Third Infinity

Plarn!

2011-09-28T01:00:00.000-04:00

I love this idea! Take plastic grocery bags, cut them up, and make plarn (plastic yarn). It's easy and cool!

Even I can make plarn and knit or crochet a sturdier plastic grocery bag out of those flimsy ones they give you at the store. Here's the link to learn to make plarn:

http://www.etsy.com/blog/en/2010/how-tuesday-how-to-make-plarn-crochet-an-eco-friendly-tote-b/

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(¸.·* Lena Austin
http://www.LenaAustin.com
http://depravedduchess.blogspot.com

Fun and Done Quilting

2011-09-27T05:29:00.000-04:00

I learned a new technique at Quiltfest this weekend that I love. It's called "Fun and Done" Quilting, and uses a product called "Batting Buddy." Everyone who knows me is aware of how little time and money I have for quilting, so every little bit helps. This technique, when combined with what I already know using the Cotton Theory Quilting, makes the perfect quilting. By themselves they're both great techniques, but when added together, it's magic for me.

The Batting Buddy (see picture above) is a two-part template that means no measuring! Take the inner square and cut your batting to fit. If you're using a foundation fabric, this is also the tool to make it fit as well. (When using the Cotton Theory, see the next paragraph.

The frame is your template for the backing. Note that each backing piece could be a different fabric, so this is a great way to get rid of those 10" blocks or fat quarters.

It also can be your basic cutting size for the top block if you're using the Cotton Theory and want to embroider everything instead of machine stitch. You'll cut it down to match the batting after embroidery. (I know, wasteful! However, depending on your embroidery machine and your comfort zone, you may need the extra size.)

Mabon Recipe: Apple Pecan Crisp

2011-09-25T06:54:00.000-04:00

Apple-Pecan Crisp
Looking for a fruit dessert using Betty Crocker® oatmeal cookie mix? Then check out this great apple-pecan crisp recipe.
Prep Time
25
Minutes

Total Time
1:20
Hr:Mins

Makes
12
servings

2/3
cup maple-flavored syrup
1/4
cup Gold Medal® all-purpose flour
1
teaspoon ground cinnamon
8
large baking apples (about 5 1/2 lb), peeled, cut into 1/2-inch slices (about 12 cups)
1/2
cup cold butter or margarine, cut into pieces
1
pouch (1 lb 1.5 oz) Betty Crocker® oatmeal cookie mix
3/4
cup chopped pecans
Heat oven to 375°F.
In large bowl, stir together syrup, flour and cinnamon until blended. Add apples; toss until evenly coated. Spread in ungreased 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish.
In same bowl, with pastry blender (or pulling 2 table knives in opposite directions), cut butter into cookie mix until mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Stir in pecans. Crumble mixture over apples in baking dish.
Bake 30 minutes. Very loosely cover with foil; bake 10 to 15 minutes longer or until apples are tender.
Makes 12 servings

Nutrition Information:
1 Serving (1 Serving)
Calories 380
(Calories from Fat 130),
Total Fat 14g
(Saturated Fat 5g,
Trans Fat 0g),
Cholesterol 20mg;
Sodium 220mg;
Total Carbohydrate 59g
(Dietary Fiber 2g,
Sugars 31g),
Protein 4g;
Percent Daily Value*:
Vitamin A 6.00%;
Vitamin C 2.00%;
Calcium 0.00%;
Iron 6.00%;
Exchanges:
1 Starch;
1/2 Fruit;
2 1/2 Other Carbohydrate;
0 Skim Milk;
0 Low-Fat Milk;
0 Milk;
0 Vegetable;
0 Very Lean Meat;
0 Lean Meat;
0 High-Fat Meat;
2 1/2 Fat;
Carbohydrate Choices:
4;
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
© 2011 ®/TM General Mills All Rights Reserved

*´¨)
¸.· ´¸.·*´¨)
(¸.·* Lena Austin
http://www.LenaAustin.com
http://depravedduchess.blogspot.com

The Next President's Speech Should Be:

2011-07-21T07:53:00.000-04:00

WOULDN'T IT BE GREAT TO TURN ON THE TV AND HEAR ANY U.S. PRESIDENT, DEMOCRAT OR REPUBLICAN, GIVE THE FOLLOWING SPEECH?

'My Fellow Americans: As you all know, the defeat of the Iraq regime has been completed.

Since Congress does not want to spend any more money on this war, our mission in Iraq is complete.

This morning I gave the order for a complete removal of all American forces from Iraq . This action will be complete within 30 days. It is now time to begin the reckoning.

Before me, I have two lists. One list contains the names of countries which have stood by our side during the Iraq conflict. This list is short. The United Kingdom , Spain , Bulgaria , Australia , and Poland are some of the countries listed there.

The other list contains every one not on the first list. Most of the world's nations are on that list. My press secretary will be distributing copies of both lists later this evening.

Let me start by saying that effective immediately, foreign aid to those nations on List 2 ceases indefinitely. The money saved during the first year alone will pretty much pay for the costs of the Iraqi war.

THEN EVERY YEAR THEREAFTER It'll GO TO OUR SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM SO IT WONT GO BROKE IN 20 YEARS.

The American people are no longer going to pour money into third world Hell holes and watch those government leaders grow fat on corruption.

Need help with a famine? Wrestling with an epidemic? Call France ...

In the future, together with Congress, I will work to redirect this money toward solving the vexing social problems we still have at home. On that note, a word to terrorist organizations. Screw with us and we will hunt you down and eliminate you and all your friends from the face of the earth.

Thirsting for a gutsy country to terrorize? Try France or maybe China ..

I am ordering the immediate severing of diplomatic relations with France , and Russia .. Thanks for all your help, comrades. We are retiring from NATO as well.

I have instructed the Mayor of New York City to begin towing the many UN diplomatic vehicles located in Manhattan with more than two unpaid parking tickets to sites where those vehicles will be stripped, shredded and crushed. I don't care about whatever treaty pertains to this. You creeps have tens of thousands of unpaid tickets. Pay those tickets tomorrow or watch your precious Benzes, Beamers and limos be turned over to some of the finest chop shops in the world. I love New York.

A special note to our neighbors: Canada is on List 2. Since we are likely to be seeing a lot more of each other, you folks might want to try not ticking us off for a change.

Mexico is also on List 2. Its president and his entire corrupt government really need an attitude adjustment. I will have a couple thousand extra tanks and infantry divisions sitting around. Guess where I am going to put 'em? Yep, border security.

Oh, by the way, the United States is abrogating the NAFTA treaty - starting now.

We are tired of the one-way highway. Immediately, we'll be drilling for oil in Alaska -which will take care of this country's oil needs for decades to come. If you're an environmentalist who opposes this decision, I refer you to List 2 above: pick a country and move there.

It is time for America to focus on its own welfare and its own citizens. Some will accuse us of isolationism. I answer them by saying, 'darn tootin.'

Nearly a century of trying to help folks live a decent life around the world has only earned us the undying enmity of just about everyone on the planet. It is time to eliminate hunger in America .

It is time to eliminate homelessness in America . To the nations on List 1, a final thought. Thank you guys. We owe you and we won't forget.

To the nations on List 2, a final thought: You might want to learn to speak Arabic.

God bless America ...

Okay, Ellis, fire up your computer and be sure to send this to Judy Stephens Bloodworth.

Thank you and good night.'

If you can read this in English, thank a soldier.

January Traditions-- Yaaarn!

2011-01-28T04:46:00.001-05:00

Knitting and crocheting are the most obvious forms of yarn work, and in the depths of winter they’re a handy craft to know! (No pun intended.) I’ve spent many a winter day snuggled under a crocheted or knitted project, and was almost sorry to give it away!

While both will always have their proponents, even those who are intimidated by the needles and hooks can do the plastic knitting looms currently available in many craft stores.

Do I expect you to knit a sweater or sock your first time? Heck no! The joy is in the learning, and sometimes even a simple knitted square is a triumph with a use. My dear friend makes the most wonderful hand-knitted and crocheted face cloths that beat plain old terry cloth face cloths hands down!

Even I can manage face cloths, and I freely admit yarn crafting isn’t my favorite fiber art. However, my lack of enthusiasm hasn’t stopped me from making the occasional stocking hat, beret, washcloth, or even a bag or two.

So, be a kid again. Pick up a simple loom and notice they’re circles and ovals. What could be more pagan than weaving a spun fiber like yarn into beautifully colored and useful items? Go ahead and give it a try. Share the loom with a friend.

January To-Do-- The Witches' Belt

2011-01-25T16:45:00.000-05:00

The Witches’ Belt

Spun craft can take a very useful and fashionable turn if you make yourself a cingulum. Depending on your tradition, the cord worn by a witch can have many different uses and meanings.

1. Cingulums are 4-1/2 feet in length so they may be used as a compass to draw the nine-foot circle of some traditions. Some other traditions demand that the cord itself be nine feet in length and wrapped around the body a minimum of three times when worn as a belt.

2. Postulants are bound with a cord for their initiation. In some traditions, this cord becomes their first cingulum. In some traditions, this cord is white to signify the novice. This is not true in all traditions.

3. Practitioners of ceremonial magick may have several knots in their cingulum to measure inner and outer Circles.

4. Some traditions may weave and join cingulums as a witch achieves rank, so her novice’s belt may be twisted and woven with her new level’s belt as a reminder to never forget what she has learned in the course of time.

In most traditions I know of, the cord is of some natural fiber such as cotton, hemp, silk, or leather. An innovative lady I knew bought 100% cotton clothesline and dyed it to suit her needs! Another used 100% perle cotton embroidery silks and wove them using macramé.

In some traditions, the cingulum is a necessity for more practical reasons than measuring a circle or defining a magic circle. Some traditions demand all non-magical jewelry and other necessities (like a watch) may not be worn due to how they may inhibit magic flow. Not to mention the annoyance of having one of these modern devices go off during the circle! (Turn off your cell phone! Don’t be rude.)

Of course, this also may include the cell phone, money, or other modern needs. Where does one secure all one’s expensive and precious items? Why, in a belt pouch of course! Where does a belt pouch hang? From the cingulum. That way, your modern necessities may remain safely upon your person and yet not affect the flow of magic.

How you make your belt depends upon your tradition and your personal magick just as much as it depends upon your ability to twist, knot and weave. Many choose to hang not only a pouch, but also charms, pendants, stones, crystals, beads, and any other ornamentation their fancy and wallet can afford.

Give it a try!

Fw: Stitchin' the Blues - Now at Embroidery Library!

2011-01-22T20:29:00.000-05:00

These are so gorgeous, I had to share. I wish you could see the pictures here, but you'll have to go to the site. It's worth the clicks.

Hello Corlleen:

We're knee-deep in January, and here in Minnesota, we've got the blues. The midwinter blues. Crafty that we are, we've cooked up crisp, cool new designs known as Delft Blue.

Delft Blue pottery is nearly 500 years old, and those gorgeous shades of blue remain a timeless and classic design trend. Scenes depicted on plates, vases, platters, cups, and saucers, reflect peaceful and serene Dutch scenes of years gone by.
New designs this week celebrate the beautiful art form known as Delft Blue. Fruit and flower arrangements are framed with graceful vines and lush blossoms. The result is designs that are sure to be a cozy addition to towels, table linens, quilts, cozies, and wall hangings.
As a special introductory offer, these new Delft Blue designs are on sale now - only $1 each! Click here to find them, and order today - the designs will return to their regular prices on January 25th, 11:59 pm Central time.

Click here and start shopping now!

Midwinter Blues Sale - More $1 Designs!

After you've filled your basket to the brim with the new and beautiful Delft Blue designs, make your way to the Sale page and find a bevy of blue designs, on sale for you, only $1 each! You'll find:

**Blue Willow
**Asian Bluework
**Out-of-the-Blue Flowers
**Backyard Bluework Birds
**Radiant Blue Roses
**Forget-Me-Nots
**Bluebonnets

All of these lovely blue-hued designs are on sale now for only $1 each! Click here to find these designs, and bring home the beautiful blues today!

A bevy of blue designs, on
sale now for only $1 each!

Button, Button, Who's Got the Button?

A trio of snowflakes, each held together with a colorful button, is the newest Crafty Collectible design, and it's available now!

Order this design in two different versions. One version has embroidered buttons; the other version lets you hand-stitch your own buttons in the centers of the snowflakes!

Colorful and fun on sweatshirts, fleece, and seasonal towels, too. And, both versions are on sale now for only $1 each! Place your order by January 25th, 11:59 pm Central time, to take advantage of this excellent price.

Button up against the cold with this charming snowflake trio!

Flower of the Month Carnations - Only $1 Each!

Thanks to all who wrote with comments and kudos about the new Flower of the Month program! I'm delighted to hear that you're as excited about these new flowers as I am.

I'll take a moment to cover a couple of great questions that have been sent in. Every month in 2011 you'll find new flower designs on sale for $1 each. There are features, borders and corners in two styles - a realistic version, and a light-stitching vintage version. The sizes, shapes, and compositions will be similar for each new flower presented throughout the year.

Click here to see the carnation that is the featured flower in the month of January. The carnations are priced at $1 through January 31st, so if you haven't yet ordered them, do so today!

February's flower will be available on February 1st. And remember to send photos of the projects that you've made with the designs. We'd love to feature your work!

Pick a pretty bouquet of
flowers every month in 2011!

**Free Instructions for Easy-Breezy Organdy Curtains! Sheer, simple curtains of organdy are the perfect canvas for embroidery designs. Dress up a window in your home, bring a fresh new look to a room, with these new project instructions!

**Like Facebook? Like Embroidery Library! If you're on Facebook, swing by the Embroidery Library's page and give us a thumbs up. Then our Facebook updates will show up in your news feed, and you'll get a stream of fantastic project photos, tips, and tutorials.

**Beat the Blues Contest! Is the winter weather keeping you inside? Suffering from a big case of cabin fever? I beat the midwinter blues by curling up with a good book and a cup of hot cocoa. Kenny likes shopping (he calls it "retail therapy") and movies. How do you beat the midwinter blues? Send in your favorite way, and we'll enter you into a drawing to win a gift certificate to Embroidery Library! Click here for more details -- and click here for Kenny's Top 10 list for beating the winter blues, embroidery-style.

Questions, comments, ideas for new designs? We want to hear from you! Send an email to stitch@emblibrary.com.

Deb
Embroidery Library
http://www.emblibrary.com/

Embroidery Library, Inc. ** 5000 Cheshire Lane North, Suite 3
Plymouth, MN ** 55446

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Restore and Restyle with Mod Podge and a BIG Winter Sale!

2011-01-22T20:28:00.000-05:00

I'm glad to hear decoupage is on its way back as a craft! It's a quick and easy way to make something unique.

If you have problems reading this email Click Here for an online HTML version.

The beginning of a new year is a great time to restore and restyle! Learn about making the old anew in this article. See restore and restyle projects here.

Stay warm and keep busy indoors with craft products we offer in the BIG Winter Crafts Sale!

Learn more on our Web site: www.plaidonline.com

Did you know that plaidonline.com can help you answer your questions 24 hours a day? You can locate a retailer using our Store Locator, search for inspiring projects, discover crafting tips and techniques in our Frequently Asked Questions section, and more! If you need more information, our Consumer Advisory Team is here to help. Just give them a call toll free at 1-800-842-4197. They're available Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. ET.
Plaid Enterprises - 3225 Westech Drive Norcross, GA 30092

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How Clean is Your Kitchen?

2011-01-22T20:27:00.000-05:00

Dinner Diva
This is a great article to share with your friends & family

How Safe Is Your Kitchen?
By Leanne Ely, C.N.C.

