking.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Some vintage ticking, a green colored wooden spool, and two rather tattered potholders. The potholders have seen a lot of use, but I fell in love with the patterns. The ticking was looking a little worse for wear as well, but I have since washed it, and it came out looking bright and clean.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">All of these were stuffed in a box at my local thrift shop - I paid less then $1.50 for the whole lot! sometimes digging a little can turn up some nice surprises!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Edit post to add, I'm linking this up with Elizabeth's <a href="http://piecefullife-elizabeth.blogspot.com/2012/03/vintage-quilt-thursdaybow-tie-quilt.html" target="_blank">Vintage Quilt Thursday!</a></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/248/D0869E5123D20C46584789B7019B174D.png" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-color: initial !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial !important; border-top-width: 0px !important;" /></a>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16121079241258951251noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189206775138311305.post-83466944976714737112012-03-16T10:04:00.000-04:002012-03-16T10:04:06.336-04:00A Bowlful of Pom-Poms<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIFINBRKxwDG-neBqU_VQ1uLkQGH6tbh4bB64vpZgyUWFha3sz7Qqxgi8tkcAgv9PKJcYOxd-sJRl0rSVX6v9PXZYQl5IapFdjv7_2l-v_lBl7mzlhphmCKgNOLUP2EnQ9hdrxx-aWThnf/s320/photo(2).JPG" width="320" /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I've got crocus all over my yard right now. Purple and yellow and white. Spring might actually be here! The weekend is supposed to be sunny and warm - I can't wait!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It's been a busy couple of weeks around here, and as such, not much sewing - or blogging for that matter - has gotten done. The girls and I have a few of the Clover pom-pom makers and when we have a few minutes, it's been fun to wrap some yarn. It can be a little addicting, though!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpW935iTa3sAFs0ZiyCQMLdhMj-wfm8RsXtiUJkBFxslJOdPplZiqHbaXAc5jkri_cUnUDWFrZrIswu5DLChZxbHfYLenACVD2a3Z_H8N4cBTxXVeh6fu6x45GSva54S9_gjBG3i_Mx6y3/s1600/photo%25283%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpW935iTa3sAFs0ZiyCQMLdhMj-wfm8RsXtiUJkBFxslJOdPplZiqHbaXAc5jkri_cUnUDWFrZrIswu5DLChZxbHfYLenACVD2a3Z_H8N4cBTxXVeh6fu6x45GSva54S9_gjBG3i_Mx6y3/s320/photo%25283%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I have no idea what we will make with all of these. I was sort of toying around with the idea of a bunting of sorts that we could use at birthdays and parties. We'll have to see. I saw that Clover also makes a heart shaped maker - how in the world does that work?!? I have to admit when the tool came out, I was a little skeptical. I mean, really, it is pretty easy to just wrap yarn around a circle of cardboard to make a pom-pom. But, I am admittedly a convert now. We have them in three sizes. The extra large one is great, and makes some impressive pom-poms, but it takes quite a lot of yarn! If nothing else, they are fun to use!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hope it's getting warm in your neighborhood, too! Happy Friday!</div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/248/D0869E5123D20C46584789B7019B174D.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16121079241258951251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189206775138311305.post-51961160979387890092012-03-05T21:51:00.000-05:002012-03-05T21:51:11.854-05:00Gardening Thoughts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOdDFb75klSKR1MlR6nNuro3UpLJ60SBoe6PrSDmsga2_GKtxlYNiF0P4y23XwDUhl8X13k9r4P05ym1IFgMdQJaUYw7sPHxMjV9Z5LqYp8fZhqQ-RiUJW6ROo-CsbY-HqtskX04vU2J8F/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOdDFb75klSKR1MlR6nNuro3UpLJ60SBoe6PrSDmsga2_GKtxlYNiF0P4y23XwDUhl8X13k9r4P05ym1IFgMdQJaUYw7sPHxMjV9Z5LqYp8fZhqQ-RiUJW6ROo-CsbY-HqtskX04vU2J8F/s320/photo.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">With all this warm winter weather we've had, I am looking forward to doing some spring time planting in my little garden space. Truth be told, it's really more of a container space. Last year was our first summer in this house, and some of my tiny garden didn't do as well as I hoped. This year, I am hoping to learn from last year and improve my results. I have a lot of shade, so I'm going to need to move my containers around to best maximize the sun. I'm currently on the lookout for some great make-do planters at the thrift store. </div><div style="text-align: center;">I have found some great ideas at <a href="http://lifeonthebalcony.com/category/how-to/frugal-container-gardening/" target="_blank">Life on the Balcony</a>. I like to have some flowers too, but buying a couple flats of annuals can be pretty pricey. I usually wait until they are marked down, but then I don't always get the largest plants and they just never seem to quite catch up in size. I don't have the space, or enough sunlight, inside to start my own seedlings, so I'm trying to come up with a solution. Any ideas? </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Happy springtime dreaming!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/248/D0869E5123D20C46584789B7019B174D.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a></div>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16121079241258951251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189206775138311305.post-22487661108940634762012-02-29T16:17:00.000-05:002012-02-29T16:17:10.760-05:00A Giveaway!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqnLen7XMkwzAcZt760teV5kxZbjJMrEslhVwk1jo1G7F2vCuZ6Zi1m1VRaLONQfITlthHYelUbn_k0C327o_gyaAXrR_OUr0e3Ujh0Ix24OsNXoM1nRwyVLPy7l7cirBSvsl-esMwekgy/s1600/Sonoma+Rose+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqnLen7XMkwzAcZt760teV5kxZbjJMrEslhVwk1jo1G7F2vCuZ6Zi1m1VRaLONQfITlthHYelUbn_k0C327o_gyaAXrR_OUr0e3Ujh0Ix24OsNXoM1nRwyVLPy7l7cirBSvsl-esMwekgy/s320/Sonoma+Rose+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I was very fortunate to be given a copy of <a href="http://elmcreek.net/" target="_blank">the new Elm Creek Quilts Novel</a> to be used in a give away promotion. I know it's a small group of us here, but that just makes your odds all the better! Leave me a comment, and let me know if you have read any of the other novels in the <a href="http://elmcreek.net/" target="_blank">series</a>. I will pull a random comment on Thursday, March 8. Good luck!