Thursday, November 30, 2017

Case for Smiles

For the last few weeks, I've been working on a project.

It all kind of started when I read about the One Million Pillowcases. I knew I couldn't get them done in time for the challenge, yet I wanted to do my part. And it seemed like a good way to work down my stash (at least a little bit).

So I will be delivering 22 pillowcases for Ryan's Case for Smiles to my nearby Quilt shop. I have more cut out, but I thought maybe these would make it to some of the kids before Christmas. 

Sunday, November 26, 2017

Thursday, November 23, 2017

Wednesday, November 22, 2017

One more walk in a quilt shop

After purchasing the Home for the Holiday Christmas panel in South Carolina, we discovered they were out of the coordinating fabrics. So after arriving home, off I went to my local quilt shop to see if they might still have fabric in this line.





 I found a variety of Christmas inspiration.

And low and behold! They had the coordinating fabric :-)  

Quilting Treasures Home for the Holiday Pine Tree Scenic

woo-hoo!  Christmas project in the works.

Happy Quilting!

Monday, November 20, 2017

Cranberry Pineapple Salad

We love making this recipe during the holidays.  Although it's a refreshing salad/dessert any time of the year.  But the festive Whole Berry Cranberries goes so well with the holidays.

Cranberry Pineapple Salad
1 can (20 oz) Crushed Pineapple
2 packages (3 oz ) OR 1 large package Raspberry Gelatin
1 can (16 oz) Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce
1 medium apple, chopped
2/3 cup Chopped Nuts

Drain pineapple, reserve all liquid.Add enough cold water to measure 3 cups and pour into saucepan.
Bring to a boil, remove from heat.  Add gelatin, stir for 2 minutes until completely dissolved.  Add Whole Berry Cranberry sauce, and stir until well blended.  Pour into a large bowl and refrigerate at least 1 1/2 hours until slightly thickened.
Stir in remaining pineapple, apple and nuts, stirring gently until well blended.
Pour into mediums size cake pan (or festive bowl) and refrigerate 4 hours or until firm.

** When in a pinch, I have used Strawberry Jello as a substitute for the Raspberry.  
Enjoy!

Sunday, November 19, 2017

Bread for the Journey


Do not be anxious, said our Lord.
Have peace from day to day - 
The lilies neither toil nor spin,
Yet none are clothed as they.
The meadowlark with sweetest song
Fears not for bread or nest
Because he trusts our Father's love
And God knows what is best.
~ Helen Steiner Rice ~

Friday, November 17, 2017

Another Quilt Shop hop


This quilt shop was by far my favorite stop on our trip. Located in Lexington SC, just on the west side of Columbia, it was a delightful treat.







Although not a terribly large shop, we were greeted with warm Southern hospitality. Everyone was helpful and offered smiles instead of frowns. (I've never been able to understand why employees of some quilt shops can be so grumpy) Beautiful selections of fabric.

And this is what we bought.

The panel and fabric to make Sidelights. (not the yellow fabric)

If we lived in the area, this quilt shop would be a regular stop for me and my quilting buddies.

It's sure to make for Happy Quilting!

Tuesday, November 14, 2017

Follow me to South Carolina

Last week, I traveled with my hubby to South Carolina. While we were there I was able to visit three quilt shops.

The first one was not even worth mentioning, so I'll let that one pass. But finding two in Columbia that furnished food for the quilters soul was definitely enjoyed.

The first one was Creative Sewing. Lots of fabric, patterns and machines.





There was lots of newer fabric lines and an amazing collection of Christmas fabric.

Next time I'll take you to the second quilt shop we visited. It was quaint and loaded with friendly service. A real plus for a quilt shop. 

Happy Quilting~

Sunday, November 12, 2017

Friday, November 10, 2017

A Dangerous Legacy


A Dangerous Legacy is written by Elizabeth Camden, a writer who has a love of history and the many interesting fascists that have developed over the years.

The attraction between Lucy Drake- a telegrapher for the American-owned AP news agency- and Sir Colin Beckwith- director of the British-owned Reuters news agency- was undeniable. He is drawn to Lucy's intellect and she is drawn to Colin's love of research and fierce desire to find answers.

Lucy and her brother Nick, have fought a long drawn out legal battle. They remain paupers as their shifty uncle reaps all the benefits and financial rewards from their fathers invention. But the romance that develops between Lucy and Colin is based on honesty and trust. Colin needing to find financing for his estate in England and Lucy needing help in uncovering the wicked ways of her uncle. Lucy finds that Colin's connections could be what her family needs to help solve their long legal battle. She negotiates an unlikely alliance with him, but what starts as a friendship develops into a tender love story.
 
What I love about all of Camden's books are the interesting historical facts. This story is set in the early 1900's in New York City, as it was becoming the hub of industry. The AP  and Reuters news agencies were the information hotline to world events. 

As always Elizabeth Camden's novels are refreshing and clean stories. I found this to be a delightful read, full of wit, romance, heartbreak, and family loyalty. Ms. Camden has a beautiful way of weaving words to bring the scenes to life. I totally enjoyed this book. 
 
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher. All views expressed are my honest opinion.

Monday, November 6, 2017

Fall decorations

The best way I like to bring fall colors indoors, is to use a splash of color on my table.

I made this table runner several years ago. It's one of my favorites. I still enjoy the warmth it brings to my home.

How do you decorate for fall?

Sunday, November 5, 2017

Friday, November 3, 2017

Apple, apple, who's got the apple

Not much to share about quilting, but during this time of year we host get togethers and love to share recipes.

A perfect time to make Apple Dip.


1 8 oz package Cream Cheese (soften at room temp)
1/2 cup Brown Sugar
1/3 cup 10x Powdered Sugar
2 T Vanilla
1/3 cup crushed Salted Peanuts

Blend first 4 ingredients together til smooth.  Add peanuts.

Simple recipe.

Simply delicious!

Wednesday, November 1, 2017

November 1st

Well it's the first of November!

27 days until Thanksgiving.

54 days until Christmas.

61 days until the New Year!

Are  you ready??