Where did the year go?

 

It's in the bag

Do you have some wonderful resources for inspiration?? I have been a long time subscriber of American Patchwork & Quilting "all people quilt". I find they offer lots of free patterns and ideas that go beyond their magazine. There is also a community where you can find other quilters from all over the world. The most recent email has some delightful Patriotic Quilt patterns. You can sign up to receive these updates.

I had this wild fabric that was waiting for a great project, and this tote was perfect. The pattern was so easy, although it took me a couple of days to complete it. Only because I changed my mind on the straps and had to rip out what was sewn and audition other fabrics.

This is a great FREE pattern that works up into a really cute little tote.

 Sew and Tell 

 Finished or not Friday 

 Brag About Your Beauties   

Scrap Happy

Where to find fabric?

 Recently I gave all my patriotic fabric to some gals who make quilts for Quilts of Valor. But then I decided I wanted to make something for the 250th America anniversary. But where to find the fabric?

I actually did very well at Michaels. 

We have three Michaels in my driving area. And I went to all three. Found these beautiful blue and red fabrics at a very reasonable price of $3.99 a yard.

While I was there I also picked up these pretty pieces.

Some were even on clearance. Michaels seems to be getting more fabric in stock. They are really nice quality. Maybe not quilt shop but definitely better than Walmart. Most are $3.99 but there were higher end fabrics as well. Lots of batiks. You just can't beat the price. 

Happy Quilting!

Spring tablerunner

 I know that Spring has passed us by. But I wanted to make a spring table runner. I can use it next year. So I started with an idea and worked from there.

No pattern, just figuring it out as I go. I'll get it quilted before next spring ;-)

Sew and Tell 

 Finished or not Friday 

 Brag About Your Beauties   

 Scrap Happy

Decluttering

 I had been collecting Quilt magazines for years. I really don't know why because so many of the patterns were repeat. But do you remember these magazines?

You could travel around the US and visit Quilt shops virtually. 

I don't buy many magazines any more. Although you can get several different patterns for the price of one pattern. But I am trying to declutter and this is one the first things that went to the library and thrift stores. 

How about you? Do you have a stack of magazines or patterns that need to be rehomed? I still have some that I need to go through. You know, in case there is one or two that interest me ;-)

Quickstep

 Here it is. Quickstep quilt top finished. 

It is a Villa Rosa pattern.   I've never made a green quilt before. I think it turned out pretty cute.

I really like these little Villa Rosa quilt patterns. They are fun to make and are only $2 (free shipping).

 Sew and Tell 

 Finished or not Friday 

 Brag About Your Beauties   

 Scrap Happy

Have no worries

 

Relax, throw open the windows of our stuffy little souls and let the cooling breezes of a better world sweep through! What will all our petty worries amount to fifty years from now? Rejoice in the old simplicities which no man can take away—like spring and green woods and mocking-birds. And, better still, rest our souls in the goodness of God and His amazing grace. –V. Havner

Featherweight

 Giving my Featherweight a workout.

Woo-hoo. Getting things done!

Tangy Lemon Blueberry Loaf

 

This is the time of year for delicious blueberries and tangy lemons.  I found this recipe online, and I'm sorry that I did not note the author.  But blueberries and lemons were in my fridge so it was time to try this recipe.

Lemon Blueberry Loaf

1 1/2 cups flour

1 cup sugar

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

1 tsp vanilla

3 eggs

2 tsp lemon rind

1 cup full fat plain yogurt OR sour cream

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1 1/2 cups blueberries, fresh or frozen

1.  Stir together first 4 dry ingredients.

2.  In a large mixing bowl, bet together eggs, vanilla, lemon rind, sour cream and oil.

3.  Add dry mixture and mix just until dry ingredients are well incorporated.  Don't over mix.

4.  Gently stir in blueberries.  (I coated mine with a little bit of flour so they would bake evenly in the loaf.

5.  Pour batter into well greased and floured loaf pan.  Bake in 350 degree oven for 50-55 minutes (test doneness with toothpick)

6.  Once baked allow to rest in pan for 10 minutes then remove to cooling rack.

Lemon syrup:

1/3 cup sugar

2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice

1.  Heat together until sugar is dissolved.

2.  Poke warm Lemon Blueberry loaf with small fork and brush lemon syrup over loaf.  Allow to cool completely.

Glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar

2-3 Tbsp fresh lemon juice

Stir together and drizzle over cooled loaf.  Allow to set.

This is a great combination. Enjoy!

Off the Cuff

Several years ago I bought this book.

There are several really cute pincushion patterns and lots of creative ideas.

This is the one that caught my attention.

I had this idea if you use men's shirts for making quilt blocks, wouldn't it be cool to cut off the cuffs and make pincushions??

So I bought a mans shirt for $1.00 from the thrift store and gave it a try.


Isn't he cute?? I did not follow the exact directions given in the book, but just did my own thing. And I still think he turned out cute :-) The ears are flower buttons.

How about you? Do you ever go out of your comfort zone? Let's be creative today and make something outside of the box!

Sew and Tell 

 Finished or not Friday 

 Brag About Your Beauties   

Scrap Happy

Patchwork and Quilts