Dirty dining reports are becoming quite popular with local news stations all around the country and are grossing out America at the same time. I'm sure you've seen it before; local reporters go into the kitchens of restaurants to see what health code violations they can find. I'll spare you the gory details, but it's usually one more reason I prefer to cook my meals at home.

But let me ask you-- how would your kitchen stand up to one of these inspections? I like to keep my sink shiny (thanks to FlyLady) and my pantry neat (thank you Rubbermaid) but as you may have seen in my pantry makeover blog just about a year ago, I found an old sprouting potato hiding in the dark recesses of my pantry. It happens!

So how safe is your kitchen? When is the last time you gave your fridge and freezer a good disinfecting? How old is the shelf liner in your cabinets? Are there crumbs in your flatware drawer? What's hiding on your cutting board, under your stove, or behind the fridge?

There are some great inexpensive basic household cleaners you can use to get your kitchen sink (and everything else) shiny and safe.

Sanitize & Disinfect

Keep surfaces, counters, cabinets, appliances, floors and your fridge clean with plain old household vinegar. I like plain old white vinegar. It is effective at preventing bacteria growth. For your counters, just put straight vinegar into a bottle and spray directly on the counters. Wash with a wet cloth that you rinse often in hot water. If you let the vinegar sit on the counters a bit it will help further sanitize. You can use this product safely on any surface and it's inexpensive, does not pollute the environment and there is no risk of chemical exposure like with bleach. You may want to dilute a little for floors. Always pay attention to cracks and crevices because that is where bacteria can hide and thrive. Use an old tooth brush to get to those hard to reach spaces.

Contain

Store your food in only BPA free containers. I recommend Rubbermaid for a multitude of reasons. By putting your dry ingredients like rice, flour, cereals, mixes, etc. in containers with sealable tops, you keep them fresher longer and prevent infestations from critters hitching a ride home from the supermarket (like wevils or roaches, ewww!). Keep food off the floor by installing shelves in your pantry. By using shelving and keeping your food in sealed containers, you will shun the creepy crawlies that want to get in!

Toss

Most cooked food does not last very long in the fridge, 2, 3 days, 4 days, tops. If you are not sure that you are going to eat it right away and want to avoid waste, freeze leftovers in single serving freezer safe containers. This can be handy when you are in a rush or even if you have unexpected guests and need to add a serving to your meals. Make sure you mark what is in your containers with a Sharpie or other marker and don't forget to date it.

Schedule

Create a cleaning schedule that the whole family can follow. Schedule tasks like cleaning the oven, going behind the fridge, and giving each cupboard a wipe down throughout the year so it is not such an overwhelming task. Certain maintenance cleaning tasks can be done daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly. Decide what works best for your family then schedule them out. With the New Year approaching. now is a great time to get these things on the calendar for next year.

Remember, it is much easier to keep things clean than to let them get out of control. You can actually save time keeping this task up and the whole family will benefit from food prepared in a safe and clean kitchen.

Lena Austin

http://www.LenaAustin.com

http://depravedduchess.blogspot.com

Rubba Scrubba to the Rescue!

2011-01-13T12:18:00.000-05:00

I love, love, love my Rubba Scrubba from FlyLady.net. This has to be one of the all-time great things about being a Flybaby. (Don't you dare call me a maggot!) FlyLady just posted this list of all they can do. I've cleaned dishes, removed pet hair from furniture and crevices, and dusted my lampshades using mine.

Rubba Scrubbas to the Rescue!

Cleaning window screens

Cleaning vegetables

Cleaning dishes

Cleaning mud/etc. off the bottom of shoes

Sweeping up broken glass

Sweeping up dust around baseboards

Brushing off carpeted stairs

Cleaning fan and hairdryer vents

Cleaning grill vents

Scrubbing out yucky garbage cans

Picking up pet hair

Rubbing/combing your pet

Massager

Sweeping dirt out of tent

Brushing snow off of clothing

Brushing up lint (especially velvet lint)

Cleaning Dryer Lint screen

Cleaning lamp shades

Cleaning blinds

Cleaning window sills

Cleaning the divots and grooves in tile and linoleum

Cleaning dust off of ball caps

Cleaning crevices in paint

Scrubbing spots on carpet

Cleaning sticky dough out of bowls

Cleaning out bottles and jars

Scrubbing dust off of baskets

Cleaning silk off of ears of corn

Cleaning crumbs from between keyboard keys

Cleaning bathtub

Cleaning paint trays, paint rollers and paint brushes

Cleaning carseat covers and straps

Cleaning upholstery

Scrubbing stains from clothing

Cleaning coils on refrigerator

Cleaning slats in roll-top desk

Cleaning cheese grater

Cleaning glass shower doors

Cleaning algae from fish pond

Cleaning stuffed animals

Cleaning scuff marks on walls

Cleaning car mats

Cleaning bathroom fan

Cleaning robot vacuum

Brushing sand off of feet

Scrubbing stove top

Fw: Stress-Free Holiday Sewing

2011-01-13T12:15:00.000-05:00

The scarf idea below is so great, I just had to share. Have you seen the Sewing With Nancy shows detailing those great remakes of scarves? I've already done one type several times. Now I'm on to more great scarves. They're a great way to accessorize without spending a fortune.

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Quilting Arts Gifts is a special issue of Quilting Arts Magazine devoted to the art of gift-giving!

November 26, 2010

Stylish Holiday Gift Sewing

Every year at about this time I start having crazy delusions of sewing handmade gifts for all my friends and family. And then I look at the calendar and count down the actual number of days I have to get all these projects done—and I panic. Why didn't I start making things in July? What was I thinking?

But then I get hold of myself, calm down, and make a realistic game plan. I decide to focus my handmade gift list only to the people who will appreciate it most like my crafty friends and my mom. Now I have a realistic list of things to make! And then I start flipping through books and magazines for project ideas, looking for things that are stylish, easy, and quick to make.



This simple crinkled scarf from Fabricate is an easy yet sophisticated holiday gift project.

One of my favorite books on my shelf is Fabricate by Susan Wasinger. Susan has a fun modern aesthetic, which she presents in this book full of innovative small projects. I've also had the pleasure of showcasing Susan's designs in the first issue of Stitch magazine. Fabricate is full of cool project ideas featuring clever fabric manipulation—perfect for stylish gift making.

Case in point: here is a fabulous scarf project that is both chic to wear and simple to make, so it definitely fits my gift-making criteria. What makes it interesting is the crinkled pleating effect. You have probably seen scarves like this in boutiques, but they are super easy to make yourself!

Start with a slightly iridescent silk or rayon, add a bit of folding, twisting, and a nice long tumble in the dryer, and you have a fashionable gift. (I bet you'll want to make one for yourself, too!) For a nice-sized scarf, cut the fabric into a rectangle measuring about 18 x 54" (45.5 x 137 cm) before pleating (pleats should run the long way of the fabric).



Step 1: Start by accordian folding your fabric.


Step 2: Twist as tight as possible.


Step 3: Keep twisting!


Step 4: Secure with rubber bands.


Step 5: Place in panty hose and dry.

Crinkled Pleats Scarf

You will need:

- 100% silk or rayon
- matching sewing thread
- clothespins
- old panty hose
- rubber bands
- dryer

To create the crinkled pleats:

1) Wet fabric thoroughly. Lay it out flat, with the right side up and take hold of the top corners. Fold the fabric down about 1" (2.5 cm), then fold this pleat back on itself in the opposite direction. It's just like when you folded a paper fan in elementary school. Keep folding, forward and backward until you have worked your way across the fabric. Use clothespins to hold the pleats in place.

2) Now, team up with someone to hold one end of your fabric. Standing opposite each other, twist the fabric in opposite directions as tightly as possible.

3) As the rope of fabric gets tighter and tighter, it will begin to twist back on itself to create a two-ply twist. Keep twisting the now doubled-in-half fabric until it is ready to twist back on itself again.

4) Continue twisting the fabric, as in Step 3, until your fabric is totally twisted and resembles a hard little ball. Secure the fabric ball with lots of rubber bands running in different directions.

5) Cut the leg from an old pair of panty hose and stuff the rubber-banded ball into the toe. Knot it in place. Put it in the dryer with a few towels and let it tumble until completely dry. This could take a long time. If you grow weary of all this dryer time, let the bundle sit out overnight, in a warm, dry place.

Once the fabric is happily crinkled, just hem the edges to finish. To make a rolled hem, fold the edge in 1⁄8" (3 mm), then roll it over onto itself so that the raw edge is encased inside and machine stitch. Hem all the way around the piece.

With projects like this on my holiday gift sewing list, I'm starting to feel like I have it under control.

Here's to stress-free holiday sewing!

Tricia Waddell
Editor in Chief
Stitch Magazine

Get a jump on your holiday sewing projects! Save 15% on Sewing Merchandise
and get *FREE shipping on purchases over $30!

Don't miss out on this amazing 15% Off Sale! With purchases of $30 or more, you also receive *FREE SHIPPING! Here are just a few sewing products on sale now:

Fabricate: 17 Innovative Sewing Projects that Make Fabric the Star By Susan Wasinger		Sew Me, Love Me: Best Stuffed Friends to Make By Hsiu Lan Kuei

Create gorgeous one-of-a-kind handmade fabrics and transform them into fun and functional projects with this guide to distinctive cloth-making techniques. From wearables to home decor, Fabricate teaches you to alter simple materials through texture, substance, embellishment, and adornment. The creative possibilities are endless!		Create adorable stuffed animals that are irresistibly quirky and loveable using simple fabric piecing techniques, fabric scraps, and socks. Sew Me, Love Me presents 12 endearing fabric and sock animals that crafters will love to make. Beginning and experienced sewists won't be able to resist these lovable "stuffies" that make the perfect gift.


All back issues of Stitch are also on sale now through Monday.

		Spring 2010: This super special issue has 37 fantastic sewing projects for spring! Inside you'll find exclusive patterns, projects for kids, current trends, and more! Fall 2009: This special issue's theme is Sew Global and includes 30 sewing projects for the fall and holiday season. Spring 2009: This issue is full of wonderful project ideas including Pillow Talk, All Dressed Up, Stitch It Up, Flower Power, and so many more! Stitch 2008: Digital Edition: This issue speaks to a new generation of sewing enthusiasts and kick-starts the creativity of those who have been stitching for years.

*Free shipping applies only to orders shipped within the continental United States. The discount applies only to purchases of $30 or more, when USPS Parcel Post is selected as your shipping option. Minimum purchase does not include taxes or shipping. Discount will appear at checkout once shipping information is entered for eligible orders. Offer ends at 11:59 p.m. Mountain Time, on November 29, 2010.

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The Control Journal saved me!

2010-12-29T08:26:00.001-05:00

The week before Christmas, my DH Randy became deathly ill. What started out as a cold-like flu morphed horribly into a very bad case of pneumonia, though I didn't know it at the time. When Randy asked to see a doctor, I knew then he was very sick. I took him to Solantic and they called an ambulance!

I had minutes to make the necessary phone calls, grab up our roomie, and drive to the hospital. I knew better than to break speed laws, much as I wanted to. While at the house picking up our roomie, I also quickly packed a few necessities for my husband's comfort. Then, I remembered one thing I'd need-- my Control Journal.

In my Control Journal was many of the things that kept me organized and --as the name implied-- in control. While our roomie drove us to the hospital, I updated the journal and made a few notes to myself as to who to call. The emergency section wasn't as filled out as I'd like, but you live and learn. That minor problem has been corrected.

As my husband was transferred from the ER of one hospital to a bed in another hospital and finally the ICU, my Control Journal and my FlyLady routines kept me from chaos both at home and while sitting at my DH's side. Now my DH is recovering, yet my house is clean and my sink is shiny.

I highly recommend the Control Journals. There's one for almost everyone and every need-- the housewife, the student, the teacher, the working woman, the financial problems, losing weight (called Body Clutter), and even one just for keeping control during the holidays.

www.flylady.net/images/OCJ.pdf is my personal control journal choice because I work at home, but if you Google "FlyLady Control Journal" you'll find a nice selection. You can also go to www.FlyLady.net to see and learn how to finally love yourself (FLY) and gain control over CHAOS (Can't Have Anyone Over Syndrome.) You'll be glad you did.

Lena Austin

http://www.LenaAustin.com

http://depravedduchess.blogspot.com

Gallery Glass Holiday Snowflake Ornament

2010-12-02T03:42:00.000-05:00

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Click image for larger view

Project Pattern

Stained Glass Snowflake Ornament

Brian Carter

This project is not available online. Please check with your retailer for supplies.

	16008 - Gallery Glass ® Window Color™ - Kelly Green, 2 oz.
	16025 - Gallery Glass ® Liquid Leading™ - Black, 2 oz.
	16442 - Gallery Glass ® Window Color™ - Glitter Hologram, 2 oz.
	16456 - Gallery Glass ® Window Color™ - Morning Glory, 2 oz.

	3mm flat round glass ornament
	Pencil Paper
	1” wide sheer silver ribbon (12” piece)

1. Print out the pattern or create your own by tracing around the ornament and drawing your design inside the circle.2. Put ornament on top of the pattern and trace the shape with Liquid Leading. Outline outside edge of ornament with Liquid Leading. Let dry completely.
3. Fill in the snowflake with Hologram Glitter. Use a toothpick to smooth the color to all the edges and remove air bubbles.
4. Fill in the background with Kelly Green and Morning Glory. Use toothpick to swirl colors together. Let dry completely.
5. Thread ribbon through hole in ornament and tie in a bow.

Sugarplums (yes, really!)

2010-12-01T01:49:00.000-05:00

Sugarplums

Recipe courtesy Alton Brown, 2009

Prep Time:: 45 min
Inactive Prep Time:: 13 hr 0 min
Cook Time:: --

Level:: Easy

Serves:: approximately 80 (1/4 ounce) balls

Ingredients

6 ounces slivered almonds, toasted
4 ounces dried plums
4 ounces dried apricots
4 ounces dried figs
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1/4 teaspoon anise seeds, toasted
1/4 teaspoon fennel seeds, toasted
1/4 teaspoon caraway seeds, toasted
1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
Pinch kosher salt
1/4 cup honey
1 cup coarse sugar

Directions

Put the almonds, plums, apricots, and figs into the bowl of a food processor and pulse 20 to 25 times or until the fruit and nuts are chopped into small pieces, but before the mixture becomes a ball.

Combine the powdered sugar, anise seeds, fennel seeds, caraway seeds, cardamom, and salt in a medium mixing bowl. Add the nut and fruit mixture and the honey and mix using gloved hands until well combined.

Scoop the mixture into 1/4-ounce portions and roll into balls. If serving immediately, roll in the coarse sugar and serve. If not serving immediately, put the balls on a cooling rack and leave uncovered until ready to serve. Roll in the coarse sugar prior to serving.

The Sugarplums may be stored on the cooling rack for up to a week. After a week, store in an airtight container for up to a month.

Printed from FoodNetwork.com on Mon Aug 09 2010

Thanksgiving Leftovers 1-- Thanksgiving Pie

2010-11-27T01:17:00.000-05:00

From www.savingdinner.com

Alice Johnston's Thanksgiving Pie
Serves 4 to 6

Leftover gravy, heated
Leftover turkey, chopped
Leftover stuffing/dressing (whatever you call it at your house)
Leftover mashed potatoes
Leftover veggies
Leftover cranberries

Preheat 375 degrees.

In an 8 to 9 inch pie pan, press the leftover stuffing into a bottom to make a pie shell of sorts. Next, make a layer of potatoes, then veggies. Add the chopped turkey to the heated gravy and mix well. Pour that turkey mixture into the middle of your pie and put it in the oven. Bake for 20 minutes or so until completely heated through. Serve with leftover cranberries.