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/248/D0869E5123D20C46584789B7019B174D.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a></div>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16121079241258951251noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189206775138311305.post-24170091575908848272012-02-27T21:32:00.000-05:002012-02-27T21:32:40.316-05:00Kitchen Experiments<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W8corXuWf9s/T0vgU5VyEFI/AAAAAAAAAsA/hJU05U_2Pb0/s1600/Coffee+Cake+mix.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W8corXuWf9s/T0vgU5VyEFI/AAAAAAAAAsA/hJU05U_2Pb0/s320/Coffee+Cake+mix.jpg" width="320" /> </a></div><blockquote class="tr_bq"><blockquote class="tr_bq"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Recently, on Saturday mornings, I have been experimenting in the kitchen. I am trying to recreate the type of coffee cake you find at your local coffee shop or bakery. I <i>love</i> that sugary, buttery streusel that is sometimes nearly half as thick as the cake itself. I really wanted to try and make my own at home, so I started by looking for any coffee cake recipes with super thick streusel. I found one, and tried it out, but the cake part was a bit on the dry side. The streusel, however, was nearly perfect. I decided to try and swap out the streusel recipe from one of my own tried-and-true coffee cake recipes with this new streusel recipe. </div></blockquote></blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-znufi3cPSR0/T0vgS3Q93BI/AAAAAAAAAr4/XSFVWT1fB30/s1600/Coffee+Cake+batter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-znufi3cPSR0/T0vgS3Q93BI/AAAAAAAAAr4/XSFVWT1fB30/s320/Coffee+Cake+batter.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>So, the next Saturday, bright and early, I made Coffee Cake #2. Unfortunately, it didn't work. The bottom cake bubbled up and through the topping, and it took way too long to bake. It tasted good, but certainly wasn't pretty - more importantly, it wasn't what I was trying to recreate. On to Round Three. I tried yet another coffee cake recipe with the new streusel, and still no luck. Last weekend, I took a break - much to my family's dismay. Next week, it's back in the saddle.<br />
<br />
Here 's my tried-and-true coffee cake, before the streusel swap! Even without a super thick streusel, it's still a great cake, and can make your Saturday morning pretty special indeed.<br />
<br />
<b><i>Buttermilk Coffee Cake </i></b><br />
<b><i>2 1/2 cup flour</i></b><br />
<b><i>1 cup brown sugar</i></b><br />
<b><i>3/4 cup white sugar</i></b><br />
<b><i>1 teaspoon cinnamon</i></b><br />
<b><i>1/2 teaspoon salt</i></b><br />
<b><i>3/4 cup butter </i></b><br />
<b><i>Mix the above ingredients until crumbly, and remove 1/2 cup of the mixture to reserve for streusel. To this, add 1/3 cup chopped nuts. </i></b><br />
<b><i>To the original crumb mixture, add:</i></b><br />
<b><i>1 teaspoon soda</i></b><br />
<b><i>1 teaspoon baking powder</i></b><br />
<b><i>In small bowl, mix :</i></b><br />
<b><i>1 egg</i></b><br />
<b><i>1 cup buttermilk</i></b><br />
<b><i>Add half of the milk mixture to the crumb mixture, and beat at medium speed for 2 minutes. Add the remaining milk mixture, and beat for an additional 2 minutes. Pour into a greased 9x13 inch baking pan and sprinkle with the reserved nut streusel. Bake at 350 degrees for approximately 30-40 minutes.</i></b><br />
<br />
<b>Warmly,<i> </i></b><br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/248/D0869E5123D20C46584789B7019B174D.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16121079241258951251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189206775138311305.post-34548865395154548212012-02-13T13:28:00.000-05:002012-02-13T13:28:53.996-05:00It's a Basket!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0jRDqvyA3rJfU4w0XW3RVRzyckh8hQ_ARgyKsEQES9tEiXv59OGrJk_qI31CEtD5qyf-cxXbOBLNqDkhEtJX5VcGMwVzj6IJe4Te_VmwS52fOQoPPyRm5QqU8ilRWNN5klTuQqhRjWAVL/s1600/Blanket+Basket+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0jRDqvyA3rJfU4w0XW3RVRzyckh8hQ_ARgyKsEQES9tEiXv59OGrJk_qI31CEtD5qyf-cxXbOBLNqDkhEtJX5VcGMwVzj6IJe4Te_VmwS52fOQoPPyRm5QqU8ilRWNN5klTuQqhRjWAVL/s320/Blanket+Basket+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I got really, really lucky and found this beautiful blanket basket at the thrift store recently I almost missed it as it had been discarded on the floor and pushed to the side with other castoffs tossed in and around it. I have been looking for one of these for a <i>long</i> time. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd5lN1D9PHNB9VQX4i1N9rjPoj49orgoLXFN4Y0oYQLkfopSjeiv3AqB4RaHBFFnU9q0xSHb1HrEgkGByzNh5JhlTvXqpe2A40HQEg4sDOF_jYphBGYN-LUnwW-WEzCHpRSw3MAvZmLNgQ/s1600/Blanket+Basket+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd5lN1D9PHNB9VQX4i1N9rjPoj49orgoLXFN4Y0oYQLkfopSjeiv3AqB4RaHBFFnU9q0xSHb1HrEgkGByzNh5JhlTvXqpe2A40HQEg4sDOF_jYphBGYN-LUnwW-WEzCHpRSw3MAvZmLNgQ/s320/Blanket+Basket+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It's worn and weathered, but, to me, it is perfect.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2y7twKa_7hVhv23R7TBpnnpjvoTh7bv3zZ6AM8awCgxc9xL4ugXR01ClrzLrnx3g6mp9DIZJyvzqDSl-XcYEDrJiFTtd-vhyNXNagSEBNzeJu-V58abkD9pq3mASB0l5ZJiJc45etabdu/s1600/Blanket+Basket+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2y7twKa_7hVhv23R7TBpnnpjvoTh7bv3zZ6AM8awCgxc9xL4ugXR01ClrzLrnx3g6mp9DIZJyvzqDSl-XcYEDrJiFTtd-vhyNXNagSEBNzeJu-V58abkD9pq3mASB0l5ZJiJc45etabdu/s320/Blanket+Basket+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now that it is home, I can't wait to fill it full of quilts!</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Warmly,</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/248/D0869E5123D20C46584789B7019B174D.png" style="-webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-color: initial !