Coming Soon!
A Haunted Halloween Blog Tour
Lena Austin
http://www.LenaAustin.com
http://depravedduchess.blogspot.com

Quilting 101: Cutting Four

2010-11-25T01:57:00.001-05:00

Quilting 101: Cutting Part Three

2010-11-23T01:56:00.001-05:00

Quilting 101: Cutting Two

2010-11-22T01:53:00.002-05:00

Quilting 101: Cutting Part one

2010-11-21T01:35:00.002-05:00

Quilting 101-- Cutting

Commentary: There's a certain amount of repetition in all of this as far as preparing to cut. There's a reason. Get into the habit now of taking your new fabric out of your shopping bag and throwing it directly into the apprpriate laundry hamper. Yeah, take a moment to gloat over your loot, but wash the fabric now. When it's dry again, iron it. Fold selvage to selvage. Put it and all the other stuff (pattern, thread, notions, etc) into one project bag. (Remember I mentioned those 2 gallon Ziploc bags?)

The first few patterns in the Super Quilter and Reader's Digest books await us, and cutting is very simple. We're talking straight lines, okay? What few special stuff is cut with scissors, like a paper heart pattern. So just read the next few lessons and just learn. Easy!

However, I would like some feedback. This stuff is work, and I'd rather know someone is actually interested and learning.

A side note on applique quilting

2010-11-19T22:38:00.000-05:00

Never ask an advanced quilter how to do applique. You'll get a non-answer of, "Oh, there's hundreds of ways. I really can't begin to tell you all the various techniques." Then you get a discourse of on the various kinds of appliques most favored by that quilter that may or may not be for the beginning quilter, except you don't even understand the terms. After beating my head against a wall, I gave up.

Today I just watched the second in a three-part series about applique from the tv show, Sewing With Nancy (http://www.nancysnotions.com/product/sewing+with+nancy/books/applique+know+how+workbook.do?search=basic&keyword=BK2314&sortby=newArrivals&page=1 ) and I was really impressed. Finally, I got to see a demonstration I not only understood, but was equipped to do. Amazing!

Between that show (I want the book and DVD set) and some very patient instruction from Ruth Brittain and Sandy Hamilton of my guild, I get it at long last. I more than get it. I want to play so badly, I'm having a hard time not incorporating applique into my current projects.

I'm restraining myself (barely) until after the holidays. Right now there are specific projects to finish, like last-minute holiday gifts, a Santa suit (don't ask!), two quilts, and a repair of an embroidery I did last year. Then I get to play. I hope. Umm...would someone put a bug in DH's ear that I want the book and DVD set for Christmas?

Lena Austin
http://www.lenaaustin.com/
http://depravedduchess.blogspot.com/

Quilting 101-General Marking and Cutting Instructions

2010-11-10T01:44:00.003-05:00

Quilting 101- General Marking and Cutting Instructions (Chapter One of Super Quilter referenced)

Boy-oh-boy! I'm changing a lot of this chapter. Some of the basic info is good, but much has changed since the early 1980's.

Squares are the fundamental basis of piecework. This is like learning your ABC's for all the stuff you learn later, so don't think you can skip this. If you like, you can do a tooth fairy pillow to practice. It's easy, and a nice gift for your kids. (Yeah, Susan. Make it now and put it away for later.) An alternate might be a hot pad for placing your hot pans on the counter. You won't need special heat resistant fabric for this. It's just a trivet-like barrier, but by the same token don't use it to take hot stuff out of the oven. You don't want to burn your hand.

General Instructions

Wash all fabric immediately upon purchase. Get into this habit now. It's highly important to get all the harsh chemicals and sizing out as well as making the fabric shrink or bleed if it's going to do so. Find out now before you spend a lot of time and effort on it.
We've already spoken about this, but let's reiterate to use only 100% cotton fabrics. Cotton shrinks less, wears better, and doesn't "move" on you while you're sewing. If you've ever had to work with slippery satins or slinky knits, you'll get the point quickly. If you're not sure, take a little bit and burn an edge by holding it next to a flame. Any polyester will melt and turn hard. As soon as the fabric cools, you'll feel that hardness if you rub the edge between your fingers. Even a poly-cotton blend will have that hardness. Don't trust it! Test it. Cotton burns like a candlewick, easy and clean. You may even have a little trouble putting out the fire. That's good news. If you're a little nervous about doing this –and well, you should be!—have your iron's squirt bottle of water standing by to give it a shot.
Ironing—When you get your fabric back from the laundry room, give it a good once-over with the iron. Please feel free to use starch. (Cheap trick—buy liquid starch and make your own starch spray for pennies! Read the directions on the back of the bottle and make your starch spray out of a recycled spray bottle.) Iron it all out and stack it on the table next to your cutting mat, rotary cutter, and ruler. You may wish to have a water-soluble pen nearby.
Preparing to cut—In the back of the book is a 2" template square for making the project. This part of the instructions is basically obsolete, though a version remains for more advanced work. Nowadays we use a rotary cutter, mat, and a quilter's ruler. The mat has a grid on it. Mine is marked in 1" squares, but some even have the ½" marked. Check your mat and know how it measures. Now lay your fabric on the mat. See the "funny" edge of the fabric? It's the selvage edge created by the manufacturer during the weaving process. In some cases, the selvage even has the colored dots marking what colors went into the process of making the fabric, and often may include the design name and designer. Cut that off and save it in the sheet protector or at least staple it to an index card with the project information, date, etc. If you have to go get more fabric, that selvage edge is a lifesaver! Now fold your fabric so it's selvage to selvage. Do this now before you forget which edges were the selvages. Iron it so you have a fold line.

Trick time!—Take a piece of paper from the printer. Fold it in half horizontally. Mark the fold line "Fold Line." Directly opposite of that will be your "selvages." Now, here's the important part—the two short sides are called "width of fabric" (w.o.f.) and you must remember what is your wof. When you buy fabric in the store, they measure at the selvage to cut the yards you need, and the wof is almost always about 45". When you see a pattern tell you to "cut 2-1/2 inches by wof," you'll know where and how much to cut, won't you? Now you know to mark 2-1/2" at the fold or selvage and cut along the wof. Easy! You should end up with a long strip that measures 2-1/2" by 45" (approximately). Keep the folded piece of paper taped up on the wall or something to give you a fast reference until you've learned to know your wof by "eyeball." If you won't be using your fabric for a few minutes/days, then take your washable marker and note the selvage edge. That's just a timesaver for later, just in case.

Speaking of the wof, it's time to lay your correctly folded and ironed fabric on your cutting mat. (Are your hands shaking? Then don't touch the rotary cutter for a minute. You're not ready yet anyway.) Lay your fabric on the mat so the fold line matches up with any of the measuring lines on the mat. Don't worry if the fabric isn't perfectly square. You'll take care of that in a minute. Give it a nudge or two until you're happy that it lines up. Okay, now turn the whole mat carefully until you can see the one edge of wof. I'm right-handed, so I look to the right side. You can look at either. If it isn't perfectly square and lines up with one of the lines on the mat, would nudging it over a smidge do it, or is the whole fabric totally out of square? If it is, just get it reasonably close and maybe over the line just a smidge. Ready? Get out your ruler and lay it so the long edge of the ruler runs down that line perfectly. It should be long enough so you can see both the top and the bottom of the line on the mat. There should be a bit of fabric sticking out the right side. That's what needs to be cut away.

Less panicky now? Open your rotary cutter so the edge is exposed and hold down your ruler firmly with one hand. It should be flat on the fabric, and the edge where you need to cut should be clearly exposed. Don't let your ruler move! If necessary, ask a friend or husband to hold the ruler down for you until you're comfortable. Run the razor edge of the wheel right up against the ruler's edge and slice away that bit you don't need. Throw it in a Ziploc bag labeled "Threads and Edges." We'll go green with those little bits and thread snippets another day.

You now have a squared up fabric ready to cut cloth. Use the measurement I gave you and your ruler. Measure 2-1/2" at the fold and cut a wof. Repeat with a few more fabrics. Iron them, fold them, iron the fold, square it up, and then cut a 2-1/2" strip. Save those strips! Strips are the basic cut for many forms of piecing, and 2-1/2" is the standard measurement. Many quilts are based on these strips alone! Cut one light fabric, one medium color, and one dark. For instance a baby pink, a rose pink, and a burgundy would be a set. Another might be white, gray, and black. You choose the colors you want.
A note about colors--You'll find yourself separating by these three values a lot, so learn to think in this way. Every one of the basic colors (black, white, pink, red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, brown, etc) has those three values. Even black and white can have shade variances in their color family, though they are neutrals. Think how many shades of white wedding gowns there are, and how many shades of gray and you have the idea. Learn to think not only in color family but also in light, medium, and dark. Try to remember to have all three of any color when you're buying fabric for a quilting project. You will almost always need some of each in light, medium, and dark. Even prints often have a shade value. Some will have a white background and appear very light. Some will be a medium tone, and some will appear dark. Quilt fabric designers know we need these shades and create entire families of colors in a design collection so we don't have to think too hard. If you need help, grab up those colored dots on the selvage strips you cut for inspiration in matching colors and shades. In a quilt shop, it's not unusual for a new quilter to bring her selvage strip and pattern, and have not only the owner but also another couple of shoppers happily helping find just the perfect matches!

An example of a designer's collection:

Mother fabrics-- More often than not, you end up with a "mother" fabric that is the main inspiration for a quilt, and all the other colors/fabrics come off that one. For instance, you've chosen an oriental dragon fabric with lots of blues, greens and gold. The dots show you all the colors and you don't have to do more than whip out your little selvage card to do a little matching. Between the pattern recommendations listed on the index card and your selvage strip, you can match up your fabrics without too much waste. Just note which fabric goes with which on the pattern (snippets or selvage clippings will help) to keep yourself in check without overbuying.
Let's return to the book. Let's say you do need a template. One of several types of material may serve, and each has an advantage. Cardboard/card stock is durable, such as recycling holiday cards, old index cards, or even cereal or laundry soap boxes. Look around and you'll find something. Take a tracing of your design from the book on ordinary paper, cut it out, and lay it on the cardboard. Draw a careful fine line and cut using paper scissors. Store this template well, and use it as the master when drawing multiples of the needed design element onto freezer paper or even directly onto the fabric.

Another template possibility is also in your recycle bin—plastic lids such as found atop a coffee can, yogurt pint, or frozen whipped topping. The plastic insert in a package of bacon also makes a great template. Some plastic containers with flat sides can become templates, but beware the brittle plastics. Employ extreme caution when marking these items and cut carefully so you don't cause inaccuracies. It's better to be patient and careful now than cussing while you try to match fabric later. In less than a month of diligence, you can have quite a collection of plastic saved up, trust me.

A less permanent template but one with certain advantages is from sandpaper. Drawing the marking on the paper side, cutting, and placing the sandy side down on the fabric keep slippage kept to a minimum. Feel free to experiment to find out what works best for you.

No matter what template you choose, label them carefully. You'll need to know what pattern they went with and what they were. You won't remember this was template G from the airplane block quilt in a few months!

Marking using templates involves one rule—read the label and pattern carefully. Purchased templates and most modern patterns include the seam allowance, but older or handmade templates do not. When you use a template, know beforehand whether or not you have to add for the seam allowance. Usually a seam allowance is a mere ¼", but that adds up to a huge difference when you have 20 squares across one row. That can be 10" of difference between what you have and what the designer intended. If you do have to add a seam allowance, mark around the template but cut ¼" or so outside that line.
Mark on the wrong side of the fabric whenever possible. Choose your marking utensil carefully. Make sure it's water-soluble and washes away cleanly. Do not put your template so close to the edge that your seam allowance includes any remaining selvage. You don't want to sew through that "funny" tight weave, do you? You are not a masochist. Yes, use the fabric to your best advantage and as efficiently as possible, but don't drive yourself nuts. We have a use for every scrap and thread, so nothing is wasted.
Since we're working with simple 2-1/2" squares to make our tooth fairy pillow or hot pad, we need not concern ourselves with templates today. Simply use the rotary cutter, mat and ruler to cut the 2-1/2" strips, then turn the strips 90 degrees and cut them again so you end up with 2-1/2" squares. (I love modern quilting!) Cut all your pieces and colors in this way. You may, if desired, store your squares by color (red, blue, green, etc) or shade (light, medium, dark) as suits your brain and the way you prefer to categorize things.

Hooray! You've cut your first quilting project. Now go have a cup of tea and celebrate.

Lena Austin
http://www.lenaaustin.com/
http://depravedduchess.blogspot.com/

Supplies and Demand-- Part Two

2010-11-09T01:59:00.001-05:00

Supplies and Demands Part Two

Okay, back to the supplies. I remind you that I’m drawing info from the Super Quilter book. However, I hope to have the "Patchwork, quilting, & appliqué (Reader's Digest)" by Jenni Dobson. Believe it or not, I just bought it from Amazon.com for a mere fifty cents. No, that’s not a typo; a hard cover book that gives excellent lessons and projects for a mere fifty cents. The shipping costs more.

I may pull projects and lessons from both books. I’m really impressed with both, and I think both have value.

A. THREAD

1. For piecing and appliqué, common sewing thread is fine. She does recommend acquiring the basic colors: black, white, natural, red, yellow, blue, and green.

2. Quilting thread had also become readily available. Threads are designated by weight, so 12 weight is what you want. There are almost as many colors in quilting thread as the more common all-purposed threads.

3. You may wish to acquire 40-weight rayon for “pretty shiny” stitches. This thread is more expensive and a bit more fragile, but it’s like collecting jewels. You just can’t resist the shiny. Besides, if you want to eventually learn art quilting, thread painting, etc, you’ll want to build up your collection over time.

Tip: Next time you go to the dollar store, pick up those cheap Q-tips you wouldn’t normally buy. Put one down the hole in the center of the spool, and then put the bobbin with the matching thread on top, using the cotton swab to hold the bobbin with it. Voila! Easy to keep matching stuff together.

Tip: While at the dollar store, grab up some of those cheap bags of ponytail holders, especially if you can get multiple colors in the bag. If you have a bobbin and/or spool of red thread, grab a pair of red ponytail holders and put one on the spool and one on the bobbin. They’ll keep the spool and the bobbin from unwinding, as well as giving you a basic idea of what color the thread is on the bobbin.

B. Beeswax—While Super Quilter makes mention of using beeswax often to help keep your thread from tangling, it’s becoming more difficult to find. Most thread companies have engineered their threads to where this is becoming obsolete. However, we may discover a new/old use for it as we go through the lessons.

C. Fabric Markers—So many marking options are available these days, you have a crazy amount of choices. Chalk markers and pens are the most common. Cold-water washable felt-tip pens are also commonly available, but humidity and time may reduce the markings. No matter what, you may wish to test your pens by marking a piece of scrap and washing it before you confidently start marking up your fabrics, only to find out the ink doesn’t wash out as well as promised. I found a set of Crayola markers that worked very well, but their cheaper counterparts required the use of Spray-n-Wash, much to my dismay.

D. Rulers—Oh, you can go so nuts here. Some quilters become ruler and template collectors. In the beginning, you may wish to purchase a 6”x24” quilter’s ruler. Mine is the Donna Dewberry version, and has an extra ½” in pink on one edge. (1/2” is the most common “extra margin” called the seam allowance.)

I’ve been collecting for a few months now, especially since I’ve been playing with special quilt types like Dresden plate, and twisted cuts. Really, it’s an addiction.