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial !important; border-top-width: 0px !important;" /></a></div>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16121079241258951251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189206775138311305.post-89395084245745258592012-02-09T09:36:00.000-05:002012-02-09T09:36:31.752-05:00Looking For a Few Good Snacks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQCuGPVPsaBt2ZDXxBfhyphenhyphenKpEYcQGL6rdcTDcbGmqg6ObAMzRD424iUhOAvAlLZlUPGxEiTHha-A0bJp4H0WHH9vUNxgL2N5AU7T16gnX2g5D3zmDWkyIe4nuY6XAhsLQKANhWpLhXILKVE/s1600/Popcorn+Haystacks+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQCuGPVPsaBt2ZDXxBfhyphenhyphenKpEYcQGL6rdcTDcbGmqg6ObAMzRD424iUhOAvAlLZlUPGxEiTHha-A0bJp4H0WHH9vUNxgL2N5AU7T16gnX2g5D3zmDWkyIe4nuY6XAhsLQKANhWpLhXILKVE/s320/Popcorn+Haystacks+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><b>Popcorn Haystacks</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1 quart popped corn (no butter or seasonings)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1 cup peanuts</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">3 oz. Chow Mein noodles</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">12 oz chocolate chips</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Mix popcorn, peanuts, and noodles in large bowl and set aside. Melt chocolate chips in microwave and pour over popcorn mixture. Drop spoonfuls into paper cupcake liners, and refrigerate until firm. Store in covered container. Makes approximately 24.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>*I doubled the recipe and used a variety of cupcake liners and candy liners.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br />
</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Next on deck...<a href="http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Popcorn-Nut-Treat" target="_blank">Honey Nut Popcorn!</a></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/248/D0869E5123D20C46584789B7019B174D.png" style="-webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-color: initial !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial !important; border-top-width: 0px !important;" /></a>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16121079241258951251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189206775138311305.post-69710090226123925202012-02-06T14:28:00.000-05:002012-02-06T14:28:22.234-05:00Snowballs from Feedsacks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwa094AQKPjCMyK3eiOXduSmbeLQ2VSZtJ8FEvFMoEkBj4P9YYrBrXC5McyLIqzdIY5V3Vb9Uc3ourLmOZOyGN-0B5eUXB_Z3JK_8TPK4yVSgUUjngTIB1vq2Fy4_6oZ9heIpeZSxLiKTO/s1600/Red+and+Green+Snowball+blocks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwa094AQKPjCMyK3eiOXduSmbeLQ2VSZtJ8FEvFMoEkBj4P9YYrBrXC5McyLIqzdIY5V3Vb9Uc3ourLmOZOyGN-0B5eUXB_Z3JK_8TPK4yVSgUUjngTIB1vq2Fy4_6oZ9heIpeZSxLiKTO/s320/Red+and+Green+Snowball+blocks.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I made these stacks of snowball blocks at least two January's ago, and that's as far as I got with them. The green and red prints are from some feedsacks given to me by my husband's grandmother. The soft, white corners are from flour sacks she gave me, too. My intent was to lay them out, alternating colors, for a Christmas quilt. As you can see, they still sit quietly, waiting. I don't know what made me pull them out this week, but for whatever reason, they are speaking to me now. Seems sort of silly with Christmas over, but who am I to argue when inspiration strikes? And who knows, maybe my interest will wane, but for now, I'm going to follow the call of the feedsacks.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/248/D0869E5123D20C46584789B7019B174D.png" style="-webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-color: initial !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial !important; border-top-width: 0px !important;" /></a></div>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16121079241258951251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189206775138311305.post-45016254984783931952012-02-03T14:36:00.000-05:002012-02-03T14:36:28.529-05:00A Gift for Baby<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwltczBFo5DnognOYg7Q_16x38jJFw3_wz1gRkKbmGZi7TRQEMbE_Wezep6_vqtNEb3jIAIb7BfMwECGt9aP0U3QrDjZL-9MOVqG-TVd5N5WX2Y4hmVmQ18b0XPEueQT4uvq_hkwbZF553/s1600/Baby+gift.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwltczBFo5DnognOYg7Q_16x38jJFw3_wz1gRkKbmGZi7TRQEMbE_Wezep6_vqtNEb3jIAIb7BfMwECGt9aP0U3QrDjZL-9MOVqG-TVd5N5WX2Y4hmVmQ18b0XPEueQT4uvq_hkwbZF553/s320/Baby+gift.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I finished up this baby set a week or so ago, and am just now getting it in the mail. Running to the post office around here can sometimes be quite a chore. Some weeks it fits seamlessly into our routine, and other times, not so much. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> The parents are close friends of ours, and this is baby #4 for them as well. I love, love, love vintage children's prints, and this one from <a href="http://www.quiltingtreasures.com/content9452.html" target="_blank">The Little Engine that Could</a> is so sweet. The Little Golden Books will forever remain classics. Somehow they manage to seem vintage even when they are brand new. And I love that you can still usually find them at the grocery store, just as I did growing up. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1KsYkhKUQ3alOJHe9w03Ph9BH6zv11clGzNnLpaWMJua7tNAy4nTI3y-Wh3N9HKx_2AcOolf6IjmdZPpCidTcKhwvVFHOdvjljQTz8xTO160QEOG_m4YN55r_z8cPE-NRN7EtzMrjXhn0/s1600/Train+cot+quilt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1KsYkhKUQ3alOJHe9w03Ph9BH6zv11clGzNnLpaWMJua7tNAy4nTI3y-Wh3N9HKx_2AcOolf6IjmdZPpCidTcKhwvVFHOdvjljQTz8xTO160QEOG_m4YN55r_z8cPE-NRN7EtzMrjXhn0/s320/Train+cot+quilt.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As I do with a a lot of baby/child quilts I make, I tied it with a soft yarn versus machine quilting. I think the ties keep the quilt soft and cozy, and give it a bit of an old-fashioned touch - sort of like something made by Grandma. I know many people tie their quilts with the excess yarn on the top side, but I have always done it in reverse, with the ties on the back side. This is just the way I was taught. I don't see many done this way, though. How do you tie yours? I included a knit washcloth and two matching burp pads. (As I well remember, by the time you get to baby #4, having matching <i>anything</i> feels extravagant!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I wanted to include something for the older sibs, too, so I put together a couple of zipper purses for the girls and a pillowcase for the boy. Unfortunately, I didn't grab a pic of the pillowcase. It was hopefully suitably boyish, made from an alien novelty print I had stashed.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip2MDrYaU4ivjcWM798tTVEpunBRR-yj819Wkc_LMLxMTt9CFAYeUdWApmnjBbeupqAbxJZcrPDLaqxyYu1x5S0FFLkkXEkhAPuGXAD51wi1BXyX3W3ZD7NAd589F_smHjmR2JHqDUvmK-/s1600/Zipper+bags.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip2MDrYaU4ivjcWM798tTVEpunBRR-yj819Wkc_LMLxMTt9CFAYeUdWApmnjBbeupqAbxJZcrPDLaqxyYu1x5S0FFLkkXEkhAPuGXAD51wi1BXyX3W3ZD7NAd589F_smHjmR2JHqDUvmK-/s320/Zipper+bags.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It is fun putting together gifts for others. And, especially, when you know how much it will be appreciated. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Happy Weekend!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/248/D0869E5123D20C46584789B7019B174D.png" style="-webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-color: initial !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial !important; border-top-width: 0px !important;" /></a>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16121079241258951251noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189206775138311305.post-24798214085372275022012-02-01T16:04:00.000-05:002012-02-01T16:04:59.048-05:00The rising of the bread<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4tqPkaWR9QUSF8KvoOebxVix3LIl-6BigoC9qyoeGOvPxidmlpEsV6UHj_Mt8lfYrAURXFXnZRuxzsSMFSaUwqlSOk9bgRU0PAHC2YmAu2Y2PlL8n1DNTLOTvMzTu02lnXNv0n26P9oNp/s1600/Sourdough+bread.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4tqPkaWR9QUSF8KvoOebxVix3LIl-6BigoC9qyoeGOvPxidmlpEsV6UHj_Mt8lfYrAURXFXnZRuxzsSMFSaUwqlSOk9bgRU0PAHC2YmAu2Y2PlL8n1DNTLOTvMzTu02lnXNv0n26P9oNp/s320/Sourdough+bread.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Be gentle when you touch bread. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Let it not lie uncared for, unwanted. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So often bread is taken for granted. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">There is such beauty in bread. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Beauty in turf and soil, beauty of patient toil. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Wind and rain have caressed it, Christ often blessed it. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Be gentle when you touch bread.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; line-height: 15px;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; line-height: 15px;">-<i>Irish Blessing</i></span></span></div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/248/D0869E5123D20C46584789B7019B174D.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16121079241258951251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189206775138311305.post-77930185512042574782012-01-28T10:36:00.000-05:002012-01-28T10:36:57.964-05:00A Green Finish<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqPwiesVwEyj1IEqnCDeL_6x7SG4l9dPff5jkkxliDSFiJ61WaPKQsQ1NEk5tBcZchij0epiNymUSKM0BwqtwUvutfAKS5lcF7rQQhjMinPJKlJ7hLmMURYJeCVn4182TZYHdqAziH9DLd/s1600/Green+Quilt+Folded.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqPwiesVwEyj1IEqnCDeL_6x7SG4l9dPff5jkkxliDSFiJ61WaPKQsQ1NEk5tBcZchij0epiNymUSKM0BwqtwUvutfAKS5lcF7rQQhjMinPJKlJ7hLmMURYJeCVn4182TZYHdqAziH9DLd/s320/Green+Quilt+Folded.JPG" width="251" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A Thursday morning finish - I put the last of the stitching in before I left for work! I am so happy to have it all quilted and bound. A very simple broken-strip pattern, but I love the monochromatic color scheme. I guess it could be my St. Paddy's Day quilt, just a little early! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3bZGVURtOALShJk-ZcNQ1DFYVlvbsjmXnxBbhLwftga817-PCbk9MD90zJFiy6ck_TAjf9zJ5occcDs2pbS3rIWkArn8pfKXtL9CNSUcrg935DJDeupzCI3Dbbh_WyPhYNvzF5lUnP6tS/s1600/Green+Quilt+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3bZGVURtOALShJk-ZcNQ1DFYVlvbsjmXnxBbhLwftga817-PCbk9MD90zJFiy6ck_TAjf9zJ5occcDs2pbS3rIWkArn8pfKXtL9CNSUcrg935DJDeupzCI3Dbbh_WyPhYNvzF5lUnP6tS/s320/Green+Quilt+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ9CKsOGrR7zYokMWh9F0lU7dptTnFAU4eFgrJMPGn66LIJcRlKbhaZT7_xqMjx0YjABuf9fisJKiIAG0MGhvHfDAGMwzJ-zlqmZk2KvZWdVCIRGPw5cPpRLiLpubSYGELUnjNt-8q65iE/s1600/Green+Quilt+Back.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ9CKsOGrR7zYokMWh9F0lU7dptTnFAU4eFgrJMPGn66LIJcRlKbhaZT7_xqMjx0YjABuf9fisJKiIAG0MGhvHfDAGMwzJ-zlqmZk2KvZWdVCIRGPw5cPpRLiLpubSYGELUnjNt-8q65iE/s320/Green+Quilt+Back.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">On the back are my free form, log-cabin inspired blocks floating on some off white, organic cotton I happened upon last year in my local fabric store. The store owner buys up end lots from high end manufacturers and sells them at <i>amazing</i> prices. It has a wonderful feel to it that I think will only get better and better as it gets used and laundered through the years.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Well, it's time to add the sugar, potatoes, and water to my sourdough starter yeast mixture - I'm still craving those cinnamon rolls! Hoping to make some granola today, too. Late last night I mixed up some <i>Popcorn Haystacks</i> for the kids - more on those soon! Family, baking, errands, sewing, laundry, groceries, the vet, cleaning, reading, and much more. The weekends are always so full with both have-to's and want-to's. What is that old saying...a full life is a happy life? Indeed. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">May the weekend in your life be full.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/248/D0869E5123D20C46584789B7019B174D.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" />Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16121079241258951251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189206775138311305.post-63647178691959897992012-01-25T15:44:00.000-05:002012-01-25T15:44:33.469-05:00Sourdough Starter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDsboFwHi42LUPc2hltU4poP8kingynYXoUfvc_2hJTaTmkUy0xTSEu66xY4V8r1AmCTLuOGlXxDMQhexHUO4XoOx986QhC7dJTfUSTzlB4Ad9Jn5No03o9nZvW314lqc-QJhsx6itufN_/s1600/Amish+Cookbook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDsboFwHi42LUPc2hltU4poP8kingynYXoUfvc_2hJTaTmkUy0xTSEu66xY4V8r1AmCTLuOGlXxDMQhexHUO4XoOx986QhC7dJTfUSTzlB4Ad9Jn5No03o9nZvW314lqc-QJhsx6itufN_/s320/Amish+Cookbook.