D. Pincushion—Some seamstresses have a favorite type like the tomato, the wrist pin cushion, the magnetic pin holder, etc. Choose what you like. I’ll be honest and say that you may wish to make your own out of your less than perfect blocks, leftovers, scraps, and extras. If you like the tabletop tomato or similar types, look around your home for weights. I found drapery weights that had fallen out of vertical blinds, fishing weights, large metal washers, and of course a handful of coins. Weighted pincushions don’t slide around when you stab a pin in them. Many quilters collect pincushions or make them to give as gifts. (Merri, do you remember the pincushion made atop a mason jar?)

I keep a magnetic wrist pin holder on my wrist for cutting, a pincushion next to my sewing machine, another next to my favorite chair where I do hand stitching, and of course one in my travel basket for my needlework. You think about the type of work you do.

E. Thimbles—While I always had a thimble, I never needed one until I started quilting. If you don’t have one, purchase one for your middle finger of your sewing hand. The thimble is used to push the needle through the fabric as you sew, not the keep the finger on the other hand from being poked. An inexpensive metal thimble is just fine, but more expensive leather thimbles are available if you decide to do a lot of hand-quilting. Those can be custom fit to your finger.

F. Seam Ripper—As Susan can attest, you will be using a seam ripper. You may wish to purchase more than one so you have one for your sewing machine, one for your favorite chair, and one for your travel kit. “Humility blocks” happen to us all, and you will need one at the most inopportune moment. Fortunately, they’re cheap unless you get the fancy designer ergonomic models.

G. Weird items you may or may not want:

1. Clasp Manila envelopes—6.5”x9.5” can be ideal for template storage. You can label them with the project name, the template names, etc.

2. As an alternative, many quilters use clear plastic sheet protectors in a binder and label the templates themselves. The advantage to clear plastic sheet protectors is that they can also store the pattern, fabric samples, and note cards with your sewing machine settings you used.

3. Graph paper and colored pencils or felt tip pens—occasionally, a block design needs to be colored with your choices as opposed to the designer’s choices.

4. Loose leaf binders—You’ll find yourself with an ever-increasing collection of magazine articles, printouts of free patterns off the net, and notes from YouTube even if you never join a guild. Binders can be picked up most cheaply at thrift shops, but don’t neglect those sales at the discount stores.

5. Zip-top bags—from quart on up, you’ll want a set to keep around for keeping projects and cuttings separate. Again, dollar store types are just fine.

6. Masking tape to label your bags is a smart investment, but this handy stuff comes into play when it comes time to make the quilt sandwich. Keep a good-sized roll around.

7. Divided plastic boxes such as what are sold for organizing can come in very handy. The ones that hold embroidery bobbins I’ve used for years now also keep my collection of sewing machine presser feet nicely organized and accessible so I can change out from the monogramming foot to the zigzag without a lot of wasted time. Many presser feet are now standardized so you can buy one set that would fit several machines such as this one: http://www.nancysnotions.com/product/supplies/presser+feet/fancy+footworks+foot+pack.do?search=basic&keyword=presser+foot&sortby=newArrivals&page=2

8. Freezer Paper—this simple item found in a grocery store is the basis of one common appliqué technique. It’s a good thing to have when you need multiple items of a similar shape. When you need fifteen hearts, draw them on freezer paper, iron the waxy side to the fabric, and then cut the hearts out. By making your mistakes on paper first, you don’t waste valuable fabric.

9. Iron-on fusible interfacing—this cheap substance can also act as a “pattern” for appliqué and similar techniques. I buy lightweight fusible in packs at Walmart. This is my preferred technique, but I keep freezer paper around as well. However, fusible interfacing stays with the fabric and can make it stiff. If you’re making a purse or table topper, this is a good thing. When making a quilt, this could be not so good.

Okay, this is the main list. There will be other items that appear on the project list, or I may mention a better way that Super Quilter’s author didn’t know about. There’s always a new gadget coming along. Some are worth the money. Some aren’t worth a moment of your time, much less a penny of your money.

Supplies and Demand-- Part One

2010-11-06T20:59:00.001-04:00

Supplies and Demands for Quilting

As I read this chapter of Super Quilter by Carla J Hassel, I’m struck by how much has changed in the past 20+ years since she sat down to write it. My amusement has faded to awe. I’m now wondering how my grandmothers managed with a cigar box as a sewing box, a set of hand-sewing needles, pins, scissors, thread, beeswax, chalk, a ruler, tape measure, pin cushion, thimble, seam ripper, and fabric. They made do or did without.

Now I admire my lovely computerized sewing machine, my collection of rulers and templates, stabilizers, Heat-n-Bond, glues, and myriad of gadgets available. Am I the one deprived because I’m not sitting around a frame with other women, learning from those who came before me? Maybe I am. They fearlessly attacked their ignorance and knew they had a lifetime to perfect their skills.

So I use a plastic tote and a photo box instead of a cigar box. It’s not a crime. I made my own pincushions from my early experiments with different blocks. I’ll use the clear acrylic rulers and rotary cutters to make my job a little easier. I still have to wash my new fabric to get the manufacturer’s chemicals removed and allow it to shrink or lose dye if it’s going to before I put any hard work into it.

I’ll say what Carla says, then give modern equivalents if I can.

1. Sewing box—there are a myriad of choices now to stow all your hand-sewing supplies from stacked plastic boxes to beautiful baskets. I’ve even seen the hardware store toolboxes like the Stanley Fat Max used. Some folks even collect vintage sewing boxes. I think the choice is personal.

2. Needles – This is where things get interesting. Since I intend to stick to hand-sewing so I get “up close and personal” with learning this craft, I’ll take her suggestions to use a package of “sharps” in sizes 7 and 8, and some “betweens” in sizes 7, 8 and 9. For my sewing machine, I’ll follow the manufacturer’s recommendations in the handbook. Ironically, I made myself a flannel needle case that resembles a book, where each flannel page holds a different type of needle. I’ll dig that out and keep it handy.

3. Pins—Oh, boy. I’ve been reading and now I understand why I got a few frowns at my pins in a magnetic holder. It seems that there’s an alternative pin that is thinner and more heat resistant, made to hold fabric without damaging the weave or fibers. How interesting. Of course, I already have the slightly larger pins with the “pearl” tops, but perhaps as I need to buy more, I’ll slowly replace them with the newer thinner type.

4. Scissors—Ask any child and they’ll know there’s a huge difference between scissors for paper and fabric scissors. The book recommends two different kinds of scissors. One set is the larger dressmaker’s scissors. The second set is more specialized, smaller and with a very sharp point.

This is also the time to recognize the joy of the rotary blade. (Cheering in the background.) Fortunately, sets with a rotary cutter and mat are readily available. The set I’ve chosen to use in the hyperlink also comes with a ruler for a great price. Okay, so it’s not the fantastic ergonomic set with the latest self-healing technology and all the latest gizmos. Those can be picked up as needed. A 45mm rotary cutter, mat, and a 6”x 24” ruler are enough to get started, even luxurious. However, I’m obliged to point out that the rotary cutter uses a round razor-sharp blade that can slice through flesh with more ease than any knife in the kitchen. Use the safety guards, cut away from yourself, and never let the little ones even come within a few feet. You know how quickly they get into things they shouldn’t!

Okay, that’s enough for tonight. I’m pooped. G’night!

Lee/Mama

Magickal Needlework-- Quilting 101

2010-11-04T21:31:00.000-04:00

If you haven't read Magical Needlework by Dorothy Morrison, you might wish to borrow it or buy. This book covers all the reasons to do magic through the juxtaposition of needle, thread and cloth to create magical items. I see no reason to reinvent the wheel when Dorothy did it so well.

For the purposes of this series, I'll deal with the pioneering art of quilting since it is versatile and practical. I'm teaching my daughters with this blog, so you'll see me refer to them as Merri, Susan, Tuesday (TJ), Jenny Elf, and Desi. Two are the daughters of my body, and the rest are adoptees, but who cares? I love them all.

I'll refer to several books, but most commonly I'll refer to You Can Be a Super Quilter! by Carla J. Hassel. This book, written when the girls were infants or before they were born, focuses on the simplest aspect of quilting--hand piecing and hand-quilting. I'll refer to more modern books or give my own comments as we go, as needed. However, the most simple things can be the most magical, and even the poorest pioneer woman could afford needle, thread, and recycled flour sacks, worn out clothing, and other found items into useful things for her home and family. Memories, love, prayers, and good wishes were stitched by hand into each block. That's a good example and a way to learn.

Today, we're dealing with one of the most fun aspects of learning needle arts-- fabric shopping.

Quilting 101- Fabric Facts

I’ll go into what Super Quilter says, but here are some bits of advice from Mom.

1. When you go shopping for fabric, have a list of exact yardages you need. This should be one of the first pages of a notebook you keep on this quilt. Believe me, you’ll want to keep this info. Trust me on this and start a notebook. Eventually, you can transcribe all this onto a Word doc and insert photos, but for now make it something you can take with you to the store. Later, this can go into a permanent binder.

For example, this list below came from a Halloween pattern available for free from BHG.com. I raid this site regularly for free patterns.

1/3 yard metallic orange print (blocks)

32 — 1/8-yard pieces novelty prints (blocks)

1 yard total assorted bright and dark prints (blocks)

5/8 yard mottled yellow (blocks)

1/4 yard mottled purple (inner border)

1/3 yard black star print (middle border)

6 — 1/4-yard pieces geometric prints (outer border)

1/2 yard metallic black print (binding)

2-7/8 yards backing fabric

51x67" batting

Finished quilt: 44-1/2x60-1/2"

Finished block: 8" square

Quantities are for 44-45"-wide, 100% cotton fabrics.

Measurements include 1/4" seam allowances. Sew with right sides together unless otherwise stated.

While the list may seem intimidating, it’s a fairly mid-range amount of fabric to purchase. When broken down, it’s about 8 yards of fabric for the top, and out of that you’ll have plenty of scraps for another project. Do the math. Convert everything to 1/8th yard measurements and add it up, giving yourself a little fudge factor, like converting 1/3 to ½ and therefore is 4/8 yards.

At top quilt shop prices ($9 a yard for the best of the best), the top alone will cost about $72. (You’ll treat Grandma’s quilt with a little more respect now, won’t you?) Shopping at Joann’s will cost an average of about $50.

So, plan on spending about $50-75. Remember, you don’t have to buy all of this at once! I save by buying on sale Fat Quarters (1/4 yd each) at Joann’s, and so have a “stash” to shop from first before I dig into my wallet to buy more. Note that this quilt is a “scrappy” quilt, where the designer planned on the quilter using fabrics from a stash, and so gave vague color concepts like “mottled yellow” and specified that the quilter should use 1/8 yd novelty prints (yeah, that’s the polite way of saying, “Shop your stash, honey!”)

Frankly, once the fabric bug has bitten you, unless you go shopping with a plan and a limit, you’re worse than a hormonal dieter in a chocolate shop. Take only the cash you budgeted and don’t bring the credit card. This is especially true in places like Joann Fabrics and Wal-Mart, but can be equally true in quilt shops where quality and beauty are literally everywhere you look.

I do recommend following a pattern at first when shopping. Your stash will develop of its own accord over time, as you make quilts, placemats, wall hangings, purses, jackets, and…what? Did you think this was just about making blankets? Get real, honey! This is about covering your home, body, table, kitchen, and family is the coolest designer looks as well as your personal tastes. Merri and Susan don’t even come close to matching in their personal color tastes, yet they could use the same quilt pattern with radically different results.

As Susan has learned from me already, even the terminally sweet icon of Sunbonnet Sue can be twisted to fit a personal style. (Mine is Sinbonnet Sue. Want to see her? Go to www.urbanthreads.com and search for Sinbonnet Sue). When I made my first Sunbonnet Sue, I made her a zombie eating a brain. Yeah, I am that twisted, but you don’t have to be! Another quilter had Sue going through the decades of the 20th Century, and I have to say Flapper Sunbonnet Sue was pretty darn cool, but Astronaut Sue was applause worthy! Yeah, she’s the Barbie of the Quilters. Since appliqué is one of the easiest quilting techniques, you can be assured we’ll return to Sunbonnet Sue for hours of fun and games. For now, let’s get back to fabric shopping.

Think in terms of your personal color choices and style. Remember the list is there as a guideline, nothing more. If you can’t find a “black star print,” then how about that cute “black cat print” instead? Ghosts on a black background? I couldn’t find a metallic black, so I used a plain black and used glittering fabric paint after the quilting was done. I could see Merri going for a black roses border and adding tiny red jewels as “drops of blood” like the roses bled. Susan might go for a metro-metallic look. TJ might find the Dios del los Muertos black sugar skulls more to her liking.

Also, think outside the box. Okay, so the pattern was originally designed for Halloween, but the basic design is easily converted to other themes like Christmas or Valentine’s, when another abundance of specialty fabrics are available. Birthdays and other holidays are also possible. When you hang this quilt up on a small curtain rod on the wall, you may already be planning to replace it with a Christmas hanging, or perhaps a birthday.

I’m learning that I fabric shop best online where I’m not tempted to finger fabrics that aren’t on the list. I actually save a lot of money, even with shipping charges, because I don’t buy everything in sight and can stick with a list better. Even at famous and expensive shops like www.hancocks-paducah.com I can maintain control better than going out where I can finger fabrics and be tempted by everything in the store. You can also buy fabric online at joann.com as well. (Psst! Hancocks-Paducah has a catalog you can request for hours of safe fabric “fingering” to make a list and order before you do something stupid.)

Okay, that’s enough for today. Go play.

Thanksgiving 5 Things

2010-11-03T01:14:00.001-04:00

Thanksgiving Five Things

Doing these five things ahead will save you time, stress, and money. Do it now, and write them down. If you don't have the FlyLady Holiday Control Journal, go get one. http://www.flylady.net Search "Control Journal" and you'll find it.

1) Guest List. Pretty basic, but seriously, make your list; check it twice and start making those all-important phone calls. Knowing how many to plan for is an integral part of successful holiday planning.

2) The Menu. What are you having besides turkey? Make your menu and appropriate grocery list and get everything purchased except the perishables (do that a few days before). If you have stuff that might get mistakenly eaten before the big day, put it in a box and stash it in the linen closet or label it instructing your loved ones to stay far, far away from this Thanksgiving food item.

3) The Turkey. If you're going to order a fresh one, time's running out. Make that phone call now. Make sure you get a confirmation number (put the confirmation number on your calendar or checklist). If you're buying frozen go ahead and purchase it now, double bag it and stick in the fridge to start thawing.

4) Serving Pieces. Do you have everything you need? Platters, serving utensils, extra plates, napkins, etc.? Pull them out and set them aside; that's one less thing you'll need to do. If you don't have what you need, buy them or make phone calls to borrow and pick them up as soon as possible.

5) Linen Check. Pull out your tablecloth and napkins. Are they clean, are they pressed? If not, wash and iron them now then hang them up on hangers and put them in your hall closet (or wherever you can hang them). Doing them the night before or the day of will exhaust you! There's way too much to do on those two days.

Remember that holidays are for everyone, INCLUDING the cook! Don't forget to ask for help, allow others to bring some of their favorite dishes and on cooking day, make time to stop, put your feet up and be very thankful for the faces that will be sitting around your Thanksgiving table. Enjoy yourself this year!

A great gift idea for the holidays--Stick it Right on the Money Stickers

2010-11-01T00:36:00.000-04:00

http://www.stickitrightonthemoney.com/

This has to be the most innovative way to give a plain old monetary gift some pizzazz to show you really did think about what gift would suit the recipient.

My mother in law used to say that giving money, gift certificates, and gift cards were in a way a cop out and borderline rude. They require very little thought, and while "one size does fit all" it does show a certain casual disregard for the likes and dislikes of the recipient or even little more than a nod to the occasion.

However in today's busy world, sometimes giving cash can mean a whole lot more, especially when friends and family can be many miles apart. Cash spends well without having to worry.