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I grew up very near an Amish settlement and have always admired the ways of their kitchens. I discovered this book at my library, and I have enjoyed reading through the stories and the recipes. The chapter on breads gives a recipe for sourdough starter and also includes recipes using the starter. I've made my own sourdough starter before, but this one took a little different twist in letting the yeast and the water sit for several days in the refrigerator before adding the dry ingredients. I started some last night, we'll see how it goes...and grows! Lovina, the author, has included a recipe for cinnamon rolls using the starter. I've never made cinnamon rolls with sourdough before - I can't wait!</div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/248/D0869E5123D20C46584789B7019B174D.png" style="-webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-color: initial !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial !important; border-top-width: 0px !important;" /></a>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16121079241258951251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189206775138311305.post-44309236520380509612012-01-23T14:26:00.000-05:002012-01-23T14:26:09.483-05:00Quilts and Popcorn!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I got back to some quilting this weekend. I finally began some straight line quilting on my <a href="http://sixmorningglorylane.blogspot.com/2010/06/few-projects.html" target="_blank">green quilt</a> that has been waiting patiently for me. I don't know why this quilt so often gets pushed to the back burner. It feels closer to seeing completion this time, so I'm hopeful! I also played around with a charm pack I won in a giveaway from <a href="http://fredashive.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Nanette</a> many moons ago. As you can see the cat wanted to play too!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGJQ3zdqTgA8OJFyUogr9sigXwYjgTnNFQhNP2or6PAkvhVLdj1fUb5Q8NSmNSUyMeh5cE5v4EIUI_MEscPyYlGPeekAD-NGwS7l5m1cZE3oV1e2nDQWiSbhmgrz6c2e6V7vySDZm_49au/s1600/Scrap+pack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGJQ3zdqTgA8OJFyUogr9sigXwYjgTnNFQhNP2or6PAkvhVLdj1fUb5Q8NSmNSUyMeh5cE5v4EIUI_MEscPyYlGPeekAD-NGwS7l5m1cZE3oV1e2nDQWiSbhmgrz6c2e6V7vySDZm_49au/s320/Scrap+pack.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">With our big family, I am always on the lookout for snacks that are filling and at least sort-of healthy. As such, we eat <b><i>a lot</i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> of popcorn around here. I usually pop two big pots on the stove and add some melted butter and salt, and although we really love it this way, I think I'm going to play around with some different seasonings and flavors. There are also some cookie-like creations I have found that use popcorn mixed with chocolate and nuts and such. I'll keep you posted on how they turn out!</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/248/D0869E5123D20C46584789B7019B174D.png" style="-webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-color: initial !important; border-left-width: 0px !important; border-right-width: 0px !important; border-style: initial !important; border-top-width: 0px !important;" /></a></div>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16121079241258951251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189206775138311305.post-29547256060186764832012-01-19T20:48:00.000-05:002012-01-19T20:48:51.348-05:00Pincushion Parade!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP3j62PwoXZq60hPl5E8qcK0KOakVQnXvZOqDt-n3Jl7zFWjTryScRs75QMqGvl26u4gLcvZMnz45UH34uGolaSSqn6mACViOn7iNiGB5pO2RxNj6d5XMeuVQj6DKE7X1nE-Hn3CTV-7eA/s320/Pincushions.jpg" width="320" /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">These pincushions are true workhorses of my sewing room. They see heavy use and tend to be a little frayed around the edges! Some are homemade, and others have been collected here and there at rummage sales and thrift stores. To be honest, I didn't realize I had this many until I went searching to gather them up for a photo! And, I think I'm missing a few, too!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFPZ2y69OrA_Wxys90aLUCFzVxRyiiWBjQv_Iv9YCdWV5HR0IV1ibIu1DwVtvQh4TKg2ta0M454Hvr7P8Pn5pRm0Zv-I0fh6kUdmzBaoX6r3Xb9iUIXdEQPqzIgIbLlsttChK4S-hM9uoj/s1600/Vintage+pincushion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFPZ2y69OrA_Wxys90aLUCFzVxRyiiWBjQv_Iv9YCdWV5HR0IV1ibIu1DwVtvQh4TKg2ta0M454Hvr7P8Pn5pRm0Zv-I0fh6kUdmzBaoX6r3Xb9iUIXdEQPqzIgIbLlsttChK4S-hM9uoj/s320/Vintage+pincushion.jpg" width="291" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This one gets a spot of honor as my son found it for me at a secondhand shop, and it's definitely old. Another seamstress long ago took some time to embellish not only the cushion itself, but she also made tiny, satin toppers for some of the longer pins. It's very sweet, and I keep it on top of an antique sewing cabinet in my sewing room. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Go over to <a href="http://www.lovelaughquilt.blogspot.com/2012/01/pincushion-parade.html" target="_blank">the Pincushion Parade</a> at <a href="http://www.lovelaughquilt.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Love, Laugh, Quilt</a> to see lots and lots more 'cushions! And add yours to the mix, too!</div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/248/D0869E5123D20C46584789B7019B174D.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16121079241258951251noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189206775138311305.post-39711259341824440792012-01-17T16:50:00.000-05:002012-01-17T16:50:57.164-05:00Stretching my dollars<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja-I1GLRzcT654_0VRmlmbg5rKJtICB2Saho2rYlExf1IT6F6z-IRBDL8WXBXUvNcDOTag5WDCZPxFYv92mUGVHLAw-W1jcbnsg3ebiQl8I9mZ-CDoIoeEgbWOwT_bTJSUeTdN1axODmKl/s1600/photo%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja-I1GLRzcT654_0VRmlmbg5rKJtICB2Saho2rYlExf1IT6F6z-IRBDL8WXBXUvNcDOTag5WDCZPxFYv92mUGVHLAw-W1jcbnsg3ebiQl8I9mZ-CDoIoeEgbWOwT_bTJSUeTdN1axODmKl/s320/photo%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> One shabby, yet solid, cupboard-</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Purchase Price $1</div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzuukvmK1QBPiknCVYjJVEfAvJceD5Gm-ZVVUTcO67YGF76qiax1HPY3przIlIj24gdoWCcnUCenvTfNrq_SkcejPpZJcsVozs3MPVndQFIpMw0ZP-o75ySDLMOAXN_62RxNTMR3kYTKgG/s1600/photo%25285%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzuukvmK1QBPiknCVYjJVEfAvJceD5Gm-ZVVUTcO67YGF76qiax1HPY3przIlIj24gdoWCcnUCenvTfNrq_SkcejPpZJcsVozs3MPVndQFIpMw0ZP-o75ySDLMOAXN_62RxNTMR3kYTKgG/s320/photo%25285%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">One chippy, yet still elegant, teapot -</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Purchase Price $1</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjhSbpMxYh2gd-NDxKSgj1xGFQsEEKY3kDjzFCGChox8CuL07IBjP0an5YZtuez-5V2OWU7nBiNtQ5auryXvvv-GtF5jyKSBIwTAZ0oUFbSGKtp8uv1ifiDjUtqv0prrH5YAW_Xuts-m_K/s1600/photo%25286%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjhSbpMxYh2gd-NDxKSgj1xGFQsEEKY3kDjzFCGChox8CuL07IBjP0an5YZtuez-5V2OWU7nBiNtQ5auryXvvv-GtF5jyKSBIwTAZ0oUFbSGKtp8uv1ifiDjUtqv0prrH5YAW_Xuts-m_K/s320/photo%25286%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
One homemade, yet sturdy, primitive toolbox-</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Purchase Price $1</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Grand Total $3 </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">An amazingly, frugal thrifting adventure, complete with the company of my husband and children -</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <i>Incredibly Priceless</i>. </div><br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/248/D0869E5123D20C46584789B7019B174D.png" style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent; border: 0pt none ! important;" /></a>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16121079241258951251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189206775138311305.post-10013125962540750682012-01-13T10:06:00.000-05:002012-01-13T10:06:02.035-05:00A Handmade Christmas<blockquote class="tr_bq">Since I didn't have the chance to share some of my hand made Christmas gifts with you before Christmas, I thought I'd share a couple now. A while back, <a href="http://lovelaughquilt.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;">Beth</span></span></a> over at <a href="http://lovelaughquilt.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;">Love, Laugh, Quilt</span></span></a> gave a great tutorial for making <a href="http://lovelaughquilt.blogspot.com/2011/08/how-to.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;">her version</span></span></a> of a rag doll. I really liked them, and so I made one for my niece. I added a few of my own touches, and I <i>loved</i> her. I have to admit, she was hard to send off in the mail! I had her perched on my sewing table for a few days, and I missed her once she was gone! I got over it quickly, especially when my sister-in-law and brother sent me a great pic of her being loved on by my niece. She named her Arthur!</blockquote><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFGbbvg4s-SO7WPwDaE85s8ha4r-FVcQtBq_EGYLo5ewS7cf-6VLfM4RRtYanXI-tQhGOGVP0H2w5EZZ0vsMquO0e98jRvBvwvUc0RGxqCkZ9ZyMJthiNkhcoUt3dUQZ0kMuMg8KSa6PP3/s320/Rag+doll.jpg" width="320" /></div><br />
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Another brother was the recipient of a fuzzy pair of crocheted slippers. These were actually a year late. I had made them last year, but was off on the size, so I re-did them. (Somehow, I thought his feet were nearly three sizes bigger than they actually are!) I just didn't mean for them to take so long! This year's sizing was a success, though, so hopefully they were worth the wait!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMvsVtGcXQ4pr1WsjMCwttOSOGg1FIsGPVOie90hsPX2PYS0Z43pjwdPBLV4nTCI03tPZnA4MEe_1fUDuJftpsOXRY0o_sZtVT3j0_cm7muXwwrOtaUqcokANtSeKCqgJowtCj0vYF6x34/s1600/Slippers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMvsVtGcXQ4pr1WsjMCwttOSOGg1FIsGPVOie90hsPX2PYS0Z43pjwdPBLV4nTCI03tPZnA4MEe_1fUDuJftpsOXRY0o_sZtVT3j0_cm7muXwwrOtaUqcokANtSeKCqgJowtCj0vYF6x34/s320/Slippers.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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We had a wonderful Christmas this year. Different in many ways, but with lots of good memories nonetheless. I hope yours was memorable, too.<br />
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More soon,<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/248/D0869E5123D20C46584789B7019B174D.png" style="background: transparent; border: 0 !important;" /></a>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16121079241258951251noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189206775138311305.post-4441346828694551242012-01-10T13:28:00.000-05:002012-01-10T13:28:14.041-05:00Getting to Know the Pattern EnvelopeOh, so long ago, I promised you a post on deciphering a pattern envelope. I didn't mean to keep you waiting quite this long...sorry! Life and holidays needed to come first, but even though it is really, really late, I hope some of you might find it useful. So, here we go...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtdHbhK774r1XDy5CT_p0tQRGlI-NtPH1GASU4gcs1OGx0XuDkbNKycntfl3kdlBwJOcrYk_Jz_Jha_cHL-YunnjMsG8vH6iYQgl7CUUSxGX8_Iig5_te6lE-E6_6fw_fhXmrGwEU7GCX6/s1600/Pattern+Pic+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtdHbhK774r1XDy5CT_p0tQRGlI-NtPH1GASU4gcs1OGx0XuDkbNKycntfl3kdlBwJOcrYk_Jz_Jha_cHL-YunnjMsG8vH6iYQgl7CUUSxGX8_Iig5_te6lE-E6_6fw_fhXmrGwEU7GCX6/s320/Pattern+Pic+2.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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Armed with your newly-taken measurements, your next stop will likely be for a pattern. Nowadays we are truly fortunate to have easy access to so many pattern companies, big and small. When you hear someone refer to the "Big Three" pattern makers, they are usually referring to Simplicity, Butterick, and McCall's, but there are soooo many more out there. It's definitely worth searching online and at smaller, independent retailers to see what's available. <br />
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In brick and mortar shops, the major pattern companies will have pattern books you can peruse, much like a large catalog, to find a project that catches your eye. The pattern themselves are usually housed in metal file cabinets categorized by company and then number. Once you have settled on a particular pattern, take out your measurements. In the catalog, you will not only see a photo of the front of the pattern envelope, but you will also see a copy of the envelope's backside. This is where all the important information is hiding. Each company has their own way of organizing this information, so you may have to search a little to find it. Don't forget to check the flap of the envelope, too! You are looking for a <i>Body Measurements </i>chart. Once you find it, compare your measurements to those on the chart. It is quite common to fall between two, or even three, different sizes. A good rule of thumb, is to either choose the size that fits the majority of your body, and/or choose the pattern size that corresponds with the most fitted part of your garment, usually the bust. A good pattern will include notes to help with pattern alterations, should they be necessary. <br />