Now, with Stick It Right On the Money stickers, you can do more than give a nod to the occasion! Each frame and sticker are "Post-it" sticky, so the money isn't damaged. (That's illegal.) See the video at the website. What a great gift idea.

Lena Austin
http://www.LenaAustin.com

Do you love my work? Then don't download from pirates.
When you steal what I've earned, you're hurting me.

Quilting 101- How to Use the Book and this Blog

2010-10-20T01:51:00.053-04:00

I'll start by inserting the scanned page from the book. You'll need to save it to your computer and print it out or look at it with the Zoom feature. After that, we'll discuss it via Comments.

Okay, now for the discussion. I'll post the list of supplies ASAP. I'll post the page with a template or pattern when it's needed.

Once again, I remind you to save the plastic lids to margarine tubs, coffee cans, sour cream containers, and similar plastic lids. You'll need many. Also, save as many of the plastic inserts in bacon packages as you can. These will come in especially handy for some of the larger templates. I've looked at them, and they are some of the most common templates available. You'll want permanent copies.

I suggest you think very seriously about color schemes. You may have already noticed a theme or color scheme you particularly favor. For instance, I'm well known for loving hot tropical colors like Caribbean blue, hot pink, and grass green, and if it has to do with the sea or Egypt, I'm always willing to give it a shot. Remember that fabric can be bought in a myriad of colors and themes, including holiday motifs you might not ordinarily try.

Many of the projects we'll explore are simple things like pillows, hot pads, and wall hangings. We're learning on these things, so they're deliberately small and relatively easy. This gives us a chance to try out different looks we might ordinarily never get a chance to play with. Who cares if it's just a little holiday pillow? We'll learn to look for the colors and styles we find attractive.

As far as how much we'll need, you'll be happy to know many of the projects will use a yard for the front and a yard for the back. Those yards will be broken up into 1/4 yard here, 1/2 yard there, etc. You may also wish to purchase quilt batting. My personal choice is found at Joann's and is called Warm and Natural. The link I've included allows you to buy online. I suggest saving the URL to your favorites. NancysNotions.com is an excellent online retailer.

Plan on spending about $9 a yard for good fabric. Yes, you can get cheaper, but good fabric doesn't fade, bleed, or fray quite as much. It's worth the investment, since quilts are often handed down for generations. After you spent 3 months making them a quilt, you'll want your grandchildren to appreciate your work and not wrap the washer in it when they move!

No matter how tempting it is, be patient with yourself. As Susan can attest, making a quilt is a long and frustrating process if you dive in without working up with knowledge and practice. A pillow, place mat, or oven mitt now is well worth your time.

Anecdote: I am just now learning the lesson about Precision Ironing. (wince) If you've not read my Notes on my private Facebook page, you missed out on a good laugh at my expense. Readers Digest Version-- a 19-times blue ribbon winner saw my quilt top and is making me re-iron every seam so the darn thing lays perfectly flat, without one lump where seams cross, for maximum comfort and beauty. Learn from my mistake and plan your seams so they all lie in one direction or the other. (There's a section called, "In Praise of Precision" to learn this. Don't panic.)

Well, before I give away everything and overwhelm you, that's enough for today. Just think about your colors and personal style. If money were no object, what would you decorate and wear?

Learning Quilting Together

2010-10-19T11:50:00.000-04:00

I've already spoken with TJ about this by phone, since her internet will be out for another few days. She's in, so I'm including her in these emails. (Susan, you may include Elf in this if she wishes.) I'll also be posting this on my Third Infinity blog.

I found among some of the books Karen DeAngelo gave me a book called, "You can be a Super Quilter!" by Carla J. Hassel. (ISBN 0-87069-294-1) I've hyperlinked it to the Amazon.com listing, where it's on sale for cheap if you want your own copy. What a great book! It's like a workbook, taking you step by step through the process.

The plan is for me to scan the pages and discuss them with you, page by page and lesson by lesson. Eventually, we'll all be learning together and doing the "homework" together via the internet. Upon occasion, we can learn about alternative methods using more modern conveniences or options, since the book was written thirty years ago.

However, this book was written to highlight and teach the original methods used by the poorest or before the advent of the sewing machine, so hand-stitching methods are included. The biggest expense is at the beginning, gathering up the supplies like a sewing box, needles, pins, scissors, thread, etc. Almost every woman has some of these items, and more "make do" things can be purchased very cheaply.

As an example of "make do" things, you may wish to start saving the plastic from your packages of bacon and the tops of your margarine tubs, coffee cans, and sour cream. These become inexpensive templates used later in the process. Perhaps you get a package in the mail and save the large envelope to hold your templates. Definitely start saving your used dryer sheets for when we learn "needle turned applique." Trust me, you'll want a pile. You probably already buy washable school glue (yeah, Elmer's white) and washable magic markers. Save some for yourself. Do you own a set of "toesies" (toe separators used in pedicures)? If so, save them or grab a set from the dollar store. They hold bobbins securely! Lastly, next time you buy eggs, consider saving the carton. The separate compartments are ideal for holding beads, buttons, and bobbins.

Almost everything else you may need is available at Walmart, if the one nearby has a fabric section. This is worth searching out! Look up the local fabric and quilting stores like Joann's and Hancock's. The local quilt shops may be pricey, but what they have will be the very best and they have one thing that you'll need-- advice. It's worth getting to know these places. At minimum, know where you can find "quilt backing" fabric. This 108" wide fabric is good to have, if you can get it locally. Muslin will do in a pinch, but you'd have the extra step of piecing it together into a big enough sheet. That's not bad, but it's an extra step, and you may end up wanting to dye it to match, which is another step. Find the quilt backing locally, when possible.

Ordering online is perfectly fine, and I do have a few URL's of good places to shop. I just purchased a generic sewing machine foot to learn free motion quilting for less than $15, including shipping! I know Susan will want one at minimum, since we'd already begun to explore thread painting while she was here. If Jenny's machine allows for the generic foot, it might be worth acquiring until we can get Susan her machine, which I know can use the generic foot.

Is everyone in? (Jenny will need to email me if she wants her own copy of the emails.) If anyone else is interested, please let me know by private email. (voiceomt2002@yahoo.com)

Uses for Ice Cube Trays

2010-10-06T01:30:00.002-04:00

Quite a few people have seen me blog about using ice cube trays to freeze chicken, vegetable, or beef broth into manageable cubes for use in recipes. Here are a few more:

Ice cube trays are perfect little organizers.

They can be used to freeze herbs, coffee/tea and baby food.

They stack easily, so use them to organize jewelry, loose change, tacks, paper clips, small screws and bolts or buttons.

They're great to hold different-colored paints for kids or candies, a variety of dips, to grow seeds or as a candy mold.

Wall Pegboard Storage

2010-09-30T01:01:00.000-04:00

Use Wall Space for Storage!

Empty wall space can become a useful storage area, and it's a great way to keep scissors and other scrapbook tools out of little hands. Go to the thrift store to save big bucks and dig through the wall art for a frame whose shape or texture you like. Don't worry about color, or even if it has glass. You can change the color, and you don't need the glass anyway. Now go to the hardware store and cut a piece of pegboard to size, and secure the pegboard inside the frame. Give the wall hanging a coat of paint for a uniform look. Paint the frame in a contrasting color if desired, and decorate to suit your personal tastes.

My mother, a veteran of both oil painting and stained glass art, changes frames the way we change clothes. one frame of a seascape is covered with an old thick rope she salvaged from the beach. For another, she recycled a few silk flowers to match the painting in the frame. Use your imagination and indulge your senses in a bit of fun. It's for your use, right?

What a great gift for the crafter or quilter in your life!

Spinning Tool Caddy

2010-09-29T01:56:00.007-04:00

Spinning Tool Caddy

Craft an inexpensive desk caddy for go-to tools and supplies. Clean up cans of all sizes and stick them to a lazy Susan with heavy-duty adhesive. Wrap the cans in patterned paper for a personal touch. (To eliminate sharp can edges, cover them with masking tape or the colorful duct tape now available in many craft stores. Add a little bling with rhinestones, buttons, beads and bows if you desire. This is all about you!

Recipe: Spicy Cheese Soup

2010-09-28T03:56:00.000-04:00

I think I'll treat them with some cheese biscuits to go with their Spicy Cheese Soup

Spicy Cheese Soup

1 lb processed cheese, cubed (like Velveeta)
1 lb ground beef, cooked and drained
1 can (8-3/4 oz) whole kernel corn, undrained
1 can (4-oz) green chiles, chopped
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes with green chiles
1 can (14 oz) stewed tomatoes
1 envelope taco seasoning
Corn chips for garnish, optional

Combine all ingredients in slow cooker, and cook on Low 4-5 hours. Serve with corn chips if desired.

Original recipe in Rival Crock Pot 3-in-1 Cookbook. ISBN: 978-1-4127-2584-2

Coming Soon!
A Haunted Halloween Blog Tour
Lena Austin
http://www.LenaAustin.com
http://depravedduchess.blogspot.com

Recipe: Apple Caramel Pie in the Crock Pot

2010-09-27T01:43:00.000-04:00

Apple Carmel Pie

Fix-It and Forget-It Cookbook Revised and Updated, p. 248

Sue Hamilton, Minooka, IL

Makes 8-10 servings

Prep. Time: 5 minutes

Cooking Time: 3 hours

Ideal slow-cooker size: 4- to 5-qt.

2-crust refrigerated pie dough pkg.

2 22-oz. cans apple pie filling

1 tsp. cinnamon

12 caramel candies

1. Press one crust into half the bottom of a cold slow cooker, and an inch or so up half its interior side. Overlap by ¼ inch the second crust with the first crust in center of slow cooker bottom. Press remainder of second crust an inch or so up the remaining side of the cooker. Press seams flat where two crusts meet.

2. Cover. Cook on High 1½ hours.

3. In a bowl, mix together pie filling, cinnamon, and caramels.

4. Pour mixture into hot crust.

5. Cover. Cook on High an additional 1½ hours.

Coming Soon!
A Haunted Halloween Blog Tour
Lena Austin
http://www.LenaAustin.com
http://depravedduchess.blogspot.com

Quiltfest-- What I learned from Bonnie Hunter's Trunk Show

2010-09-26T06:40:00.002-04:00

Wow, it's really amazing where you can find a fellow Flybaby. This past weekend, I went to Quiltfest 2010, and I eagerly ran to hear the featured speaker, Bonnie Hunter. While I'm not much on trunk shows, she was famous for her organizational techniques for scrap management and stash control. While my stash isn't out of hand yet, I didn't want to get that way. We arrived for the trunk show in plenty of time and happily took our seats.

How shocked and pleased I was when Bonnie opened up her show by asking how many of us in the room were Flybabies! My hand shot up eagerly, and she picked me to ask if my sink was shiny! I nodded, grinning. Yes, I'd shined my sink and done all my morning routine including hanging out a load of laundry. I was a proud Flybaby! Women all around me asked "What's FlyLady?" and I gave out lots of little scraps of paper with www.FlyLady.net written on it. (grin)

OMG! Bonnie's whole scrap management system was based on Just 15! Wow, what a concept! "Just 15" is a system from FlyLady where the idea is to take small bits of time, just 15 minutes, to take care of something small but annoying, like straightening up one room. Set a timer, and go for 15 minutes. It works. You can do any task, no matter how hateful, if you put on your big girl panties and deal for 15 minutes.

Bonnie's system works the same way. We all have that bag, box, drawer, or basket of scraps. They're supposedly too small to really be useful, but we can't bear to part with them. I'd already learned to cut up my scraps into useful 6" and 2.5" squares, but I still had piles of string-like pieces that didn't fit the "squares" concept. Just like Bonnie said, I couldn't bear to be rid of them.

One of Bonnie's many ways of dealing with those strings is to cut up scrap paper (I used junk mail) into 6.5" squares and 2.5" squares. She has the math on her website, http://www.Quiltville.com, to show you why certain sizes work best, and I chose what worked for me. By cutting up squares of paper, you now have foundations for paper piecing those strings together into useful blocks for later sewing, and you can use the patterns available for free from her website! Wow! I was already stunned and thrilled minutes into her speech.

I've taken useless junk mail and cut it into 6.5" and 2.5" squares for foundation piecing all those itty-bitty scraps into useful blocks I can piece together at leisure! Fifteen minutes a day to take care of my little scraps will have that basket down to a few orphans in no time!

Best of all, Bonnie simplified my haphazard system of organizing my scraps into two simple piles: Whites/Neutrals and Colors. Yeah, that's it. I'd already learned that a quilter tends to work in color families anyway. I'm big on bright, clear tones and mostly blues, greens, and pinks. Others work with antique colors that are more muted, or what I call "city" colors-- abstracts with clear, sharp lines. Anyway, because of that, most of a quilter's scraps match or contrast automatically. She was right! I pulled out my stash of scraps, and there was only one or two that didn't "go" with anything, but happily, they match each other! I'll probably get a doll quilt out of them at minimum.

I also learned what "leaders and enders" are, and boy, I'm taking care of those 2.5" blocks by the drawer-full now. This is all in between finishing my husband's birthday quilt. No extra work! It's just something I did right along with the chain piecing I was already doing. Voila! I now have a small pile of blocks already after just one night. Best of all, no more threads on the floor to clog my vacuum cleaner. My husband thought I'd gone insane. I cackled like a nutcase every time I finished an end or began a new seam line all last night.

Even how Bonnie organizes her stash was a revelation to me. She has a simple compartmentalized system, and everything above 1/2 yard is folded in mini-bolts and separated by color. Anything below 1/2 yard goes in with the FQ's. What a great system. Since I have only a tiny 10'x10' room to serve as both home office and sewing room, I have to keep organized.

My pile of useful blocks are growing to the point where I see fun veteran quilts and doll blankets by the dozens for me to give to our guild charities! I can't wait! But first, there's a quilt to finish for my darling husband, who's absolutely positive Quiltfest made me go mad. Maybe he's right.

Lee

Fw: Pokey's Sharing a Cool Secret for making Holiday Ornaments

2010-09-10T01:16:00.000-04:00

From: Quilting Daily <quiltingdaily@interweave.com>
To: voiceomt2002@yahoo.com

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Quilting Arts Gifts is a special issue of Quilting Arts Magazine devoted to the art of gift-giving!

September 9, 2010

My Recipe for No-sew Snowflakes

It's no secret I'm a surface design junkie. Over the years, I have amassed an overflowing stash of fabrics that have been dyed, printed, screened, stamped, and stenciled.

Not only do I despair of ever using these fabrics up in art quilts, I have to admit that some of them aren't quite art quilt-worthy.

I also have to admit that, being a surface design junkie, I also collect a ton of objects that could be used in surface design.

A category of those objects is cookie cutters—implements that I can assure you will never be used in the presence of butter and sugar. Soy wax, maybe.

So you can imagine my delight when I figured out a way to use these extra fabrics and some snowflake cookie cutters that were gathering dust together to get a jump start on my holiday decorations. I created no-sew snowflake ornaments that are a snap to make, and I'm sharing the secret for making them with you.

In fact, if you have an Accuquilt GO! Fabric Cutter, you can whip up a batch of these cool beauties even faster. I explain the process with the fabric cutter in the 2010-2011 issue of Quilting Arts Gifts, but I can't wait to share the instructions for the cookie cutter version, so here it is.

No-sew Fabric Ornaments
By Pokey Bolton

Materials

Scraps of fabric
Fusible web
Stiff interfacing
Iron and ironing surface
Fabric scissors
Awl
Eyelets and eyelet setting tools
Decorative ribbon (at least 7" for hanging)
Cookie cutters with holiday themes
Fabric marker

Making the snowflakes

1. Sift through your stash of fabrics and look for areas that have interesting patterns that you'd like to feature on your ornaments.

2. Following the manufacturer's instructions, adhere fusible web to the back side of the fabric with your iron.

3. Iron the fused fabric to a piece of stiff interfacing.

4. Take another piece of fabric, apply fusible web, and iron it to the other side of the interfacing so that it is double sided.

5. Place a holiday-themed cookie cutter on top of the stiffened fabric and trace the design using a fabric marker, then cut it out.

Attaching the ribbon

1. Mark a dot on your fabric ornament where you would like the ribbon to loop through for hanging.

2. With your awl, poke a small circle.

3. Using your eyelet setting tools, hammer the eyelet in place.

4. Loop the ribbon through the eyelet, and tie the ends in a bow.

Voila! Your ornament is ready to be hung on the tree, and your surface design efforts were put to excellent use.

There are lots of make-it-quick projects like this in the new issue of Quilting Arts Gifts, as well as more complex gift-giving and home décor ideas for the holidays and beyond. Be sure to get your copy before—like your favorite cookie—they're all gone!

Pokey Bolton
Editorial Director

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Buy Yourself Some Time
Make easy, modern projects in no time with Quilting Arts Gifts

Make quick work of your holiday gift list and home décor with fun, festive projects you can make in an afternoon.

The 2010-11 issue of Quilting Arts Gifts offers you seven Make-it-Quick! ideas that are a snap to make, leaving you more time to enjoy the season and bask in all the compliments you'll get for your creativity.

Got time for more involved projects? Quilting Arts Gifts includes more than 20 additional art quilting and mixed-media ideas that will elicit oohs and aahs from everyone who sees them.

Our Gifts issue is always a best-seller, so don't miss out. Order your issue today, and complete a project the very day it arrives!

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The Recessionista’s take on Bus Riding

2010-09-05T13:25:00.001-04:00

Call me spoiled. I deserve it. I've ridden a bus once in all my fifty-one years of life.

That time about eight years ago, I paid my change, rode down the street to the shopping center, got what I wanted, got back on the bus, and rode home. One stop, no changes, no major hubs. Dante held my proverbial hand like a baby and led me the entire way. Yeah, I was that clueless.

Frankly, I still am that clueless. Well, I'll fix that as soon as possible. There's no reason that I should be this ignorant of how to ride a bus, especially when I'm well aware of how to use the Trip Planner feature on the bus company's website.

What I need is practice. A simple ride down to the bank and back, just to get familiar with the procedure, and then continue to expand my horizons a bit. Perhaps even meet Tuesday at Regency Mall or perhaps make my way to the library for a peaceful day of typing in quiet. That does have a certain appeal.

Lena Austin
http://www.LenaAustin.com

Do you love my work? Then don't download from pirates.
When you steal what I've earned, you're hurting me.

Buffet Buckets

2010-09-04T01:46:00.001-04:00

Here's a Quickie Craft for any Season!

Take small metal buckets and wrap them with paper! The example in the picture shows them with a map for a Bon Voyage party, but I can see holiday wrapping paper, birthday paper, scrapbook paper, and even fabric! What a fun and easy way to make those utensils readily available for a picnic, cookout, or buffet table. After the party, just slip off the paper and store it for next time. If you use fabric, iron a stiff interfacing onto the back so it stays upright.

Next up: Cloth napkins in a flash. It's going green!

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Posted By Lena Austin to CrafteeChix at 9/02/2010 01:43:00 AM

Fabric Scraps Bowl--Make a Gift!

2010-09-03T01:10:00.001-04:00

Fabric Scraps Bowl

Crafts Supplies for Fabric-Scraps Bowl
What you'll need:
Crafts Supplies for Fabric-Scraps Bowl
45x1 strips of fabric
100-percent-cotton rope, approximately 1/4-inch diameter
Decorative thread for bobbin
Regular sewing thread for top

Instructions for Fabric Scraps Bowl
1. Cut fabrics into 45x1-inch strips. (The number of strips needed is determined by how much they are overlapped on the rope.) Wrap a fabric strip over one end of the rope, slightly overlapping fabric so the rope does not show through. Coil fabric-wrapped rope; hand-tack at center.
2. Continue wrapping rope with fabric, adding strips randomly or in a pattern, and coiling fabric-wrapped rope, machine-zigzag-stitching to secure the coils together. Shape bowl by angling coils upward while zigzag-stitching.
3. When desired shape and size is reached, cut rope, wrap end with fabric, and secure with zigzag stitches. Trim off fabric.

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Posted By Lena Austin to CrafteeChix at 8/31/2010 10:41:00 AM

Fw: [CrafteeChix] Embroidery Project-- Mason Jar Pincushion

2010-09-02T07:22:00.001-04:00

OMG!! I so fell in love with this project, I just had to share. (see pic below)

Look at this project! A pincushion using a mason jar for those pesky wandering supplies. I'm sure the quilters and even non-seamstresses can find cute fabrics or mini-foundation piecing projects to make this work a million ways.

http://www.emblibrary.com/EL/elprojects/SimpleProduct_ELP.aspx?CS_ProductID=PR1605

It has a PDF file you can download to save.

Lena

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Posted By Lena Austin to CrafteeChix at 8/11/2010 07:04:00 AM

Thread Painting

2010-08-31T14:22:00.001-04:00

I think I just discovered a new and fun way to play with my threads-- thread painting. Thread painting --by my definition-- is the art of using all those lovely thread colors to create a picture using stitches programmed into my sewing machine. Example:

Note that the leaves on the left are rather plain. Pretty, but plain, despite the use of a bit of gold dye in the manufacturing. The same set of leaves on the right were thread painted using a simple orange Coats and Clark thread, and my plain old everyday running stitch. Now they really stand out!

That was just playing and experimenting. Right now, I want to go play with everything! I must calm down, but I see many possibilities with this. I look forward to attempting new and interesting things in the coming months. After all, I only stitched the veins of the leaves. I can well imagine stitching up the entire inside of a circle in a spiral (which is so very symbolic), just like I do with Russian Punch Needle, only infinitely easier!

Snowflakes anyone? (grin) Now think of all the symbols available that could be simply "filled in" with simple stitches. Mabon is almost here, so think of all the fall leaves and apples to stitch. Samhain? Really? Must I explain a ghost or pumpkin stitched up? Hmm. UrbanThreads.com has a lovely set of hand embroidery patterns for each of the Eight Sabbats for cheap. I might just have to fork over a few dollars for the set. New altar cloths, here I come!

Summertime Party 2

2010-08-15T01:21:00.001-04:00

Let's talk about that wonderful thrill of the grill for a moment.

Summer Get Togethers Part 1

2010-08-14T01:16:00.002-04:00

Today begins the final days of summer for me. Soon the days will chill, the kids will go to school, and the snow birds will depart for their northern homes. Wait...there's a bad side to this, somewhere. (grin) Anyway, we're planning those grilling events for the Labor Day weekend, right? I'm beginning a series of great ideas to share to make those summer parties shine.

The Junebug Drink

2010-08-13T01:12:00.001-04:00

Keep the Kids Busy Until the Bus Comes again

2010-08-12T05:09:00.000-04:00

My grandchildren are driving my eldest nuts. It's too hot, it's boring, etc. Yep, it's the Dog Days of Summer. Here are a few ideas to keep them busy until that glorious day when the bus comes.

No Cook Ice Cream

2010-08-11T01:45:00.001-04:00

It's too hot to cook, not even for ice cream. Here's some treats that don't need it.

Roses With Smell Please

2010-08-10T03:58:00.000-04:00

Ever notice the beautiful hybrid tea roses don't smell or have only faint scent?

David Austin Roses!

Gardening: Hypertufa Garden Furniture and Sculptures

2010-08-09T13:10:00.000-04:00

How to make Hypertufa Garden Furniture

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

You may have many of these supplies on hand. The remainder can be found at a building supply store to make a trough that measures 16x16 inches.
Tape (Duct, Masking, even Painter's)
Tape measure or ruler
Marker
Serrated knife
Sheet of 2-inch-thick foam insulation boards
Eight 3-1/4-inch nails
Rubber or latex gloves
Quikrete Portland cement
Perlite
Peat moss
Reinforced concrete fibers
Water
Gallon container
1/2-inch dowel
3/8-inch-thick plywood board (2x2 feet)
Spray bottle
Sheet of plastic or trash bag
Wire brush or screwdriver (optional)
Wheelbarrow
Hoe

Step 2: Prepare the Mold

Using the serrated knife, cut insulation into two 16x6-inch pieces and two 18x6-inch pieces. Assemble these four sections into a square or rectangle, depending on how you join the ends. Insert two nails through the insulation material -- one near the top and one near the bottom -- of each intersection.

Test Garden Tip: For a rectangle, assemble as shown with the 16-inch section outside the 18-inch section. For a square, assemble with the 16-inch section inside the 18-inch section.

Step 3: Secure the Mold

Wrap tape two times around the mold, once near the top and once near the bottom, for added reinforcement.

Test Garden Tip: Almost any type of tape will work: duct tape, masking tape, or painter's tape.

Step 4: Mark a Thickness Line

Mark a line at least 2 inches from the bottom as a guide to the depth of the hypertufa; this will mark the thickness of the bottom of your trough. Note: If you create a larger container, you'll want a deeper layer of hypertufa to give your trough more support.

Step 5: Mix the Dry Materials

Put on your gloves and measure 2 gallons cement, 2 gallons perlite, and 4 gallons peat moss. The amount will allow for some left over material to make trough feet. Mix the dry ingredients in your wheelbarrow with the hoe.

Test Garden Tip: Add 1/3 cup of reinforced concrete fibers to give your hypertufa trough more strength. Find them at building supply stores.

Step 6: Add Water

Slowly add warm water to the wheelbarrow. Start with about 3 gallons and mix it well with the dry materials. You should end up with a consistency like cookie dough or a graham cracker crust. It should be wet enough to adhere so it doesn't crumble, but not too wet to ooze water. It should be wet enough to hold together when compressed, but not oozing water.

Step 7: Form the Trough

Set the mold on the plywood board. Begin packing the bottom with the hypertufa mixture, using your previously marked line as a stopping point. Working a small area at a time, use your hands to firmly press the mixture into the bottom corners and up the sides, making sure to mash one section into another for seamless adhesion for a strong trough. Continue up the sides until the sides are covered by a 2-inch-thick layer. Spray water as needed to keep the mixture moist while you are working.

Test Garden Tip: The plywood board serves as the bottom of the mold and makes transporting the trough easier.

Step 8: Add Drainage Holes

To provide proper drainage, use a dowel to poke holes in the bottom of the trough. Insert the dowel through the hypertufa until it meets the plywood base. Repeat to make six evenly spaced holes. Leave the trough to dry in protected spot.

Step 9: Remove the Mold

Your trough should dry in about 48 hours. After it's dried and hardened, carefully remove the tape and nails and pull the sides of the mold away from the trough.

The mold can be used as is. Or if you prefer a textured, aged look for your trough, gently score the exterior with a wire brush or screwdriver.

Step 10: Cure the Trough

Store the trough in a shady area to cure for 30-60 days. The hypertufa trough gets stronger every day. Your container can be left out in freezing temperatures as long as it is off the ground.

Test Garden Tip: Spraying with water often decreases the duration of this process to about 30 days.

Step 11 (Optional): Make Pot Feet

Use any leftover mixture to create feet for your troughs. These feet will keep your trough off the ground.

Test Garden Tip: Or use extra hypertufa mix to create garden sculptures, such as toadstools.

Step 12: Plant It Up

Place your hypertufa trough on porch steps, in a garden bed or border, or on the patio and fill with a potting mix it. It will work anywhere you choose.

Notes from Lena's Garden—

1. This stuff is only limited by your imagination and your ability to make a mold to hold it. A bucket, a bowl, a box, or a ball. Sculpt and work your own tastes into your garden. I'm going to see about creating an armature (see HERE) and try my hand at small sculptures like a toad house or small Stonehenge.

2. I recommend you make this in a location where you can easily shelter your creation from sudden summer storms, like a covered patio or carport. It's HEAVY.

Lena Austin

Http://www.LenaAustin.com

The Sabbat of Lammas

2010-07-22T00:56:00.000-04:00

LAMMAS

(August 1st)

HISTORY

Lughnasadh (pronounced loo-nus-ah-duh) means the commemoration of Lugh. He was a fire and light god of the Apollo-Hercules type. His name may be from the same root as the Latin "Lux", meaning light "which also gives us Lucifer, the light bringer.

In Irish legends, the god undergoes death and rebirth in the sacrificial meeting with the goddess. He was associated in Anglo-Saxon tradition with corn harvest and the killing of the Corn King. In this manner did the pagans of long ago celebrate the first harvest of corn.

In keeping with a pagan idea of balance, in a parallel to the "Greenwood marriage" is the "Charlestown marriage". These marriages were trial marriages that could be dissolved after a year and a day by the couple simply returning to the high priestess who had handfasted them and informing her of their decision.

THE ALTAR AND circle

1. Decorate the altar with sheets of wheat, barley or notes, fresh fruits, a little breads fashioned in the figure of the Sun God, and corn dollies.

2. Foods-bread in the shape of the god figure, any edible berries, acorns leached of their poisons, crabapples, all grains, and locally grown produce. Bake a cake. This is a time of abundance, so a trip to a farmers market will give you great ideas. Besides what are you going to do with all the zucchini anyway? Save some zucchini casserole and bread for this winter when it will really be appreciated. The same goes for those baskets full tomatoes. Your chili this winter will be all the better for it.

3. Drinks-cider, very drinks, and berry wines. My coven is particularly fond of Boone's Farm berry wines. Who said you had to have a palette to be a pagan anyway?

4. Altar cloth and candles-fire colors such as red, yellow, or orange to symbolize the sun. It is recommended that the altar cloth be decorated with sun symbols and grain. Any decorations that remind the coven this is the grain harvest are appropriate. I personally have an altar cloth I intend to stencil with wheat sheaves, but any good fabric store will be loaded with great fabric covered in fruit, herbs, suns, or wheat.

RITUALS

Remember the warmth and bounty of summer in the food we eat. Each meal is an active attunement with nature. Add some of the fruit on the altar, while thinking the god for the sacrifice under the sickle.

Plant proceeds from the fruit consumed in the ritual.

Wheat weaving, or making corn dollies.

Visit fields, orchards, lakes, and wells during the season.
Bake a ritual loaf of bread in the shape of the god. I personally suggest wheat bread if possible. It is recommended that has begun to day of Lammas but not during circle.

Make onion and garlic braids out of the onions and garlic that sprouted. Once the braids are made, consecrate them as protections for the house especially the kitchen and then hang them in the kitchen. Never again use them for food. They now contain all the negativity absorbed from your household. Replace them with a new braid at Lammas, or as necessary. Bury them in your garden or a pot for garlic or onions, returning them to the earth to be cleansed and renewed.

To chanting, pickling, and preserving. Share ideas and recipes. There is much harvesting to be done at this time of year. There is a farmers market and by a large amount of some vegetable to preserve, then have a whole circle get-together to do it. (Pickling is smelly, but everyone gets a jar or two to enjoy during the winter. Any jam, jelly or preserve works.) Since the cost of the whole operation he shared by the whole circle, the cost is minimal. Save for the initial cost of preserving equipment. Take donations for the big preserving stockpot and box of jars. Let it be said pot is now owned by the circle, and the jars after use must be returned to the circle for use again next year. This way you build up a stock of jars for the future.