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Now that you have your pattern number and your size, you will need to select it from the cabinet. Make certain you select the right size for you! Frequently, the pattern number itself will be sub-divided with a letter(s) in order to group three or four sizes into one envelope. Example, 2994A, 2994B, and 2994C. The number and letter of the pattern should be prominently displayed on either the upper right or upper left hand corner of the envelope. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgQjaiX9pRjw3Fw9z5tTTDU-un3PXuy2S8eZV_0SOCZrfPUySwuoNyNBajXywgwdNoBRACGfkZsWIZN6tMM530rRgtuKE5vsgJ0MVGiWlsG8yYGyMKHzwBF3mHBgFZK2XNhYMAwGh9c1zL/s1600/Pattern+pic+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgQjaiX9pRjw3Fw9z5tTTDU-un3PXuy2S8eZV_0SOCZrfPUySwuoNyNBajXywgwdNoBRACGfkZsWIZN6tMM530rRgtuKE5vsgJ0MVGiWlsG8yYGyMKHzwBF3mHBgFZK2XNhYMAwGh9c1zL/s320/Pattern+pic+1.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs-Uizo5dQScrey9xQatXfOJX-Zvmu1UW9b7NyIUPHNBIRcQpXO1TS5-uT_pj86uYZDMXRSTgJdOtO8WtjJvdWeBQVRTpQqimZsH3r3Eidy9J7nMNfH7q6nW5kkgYGA_ySU3sV95qhCuLM/s1600/Summer+2011+070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs-Uizo5dQScrey9xQatXfOJX-Zvmu1UW9b7NyIUPHNBIRcQpXO1TS5-uT_pj86uYZDMXRSTgJdOtO8WtjJvdWeBQVRTpQqimZsH3r3Eidy9J7nMNfH7q6nW5kkgYGA_ySU3sV95qhCuLM/s320/Summer+2011+070.JPG" /></a></div><br />
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Once you have found your pattern in your size, go straight to the back of the envelope yet again. Now you are getting to some fun stuff: choosing your fabric! Look for a heading entitled <i>Suggested Fabrics</i>. Read through the list and determine if any of the fabric types are recognizable to you. If so, go ahead and start to peruse the bolts of fabric. If you find yourself a bit confused or overwhelmed, find someone in the store to help you. These fabrics aren't hard and fast rules, but they are simply suggestions from the pattern manufacturer. When you first begin to sew, it is helpful to follow their suggestions until you learn how the different types of fabric react. As a very general rule, woven fabrics (non-stretchy) are much easier to work with than knit fabrics (stretchy). Very sheer and silky/slippery fabrics can be difficult for a beginner, too. Another helpful hint can be to not choose your fabric on the same day you choose your pattern. It never hurts to take your pattern home and study it a bit more. Look through ready-to-wear styles that might be similar to your pattern and pay attention to the types of fabrics they are sewn from. Look through your own wardrobe and find the types of fabrics that are flattering and comfortable to wear. And you can even go online and search for reviews of the pattern. I love to search through <a href="http://sewing.patternreview.com/"></a> patternreview.com. I have learned so much from this site. Don't be afraid to take your time in this process!<br />
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There are a few more items on the pattern envelope that are worth talking a bit about, but I will save those for another time. Even though this post is incredibly long, I will leave you with a dinner recipe to simmer in the crock-pot while you are out pattern shopping! We have to make time for the important stuff, you know!<br />
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<i>Sweet Lentil Stew<br />
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1 medium onion chopped<br />
Approximately 1 cup celery, chopped<br />
Approximately 1 cup carrots, chopped<br />
butter to saute the above<br />
2 cups lentils, washed<br />
1 cup or so of chopped ham<br />
salt <br />
pepper<br />
2 - 3 Tablespoons brown sugar<br />
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Saute the onion, celery, and carrots in butter until slightly tender. Combine these and all other ingredients in a 5 - 7 quart crock-pot. Add water to fill the pot. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours, or until lentils are tender. Adjust seasoning to taste, if needed. <br />
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</i><br />
Happy New Year! May you find lots of time and inspiration to sew and create in 2012!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/248/D0869E5123D20C46584789B7019B174D.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16121079241258951251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189206775138311305.post-4057008268586123222011-08-15T15:08:00.001-04:002011-08-15T23:02:06.590-04:00Tips for Choosing Your First Sewing Pattern-Part 1One of the classes I teach at my local sewing store is an <i>Intro to Sew Class<br />
</i>that's geared for the beginner or novice sew-er. <i><i></i></i>One of the questions that I get a lot is how to choose a do-able pattern. I think it is really important for the student and the teacher to work with a pattern that helps to encourage the sewing bug. It's no fun and discouraging to sew with a pattern that is too difficult or complex. Because sewing <i>should</i> be fun - it should be <i>lowering</i> your blood pressure, not <i>raising</i> it! <br />
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The first step is to find out your body measurements. I cannot stress enough the importance of knowing your measurements before you begin to look at patterns. The size of a sewing pattern does NOT correspond with ready-to-wear sizing. Usually you will require a couple sizes larger in a sewing pattern. I tell my classes, that it is simply a number and not to worry about it. Since <i>you</i> are the one making the garment, you won't be putting a size label in it anyway!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWcQUap2U0pbxtiAldGXjRNLDuOtTdLZWyq5Si7iUdUn9pBT8ZGT7AZR24UGJNzR1eYJua3Ui6z4d2Mhg2T6mQgh6b6zpNjZchsilB0iCAcHww8CL0nvecEeIVWt67-0EBkBKfKSLNIlcQ/s1600/Measuring+Tape+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWcQUap2U0pbxtiAldGXjRNLDuOtTdLZWyq5Si7iUdUn9pBT8ZGT7AZR24UGJNzR1eYJua3Ui6z4d2Mhg2T6mQgh6b6zpNjZchsilB0iCAcHww8CL0nvecEeIVWt67-0EBkBKfKSLNIlcQ/s320/Measuring+Tape+006.JPG" /></a></div><br />