Fruits and vegetables are easy to preserve. Fruits need only to be washed and hulled if necessary and stored in a plastic freezer bag with lots of sugar. You can also make fruit syrups by simply making a simple syrup of sugar and water at the fruit and bring to a boil. Most vegetables can be blanched or partially cooked and ladled into plastic freezer bags when cooled. It really is that easy.

Make vinegars out of the herbs from everyone's gardens and kitchens. Everyone brings a gallon or less of vinegar. Some bring white, some brings cider, and some bring wine vinegar. Some bring Oriental rice wine vinegars, etc. Make vinegars for all to take home in saved jars. Suggest to the circle that during the coming year, they collect pretty bottles to put their vinegars in for display. Have the circle contribute toward corks for the bottles. Buy the corks ahead of time. Corks can be ordered from beer and winemaking shops.

This is the time of year that marks the beginning of the craft festivals and county fairs. Talk to the circle about going as a group or as individuals to these and celebrate creation and harvest.

Another way of preserving the fruits of the season is to sugar roses and violet petals. Dip the individual petals in egg, then coat with sugar. Let dry thoroughly being stored in a pretty jar or even plastic storage containers or bags. These will make lovely additions to a cake or ice cream as edible decorations.

SYMBOLISM

The time of year that marks the end of summer. The time of first harvest, when plants of spring began to whither and drop fruit or seeds for use.

The sun God begins to also whither and die. Note that he begins to retreat farther south each day and the night grow longer.

Summertime Ice Cream

2010-07-18T01:43:00.000-04:00

Who screams for ice cream? Everyone. But who says it has to be plain? Try the ice cream sandwich cake. I wish I'd remembered this for my birthday.

Coconut Rice Pudding

2010-07-16T01:38:00.000-04:00

I normally can't stand rice pudding, but this is tasty! Rose water is available at Oriental Groceries.

Seasonal Fruits-- Plums

2010-07-15T01:29:00.001-04:00

Ever wondered about plums?

How to Grill Fish

2010-07-14T01:27:00.001-04:00

Fish are a pain to grill. If they don't fall apart, the stuff to grill them available commercially is expensive!

Recycled Plant Labels

2010-07-13T01:20:00.000-04:00

Besides these, I have another suggestion or two. Save the plastic lids from margarine, sour cream, coffee cans, and Cool Whip among others. You can write on these, punch a hold, and hang these from the plants or simply use outdoor rated Liquid Nails to glue the label to a stake.

Also, another FREE mulch is available from many tree services. Just ask for their wood chips. You'll get a whole truckload to share with the neighbors, absolutely free. Just show them where to dump the big pile. Use a wheelbarrow or buckloads to put the mulch where you need it. It will eventually decompose into the soil, creating "black gold" compost to improve even the worst soils imaginable.

Winning Snacks

2010-07-12T01:18:00.000-04:00

This is too easy not to repeat. However, I should point out all of these are all high carb. However, for the kids, these are much, much better than processed chips!

Air Dry Flowers

2010-07-11T01:14:00.000-04:00

You can do this!!

Recipe: Rhubarb Sauce Plus Citrus Sugars

2010-07-10T01:46:00.000-04:00

This sauce is so perfect over ice cream, you just won't believe it. Rhubarb is the chameleon of the sauce world. Add it to frozen strawberries and it tastes like strawberries. Add it to a frozen berry mix and it tastes like the mix! Amazing stuff. Keep this on hand. Rhubarb is cheap because so many people don't know what to do with it. Best of all, you can grow your own. I grew it even in the dry, cold climate of Denver.

Use an orange you buy at the same time as the rhubarb. Pull out the Y-shaped vegetable peeler and shave off the peel. You can dry the extra peel, or put it in a jar packed in plain old sugar. It stores well. Best of all, the peels flavor the sugar! I keep lemon peels packed in sugar and orange peels packed in sugar. They flavor plain old sugar cookies to sublime levels.

Think how much money you just saved over buying the dried peels from the spice aisle!

Lammas Recipe-- Slushy Punch

2010-07-08T01:39:00.000-04:00

Lammas Recipe—Slushy Punch

Hint: Keep the slush in the freezer at all times in the summer for spur of the moment guests. For each serving, combine equal amounts of slush and carbonated water or lemon-lime carbonated beverage like Sprite or 7-Up.

1 cup sugar

2-3/4 cups water

2 ripe medium bananas, cut up

3 cups unsweetened pineapple juice

1 6 oz can frozen orange juice concentrate

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1 1-liter bottle of carbonated water or lemon-lime carbonated beverage

Stir sugar and water together until sugar dissolves. Combine the bananas, half the pineapple juice, and orange juice concentrate in the food processor and whirl until combined. Add to sugar mix, and then stir in the lemon juice and the rest of the pineapple juice. Make sure it’s thoroughly blended.

Transfer this to a 13x9 baking pan or a similarly shaped freezer container for long-term storage. Freeze for several hours until firm.

To serve, let mixture stand at room temperature for 20-30 minutes. To form a slush, scrape a large sturdy spoon across the surface of the frozen mixture. Plop about ½ cup into a drink container, and add an equal amount of carbonated beverage.

Twelve Alternate Uses for Coffee Filters

2010-07-07T02:03:00.000-04:00

Color me impressed...

12 alternative uses for coffee filters

By Lori Bongiorno

Posted Tue Jul 6, 2010 9:59am PDT

Related topics: Tips, Saving Money, Reusing stuff

Fw: [CrafteeChix] Another Great Craft-- Cart/Stroller Organizer Bags

2010-07-06T14:07:00.000-04:00

Before I forget, let me give you the link:
http://www.simplicity.com/p-1615-crafts.aspx

I made a prototype over the weekend, and I'm so pleased with how easy this is, I had to share.

Surprisingly enough, the only changes I made were obvious to a quilter.
1. I made my own binding instead of buying bias tape. To me, I can get better color matches by buying my own material and making a bias binding.
2. The directions say to turn the straps from the narrow ends. I decided to make the turning "hole" on the long ends for easy turning. Do what you want. I'm just lazy.

Note in the first picture that the pocket in front is divided straight down the middle. You don't have to do it that way. If you'd prefer a narrow pocket on one side for a pen and a larger pocket for a calculator and coupons on the other side, just move the sewing line over.

Also, not this has a huge inner compartment for all your recipe cards and notes, so you can take them with you for reference if need be. I love the idea of having a hidey-hole for the things I don't want people to see, such as recipes, fabric swatches, or other items I may or may not need. I can't wait to hang this by my door on my "Launch Pad" table next to the keys and my purse. This handy little tote could become my favorite!

This organizer is so versatile, I'm having a blast. My mind just scintillates with ideas for quilting it or embroidery, and definitely I can see quilt blocks for the pockets! I can't wait to make up a few more to give as gifts this holiday season. This yellow one is mine, though! LOL!

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Posted By Lena Austin to CrafteeChix at 7/06/2010 01:54:00 PM

Mother Nature to BP

2010-06-30T10:10:00.003-04:00

Need I say more?

Forty Fantastic Uses for Baking Soda

2010-06-29T21:21:00.000-04:00

Cut and pasted off Yahoo Green:

Most of us know that baking soda can be used for more than just making homemade cookies and other dough rise. It's not uncommon to see an open box of this leavening agent deodorizing refrigerators, for example. But did you know that there are at least 40 different ways to use baking soda?
Baking soda makes a perfect stand-in for many personal care, cleaning, and deodorizing products. The list of benefits is long: It is inexpensive, free of toxic chemicals, versatile, and effective.
Wondering how baking soda, aka sodium bicarbonate, works its magic? It helps regulate pH — keeping a substance neither too acidic nor too alkaline. When baking soda comes in contact with either an acidic or an alkaline substance, its natural effect is to neutralize that pH. Beyond that, baking soda has the ability to retard further changes in the pH balance, known as buffering.
This dual capability of neutralizing and buffering allows baking soda to do things such as neutralize acidic odors (like in the refrigerator) as well as maintain neutral pH (like in your laundry water, which helps boost your detergent's power). It's a simple reaction, but one that has far-reaching effects for a number of cleaning and deodorizing tasks.
And so without further ado, here are some of the many creative ways you can use baking soda.

Personal Care

1. Make toothpaste
A paste made from baking soda and a 3 percent hydrogen peroxide solution can be used as an alternative to commercial non-fluoride toothpastes. (Or here’s a formula for a minty version.) You can also just dip your toothbrush with toothpaste into baking soda for an extra boost.
2. Freshen your mouth
Put one teaspoon in half a glass of water, swish, spit, and rinse. Odors are neutralized, not just covered up.
3. Soak oral appliance
Soak oral appliances (like retainers, mouthpieces, and dentures) in a solution of 2 teaspoons baking soda dissolved in a glass or small bowl of warm water. The baking soda loosens food particles and neutralizes odors to keep appliances fresh. You can also brush appliances clean using baking soda.
4. Use as a facial scrub and body exfoliant
Give yourself an invigorating facial and body scrub. Make a paste of 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water. Rub in a gentle circular motion to exfoliate the skin. Rinse clean. This is gentle enough for daily use.
5. Skip harsh deodorant
Pat baking soda onto your underarms to neutralize body odor.
6. Use as an antacid
Baking soda is a safe and effective antacid to relieve heartburn, sour stomach, and/or acid indigestion. Refer to baking soda package for instructions.
7. Treat insect bites and itchy skin
For insect bites, make a paste out of baking soda and water, and apply as a salve onto affected skin. To ease the itch, shake some baking soda into your hand and rub it into damp skin after bath or shower.
8. Make a hand cleanser and softener
Skip harsh soaps and gently scrub away ground-in dirt and neutralize odors on hands with a paste of 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water or 3 parts baking soda with gentle liquid hand soap. Then rinse clean.
9. Help your hair
Vinegar is amazing for your hair, but baking soda has its place in the shower too. Sprinkle a small amount of baking soda into your palm along with your favorite shampoo. Shampoo as usual and rinse thoroughly — baking soda helps remove the residue that styling products leave behind so your hair is cleaner and more manageable.
10. Clean brushes and combs
For lustrous hair with more shine, keep brushes and combs clean. Remove natural oil build-up and hair product residue by soaking combs and brushes in a solution of 1 teaspoon of baking soda in a small basin of warm water. Rinse and allow to dry.
11. Make a bath soak
Add 1/2 cup of baking soda to your bath to neutralize acids on the skin and help wash away oil and perspiration. It also makes your skin feel very soft. Or just focus on soothing your feet. Dissolve 3 tablespoons of baking soda in a tub of warm water and soak feet. Gently scrub.

Cleaning

12. Make a surface soft scrub
For safe, effective cleaning of bathroom tubs, tile, and sinks — even fiberglass and glossy tiles — sprinkle baking soda lightly on a clean damp sponge and scrub as usual. Rinse thoroughly and wipe dry. For extra cleaning power, make a paste with baking soda, coarse salt, and liquid dish soap — let it sit then scour off.
13. Hand-wash dishes and pots and pans
Add 2 heaping tablespoons baking soda (along with your regular dish detergent) to the dish water to help cut grease and foods left on dishes, pots, and pans. For cooked-on foods, let them soak in the baking soda and detergent with water first, then use dry baking soda on a clean damp sponge or cloth as a scratch-less scouring powder.
14. Freshen sponges
Soak stale-smelling sponges in a strong baking soda solution to get rid of the mess (4 tablespoons of baking soda dissolved in 1 quart of warm water). For more thorough disinfecting, use the microwave.
15. Clean the microwave
Baking soda on a clean damp sponge cleans gently inside and outside the microwave and never leaves a harsh chemical smell. Rinse well with water.
16. Polish silver flatware
Use a baking soda paste made with 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water. Rub onto the silver with a clean cloth or sponge. Rinse thoroughly and dry for shining sterling and silver-plate serving pieces.
17. Clean coffee and tea pots
Remove coffee and tea stains and eliminate bitter off-tastes by washing mugs and coffee makers in a solution of 1/4 cup baking soda in 1 quart of warm water. For stubborn stains, try soaking overnight in the baking soda solution and detergent or scrubbing with baking soda on a clean damp sponge.
18. Clean the oven
Sprinkle baking soda onto the bottom of the oven. Spray with water to dampen the baking soda. Let sit overnight. In the morning, scrub, scoop the baking soda and grime out with a sponge, or vacuum, and rinse.
19. Clean floors
Remove dirt and grime (without unwanted scratch marks) from no-wax and tile floors using 1/2 cup baking soda in a bucket of warm water — mop and rinse clean for a sparkling floor. For scuff marks, use baking soda on a clean damp sponge, then rinse.
20. Clean furniture
Clean and remove marks (even crayon) from walls and painted furniture by applying baking soda to a damp sponge and rubbing lightly. Wipe off with a clean, dry cloth.
21. Clean shower curtains
Clean and deodorize your vinyl shower curtain by sprinkling baking soda directly on a clean damp sponge or brush. Scrub the shower curtain and rinse clean. Hang it up to dry.
22. Boost your liquid laundry detergent
Give your laundry a boost by adding 1/2 cup of baking soda to your laundry to make liquid detergent work harder. A better balance of pH in the wash gets clothes cleaner, fresher, and brighter. Or you can add 1/2 cup of baking soda to the rinse cycle for fresher sheets and towels or to neutralize gym clothes and odoriferous clothing.
23. Clean and freshen sports gear
Use a baking soda solution (4 tablespoons baking soda in 1 quart warm water) to clean and deodorize smelly sports equipment. Sprinkle baking soda into golf bags and gym bags to deodorize and clean golf irons (without scratching them!) with a baking soda paste (3 parts baking soda to 1 part water) and a brush. Rinse thoroughly.
24. Remove oil and grease stains
Use baking soda to clean up light-duty oil and grease spills on your garage floor or in your driveway. Sprinkle baking soda on the spot and scrub with a wet brush.
25. Clean batteries
Baking soda can be used to neutralize battery acid corrosion on cars, mowers, etc., because its a mild alkali. Be sure to disconnect the battery terminals before cleaning. Make a paste of 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water and apply with a damp cloth to scrub corrosion from the battery terminal. After cleaning and reconnecting the terminals, wipe them with petroleum jelly to prevent future corrosion. Please be careful when working around a battery — they contain a strong acid.
26. Clean cars
Use baking soda to clean your car lights, chrome, windows, tires, vinyl seats, and floor mats without worrying about unwanted scratch marks. Use a baking soda solution of 1/4 cup baking soda in 1 quart of warm water. Apply with a sponge or soft cloth to remove road grime, tree sap, bugs, and tar. For stubborn stains use baking soda sprinkled on a damp sponge or soft brush. Eliminate odors by sprinkling baking soda directly on fabric car seats and carpets. Wait 15 minutes (or longer for strong odors) and vacuum up the baking soda.

Deodorizing

27. Deodorize your refrigerator
Place an open box in the back of the fridge to neutralize odors.
28. Deodorize trashcans and recyclables
Sprinkle baking soda on the bottom of your trashcan to keep stinky trash smells at bay. Clean your recyclables container periodically by sprinkling baking soda on a damp sponge. Wipe clean and rinse. Also, sprinkle baking soda on top as you add recyclables to the bin.
29. Deodorize drains and garbage disposals
To deodorize your sink and tub drains and garbage disposal and keep lingering odors from resurfacing, pour 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain while running warm tap water — it will neutralize both acid and basic odors for a fresh drain. (This a good way to dispose of baking soda that is being retired from your refrigerator.)
30. Deodorize and clean dishwashers
Use baking soda to deodorize before you run the dishwasher and then as a gentle cleanser in the wash cycle.
31. Deodorize lunch boxes
Between uses, place a spill-proof box of baking soda in everyone’s lunch box to absorb lingering odors.
32. Remove odor from carpets
Liberally sprinkle baking soda on the carpet. Let set overnight or as long as possible (the longer it sets the better it works). Sweep up the larger amounts of baking soda, and vacuum up the rest. (Note that your vacuum cleaner bag will get full and heavy.) An added bonus: You'll also deodorize your vacuum cleaner.
33. Freshen closets
Place a box on the shelf to keep the closet smelling fresh.
34. Deodorize pet items
Cover the bottom of your cat box with baking soda, then fill as usual with litter. To freshen between changes, sprinkle baking soda on top of the litter after a thorough cleaning. Eliminate odors from your pet's bedding by sprinkling liberally with baking soda, wait 15 minutes (or longer for stronger odors), then vacuum up.
35. Deodorize sneakers
Keep odors from spreading in smelly sneakers by shaking baking soda into them when not in use. Shake out before wearing.
36. Freshen stuffed animals
Keep favorite cuddly toys fresh with a dry shower of baking soda. Sprinkle baking soda on and let it sit for 15 minutes before brushing off.

Miscellaneous

37. Cure all camping needs
Baking soda is a must-have for your next camping trip. It's a dish-washer, pot-scrubber, hand-cleanser, deodorant, toothpaste, and fire extinguisher, and has many other uses.
38. Extinguish fires
Baking soda can help in the initial handling of minor grease or electrical kitchen fires, because when baking soda is heated, it gives off carbon dioxide, which helps to smother the flames. For small cooking fires (frying pans, broilers, ovens, grills), turn off the gas or electricity if you can safely do so. Stand back and throw handfuls of baking soda at the base of the flame to help put out the fire — and call the fire department just to be safe.
39. Care for the septic system
Regular use of baking soda in your drains can help keep your septic system flowing freely. One cup of baking soda per week will help maintain a favorable pH in your septic tank.
40. Scrub fruits and vegetables
Baking soda is the food safe way to clean dirt and residue off fresh fruit and vegetables. Just sprinkle a little on a clean damp sponge, scrub and rinse. Here’s another way to clean your vegetables as well.
OK, so there are my 40 suggestions (with a little help from the Arm & Hammond baking soda site, thank you). Do you have any tips or tricks that I missed? Please share in the comments.

The Airplane Block of my latest quilt

2010-06-26T13:25:00.000-04:00

I just have to show off this new block pattern for Randy's birthday quilt.

Lammas Recipe-- Corn Fritters Plus Apple Fritters for Mabon!

2010-06-24T01:14:00.001-04:00

If you've never had a corn fritter and you're a carb hound, prepare for orgasmic sensations.This is the kind of warm, lovely dish that just makes a Cakes and Ale special.

Lammas Recipe-- Corn and Sausage Chowder

2010-06-24T01:06:00.013-04:00

This stuff is too good to have only once a year. I'm a little lazy, so I throw all this in the crock pot. It's too darn hot to heat up the kitchen! Let the crock pot do the work. Only change is, don't add the milk until just before serving. If you're low carb like I am, you can substitute steamed and chopped (in the food processor) cauliflower.

Lammas-- Choose A Grain Casserole

2010-06-23T00:39:00.003-04:00

Lammas is the holiday to love grain. Breads, rice, corn and I'll even throw in the legumes.For someone on a permanent low carb diet, it can be a little tricky. However, with good sense and some simple changes, even someone like me can celebrate the grain harvest, summer, and have fun.

There are many options to suit any palate. I make baked brown rice, so the oven is already warm and ready when I mix up the casserole and I can shove it right back in. The rest of the rice I don't use in this recipe can be frozen in a zip-top bag for later use.

You can even add meat to this casserole and save yourself a step. I keep cooked chicken in the freezer, all ready for recipes like this one.

Lena's new quilt

2010-06-22T01:19:00.000-04:00

Just a quick little brag on release day for Man vs. Wild

I just had to share my new quilt. It was paper-pieced, and the pattern came from AllPeopleQuilt.com. It was the 2009 Calendar Quilt Free Pattern.

Lena Austin

"Stop fighting the Wild," said the coyote.
Coming Soon: Man vs. Wild

http://www.LenaAustin.com

Litha Recipe: Sunshine Muffins

2010-06-21T01:27:00.001-04:00

Sunshine Muffins for Litha

1 8.5 oz can crushed pineapple, drained and reserving the syrup

milk

1.5 cups packaged biscuit mix (like Bisquick)

3 T sugar

1 beaten egg

1 T sugar

1 T finely shredded orange peel

Add enough milk to the reserved syrup to measure ¾ cup liquid.

Combine the biscuit mix and 3 T sugar. Add in the egg, ¼ c pineapple, and syrup-milk mix.

Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients all at once. Stir until just moist.

Grease or line muffin tins. Fill 2/3 full.

Stir together remaining pineapple, 1 T sugar, and orange peel. Spoon about 1 T pineapple mixture atop each muffin cup.

Bake at 400F for 20-25 minutes or until golden. Makes 8-10 muffins.

Calories 161

28 carbs

Lena Austin

"Stop fighting the Wild," said the coyote.
Just Released: Man vs. Wild Book 3 in the Coyotes of Yellowstone

http://www.LenaAustin.com

Scrappy Gifts To Give

2010-06-20T01:42:00.002-04:00

Karen DeAngelo and I were talking this morning and we wondered just how many scrappy gifts we could come up with. This is our list. Can you come up with more?

Definition of Scrappy for my blog friends: Scraps leftover from projects.

Scrappy Gifts to Give

Bookmarks

Hackysacks/beanie balls for children

Grocery bags

Plastic Grocery Bag tubes for recycling

Lunch bags

Ipod/Cell/Messenger bags

Eyeglasses case

Puppets, Teddy bears, and stuffed beanies

Tooth Fairy Pillows

Ring Bearer Pillows

Neck pillows and U-shaped Travel Pillows

Spa sets (slippers, tote, do-rag and scrubbie)

Potpourri balls and bowls

Journal covers, photo albums, guest registers

Book and Bible cover totes

Poppets and pet toys (catnip mice and chase balls)

Pillowcases

Scrunchies and hair accessories

Gift/Wine bags

Small Appliance covers

Casserole/Crock Pot totes

Tea Cozies

Aprons

Placemats, runners, napkins, table cloths, napkin rings

Holiday themed plate chargers

Silverware set holders

Picnic sets

Pouches

Coasters

Table toppers and altar cloths

Cookie tin and basket liners

Pencil/Bucket cup liners

Car seat organizers/visor organizers

Totes, Purses, Folded Purses

Sewing table sandbags, under machine organizers, sewing machine cover

Curtains

Wall décor/Wall safes

Sewing hams

Needle case/rolls/books

http://www.changelingpress.com/special_event.php

Lena Austin
http://www.LenaAustin.com
Writing blog: http://depravedduchess.blogspot.com
Recipe and Pagan blog: http://third-infinity.blogspot.com
Low Carb Diet blog: http://fatfrogdiary.blogspot.com

Litha Recipe: Sunshine Muffins

2010-06-19T01:44:00.000-04:00

Sunshine Muffins for Litha

1 8.5 oz can crushed pineapple, drained and resereving the syrup

milk

1.5 cups packaged biscuit mix (like Bisquick)

3 T sugar

1 beaten egg

1 T sugar

1 T finely shredded orange peel

Add enough milk to the reserved syrup to measure ¾ cup liquid.

Combine the biscuit mix and 3 T sugar. Add in the egg, ¼ c pineapple, and syrup-milk mix.

Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients all at once. Stir until just moist.

Grease or line muffin tins. Fill 2/3 full.

Stir together remaining pineapple, 1 T sugar, and orange peel. Spoon about 1 T pineapple mixture atop each muffin cup.

Bake at 400F for 20-25 minutes or until golden. Makes 8-10 muffins.

Calories 161

28 carbs

* * *

Aqua Gems Patriotic Candles for 4th of July

2010-06-18T03:43:00.000-04:00

Isn't this GREAT? I'm also posting this in October 2009. (Yes, I plan this far in advance)

The Zen of Quilting

2010-06-17T03:05:00.001-04:00

I've discovered a certain peace lately in quilting. Yes, I'm sure most of us have read Dorothy Morrison's book on Magical Needlework.

The Recessionista-- A new trick with plastic containers

2010-06-16T11:28:00.000-04:00

You know them-- the margarine tubs, sour cream pints, yogurts, and nut cans you keep back in the storage container cabinet "just in case" you need them.

Well, here's a new trick. Take the tubs, bowls, pints, and all other container bottoms outside. Plant some seeds in potting soil. You can transplant later and you won't feel guilty if the container looks too shopworn to keep anymore. It was recycled and reused. Put it in the recycling bin with no guilt.

Now, don't throw away the lids!! Oh, no honey!! Save those puppies! If you do needle arts like I do, you have a ready made supply of stencils, quilting foundation piecing patterns, and plastic bobbins for your embroidery silks and yarns. Let me explain each.

Let's start with the easiest: Stencils. Let's say you want to use fabric sprays/paints to decorate your favorite tee shirt, table cloth, napkins, and a wooden crate with stars for the Fourth of July, or sunflowers for Litha. You're even a little ahead of the game, and a wheat sheaf for August and Lammas would be very nice. Get out that Exacto knife and start cutting shapes out of the center of the lids. Rim up, please, so it lays flat on the surface. This makes a great stencil you can keep for as long as you need it, and it doesn't take up much room.

Quilters: Ever have a beloved foundation or paper piecing pattern you need to use for a quilt? Make a "master copy" out of the plastic lids, then transfer to freezer paper, stabilizer, or your fabric and start cutting! Label the plastic pieces with a Sharpie, and you can put them in a zip-top bag for safekeeping.

Anyone who does embroidery knows the plastic H-shaped bobbins used to wind the embroidery flosses for stashing in neat rows between uses. Why not make your own? This is especially useful when stitching up a kit project that came with flosses you need to separate and label. A homemade bobbin also can hold those pieces you've already separated into two strands. Some projects require you to mix two colors together, so why not separate out your strands ahead of time and wind them on a bobbin? That'll save time and frustration when you're stitching later. Same goes for crewel, tapestry, cross-stitch, punch needle, and silk ribbons. The uses for bobbins are as endless as the craft itself.

Lena Austin

"Stop fighting the Wild," said the coyote.
Just Released: Man vs. Wild Book 3 in the Coyotes of Yellowstone

http://www.LenaAustin.com

The Recessionista-- Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

2010-06-13T11:19:00.000-04:00

Nope, this isn't about being "green." This is about making do with what you have. I've wanted a matching bedroom set most of my marriage-- over 25 years. It's never been in the budget, not to mention DH and I have radically different ideas of what a bedroom decor should be. I don't find dark man caves at all restful, and he can't sleep in bright, breezy spaces. The closest we've ever come to agreeing has been an Oriental theme focusing on bamboo greens, soft beige, haiku, with touches of black and gold. Needless to say, paint for all the furnishings and enough money to buy matching fabric for padded headboard, bedspread, drapes, bed skirt, and pillow shams has never been in the budget. Yet, that would be the most economical solution.

My mother is the past master at changing things around to create new and different "looks" using paint and a change of fabrics. She didn't like the way her ceiling fan housing looked. So, she found a carousel toy at a garage sale that was the right size and shape, painted it with faux stone paint, and voila! When she didn't need a certain glass and black metal bistro table and chairs out on her patio anymore, they were transformed with seafoam green paint into a charming table and chairs for her tiny dining area. An outdoor chair with a new fluffy cushion becomes a charming chair for guests in the living room. If it's shaped right and fun, Mom's got a use for it. Who else would find a giant sea turtle sculpture several feet long and two feet high and place it in the guest bathroom to surprise visitors if they're nosy enough to open the shower curtains? That's the same bathroom with a teddy bear perched on an antique child's potty chair with a pair of doll's glasses on his nose right next to the magazine rack.

She asked me to make curtains for her mudroom, and I've already been informed I'll be practicing my new window treatment arts in her house. She can't wait to go shopping for fabric. No matter what, I'm going to be working with fun and colors, exploring the creativity and possibilities. (I'll be recommending scarves and easily changed out drapes so she can change her mood any time she desires.)

Now if I could just master her skills at this, I could save a boatload of money. I'm looking at that scarred end table DH has used for most of our marriage and beginning to wonder if a new coat of paint might be just the ticket to give it new life.

The Stay-cation

2010-06-08T04:24:00.000-04:00

As I write this, my family has suffered under the economic crisis of 2009. I'm not sure we'll even have a home next year. We've never known the pleasure of a summer vacation. There's no such thing in the low-level blue collar world.

However, kids don't understand economic turmoil. They only understand it's boring. So, this year, try the Stay-cation and explore the local area. I am. We're going to the zoo, the MOSH, and a festival in the park this summer.

Herb Pots with Chalkboard Paint Labels

2010-06-07T04:22:00.000-04:00

What a good idea! Because the label is easy to change, you can switch things up a bit from year to year if you need to do so.

The Recessionista #1-- Lowering My Standards

2010-06-06T16:07:00.000-04:00

Lately, I've noticed that I'm no longer stressing about the upcoming change in our circumstances. My DH has been out of work long enough that I no longer believe it's possible to hang on much longer to our beloved home. I will shed a few tears when I move out, mostly as mourning for the dreams of home ownership, once more broken in the mud.

However, I cannot say I'm terribly sorry to have the burden removed. The mortgage payment was a crushing burden of about $1300 a month, even before the mortgage company began tacking on $250 a month in late fees. When I see I could rent a 3 bedroom, 2 bath manufactured home for about $700-$800, you can imagine how I long to jump on lowering my sights.

I don't think it's sour grapes, though some might accuse me of that excuse. Look at it from my perspective. I'm the one who has to listen to DH and Dante bicker and bitch about mowing the lawn and edging the walk. Admittedly, our present home sits on almost a full acre. It's hot, hard work that takes hours and hours just from the sheer volume of land. What were we thinking?

Okay, I know what I was thinking. I thought about having a rose garden and a vegetable garden, and maybe a few herbs to cook with. I think from now on I'll stick to container gardening and stop with the notion that I absolutely must have a full 16-square-foot garden. (Yeah, Square Foot Gardening does allow for patio gardens. Really. You don't have to have a neat 4'x4' square.) Herbs in containers can come inside in the winter. This is Florida, for gosh sake. You cover your plants during a freeze warning, and the next day they're fine.

You know what I get for the "security" of a cement block house in a rapidly deteriorating neighborhood? I get neighbors who play loud music (they call that music?) with the bass turned up so loud my house vibrates. I get elevated crime reports. I have to wince when I drive by neglected and abandoned houses because we, the lower "working" poor are the ones who lost their jobs. There are so many yellow foreclosure notices in this neighborhood, you almost expect to see U-Haul trucks every weekend while another family abandons hope and home. Those who try to maintain respectability and dignity are fast becoming outnumbered by those who have given up the fight.

I'm beginning to look forward to the idea of a property manager overseeing the appearance and upkeep of the whole property, ensuring the lawns aren't weed infested meadows, that the sidewalks are tended, etc. Heck the idea of a pool, clubhouse and dishwasher sound pretty darn good to me!

So, this is step one. I'm lowering my standards by saying I can live in a rental and I don't have to own my own home. In fact, I'm looking forward to it.

Orange or Lemon Sauce

2010-06-01T04:49:00.000-04:00

I can deal with ice cream in summer, can't you?

St. Patrick's Day-- Gazed Corned Beef

2010-03-12T03:46:00.001-05:00

I keep apricot preserves around for this same reason. They make the most delightful glazes! If only I could keep the preserves from ending up in peanut butter sandwiches and lunchboxes, I'd get to use it that way. LOL!

St. Patrick's Day-- Ginger-Lime Iced Green Tea

2010-03-11T03:44:00.001-05:00