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<b>How to take your body measurements</b><br />
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Having your basic body measurements is an important part of learning to construct a garment. Learning how to correctly measure your body to obtain your measurements is a must! For all measurements, you will need a flexible measuring tape; these are inexpensive and widely available at all sewing and discount stores, and even sometimes at the grocery/drug store. Wearing light-weight clothing, hold the measure tape close to your body, but do not pull too tight. Do not measure over thick clothing such as a jacket or sweatshirt. A full-length mirror, and a friend, can be helpful when taking your measurements. The major body measurements are as follows,<br />
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<b>Bust:</b> Measure around your upper body at the fullest point of your bust.<br />
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<b>Waist:</b> Measure around your waist where you feel a natural “dip” in your waistline. Due to the popularity of low-rise pants, your natural waist is usually much higher than the waistband on your clothing. If in question, tie a piece of yarn, string, or elastic around your middle and sit down. As you sit, the string should naturally “roll” up or down to your waistline.<br />
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<b>Hips:</b> Measure around the fullest part of your hips, as you did when measuring your bust. <br />
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<b>Back-Waist-Length:</b> Tilting your head forward, "feel" for a protruding bone at the base of your neck. Using this bone as a starting point, measure from there down to your natural waistline. <br />
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Over time, as your skills grow, you will encounter other measurements, but the ones listed above are your solid foundation. A good sewing book is always a helpful reference, and will include charts and illustrations for measuring your body. <br />
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Now that you have your measurements, record them on your phone, write them down, tuck them in your purse - you will need them when you go shopping at the fabric store! <br />
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Stay tuned for Part Two - Getting to Know the Pattern Envelope!<br />
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<br />
<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/248/D0869E5123D20C46584789B7019B174D.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16121079241258951251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189206775138311305.post-20546361794656096742011-08-10T08:31:00.000-04:002011-08-10T08:31:18.172-04:00A Little Bit Here and a Little Bit There......and some progress is made.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiK6dllgMMWdaCIhFiUQb9AM2DCorq0bidiSnzGZUglxiEYo7rjJKbnalJn9LP_uXZLuTRXVt4SXOvgA_pKuHIYh8fkt6Rgpn9cJyq1CWo32JyBrrJ2stcQoYCpcRAd5D7Y19Kj2hquvNL/s1600/August+2011+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiK6dllgMMWdaCIhFiUQb9AM2DCorq0bidiSnzGZUglxiEYo7rjJKbnalJn9LP_uXZLuTRXVt4SXOvgA_pKuHIYh8fkt6Rgpn9cJyq1CWo32JyBrrJ2stcQoYCpcRAd5D7Y19Kj2hquvNL/s320/August+2011+002.JPG" /></a></div><br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/248/D0869E5123D20C46584789B7019B174D.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16121079241258951251noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8189206775138311305.post-19839706351741540762011-08-07T20:31:00.000-04:002011-08-07T20:31:11.670-04:00Seeing Pink<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnH8Np8rtgUhAZaDEBCfpE6k-Ai-1CpZzwt4R-OSY9VfqCjK6zPtr5F8gT4zWgYN5WZgQR3JwvUIGqCoJTssjJvjbsobluTysU1QO43PhjSHaYpuYT-PGhMbYPRgi4PE1MHC1yYYmEeYN0/s1600/August+2011+071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnH8Np8rtgUhAZaDEBCfpE6k-Ai-1CpZzwt4R-OSY9VfqCjK6zPtr5F8gT4zWgYN5WZgQR3JwvUIGqCoJTssjJvjbsobluTysU1QO43PhjSHaYpuYT-PGhMbYPRgi4PE1MHC1yYYmEeYN0/s320/August+2011+071.JPG" /></a></div><br />
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I've got a new project in the works with lots of pink. See those floral scraps? They are the remains of a vintage, linen napkin set I found long ago. I finally found just the right pinks to compliment the floral print. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUzvD_wmduqrVnxZFjYrNAt58_b5DBJud-KW6k2SoDzrw_jkGQ68sqGTZeAvycG3QZChYbjWpNZHWoDGrYL-viUtnlvpK_oWAU0-RGuyxv4XBxsNGJWag9BE-JoJnFS2BczocMtkwEQRsi/s1600/August+2011+075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUzvD_wmduqrVnxZFjYrNAt58_b5DBJud-KW6k2SoDzrw_jkGQ68sqGTZeAvycG3QZChYbjWpNZHWoDGrYL-viUtnlvpK_oWAU0-RGuyxv4XBxsNGJWag9BE-JoJnFS2BczocMtkwEQRsi/s320/August+2011+075.JPG" /></a></div><br />
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And...all of the seams were sewn on <a href="http://sixmorningglorylane.blogspot.com/2010/07/fabulous-thrifting-find-and-i-am.html"><i>The Stylist!</i> </a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh4Fpm1goLTsok-n0j4bJRFSna7olofxYACr4HXEDyXP1rLPeSduwBJXjuEQdx7deJjtE8guTZPvtLd_-sxZBe0mSVenTJc09fGl_tHMOOXEBXFjYNIYGdxYAlwVzmhXT_VrxRa5dgRWSv/s1600/August+2011+069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh4Fpm1goLTsok-n0j4bJRFSna7olofxYACr4HXEDyXP1rLPeSduwBJXjuEQdx7deJjtE8guTZPvtLd_-sxZBe0mSVenTJc09fGl_tHMOOXEBXFjYNIYGdxYAlwVzmhXT_VrxRa5dgRWSv/s320/August+2011+069.JPG" /></a></div><br />
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I admit to not using her much since I brought her home, but decided to put her to the test this weekend, and she passed with flying colors. I do love a nice, straight seam, don't you? <br />
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Wishing you a straight-seam kind of week,<br />
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<a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/248/D0869E5123D20C46584789B7019B174D.png" style="border: 0 !important; background: transparent;"/></a>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16121079241258951251noreply@blogger.com0